Bane of Tenebris (Wolfgods Book 2) Blaise Ramsay (classic literature books txt) 📖

going insane because of Barghast’s influence. The two are working together but their goals aren’t the same. Barghast wants Kain alive for some reason. Anthony wants to kill him to prove a point. We put Kain in the middle, it’s like ringing a challenge bell,” Damien replied.

Lune scoffed. “You’re proposing throwing Kain into a shark feeding frenzy that could land him seriously injured. You realize that, right? What are you hoping to gain?”

Kain took up the conversation when Damien glanced at him as if asking for help. “Anthony is a spoiled brat. My father killed his and now he wants revenge. Barghast will not allow me to be killed over something so petty. I do not know the god’s intentions, he has not deemed to share. What I do know, is if I can pit them against one another, it will shatter Anthony’s resolve. He will defy Barghast to get what he wants.”

Lune lowered angry eyes to the ground.

The question Kain could sense lingering on everyone’s mind revolved around the mysterious talon. When Zane requested to know more since he was one of the youngest in the room, Kain told him the talon possessed incredible dark power descending from Barghast himself. It could, in essence, bolster the power of the transformed state of a vampire noble. However, the consequences could be dire.

“I don’t like this. We’ve done some crazy, stupid things, Kain, you know that but throwing yourself in the enemy’s hands? Isn’t that beyond desperate?” Gabriel growled through his teeth.

Kain scowled at the alpha, his body tense. “I believe the situation has become desperate. The longer my mate remains in the black plane, the larger the chance I could lose her. I will not lose her, Gabriel. You would do the same for any one of us in this room.”

Zane sighed. He let everyone know he could get Kain into the Don’s personal mansion, but he couldn’t guarantee Kain’s physical state or what he would have to do to keep from blowing his cover.

Kain took in the scars on his forearms and hand. “Three days, Zane. That is all I need. I do not care what Anthony does. I can guarantee nothing he could do is worse than what Barghast has done.”

“Alright. Three days. I’ll use the opportunity to find out more regarding what Stoker told us. That should help us get a plan of action,” Zane added. “I’ll need at least twenty-four hours to set things up in our favor. I’ll text you when we’re ready, Kain.”

Kain nodded. Despite his reserve, his heart grew heavy.

After the meeting, he decided to return to Tala’s room to be with her before he turned himself over to an insane vampire.

When Kain opened the door, Tala lay on her back, her eyes closed, twitching from the pain she was experiencing. He breathed out a melancholy sigh, sitting down on the bed.

Reaching out a hand, he stroked his mate’s face, bent over and kissed her lips. “Please, forgive me. This is all my fault. He should be hurting me, not you.”

Kain gritted his teeth, trying to hold back his emotion. Their connection made the intensity of the feelings she experienced burn in his body. “I cannot lose you. It would destroy what little left of my soul that I have. You gave me back what it means to live a life without war. To see the world beyond death. I beg of you to stay strong. It will be over soon.”

With those last words, Kain lay beside his mate, his mind slipping into a sleep he knew wouldn’t be restful.

A phone call in the wee hours of the morning woke Kain up from an already restless sleep. He reached over to the bedside table, slowly to avoid shaking Tala.

A number he didn’t recognize blinked back at him. “Who is this?”

“Well, aren’t you rude?” Anthony’s voice chimed from the other side. “Were you not told to expect my phone call?”

Kain gritted his teeth, his eyes squeezed shut.

A laugh came over the speaker. “From your lack of a response, I know the answer.”

A squeak of a chair followed by brief shuffling filled Kain’s ear. “Listen, I warned you not to disappoint me. Zane and Jared will come and collect you, Kain. I expect you to be a good dog and heel without a fight.”

A “tsk” sound went through Kain’s teeth. “When?”

“My, my. Antsy. Tomorrow. I look forward to meeting you again.” Anthony slammed the phone down on the receiver, ending the call.

Despite how arrogant the vampire sounded, Kain had to keep from smiling. Zane managed to work things out perfectly.

The following afternoon, Kain spent as much time with Tala as he could. He’d be gone for three days and wanted to make sure she had something to remind her of him. He took the metal pendant Desdemona gave him and folded it into her hand, whispering “I love you” in her ear and leaving the room.

Gabriel met him at the foot of the stairs. “Are you sure this is the best way?”

Kain put his hand on Gabriel’s shoulder, squeezing it and offering a reassuring smile. “I cannot say if it is best, but it is not the first time I have had to do such a mission either. I will be fine, Gabriel. Anthony will likely want to inflict what pain he can, but you know he can do no worse. Be well, my friend.”

Gabriel let Kain pass him. “Kain.”

Kain froze.

“I’m not sure why you did what you did but I want to believe you had the best intentions. Doesn’t make it hurt less.” Gabriel said, disappointed.

Kain didn’t respond. He knew Gabriel would find out and eventually speak to him regarding his choice. Without saying anything, he continued walking down to his car.

Damien leaned against the sleek black Charger. The look in his eyes hurt Kain’s heart.

Anything Kain would feel, he knew Damien would as well. “Damien, before I do this, may I