Escaping The Beast: A Darkhills Romance (The Darkhills Series Book 2) Page 5

  Perhaps he had been too forward, asking her so soon if she would reconsider joining him for dinner? Perhaps the gift of the rose had been too much? He cursed his ridiculousness. He was centuries old. She was a beautiful, smart, bold, and dignified young woman in her prime. What had he been thinking?

  Lucian drew his hand over his face. He knew what he had been thinking. He had been thinking that he had never been more captivated and intrigued by someone in his long existence. There was something so rare about her, so guarded and yet vulnerable, it called to him. He had wanted to throttle her father for the way he had treated her and seemed to have no qualms in summoning her for a deal of which she knew nothing about.

  Yet she had held her head high and stared back at Lucian with a look of imperious daring. She was a queen, and her father was not worthy of such a daughter. Lucian ran his hands through his hair in agitation. She had held his gaze fearlessly. He knew his unnaturally dark eyes were intimidating, most people couldn’t stand to look into their depth for more than a few seconds. But not Katherine Daxton. She had pierced him with her own eyes of light brown, the flecks of gold within them taunting him with a promise of summer sun that he would never again experience.

  And now that incredible, courageous, and alluring woman was out there in the wilderness, most likely lost and alone and most certainly fighting off the cold in just the thin clothes that she had been wearing.

  This was all his fault. He still wasn’t sure what exactly had caused her to run, the crumpled letter that he had found on the floor of the great hall indicated that it was something in what he had written. Unless that was to throw him off the truth and escaping had been her plan all along? Perhaps her father hadn’t driven far and was waiting to rendezvous with her in the hills. Lucian shook his head at that. Mr. Pines had already reported that Kyle Daxton had spent his first few hours in the city visiting a strip club and then a brothel of sorts, squandering his time and showing no immediate concern to retrieve his daughter. Lucian had chosen not to share the news with Katherine for fear of upsetting her.

  An alarm buzzed on his phone, telling him the sun was setting. Within an instant he was outside, perched on the edge of his balcony. From where he crouched he had a perfect view out across the hills. The cloud cover was thick enough that he didn’t need to squint against the remaining sunlight. He focused his vision on where he had first seen Katherine slip into the cover of the trees, there were heavy footprints in the soil where she had been running. He should be able to track her still, if he got close enough he would be able to pick up her scent.

  He launched himself over the balcony and landed firmly on the rooftops of the east wing of the mansion. He ran on light feet over the tiles, leaping off the edge of the building. His feet made no sound as he sprinted across the forest floor, following the path once taken by his guest. She had taken a meandering route through the trees, most likely trying to confuse anyone who might try to follow her. But the impressive Miss. Daxton didn’t know about creatures such as himself. He could see the footsteps clearly in amongst the darkening pines and he could very faintly taste her scent on the breeze.

  He ran relentlessly for almost half an hour before he came across a clearing where she must’ve stopped to rest. The scent lingered more heavily there and he reached out and splayed his hand over the spot where she had leaned against a thick pine tree. A shimmering strand of her golden hair danced in the cold air, trapped against the rough surface of the bark.

  He tilted his head slightly, catching the scent of her trail once more, and doubled his speed. He would find her, of that he was certain, and then he would bring her home, get her into a warm bath and ensure she ate a good meal before getting some sleep. Even if he had to enthral her to make it happen, she would have a restful night. He knew she hadn’t slept soundly the night before. He had sat on the edge of her bed and watched as her brow had furrowed in her sleep. He knew at the time he had crossed a line, that he shouldn’t be in the room with her while she slept, but he hadn’t been able to resist the urge to try to understand her better.

  Lucian couldn’t deny that he was attracted to her. She was indeed beautiful and the memory of the crimson lips that had argued with him over terms of their arrangement stirred something within him. There had been a flicker of appreciation in her gaze as she had tracked her eyes over him, her scent had become warmer as he had allowed her a moment to scrutinise his appearance. Despite her impressive poker face, he was convinced the attraction between them was mutual. But then she had shut him out. Perhaps she was merely playing him, trying to establish a position of power and influence over him by employing her sexuality to lure him in. If that were her plan then the next two months were going to be extremely difficult for him. Then again, two could play that game.

  The sound of a distant roar had him stopping in his tracks.

  Dear God, no.

  Of all the deadly creatures to be out hunting, why did the apex predator have to choose that evening to scour the forest. Lucian squared his shoulders, it appeared the stakes for finding Miss. Daxton had just increased.

  A terrified scream ripped through the air, making his blood turn to ice. He was moving before he had even registered that his feet were eating up the ground at an alarming rate. If the creature laid one claw on her, he would kill him.

  The sound of her breathless struggle combined with heavy huffs drew Lucian to the large clearing in the trees where he found Katherine as she swung a large tree branch up towards the outstretched talons of a dragon.

  “Release her now, Etienne.” Lucian shouted as he sprinted to engage with the large beast.

  The giant, horned head of the dragon peered round at him in time for Lucian’s fist to connect with its jaw, causing the creature to grunt as its head knocked backwards with the impact.

