Awakened In Shadows

By Tigris Eden

Can someone constantly on the receiving end of betrayal learn to trust again?

Dietrich Omari Johnson trusts no one. Sold into slavery by his own people, he learns early what the sharp edge of betrayal feels like. Working for the Shadow Unit is out of forced necessity. Never one to do something for nothing, he plays both sides of the fence. Every move, every decision, is calculated for his own personal gain.

Jorunn McLellan, given into the care of the Unit’s meanest team member, tries to make the best of a frightening situation. The dominating Walker hides behind his shades, and harsh comments, yet still manages to heat up her body. Can she put to rest the emotions Dietrich awakens and move on with her life before he steals her soul and shatters her heart?

Or is the glimpse he allows her to see enough to fight for what she knows is his only chance for happiness?

**PNR, Multicultural, Dark Paranormal Romance**+18

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kats Kreative Ideas
• Release date: Apr 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781625177971

Tigris Eden

USA Today Bestselling Author, Tigris is a military brat who's done her fair share of traveling, thanks to her Army father. She's married to the infamous LL and has three boys. She currently resides in Houston and is actively seeking a book-buddy for the end of the world. You can find Tigris on Twitter, Facebook, and at her website. Twitter: @Tigris_Eden Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigrisEdenAuthor/ Website: www.tigriseden.com

Book preview

Praise for the Shadow Unit Series

The Shadow Unit Series is an edge of your seat thrill ride full of steamy romance, conspiracy and best of all, hot shifters. A great series for any lover of the genre. -Author S. Cu’Anam Policar.

This was one of the best 2nd in a series books I think I have ever read. I have been waiting to see what happened with Jes and Draven, the hotness that is Royce and Ronin. Great Follow up. Great writing, can’t wait till the others come out! -Tka3nme.

Just when you think happily ever after there is another twist in the story that keeps you turning the page. -1safelady.

The Shadow Unit Series is intense, gritty and HOT HOT HOT!!! -Viki Sloboda.

Intrigue, love and action make an irresistible read. -Vondetta Carter Once you start reading them you can’t put them down until you’re finished. Then you are anxiously waiting for the next. –Barb A.

Shadow Unit Series is an emotional, raw, sexy, action packed paranormal fabulousness that sucks you in from page one. You will cry, laugh, and blush throughout the series and burn for more. – Indy Book Fairy

Hunky men, steamy scenes, romance and a touch of the paranormal. What more can you ask for? It’s all here in the Shadow Unit. – Jennifer Ballam.

The Shadow Unit series is an edge of your seat mix of adventure and romance that will leave the readers wanting more! – Ty Langston, Author of Decadent Dreams

Publisher: Kats Kreative Ideas

Copyright © 2015 by Tigris Eden

Cover: Dreams2media

Editor: Literally Addicted to Detail, Chelle Olson & Author Services by Cu, Sheryl Policar

All Rights Reserved.

In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher constitute unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), For permission requests, write to the publisher, with (Attention: Permissions Coordinator)  in the subject line to [e-mail]. Thank you for your support of the authors rights.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase your own copy.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the work of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

The publisher is not responsible for websites, or their content that are not owned by the publisher.

ISBN: 978-162517797-1

Acknowledgments

Iwould like to take the time to say a huge thank you to my beta readers! You all gave great feedback! A special thank you to Jodie (JoJo) West for her last minute suggestions where Dietrich was concerned.  Thank you!

I’d also like to give a huge shout out to my Foxes over at Eden’s Den! You women are amazing and great supporters! Thank you for understanding my crazy!

Last, but not least... Dietrich Omari Johnson, you are by far the hardest S.O.B to write! I struggled daily with you, but in the end it was worth it. I hope I didn’t destroy your street credit too bad.

Dedication:

To all the readers, I write because you read.

To LL: Thank you for putting up with all my craziness, for hanging out with me and discussing my story with me, even when there were times your face was blank. I love you babe.

Chapter 1

W e doing this shit or what?

Women are slow as hell, Dietrich thought as he sat on the sofa in the common room of the Unit’s family floor. The rest of the males were talking about shit that didn’t concern him. It was like everyone in this piece, save for him and a few others, had caught the love bug. They could miss him with that shit. It sure as fuck wasn’t meant for him.

He knew what love was. Felt it, nurtured it, and tried to never let it down. In the end, he’d also been used by it. He was still being used by love. Something he lived with every day. He was also seeing to it that once he was free, he would stay free.

