Dark Alpha's Demand: A Reaper Novel (Reapers) (5 page)

Bran stared at the three Light Fae held before him with magic. They were seated—not that they would get anywhere with the Dark army surrounding them.

He first looked at the father. Carsir Everwood held Bran’s gaze, but there was fear reflected in the silver depths. The mother had yet to stop crying, nor would she look at him.

The son, well, Atris was another matter entirely. He stared at Bran with open hostility.

“You want to hurt me?” Bran asked.

Atris looked him up and down with complete contempt.

That made Bran smile. “I’ve felt that way before. It’s what turned me into who I am now.”

“What do you want with us?” Carsir asked.

Bran ignored him, preferring to focus on Atris. There was a possibility they could turn Atris to his side. And wouldn’t that just be the cherry on top of the cake?

He stood in front of Atris with his hands clasped behind his back. Silver eyes blazed with resentment and hatred. None of it bothered Bran. Not after spending what felt like an eternity in the Netherworld.

“Have you figured it out yet?” he asked Atris.

Atris’s lips peeled back in a sneer. “You’re the one who’s been watching my sister.”

“What?” the mother exclaimed.

Bran laughed softly. “So you do have a brain.”

“Why poison her?” Atris demanded.

“If I tell you that, it’ll spoil the surprise.” The mother began to cry harder. Bran rolled his eyes and leaned down so he was level with her face. “Neve isn’t dead. Yet.”

Bran straightened, watching as Carsir tried to comfort his wife with soft words, encouraging her to keep faith. His attention soon returned to Atris.

“You ran off, like a good lad, and found Talin. Just as I wanted.”

Atris’s brow furrowed, uncertainty tingeing his visage.

This was the part Bran loved. When someone began to suspect the Reapers weren’t who they said they were. Soon, Bran would tell Atris who Talin really was. That would most likely be the tide that turned Atris.

Bran inhaled and slowly released the breath. It was so great being him. Never mind the stumbles he’d made recently. This plan would be all he needed to get Cael—and Death.

And they would never see him coming.

It was all so close to coming together that he could barely contain himself. It no longer mattered that Death managed to find Seamus. He wasn’t useful anymore.

Bran wasn’t worried about anything Seamus could tell Death because he’d made sure Seamus knew nothing that could incriminate him.

He walked around the family until he stood behind Atris. Bran looked across the room to the man who was his right hand, Searlas.

Searlas waited patiently for Bran’s instructions, just as every Dark Fae who joined him did. The thrill of total and utter control was a high Bran suspected only Death truly understood.

“I used to be terrified of the Reapers,” Bran said. “The stories my family told me scared me terribly. The tales did their job. I didn’t turn to the Dark.”

Atris snorted.

Bran moved around to the front of the trio. “You think I lie?”

Atris jerked his chin to the Dark. “Have you looked around?”

“They’re mine. I gifted them with more power and magic than you can comprehend. They are under my command to do as I instruct.”

Atris looked bored. “Why? Because someone hurt your feelings?”

“Let me tell you the real story of the Reapers.” With a “come here” motion, Bran called a chair to him. It slid across the marbled floor directly behind him. He sat, placing his hands on his knees. “We’re not created to keep the Fae from turning Dark.”

“We’re?” Atris asked with a laugh. “You’re telling me you’re a Reaper.”

Bran’s smile was slow and wide. “Oh, yes. I was one of the first. You see, Death is judge and jury to all Fae. But the Reapers, we’re the executioners.”

“You’re lying.”

“Am I?” Bran twisted his lips. “Death watches the Fae. She finds those who are warriors at heart. Those Fae who die because of a betrayal are sometimes selected to be a Reaper. There are seven of us at any given time. Well,” he said as he thought about the current Reapers. “Sometimes there are more.

“But Death has rules. No one can know of us. If any Fae learns who we are, they are immediately killed.”

Atris’s nostrils flared. “Then why tell us?”

