Destined for Darkness: Book 4 in the Black Rose Series

By LM Morgan

Cate Rose, the omnipotent Dark Queen and ruler of Hell is torn.

Her fellow heir, Devin Black, has betrayed her trust and gone behind her back in order to further his own supremacy on Earth. Not content with just being the powerful leader of their secretive dark order, the Crimson Brotherhood, Devin wants more and it seems he has gone to great lengths to try and obtain it. But, which future will she choose to bestow on him?
To make her decision, Cate must go back.
Back to years earlier on Earth, when a human woman had a secret Devin and his dark brood wanted to expose at any cost. Her life is about to be turned upside down and all because of Corey Black and his devious tactics used to get what he wants. In this, the fourth instalment of the Black Rose series, you will learn more about the Crimson Brotherhood and its history, significance and the changes they will have to bring about in order to achieve the all important balance that each and every being atop the Hellish and Heavenly thrones are working hard to accomplish.

Are you ready for the darkest instalment of the Black Rose series?

***PLEASE NOTE*** Before you read this book, please be aware that this novel depicts explicit sexual relationships between consenting adults, including romantic suspense and instances of forced consent. There are also scenarios in which physical abuse and domestic violence occur, which may be upsetting for some readers. This book is not be suitable for those under the age of 18.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LMauthor
• Release date: Nov 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311971937

LM Morgan

"I'm a hopeless romantic with a dark side. Be warned, I may give my characters their Happily Ever After, but I make them work hard for it!"LM Morgan is a self-confessed computer and gadget geek. She has always had a wild imagination and a sense of creativity that often runs away with her, engrossing her for days in many a story that haunts her thoughts until it eventually makes it to the page. An avid rock music fan, LM Morgan spends most of her free time listening to music at home or going to concerts with her friends, and this love of music often makes its way into her creative writing.For news, information and sneak peeks into LM's upcoming novels, why not join her at www.LMauthor.com

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The Dark Queen of Hell, its ruler and mistress, Cate Rose sat beside the bed and watched her soon to be daughter-in-law sleeping so soundly it was as though the young demon were truly in a deep, peaceful slumber, but Cate knew she was far from it. Tilly had just endured weeks of suffering and torture at her Queen’s hands in order to break down the magical walls put inside her head by Cate’s trusted ex, Devin Black. When the poor girl had caved, her resolve and ability to resist Cate’s powerful command crumbled along with Tilly’s body and mind. Nevertheless, it had been worth it. The information carefully hidden away in the recesses of Tilly’s mind had honestly shaken the usually so calm and collected Dark Queen to her core.

Devin wanted their master’s primeval angelic essence for himself, he wanted to take it and end Lucifer’s dark life once and for all, becoming a powerful being of half-light and half-darkness in order to take full control of Earth as its leader and King.

Part of her wanted to grant him this power. The wars were over and balance had been restored at last. Devin had earned his place atop a throne of his own after the years of servitude to his sibling’s reign, while overseeing the cunning and clever secret society of humans called the Crimson Brotherhood on Earth. The order had been set up as a way to claim human souls in preparation for an afterlife of service in the depths of Hell, but it had now grown beyond their expectations. The order had become both a lucrative business and a source of control over the humans inducted into the cleverly constructed web of secrecy, intrigue, acumen and deliverance. The guardians of the dark cult took their orders from Devin and Serena Black, heads of both Black Rose industries and the Crimson Brotherhood, and siblings of sorts to the Dark Queen. Their guardians were powerful, clever and utilised any means at their disposal to procure souls. The cunning masters would make deals with their human underlings and deliver on their incredible promises over time in order to keep to their end of the bargain. When their time was up, their guardian would either demand dark favours from the pitiful humans, offering them more time before descending for their lengthy enslavement, or hunting them down and carrying out the retrieval of the promised prize when their contract was null. With each soul added to their list, the Black family’s omnipotent power grew, as did the Dark Queen’s, so there was no denying that they had worked hard to add as many new clients to their order as possible and deserved to be rewarded.

