Dark Matter

By Christie Rich

Rayla Tate’s dreams for the future shattered when she discovered she was an Elemental capable of manipulating matter. Thrust, once again, into the magical fae realm of Faeresia, she has an important choice to make. But now that she has Heath to contend with, deciding between Zach and Luke is the least of her concerns. Tall, dark and lethal to her will, her attraction to Heath eclipses all she has experienced with any other lord, but he is using compulsion to wear her down. If only she could trust her feelings?

In a desperate attempt to escape Heath, she accepts the help of a little troll and finally gets what she wants; however, her relief is short lived. Things go terribly wrong when a dark force closes in on her, threatening to steal her burgeoning power before she even has a chance to test her abilities. Now, with Rayla as their captive, the Order will stop at nothing to create a male Elemental, and willing or not, Rayla is the key.

Caught up in the age-old battle for dominance between human and fae, only one question matters to her now—will she be able to save those she loves most without losing herself in the process? Or will she be forever haunted by the choices she alone can make?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christie Rich
• Release date: Dec 25, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465724670

Christie Rich

Christie Rich resides in Northern Utah with her husband, two children, spastic puppy, and two lazy cats. In addition to writing, she enjoys painting, reading, hiking, playing with her children, and anything that is creative.Five is the first in many books to come.Reach me at [e-mail]

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Christie L. Rich

SMASHWORDS EDITION

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

Christie L. Rich on Smashwords

Dark Matter

Elemental Enmity Book Two

Copyright © 2011 by Christie L. Rich

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Cover Design:

Amber McNemar

www.ethinkgraphics.com

Editor:

Jasmin Petricola

Blue Butterfly Editing Facebook.com

Dedication:

To my husband Max. I would be lost without you.

To Taran and Serayna for making my days brighter.

To all those who have helped me reach this goal.

A special thanks to Stephanie, Lacey, Amber, Nann, and Andrea.

To my sisters for always being there.

I couldn’t have done it without your support.

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Elemental Enmity Book Two

Zach, lord of space and void, leaned against the ragged trunk of a palm tree staring at what was supposed to be the forbidding walls of the Order’s secret compound. He squinted, searching for some sign of movement in the darkness. His muscles tensed involuntarily. Where was Luke?

They had agreed to meet back here hours ago. Knowing the fool, he had probably gone and gotten himself caught. Realizing that could even be an option made Zach’s gut clench with worry and, most of all, rage.

The compact was not only broken, the humans were waging a silent war against the fae all the while pretending to be allies. How had it come to this?

His heart sank with a realization he didn’t want to admit. He had grown lax in his duties, thinking mortals could never really pose a threat to a race that had lived millions of years.

He still didn’t believe them capable. He was aware that the Order had been running their absurd experiments for the past few decades, but they had been centuries away from discovering the key to creating a male Elemental. From what he sensed here, they were closer than he ever imagined possible. The situation reeked of treason and treachery. But who?

The obvious answer lied in the selfish whims of his sister. He should have listened to his mother and never followed along with Ainessa’s foolish ambitions. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. No matter. His life was set: an unending punishment for one foolhardy decision.

He couldn’t feel Ainessa here, but that didn’t mean much at the moment. Everything about this hellish place was off. The moment he had stepped near the compound, his abilities had gushed out of him as if from a severed artery. The elements swirled wildly around him, disordered and volatile, reminding him of days he would rather forget.

At least Styx had not made the journey with him. He had been able to open a portal to contact his trusted steed, but he wasn’t sure if the message had gotten through before the connection was severed. He had tried to drift back home with the last vestiges of his strength, but something had tethered him to the island. Zach had already scoured the jungle for any sign of the bloody machine that had stolen his power. This was the last place it could be.

The time for waiting was over. Luke was not coming.

With the stealth of a cougar, he crept toward the walls intent on finding a way over them. He was still stronger than most humans would ever be, but he wasn’t capable of jumping that high at the moment. He glanced around one last time before running his hands over the smooth surface checking for finger holds. He bit back a curse and shifted his attention to finding another option. Nothing but a lizard could scale those walls.

