The Darkness Within (Demon Elite Death Squad #1)

RAYNE 9

Rayne paces, her heart heavy with the weight of the news. Blade and the others had returned from the estate, their faces a mix of exhaustion and frustration. Rake had escaped, slipping through their fingers just when they’d thought they had him. She clenches her fists, a surge of anger and helplessness coursing through her. She’d been counting on this—on Rake finally being brought to justice, on ending the nightmare that had started with Rita’s death.

Blade enters the room, his expression softening when he sees her. He crosses the room in a few quick strides, pulling her into his arms. She sinks into him, feeling the warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek. But even his embrace couldn’t ease the ache inside her.

“He got away, Blade,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “He’s still out there. He could come back, hurt someone else. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

Blade pulls back slightly, meeting her gaze with a fierce determination. “We’ll stop him, Rayne. I swear to you, we’ll stop him. But you’re not alone in this. We’re in it together.”

She looks up at him, her heart swelling with a mixture of fear and resolve. “Then let me help. I want to be part of this. I want to fight back, to do something. I can’t just sit here while you and the others risk everything.”

Blade’s hand comes up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing softly over her skin. “You’ve already done more than you know. Just being here, just being with me—it’s more than I ever thought I’d have.”

Rayne reaches up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. “Then let’s face it together. Whatever comes, I want to be by your side.”

He doesn’t answer, not with words. Instead, he lowers his lips to hers, his kiss gentle at first, a whisper of warmth and promise. But the kiss deepens, their passion igniting like a spark to dry tinder. She felt the urgency in his touch, the way his hands move over her back, pulling her closer, as if he could never hold her tight enough.

Rayne’s fingers tangle in his hair, her body presses against his as they move together, a perfect union of need and desire. They stumble toward the bed, their movements uncoordinated in their haste, their breaths mingling as they fall onto the mattress, their limbs entwined. Blade’s lips travel down her neck, his touch igniting a fire in her that made her forget everything but him, the feel of his skin against hers, the way he made her feel like she was the only thing in his world.

They lose themselves in each other, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, each touch a vow, each kiss a promise. When they finally lay entwined, their breathing ragged, Rayne feels a sense of peace settle over her, a certainty that no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.

Blade brushes a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender as he looks down at her. “You’re everything to me, Rayne. I’ll protect you, always.”

She smiles, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I know you will, Blade.”

The next day, Rayne is still lost in thought, the weight of the looming battle heavy on her mind. She was startled from her reverie by the sound of laughter and music coming from the main hall. Curious, she makes her way toward the sound, and as she enters, she finds the Elite gathered, the room transformed into a makeshift Halloween party.

The men have decorated the space with strings of orange and purple lights, fake cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, and a table laden with snacks and drinks. Scar spots her first, his face lighting up as he waves her over.

“Surprise!” he calls, grinning. “We figured we could all use a little cheer, so we put together a party just for you.”

Rayne’s heart swells, a warmth spreading through her as she looks around at the men who had become her family. “You guys did this for me?”

“Of course,” Gage replies, stepping forward with a rare smile. “It’s been a rough few days, and we all need a break.”

Talon hands her a cup of punch, winking as he says, “Besides, we thought it’d be nice to see Blade actually relax for once. He’s always so serious, it’s exhausting.”

The others chuckle, Blade rolling his eyes as he pulls her close, his arm around her waist. “They’re just jealous,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “They wish they had someone as amazing as you.”

Rayne laughs, a genuine joy bubbling up inside her as she takes in the sight of her friends, their faces relaxed, their laughter filling the room. For the first time in days, she felt a sense of normalcy, a reminder that even amid the darkness, there was light.

As they settle into the celebration, the men began to tease each other, the camaraderie between them evident in the way they laugh and joke. Reed leans back in his chair, a mischievous grin on his face as he nudges Scar. “Remember that time in Paris? You were so smitten with that waitress, you practically tripped over yourself trying to impress her.”

Scar groans, covering his face with one hand. “Don’t remind me. I think I still have scars from that embarrassment.”

Soren joins in, a playful smirk on his lips. “Yeah, and then there was Talon in Rome. What was her name again? Maria? You were convinced she was ‘the one’ for all of three days.”

Talon rolls his eyes, but he can’t hide the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “She was a good time. And hey, at least I don’t fall for every pretty face like Reed over here. How many times have you been ‘in love’ now?”

Reed holds up his hands in mock defence. “Hey, I’m a romantic at heart. Besides, it’s not my fault the ladies find me irresistible.”

The men burst into laughter, and Rayne finds herself caught up in the warmth of their banter, the easy way they share stories and tease each other. She can see the history between them, the years of friendship and loyalty that bind them together, and it makes her feel even more grateful to be a part of their world.

As the night wears on, they exchange stories of past adventures, each tale more outrageous than the last. Rayne finds herself laughing harder than she had in days, the weight on her heart lifting, if only for a little while. She knew that the fight with Rake was still ahead, that they would all need to be ready, but for now, she allows herself to savour the moment, to feel the warmth of the bonds she had formed, the love she had found with Blade.

