Page 14 of Blood Sings (Beyond the Gloom #1)

Time slowed as I sprang into action, my hand slamming into Hummingbird’s chest before my brain caught up.

Fuck. This was bad. My body hummed with sudden energy, fight-or-flight kicking into high gear.

A shadow burst from the treeline, landing with the litheness of a cat. The air filled with her floral scent, so potent it clogged my nose. She moved, impossibly balanced on high-heeled boots that could double as weapons. Her sharp-tipped ears warned of danger, but she wasn’t what had my stomach in knots.

A second blur shot past, trailing sweetness that made my mouth water. She landed in a crouch, gravel crunching beneath her feet. My senses zeroed in on her, drowning out everything else.

Every tiny detail called out to me—the shift of stones under her boots, the soft hitch in her breath, the relentless drum of her pulse. It was like someone had cranked up the volume on her and muted the rest of the world.

Our pet zmeu let out a startled squeak, claws scrabbling against stone as it scurried for cover. My pulse raced, blood rushing in my ears. The usual self-control I boasted fled.

Then she rose, unfurling like a goddamn unholy bloom.

Hummingbird’s heart pounded under my palm, and I got it. I really did. She tossed her head, midnight curls catching moonlight as they framed the perfect curve of her butt. That catsuit left nothing to the imagination, and my starved body noticed.

When her god sculpted those legs, it was to tempt men. Perhaps even to tempt me.

I wrenched my gaze away, throat suddenly bone-dry.

Hotness, for me, was more than just looks. It was a complex equation involving brains, humor, and a distinct lack of immortal blood. But fuck me if she wasn’t a masterpiece. Especially with that zipper teasing just low enough to—

Zalmoxis. Get it together, man.

“Good morning, Black Guild,” her voice rang out like silver bells. “I am Projector Tep—”

I let out a sharp whistle, and my team scattered across the lawn, snatching up spent casings faster than roaches fleeing light. Dealing with an original was a nightmare on its own. No need to add ‘wasting ammo’ to our list of sins.

Metal clanged as someone chucked the targets onto the balcony and they bounced across the cracked tiles.

I winced. So much for subtlety.

“Well, fuck me sideways. It’s Princess Aurora Tepes in the flesh,” Terraknight rumbled, striding over as if meeting royalty was an everyday occurrence. He ghosted a hand over his chest, smoothing nonexistent wrinkles—right where his holster strapped over his left pec. “Harbinger,” he muttered under his breath, “you knew about this?”

I shook my head, then made the mistake of looking at her again. Those deep claret eyes pinned me like a bug under a magnifying glass. My mouth dried, tongue glued to the roof.

Fuck.

I’d faced down Stalkers, stared death in the eye more times than I could count. But this woman? She made my heart hammer like a damn teenager’s.

The moon chose that moment to break through the clouds, and my breath snagged. Her skin… Gods. It was like someone had taken the finest ivory, melted gold into it, and sculpted her into perfection.

My fingers twitched, aching to reach out and touch her. To trace that jawline, to feel if her skin was as impossibly smooth as it looked. I needed to know she was real, not some fever dream conjured by my sleep-deprived brain.

A gust stirred her silk scarf, a darker hue than those hypnotic eyes. How had I missed that? Hell, I might’ve overlooked an elephant perched on her shoulder at this point.

“Hey, dipshit,” her companion called out, blowing a stray hair from her face. “That’s not how you address your superior.” Black gloves, melding into her coat sleeves, creaked as her hands moved.

Terraknight froze, his jaw hanging slack. His forest-green eyes widened, zeroing in on her like she was some kind of apparition. Well, I’ll be damned. Zalmoxis had finally answered my prayers and served up his match.

She barely topped Gale in height, but what she lacked in stature, she made up for in presence. Heart-shaped face, all angles and attitude, and eyes… Razor-sharp didn’t do them justice. They could flay a man’s soul with a glance, dissect his deepest secrets without breaking a sweat.

For once in his life, the unflappable Terraknight looked like a freight train had hit him. And I was savoring every damn second of it. At least I wasn’t the only one our guests had knocked sideways tonight.

I sauntered back to the fountain, picked up my book, and sat with a propped ankle on my knee—the picture of nonchalance. “Welcome, ladies. We’re honored .” The word went like gravel down my throat.

Gale’s head whipped around, her glare hot enough to melt steel. Yeah, we all hated immortals with the fire of a thousand suns, but sometimes you just had to clench your ass and put on a good front.