Thinking back over the last few years reminded Cate just how many changes Devin and Serena, along with their children, had been forced to make in order to adhere to hers and Lottie’s new balanced reign. The powerful couple had made many sacrifices along the way and as Cate watched Tilly sleep, the past replayed in her mind, haunting her as she pondered how best to proceed with her sibling’s request.

CHAPTER ONE

Five years earlier - Earth

Why did I wear these bloody shoes? Melody asked herself for the hundredth time as she rode the packed tube train heading for home on a busy Friday afternoon in London, England. As the train then pulled to a stop she followed the swarm of people out onto the platform heading for the welcome, ‘way out’, above, but then her heel got stuck on a jagged rock, halting her progress and sending Melody plummeting to the ground, where the people around her soon turned into bumbling idiots, clambering around her in an attempt to free themselves from her foolish form rather than actually help. She quickly felt herself starting to panic, tears stinging at her eyes as she tugged at her heel and tried to stand.

Strong arms then appeared through the swarm, grabbing her elbows from behind and pulling her up to stand before sliding her effortlessly through the crowd towards an empty spot near the billboards. When she finally got a look at her surprise, protective saviour, Melody couldn’t help the spark that instantly ignited inside of her. He was spectacularly gorgeous. Tall, slim and blonde with just a hint of red running through his short, stylishly coiffed hair and with the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen.

Thank you so much, she managed to say, feeling herself blush beneath his intense stare, and he smiled back at her with a sheepish grin.

No problem, how could I not help a damsel in distress? he answered, joking with her as though he somehow knew she might need some help to stop the tears that still pricked at her eyes. Are you okay?

‘I am now,’ Melody thought, forgetting all about her sore ankle, but just nodded and smiled weakly back at the model-like man who still held her close, still protecting her despite the crowd being long gone. Do you have another train to catch? he then asked, an almost shy smile on his lips now too and she shook her head, still finding it hard to speak thanks to her stunning rescuer and he smiled. Good, then how about we get a coffee so I can make sure you’re okay? And maybe I can finally get more than four words out of you, he said, taking Melody’s hand in his and guiding her up the stairs towards the exit, walking slowly and carefully to make sure she wasn’t putting too much strain on her sore foot.

Melody watched the man as he guided her, unsure just why he was taking such an interest in her, but she let herself enjoy the attention. She was not a shy girl but had never been overly confident with men either, only ever having had a few semi-serious boyfriends in the past, all of whom had had to make the first move as she was far too reclusive to go out meeting new people and picking up men in bars like her friends would do most weekends.

As they walked, she enjoyed the closeness that had seemingly happened between them both so effortlessly and natural. Holding onto his strong arm brought her both comfort and a sort of giddiness that she mentally wanted to kick her own arse for. They soon made it to the top of the stairs and took the few tentative steps towards the coffee stall, Melody taking a seat while her gorgeous saviour ordered them two cappuccinos, guessing what she might like without him even needing to ask.

So, he said as he brought the two frothy drinks over and pushed one towards her. My name is Corey, pleased to meet you, he added, smiling sexily across at her as she grabbed a sugar sachet and stirred its contents into her drink.

Melody, she replied.

That’s a beautiful name, he whispered, ignoring her blushing cheeks. I honestly don’t go around picking up damsels in distress, by the way. I’m usually the ‘friend-zone’ kinda guy in all honesty, Corey added, making her laugh.

We can be friends if you want? Melody offered, grinning broadly, and while she somehow knew that neither of them seemed to want that, she couldn’t help testing him.

No way, he replied immediately, only resorting in making her blush even harder. The pair of them then chatted for over an hour, discussing everything, from their favourite movies and music to laughing at just how much they had in common, and their relationship soon cemented even more. When she really did have to head off and catch her train home, Melody struggled with saying goodbye. Their connection had been incredible, and she wasn’t quite ready for it to end just yet. Corey seemed to be feeling the same way and sensed her hesitation, smiling across at her.

I guess this is goodbye, she groaned, looking down at her hands.