Bran shrugged indifferently. “I like to do things my way.”

“Because you’re no longer a Reaper.”

The fact Atris guessed the truth did nothing to dampen Bran’s good mood. “For all intents and purposes, I’m still very much a Reaper.”

“What did you do to get kicked out?” Atris asked.

“I fell in love and told her who I was.” Bran thought of his love as an image of her filled his mind. “Death killed her.”

Atris rolled his eyes. “You want me to feel sorry for you because you couldn’t follow the rules?”

“No.” Bran rubbed his hands on his thighs a few times. “As Reapers, all we do is kill. Most times, we don’t even know why. Death sends us a name, and we deliver justice.”

“So why is there still Dark?”

“That’s a question you should ask Death yourself. To Death, the Dark will always be evil. It’s who they are. Death judges them on those terms. The Light are weighed on a different scale.”

Atris shook his head. “That’s not very fair.”

“Life isn’t fair. It’s why I decided to make my own rules.”

“And kill whoever you want?”

Bran leaned forward. “You don’t have to die.”

Atris looked to his parents before his gaze slid back to Bran. “You tried to kill my sister. You terrorized her for weeks. You’ve taken us hostage. Why would I listen to you?”

“Then don’t. The choice is yours. As for your sister, she was a means to an end.”

“Talin,” Atris guessed.

Bran smiled as he looked at each of the Everwoods. “How does it make you feel to know your daughter was taking a Reaper to her bed? Talin is one of the current seven. My guess is he’s at court to spy for Death.”

“Talin is a good man,” Atris said.

Bran wrinkled his nose. “That depends on who you talk to. I’m fairly certain those he’s killed in the name of Death wouldn’t agree.”

“Why do you hate him?”

The more Atris conversed with him, the more Bran realized how much more of a spine he had than either of his parents. It was too bad Atris was so against joining him. He would be a brilliant addition.

“Talin is part of a larger problem,” Bran explained. “Talin stands in my way of getting to those who are to blame.”

“Because you broke the rules?”

“I followed my heart.”

Atris barked in laughter. “You can’t even admit you did wrong, can you? In your eyes, everyone else is to blame. Not yourself. Did you ever think you’re the reason the Fae you loved is dead?”

In a flash, Bran was out of his chair with his hand around Atris’s throat. He squeezed, leaning the chair on its back two legs as he glared. “You insolent bastard.”

Atris merely grinned in triumph.

Bran released him, letting the chair fall back on all four legs again. He turned and stalked away, taking a deep breath to gain control of his anger.

“Shall I kill him now?” Searlas asked when Bran approached.

Bran gave a small shake of his head. “No. I need him for the parents and Neve. When the time comes to kill them, they’re all yours, my friend.”

Searlas smiled in response.

Bran turned back to the threesome. “I know how nervous everyone at court was to hear there was a Reaper among them. Did none of you think of Talin?” When the family didn’t answer, Bran shrugged. “I don’t know why not. Talin was new to court. He never spoke of his family or said anything about himself, and none of you thought that odd?”

He sighed loudly. “Had you been more observant of others, instead of furthering your own standing, you might’ve seen Talin for what he is. Do you wonder why he chose Neve?”

“He cares for her,” Atris said when his mother cried harder.

Bran rolled his eyes, tsking. “You can’t possibly believe that. Talin wants something from Neve. Otherwise, he would’ve chosen another female.”

“You can say whatever you think, but I saw them together.”

“We Reapers are great at pretending to fit in anywhere. We have ten times more power and magic than any of you. We can remain veiled for hours at a time. Talin was a spy.”

“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings for Neve,” Atris argued.

Bran scrunched up his face. “I admit, Neve has fallen for him. That much is obvious. But did she tell you why she hasn’t seen him in a few days?”

Atris remained silent, his face closing off.