As the party winds down, Blade pulls her aside, his gaze soft as he looks at her. “Thank you for being here, Rayne. For being with me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She smiles, reaching up to cup his face. “We’re in this together, remember? And no matter what happens, we’ll face it as one.”

He kisses her then, a deep, lingering kiss that speaks of all the things he couldn’t put into words, of the love that had grown between them, a love that would carry them through whatever lay ahead.

And as they stand together, the shadows of the past momentarily forgotten, Rayne feels a fierce resolve settle within her. She will fight for this, for them, for the family she had found, and no matter what came next, she knew they would face it together, with love, with strength, and with unbreakable bonds that nothing could tear apart.

As Blade and Rayne share their tender moment, the other men can’t resist joining in, their teasing laughter breaking the spell and filling the room with warmth and camaraderie.

Scar is the first to pipe up, a smirk on his face as he crosses his arms and leans against the wall. “Get a room, you two,” he drawls, shaking his head. “Honestly, Blade, I’ve never seen you go soft like this. I almost don’t recognize you.”

Talon chuckles, nudging Reed with his elbow. “Remember when Blade used to swear he’d never get tied down? Said relationships were distractions, remember that?”

Reed grins, nodding. “Oh, I remember. Back in Vienna, he was all about the ‘no strings attached’ mantra. Said he couldn’t afford any distractions in his line of work.”

Blade rolls his eyes, but Rayne can feel the tension in his grip ease as he shoots his brothers a playful glare. “You lot think you’re funny, don’t you?” He smirks, his tone filled with mock annoyance. “I don’t recall any of you being all that different.”

Kade joins in, a rare smile on his usually stoic face. “We’re just glad to see you like this, Blade. She’s good for you. We never thought we’d see the day you’d go from lone wolf to... whatever this is.” He gestures at the two of them, his grin widening. “Honestly, it’s a relief. Means there’s hope for the rest of us.”

Rayne laughs, feeling the warmth of their acceptance wash over her. She leans into Blade, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You never told me about Vienna,” she teases, looking up at him with a mischievous smile. “Or about this no-strings-attached phase of yours.”

Blade looks down at her, his expression softening. “That was a long time ago. Back when I thought being alone was the only way to stay focused. I thought I didn’t need anyone. But that was before you.” He pauses, his gaze steady, his eyes reflecting a hint of vulnerability. “Back then, I kept everyone at arm’s length. I figured I could protect people better if I wasn’t attached.”

Rayne can see the shadows of his past in his eyes, the years he had spent fighting alone, believing that solitude was his only option. She reaches up, brushing her fingers along his jaw. “You don’t have to protect everyone by yourself anymore, Blade. We’re in this together.”

The room falls quiet, the others giving them a moment of privacy, their teasing smiles fading as they listen. Blade pulls her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to put you in harm’s way. I can’t lose you, Rayne. I won’t.”

She looks up at him, her own resolve hardening. “I can’t just sit back and watch you go into danger alone. I need to fight too, Blade. I want to stand beside you.”

He sighs, his hands resting on her shoulders as he meets her gaze. “Rayne, I admire your strength, and I know you want to help. But if you’re out there in the line of fire, none of us will be able to focus. We’ll all be too worried about keeping you safe. It’s not that I don’t think you’re capable, but the risk is too great.”

Rayne opens her mouth to protest, but he shakes his head, cutting her off gently. “Please, Rayne. I need to know you’re safe. If anything were to happen to you, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. None of us would.”

Scar steps forward, his expression serious. “He’s right, Rayne. It’s not just about protecting you—it’s about making sure we can do what needs to be done. If we’re constantly worried about you, it could cost us our lives.”

She looks around at the others, their faces earnest, their eyes reflecting the weight of their words. She knew they were right, knew that her presence would be a distraction, a vulnerability they couldn’t afford. She takes a deep breath, the fight in her fading as she nods, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Alright. I’ll stay back. But you have to promise me you’ll be careful.”

Blade pulls her into his arms, holding her tightly. “I promise,” he whispers, his voice filled with a fierce determination. “I’ll come back to you. No matter what.”

Rayne rests her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, allowing herself to be comforted by his warmth, by the strength of his embrace. She knew the battle ahead would be dangerous, that they would all be tested in ways they had never been before. But she also knew that they would face it together, bound by a love and a loyalty that nothing could break.

The others give them a moment before Reed speaks up, his tone lightening as he tries to lift the mood. “Don’t worry, Rayne. We’ll keep an eye on him for you. And if he starts acting too heroic, we’ll remind him he’s got someone waiting for him back here.”

Talon grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, Blade has a reputation to maintain. Can’t have him getting too soft on us, can we?”

Blade shoots him a look, but the tension in his face eases, and a small smile plays on his lips. “You’re all a bunch of clowns,” he says, his tone affectionate. “But you’re my clowns. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They all laugh, the sound filling the room and easing the weight of the moment. As they stand together, the bonds between them stronger than ever, Rayne felt a spark of hope igniting within her. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but she also knew that with Blade and the others by her side, they would face whatever came with courage, with love, and with the unbreakable bond of family.