His only chance lay in the angled trunk of a palm tree. He hoisted himself up to the level of the rigid fronds, and then scanned the compound below.

The Order had indeed been busy. Nondescript buildings stretched nearly to the cliff’s edge with a large central hub anchoring the rest. The building was four stories tall, but he suspected most of the structure lay within the depths of the earth. He narrowed his eyes, focusing in on his target. Where else would they hide a machine capable of changing the world? One carefully executed jump and he would be on his way to ending this charade.

Silent as a cat he leapt effortlessly onto the wall. In an instant he was crouching behind prickly bushes waiting for the guard to pass. The man didn’t even turn his way. The sickly-sweet stench of cheap alcohol drifted around him. He smirked. So much for security.

His hope growing with every step toward his mark, he crept between the maze of buildings. Thoughts of Rayla refused to stay buried. With the Order handled, he would be able to see her soon. Leaving her in the borderlands with Finn as her only protection was the hardest thing he had ever done.

Sending her to Ignis was a mistake, especially with Finn’s resolve to bond with Cassie and Heath rising in the ranks of underlords. He regretted it the moment he had left her, but he would never be able to focus on truly winning her until he was sure she was safe. His only chance was if he could swiftly resolve this problem and return to her before any real damage was done.

So much had changed in him since he’d first seen her. Love was a possibility he never thought might be his again. After their first encounter, he’d convinced himself he had to claim her for the greater good of his people. Yet when he had seen her in the woods with that look of horror haunting her stormy eyes, something within him had reviled at the thought of taking her forcefully like he had….

His thoughts spiraled downward to another time and place. An image of raven hair framing a delicate face pushed its way to the surface of his mind. A slight smile turned the edges of his mouth. It was so easy for him to see her still. If only he had done things differently back then. He would have had more time with her—no; he couldn’t think about that now. Only one thing happened when he allowed himself to visit the past, and he didn’t have time for despair. Those days were gone. Faine was a distant memory. Rayla was his new reality.

He wouldn’t make the same mistakes with her. It had to be her choice or not at all. Her heart was still attached to Luke. No matter how flimsy the connection, he would not live that way again. Even love wasn’t worth that price.

He slipped through a side-door, quickly disarming the security system. He wouldn’t even know how to do this sort of thing if it hadn’t been for his prolonged stay among humans. The fae had no need for mechanical devices, which was probably the reason they fascinated him so much. He had tired of the drudgery of court long ago and fled to the human realm, finding more than just solace and entertainment among the mortals.

They were an odd race, full of mischief, capable of causing horrendous atrocities, but all in all, the people reminded him of how goodness can conquer the most miserable of circumstances. He had taken to downright studying them after the end of World War II. Under such dire and hopeless odds, they had come together and managed to overthrow the worst tyrant the world had ever seen. Unfortunately, humanity didn’t know about Nigel Lambert.

Zach had found the Order unsavory from the start. They were nothing more than a greedy vat of oiled pigs as far as he was concerned, but this man knew no bounds.

He had campaigned against bringing men into the Elemental equation the moment the idea was introduced, but he had been outvoted. The council had called him biased in the worst way and ordered him to step down as their leader. What would they think of their decision now?

He descended the first flight of stairs. A search of the entire floor revealed nothing out of place, just an oversized furnace room and some odds and ends of computer parts. The second through fourth floors failed to yield anything more substantial.

When he opened the door to the fifth level, his body surged from the pulse of immense power nearby. Something felt wrong, but he couldn’t name it.

The hallway stretched deep into the earth. Why did these people insist on building subterranean labyrinths? They still held the misconception that iron limited fae powers. It had been a necessary lie to cover a plan gone extremely wrong. And this place had been built entirely of the metal. What exactly were they trying to hide down here?

Halfway through the maze, he sensed the presence of an ancient force. One he hadn’t felt in a very long time.