“So she didn’t,” Bran said with a grin. “I’m betting it’s because she wanted more, and Talin refused. Because to give her more, he must tell her who he is. And we both know how that ends. Your sister was being used. As was your family.”

Atris suddenly smiled. “You’re good. I’ll admit that. You almost made me believe your lies.”

“Lies?” Bran raised his brows, surprised. “Why do you think it was lies?”

“Because you want Talin. In order to get to him, you kidnapped us and hurt my sister. If he felt nothing for Neve or my family as you suggest, you would never have taken us.”

It was Atris’s victorious smile that made Bran fume. Damn the man for being so smart. Usually, Bran could talk his way into—or out of—anything he wanted. What made Atris so different?

“You took us because you knew Talin would feel obligated to find us,” Atris said.

Bran nodded in agreement. “That’s true.”

“And you plan to kill him? Are you Reapers that easy to kill?”

“What I do with Talin is my own business. As for how easy we are to kill, a normal Fae would never succeed. Your magic would be like the bite of a gnat. Even if you managed to use a sword from Erwar, you’d never get close enough.”

“There have to be other ways to kill you.”

“Keep thinking on that,” Bran said with a smile.

Atris lifted his chin. “I will. Because I’ll be the one to end you.”

Bran liked his courage and his intelligence. It was really too bad he couldn’t turn him. But he had plenty of men in his army, with more added every day.

“I honestly would like to see you try,” Bran admitted.

Atris looked down at the chair. “Release me.”

“Oh, that wouldn’t be a fair fight,” he said with a laugh. “Besides, I can’t wait to hear what Talin has to say to you. As soon as your sister finally succumbs to the effects of the poison—with my magic added, of course—Talin will be on the warpath. He’ll come looking for me no matter what the other Reapers tell him.”

“And you’ll be waiting.”

“Well,” Bran said as he thought of his plan. “In a manner.”

Atris looked at him with ridicule. “So you don’t even have the balls to meet him yourself.”

“He’s a fine catch, Atris, but Talin isn’t who I’m really after. Talin will be a fun kill that will outrage Cael. Just as I intend.”

Talin paced the area in front of Neve’s bed. It had only been an hour since they arrived at Everwood Manor. The servants simply thought Neve was sleeping. So far, none of them knew the rest of the Everwoods were missing.

Cael’s plan was simple. Almost too simple. Yet it hinged Talin her parts while omitting so much more to Neve. That wasn’t what had Talin tied in knots. It was the fact that Cael wanted to send her back to court.

It was thanks to Eoghan, who managed to drain all of the magic infused poison from Neve’s body that they were even contemplating the plan. But Talin had been part of such a plan before.

He recalled all too well how Jordyn had been struck by Dark magic. As a half—Fae, none of them knew what power she might have possessed. It was by sheer fortune that the Fae part of her had allowed her body to slowly heal. None of them had realized that, however, so Baylon had sat by her side, waiting for her to pass.

The torture that had put Baylon through was extreme. It didn’t matter that Neve was Fae. In fact, it made things worse. Because Bran would stop at nothing to kill her—along with Talin and the other Reapers.

Talin ran a hand down his face as he halted. They had to stop Bran. That wasn’t up for debate. Talin wished there was another way to get to him instead of using Neve, but no matter how he racked his brain, he couldn’t come up with anything.

Bran hadn’t just kept his Reaper powers. They seemed to be stronger. The Reapers had yet to find him, and they looked continuously.

Talin wasn’t sure about Death. Erith could find anyone at anytime, so why hadn’t she done something about Bran. Unless he was able to shield himself from her, as well.

That put a whole new spin on things. That could be why Cael was so adamant about his latest plan. Talin had died once already, and though he didn’t want to do it again, he didn’t fear it.

For Death’s life to be extinguished . . . now that was something to truly dread.

Talin knew Neve had more of an advantage than any half—Fae. Neve was a powerful Light. She was strong and confident. She was determined and well—versed in the intricacies of deception.