For now, maybe, but I won’t let you go that easily. Here, why don’t you give me a call and we can meet up for dinner next week? Corey said, pulling a business card from his pocket and sliding it over to her on the table. Melody grinned and grabbed it, the crisp, thick card and its sharp edges feeling somehow heavy in her hand, and she looked down. The card was dark grey, embossed with just two words in thick black lettering, ‘Corey Black’, with his telephone number underneath. This was not a cheap, stock-bought business card that she was used to getting handed by the many businessmen and women she encountered in her role as one of Lord David Pembroke’s aides. She had been an assistant to the multi-millionaire for many years now, having learned the full workings of his intricate and very private business life over that time and she was now well versed in his methods and dealings with business partners, earning herself a very respectable wage and some wonderful experience of the hectic industrial world in the process.

Sure, I’ll ring you over the weekend, she promised, checking her watch and standing from the table, aware that she was running out of time. As she tested her ankle, finding the joint almost fully healed, Corey joined her and leaned in close, laying a soft kiss on her cheek. He did not even give her the chance to overthink his closeness, the smell of him and the feel of his lips on her face that burned red beneath them, or the way that his kiss sent butterflies scattering through her abdomen. She swooned, leaning into his strong arms uncontrollably and he held her even closer, just for a moment, before leaning down to whisper into her ear.

I will look forward to hearing from you, Melody, he said, his voice a hoarse groan. You’d better ring me, he added before pulling back and stepping away, his hand sliding down her arm to take her hand in his. He gave it a quick squeeze, lingering for just a second longer before forcing himself away. Melody exhaled loudly as she watched him leave, smiling to herself and then having to force her legs to turn and walk in the other direction.

She made her way to the platform and boarded her train for Colchester just in time. The historic Roman town less than an hour away from the capital was her regular weekend respite from the city at her family’s home there, and she couldn’t wait to get back and tell her sister all about the wonderful Corey Black.

Melody spent her weeknights in London where she stayed in either a small flat or hotel room that was paid for and provided by her gracious boss and corporate tycoon, Lord David Pembroke. He was a kind, giving man despite his incredible prowess in the business world, but he had strict rules regarding his private life and whereabouts, so regularly moved offices, and with that his aides were required to move around the city with him too. Melody would make her way to London Liverpool street train station every Monday morning, suitcase in hand with her clothes and toiletries for the week inside, ready to be collected by one of Lord Pembroke’s black fleet cars and then taken to her home for the next four nights where she would deposit her bags and get ready for her working day. Melody would then be escorted to his offices and start getting set up. Laptops and mobile phones their only real necessities, and then they would get to work. Her role was as one of his personal assistants, welcoming his guests and setting up meetings, usually online or via the telephone. She was a very clever young woman, having excelled in her exams at school and finishing university with honours.

Lord Pembroke had told Melody many times that she should accept a promotion from him, that he wanted far more from her, but she was not ready yet. Melody was content to progress at her own speed. She had learned many of his insider trading tips for acquiring other businesses and properties before then making them grow and would be ten-times better off than her business rivals in the future for his teachings. David had disclosed a lot in the last five years, showing her an insider insight on how he expanded his reach in the business world and earned himself vast sums of money in the process. One day, Melody hoped to use some of her experience to further her own business prowess, but for now, she was content to learn and gain proficiency in the hope that she might be able to utilise it in the future.

And so, with all thoughts of her sore ankle long forgotten, Melody made her way home, daydreaming of her handsome saviour and those deep blue eyes that she knew would haunt her for a long time to come and which might already be her undoing. Together, they may just be something special, something that could change history. Melody thought about Corey the entire way home and found herself mesmerised by those eyes, those lips and that way he had held her that spoke of every possibility and also of no promise at all, just the, ‘what if?’

One thing Melody was sure of was that she would be seeing Corey again soon. It was more a matter of when than if.

CHAPTER TWO

The next morning, Melody and her younger sister, Callie, made their way into the town centre to go shopping, where they then stopped for a late lunch and a glass of wine outside one of the pubs along the high street. It was a warm summer’s day, and they sat basking in the sunshine as they chatted loudly, catching up over their cool drinks and enjoying the easy day. The sounds of the busy town engulfed them as they chatted, people passing by and cars bustling along but it was nothing compared to the noise of the city and Melody truly loved her weekend retreats back home, especially when her sister made time to be with her. She too had a busy schedule thanks to her owning and working full time in a top-class hair salon as its lead stylist and she had already stopped to work her magic on Melody’s long auburn hair at least twice that day, insisting she let her cut it. Callie was a shrewd businesswoman, too. Not only did she see to her many clients, but she also trained up her interns herself and was single-handedly running her salon, which was doing incredibly well.