He shook his head. It could not be, yet he couldn’t deny his feelings. How had she managed to obtain such a thing or, worse yet, to bring it here? He cursed through gritted teeth. The headstrong twit just might have done it this time. The Creator could not possibly overlook an attempt as deliberate as this.

The farther he walked, the more fear sank into him. His entire race would be homeless again if he didn’t stop Ainessa. He would use mortal means to leave this place if he had to. He didn’t want to abandon Luke to face this alone, but he now realized it was necessary. With his decision made, he hastened to retreat, only to stop short.

Ainessa stood before him with an angelic expression on her face. Two large men flanked her. Something about them seemed familiar, but he was unsure of exactly what.

She curtsied in greeting. How good of you to come, Ammon. We’ve been hoping you would. She lifted her hand daintily toward her chin exposing a silver ring on her middle finger. It was goblin made. There was no doubt about that. Intricate filigree laced up the sides and around an enormous blue stone. A pinprick of light pulsated at the center like a heartbeat.

Funny that something so small could house the power of creation. Entranced, he stared for what seemed an eternity. He felt the pull but fought the heady sensation. As enticing as it was, one such as he could not ignite the germ. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Zach? I am no longer that person.

You will always be Ammon to me, little brother, no matter how many attempts you make to change your name.

He ignored the sentimental cadence to her voice. It was just a manipulation tactic. Ainessa was beyond feeling. He pointed at her ring. I can’t fathom where you got that, but you must return it. We cannot risk—

Not to worry, she said brightly. I have a plan.

He sighed. Didn’t she always?

She passed her hand over the ring and it surged to life, lighting the entire corridor. He gaped at his sister. He had underestimated her again. For her to have that much power could only mean one thing.

Where is Luke? he cried, reaching out with his mind to locate his friend. What have you done to him?

He wore out faster than I expected. She shook her head dismally. And to think he is a lord. She cocked her head to the side. However did he become one?

Zach winced. His show of favoritism had harmed the only person who had really ever helped him.

She lowered a pale finger toward the stone. The moment she touched it, smoky tendrils snaked around him like demons freshly released from hell’s gates. He ran, but it was no use. The darkness swirled closer to him, tasting his strength before it attached to his skin.

He screamed his pain, but no one was left to hear him as he collapsed to the dirt floor. He’d fallen for her trap. His last thought before unconsciousness claimed him was simply…Rayla.

I stared at Cassie, wondering what had gotten into her today. She was glowing brighter than the morning, and in the fire realm that was saying something. She shut the door behind her then faced me with a grin, her eyes shining with excitement. Did you hear, Rayla?

There went my hopes that she wouldn’t bring up the one thing I was dreading more than childbirth at the moment. Afraid so, I said miserably.

She gave me a sympathetic frown. She’d been trying but failing to cheer me up for days now. I guess there’s not much chance Zach or Luke will come, but you should still have plenty of men to dance with. She cocked her head slightly. Why aren’t you excited?

What would she be doing if Finn had gone to that island and she was stuck here without him? She’d be right here with me feeling like she had lost something she hadn’t known existed within herself, that’s what. Zach and Luke haunted my thoughts every time I closed my eyes. No one had heard from them in days, eight to be precise, but I was the only person that seemed to be concerned. Don’t remind me. I placed my hand dramatically against my forehead. I think I’m coming down with a fever. I would feel a lot better about things if that excuse had even a slight chance of working.

The Ignisian people were holding a ball in my honor. Only death would get me out of it this time. The queen wasn’t about to let me ditch this one. I had run out of excuses as far as she was concerned.

This was her third attempt to get me to come to an event other than dinner. The first had been a simple welcome party.

I had taken one step into the room and fainted dead away from the raw power of five hundred fae men blasting into me like a gale force wind. The queen had graciously given me a day to recover before she suggested I join a smaller group on a leisurely hunt. I faked a gag and told the emissary I was a vegetarian.

