Dante's Desire: New Immortals, #2

By Tia Didmon

Jessica Johnson is one of the best agents the Seattle PIA has to offer but her transfer to the L.A. office comes at a price. She's been sent to betray them. When the destructive power of the PIA's newest weapon is revealed Jessica realizes the true cost of her loyalty.

Dante Moretti has spent centuries in an emotionless void. He had accepted his death as inevitable until Jessica walked through his door. With her dormant powers emerging and an ancient enemy threatening Dante's race, he must convince Jessica that nothing will stop him from claiming her. Not even the secret that ripped her family apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tia Didmon
• Release date: Sep 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9798215270998

Tia Didmon

Tia Didmon is a USA Today bestselling author of provocative paranormal romance and paranormal women’s fiction. When Tia isn't busy writing about sexy shifters and dreamy demons, she spends her time binge-watching The Order and reruns of The Vampire Diaries, cooking with her daughter, and serving her cat. Her love of writing stems from a self-diagnosed book addiction.  Subscribe to Tia's newsletter at tiadidmon.com for a free book and start your journey through Tia's supernatural world today! 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

If karma is a bitch, then destiny is a dirt bag. Jess looked into the smiling face of the little girl she would never see again. A childlike innocence she had never been allowed to possess. I have to leave soon Maddie.

Maddie frowned. I will miss you Auntie Jess, but I’m proud of you. This is like your third promotion and Daddy says we can visit you in L.A. in two months.

Jess pulled the gold locket she always wore out from under her shirt and passed it to Maddie. I want you to have this. Your grandma gave it to me on my sixteenth birthday.

Maddie scrunched her face, looking at the necklace. Why are you giving it to me now? I’m only ten.

Jess smiled. I’ll be in uniform most of the time. I know you’ll take good care of it.

Maddie hugged her. The thin frail arms squeezed her chest, but the small warm body couldn’t thaw the ice forming in her rib cage. I have to get changed; they’ll be here to pick me up soon. She released the little love of her life and went to her bedroom, closing the door.

Jess covered her face with her hands, while silent sobs racked her body. This was her only moment to feel the regret. The anger. The betrayal. She took a deep breath, pushing the pain away. It was done. The deal was made.

She pulled on her clothes, zipping up her black PIA jacket last. She put her hand to her weapon, but the strong familiar feeling of her gun now felt hollow. Her uniform had always given her a sense of belonging she’d felt nowhere else. Each meticulously crafted button had offered her a sense of accomplishment. Now it felt like a straitjacket, closing tighter and tighter, while her breath withered away. She plastered a smile on her face and returned to the front room of her and Darnell’s apartment.

Darnell was standing behind the couch, watching Maddie play with her small terrier.

He smiled wanly. Hey sis.

She nodded not trusting her voice.

He cleared his throat, fiddling with the frayed material of her gray couch. I’m really sorry, Jess.

It’s done, she replied curtly.

I feel terrible. You were always there for me and Maddie after our parents died. Now this.

Jess let out a slow breath. There were so many things she wanted to say to her fuck up of a brother, but she needed him focused on his daughter. I know being a single parent is hard Darnell. You did the best you could, but you need to do better. I won’t be there to help you in the future.

Darnell looked down. When you’re gone you mean.

Jess watched Maddie play tug of war with the tiny dog. It growled in mock ferocity, enjoying their game. Darnell had been mad when Jess bought the dog for Maddie, but had agreed to let her keep it when Jess reminded him who paid for the small apartment. There’s no way out of this for me. Either the PIA puts me in jail or the demons kill me when they find out what I’ve done.

Darnell clutched the couch. This is all my fault. Now I will lose you too.

Jess put a reassuring hand on her brother’s shoulder, but removed it when he flinched. It will be all right. Just take care of Maddie. She is the only thing that matters. I’ve already added your name to the apartment and made arrangements in my will. She rubbed her hand over the GPS tracker in her wrist. She could feel the tiny bump just under the skin. A physical reminder of her betrayal.

Darnell pulled a black card from his pocket and handed it to her. Your handler at PURE will contact you in a few days. He said you are only to use the number for emergencies.

Her cell phone chimed as she took the card. She didn’t need to look at it to know who it was. They’re here.

Darnell glanced at his daughter. What do you want me to tell her when it’s over?

Jess felt the tears burn in her eyes. It took every ounce of training to stop them from falling. Tell her I love her.

Dante could see the concern in his sister-in-law’s face. She fiddled with the large diamond that adorned her ring. He had noticed she wasn’t yet used to the ornate gift her husband had given her.

Are you sure she will be all right? she asked.

Jenner sighed. This is Kiki we are talking about. I told you she passed her special ops preliminaries in hopes you would stop asking me about her every day.

Laura put her hand on her hip. I will never stop worrying about her. She’s my best friend, and yes, she’s tough, but she has a sensitive side too.

Jenner’s mouth twitched. Not that I’ve noticed. Valen’s nickname for her is accurate, and it’s leaked out at the office.

