Dark Alpha's Demand: A Reaper Novel (Reapers) (9 page)

Neve stood her ground. She didn’t have another choice. The man standing before the fire was clearly deranged. But the fact that he was also clearly brilliant was what scared the hell out of her.

Every time she asked about her family, they seemed further and further out of reach. The idea that she might never see them again made tears sting her eyes.

Bran ran a hand through his jaw—length black hair before he turned to her. Silver eyes bored into hers. It was all she could do not to take a step back. While the outside of him was as beautiful as any Fae, she could see the anger and evil twisting him on the inside.

It showed in his words and his eyes.

“You don’t like me,” he stated.

Neve kept control of the many vile things she wanted to spew at him. Instead, she said, “What do you expect? You took my parents.”

“Because of Talin.”

At his name, Talin took a step toward Bran. “Your fight is with me.”

Bran dragged his eyes from her and looked at Talin. “Do you love her?”

“I’m not going to stand by while you continue to kill innocents, whether they’re half—Fae or someone I happen to look at.”

“Oh, you’ve done more than look,” Bran said with a knowing smile. “I’d say you . . . explored . . . Neve, inside and out, thoroughly. Many times.”

Neve nearly gagged at the thought of Bran watching them make love. Beside her, Talin didn’t so much as bat an eye.

“I was spying on the castle,” Talin said. “I took what information I could get. Anywhere I could get it.”

If Neve hadn’t spoken to Talin earlier, she might actually think he’d exploited her. Then she realized she could use his words to her advantage.

She gasped and moved away from him. “You . . . used me?” she asked, affronted.

Talin didn’t even look her way when he said, “I had my orders.”

“Bravo,” Bran said as he clapped loudly. Then he threw back his head and laughed. “Nice try, you two.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Neve said. “I trusted Talin. Look where that’s gotten me. You think I mean something to him, so you take my family? Obviously, we were both wrong.”

Bran never quit smiling. His eyes swung to Talin, his brows raised expectantly.

Talin merely released a long breath.

Bran chuckled as he grinned at Talin. “How did you miss that I was there?”

A muscle ticked in Talin’s jaw, but he said nothing. Neve wanted to take his hand to offer him—and her—comfort.

“I saw you watching her,” Bran continued as he walked around Talin slowly. “The hunger that burned in your gaze each time you saw Neve. And the obsessive way you kept her all to yourself.”

Neve tried to swallow, but her mouth was too dry. Had Talin really looked at her like that?

Bran stopped between them. “You glanced at no other women. Because you wanted only one. Her,” Bran said and pointed at Neve.

She lowered her gaze to the floor, unsure of what Bran’s intentions were. Neve was ill—prepared for any of this, and she didn’t want to do or say anything that would impede Talin’s attack.

“And you,” Bran said as he faced her. “Your father pushed male after male before you. You ignored all of them until Talin. You took one look at him and were his.”

Her head jerked up. “How long have you been at court?”

Bran merely smiled. “You wanted him, and you went after him. How far were you prepared to go to get him, dear Neve?”

“As far as I needed. So I feel for him? What of it?”

“You admit your love?”

Somehow, Neve realized too late that she’d misstepped. Royally. There was no way she could backtrack or attempt to say something else. Her feelings were out there for any and all to see.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Talin staring at her. There was no turning back now.

“I do,” she answered, her voice coming out hoarse and wispy.

Bran’s smile was wide. “This makes up for discovering that Jordyn didn’t die, or that I couldn’t get my hands on River.”

Neve had no idea who those women were. She glanced at Talin, but he was scowling intently at Bran. Neve returned her gaze to Bran to watch as he spun around and looked at each of them.

“You’re going to know how I felt,” he said.

His eyes were too bright for Neve’s liking. He’d just stepped onto the crazy train, and she was about to get pulled onto it, as well.

Bran raised a brow at Talin. “What? No cutting remark?”

“There’s nothing to say,” Talin replied.