I made it clear to him, in no uncertain terms, that I would be forever traumatized by such a dreadful thing. I had definitely not been lying about that part, just eating meat. I had already witnessed the execution of plenty of chickens back home. I should have gotten used to seeing them slaughtered, but it made me puke every time. Aunt Grace had mercifully given up on me after a few attempts of showing me how to pluck them.

Cassie flounced cheerfully over to my side as if she were a sidetracked butterfly. It can’t possibly be that bad having an endless supply of hot men courting you.

I stared at her in disbelief. Was that what she thought was going on? I chuckled to myself. She had the enviable distraction of being in love with Finn as an excuse, but how could she have been that oblivious?

Our secrets had been what had nearly destroyed our friendship, and I wasn’t about to let that happen again. Even though I didn’t think it was the best idea, I had to tell her what was going on. I wouldn’t mind so much if that was all they were doing, I said softly, hoping I wasn’t about to ruin her happiness.

She was the most content I had ever seen her. She was even nearly back to her old carefree self, and I wasn’t about to spoil it by cluttering her mind with my growing pile of garbage. I had missed Cassie while we were at St. Mary’s College even though, for the most part, she had been right by my side.

She had become something I didn’t think possible for her—withdrawn, depressed, and downright ornery. I hadn’t been much better if I was being honest. Finding out everything you thought was real was actually an illusion has a way of doing that to people. Let’s just say I had let fear rule every part of my life. I vowed I would never again.

Not only had I not known the fae existed when Cassie and I left for college, I had no idea that I would be literally hunted for the power I possess.

Cassie’s been able to see the fae her whole life, but she denied it even when I started seeing them myself. I had narrowly escaped being bound to Jett, well, Jafan is his real name. And yes, he’s just as uppity as his name implies. He is lord of Earth, and he makes no qualms in letting you know that. He’s one scary lord, but that was beside the point, at least for now.

As long as I could bond with Zach or Luke before he finds me, I’d be just fine. So what if I still couldn’t tell which of them I wanted more.

I figured my drama could wait because, just like the men in this realm, there was bound to be more popping up before all was said and done.

Cassie sat beside me on the bed and stretched her legs out next to mine. She got settled before she turned toward me with a serious expression hardening her features. I know that look. Spill.

I didn’t really want to elaborate, but she had asked me outright so I felt obligated to give her the complete truth. It was part of our new bargain: if you didn’t really want to know, you didn’t ask. It’s all I can do to keep most of them out of my mind. Compulsion has been harder for me to resist since we arrived here. That was an understatement, but she was better off not knowing how bad it really was.

Her brows furrowed. But I haven’t heard a single person here call you by name.

I nodded gravely. I was confused by that too. It seems they have discovered a way around that.

She looked over at me, her face twisted into a compassionate stare. It would have been so easy for me to whine, but I couldn’t let myself think that way. Cassie had been feeling sorry for me a little too much lately, and I didn’t want it to rub off. Besides, I needed to find a way to get on with my life.

I’m sorry to hear that, she said. I wish I knew how to help you, but aren’t you even a little bit excited about tonight?

I considered her question. Having attractive men fall all over themselves to talk to me, get me things I didn’t even want, or just stare at me with a determined look on their pretty faces should have been flattering. It would have been in any other circumstance, but underneath all the kindness was the undeniable fact that each one of them was trying to compel me into wanting him.

I pinched my lips together and looked out the window. My mind drifted to musing about what might happen this evening. Sure I am. I was able to manage more enthusiasm than I felt, but it still wasn’t good enough. It’ll be great.

Cassie took my hands into hers. Come on, Rayla. When are you ever going to have a chance to go to a real live masquerade ball again?

A slow smile curved my lips. This was just the sort of thing we used to dream up as kids. My heart beat faster as I thought about being swept across a crowded floor in the arms of Prince Charming. Two faces fought for dominance in my mind, and I found myself floating wistfully into the daydream. Even if Zach and Luke couldn’t be here tonight, I would pretend they were.

I barely noticed Cassie stand up. But it wasn’t until she touched my leg that I came back to reality.

