The Darkness Within (Demon Elite Death Squad #1)

RAYNE 5

Rayne looks over the classroom, a smile playing on her lips as her students decorated paper pumpkins and cut-out bats. Halloween was one of her favourite times of the year; the excitement in the air was infectious, and she loved seeing the kids’ creativity come alive as they planned for the school party. She glances over at Ashley and Rita, who were helping a group of students glue glitter onto paper ghosts, their laughter blending with the chatter of the children.

“Miss Rayne, look at my bat!” one of her students calls out, holding up a lopsided creation with a proud grin. Rayne kneels beside him, admiring his work with genuine enthusiasm.

“It’s perfect, Danny,” she replies, ruffling his hair. “I think it’s the best bat I’ve seen today!”

As the students busied themselves with their crafts, Rayne’s thoughts drift to Blade. She hadn’t told anyone about him—not the full story, at least. She’d shared a few details with Ashley and Rita, mentioning that she’d met someone, but she couldn’t bring herself to explain the whole truth. How could she? If she told them he was a demon, that she was now marked and bound to him, they’d think she was insane.

“Are you bringing this mystery guy to the Halloween party?” Ashley asks, sidling up next to her with a smirk. “I’m dying to meet him. You’ve been so tight-lipped about him.”

Rayne laughs, keeping her tone light. “Maybe. But he’s... complicated.”

“Complicated?” Rita raises an eyebrow, a knowing look in her eyes. “Complicated how? As in, bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold complicated, or are we talking more about serious baggage?”

Rayne feels her cheeks heat with a blush. “More like... intense. He’s got this whole other life that I’m still trying to understand.”

Ashley nudges her playfully. “Well, as long as he treats you right, that’s what matters. And if he’s coming around here, we’ll get to vet him ourselves.”

Rayne nods, though her thoughts are elsewhere. She wants to share more with them, but she can’t risk it. Not yet. The world she is now a part of is one they can’t possibly understand, and she isn’t even sure she fully grasps it herself.

The final bell rings, and the students file out, leaving the classroom empty and quiet. Rayne gathers her things, waving goodbye to Ashley and Rita, who are heading to their cars. She steps outside, enjoying the crisp autumn air, but her sense of peace is short-lived. She spots Blade standing by his car, his presence commanding as always, a dark silhouette against the fading light.

“Blade,” she greets him, a warmth spreading through her at the sight of him. She walks over, her heart fluttering as she takes in his familiar, intense gaze.

“Rayne,” he replies, his tone serious. He takes her hand, pulling her closer as he scans their surroundings. “We need to talk.”

She frowns, sensing his urgency. “What’s wrong?”

He sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re not safe here. Rake knows about us. The connection we share—it’s made you a target. I can’t protect you if you stay here.”

Rayne’s stomach drops, fear knotting in her chest. “What do you mean? I thought you had things under control.”

Blade shakes his head, his jaw tightening. “Rake is unpredictable. He’ll do whatever it takes to get to me, even if it means going after you. I can’t take that chance. You need to come with me to headquarters. It’s the only place I can guarantee your safety.”

She looks up at him, searching his face for reassurance. “Headquarters? What will that even be like?”

“It’s... different,” he admits, his voice softening. “But I’ll be with you. And the others—they’re like brothers to me. They’ll protect you too.”

Rayne nods, her fear tempered by his steady presence. She knew this was her reality now, that staying with him meant stepping into a world filled with dangers she could barely imagine. But she also knew she couldn’t walk away. Not now. Not ever.

“Okay,” she whispers, her hand tightening around his. “I trust you.”

Blade gives her a small, reassuring smile, pulling her into his arms. “Then let’s go. I’ll explain more when we get there.”

They drive in silence, the tension between them palpable as Blade navigates through the city, eventually leaving the familiar streets behind. The landscape changes as they head into the mountains, the road winding up through dense forests until they reach a large, iron gate. Blade leans out, punching in a code, and the gates swing open, revealing a vast, imposing structure nestled among the trees.

The headquarters was unlike anything Rayne had ever seen—a blend of old-world stone architecture and modern technology. Tall, arched windows and weathered stone walls gave it a castle-like appearance, while the sleek metal doors and security cameras hinted at the high-tech surveillance that kept it safe. The building exuded a sense of power and secrecy, as if it had stood there for centuries, untouched by time.

Blade parked and led her inside, his hand warm and reassuring around hers. As they enter, Rayne’s gaze roams over the grand entry hall, with its high ceilings and intricate carvings that seem to tell stories of battles and legends long past.