Laura looked shocked. They are calling her the little ninja?

Jenner shrugged. Not to her face.

Dante picked up Blam. The maimed cat was rubbing against his feet. Though he couldn’t feel affection for the fragile feline, he accepted it as part of his new family. He forced himself to smile back at Laura while he petted the loudly purring cat. Who’s the new recruit that will replace Kiki?

Jenner glanced back at the large intricately carved door that stood at the main entrance of the Moretti mansion. Her name is Jessica Johnson. She’s top notch. I trained her myself. It thrilled me when she requested this assignment.

Despite the changes in Dante’s environment, his interest had become harder to feign. Valen’s bonding with Laura had reminded him of the never-ending darkness of his existence. Another Kiki?

Jenner rubbed his chin. Unlike Kiki, Jess is respectful and doesn’t question orders. I would trust her with my life.

Dante raised an eyebrow. You don’t trust Kiki with your life?

Jenner shifted uncomfortably when Laura gave him a dirty look. I trust Kiki with Laura’s life and that’s all that matters.

Laura smiled. Good answer. She hugged and kissed her brother then took Blam from Dante’s arms. I’m going to put him in his cat bed. She walked away nuzzling her tiny pet.

Jenner waited for his sister to leave before turning to Dante. Jess wouldn’t have been offended by Blam’s appearance.

Dante didn’t bother to fake emotion with his new brother. She’s concerned Blam will sense he is... different, but Valen has asked her to join him until he meets your new partner.

Jenner sighed. Fair enough. Where is Valen?

He is finishing up with a demon that came to pledge allegiance to the new prince.

Another one?

Dante nodded. There are more for him to meet. Far more than we realized.

Jenner rubbed his neck. Good.

Dante inclined his head. I am surprised to hear you say that, my brother.

Jenner frowned. I want... need to know that Laura will be all right. I can’t guarantee that the PIA will always be there for her.

The PIA was never there for Laura. They see her as a tool. If it wasn’t for you and Kiki, she would not have survived.

Jenner put his hands on his hips. That only justifies my new creed. The more of you the better. He glanced at the door again. How is the unification going?

Dante touched Valen’s mind. He was listening to a Were Demon as it recapped its life in the last two hundred years. We have found that many of the races have similar stories to ours. A devastating event that left them with little hope for the future. Valen has a lot of catching up to do.

Why didn’t he or your council know what was happening?

Dante nodded. We were once the royalty of the demon species. When our women were gone, we gave up. We saw no future. We don’t understand how we have one now.

Jenner scratched behind his ear. I thought Chad believed it was Mother Nature stepping in to save your race.

That may very well be the case, but I feel it is more than that.

Jenner’s eyebrows went up. You feel?

You know that I do not, but it serves as good a word as any to describe a sense of something... more going on.

Jenner smiled. Valen says you were always the smart one.

Rico held that distinction.

I never said it before, Dante, but I’m sorry about your brother, Jenner said, uncomfortable with the rare show of emotion.

I thank you and am... thankful to have you as part of our family. Laura means the world to our race. She represents a future thought lost.

Jenner’s smile was slight. She is a miracle.

Are all the demons accepting Valen’s role as their prince?

No, not all. Many have withdrawn from the world for so long they don’t recognize PURE as a threat. Some do not believe that Laura is human.

How can they think that? She spoke to them.

Her voice yes. But her abilities appear like ours. Until they meet her. They have no way to confirm she is in fact still... mostly human.

Jenner frowned. No offense, but I’m in no rush to see my sister’s... fangs.

There is no need. She requires only a small amount of Valen’s blood to remain immortal.

Jenner nodded, but glanced at the door.

That is the third time you have looked toward the door. Who is this Jessica to you?

Jenner spun. It’s nothing like that. She’s smart and has an impenetrable psychic shield even by Laura’s standards. She’s as quick with a weapon as Kiki and learns even faster.

There is something else, Dante persisted.

Jenner sighed. Jess has had a lot of tough knocks. Her parents were killed by a drunk driver a couple years ago and her brother is... a little unreliable so, she has been supporting her older brother and niece since her parent’s death.

Her family didn’t move with her?

They’re at her apartment in Seattle for now. She said she will bring them out in a couple months once she gets settled.

A car pulled up. They heard the doors slam before Dante shifted menacingly. Agent Baker is escorting her.

Jenner put his hand up. Greg hasn’t even looked at Laura since she married Valen. He’s a pain in the ass, but he’s a good agent.

Dante’s eyes flashed. Demons have a long memory.

Jenner cursed then went to the door to greet his newest team member. Greg, I will meet you back at the office in half an hour. I want to get Laura and Jess reacquainted and introduce her to Valen.

Greg looked relieved as he left.

Dante watched the dark-haired woman in her black uniform, identical to Jenner’s, scan the room. It was something she was trained to do, yet Dante found her inspection of her surroundings excessive for the situation.

Jenner led her over to him as he stood immobile in the large living room. Jess, this is Dante.