I forced my face into a neutral mask as the projector smiled. Fuck me, it was like staring into the sun—beautiful and likely to burn your eyes out.

“Apologies for crashing your little… party,” she purred, amusement dancing in her crimson gaze. Shit. She knew exactly what we’d been up to.

“I’m Projector Aurora Tepes, your new commanding officer.” She nodded toward her stone-faced friend. “Lieutenant Selena Popescu from the Healing Corps. She’s here for the outlier Initiation.”

The way ‘Initiation’ rolled off her tongue made the hair at my nape rise. Like we should be grateful for the chance to be poked and prodded. Or was she… going to bite us?

Fucking immortals. Always playing games, always dangerous. Everything about them was designed to lure in prey. They were the perfect predators. But damn if part of me didn’t want to bare my throat anyway.

I sized up the lieutenant and saw a hard-ass staring back. Now there was a proper projector—all ice and steel. Made the princess look like a kitten who’d stumbled into a wolf’s den. Maybe I could have some fun with this.

“So, Projector,” I drawled, not bothering to hide my smirk. “Are we lining up like good little lab rats, or have you got something extra special planned for tapping our veins? Don’t hold back on the gory bits.”

Snickers and muttered curses rippled through my team. Gale jabbed an elbow into my ribs and nearly cracked my carefully constructed poker face.

Hummingbird’s wings folded with a whisper, and he flashed a grin that was all teeth, like a catapulted missile. “My room’s always open, Projector,” he purred. “I’ll let you suck on me all night long.” Light-brown eyes turned molten.

The floodgates burst. Ember doubled over, tears streaming down her face as she fought for breath between laughs. Quakelord leaned in, whispering something that set off another round of hysterics.

I should’ve shut them down. Should’ve been the responsible leader. But watching my team, my family, facing down Republic brass with nothing but balls and bad jokes… fuck it. Let them have this moment.

My chest swelled with pride. Immature bastards, the lot of them, but they were my immature bastards. And I wouldn’t trade them for all the sanity in the world.

“You feather-brained pest,” the lieutenant snarled, her arctic tone capable of chilling the sun.

I stole a quick glance at the princess, expecting retaliation.

Nothing. Just a blank stare and the occasional swallow. Almost felt sorry for her. Then I caught the pureblood’s eyes, endless pools of obsidian, and every alarm in my head went off. Crap. That look promised murder.

Her wrists rolled at her sides, precise, deliberately slow for a simple stretch.

I narrowed my eyes. No way she’s stupid enough to try something here—

Hummingbird’s gasp sent ice down my spine, but it was Pearl’s scream that had me on my feet, heart plummeting.

The kid hit the ground, clawing at his throat, fear and sweat stinking up the air. Pearl was there in a flash, her scarf whipping as she batted his hands away, searching for wounds.

“I can’t find anything!” she yelled and fought to keep him from shredding his own skin. “Someone, hold him!”

Terraknight locked Hummingbird’s arms behind his back before the kid could do more damage. Pearl conjured a trickle of water, wetted the hem of her cotton blouse, and dabbed at the blood with a mother’s touch. But the iele kept getting worse, going purple, gasping like a landed fish.

My eyes ping-ponged between Hummingbird and the lieutenant. Was this her doing?

Every instinct said yes. But how? I thought their magic worked only if they drank the blood first. Those wrist movements, though…

Fuck, no time to figure it out now.

“Gale!” I roared, panic choking my words.

“On it!”

The air shimmered as Gale’s power took hold, forming an invisible bubble around Hummingbird’s head. But it didn’t help. His breaths still came in ragged, high-pitched whistles, like something was strangling him from the inside.

Mixed-breeds healed fast, but they weren’t invincible. They could even go a few hours without air. So why the hell was he suffocating? My mind raced a hundred miles a minute. A new magic targeting us? Some new weapon we’d never seen before? Or was it the lieutenant, somehow?

I shot her a glare, but her face gave nothing away.

Nothing made sense. We were trained to face any threat, but how do you fight an enemy you can’t see—or understand? I gritted my teeth, fighting back the urge to lash out blindly.

“SELENA, STOP THIS INSTANT!” the projector’s voice exploded like a stun grenade. “What in Derzelas’ name do you think you’re doing?”

Her eyes glowed with fury. Any trace of the demure kitten gone. And that scent—sweet and peachy—filled the air, so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“Teaching them respect,” the lieutenant snarled back. “You can’t let them talk to you like that.”