Calm down, Gabe broke in. With Belinda due in a few days, it’s taking longer. The Angel of Death—or ex-Angel of Death—pulled Xee into a hug, kissing the top of her head. She was wearing a tank top, showcasing her new sleeve tattoo. It was a Japanese cherry blossom in full bloom. In her cut-off jean shorts and shitkickers, she resembled the furthest thing from a librarian possible. Stuffy, she was not.

She’d been brought back to life to help them find an ancient relic called the Sahidic. It probably helped that her mate Gabriel had some pull with Michael, too. And Dietrich was sure her being wrongfully killed by Dravaggio had played a role in Michael’s decision to give his brother back the woman he loved.

Dravaggio was the leader of the Shadow Unit, and he’d gone on a walkabout or some shit after he’d killed Gabriel’s now-not-so-dead woman, Xee. The whole scene was pretty fucked up, but who was Dietrich to tell the man he had to stay. If the brother wanted to go...well, then, he’d go. Which is exactly what he’d done.

Belinda walked into the family rec room wearing a long dress that was stretched tightly over her very pregnant belly. As if they had time for this shit. She looked like a woman ready to drop a full-grown man.

You should stay your ass home, Dietrich advised, pointing at her belly. The Phoenix was more than ready to deliver her twins. How she still managed to walk on two feet—hell, two swollen feet—was a miracle.

Shut up, D, Belinda huffed. Her breath came short as she placed one hand on her belly and the other on her lower back. She stuck her tongue out at him and walked into Ronin’s outstretched arms. The male kissed her lips before kneeling to kiss her swollen belly. He whispered to the unborn fetus, stood, and turned his attention to Dietrich.

If my Deva wants to go out, she can go. Royce and I got her covered. She’s our girl.

You’re still sexy, Belinda. Pregnancy looks good on you, Xee commented, smiling.

Gabe growled but playfully slapped Xee on her ass.

Idiots. Every single one of them. Half the time he stayed at his own spot instead of here at the Unit’s building. It was turning into a damn otherworldly commune. Pretty soon there would be chants and rituals. Someone would come up with the brilliant idea of free love, and then it would turn into a love-fest, no, correction, fuck-fest of epic proportions. Dietrich shook the thought from his head. No way was he catching a case of whatever they all had. He was not down for the love bug. Not even a little bit.

They were meeting their contact at BARE—a club that catered to immortals and humans. Whoever this guy was, he was supposed to be able to help with their search for the Sahidic.

Your source had better be legit.

Oh, he is, D. Trust me, Xee claimed.

Yeah, girl. Whatever. I’m not looking forward to going clubbing with one woman who’s knocked up, her two bat-shit crazy men, Angel boy, and you. When I go to clubs, I go for one thing, and that’s to get ass. No one here has promised to feed my dick, so as far as I’m concerned, this is a wasted trip.

Grab some ass while we’re out. No one cares, man. Just don’t be a asshole in the process, Xee replied, blowing him a kiss.

Royce clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

Let’s get this party started right, the Feral yelled while throwing a fist pump in the air.

There had been a time when Dietrich respected the man a bit. Now, not so much. He was a fool. They all were. But it wasn’t his job to inform them or shit on their love parade.

Draven and Jesminda were staying behind with Hawke, Sam, and Adam. He’d noticed that Draven’s mate wasn’t particularly fond of being around her best friend for longer than a few moments at a time anymore. He suspected it had everything to do with her losing her baby a few months back to Cyrian and Jes’s crazy ass ancestor, Odessa, who had taken the unborn baby from Jes in the worst kind of way. Jesminda did mete out a just punishment, but she still suffered from her actions. She was seeing Ann, the Unit’s resident shrink, but their talks didn’t seem to be working. He would have offered to help out with that, like he had with Draven and Jesminda’s daughter, Faith and her nightmares, but if no one asked, well, he wasn’t going to offer. It was better that way.

I’ll pull the SUV around, Ronin grunted, pulling Belinda with him.

I’m taking my bike, Dietrich grumbled. There was no way he was getting into a car with the lovebirds.

Xee smiled at him. She loved his bike. Always tried to take his keys and ride. That shit was never going to happen. She could ride bitch, but never drive.

Gabe could see the look on his mate’s face. Dietrich knew the other man had plans for Xee, which was a good thing. He planned on filling the back of his bike with available ass. Not taken ass.

No, Blossom. Tonight we’re flying.

Xee’s squeal of excitement was loud as fuck. Flying in the arms of the Angel of Death was, apparently, the shit.

Glad everyone is in agreement on seating arrangements. Let’s roll out. My dick’s hungry.

