The Dove & the Darkness (Ceasefire Series book 5) Page 4

  I hate this solitude.

  There’s nothing to help distract me. Keep my thoughts from the images flooding my brain.

  Hugging my arms around my naked body I snuggle further beneath the woolen blanket I’ve been left. It’s enough to keep out the chill. A thin layer of protection to hide beneath and pretend I’m somewhere safe.

  I can read everyone with my powers, but I can’t see past Master’s formidable will. He’s an enigma. Why is it when he’s with me my mind is calm? His presence holds back the visions that hound me. Keep them at bay.

  He’s mad.

  Warped with insanity.

  His words twist me up inside. I know he intends to violate my body and mind. Dominate me with his will until I’m nothing more than a thoughtless puppet. He’s older, more experienced than me, stealing moments that should be precious and special. Not shame filled and dirty.

  A sob breaks from my chest, rocking me back and forth. Scoring my nails along the fragile skin of my arm, I try to use the bite of pain as a distraction. It’s not enough to blot out the ever-present darkness at the edge of my mind that coils around me further. A leviathan of consciousness that isn’t my own. A vision grips me so powerfully the room around me dims. Instead of images, all I’m granted this time is blackness and voices.

  “Where is she?” Mavi is crystal clear in my head. It makes my heart lurch in longing to hear my sister and be home with her. Safe. With my family. Loved. Begging them forgiveness for my sins. Why won’t my power let me see them now? It’s cruel to let me hear them but not be able to see them.

  “There is no trace of who took her.” My father’s tone is colder than usual. “But I will tear every world that exists apart until we find her. No one takes my children from me and lives with the mistake. The armies of the damned will raze every civilization to the ground until she is found. The streets will run with blood and the air thick with the stench of death until she is returned unharmed. I’ll send out my best hunters. Find Cassandra’s location and bring her home myself.”

  “What if she escaped the dungeon herself and ran away?” Raziel, his right-hand man, asks. “She was pretty twisted up about that vision she saw. What she predicted was coming. What she tried to have done to Jane because of it.”

  Raziel should have been mine. I’ve been besotted with him since I was eight. My dark winged angel. My mentor. My friend.

  I did it for him.

  For all of us.

  I’d tried to stop what’s coming, but they don’t see that not like I do. They never understand just see me as the crazy child with wild eyes.

  “No, no, I’m here! Please come get me. I promise I’ll be a good girl. Don’t leave me here.” I cry tears streaming down my cheeks.

  They can’t hear or see me. The universe expands and decreases. It breathes, bleeds, and so do I along with it. I’m a slave to my ability. It’s only ever been this bad when something major is about to happen. I foresaw the coming of my sister, the most destructive force on earth. The heartache of Raziel and his mate. This is something more. Whatever is approaching will only bring death and doom. I can feel it scratching at the inside of my skull. Whispering just out of reach.

  A presence.

  8

  Soren

  “Good evening, Miranda,” I call, dragging aside the bolts of the small metal flap at the bottom of the cell door. I’m careful in its upkeep, making sure it never rusts. Out of all the chambers in the place this one is never fully opened.

  “Hello, Soren.” The occupant’s response is low and husky a slight lisp to her words.

  Running my fingers lovingly along the spine of the object clutched in my hand I sink down until I’m seated on the dusty corridor floor, my back pressed to the cool metal of the door. It’s a position I’ve taken many times before. The sound of a child singing softly can be heard in the background.

  “I have a new book for you.”

  Miranda’s breath makes a whooshing sound of excitement as she exhales, a quiet thump following when she sits the other side. “We’ve read the last one you leant us ten times already.”

  “You and Jellybean enjoyed it that much?” I can’t keep the delight from my tone.

  “Yes.” The rustle of clothing moves closer to the door, a slender hand pushing the book out from the hole for me to take. “This Jules Verne was very entertaining. Does he have more stories like Journey to the Center of the Earth?”

  “Yes. I have more of his books in my library. I’ll bring you some on my next rounds,” I assure her, happy I can take her imagination from this place, even if she herself can never leave.