Neve wanted to get things back on track. “Please. My family.”

“Family,” Bran murmured as if recalling a memory. His eyes went soft for a moment before anger once more filled his gaze. He glared at Talin. “That’s what Cael and the others were to me.”

“You made your choices,” Talin said. “You knew the rules.”

“Rules Death is now changing. Why now?”

Neve covertly looked around the expansive room but she didn’t see the grand decor, antique tables, or the fine furniture. She was looking for any hint of her family or the rest of the Reapers.

But there was nothing.

Panic began to set in. This wasn’t the plan.

She tried to pull her magic to her to use it against Bran, but it took massive amounts of effort to call even a thimbleful.

Bran must’ve done something. The bastard.

Neve understood what hate was. He was the cause of all of this. And she was nearly fed up, playing along with whatever psycho scenario Bran had in mind.

“You didn’t give Death a choice,” Talin said, pulling Neve’s mind back to the conversation.

A large bubble of magic the size of a bowling ball appeared in Bran’s hand. Iridescent streams of power swirled within. He looked down at the orb before slowly lifting silver eyes filled with hatred to Talin. “Not true. I was in love. Why should we have to choose?”

Choose? What was this? Neve’s throat felt like it was closing up as she searched Talin’s face for a hint that Bran was out of his mind.

Bran barked out a dry laugh. “Ah, Neve. There is so much you don’t know about Talin. For instance, he’s a Reaper.”

Neve shook her head, unable to voice the words that would keep Bran thinking she didn’t know the truth.

“Oh, yes. He’s the very thing everyone fears. He’s not allowed to tell you, because if he does, he’ll have to kill you.”

Neve turned her head away. Not because Bran was saying things she already knew, but because Talin refused to look at her. It was almost as if he were preparing himself for some secret about to be exposed. But she knew everything.

Didn’t she?

“We’re not permitted to have relationships. Or we weren’t,” Bran continued.

Neve’s heart nearly burst with hope. But then shattered into a million pieces a second later.

“Well, some of the Reapers are allowed. Death saved Jordyn’s life so she could be with Baylon. Is Jordyn living with the Reapers now, Talin?”

Neve glanced at him, a muscle working in Talin’s jaw. This. This was what he hadn’t wanted Bran to tell her, but she still wasn’t sure why.

“That’s what I thought. That brings me to River,” Bran said. “Kyran must be ecstatic to know that she’s able to look past him being Dark and love him. All the while, Death once more giving approval for a Reaper to keep his woman with him.”

Bran paused as he walked to Talin and held the orb of magic between them so that it brushed against Talin’s shirt, singing it.

Neve wanted to push Bran away, but she remained where she was. Because, above all else, she knew Talin could handle himself in any situation. He was a Reaper, after all.

“Neve, my sweet,” Bran said with a smile, his gaze still clashing with Talin’s. “Do you know the difference between you and those women?”

A long stretch of silence filled the room. She realized Bran waited for her response. “No,” she replied.

“They’re half—Fae. They have no concept of being Fae in any form.” Bran then looked at her, a look of pure delight filling his face as comprehension dawned within her.

She was Light. And for whatever reason, Death didn’t look favorably on such a union with a Reaper. Neve had known she was going to lose Talin, but she hadn’t realized it was because of this ‘rule.’

And Talin had known all along. He had used her, but she’d accepted that. It was his assignment. But what of the feelings between them, the passion and desire? Those, she thought, were more than his mission.

Now she wasn’t so sure. And that infuriated Neve.

Because she was totally, completely in love with Talin.

Bran let out a long whistle before he smiled and looked back at Talin. “I almost feel sorry for you. Neve loves you. Will it be you who kills her now that she knows? Or will Death do the honors?”

“My family,” Neve stated, no longer asking.

Bran ignored her, continuing his story. “Death killed my woman. My beautiful, honorable Light Fae lover.”

“You knew the rules,” Talin bit out.

