Dark Guardian Page 14

  “And, it became a bestseller. No wonder, it’s brilliantly written,” Chloe said, waving her hand towards the bookshelf behind David’s chair. “Do you write books in advance? Timewise?”

  Clearing his throat, David looked at me. “Funny you should ask that, just recently, I have. It’s like I’m starting to see events unfold before the date I’m writing.”

  “How do you know that?” I asked, not convinced that the man could see the future.

  Shuffling in his seat, the professor looked between all three of us before answering. “Well, I’ve written a scene, just this morning. About a masquerade ball that happens tomorrow night. You all attend.”

  Jack sat forward in his seat. “How do you know about that?”

  I frowned, nudging my friend’s arm to explain. Chloe was staring at the professor, her mouth open slightly. She must have felt my gaze on her, because she looked straight at me before licking her lips.

  Quickly looking away, I kept my focus on Jack when he turned to me.

  “We’ve heard that the other posh bitch we thought may have been the Fallen One is having one of her masquerade balls tomorrow night. We managed to wangle tickets, mate. Apparently, it’s a pretty open event.”

  “I’m not surprised, they probably invite anyone so they can drain their light.” Releasing my breath, I got up from my seat, ready to get moving.

  Jack reached out a hand, gripping my thigh before I could move away. “Frederik Jensen will be there. It’s the perfect time to strike.”

  Knocking his arm away, I went to stride out of the room. Chloe jumped up from her seat and followed me into the hall.

  “Trygger, what’s the matter with you? Ever since we’ve been here, you’ve been agitated with us.” Tugging on her unicorn shirt when I turned to her, she looked down at her feet. The posture reminded me of when we had first met almost a year ago. The woman had grown into a strong person, yet around me, she often reverted back to that vulnerable lost descendant of Freya.

  My movement was quick as I stepped forward. She backed up, straight into the wall as I came towards her, towering over her, and not in a good way.

  “Chloe, why are you not strong and powerful around me? Have you forgotten who you are?” I spoke in her face, making her cringe.

  Her back was against the wallpaper, a soft brown colour, fitting for an English professor. The blonde of her hair stood out in contrast, making me touch it. My breathing increased as I looked into her eyes.

  “You once told me you were Chloe, descendant of Freya. You said your power was your emotion, but all I see in front of me...”

  As I paused, her dark eyes hardened, the glow of her cheeks draining. She could feel it, the distancing. My heart was not open for business, and if she thought that it was, she was not as intelligent as I had believed.

  “I am a warrior, Trygger. Not because of you, but because of me. Do you think you would have found the Fallen One so quickly if it wasn’t for me? Whose research did you steal? Who is now leading you straight to the person you hadn’t even managed to formally identify as your enemy? Me. Yes, me, Trygger. You can scowl all you want, but the reality is...you’d be fucked without me. So, when you admit that to yourself, you’ll finally see why Freya sent me to help you. Before then, well...”

  Her teeth ran across her bottom lip as she glanced at my mouth. I stepped back, unable to handle the intensity of emotion she was throwing my way. “Well...?” I breathed.

  “Well, you had better just get on with killing the Fallen One so we can both be rid of each other.”

  Thrusting from the wall, Chloe went back into the living room. I stood, my hand on my chest, breathing deep. How had that woman been able to invoke emotional reactions in me?

  For so very long, I had managed to stay out of that realm of humanity. Yet, as much as it made me twitchy, a small smile tugged on my lips. I liked to see her eyes flare with desire, or fire. Seeing her react unconsciously to my presence, without it being tied to Thor’s power, was invigorating.

  However, my mission was my mission. And, there was nothing I would let stand in the way. Chloe may be enticing, which was hard to admit to myself. I had never seen her that way before. But, there were much more important things I had to keep my mind focused on.

  “Trygger, it is such an honour to meet you. Good luck at the ball tomorrow.” David rounded into the hallway, obviously realising that I wasn’t going to hang around.