Will you help me decide which dress to wear? she asked softly. I want to look pretty for Finn.

I snorted, thinking of the way Finn always stared at her with puppy-dog eyes. He was all-out gone over her. You could wear a garbage bag and he wouldn’t notice, but I’m in.

She grinned radiantly and headed for the bath. My thoughts strayed to what I was going to wear. I had an entire closet full of enviable fashions, but what was the point? Who did I have to impress? I gritted my teeth. The sentiment of a ball was nice, but reality was much different.

I’d thought I had it bad back at college. If I had known just how awful this could get I would have insisted on choosing a bondmate before I came here.

I had expected Zach and Luke five days ago, but no one other than me seemed to notice their absence. I kept telling myself that it was a good thing that they hadn’t returned because I needed the time to decide. I figured that distance would help me to see who was best for me, but the longer they were gone, the more confused I became. My heart was a tangled mess of uncontrolled emotional strings. I would follow a line thinking it would lead to a choice only to end up at the beginning again.

To make matters worse, every underlord here had decided that now was the time to move up in the ranks by conquering me for their queen. Fighting back the onslaught of constant compulsion attempts was not my idea of fun. I didn’t have a clue why they were even bothering. What made them think they could do better than Luke had? He was an actual lord for heaven’s sake.

I had to get out of here before one of these weasels found a way to really compel me, and there was only one fae I could trust to help me do it.

I found Finn in the Great Hall. The room was bursting with the stale stench of crowded bodies. Our gazes touched briefly, but he looked away faster than I could pin him down. He started for the foyer at a brisk pace. I called after him, pushing past a couple of guys that were trying to penetrate my mind. I had no idea who they were, but the attempt was subpar at best.

I didn’t have time for this. I threw up walls so thick an atomic blast couldn’t bring them down. Each man clutched his skull, groaning as though their brains had just exploded.

Served them right. I skirted around them, trying to keep Finn in sight. He wasn’t ditching me this time.

I followed him out of the castle and into the frozen tundra that makes up the majority of the fire realm. The most I could hope for was that he would agree to help me, but the least I would accept from him was an explanation for why he was avoiding me all of the sudden. He was looking straight forward, his long auburn braid swaying in the wind.

I had to jog to even have a chance to reach him. The air was crisp from the scent of ice mixed with pine. I inhaled deeply trying to capture the freshness.

Hey, Finn, I yelled. Wait up! He hadn’t slowed down at all. In fact, it looked as if he had sped up. The worst part was he hadn’t even bothered to hide the fact he was trying to get away from me.

I kicked into a full run, pulling my fur jacket tighter around my neck. My breath swirled around me in a chilly fog.

His sigh echoed off the frosty cliffs looming above us. He had attempted to explain why a people who control fire had to live in a frigid environment, but it was still a little odd to me. He said it had to do with balance. If his people occupied a more temperate clime, they would most likely destroy it from how they use their power.

I loved being around Finn. He was the only male I had met lately that hadn’t tried to seduce me. Somehow, fae males have a way of amplifying their charm based on reactions from their prey. I saw Zach do it in my dorm room at St. Mary’s, and the effects were earth-shattering for me. He could have had me then if he had only asked. Sometimes, I wish he had.

Being here was much worse than I had ever thought it could be. For the most part, I have been able to overcome the feelings the lordlings constantly inflict on me, but it has gotten rather tiring.

I’ve realized something that I hadn’t before, though. These men have the ability to make me feel as if I am in love with them without much of a problem. Unfortunately for them, my mind can still see through their guise even if my heart can’t. They had a disadvantage where I was concerned because they couldn’t make the connection with me that they enjoy with normal Elementals.

Finn was different. He had never tried to compel me, and I found it rejuvenating to be around him. I just wished I had the same effect on him. He always seemed uncomfortable whenever he was anywhere near me, which over the past few days had been not at all. I needed to find out why.

