Possessing His Demon

Published by Evernight Publishing ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2015 Marie Medina

ISBN: 9781772333169

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To Howard

POSSESSING HIS DEMON

The Year of Moons, 3

Marie Medina

Copyright © 2015

Chapter One

Valladora

3153, The Year of Moons

Braden sat down at the wobbly table in his modest room at the Sundrop Inn and looked at the list he’d made. He’d been in Lord Ettore’s dominion searching for his mate for almost a week, but all he had was a list of places his mate frequented. Every night he’d gone out looking with no success. He took up his quill and marked the places he’d checked at least once with stars. Sighing, he rose and folded the list before shoving it into an inner pocket in his dark blue robes. Faint light from the setting suns cast shadows on the floor in his room. He closed the curtains and then headed for the door. Lord Ettore had asked him to visit tonight, so his search would have to wait.

Ville said he lived here, so why doesn’t anyone know where he lives? Are they scared? Ville was seven-eighths demon, so Braden didn’t blame anyone for being reticent. It frustrated him, though. How hard could it be to notice where someone with blue skin and purple eyes lived? Braden had offered to pay a few people who’d struck him as the type to do anything for the right price, but even they had given him nothing more than suggestions regarding taverns and brothels.

The idea of his mate fucking others irked Braden, despite the number of sexual partners he’d had himself. The difference was Braden hadn’t even looked at anyone else in that way since his night with Ville. The sex had been amazing even before he’d bitten Ville and discovered they were mates. But then Ville had laughed at him, literally, claiming he could never love anyone because of his demon blood. Those words had echoed in Braden’s head for nearly a month.

Braden acknowledged every bow and greeting as he walked to Ettore’s castle, but he wanted to be alone really, if he couldn’t be with Ville. He’d declined Ettore when he’d first arrived, and the other vampire had written back suggesting a quiet evening, only the two of them and Ettore’s mate, Simon. Braden had agreed, and though he longed for solitude, it occurred to him it might be nice to talk to someone who could relate to what he was feeling. A happily mated vampire would understand the longing and frustration Braden felt.

The guards bowed as Braden approached, and one told him to proceed into the courtyard. Some servants still milled around, finishing chores and lighting the lanterns for the night. A handsome human grinned at him and came rushing over. He wore hunter green robes, which made Braden assume he was Ettore’s mate.

My lord, the man said as he stumbled to a halt and bowed hurriedly, I’m Simon, Lord Ettore’s mate. He’s been detained and sent me to meet you. Our new steward is, uh… Simon paused, perhaps trying to be diplomatic. Loquacious?

The new ones tend to be. Braden smiled.

Simon laughed. Yeah, seems that way. He gestured for Braden to follow him. But Ettore’s trying to get away from him. I think he wants to impress us all with his efficiency.

Hmmm, then perhaps he shouldn’t keep his master from his guests. Braden chuckled when Simon cast him a worried look. But he’ll learn, of course. They all do. I understand completely.

You had a good journey here? Simon asked as they mounted a great flight of stairs.

Yes. I took my time so I wouldn’t be tired upon arrival, thinking my mate would be easy to find.

Simon led him to what were obviously Ettore’s private rooms. The sitting room was lavish, but it had personal touches all around, books and other items that told Braden the room saw daily use.

Please, sit anywhere, Simon said as he moved to a sideboard with some glasses and a decanter of wine on it. Would you like some wine? If you need to feed, the servants will bring refreshments once Ettore’s free.

I’d love wine. Thanks.

Simon nodded and poured two glasses. Braden waited until Simon had joined him to actually sit down. Two long couches sat angled with a tiered marble table between them, and Braden seated himself directly across from Simon.

I’m so sorry about your mate. Simon ran one finger around the edge of his glass. He does live here. He and Ettore are old friends. He took a sip of his wine and added, Villa, right?

V-i-l-l-e, Braden said, pronounced Vee-lay, and don’t ever pronounce it to rhyme with Will. He’s a bit sensitive.

Simon chewed on the inside of his lip. Really?

Yeah. Some drunk guy called him that the night we met. Got him a punch to the gut. Braden smiled, amazed at the way even that memory made him happy, if briefly. He tried to maintain that smile as he focused on Simon. Perhaps I should’ve left then.

But you’d never have found out he was your mate if you had.

Braden put his glass down and sat back to stretch his legs. So what’ve you heard about Ville?

Honestly?

Braden nodded.

Simon took another drink, a longer one this time. He, uh, likes sex. A lot. And it’s said no one ever turns him down.

Braden frowned. He didn’t like thinking of himself as one of dozens upon dozens of partners, but he’d resigned himself to it, given that those with demon blood lived long lives like vampires did. Are people afraid of him? Intimidated?

Doesn’t seem so. Some seek him out as a sexual partner. His reputation’s larger than life, but I try not to listen to gossip. Simon clasped his hands together, his countenance dimming a bit. He and Ettore were together, for a time. I’m sure he’ll tell you about it. They talk frequently, though Ville never comes to formal functions. He avoids me.

Perhaps he does so out of respect for your mate bond. Doesn’t want you to feel uncomfortable.

That could be it. I know Ettore loves me, but I'm ordinary. Boring.

Lack of an extensive sexual history does not make you boring. I like you already. You seem like a warm and thoughtful person.

The corners of Simon’s mouth moved up a bit, as if he was grateful for the kind words. Does it worry you he’s been with so many others?

No. Braden knew how deserved Ville’s reputation was, but he pushed forward to keep his mind from flashing back to that night. He was with two women when we met. I knew what to expect. He made it clear when I told him we were mates.

But if the gods chose him, there’s always hope. Anyone can change. Simon toyed with his ring, which signified his bond with Ettore. I know some vampires don’t believe that anymore, but I do. I thought it was crazy at first, but seeing how perfect Ettore was for me changed my mind.

Yes, I’ve seen my two brothers find happiness with men I’d never have imagined them with. Gives me courage.

I’m glad to hear that. And that Ettore didn’t give up. We’re perfectly suited, and I’m sure Ettore would never have noticed me otherwise. If we were strangers, I’d assume he would be mated to someone intriguing like Ville.

Braden eyed Simon, who was short but solidly built. He had curly black hair that begged to be touched and beautiful blue eyes. "If you say so. You’d stand out in any