  His words triggered something in me, something distant in my memory. Since my revelations around the time of the last Fallen One, I had successfully managed to bury all memories that had resurfaced. But, as I stood, watching the older man offer his hand to shake again, I was taken back to a place I had completely forgotten about.

  My grandfather was a firm believer in the gods. However, he would never admit that my father was the son of Thor. He had loved his daughter very much, and had somehow managed to find a good match for her. Yet, when word got out that Thor had been visiting with her, the engagement fell apart.

  Thor had provided for my grandmother, but not her father. One day, when I was a boy, I was playing with my wooden sword. Charging into his home in the village, I accosted him and declared myself grandson of Thor.

  “You may believe that you have the blood of a god running through your veins, boy, but let me tell you this. What you do as a man makes you who you are, not where you come from. If you try and pretend that you’re the bravest of them all, you’ll have your heart broken.”

  His words resounded in my head as I shook the professor’s hand and left without saying another word. The man could tell me what he had written, but I didn’t want to know. I had never known before, so why would I change things now? If Freya already knew what was going happen, would it make her act differently? Maybe she could already see what was going to happen with Odin.

  “Trygger,” Jack called from David’s front door. “Don’t forget to dress sexy tomorrow, pretty boy. We’ve got a Fallen One to catch and my beauty alone might draw them in, but with us both looking hot, no one will be able to resist.”

  Waving him away, I kept walking. My skin tingled as I imagined how the night would play out. It would not be anything like my showdown with Victor. In fact, the thrill of not knowing was probably the one thing I looked forward to most when facing a Fallen One.

  It was too fast, too soon after the last two. My normal routine of taking years to track them down had completely dissolved and it made me uneasy. How, or more accurately, why was I being led to them so easily all of a sudden? Had Victor been right about Freya building an army against Odin? If so, things would not be as in my favour as I had originally thought.

  The goddess may be powerful, but Odin ruled the gods.

  14

  Masquerading

  CHARLES BRIDGE, IN the centre of Prague, was lit up against the gloomy sky, the lights reflecting on the blue water below. The fog over the city lent an artistic feel to the evening as I passed the statues that stared down at me. My fine suit fluttered slightly in the breeze as I walked towards Prague castle. Never before had I been inside the historic building. I had seen enough, and lived in them too, to last me more than my thousand-year lifetime.

  “You’re quiet,” Chloe said, coming to walk beside me.

  The streets were fairly silent as we moved along the cobblestones. It was late, too late really. The party would already be in full swing. That wasn’t a bad thing, I wasn’t going just to show off my mask. Which was plain black, covering my eyes.

  Chloe wore a long silver ball gown, her tiny feet encased in matching low heeled shoes. It impressed me how easily she had found it to walk from the old town and over the bridge.

  “I’m gearing myself up.”

  Meant as a hint for her to leave me alone, my sentence only provoked her to speak more.

  “Wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to kill another Fallen One so soon? Three in a year, compared to your one in a century.”

  Glancing down at her,
I stifled a smile. “Oh, and it’s got to be because of you...right?”

  The silver mask that covered her eyes moved. The feathers that were stuck to one side flickered as she nodded. “Of course.”

  Ducking her head so our eyes didn’t meet, Chloe kept her concentration on the cobbled streets. If she caught her heel, she would go flying. And, as much as I would find it amusing, it would draw attention to us. Certainly from the small queue that lined up outside the castle gates.

  “We’re here,” Jack hissed, catching up to us from behind. “Play it cool, kids, play it cool.”

  Handing out the tickets, Jack led us to the front of the queue. A tall man in a full mask stood on guard. Gesturing for our tickets, he nodded when he read that we were VIPs. How Jack had wangled that one, I didn’t want to know. Was he using his body as a way to get information in Prague, too? I wouldn’t be surprised.

  “Right this way,” he said in a thick Czech accent. “Selena will show you to your room.”

