The Ties of Darkness (Book Two of the Hidden Secrets Trilogy)

Chapter Five

I ran downstairs.

"Liam? Jacob?" I called. No answer. I began to worry my heart racing. If Erebus was getting more powerful, I was in trouble. "Liam, Jacob if there's-" the front door opened and I flitted to it as Liam came in with a box full of blood bags. I ran to him as he set the box down and I cried against his chest clinging to his jacket.

"Anna, oh my god. What happened?" Liam asked as he wrapped his arms around me.

"Liam, I know I've said this so many times but h..he came back! Erebus is going to take me," I sobbed. His hand brushed my hair from my face.

"Is he gone?" he asked. I nodded sniffling. Liam sat me on his lap on the couch. "I won't let him hurt you again," Liam promised.

"You always say that, but he always finds a way to get to me. I just don't if I can trust you with this Liam. Maybe we should part our ways-," suddenly my chin was jerked up and I was looking into his intense blue eyes.

"No! You'll ruin us both if you break the bond Anna," Liam growled. I remembered back to what he'd said after we'd killed Anya. I'd go mad, end up killing people or myself.

"So what, it's better than having Erebus having his every chance he can to find me, and take me away," I said stubbornly.

Anna, you can't do what isn't right because if you do, it'll throw off the balance," Liam said. I shot off his lap.

"No Liam! I can't take it when you say things like that! I just can't!" I yelled my eyes flaring red.

"Anna calm down. We should talk about-," Liam started before I interrupted him.

"No! You should talk Liam!" I shouted. He went to grab for my wrist but I slid away and turned, running upstairs and slamming the door and locking it behind me once I'd reached my room. I flopped on my bed and let more tears fall.

"So, have you given into me yet?" a familiar voice whispered in my ear. I looked up to meet Erebus's handsome gaze.

"I have no choice, but I will go with you if I have to," I said in a muffled tone. The doorknob jiggled and Liam's voice came.

"Anna, open the door, we can work this out together."

"Take me," I said to Erebus and he returned a nod. He took me up in his arms when I stopped him. I let out my powers to unlock the door.

Liam opened the door and saw me and Erebus and rushed forward before my world dissolved in shadows with Liam's outraged cries still ringing in my ears.

When the Darkness cleared I found myself in the driveway leading to a beautiful mansion. My mouth gaped open when Erebus's fingers slid beneath my chin and closed my mouth. He uttered a soft chuckle.

"Sorry you looked ridiculous," he said and I smiled. His arm bent and he offered it to me and I rested my hand in the crook of his arm as he led me inside.

The entry of the house was just as beautiful as it was outside. Glass crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and gave off a soft twinkle.

As we went on through the house I saw a big living room area with a fire blazing and above the mantle. Erebus gave me the whole grand tour of the house and I was shocked thinking it would be drab and dark, but it was far from it.

"I enjoyed that, thank you," I said politely.

"You're very welcome," he said bowing. When he stood, he took my hand and we went out to a large courtyard area. As we walked I felt just the slightest connection between us from the mark he bared on me.

"So, what was the big dispute between you and Liam?" Erebus asked me.

"Oh, he was supposed to protect me from you, but he has done a terrible job of it," I answered.

"Ahh, lover's quarrel, fascinating," he said with a soft smile. He led me over to a small gazebo and we watched the sunset.

"I'm surprised you let Liam go that easily," he said.

"I had to. Normally he's been more protective of me, but it seems to be dying down. I don't know why either," I said watching the last rays of the horizon disappear behind the trees.

Erebus took my arm and turned me to face him. His eyes glittering beautifully and inhuman, his pale skin like white granite against the darkened sky, his hair soft black and smooth like a raven's wings.

I had the sudden urge to kiss him or bite him and turn him into a vampire, but all that vanished as I felt the soft brush of his lips against mine and my eyes fluttered close.

The kiss was overpowering, drawing me in and making me want more of him. The kiss was also dangerous like he was playing with fire.

His hand slid down from my cheek to my waist, and down to my thigh where he gently brushed it causing a moan to escape me. Then I felt his tongue slide into my mouth where it explored and I felt sparks of explosions inside me.

My hands slid around the back of his neck and pulled his head down and pulled him forward deepening the kiss. I felt his hand grip my thigh harder and I winced. Instantly he pulled away leaving us breathless and dazed.

"Playing with fire?" I asked.

"I'm being dangerous," he answered and I giggled. Then he pulled me back again for another kiss and it was just as good as the first time.

His lips were like fire and his scent was strong and seductive. He pulled me against him, my body leaning into his where he relaxed and took me up against the pillar of the gazebo.

My heart wanted me to stop, knowing it wasn't right, but I shoved the thought away and enjoyed myself. Erebus stopped his lips inches from my own, his eyes meeting mine. He then stepped back and led me back into the house. A sudden pang of guilt hit me and I grimaced.

"So you think Liam is looking for me right now?" I asked.

"Possibly, or pacing furiously trying to think of a way to kill me," he said with a chuckle. I brushed away a strand of hair from his face, causing him to smile.

I smiled with him but it vanished quickly as I remembered the many times I'd done the same with Liam.

There was another pang in my heart as that thought was also remembered. I took a step back from Erebus and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I'm a bit tired so will you show me to my room?" I asked. Erebus nodded and led me away inside.

He walked me upstairs and down the hall when he opened a door on the left of us. I went in and saw the room was beautifully designed, almost like it was planned for someone to stay.

I uttered a small gasp as I stepped farther into the room. I gazed around taking in everything within. I felt the soft smoothness of the silk cover on the bed, and the plushness of the pillows. I faced Erebus.

"It's beautiful," I said hugging him.

"You're welcome. Now shall I lead thy lady to bed?" he said in his best victorian accent. I laughed.

"You shall my fine gentleman," I answered as he took my hand and led me over to the bed and I laid down.

"Sleep well," he said planting a kiss on my mouth and my eyes slid close.