If there was one thing Dietrich wasn’t going to do, it was let his own self down. When he was tired, he slept, when he was hungry, he ate, and when it came time to let one loose, he fucked. Multiple times in one night if he could manage it.

The opening to BARE was in an alley. A long line of people waited to get inside. They were wrapped around the corner and spilled onto the street. The others were already at the door, waiting for him to park his bike. Dietrich backed into a spot and shut off his engine. On the plaque over the entrance were two symbols. The Eye of Ra, and an ankh sign, and right below that were the letters, T.I.M. What the fuck did Tim mean?

You took long enough, Royce yelled, as D made his way over to the others.

So what, punk. I’m here.

All right you two, let’s go inside. Xee ushered them forward. Yeah, Royce and his twin didn’t really care too much for him. Especially after realizing that Belinda used to be his girl. Hope they enjoyed his leftovers. Harsh? Maybe, but the moment he started to care, would be the moment he let his guard down, and that wasn’t going to happen. Ever.

They all turned to the bouncer at the door.

Ya’ll are from the Unit. It wasn’t a question. The male knew who they were.

We’re here to see—

Yeah, I know. I’ve been instructed to seat you in the V.I.P section.

The bouncer was a foot taller than Dietrich, and sported an Eye of Ra tattoo on his neck and two large tribal bands around his biceps made visible by his sleeveless shirt. His skin was a dark brown, and at a closer look, D could see his veins clearly. They weren’t red or blue, but green. When the bouncer opened the door, music came blaring out. Swedish House Mafia’s Greyhound, pounded through his veins. He could feel the bass of the music in his chest. Could the music be any louder? Shit, that was saying something, especially for him. He always played his music loud. Maybe he was finally getting old. As if being almost four hundred was considered that. Compared to the twins, he was a baby. The sound of the music attacked him from all angles.

Dietrich made his way closer to the group. Xee and Belinda were already sitting near a stage he assumed was the V.I.P section. Damn, the females moved fast. Gabe and the twins were following close behind. D stopped at the bar and eyed a few potential bed partners before making his way over to the rest of the group. He scanned the throng of bodies bumping and grinding to the beat. Humans dancing with immortals, immortals sizing up the humans. Not one mortal was wise to what was right in front of them. Two women were going home with him tonight, and from the looks of it, he’d have his pick from the cream of the crop.

DIETRICH SAT DOWN AT the table with a grunt. The night was still young, and Xee watched her teammates carefully. There were times she still couldn’t believe she was part of a family. Belinda was rubbing her belly while bobbing her head to the beat. The twins were laser focused on the area around them, patrolling for possible threats, and Gabe, her Angel, was absently rubbing the back of her neck. Life was good. Well, as good as it could be considering the shit they were diving into. During her time with Michael, she’d been able to gain a wealth of knowledge on a lot of useful topics. She’d made some otherworldly contacts, and the Immortal Database had proven more than helpful once she knew what she was searching for. Now it was a matter of putting the pieces together.

Xee noticed D’s attention was on two women tangled up in each other’s arms on the dance floor. The one thing she didn’t like about her new post-death self was, she couldn’t tell the humans from the immortals now. Didn’t even get a tingle of feeling regarding what was what. She really was human. A human with the possibility of an infinite life span, but still human. She was tied to Gabriel as long as he didn’t break any of the rules his asshole jailers had set for him. Don’t try and run. Don’t kill anyone. And be available at all times. That last one had proven to be a bit of a problem, and Xee had a feeling that Castiel was a voyeur. The last time she’d seen him was during a very heated shower between her and Gabe. She, of course, had been the one screaming as Gabriel pounded into her from behind. That was precisely when the Seraph had decided to make himself known. Fucking bastard. He’d totally ruined her mojo.

Stop scanning. Work first. Play after, Xee scolded D.

Don’t need to scan, baby girl. They’ll come to me. Unless you want dibs on the hook?

Xee’s face lit up in a shit-eating grin. She was totally on board with hooking someone for D’s nightly pleasure. She may be bound to the Harbinger of Death, and have housed a demon for most of her life, but she wasn’t dead. Beautiful was beautiful. No matter the sex. Like Dietrich, she was honest when she played the game. She would promise them an evening of pleasure, but in the morning, her friend had one long-standing rule. Breakfast in bed was an option, but he was the type of fellow who ate and ran. He’d eat the pussy and then he’d run them home. At least he did that. Some men didn’t even provide a car service or call you a cab. But Dietrich was at least decent in that sense.

Angel boy, Xee whined, looking her man clear in the eyes. He knew what she was asking.