  “Something has happened; you sound preoccupied.”

  Her perceptiveness never fails to amaze me. For someone who has spent most of their life imprisoned, she shouldn’t exhibit such sensitivity. “Just a new prisoner I’m dealing with.”

  Miranda’s laughter is brimming with amusement. “Why doesn’t that ring completely true?”

  Glancing down at my tattooed arm, I absently trace the black inked skulls nestled among their petals. “She’s an Oracle.”

  “What visions does she see?”

  “I haven’t thought to ask her,” I answer with a frown, fingertip ghosting up the vine attaching one death flower to another. Every loss connected. Every family member is accounted for on my living flesh and never forgotten. It’s my homage to all of them. A promise and a vow.

  “It’s the first thing I would have done,” she continues ruefully. “Asked her if I’m ever going to see the light of day. Feel fresh air on my skin…”

  Her confession has me pausing. “You know that’s not possible. The world outside these walls is dangerous for the likes of us. Here you are safe and protected.”

  A taunt silence stretches. Even Jellybean’s singsong trails off into a sad hush.

  My insides tighten uncomfortably. Rising from the ground, I crouch quickly gathering the old book and pushing the new through the grate with a briskness that shakes off my melancholy. “I’ll bring those books soon and a present for Jellybean. A doll for her to play with.”

  Miranda’s whisper is soft and sorrowful. “Thank you, uncle.”

  No one here knows of our connection. I’m responsible for her, and that will never change. This prison might not be much, but it's our home. A secure sanctuary that keeps the rest of the universe out and the terrible things housed here safe from destroying it.

  Including my niece.

  Striding along the corridor, I automatically take the spiral staircase down. This place is like a honeycomb. Hollowed with passages and rooms. It would be easy to get lost if you don’t know your way.

  My thoughts turn to my little Dove. The craving to have Cassandra’s warm, wet tongue pirouetting around the tip of my cock is a brand in my soul. I want to be inside her even if at this stage it’s just her mouth. It will be a thrill to hear her moans. Witness her shyness, her inexperience will show, but I’ll revel in it with a passion. I’d told her I’d find a use for it. After all her swearing, it will silence her smart mouth.

  I want her wantonly begging for my possession when I finally fuck her. It’s something I intend to work up to. Seduce her, have her untried body yearning for what it needs. The memory of the silvery healed scars that decorate her inner arms floats into my mind. I don’t want to admit how they bother me. Why I itch to ask the story behind them. Would she tell me if I asked?

  Whining intrudes on my thoughts.

  Steps quickening, I hurry farther to the deepest reaches of the prison. Here we’re not far from the grand doors. The air is fresher with a bite to the autumn air. Less secure, the cells have been abandoned for other uses, such as storage. Halting outside one, I press my hand to the smooth metal. The whimpers and whines rise in volume. Searching for the right key, I turn it in the lock, pushing open the reinforced door. I easily pick out the immense shape in the semi-dark. Head on her paws, large eyes reflect in the flame light coming from the open doorway.

  I’
ve kept her chained up longer than normal. She should have had a run by now, but I’ve been distracted with work.

  Stepping through the threshold, I hold out my hand. “I’m sorry for neglecting you, girl,” I croon. “Things have been busy, and the days have slipped past.”

  A huff disturbs the air, its strength blowing back the sides of my mask. She is grouchier than normal. Not that I blame her. Belly rounded and swollen, the offspring she carries must be making it uncomfortable. Laying on her side she moves restlessly.

  “Lucien’s been feeding you, but I know you’d rather it was me.” I carry on talking to her as I always do. It’s something I’ve always done.

  Rough and wet, a large tongue slobbers over my hand, drenching my arm in drool.

  “You’ll get to stretch your legs soon, I promise.”

  A throaty growl responds to my words.