“So did Baylon!” The ball of magic in Bran’s hand grew, burning through Talin’s shirt to touch the skin on his chest. “Baylon knew what would happen.”

“And he was prepared to die for Jordyn. You changed the rules for us.”

Shocked, Bran took a step back, as if he couldn’t absorb what Talin had just stated. Neve looked at the wound on Talin’s chest and watched as it began to heal. She might have her magic bound, but at least Bran hadn’t stopped their healing ability. That she knew of.

Talin’s smile was callous, vicious, and unforgiving. “It’s all you, Bran. You tried to trick us, and when that didn’t work, you began killing the half—Fae. We had to do something. You succeeded in killing Jordyn, but Death realized Baylon could turn into you. She decided to allow Jordyn to become a Reaper. None of this would’ve happened had you not come to hunt us and Death,” he said with a harsh laugh.

Furious, Bran threw the ball of magic at Talin, who didn’t so much as flinch. Neve sucked in her breath as it skimmed by Talin’s head, burning the ends of his hair.

The orb landed behind them on an accent table that held a Ming vase. All of which exploded with the impact.

Neve whirled back around to see what Bran would do next. Talin’s words seemed to send him right over the edge, and she wasn’t sure that’s where they needed Bran to be. Because a crazy Bran meant he was unpredictable.

His gaze swung to her. Bran’s smirk was ruthless as he said, “You’ve been asking for your family. Perhaps now is the time to show you.”

Dread filled her, causing chills of apprehension to rush over her. She shook her head. But it was already too late.

Bran snapped his fingers. Beside him, two Dark appeared, holding Atris between them. Neve’s heart sank as she saw that he’d been tortured. Blood coated the side of his face from a cut at his hairline that had already healed. There was blood on his clothes, as well.

But it was the vacant look in his eyes that turned her blood cold. The brother she knew, the one who made her laugh and always looked out for her was gone.

“I thought he’d hold out longer. Being an Everwood and all,” Bran said matter—of—factly. He then shrugged. “I guess bloodlines don’t count as much as they used to. Though I was going to get what I wanted in the end. No matter what.”

Neve swallowed and took a step toward her brother. “Atris. Look at me.”

“You can try to reach him all you want, but he’s mine.” Bran held her gaze and said, “Just as you will be.”

Daire was seconds behind Rhi when she arrived at the manor. He wasted no time wrapping his arms around her to stop her from doing anything stupid. Like charging Bran when she spotted him.

“I’ll just drop my veil,” she whispered, seemingly undisturbed that he had his arms around her.

Daire smiled at her bravery. She had no way of knowing that he hadn’t used just his arms to stop her. With her being up against him, his veil automatically wrapped around her as well. It didn’t matter what she did.

He looked over Rhi’s black head to find Cael watching him. The magic surrounding the manor was thick, but Kyran had been able to piggyback on Talin. As soon as they arrived, Kyran had begun working to systematically destroy Bran’s spells. It meant that Kyran had to venture out of the room with Talin and Neve.

Now that six of the seven Reapers were at the manor, no amount of magic could stand in their way. Yet, Cael and the others didn’t blast away Bran’s magic.

That would alert him to their presence. And that time hadn’t arrived yet.

“You son of a bitch,” Rhi murmured through clenched teeth.

Ah. So she’d dropped her veil. Daire drew in a breath, inhaling her intoxicating scent of the sea, sun, and lavender. And might.

By the heavens, he craved her.

Her hands grasped the outside of his thighs. She stood as still as a statue as they listened to Bran talk about Neve’s brother.

The sight of Atris made Daire want to kill something. He wasn’t part of the mission to destroy Bran. His assignment was Rhi. Who happened to be there. If she fought, then so could he.

Neve’s tears flowed freely as she tried, repeatedly, to get her brother’s attention. But Bran was right. Atris was gone. Neve didn’t seem to understand that Bran had an identical plan for her.

The same couldn’t be said for Talin. He was losing what little control he had over his anger. Any moment now, Talin was going to attack.