It’s fine, Blossom. I enjoy watching you turn them loose on D. I’m good.

She kissed him hard and zeroed in on her first victim. Dietrich folded his hands behind his head sat back.

Spoiled ass, Royce cursed.

Don’t be pissed at me ‘cause your girl can’t hook bait, D gloated.

Dude, seriously, hook bait for who?

Xee watched as D shrugged.

Don’t care what you say. Either way, I’m dining on ass and tits tonight. All is right in my world.

Everyone watched as Xee rose from the table and headed into the crowd of dancing bodies.

XEE FOUND THE WOMAN she was looking for. This one wasn’t for Dietrich, though. Jorunn McLellan was a shy coffee shop owner, who just happened to be a little bit more. She was quiet and sweet and everyone at BARE respected her. Not just because her adoptive father was Phineas, a first generation Demon, but also because her quiet strength encouraged it. Jo was currently talking to her foster brothers, Khalid and Beats. Michael had introduced them when she was brought back into the world of the living. Like them, she was a survivor. Jorunn and Khalid had both been found on the streets by Phineas. Beats had been an addition to their family when his father kicked him out because of his preference for males. But that wasn’t the only thing that his father considered different. Beats was a Reg, as well. He’d left just a few weeks’ shy of his maturation cycle. If Phineas hadn’t found him, he would have died. Khalid was an Angel, making him a Nephil. Had his mother been a human and his father an Angel, he would have been Nephilim. No one knew what Jorunn was. Phineas had taken them in, given them shelter, and taught them to survive.

Michael thought they’d be able to help the Unit. Xee still wasn’t totally sure, but they were a great bunch to hang out with. She’d been coming to BARE and Jo’s Cafe long before she was recruited by the Unit. She’d just never guessed they were part of a bigger plan.

They here, Xee? Beats asked.

Yup, Draven couldn’t make it and sends his apologies. If this all works out, you all will have an invite to the base. For now, we meet here.

Sounds fishy, Khalid snidely remarked. He was the most skeptical of the group.

Call it what you want, Khalid. It is what it is.

Hey, you asked us for help, not the other way around.

True. But only at Michael’s incessant urging.

Khalid was a major asshole. Arrogant and closed off, he was right up there with Dietrich. Xee adored him.

I saw you come in with Death, Beat interrupted, his voice low and awestruck. She didn’t know if the kid had a crush or what, but for some reason, he was starry-eyed.

Yeah, I told you, that’s my man. He’s harmless, unless you get on his bad side.

Gabe could break a man in half if he wanted. But because he was on eternal probation, he couldn’t kill anyone or he’d go on Isaiah-the-prick-warrior-Angel’s top ten most wanted list. Fucker.

Awesome. Can I meet him? Beats asked with genuine hero-worship in his voice.

Calm down, Beats. Damn, Jo chuckled.

Xee looked over at Jo, who was grinning ear to ear. She really was the sweetest person Xee had met in a long time. She was perfect. Thick thighs, big ass, lots of breasts, and probably a dead on target for someone like Dietrich. Xee wouldn’t let that happen, even though Jorunn was the perfect mix of woman.

When she’d first met Jo, Xee tried really hard not to stare at her very unique eyes. They were cat-like in appearance, with light green flecks that burst into a metallic grey. But they also changed color on any given day at any given time. A kaleidoscope of colors seemed to shine outward, tugging you in. The colors so clear and stunning that during the day she had to wear contacts. Tonight, Xee could see flecks of gold and amber as if her eyesight were adjusting to the club’s dark atmosphere. Her full lips and high cheekbones gave Jo an exotic look, especially wearing the flowing skirt and painter’s shirt that covered her from neck to wrists—she always covered as much skin as possible. She also had great fucking hair. Xee shook her head mentally.

If Xee weren’t irrevocably in love with her Angel, she would have totally wanted to care for the female that stood off to the side of her. Jorunn was a good girl in every way possible. Again, Xee thought absently, this beauty wasn’t for Dietrich. She had something else lined up for him. His birthday had been last week, and although he didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, she was. Xee turned to Beats.

You ready, Freddy?

Ready.

All right, just remember, something sexy. Remind the dame to be aggressive and suggestive with her body.

No problem. I’ll cue the music in about five. Beats saluted and made his way to the DJ’s booth.

Khalid, go with Xee, Jo ordered quietly.

Yeah, sure.

Khalid reluctantly followed her back to the booth. The twins looked at Xee, then Khalid, and finally Dietrich. Royce burst into laughter.

