When Darkness Ends by Alexandra Ivy Page A

return.”
    â€œI doubt the rest of the clan shared your confidence,” he said, abruptly realizing his mind was only partially on his companion while the majority of his attention was focused on the startling acute sense of Fallon two floors above him. Bloody hell, had the female cast some fey spell on him? With a grim effort, he tried to slam the door on his unwelcome connection to the princess. “Did you have any challenges?” he demanded.
    Lise’s smile widened, giving a glimpse of her sharp fangs. “Oddly enough most of the clan think that I’m—”
    â€œScary as hell?” he completed in dry tones.
    â€œIntimidating,” she corrected. “Where have you been?”
    â€œFairyland.”
    There was a startled silence before Lise narrowed her gaze. “Is that a joke?”
    â€œActually it’s a long story.” He gave a shake of his head. He didn’t want to discuss the fact he’d been magically transported out of the Chatri palace and caught in some dimensional limbo for weeks. He was still weirded out by the whole thing. “For now all you need to know is that no one can realize that I have returned.”
    A rare hint of surprise touched Lise’s usually inscrutable face.
    â€œIs there a particular reason why?”
    â€œA request by an Oracle.”
    Lise grimaced. “A wise vampire tries to avoid the attention of the Commission.”
    No shit. Unfortunately Cyn hadn’t been given an option.
    â€œToo late,” he muttered. “I’m just hoping to survive the next few days.”
    â€œWhat can I do to help?”
    And that was what made Lise the perfect second-in-command.
    No unnecessary dramatics. No annoying questions he obviously didn’t want to answer. Just a request to know how she could assist.
    â€œI will need you to continue with my clan duties.”
    â€œNo problem.” She studied his carefully guarded expression, clearly sensing that he was hiding something from her. “Anything else?”
    â€œI’ll need food.”
    Lise nodded. “I’ll bring fresh blood tomorrow night.”
    â€œAnd fairy food,” he commanded.
    A startled blink. “Fairy food?”
    Cyn ignored her response. “Nectar and the usual berries and nuts. And female clothing.” He waved a hand toward his companion. “Slender like you, but a few inches taller.”
    Lise nodded, accustomed to Cyn’s habit of filling his home with unexpected guests.
    â€œJust one fairy?”
    Once again he realized that he’d unconsciously reached out with his senses to lock on Fallon, a low hum of awareness vibrating through his body.
    Bloody hell.
    â€œTrust me, that’s one more than I wanted to bring,” he muttered.
    Lise’s power whipped through the room, forming a coating of ice on the overhead chandelier, at the edge of frustration in Cyn’s tone.
    â€œDo you want me to get rid of her?”
    â€œNo.” His power rose to match Lise’s, an unspoken warning that his guest was not to be harmed. “She’s here at the command of the Oracle.”
    Lise ratcheted down her rare ability to create ice as a weapon, studying Cyn as if he’d given away more than he intended.
    â€œThe mystery deepens,” she murmured, her nose abruptly flaring as she tilted back her head to test the air. “What is that smell?” She shivered. “Delicious.”
    Cyn had already caught the unmistakable scent of champagne, his blood heating with a dangerous anticipation.
    Damn.
    â€œMy unwelcome houseguest,” he muttered, glancing toward the bank of security monitors that were discreetly attached to the wall in a shallow alcove above the desk.
    Lise moved to stand at his side, her brows lifting at the sight of the female Chatri who was floating with elegant grace down the sweeping staircase.
    â€œUnwelcome? She’s beautiful.”
    Cyn snapped his teeth