Neve wouldn’t back down from Bran. She would focus everything on getting her family back. Talin could only hope there was a way that could happen. Knowing Bran, they were likely already dead.

Any moment, Cael would return from visiting Daire and filling him in. Eoghan was already veiled at the Light court to see what he could learn.

Fintan and Kyran were even now taking a stroll through Taraeth’s court. With Bran’s link to the Dark, it made sense that information would pass through there, as well. And if it did, Fintan and Kyran would find it.

Baylon remained at Inchmickery with his woman Jordyn and River to guard their sanctuary. Bran had already discovered many of their hideouts. This one had to be defended at all times.

Cael didn’t want Talin at court in any fashion. His fear—justifiably so—was that Talin would see Bran and attack. But Talin wasn’t going to allow Neve to go into that next of vipers and not have her back.

Five of the seven Reapers would be at court. If Bran or any of his men showed up, the Reapers would be ready.

Talin looked over his shoulder and saw Cael standing at the doorway. How long had he been there? Talin pivoted and walked from Neve’s room. Cael turned to the side to allow him to pass before following him down the hallway.

“Everything is set,” Cael said. “We’re just waiting for Neve to wake.”

“And for me to deliver the news.”

Cael studied him silently for a moment. “She knows you, Talin. It has to be you. Otherwise, I’d do it.”

He knew that, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. Talin looked to the side. “Bran’s people are most likely already at court and veiled as Eoghan is.”

“Eoghan isn’t alone.”

Talin’s gaze slid back to Cael. “Does that mean Kyran and Fintan didn’t learn anything?”

“Whispers of Reapers, just as you reported at the Light court. Nothing more than that. Taraeth is attempting to squash those rumors, but Fintan did see something interesting.”

“What’s that?”

“Balladyn wasn’t helping Taraeth.”

Balladyn was once a highly regarded Light Fae and a close friend of Rhi’s. He’d been turned and was now the Dark King’s right—hand lieutenant.

Everyone knew Balladyn would eventually take over the Dark throne. If he wasn’t stopping the rumors of the Reapers, it was either because he knew they were real, or he didn’t care. Either option could be catastrophic.

“We need to watch them,” Talin said.

Cael nodded. “I agree. But that’s later. Right now, this is about Bran, Neve, and her family.”

“Yes. One power—hungry megalomaniac at a time.”

Cael smiled as he turned away. “I’m going to remain here until Neve goes to court.”

Talin watched Cael take two steps away before he said, “You mean you’re going to stay to make sure I don’t follow her.”

“Not true.” Cael’s feet halted. Slowly he turned to face Talin. “Even though I’ve told you why you shouldn’t be there, I know you’ll go. Because we need you. And because you need her.”

With that, Cael vanished.

Talin took a deep breath. Time and again, Cael had proven why he was leader of the Reapers. He didn’t just see what others missed, he knew their hearts and minds, as well. And he had a knack for using that information to his advantage.

And knowing when it was pointless to fight something.

Talin forgot all about Cael when he heard movement within Neve’s chamber.

* * *

Neve arched her back as she stretched. She felt lethargic, as if magic had been used to make her sleep. As she looked around the room, she slowly realized that she was at her parent’s house, not her flat.

And then it all came rushing back.

Neve sat up, her head swinging toward the door as Talin walked in. There was a smile on his face, but the regret in his eyes alerted her to the fact that something was wrong.

“Where’s Atris?” she asked.

Talin came to stand at the foot of her bed. “How do you feel?”

“Tired. Other than that, I’m fine. Where’s Atris?”

“That’s good,” he said with a nod.

Neve’s heart began to pound as she realized he wasn’t going to tell her where her brother was. So she asked something else. “I fought to get the poison out, but I couldn’t. Who removed it?”

“A friend.”

“My friend?” she asked, brows raised.

Talin gave a shake of his head. “My friend.”

“I’d like to thank them.”

“He’s gone.”