“Welcome to headquarters,” Blade says, his voice echoing in the vast space. He leads her down a corridor, stopping in front of a large wooden door. “The others are waiting to meet you. I wanted to make sure they were here when you arrived.”

Rayne’s pulse quickens as he opens the door, revealing a large room filled with seven men, each one exuding an air of authority and strength. They turn as Blade enters, their gazes settling on Rayne with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.

“Everyone, this is Rayne,” Blade announces, his hand still holding hers. “Rayne, these are my brothers—Gage, Talon, Kade, Reed, Soren, Scar and Fynn.”

They each stepped forward, greeting her with nods and polite smiles, though she could see the unspoken questions in their eyes.

Gage, the eldest, steps forward first, his silver hair gleaming in the dim light. He extends a hand, his grip firm as he looks down at her with piercing eyes. “It’s an honour to meet you, Rayne. Blade speaks highly of you.”

She smiles, feeling a bit more at ease. “Thank you. I’m... I’m still getting used to all of this.”

“You’ll do fine,” Gage replies, a hint of warmth in his otherwise stoic demeanour. “We’ll make sure you’re safe here.”

Next is Talon, his jet-black hair and raven tattoo lending him an air of mystery. He grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. “So, you’re the one who finally tamed our Blade, huh? I didn’t think I’d live to see the day.”

Rayne laughs, feeling some of her tension melt away. “I wouldn’t say tamed. More like... thrown into the deep end.”

Kade, the quiet giant, gives her a reassuring nod, his scarred face softening as he spoke. “It’s a lot to take in. But you’ll have all of us here. Blade’s not the only one who has your back now.”

Reed steps forward, his auburn hair wild, a playful smile on his lips. “Welcome to the madhouse. I hope you’re ready for a bit of chaos, because that’s pretty much our daily routine.”

Soren, with his icy blue eyes, nods in agreement. “If you have any questions, just ask. We’re here to help.”

Scar, inclines his head towards Blade, “If you have any trouble with this one just let us know and we will beat him for you.” She laughs at his statement, but his serious face tells her that he’s being serious which has her stomach tightening in pleasure to know that these men are like brothers but they have accepted her into their fold as if she was family.

Finally, Fynn, the team’s healer, offers her a gentle smile. “It’s good to have you here, Rayne. Blade’s been different since he found you. It’s nice to see him like this.”

Rayne glances up at Blade, her heart swelling at the sight of him surrounded by his brothers. She can see the bond they shared, the loyalty and trust that went beyond words. She knew she was stepping into a new world, but she also knew she wasn’t alone.

After the introductions, Blade leads Rayne to a room they had prepared for her—a cozy space with a bed, a small desk, and a window that looks out over the mountains. He stands in the doorway, watching as she takes in her new surroundings.

“It’s not much, but it’s safe,” he says, his tone apologetic.

“It’s perfect,” she replies, turning to face him. “Thank you, Blade. For everything.”

He steps forward, wrapping his arms around her as he holds her close. “I’m just glad you’re here. I couldn’t stand the thought of you out there, vulnerable.”

She rests her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “I feel safe with you. I know this is all new, but I’m ready for it. Whatever comes, I’m ready.”

They stand together for a long moment, enjoying the quiet, before Blade pulls back, his gaze serious. “We still have to deal with Rake. The others and I will be meeting tonight to discuss our next move. I want you to stay here, where it’s safe.”

Rayne nods, her heart pounding at the thought of the dangers that lay ahead. But she knows she is in the right place, surrounded by people who will protect her no matter what.

Later that night, Rayne is sitting in the common room, sipping a cup of tea as Blade and his brothers gather around the map on the central table. She watches as they discuss their plan, their voices low but intense, each one contributing ideas and strategies as they work together seamlessly.

“We know Rake’s next move will involve the Crossroads,” Gage reiterates, tracing a line on the map. “He needs that power source to complete the ritual.”

“We’ll need to set up an ambush,” Reed adds, his eyes sharp. “If we can catch him off guard, we might be able to cut him off before he even gets close.”

Soren nods, his expression grim. “But we have to be careful. He’s got followers, and they’ll be expecting us.”

Blade glances over at Rayne, his gaze filled with determination. “No matter what happens, Rayne, we’ll keep you safe. I promise you that.”

She smiles, feeling a surge of confidence in their unity, in the strength of the bond they all share. Together, they would face whatever dangers came their way, and she knew that with Blade and his brothers by her side, they could overcome anything.

As the night deepens, Rayne felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t known before. She was part of something larger now, a world filled with shadows and light, with dangers and courage. And as she looks at Blade, she knows that she is exactly where she is meant to be.