Free Whispers of Night: 1 (Immortal Embrace) by Erin Simone

neck and stared at it. The vow echoed in his mind like a warning that replayed over and over.
    He let out a heavy sigh. It was the first time he had ever been tempted to break his oath. The woman in his arms was too much of an enticement to be this close to. Desire and want rode him hard. He was fucked and he knew it. If he didn’t put some distance between them, and soon, his vows would become meaningless because he would give in, in order to keep her.
    Dane’s senses tingled and a low rumble threatened to escape his lips. Another vampire was near. He lifted Jenny’s sleeping form off him and gently placed her on her side. She mumbled his name and rolled onto her stomach. All of his protective instincts screamed to life and he had to bite back a snarl. He climbed out of bed and threw on a pair of boxers before slipping quietly into the living room.
    He stopped short when he noticed a tall, dark figure standing there. The male’s blue eyes glowed in the darkness.
    “Good evening, Dane.”
    “Ta’breyian, what brings you here?” Dane crossed his arms over his chest. It had been awhile since he’d seen his old friend.
    “The council sent me to check on you. They’re concerned because you haven’t checked in with them. I came to see if there was a problem.”
    Bullshit. Marcus was concerned because Dane was spending time with a human female. Someone must have alerted him. But it wasn’t any of their business. He’d done nothing wrong. “I’ve been busy.”
    “So I gather.” He sniffed the air. “She’s human; I smell her essence on you. Are you sure it’s a wise choice?” Ta’breyian asked, stepping into the muted light. He wore a long black trench coat and his blond hair hung loose to his jaw. It was surprising, since he usually wore it back. His eerie gaze continued to regard Dane with concern.
    “I’ve broken no rules here.” Dane’s eyes narrowed. It made him angry that the Order questioned his loyalty.
    “That’s not the point. It’s very dangerous to share sex with one of them. You know this.”
    “I’m well aware of the risk,” he said, closing his eyes as tension rolled through him. Would he be forced to fight his friend if he couldn’t resist the temptation lying in his bed? Ta’breyian was of similar size and strength but much more lethal, considering he’d had over a thousand years to hone his skills as a fighter. Hopefully it would never come to that.
    “You’re one of my most disciplined Hunters, which means you made a conscious decision to do this. It’s not as if you two are—unless—she’s not your mate, is she?” He exhaled. “This is dangerous ground you tread upon. I’m at a loss for words, especially since you are well aware of the inherent risk.” He gave Dane a frustrated glare.
    Ta’breyian was good at sensing one’s inner turmoil. Maybe it was because he’d spent most of his immortal existence observing rather than interacting. An air of detachment and discipline seemed to rule this male’s world. He’d made an exception with Dane. They were friends. But for the most part Ta’breyian kept to himself and stayed in the shadows unless summoned by Marcus.
    “I’m drawn to her.” He decided to be frank. Why lie? There was no point.
    Ta’breyian regarded him disapprovingly. “Be realistic, Dane. Does she know what you are?”
    “No, I haven’t told her anything.” He should tell her. It would solve the problem at least. She’d leave and he’d get over this insane fixation.
    “You put her at great risk, exposing her to our kind. If the Rogues discover you have a weakness, they will use it against you.”
    “That’s not going to happen.” Shit, he’d already made a fatal mistake with the garage incident. Ta’breyian was right.
    “The best way to keep her safe is to walk away and not look back, remember that.”
    Dane inwardly winced. Ta’breyian was right. He should’ve left when he discovered their connection. Now she was in danger because of