“Enough! We’re here to work with them, not terrorize. Stand. Down. Now. That’s an order.”

Well, well. Looks like there’s some fire in her, after all. But it didn’t change a damn thing. Her psycho friend had just attacked one of mine, and that wasn’t something I’d forgive or forget. If she couldn’t keep the pureblood on a leash, I’d do it for her. Nobody, nobody touched my people and walked away unscathed.

Blood roared in my ears. So they don’t need blood to use their magic after all.

Good to know.

My vision tinged red, hands curling into fists. Knuckles cracked. I’d tear them both apart, immortal or not.

“I’m fine,” Hummingbird croaked. His voice was raw, but it was the lifeline I needed to keep from losing it completely.

Orange and blue-green fires flickered at the edge of my vision. Phoenix and Ember were powering up, ready to turn the immortals to ash. Part of me wanted to let them. Hell, I’d even help—maybe stitch what was left of their bones to a tree, make sure they didn’t heal before the sun came up. The thought was damn tempting.

Quakelord struck first.

The earth rumbled, cracks spiderwebbing across the driveway.

The projector’s eyes went wide, fear finally breaking through that perfect mask. They reminded me of the poppy buds Pearl had planted around the house. We’d never seen them bloom—we were always out before sunrise. But I bet when they opened their petals, they were just as startling to gaze at as the blood-red panic in the projector’s eyes right now.

“Wait!” she yelped as debris soared around them. “Please, just wait!”

I raised a hand, signaling Quakelord to hold. The fury inside me was a living thing now, clawing to get out.

“Speak,” I growled.

Quakelord grumbled a string of curses that would make a pirate proud, but he finally got the message. The earth stopped its tantrum, dust settled, and silence reigned.

For about two seconds.

The projector coughed, brushing dirt from her leather suit. Crimson eyes swept over my guild before locking onto mine. For a flash, I saw something there. Regret? Shame?

“I... I’m sorry,” she said, voice soft but steady. “This is my fault. I should have prepared Selena better. We’re not here to fight you—”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” the lieutenant spun around, face twisted in disbelief.

“Enough, Selena!” There was steel behind that silk, and even the pureblood’s death glare wilted under it. “We are here now, so get with the program. The Black Guild has been battling Stalkers for decades. They’re not just our best chance,” she lowered her voice, “—they’re our only chance. So you will show them the respect they’ve earned, or I’ll ship you back to the Republic myself. Am I clear?”

Didn’t make it right, but hell if it wasn’t refreshing to hear an immortal admit they had screwed up. I didn’t like to admit it, but this projector was full of surprises, and it unsettled me.

“Best chance at what, exactly?” I arched an eyebrow.

The projector gave me a hesitant glance before her companion muttered, “I’ll behave.” It sounded like the words physically pained her.

Gale’s fingers dug into my side. “She behaves ,” she whispered, struggling to restrain her snicker.

I masked my smirk. Yeah, this ought to be interesting.

My team was a mixed bag of emotions. Hummingbird, still rubbing his throat, eyed the immortals like they might pounce any second. Ember’s hands glowed faintly, ready to turn them into a barbecue. Quakelord’s scowl could’ve curdled milk.

Whatever brought the purebloods here, they were in for a rude awakening. First line of defense wasn’t just a fancy title—we’d seen shit that’d turn their perfect hair white. Might as well enjoy the show while it lasted.

I got to my feet and stepped forward, boots crunching on the debris-strewn lawn. Time to play nice, at least for now.

“We started on the wrong foot,” I said, forcing the words past the fury still burning in my throat. “I’m Harbinger, captain of the Black Guild. Pleasure to meet you, Projector Tepes.” I nodded to her friend, teeth clenching. “Lieutenant Popescu.”

Projector’s shoulders relaxed a fraction; relief flickered across her face. “Likewise, Captain. I’ve heard good things about you,” she replied, taking my hand in a light, but sure grip.

Her fruity scent hit me like one of Terraknight’s punches during morning sparring, setting every nerve in my body on fire. Her hand was ridiculously small, but it fit perfectly in mine. It was almost comical how delicate she seemed. Because she wasn’t fragile like a flower. She was fragile like a meteor.

Lieutenant Popescu, on the other hand, looked like she’d rather swallow sunbeams than shake my hand. Her eyes darted between Aurora and me, a mix of resentment and resignation in her gaze. She gave a curt nod, lips pressed into a thin line.