He glanced at me then grimaced. It is not wise for you to seek me out like this. His sultry voice always made my insides tighten slightly, but I had learned to ignore the feeling.

I gave him a big sloppy grin and chuckled. Being with you is the safest place I can be right now.

He stopped cold and faced me. His chest heaved rapidly; his fists clenched at his sides. You take much for granted. Have you forgotten I was sent by my people to claim you?

Hadn’t he told Tabitha he didn’t want me? He had said it was only a formality. I shook off the thought then punched his arm lightly to emphasize the fact that I was trying to be his buddy. You could never do that to Cassie. Besides, Luke already tried to hijack my mind, and I’m still here. Your people will have to understand that I’m not going to bond with just anyone. After realizing I had insulted him, I added, No offense.

He smiled crookedly, his straight white teeth gleaming in the morning sun, and coughed as though he was fighting back an ironic laugh. I could see why Cassie liked him so much. He seemed gruff on the exterior, but really, he was just a big teddy-bear.

He leaned nearer. If I do not fulfill my calling soon, another will be chosen. Then where will you be, little miss smug attitude? You think just because you escaped Luke’s paltry attempt, you will be able to escape all? I would not be so naïve, Rayla.

My muscles tensed when he said my name, but as usual he wasn’t trying to compel me. I trusted him—well, as much as I could trust a fae. He was the only royal fae that hadn’t once tried to use me, and that included Luke and Zach. I didn’t care if it was because he was tired of living under the dictates of the courts. I found his rebellious streak refreshing.

Finn was determined to choose his own mate. He had made it clear that he wanted that person to be Cassie.

She wanted the same thing. I did too. So what was the problem? You and I can help each other, I blurted enthusiastically.

He folded his big arms across his bigger chest. Is that so?

I gave him a vigorous nod. You don’t want to claim me, and I don’t want to be claimed. I lowered my voice as if the cliffs had ears. "No one besides

Reviews for Dark Matter

[Le · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 stars...

This review contains slight spoilers. Continue on your own risk.

Dark matter is the second book in the series. In this book Rayla is still trying to decide which lord to take as her bondmate, and it doesn't make it easier when Heath takes over the title of lord of fire, when Finn isn't interested in bonding with Rayla. Well he's interested, he just likes Cassie better. Anyways, Zach and Luke hasn't returned yet, and Rayla just knows something's wrong. She is desperate to help them, 'cause somehow she knows they're trapped. With growing feeling towards the new lord of fire, she does everything in her power to free the men that has each captured a part of her heart, while trying to keep Heath from claiming the rest. When Rayla is captured by the order, they try to make the first male elemental, by getting Rayla pregnant. Rayla makes some friends and some enemies, while still trying to find her loved ones.

There weren't any major gramma errors, at least i didn't find any, which is a major plus these days.

I would totally recommend this book for any paranormal fans, and those who aren't fans yet.

[tometender · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rayla Tate is now in Faeresia, the fae realm. Luke and Zach have disappeared and it seems every eligible fae male is trying to use compulsion to mate with her. Heath, a specifically strong fae, is at the top of the list. Rayla is confused by her feelings towards all these males, unsure what is real and what is just compulsion. She is also scared for Luke and Zach and enlists Heath to assist her in finding out what has happened to them.

It is discovered that there is a secret attempt by the humans to control the power and abilities of the fae. . . Rayla is the key to power for both the humans and the fae.

There is a lot more going on but I can’t really go into it without giving to much away. I did really enjoy reading this book but I really was getting tired of all the compulsion attempts in the first half of this book.

But once Rayla hits the island the second half of the story unfolds, I was completely into the story telling. I did like that Rayla was really coming into her own.

There is a specific scene where Rayla meets an extreme runt of a Hell hound, I have to say that is probably one of most favorite scenes in the story line and hope that Cerebus will play a bigger role in the stories to come.

In the end, I’m giving Dark Matter 4 Stars. If I could divided the book, the second 1/2 would of ended with a 5... but I really did find the initial foundation to sluggish giving my final rating a 4.