  Room? A beautiful native woman, petite and naturally bright blonde, crooked her finger at us, indicating that we follow. Jack’s eyes almost fell out of his face when they landed on the curvy small lady.

  Chloe watched my reaction, which was probably only mildly better than Jack’s. What could I say? I was a man who appreciated a woman. It had been my only pleasure in life for a very long time. Yet, something tugged in my chest. Something unfamiliar. Guilt?

  Surely, Chloe was used to me looking at other women. I didn’t need to sleep with them all, never had. Yet, for hundreds of years, ever since I had closed my heart, my automatic action was to bed a woman when I felt tense. It helped relieve the pressure. That wasn’t a crime, and I wasn’t about to be sorry for it.

  “You have the use of the private rooms here, where you can refresh yourself before we take you through to the party.” Pointing to an area of the building that seemed newer than some of the castle, the woman nodded that we should go in.

  We did as we were told, going straight through the doors. The rooms were grand, sweeping and exciting. An architect would get an instant hard on. Yet, I looked for exits, which were limited.

  A group of people stood by tables laden with canapes and drinks.

  Jack obviously headed straight for the champagne glasses, handing them out to everyone around us. Making friends with those who spoke English and grinning at those who didn’t. He had a way with everyone, it was sickly.

  The dark suit he wore was complimented by his hair, which was styled with the usual flicked up look, and a dark silver engraved half mask. His pretty blues winked at almost every woman and man in the room.

  Downing my drink, I left the glass on the table and refused another. Chloe raised her eyebrows, trying to tempt me by sipping on her drink elegantly. It didn’t work.

  “I need a clear head.”

  She smiled, the quirk of her lip lifting into her cheek. “Oh yes, should I ask for some tea?”

  My not-really-amused expression made her laugh. Turning from her to survey the room, I ran my hand over the invisible handle of my sword. It was strapped to my side, the end pointing towards my feet. The scabbard was tough, unbreakable. I had to make sure to take good care of not letting anyone else know it was there.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you who have been here before, you know what happens next,” the small lady shouted from the front of the room. “For those that are new to us, you’ll now have the opportunity to be...”

  “Examined,” a man shouted jovially.

  “Yes, examined by the people who throw this party. If they like what they see, you may be picked for a dance, or something extra special. Remember, you’re here for their enjoyment. Your reward will be given to you upon your departure, so make sure you work the room and enjoy yourself.”

  Chloe’s hand gripped my arm as the woman called for us to follow her to a separate room. I bit my lip in an attempt to stifle my laugh, but it didn’t work. Jack had inadvertently brought us to an orgy by the sounds of it.

  “Did she just mean...?” Chloe hissed, taking hold of Jack’s arm when he went to go past, clearly ready, and excited, about what was coming next if his skip was anything to go by.

  “Don’t panic, gorgeous lady,” Jack said, patting her hand. “You’ll get picked easily in that get up.”

  My humour released as we walked back out through the square where we were led into a small entrance hall of one of the main buildings. Chloe punched my arm, not amused by my own hilarity it seemed.

  The others chattered among themselves, their mood joyous as they spoke about who would get chosen. I had no idea what they spoke about, but if this circus distracted me from my mission, I would have to end it.

  “Trygger, what if...they want us to...you know?” The shake in Chloe’s voice put me on guard.

  Had she ever had a lover in her life? She had been alive for well over two hundred years, surely she had shared her bed with someone, or several someone’s for that matter.

  “Chloe,” I said, taking her elbow and drawing her to a stop. Both of us were amused as we faced each other. “Have you never been in love?”

  My question shocked her. The pinkness of her cheeks was already heightened as she looked around the room, instead of at me.

  Whatever was usually in the room had obviously been moved out for the occasion. Marks where information plaques were attached to walls and on the floor indicated that it had probably been cleared away today.

  “No,” Chloe stuttered, “I haven’t. Why do you ask?”

