Kade's Dark Embrace

Chapter Sixteen

Sydney was delightfully sore after making love with Kade in his office. She loved him, and she told him she loved him, and Kade loved her back. She smiled to herself, combing through her freshly washed hair. A swell of love blossomed in her chest. She was ecstatic over Kade’s declaration of love. Sydney wasn’t sure how it was going to work with her living in Philadelphia, but she couldn’t dwell on the details right now. Nothing was going to put a crimp in her day, except for Simone.

Damn Voodoo, vampire bitch. Sydney sobered with the thought that they were about to go bust a mage, one who could very well put their lives in danger with dark magic. The address traced back to a large, abandoned building in the Warehouse District. Going in at night would give them a greater advantage, since the vampires would have the full use of their powers. Sydney, on the other hand, knew she’d be at risk given her many human frailties, like not being able to see in the dark. Luca provided her with a pair of comfortable, state-of-the-art, night goggles so she could see better, but she still lacked the speed and power of the vampires.

After securing her hair in a neat, French braid, Sydney pulled on her Alpinestars black, leather pants. The rugged fabric clung tightly to her finely toned figure, allowing flexibility with built in Kevlar stretch panels. It might be a tad hot wearing leather pants on a warm, summer night in New Orleans, but her skin needed protection especially given the fact they would be traipsing through an abandoned building. She yanked a thin, black, cotton, long-sleeved t-shirt over her head, but not before hiding a miniature, curved, sheathed Kerambit knife in a hidden compartment of her sports bra. Strapping on the bullet and stab proof Kevlar vest, she was almost ready to go. Damn, this thing was uncomfortable, but she was not chancing it tonight. She was pretty sure stakes would be flying if they happened to meet up with Simone’s vampires.

Sydney added a lightweight, concealer jacket, which sported several hidden pockets and compartments where she could stash her ammunition: stakes, darts and silver chains. She strapped on both waist and leg holsters, loaded them up and paced the room, satisfied with the weight of her trusty Sigs. Before lacing up her black, Fort Lewis, military boots, she shoved a small, sheathed, push dagger next to her ankle. The arrow-pointed knife was small, but effective in hand-to-hand combat. Lastly, she pulled her pistol crossbow out of her pink backpack, checked and counted the wooden darts. Everything looked as if it was in order. She strapped it across her chest, and it slung behind her back. Lifting the night goggles off the bed, she sucked in a breath, letting courage run through her veins. It was time to go kick some mage-ass, and hopefully get one step closer to capturing Simone.

Entering the great room, Sydney steadied herself, taking in the sight of the vampires towering above her. They were also dressed in black, combat outfits and were ready to fight. In the doorway, she was surprised to see a large, black wolf with amber eyes staring at her. She was tempted to ask if someone brought their dog, but thought better of it, realizing it was Tristan. Sydney didn’t think he’d appreciate the dog joke, so she just nodded at him, not sure of what to say to his wolf. He yelped in response, and padded over to her side, rubbing against her leg.

When Kade entered the room, his presence dominated the space, the air shifted. The wolf retreated away from Sydney, sensing Kade advancing directly over to her. Her body tingled, seeing him dressed in black leather dangerously moving across the room. He looked amazingly sexy yet formidable. An animal in pursuit: hot, menacing, enticing. It was as if she and Kade were the only two people in the room. As he leaned over, he captured her soft lips pressing them to his. Releasing her, he whispered in her ear, “You are ravishing in all that leather, love. It makes me want to take you upstairs and show you how I very much appreciate your outfit.” He kissed her once again, asserting his claim on his woman.

Dominique snorted. “Seriously, you guys? Enough with the lovey-dovey crap. It’s time to go kill some bad guys. I am so looking forward to finding that little bitch who silvered me to the table,” she sneered. Filing her long, red nails into fine points, Dominique had thought hard and well about what she was going to do to that mage and Rhea, if that even was her real name. She was looking forward to slicing into Rhea’s soft, human body and drinking her dry.

Sydney smirked at the sight of a badass vampire girl worried about how her nails looked when she was about to go into combat. “Hey Dominique, how are the wrists? Your nails look great, love the color,” she quipped

“Thanks, Syd. Wrists are great. Amazing what a little blood can do,” she laughed. “And the color? Sanguine Red. Want to make sure my nails look good when I decimate that little, sub bitch who silvered me last night.”

Sydney raised an eyebrow at her, grinning. “Okay, then. Good plan. Can’t say that I blame you after what she did to you yesterday. Hopefully, we’ll find her there tonight.” She didn’t ever want to be on Dominique’s bad side.

