Torment (Craving 2)

He didn’t speak.

I said, finally, “And so we lost her.”

Oddly enough, he calmed down and answered, “Yes, and thus, we are united in our need for revenge.”

“No, you and I…never will be united,” I answered quietly. I was, however, taken aback by his depth of feeling. I didn’t trust him. I could never trust him, but one thing I did believe was that he wasn’t lying. I felt the truth of everything he had told me and it was as he said—if he didn’t want to tell me a truth, he would not respond.

“What do you want from me, Beyland? Why have you brought me here? What do you think I can do that you can’t?”

“Ah, you are direct. I like that about you. Lisa was always direct.” He pyramided his fingers. “What I want is…” He stopped a moment and a hiss escaped him, but he did not speak.

I could see he was collecting himself.

“Yeah…just what do you want?” I repeated, and I suppose I was angry and it showed.

“So much spit and fire,” he said on a heavy sigh. “You are a newborn witch. Your grandmother was one of the most powerful witches in our now destroyed realm. You can’t know how very emotionally difficult it would be for me to kill you, so I prefer not to go that route. Remember, I am a Dark Warlock in league with the devil, so please don’t test my ability to get past my emotions and tear your lovely body apart.”

Ignoring his speech, I repeated, “What do you want?”

“Bobbie Skye, first, you need to understand that I can sense all your powers are still emerging. They are reaching for maturity. I can do many things to you without killing you. I can hinder your magic in a web of confusion...which would cause you to lose yourself in a daze that would continue until I released you from it. I have that ability. We can avoid that if you give me what I need.”

“Okay, stop with the threats already,” I snapped. “What the hell do you need…want, that you think I can supply?”

“Ramon is an ancient. People believe we are like brothers, but the truth is, as you now know, the truth is I despise him. Had it not been for him…today, you and I would both have Lisa. Even if she never accepted me again…she would be on this earth, and this earth without her is diminished,” he said on a low, hard note.

“So…kill him. He betrayed you, Allora betrayed you. Kill them. You are way stronger than any vampire, even ancient vampires,” I said, frowning. “That would sure be okay with me. And if I can help you with that, I damn well will.”

“No, I would rather you did not have a hand in this directly. Lisa would not have liked that, and I have a great deal to make up for…if I can. What I want from you is very simple. The day-walker, Devin MacLeod, has notes on the experiments he conducted to create the potion that allows him to walk about in daylight.”

“Okay, but he is in another realm,” I stalled, waiting to see where this was going.

“His castle is not in another realm, and he had not been expecting to be sent as a prisoner to another realm. His notes would be hidden in his castle…at least, that is my conclusion from my investigation.”

“What about Ramon? Does he know what you have been doing on the side? Because, I take it, you are not really working with him to get these notes,” I said.

His smile was absolutely, devastatingly beautiful in its wickedness. He was gorgeous, blond, and innocently handsome in his appearance, but that smile…whoa, what a combination.

“Ramon believes I am trying to help him get the notes. I move freely amongst the Ancient Clan…all so excited to get these notes and walk in the sun!”

“But when you get them?” I asked curiously.

“When I get them, I will burn the notes right before their eyes and then I will snatch Ramon up, imprison him, and begin the years of torture I mean to inflict on his mind and body!”

I winced. “I think ridding the world of him quickly would be the safe route to go.”

“Ah, but you and I walk different roads,” he said softly.

Man, I didn’t want to be his enemy, I thought, and said, “And how would I know where to find these notes?”

“Don’t play games with me, little one. Your connection to Lisa gives you some leeway, but I shall not tolerate prevarication. I don’t play games. If you don’t wish to cooperate, say so, and we shall take it from there.”

“I don’t wish to cooperate,” I snapped.

“You could be made to regret that, but I prefer…again for Lisa’s sake, for the memories I keep so close, I should like to avoid giving you more grief than need be. Bring me those notes and I promise you, Lisa will be vindicated. That is all you should care about.”

“Well, I’m not sure I should. What if the notes get into the wrong hands? What if your plan goes awry?”

“Trust me in this. I know well how to proceed,” he said grimly.