  I know I must keep it. One such as her isn’t meant to be caged. Although not many of her kind remain, packs still roam in the vast forests of the land. The last time she got out, she was gone for days, and when she finally came home, she was pregnant. Once she roamed freely, but like me, she is tethered to this place. I can’t lose her like I’ve lost everything else. She’s a link to my painful past but also a faithful companion I’ve sworn to protect. An unwitting prisoner of circumstance and fate like Miranda and Jellybean.

  9

  Cassandra

  “I have a rule of my own...and two demands.” I rush out when Master finally comes for me. The relief at seeing him, finally, brought only bitter anger. It’s obvious that he wants me to grow an unhealthy dependency and attachment to him. After all, isn’t that how you train a pet?

  He terrifies me, but I can’t give in. I refuse to be weak.

  His eyes widen a fraction with unexpected shock behind the skeleton mask, but it’s quickly replaced with a faint gleam of amusement. “You’re in no position to bargain.”

  “You need me. My visions. They are valuable to you, and I won’t reveal them if I don’t get what I want.” With the blanket shielding my nakedness, I find courage to speak my mind. “I refuse to be a beaten, little mouse who squeaks at someone who gets his kicks out of terrorizing women.”

  A chuckle vibrates in Master’s throat. “I wouldn’t call you a mouse, my Dove. Tell me these requests.” Folding his arms over his chest, his biceps bulge. With an almost playful attitude, he rests his shoulder idly on the wall.

  “I want to be able to clean myself. Have a shower once a day and the use of a real toilet.”

  “Anything else?”

  “No more touching me,” I tell him, wishing the tremor in my voice is not so noticeable.

  Lips pressed together, he seems to mull over what I’ve said. “I’ll take it all into consideration. For now, you can use the tub I have in the other room with a cloth for a quick wash.”

  Straightening he gestures toward the door.

  I eye it. Is it really this simple? Why does Master seem different today? The evil menace that emanates from him since day one is somehow subdued. Shuffling forward with the blanket still around me, I move toward the door.

  “That stays here.”

  Looking down at my only covering, I clutch it tightly. It’s the first scrap of dignity I’ve had since waking up in this god-awful place. I don’t want to be parted from it now. Yet the sound of clean water is so tempting. I’m covered in dirt. My skin is heavy with my own musky scent. If I don’t take what’s on offer now, there is no guarantee he will do it again. Master is unpredictable.

  Releasing a shaky breath, I let the material puddle at my ankles on the floor. Master remains quiet as I step from its safety. I can feel his eyes on me.

  Keeping my head bent, I hide my face behind my hair. This time, I scan the opposite direction. More closed doors run the length. More cells. The owners of the wails and screams I’ve heard. Poor souls confined and at the mercy of this mad man.

  Without a sound, I head for the tub in his torture room. Resting on the rim is a small pink swath of material.

  Not waiting for permission, I scoop it up. Dunking it into the icy water I quickly hold it up to my face. The briskness of the liquid makes me gasp. Sending goose bumps over my skin, the damp cloth is pleasingly refreshing. It isn’t much, but it goes a long way to making me feel semi normal. My only wish is that I had some soap. Not sure how long I have, I scrub myself clean.

  Hairs rising on the back of my neck, some sixth sense warns me Master has moved. He’s right behind me. I can sense it. Tread so quiet I haven’t even heard him move.

  His jean clad groin bumps into my arse.

  Freezing in the process of washing my stomach, I told a breath. The hard press of his arousal burns me like a brand.

  “Times up.” Fingertips skate down my arms to circle my wrists.

  “But I haven’t finished,” I protest.

  “I don’t care.” Master’s tone is ruthless.

  Shoulders slumping, I glance longingly at the exit.

  “If you run, you know what will happen,” he warns as if he has somehow sensed my thoughts. “You don’t get to decide anything, understood? I make the rules, and you obey.” Taking the washcloth from my hand, he dumps it back into the water with a splash.

  I stand motionless. Somehow, I know I’m not going straight back to my cage.

  “I want you to stand where I had you before beneath the chains.”

  Shaking my head, I meet his assessing stare. “No.”