The Reapers were fanning out, surrounding Bran. He was too confident in his magic to believe that the Reapers could get into the manor without him knowing.

Rhi’s nails dug into Daire’s leg when two more Dark appeared. Each held one of Neve’s parents before them. Neve’s eyes widened when she saw them.

“It’s time for your choice, Neve,” Bran said and motioned to her parents. “Come willingly with me, and I’ll let them live.”

Neve’s father was fiercely shaking his head no at his daughter. The entire room appeared to hold its breath, waiting for Neve’s decision.

Bran walked to the mother and touched her cheek that was soaked with tears. He looked into her silver eyes and asked, “Do you want your daughter to die? Or would you rather her be alive?”

“I’d rather kill you myself,” the matriarch said, raising her chin.

Daire could see Rhi’s smile of approval as he glanced down. He had to admit, he was impressed by any Fae who stood against Bran. No one knew who he was, but everyone seemed to understand that he wasn’t someone to be trifled with.

“I escaped the Netherworld,” Bran told her with a grin. “Do you really believe your meager little Light Fae magic could hurt me?”

His confession about the Netherworld seemed to throw a switch within Neve. Her tears stopped. She dashed them from her cheeks and squared her shoulders. Then she did as her mother had and lifted her chin.

“I’ve made my decision,” she called to Bran.

He turned to her, a smile in place. “Let me be clear. If you refuse me, I’ll kill your parents slowly while you watch. Then I’ll kill you. Do you understand?”

“Perfectly,” came her succinct reply.

Rhi turned in Daire’s arms. He sucked in a breath when her hands roamed up his chest and then around his neck. She rose up on her tiptoes and leaned in close to his ear. “Let me fight. I can help.”

Even as he told himself not to, his hands came to rest on her narrow waist. His cheek brushed hers, and his eyes slid closed. How he’d wanted to hold her just like this.

But now wasn’t the time.

“No,” he whispered.

Her hands cupped his face as she searched to try and see him. She could feel him, which was more than he’d allowed before. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Fintan watching them with interest.

* * *

Every eye in the room watched Neve. Talin held his breath, hoping she made the right decision. Atris was Dark. All he had to do to complete the turn was kill.

And Talin knew who Bran was going to have Atris murder.

Talin didn’t think he could get more disgusted with Bran, but he was wrong. So very wrong. He was tearing a family apart simply because Talin had been courting Neve.

The Light palace was the one place Talin had thought he’d be safe from Bran’s interference. Why would Bran go to the Light? There was nothing for him there. His goal was to wipe out the half—Fae and destroy the Reapers and Death.

But once more, they’d underestimated him.

Talin wanted to rip him apart for watching him with Neve. He didn’t share. Anything. But especially his women—in any way. Knowing that Bran spied on them made Talin insane with jealousy and fury.

It warred with the part of him that rejoiced to know that Neve had fallen in love with him. Yet not even that lasted long because he knew what awaited Neve when this was all over.

So did she.

Talin’s gut clenched. Neve knew she was going to die. Why would she refuse Bran and fight her way free only to be killed once they returned to the castle?

“Neve,” Talin said.

Her head turned to him. Her beautiful silver eyes were clear. Black lashes spiked with tears dipped against her cheek when she blinked. She was calm.

Too damn calm for Talin’s liking.

Kyran moved to his side, but Talin was more concerned with Neve’s decision. She wasn’t going to simply choose Bran. Because then Talin would have to kill her.

That’s what made him want to bellow with frustration and resentment. It didn’t matter what decision Neve made. She was going to die either way.

She was going to attempt to save her parents. Except Talin knew it was only a ruse. There was only one chance to stop her.

“Do you know what happens when a Light turns Dark?” he asked.

Bran rolled his eyes. “Admit defeat, Talin. I’ve won.”

Neve shook her head.

Talin took a half—step toward her. “A Light is repeatedly tortured until their light is gone. They accept the dark.” He pointed to Atris. “Just as your brother has.”