  Damn Etienne was hard-headed. Lucian mused as he rolled under the beast’s thick neck to come up in front of Katherine.

  He needed to be smarter with where he made his next hit, already his eyes were searching the heavily armoured body looking for a weak spot. The dragon’s oil slick coloured scales softened into a pale silver on his belly. If Lucian had to hazard a guess, he would say that the lighter the dragon’s scales; the weaker they were.

  “Lucian, we need to get out of here. It won’t be able to follow us into the trees, it’s too huge.” Katherine spoke up from behind him, her hand grasping at his bicep.

  “Go, take cover. I will find you after I have dealt with the dragon.” He replied before jumping out of the reach of one set of sharp claws and sliding beneath the other front leg.

  Lucian released his own set of claws and sliced at the tender scales on the dragon’s underside. A pained screech let him know he had successfully distracted the beast enough for Katherine to get away. That, and the whip of his long spiked tail as it came around and flicked Lucian upward with ease.

  The angry violet glare of the beast came into view as Lucian twisted in the air and attempted to avoid the poison-tipped talon on the dragon’s wing. He landed firmly between the shoulder blades of the creature, almost unscathed, a shallow gash across his torso stung with the acidic burn caused by the toxin. He would heal eventually, provided he fed soon.

  “Etienne, the human is not your prey. Leave her now and we need not continue, persist and I will not hesitate to end you.” Lucian spoke to the dragon.

  I will not give her over to you, Lucian, so you will have to do as you say, or at least try. The gravelly voice of the dragon spoke directly into Lucian’s consciousness.

  It wasn’t the first time Lucian had communicated with the ancient creature, so the invasion into his mind was not enough to distract him. If anything by opening up a mind link, the dragon had given him an advantage. Lucian launched himself off the dragon and landed in front of it. He turned and gazed intently into the beast’s eyes, forcing his will into the dragon's thoughts.

  “You will leave now, Etienne. I’d rather we didn’t become enemies, but I cannot allow you
to take the human.”

  I would be taking her away from your cruel intentions, vampire. Etienne replied.

  My dealings with her are not your concern. Lucian responded, using the mind link to speak to the dragon as he burrowed down deeper into the vast abyss that was the mind of a dragon. If he kept him talking long enough, the dragon would fall under his thrall, allowing them some time to escape before he overcame the hypnosis.

  She was running from your territory. She clearly has no desire to deal with you Lucian, I will not stand by and allow you to reclaim her against her will. Etienne growled at him, And get the hell out of my head. He boomed right before he swiped out with his front paw and sent Lucian crashing into a nearby pine with a crack of wood as the trunk splintered upon impact.

  “Lucian!”

  Before he could recover his wits, Katherine had sprinted out from the tree line and had thrown herself between the open glowing maw of the dragon and where he was slumped against the tree.

  “Katherine, no!”

  Lucian threw himself forward, taking her down onto the forest floor, covering her body with his own. Blistering heat slammed against his back, but not enough for him to be encompassed in flames. Keeping his weight over her, he twisted his face to see Etienne had raised his head and spat his white-hot flames, skyward. A lucky escape.

  “Katherine, please do as I say and run.” He whispered harshly as he slid himself off her and pulled her to her feet. They didn’t have long before the dragon’s fire would rekindle.

  “Not without you.” She grasped his upper arms to steady herself, her golden eyes burning with determination. Lucian didn’t want to enthral her, but he needed her out of harm's way while he tried to explain the situation to the dragon.

  He gazed deeply into her eyes only to have his thoughts interrupted.

  She defended you. Why? Etienne’s gruff, flame-infused voice forced its way into Lucian’s mind.

  I don’t know but you must understand, I mean her no harm. Allow her to leave and we can continue this. Lucian spoke back.

  If you do not mean to feed upon the woman, why was she running from you?

  Lucian turned around to face Etienne as the dragon peered down at them both with a sceptical and distrusting look in his eye. Katherine tugged at his forearm in an attempt to pull him away from the beast. Her persistence in trying to get him away from the obvious danger caused a strange warmth to grow in his chest. He held out his hand to signal for her to remain behind him.

  I wish I knew. I was wondering the same thing right before I was able to come after her. As you well know, these hills are full of dangerous creatures of which she has no knowledge. I only pursued her to ensure her safety, I give you my word. Lucian kept the dragon’s gaze and opened his mind to him, allowing him the opportunity to search for any deceit in his words.

  The silence stretched between them. The frantic beating of Katherine’s heart from behind him pulled at his protective instincts. He wanted to calm her nerves.

  If you will allow me to make introductions,

  Lucian took hold of her soft, delicate fingers and stepped to the side, drawing her forward to stand with him.

  “Etienne, please may I introduce Miss. Katherine Daxton. She is a guest within my home and is under my protection. Katherine this is Etienne. He resides in the mountains that you see yonder.”

  “Erm, hello.” Katherine spoke with shaking uncertainty.

  Etienne looked between the two of them and let out a huffing breath. Smoke curling out from his nostrils.

  She appears to still be fearful. He gruffed.