  I glanced around when a throng of people came out from behind a side door. I had failed to clock all entrances and exits. Having Chloe around was distracting me. Maybe it would be better if I stopped trying to find out if she had ever had sex and got on with the task.

  “No reason. Just pretend like you have known...everything there is to know about women and men and...you know.”

  I went to move away to distance myself when sharp heat stabbed my chest. Taking a step back, I breathed deeply, unable to focus on whatever Chloe replied.

  “Trygger, what is it?” Her concern was evident.

  Gripping her hand where she laid it on my chest, I almost pushed her off. Her eyes widened as she pulled away and touched the skin on her palm. Hopefully she felt the heat. I hadn’t meant to react so violently to her touch, but my body was completely sensitive to any outside stimulus right now.

  “The Fallen One is here.”

  Shaking my head, I calmed my body by breathing in a rhythmic pattern. “Not yet, but he’s on his way. Chloe,” I said, grabbing the tops of her arms. “Please, just go along with what’s happening for as long as you can. If anyone touches you, and you’re not comfortable, use your magic to disarm them discreetly.”

  She nodded, almost stumbling when I let her go and straightened. I had Thor’s power under control, for now. I had to ignore the intensity of the internal fire. It always took me by surprise at first, but once I had a handle on it, I was ready to do what I had to. And, boy, I was ready.

  Jack came over and waved towards the new people. They were dressed in exquisite gowns with handmade, beautiful masks. Ones that were intricate and covered most of the face. They were probably the most powerful people in the whole of Prague, which was why they hid behind masks. If tales of their exploits got out, they would be publically shamed.

  “We need to get in line, lovely people,” he said, shepherding us.

  This was Jack’s ideal party. He was a dark human who enjoyed sex and debauchery. He was someone who had to feed his soul. There was no way he could be offered an opportunity like this and not partake.

  The spring in his step made me anxious. Would he remember why we were here? Or, would he get carried away by what he wanted to do to some of those rich and unsuspecting people.

  “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Shayla. I’m the host for tonight. Please, stand nice and still while my clients look at you. Remember, be yourself, no games, no gimmicks. Enjoy y
our evening, my friends, enjoy.” The female who spoke was of medium build with a big bust and a butt to match. Middle-aged with slightly greying hair, she filled out her blood red dress in all the right places.

  The people around her, both men and women, started to wander up and down the line, inspecting the others as if they were prize race horses. Ready to bid, or bet on them, they were hungry for whatever they wanted that person to do.

  A young woman, one of high ranking, if her tilted nose and air of arrogance had anything to say about her, came straight up to me. “You’ll do,” she said, her accent strong.

  Swallowing, I nodded, agreeing to...whatever I was agreeing to. A man, a little older than me, sauntered over to Chloe, who had distanced herself from me. They spoke briefly before she smiled up at him. She knew how to turn on the charm when needed.

  “Let’s go.” My lady offered her hand, giving me the chance to be chivalrous.

  Smiling down into her light grey eyes, I wrapped my fingers around her hand and planted a small kiss on her knuckles.

  Her blush of satisfaction made my chest pound. Good, I had someone to take me into the heart of the party. That was the first test passed.

  Following her back out of the building, I kept my eyes on my feet. I could hurry her up if I wanted, but I had to appear to be a newcomer, someone who didn’t know what to expect.

  The night air rushed over me, cooling my raging heat. I offered my arm for the lady to take as we crossed the courtyard.

  “The party is held in the Vladislav Hall. My name is Anya. Please don’t ask me any questions, just do as I ask, when I ask.”

  Keeping my eyes forward, I muttered a positive. If Anya thought she could control me, she had another thing coming. Yet, the shake of her hand on my arm made me wonder what had brought her to this place. She didn’t belong here, even if she believed she did.

  The old royal palace came into view. We were silent as we made our way over to the entrance of the building. A man in a long cloak and black mask allowed us entrance. Other couples were already navigating their way to the hall.