“He could’ve held out longer,” Bran stated.

Talin glanced at Daire to see Rhi now faced Daire with her hands on his face. But her gaze was directed at Bran, and there was hate shooting from her eyes.

“That’s the ones who are forced to become Dark. The others who eagerly accept it bypass the torture,” Talin told Neve. “But accepting the dark into you doesn’t seal the deal of a Fae becoming Dark.”

Bran walked to Neve with all the confidence of someone who thought he’d won. “She’s a smart one, Talin. I’m sure she knows.”

“Tell me,” she urged Talin, ignoring Bran.

“Look at your brother,” Talin urged her. “His eyes are still silver. And they’ll remain that way until he makes his first kill. Whether he drains the soul of a human or murders someone, it matters not.”

Neve’s head swung to Atris, who now stared at her as if he’d never seen her before. “I see.”

“Still ready to make your decision?” Bran asked her.

She drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. Then she answered, “Yes.”

Talin wasn’t going to stand there and watch as Neve turned Dark. It would destroy him completely. More so than the betrayal that had Death seeking him out to become a Reaper.

Kyran moved in front of him. No words were spoken since Bran would be able to hear. Kyran’s face said it all. His red eyes were narrowed, his face stern.

It was Kyran’s way of telling him it still wasn’t time to attack. But Talin was tired of waiting. How much more were the Everwoods going to have to suffer before the Reapers made their presence known?

No one should have to witness a sibling turning Dark. It was asking too much of Neve. She was strong, but everyone had their limits.

Neve walked around Bran to her parents. She hugged both of them while everyone looked on with interest. Her parents told her they loved her, and she responded in kind.

While her parents shed tears aplenty, Neve’s eyes were dry. That alarmed Talin. The cocky smile Bran threw his way said that Bran also noticed that little detail.

It was only Kyran’s hand on Talin’s arm that held him back from stalking to Neve and hauling her against him. But what could he promise? A life sheltered by the Reapers?

That wasn’t possible, as wrong as it was.

Talin had to think about what would be the easiest death for her. He inwardly snorted. There was no easy death. Both scenarios sucked royally.

He looked at Neve’s parents. They’d seen one child turn Dark against his will. How much more painful would it be to see the other willingly go to the Dark?

Talin couldn’t imagine. He didn’t
want
to imagine. But he had no choice. It was laid out before him like a buffet, and Bran was gorging himself.

The Everwoods stood tall, knowing they were going to die. They didn’t beg for their lives. The strength of the Everwood line lay in the parents for all to see.

Talin gave Neve’s father a nod. He responded in kind, acceptance of his fate reflected in his eyes. Neve’s mother silently begged Talin with her eyes to protect her daughter.

It was all Talin wanted to do.

And he was going to do it. All of this was Bran’s fault. The Everwoods didn’t have to be dragged into this messy affair, and they wouldn’t have been, had Talin not dallied with Neve.

There was no changing the past now. It was done. All that could be dealt with was what was in front of him. And Talin was going to make sure the right decisions were made.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, the message meant for Death. Talin was going against her and the Reapers by attacking Bran on his own.

Kyran’s forehead dipped into a frown. He gave a shake of his head, but not even his friend was going to stop Talin. As if sensing his decision, Kyran dropped his hand with a sad smile.

“This vexes me,” Kyran mumbled.

That nearly made Talin smile. Kyran hated the word vexed, so Talin made sure to use it often whenever he was around Kyran just to annoy him.

And it was Kyran’s way of saying good—bye.

Bran’s gaze narrowed on Talin. For a second, Talin thought Bran might’ve heard Kyran. Then Bran’s head turned back to Neve as she moved to Atris.

She hugged her brother while his arms remained by his sides. Neve kissed his cheek and whispered something Talin couldn’t hear.

Then she turned to Bran. “My answer is—”

“No!” bellowed another female voice.

At the same moment, Rhi pushed away from Daire, out of his veil. She whirled toward Bran, her sword held high.