  She is standing in front of a mythical fire-breathing creature, one that just tried to take her back to his lair, is it any wonder that she’s afraid? Lucian countered, cocking a brow at the dragon.

  Etienne huffed again.

  My lair is perfectly safe, she would not have come to any harm.

  “Am I missing something here?” Katherine asked, stepping closer to Lucian and taking his arm. The very evidence that she trusted him to provide her with reassurance and safety, made his chest swell with pride.

  “My apologies, Miss. Daxton. Dragons communicate telepathically while in this form. We were just discussing whether you would like to join him in his lair.” Lucian explained.

  “Oh erm, thank you, Etienne but I’m going to stick with Lord Nightingale if that’s OK?” She visibly paled as she awkwardly addressed the dragon.

  I can shift and be in my human form if it would put her more at ease. Etienne offered.

  I’m not sure being naked would do much to persuade her to return with you, old sport. She’s had enough of a shock for one evening don’t you think. Lucian smirked back and enjoyed the indignant huff he received in reply.

  Very well, I will take my leave, but if I find her running from you again, I will take her to safety. Etienne warned.

  “Quite, I’m sure that won’t be necessary, but your consideration is appreciated.” Lucian bowed his head slightly in a farewell gesture.

  The dragon eyed him warily, but stepped back and bent his head low towards Katherine, his vast iridescent wings splayed outward for her to admire no doubt. He puffed out a small stream of smoke that encircled her, she touched the hazy ring with curiosity, a small frown marring her brow. Etienne stood back and couched upon his hind legs, then without any more preamble, he pushed himself off from the ground. With great, heaving beats of his wings, he was off through the foggy night sky.

  Lucian turned to face Katherine, cupping her pale face in his hands. Her skin was perfectly smooth against his and he couldn’t resist the urge to gently run his thumb across her cheeks, letting his fingers slide into her golden hair. She reached out and placed her shaking hands upon his forearms, bracing herself against his strength.

  “Are you alright, Miss. Daxton?”

  “That was a...” She swallowed hard and looked up towards the sky, then back to Lucian, her eyes wide and dark. “That was a dragon.”

  “Yes, it was.”

  “He was going to take me?”

  “Yes, but only because he believed you were in trouble, he’s quite honourable really.”

  “You fought a dragon,” she stuttered, “you fought a dragon for me.”

  “Yes, Katherine, I did.”

  “Huh.”

  It was the last thing she said before her eyes rolled back and she fainted into his arms.

  Chapter Six

  Katherine

  Katherine awoke to strange surroundings. She wasn’t in her apartment, that much she could get her head around. She had agreed to stay at Tumbricane in her father’s stead, but the black silken bedsheets were not what had been on her designated bed earlier that day. She flexed her fingers and admired the smooth softness that glided beneath her touch. She had always thought silk sheets would feel cold against her skin, but much to her delight she was wrong. The sheets were just the right temperature, warm enough to be cosy but still cool like the fresh side of the pillow if she were to reach out further from her cocoon.

  She kept her eyes shuttered, only peering out between a small crack. The room wasn’t dark, a gentle light filled the room with warmth. The sound of the occasional pop and crack from beyond the bed let her know a fire had been lit to keep the room nice and toasty. She couldn’t see or hear Lord Nightingale, but she could sense he was there in the room with her. A feeling of being watched made her try to keep her breathing slow and steady. She wasn’t ready to talk with him yet. She wasn’t ready to face the fact that they had encountered a mythical being and what’s more, Lord Nightingale had held his own against it, fighting the monstrous thing while urging her to run. He had saved her. Considering she had run from him, she would’ve thought that after she had fainted she would’ve woken up in a dungeon of some kind. Not nestled snuggly in his bed.

  Oh, and she knew it was his bed. How could she not? The intoxicating warm and seductive scent of whatever cologne he wore, clung to the silk, making it impossible for her not to breat
he it in. She had a few sporadic memories of their journey back to Tumbricane, each was just a glimmer of consciousness: a gentle bounce as soft footfalls pressed into the fallen leaves on the forest floor. A firm chest against her cheek. The delicious scent of the man in whose arms she was being carried. A soothing voice assuring her she was safe and to rest some more.

  If Lord Lucian Nightingale was angry with her for having broken the terms of their contract, he had a strange way of showing it. Then again, Katherine was beginning to suspect that he was a strange sort of man. If he even were a man. She’d seen a dragon that evening. An actual real-life dragon. As far as she was concerned the door was now wide open for a whole swathe of make-believe creatures to come prancing through, ready to blow her preconceived idea of the world around her, to smithereens.

  “Miss. Daxton, I know you are awake, your breathing has accelerated significantly.” His voice called to her from somewhere across the room.

  Katherine squeezed her eyes shut at the sound and cursed her own requirement to breathe. Perhaps if she stubbornly refused to respond he might leave and she could sneak out to find her way back to her own room.

  “We have much to discuss. I’d prefer for that to be a two-way conversation,” he continued.

  Damn him. He wasn’t going to let her off the hook. She held her breath for another long minute, this time her eyes wide open as if he might suddenly appear right in front of her face.