With each passing second, Neve became increasingly more concerned. And frightened. She tried to remain calm, telling herself she was just jumpy because someone had tried to kill her.

But it didn’t help.

She’d observed Talin long enough to know that there was something he needed to say. Whatever it was, it bothered him enough that he was putting off the unavoidable.

Neve threw off the covers and rose from the bed. She walked to Talin and stared deeply into his pale silver eyes. “Tell me what you so desperately don’t want to.”

He briefly looked away. “Atris was taken.”

“Taken?” she repeated, shock rolling through her, turning her blood to ice. “By who? Are my parents looking for me?”

Talin visibly grimaced. “Your parents were with him.”

Neve took a step back as she fought to draw breath into her lungs. “They were taken as well?”

He gave a single nod.

It must have been shock that kept her upright and silent. Because in her mind, she was screaming.

“Who?” she demanded when she was able to speak past the lump of grief and panic in her throat. “Who took them?”

“Those at court say the Reapers.”

There was something about the way he said it, as if it took everything Talin had to get the words out. Neve narrowed her gaze on him. “You don’t believe that?”

“I wasn’t there. I was with you.”

She had no way of knowing since she’d been out of her mind from the poison. Then something occurred to her. How had Talin gotten into her flat? Both she and Atris had put spells in place so that no one could get into her place without one of them present.

But Atris hadn’t come with Talin to her flat. Talin had told her Atris went to find their parents. So how had Talin gotten in?

Talin couldn’t hold her gaze. He turned to the window and stared out across the rain—drenched landscape of western Ireland. “I’m sorry, Neve. I did as much for you as I could until Eoghan arrived. Then I went looking for your family.”

“Look at me,” she demanded.

Talin swiveled his head and met her gaze. She looked deep into his eyes. Neve had seen the way Talin could easily slip over the truth or not speak of it at all in order to keep his secrets.

What she saw in his gaze was nothing but honesty. It surprised her as much as the news of her family. Every time she and Talin had been together, he’d always kept a wall up between them, as if he were afraid to get too close.

There were two names he’d let slip now—whether on purpose or not. Kyran and Eoghan. Men from his life she’d never heard of before.

Neve decided to test Talin to see if what she suspected was right. “Where you alone when you went to court for my family?”

“No. Kyran was with me.”

The truth lay bare before her. Neve dropped her chin to her chest and covered her face with her hands. “Why is this happening to my family?”

“Because of me.”

Her head jerked up. She thought back to all she knew of Talin. For a while, she’d begun to deduce that Talin was spying on the Light court. What she hadn’t figured out was why or for who?

Neve squared her shoulders. “Can I get my family back?”

“I don’t know.”

At least, she had the truth, but that wasn’t going to stop her. “Whether this involves you or not, they’re my family. I want to see where they were taken from.”

“It happened at court.”

“And I want to know everything you know about the Reapers.”

He hesitated before he blew out a breath. “I know what you know.”

There it was, that easy way he manipulated words or phrases in order to lie. Neve wanted to pound his chest and get him to admit all that he knew, but she didn’t.

She needed to save her energy for dealing with whoever took her family. It didn’t matter why they were kidnapped. All that mattered was getting them back.

Neve was used to doing things her own way so she didn’t ask Talin for his advice as she walked to her wardrobe and threw open the doors.

If she were going to court, she was going to have to dress the part. Everyone would expect it. The Light, the queen . . . the Reapers.

And even her family’s kidnapper.

She waved her hands down her body, using magic to change her clothes, add jewelry, and fix her hair. Only after, did she face Talin.

“Thank you for saving me.”

He held her gaze, disappointment tightening his face. “Don’t believe everything you see or hear. Trust your heart.” Talin closed the distance between them and cupped her face as he kissed her slowly, sensuously. When he pulled back, he whispered, “Be careful.”

Neve didn’t ask how he knew she planned to go to court alone. Instead of responding, she teleported to the castle.