Kade moved to the center of the group, commanding attention. “So, here’s the deal. We are going downtown to the Warehouse District. Even though the building is abandoned, the area is active with humans, so keep a low profile. That means no killing within sight of others. Keep it in house.” His lips tightened. “All we know so far is that Asgear is the mage that purchased the Van Van oil. So it is a good possibility that he is the one who is helping Simone. Asgear may be harboring dark magic, so no going it alone...stay together. Watch your step for booby traps. We’ll be partnering up...Luca and I will go in first, then Xavier and Sydney. Dominique and Etienne, you bring up the rear. Tristan will be monitoring the outside, making sure we don’t get any surprises while we’re in there. If possible, we need the mage alive so we can get Simone’s location. Got it?”

A sea of nods erupted, and Luca coughed. “We are taking two large vans so we have enough room to bring Asgear back to the compound. As far as Simone’s fledglings, my advice is to stake them and put them out of their misery. They will be unable to give us any information because of their blood tie to Simone. That’s about it. Everyone stay safe tonight.”

With that, the sober group filed out the door and into the vans. Kade prayed they’d all be coming back tonight.

The abandoned building was located on the outskirts of the Warehouse District. Sprinkled with restaurants, galleries and bars, the 'SoHo of the South' bustled with people on summer nights. Luckily, the address was located a little off the beaten trail, far enough away from most activities, reducing the risk of human interference. From the outside, the two story, large, brick building looked desolate, with indecipherable graffiti painted on the walls. Sydney noticed all the front windows had been boarded over, some with new plywood and some with old. Perhaps there was a recent tenant? Who would take the time to put new plywood up on an old, abandoned building? As they circled the building, Kade pointed to the front doors, double steel with small square windows that had been spray painted over in black. There was another single door lower down on the building, which looked like it could possibly lead to a basement.

Driving around to the back of the building, they parked the vans. Kade, Luca and the others silently exited, seeking a back entrance. Sydney guessed the vampires might have been telepathically communicating, as they appeared well synchronized, quickly locating and shimmying open the rusted locks on the rotting, wooden warehouse door.

A rush of stale air choked Sydney’s lungs as the door swung open. Many of these old buildings had been abandoned in the late eighteen hundreds, outliving their usefulness as factories or mills. But this building stank of stale blood, decaying bodies, urine, and garbage, smells she was all too familiar with working the city streets of Philadelphia. She may not have been a vampire, but she was certain recent activity happened in this place. A chill ran up her spine as she remembered the vampire who attacked her in her home. Were there more just like him waiting here for them?

Total darkness descended upon them as they entered the dark hallway. Sydney flipped on her night vision goggles, and swung her pistol crossbow to her chest. Looking behind her, she saw Dominique and Etienne moving in stealthy silence. A confining, steep staircase led to a gray, steel, state-of-the-art security door. Pivoting around to face the group, Kade silently signaled his intent to breach the door. Muscular vampires would have no difficulty physically breaking it down. Bracing himself for impact, Kade raised his fingers. One. Two. Three.

Sydney crouched as dust and debris flew ubiquitously throughout the stairwell. Coughing up dust, she charged after Kade. At least twenty vampires flew at the doorway, fangs drooling and snapping at Kade and Luca. Immediately, a fight ensued into the large, spacious area. Sydney backed against a wall and systematically began picking off vamps with wooden darts to the heart. She was a good shot and ashes flew as they disintegrated on the spot.

Sidling up next to Sydney against the wall, Luca was impressed. “Remind me to stay on your good side, woman. You’re damn good with the darts. Kade and I are heading toward the basement. Etienne and Xavier are taking the second floor. Now! Cover me!”

Luca dashed across the room with unnatural speed, catching up with Kade who was already at the basement door. Sydney took aim at a vampire lunging after Luca. Pop! The hit to the leg slowed him down, but Luca was struggling to shake him off. She didn’t want to come off the wall just yet, but two more vamps were descending on Luca and Kade. Where the fuck were they all coming from?

Hoping she’d be fast enough, Sydney sprinted across the room nearing Luca. In a last minute decision, she leaped onto the vamp’s back and shoved a silver stake deep into its heart. Luca struggled to his feet. Grabbing Sydney’s arm, he pulled her up with him. Sydney shook off the ash and backed against the doorjamb next to Luca.

Catching a breath, Luca glanced over to Sydney, surprised by her courage. “Going old school with these guys, Sydney? While I appreciate the save, don’t get reckless. Kade will whip both our asses if something happens to you. Stay close. Kade just staked that second vamp. Looks like he’s already headed downstairs. Let’s go with him. I go first. Stay behind me,” he ordered.

Kade was already three quarters of the way down the basement stairs when Luca and Sydney started down. Moving quickly, they caught up with Kade as he rounded the corner. The first thing Kade noticed was a heavy change in the air, almost smothering. Illuminated in candlelight, the room appeared as a stark, void space. An audible hum resonated from the walls, yet no apparent source could be seen.

Across the room, a thin, wiry man, who wore a glowing, crimson robe, was perched upon a stone pedestal. Asgear. Kade attempted to maneuver toward him, but he slammed against an invisible barricade. Dark magic. Asgear released a wicked laugh. “Foolish vampire. Did you really think it would be that easy to capture me? My Mistress has anticipated your every move thus far. And while I’ve had great fun playing with you, the time grows near. She will ascend. You will be no more.”