As Melody and Callie gossiped, a group of men wandered past them, each of them chatting loudly too as they joked with one another and made plans for their Saturday night out in the old yet lively town, making both girls look up at them reactively as they did. Melody caught sight of them and took in their cute group of handsome strangers, each of them well-dressed and oozing confidence, but her gaze didn’t linger for long on the group as a whole, settling on just the one face she couldn’t quite believe was really there, Corey’s. He caught her gawking and stared right back at her, seemingly just as shocked to see her there, and he quickly stopped in his tracks, his friends wandering just a few feet further before stopping and turning back to see what he was doing.

Well, well, well. If it isn’t my damsel in distress, Corey said, stepping closer to her with a cheeky grin on his handsome face. I thought you were going to call me?

I was, after the respectable couple of days. Are you stalking me, Mr Black? Melody asked him, her tone playful, but she couldn’t help but wonder what on Earth he was doing there.

I live here. Perhaps I should ask you the same question? he replied, summoning his friends back to his side with a wave of his hand.

Me too. Well, I stay at my family home on the weekends. This is my sister, Callie Buchanan, she replied, waving a hand at her open-mouthed sibling. Melody had told her all about her handsome saviour from the day before, but Callie couldn’t help but feel as though she had been mis-sold the actual extent of this alluring man’s prowess and sex-appeal. She stood and kissed his cheek, being far from the shy one of the family, and Corey enjoyed her affectionate greeting, but was careful not to seem overly interested. She picked up on his hesitancy and grinned, smiling up at him playfully, clearly pleased that his affections were reserved for Melody alone.

Wow, I will have to make sure I have a quick word with my big sister for having kept you waiting on that phone call. You’ll have to forgive her. What she possesses in brains and business sense, Melody unfortunately lacks in social prowess, Callie told him with a cheeky smirk.

Corey smiled back and gave Melody a quick wink. He then quickly directed Callie towards his friends, eager to talk with her older sister in private.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Callie. I’d like to introduce you both to my friends, he said, pointing to the group of men with his hand. One of them, a heavy-set man that looked to Melody as if he might be almost seven-feet tall, had a hard stare but a warm smile that seemed forced and insincere, sending her instincts reeling. Melody didn’t like him. There was something there that chilled her to the bone, that shook her very core, and she was glad when he made no attempt to chat with her or Callie. Another man, softer looking and with a much kinder face than the first, grinned and reached out his hand to Melody, which she shook courteously and introduced herself. He had dark-brown hair and eyes that seemed wise beyond his years, but was handsome and alluring just like his friend and he soon caught Callie’s attention.

Jonah, he told her, a wide smile on his lips. He then moved over to stand next to Callie, keeping her attention on him while the other two seemingly less interested men chatted behind them, and Corey sat down next to Melody and leaned in, pulling her closer with one hand around her back.

Do you believe in fate? he whispered into her ear.

No, Melody replied, smirking up at him.

Good, me neither. But, I do believe in happy coincidences, he said, laughing. Corey had a way with words that enticed and allured Melody, drawing her in with each well-spoken syllable, every deep, ominous sound. She watched him, mesmerised while he spoke, utterly enthralled by him, and Melody somehow knew then and there that she was done for.

The two groups spent the rest of the evening together, drinking and enjoying the last few hours of sunshine in the beer garden of the pub. Melody eased a little with the burly man, whom she later found out was called Heath, and even chatted to him for a couple of minutes here and there while the others went to the bar or to the toilets. He seemed quite different than she had first thought, despite his outwardly intimidating demeanour, and although there was still something there that she didn’t trust, Melody found herself warming to him a little by the end of the evening.