What the fuck, Xee? D yelled, looking at Khalid.

What?

Pussy. My dick only eats pussy.

Khalid growled.

Man, I’m not here to get you off. I’m Phineas’s right hand. Pussy is front and center stage in a few minutes.

Chapter 2

He shouldn’t have been concerned about Xee, but for a second, D had thought she was off her motherfucking rocker. The lights dimmed and the people on the dance floor all turned to face the stage.

It’s show time! the DJ yelled from his booth.  

Great. He had to sit through a fucking show. Someone in the crowd shared his thoughts because they vocalized their displeasure by booing.

Don’t be stank, the DJ boomed, or I’ll have you booted! He cleared his throat and kept jaw jabbing. Bare your soul. Bare your heart. Bare yourself. Equality for all! he yelled.

Everyone in the club, save for the team, repeated the last line before the lights went dark. Nothing seemed to happen for long seconds, and Dietrich couldn’t explain why the hair on his arms stood on end, why his body tightened in anticipation. It wasn’t necessarily a bad feeling. But it wasn’t a good one either. To him, that should have been a dead giveaway. Something about whoever was up on the stage would screw him in a major way if he let them. Trust your gut. Go with your instincts. Damn straight. But whoever was on the other side of the curtain was giving off heavy doses of pheromones. She was also compatible with him in all things sexual.

A light was cast on the stage, and a woman’s voice sang something about not soothing souls or easing pain. The voice warned that it would rip into a man’s heart and drain it until every last part of him was left barren. Empty. The music pulsed in D’s veins like an intimate stimulant. A body appeared within his view. A shadow of the perfect female specimen. Whatever she was wearing was stuck to her body like a second skin. A leg extended out from behind a silk drape, taunting the audience. The woman attached to the leg hooked the fabric around her form in such a seductive manner his pants tightened. He could smell her from where he sat. Warm, aggressive female. The best kind. She was the type of woman that left her hot scent embedded into the sheets, but never under the skin. She was perfect, and would be totally down for one night of pleasure. One moment she was twined in the silk and moving sensually, and the next, she was center stage. He couldn’t see her face, just her plump, full lips.

Royce bumped him on the shoulder.

Butter face. Hundred bucks, everything but her face is legit.

Bells slapped her man, telling Royce to shut up.

Yeah, I don’t think so, D murmured.

His dick didn’t lead him astray. No way in hell she was a butter face. She was something else, probably a Sex Demon, and Dietrich couldn’t bring himself to care. He’d taken his fair share of Sex Demons and lived to tell the tale. The song kicked up a notch, and he sat glued to his chair. Eyes hypnotized, dick hard as steel as the woman on stage gyrated her hips and swayed her body to the music. She danced in a way that had every male dying to get his hands on her. Too late fools, she’s mine. But for the night only. He never doubled dipped his dick. It would be bad for business. Females got clingy if you entertained them more than once. He’d never been one to promote repeat performances, and he wasn’t about to start now. Tonight, he was only taking one woman home. The female on the stage, who was making her way over to their table. Dietrich smirked. She’d just won the Dietrich’s-one-night-stand-mega-millions. That’s how many orgasms he was giving her tonight before the sun came up over the horizon in the morning.

JO MADE HER WAY OVER to the table to retrieve the team members. Her father was finally ready to see them. She saw Xee and the others in the V.I.P section, and she almost faltered. Dietrich was with them. Would he recognize her from the shop? Probably not, Jo. Head out of the clouds. He never seemed to notice her, but he came to her shop at least twice a week. He’d buy coffee or order smothered pork chops, white rice, and collard greens with hot sauce. But he never looked her in the eyes. Ever.

Shit! Cassandra was making her way over to the table and she had her sights set on Dietrich. She’s more his type than you are. Jo wasn’t anyone’s type. Too afraid to show skin because of the markings on her body, she stayed covered up, and her eyes—freaky to others—put people on edge. It was the reason she usually wore contacts. Well, you didn’t wear them tonight. True. But this was BARE, everyone and anyone would have some sort of oddity showing, whether it was real or fake.

Xee, Jo spoke quietly as she cast her eyes to the ground. She was trying to ignore the pain in her chest at the sight of Dietrich and Cassandra. The sex kitten had all but fallen into his lap, and he seemed all too happy to entertain. That was typical; they were predators with rapacious appetites.

And you are? the pregnant female asked.

Jo took off her hat and slowly lifted her eyes. A small smile tugged at her lips. She knew who Belinda was. She was the Matria of House Ignis. Jorunn had spotted Belinda the moment the Matria had walked