  “Little Dove.” His voice is hard as the name is said in warning.

  “You’ll just hit me again or do something worse.” Backing up, I search desperately for anything I can use as a weapon.

  Stalking closer, Master grows more foreboding and darker with every step. “Oh, it will be worse all right, if you don’t get your beautiful arse where I tell you.”

  Scooting around the bath, I make a run for the cabinets. Whatever he has in there I can use as a weapon. If not, at least I can see the full horror of what he intends. Before I can even stretch a hand out, Master’s arm loops around my bare waist.

  His touch scalds me. The callousness of his fingers digs into my hip as he lifts me up and off my feet.

  “NO!” It’s a scream of defiance. One that comes from the very depths of my soul. I’m not a toy. He can’t keep using and abusing me. Doesn’t he understand that I’m a human being too?

  The cuffs lock ominously into place. Struggling I fight and jerk in the restraints until my arms begin to ache.

  Kneeling, Master grabs my right ankle.

  Using the other one, I kick him in the chest. My blow is glancing but manages to topple him onto his butt.

  Swearing out loud, he brings his palm down hard on my buttock.

  I squeal from the pain. Trying to twist away, I attempt to shake myself free as he claims my other foot and secures it to the floor. Now he has me spread eagle while standing. Releasing a scream, I rattle the chains in a violent burst of temper.

  Master stands watching. A smirk curves his mouth. One I wish I could punch right off his cruel lips.

  “You can’t stop me from touching you. No rule will ever stop that,” he tells me as he slinks out of view. “I’m going to take you anyway I want you. I own you. You should be grateful for my attention.”

  Tensing, I turn my head. “I won’t like it.”

  With rough palms, he slides them over my thighs. As he erases the space between us, his hips cup my bottom in an intimate hold.

  Something tightens inside my stomach. It sends heat pooling low and an unfamiliar ache through my pussy.

  “We both know that’s a lie now, don’t we.” His fingers probe my slit. Rubbing he eases them into me as his thumb dances over my clit. “Are you a virgin, Cassandra?”

  Startled by his first use of my real name, our gazes lock over my shoulder. “Yes.”

  Would admitting the truth change my fate? I doubt it very much. My only hope is when he chooses to violate me, he’ll at least be gentle.<
br />
  “Why?” Master questions softly. He hasn’t let up on touching me. With sureness, he delves inside my aching wet channel. The supple leather of his mask is pressed against my cheek.

  “Why what?” I ask, too distracted by the sensations he causes throbbing through my lower half.

  “Why are you still a virgin? Do you lose your powers if it’s taken? Is that why Lucifer hasn’t fucked you?”

  I can’t think straight with what he’s doing. It sends a hungry thrum through my untried pussy. “No. But it’s forbidden.”

  10

  Soren

  Untouched by a man’s lust. My cock leaps to life as my Dove admits it out loud. I needed to be sure that it wouldn’t rob me of her precious gift. Be certain that wasn’t the reason the Devil resisted fucking her.

  Her purity belongs to me. To have her come around my cock so hard she’ll be permanently attached is now all I desire.

  “It’s yours if you’ll let me go.” The whisper is so soft I almost don’t hear it.

  “Hmm, your virginity is already mine for the taking, whether you want me to or not, so don’t think you can bargain with it.” Pressing my fingers deeper within her core, I beat them in a rhythm finding her sweet spot. “It’s just a matter of time when I choose to.”

  Arching with pleasure, Cassandra begins to pant. “Don’t you have a conscience, Soren?”

  I like the sound of that name as it falls from her lips. It’s something I intend to hear more of. Screamed in both ecstasy and pain.

  “No. I don’t.”

  “Then why did you leave me a blanket?”

  The question catches me off guard. Kissing her shoulder, I considered it. I’m not who she thinks I am. Not who I’ve led her to believe. This persona is a lie. That’s why. My secrets are my own that only a chosen few know. I may be a monster now, but I chose long ago what kind of monster I was going to be. Fate may have condemned me to this existence, but I decide how I live it.