Do you really live here in Colchester? she found herself asking Corey when they had a quiet moment alone later that night, sitting in a small booth by one of the bars they had moved on to with their hands entwined and their eyes locked. He stroked her hands with the tips of his, delicately tracing them across her palms and fingers in an oddly seductive way that made her swoon.

Honestly, I do, Corey replied, smiling so broadly that his deep blue eyes lit up, hypnotising her. I love the city, but I can’t handle it all the time. My office is in London, so I commute every day, but I spend my evenings and weekends here. I have a flat right next to the station. Want me to show you? he asked, his smile turning sheepish.

I would love to, but I need to make sure Callie gets home safely first, Melody replied. She really didn’t want to say no, but her protective instincts kicked in rather than be selfish.

I don’t think she wants to go, not back to yours anyway, Corey replied, looking towards the small dance-floor and Melody followed his gaze, spotting her sister and Jonah there. The pair of them were dancing so close to one another it was hard to make out where one of them started and the other one finished. Their lips were locked in a deep, insatiable kiss that proved Corey right.

Within a few minutes Melody had prised apart the enamoured couple and then pulled her sister into the ladies’ toilets for the obligatory ‘talk’. Callie was twenty-three years old, far from a child and she had gone home with many a suitor on her nights out in town before, but Melody still wanted to make sure that she was okay before she would be happy leaving, with or without her sister in tow.

I’m going back to Jonah’s place. He already asked me, she told Melody, her soft blue eyes alight and excited. He’s so hot, kinda commanding and powerful, but somehow still soft. I think he lives in the same building as Corey, so I won’t be far from you, Callie added, making Melody blush at how her sister had already figured out her plans for the rest of the evening. It’s not like you to go home with a guy. You must really like him, Mel? she pressed when Melody didn’t correct her, eager to get as much information as possible from her in their few minutes alone.

Yeah, there’s such a strong connection between us. I can feel it already. It’s like I can’t say no to him, but I don’t want to either, Melody admitted, checking her appearance in the mirror. She looked good, glowing even thanks to the light tan she had picked up after their afternoon in the sunshine. Her dark hair shimmered with its deep red tones and her hazel eyes looked far from sleepy despite their long day out. While applying a light sweep of red lip-gloss Melody watched her sister in the mirror, taking her in for a moment with a smile. Callie’s slim shape, medium height, facial features, and hair colour matched hers so perfectly that everyone knew they were sisters with one look. There was one exception, though. They didn’t share the same eye colour. She and Melody had found out in her teens that they had different fathers, that Callie’s dad, Tim, had raised her, but that their mother had met him when Melody was already one-year-old. Her own father had not made an appearance until she was nearly twenty, and the moment she had looked into his matching green-brown eyes she had known where hers had come from at last.

Hey, are you listening? Callie demanded, her hands on her hips. I said, let’s go. I’m ready for bed, if you know what I mean? she giggled, cocking one eyebrow.

"I always know what you mean," Melody mumbled, laughing as she slid her arm into the crook of her sister’s elbow and sauntered out with her to join their dates.

CHAPTER THREE

Are you tired? Corey asked Melody as they climbed the stairs to the second floor and walked towards the door of his flat.

No, she replied, smiling to herself.

Good, because I couldn’t bear it if you said you weren’t going to stay with me. I have to be with you tonight Melody, he said, stopping outside the door that she supposed must be his home. He looked down at his hands as he spoke, seeming somewhat shy despite his earlier calm confidence. Not that I expect anything from you, I just mean I want to be close to you.

I’m not going anywhere, she promised, stopping beside him and laying a hand on his shoulder. Corey looked up and peered across at her again for a few seconds, basking in her warm smile. He then unlocked the door and ushered Melody inside, unable to hide his grin as he watched her saunter in casually, her earlier social reticence gone now that they were alone again. She stepped over the threshold and took in the dark, manly bachelor-pad and shook her head in mock disapproval.

This place needs a woman’s touch, she told him, taking in the black sofas and grey paint-covered walls. There was just one wall with colour, a feature-wall covered in deep red wallpaper. The pattern on it was bright against the dull hue of the others and it had shelving built into the wall, each one adorned with photographs of Corey with his huge array of friends. There were no personal ones though, only group shots and certainly no intimate poses with other women,