I dropped the projector’s hand, ignoring the lingering chill. Time to get this circus on the road.

“So, ladies. How do you want to do this?” I looked at the lieutenant, my insides cramping. “I don’t see you carrying the usual… medical instrument. ”

More like device of torture.

Projector Tepes began to speak, but her friend cut her off. “The lab caught fire, and we couldn’t retrieve the pincher. We’ll have to perform the Initiation the old way.”

What a load of bullshit.

I didn’t miss the blood draining from the princess’ face—or the rapid flutter of her pulse. “D-do you mind?” she stammered, eyes wide. “I promise to be quick and gentle.”

Do I mind?

A device that feels like it’s sucking out your brain, or an immortal latched onto my vein? Neither option appealed. Zalmoxis, I hated this part. I’d been through more Initiations than I could count, but this… this was new territory. She was new territory.

I’d never had an original as projector.

I adjusted my stance, trying to ignore the way her fear mixed with her natural perfume. It was doing things to my head that I couldn’t afford right now.

A shudder ran through my entire body. “Alright, boys and girls,” I barked, all business. “Let’s get this over with. Line up behind me and follow my lead.”

To her, because there was no way in hell she couldn’t hear my thundering heartbeat, I said, “You know, Projector, there are easier ways to get a man’s blood pumping. A bed or a secluded meadow usually do the trick.”

Surprise flickered in those scarlet eyes, a delicious blush creeping up her neck. Good. If we were gonna dance this dance, might as well not look like a complete fool. My stomach turned, but hell if I’d let her see me sweat.

Of course, my guildmates didn’t miss the opportunity to pile on.

“He’s a big boy, Projector,” Terraknight boomed. “He can take it.”

“Show no mercy!” Quakelord chimed in, the little shit.

I tugged my hood lower, my ears burning. But I laughed it off, rolling with the punches.

“Don’t worry, boys, your turn will come,” I shot back. “And when it does, I’ll show you the meaning of ‘gentle.’”

The projector rose on her toes, her hands burning ice-cold through my shirt. “Don’t be afraid,” she murmured, her voice almost a purr. “I promise not to bite too hard.”

Her smile was pure temptation. It stirred things in me I shouldn’t be feeling. Not for her . Not for an immortal.

Her fangs slid past her full upper lip, and the world turned to white noise. I pulled my hood back just enough to expose a sliver of neck, careful to keep my hair hidden.

My skin felt like it was on fire, her soft breath on my chin sending jolts straight to my groin. Any fear of discovery evaporated as she dragged her teeth along the exposed patch of my jugular.

I went instantly, painfully hard, my pants suddenly way too tight.

When she finally pierced the skin, pressing against me, it was like fireworks exploded in my veins. I couldn’t hold back a groan, our connection electric, a live wire of pure sensation. I knew this could get awkward if I resisted, so I went all in. Projectors only needed a taste for Harmonization, after all.

But this? This was different .

I could hear her blood singing, luring me like a siren, encouraging me to let loose. I did, forgetting that she wasn’t just any projector. That she was Aurora fucking Tepes, the last woman in the world I should want to fuck. And yet here I was, battling the impulse to grind against her, to take this further than it ever should go, all while praying she wouldn’t notice what I desperately tried to hide beneath my hood.

“That’s enough,” I rasped, my voice too rough. Goddammit, my body shouldn’t be this responsive to her.

Then I felt her in my mind, a rush of power and pleasure that sent panic coursing through me. She had no fucking business being in my head.

I shoved her away, hands shaking with the effort, torn between wanting more and needing her to get the hell away from me.

We stood there, panting, my grip firm on her arms as we shared the same heated air.

Her eyes welled up, glistening with pain, and she stumbled back, baring her bloodstained teeth. The sight should’ve disgusted me. Instead, it sent another jolt of want through me.

The tendons in her neck stood out; her breathing turned ragged.

Boots crunched around us, and she went rigid, her pulse hammering so hard I could practically see it jumping. Tears streamed down her cheeks in tiny rivers. Her trembling distracted me, caught in a tug-of-war between shielding her from my approaching guildmates and pushing her away, so much so that I missed her strike.

A sharp burn on my cheek snapped me back to reality.

I released her just as the lieutenant and Terraknight reached us, their worried shouts drowned out by her primal scream.

“Don’t ever touch me again!” she cried, clawing at her scarf like it choked her.