“Your Mistress, Simone, was banished over a hundred years ago. She has no right to be here and will soon be exterminated as punishment for her crimes. Give yourself up Asgear. Tell me where she is. I will be fair meting out your sentence,” Kade demanded.

Insidious laughter filled the room. Asgear ascended from the pedestal. He floated across the room toward Kade, his feet not touching the floor. “You are quite an arrogant vampire. You think you are strong but you are so weak against my magic. I have been honing my craft for decades. Now, my power is growing exponentially every day. Her power grows too. You will be begging on your knees in agony as she drains the blood of your whore!” His eyes shot daggers at Sydney.

Luca and Kade pounded their fists against the barrier seeking a weak point, but it was unyielding. Attempting to kick at the invisible blockage, Sydney unexpectedly penetrated it, falling to her knees. Scraping her hands, she started to bleed. Asgear laughed maniacally, amused by how easily the spider caught the fly. “Ah, Sydney. Welcome to my inner sanctum. We have such plans for you. You will serve a greater purpose. We have almost perfected the ritual.”

“You must be out of your fucking mind if you think I will be part of any plans you have. Now that I'm in here, I will take great care when I bring you down. There are a few girls back in Philly who have a message for you and that bitch you call a Mistress. Now, do you want to come willingly or are we going to do this the hard way? You should know that I'm more than pissed, and could care less which way it goes,” she spat at him. Sydney aimed her dart at Asgear, guessing a few holes would loosen his lips.

“Tsk. Tsk. Must you be so vulgar? You are a mere gnat to me. Yet the Mistress seeks revenge for taking her husband. When she rules this city, he will lick her feet and beseech to do her bidding. You are less than nothing, a simple harlot. One who will serve nicely in our next Voodoo ritual. Mistress will consume your spirit as you writhe in pain. Oh yes...your life force will add to her power quite nicely. The spirits will reward her greatly for the ritual. Now, come to me, Sydney, the portal awaits...we will take hedonistic pleasure at the palace of Voodoo. The spirits will bless us!”

Clearly, Asgear was demented. A portal? Hedonistic pleasure? What the hell was he talking about? Fuck that. Sydney had no plans of going anywhere with this psychopath, let alone to some pleasure playground for dead people. She caught a glimpse of Luca and Kade, who were still pummeling against an invisible enemy. Sydney drew her pistol crossbow and fired twice, score. The darts tore through Asgear’s leg and shoulder. He tumbled to the ground, spitting obscenities at her.

But, as she attempted to approach him, he rose off the floor wickedly grinning at her. He was unharmed. “Did you really think a few darts would hurt me? You stupid, stupid little whore! I am done playing. This game is over!” He lifted his hands into the air mumbling chants that Sydney couldn’t understand.

A rush of confusion washed over Sydney as she began to feel dizzy. What was he saying? More importantly, how the hell did he get back up? Sydney started to waver as she desperately tried to retreat to Kade, but the pull of the air whirled around her immobilizing her limbs. Shit. This so can’t be good. She flailed her arms and legs struggling against the air current, but it was of no use. The air spun around and around stinging her face. Screaming into nothingness, Sydney hoped Kade could hear her. “Kade! Help me! I can’t move! Please!” She stole one last look at Kade before she faded into blackness.

Kade and Luca choked on the stale dust as they rushed to Sydney, but it was too late. She was gone.

“Shit!” Kade was outraged. “She’s gone. She’s fucking gone. My God. Asgear took her. They must have transported through a portal of some kind. We’ve got to find her.”

Luca searched the basement and returned to Kade’s side. “Sorry, Kade. There is no trace of her or Asgear. Think about what he said. Where would he take her?”

Kade rubbed his head. “I don’t know. Voodoo. Simone is going to use her as a doll. Something about using her spirit. I need to think. Simone wants me. She wants power. She won’t be satisfied by killing Sydney. No, she wants more. Asgear and Simone both want more. They want control over all the supernatural beings in New Orleans.” He started to pace, trying to think where Asgear took Sydney. “But where? This city is a hot-bed of supernatural activity. They could summon spirits literally anywhere.”

Luca blew out a frustrated breath, as Tristan, Etienne, Xavier and Dominique joined them in the basement. “She wants us to find her Kade. So she can get to you. Asgear, he said, ‘palace of Voodoo’. A Voodoo museum? Maybe he meant the field where you burnt down the barn where Simone tortured the girls?”

With ferocious intensity, Kade’s eyes met Luca’s. “The cemetery, St. Louis cemetery. Marie Laveau. Her mausoleum. It is the one place in New Orleans where even humans go to give sacrifices in the name of Voodoo. They could be anywhere on the grounds. Don’t ask me how she’s using the sacred cemetery to garner evil spirits, but that is where she’s going. I just know it.”