She nodded. Your place is beautiful Mr. Moretti. You are fortunate to have such a lovely home.

Dante’s body erupted. Every synapse fired at the same time. Images and urges long forgotten roared to the surface. He stood like a statue unsure for the first time in centuries, how to react to the tsunami of emotion.

Jenner’s face hardened. Dante you can trust Jess.

Dante saw a flicker of pain before her face turned to wariness.

His demon opened its eyes. MINE.

Dante struggled to keep his body under control. His muscles corded under his skin as his demon surged from the darkness of its slumber, growling, hunting the creature that had woken it. His senses flared out, taking in her light lavender scent. He rubbed his forehead, forcing his eyes downcast so she wouldn’t see the fire building behind them. His urge to claim her seeping into every pore of his body.

He reached out trying to connect with her mind, but her natural shields were impenetrable. His demon roared in frustration as she shifted her body weight uncomfortably. She sensed the change in him. So did Jenner. Both appeared on the defensive.

Valen shimmered in his mind. Dante, are you awakening?

Yes. I was not prepared for the onslaught of emotion. Everything is so bright. Rico...

Mourn his death later. He would want you to put your bride first. Is it the new PIA agent? Kiki’s replacement?

Yes. He wants her, but I cannot connect with her, Dante messaged, frustration laced in every word.

PIA agents are chosen for their psychic shields. You cannot connect unless she allows it.

I remember telling you to be patient with Laura. To woo her as a human. I did not understand you were experiencing... this.

I am pleased you have found her. How can I help you? Valen asked.

Call Jenner to you. I have made both of them wary. They sense something is amiss.

The woman is his responsibility. He will not leave her without good reason.

Her name is Jessica. Have Laura call to him. He will do anything for his sister.

Valen laughed. I forgot about your devious side. It is good to have you back my brother. He disconnected abruptly.

Jenner frowned before turning to Jessica. Laura asked me to help her with something, are you all right for a moment?

Jessica’s face softened. Of course. Go help Laura. I’m looking forward to seeing her again.

Jenner left, shooting Dante a look that said behave.

Dante cleared his throat. You have met Laura before?

Jessica smiled. She and Kiki came to Seattle for a training exercise. I was helping Jenner train them. Kiki is a force of nature. Laura is... well she seems too sweet for this kind of work. I’m glad Jenner re-allocated her to a consultant position with the PIA.

Dante ran his eyes over Jessica’s body. He watched her stiffen. Is that what the L.A. PIA is telling the other offices?

She frowned. What do you mean?

They don’t know she is related to Jenner?

Jessica sucked in a quick breath. No. I mean... why would you tell me that? she blurted.

I want you to trust me. I want to... get to know you, he said.

Since Jenner is now part of your family, I can understand you wanting a background on me. I’m Kiki’s replacement. I will partner with Jenner and Greg while she’s in training...

I already know about your role with the PIA. I want to know about you, Dante insisted.

Jessica stiffened. There’s no need for you to have personal information about me.

Dante sensed the reservation in her voice. Do not fear me Jessica. I am incapable of hurting you. Your psychic shields are exceptionally high, but surely you can sense I am not lying.

Jessica searched his face. You’re not lying... my friends call me Jess.

Dante smiled. It is my sincere pleasure to meet you. It is my intention that we be... more than friends. He pitched his voice low, hearing the compulsion. What do you want, Jessica? More than anything else?

Jess looked at him. Lines formed on her forehead as she fought the words forming at her lips. I want Maddie to grow up with love and acceptance. Without prejudice and fear of rejection. I want her to have all the things little girls deserve.

Dante chastised his demon for using a talent that had been dormant for over two hundred years. I am sorry, Jessica.

Jess rubbed her forehead. What did you just do?

I did not intend to force an answer from you. It caused you pain because of your abilities. I will never do it again. I am... out of sorts at the moment.

Jessica’s eyes flashed with anger. You can force people to tell you their darkest secrets. No wonder the PIA was formed.

Dante sucked in a breath. Blood Demons do not need to force a human to say anything. We can read their minds easily.

Then why did you use it on me?

You are no mere human. You know this.

Her face hardened. Yes, I am.

No, you are not. The question is why you would like to be classified so.

I’m sure that is none of your business, she snipped.

Dante raised an eyebrow. "I am sure you are incorrect. That everything about you is my business."

Why?

"You interest me Jessica, and I have not been interested in anything in a very long time.

Jess felt the shiver run through her body. She had never had such a visceral reaction to a man before. While she had acknowledged a man as good looking, her origins had made the thought of a relationship, repugnant to her. Now, her blood was heating, and she found her mind and body were working against one another. She prayed Jenner would return so she could get away from the sexy demon who had her stomach in knots and her mind thinking of things she’d thought she didn’t want.

I can smell your desire, Dante said.

Her face hardened despite the blush on her cheeks. All demons are good looking. It’s a cultural trait.

Dante’s eyes flashed red. You do not find other demons good looking... at least you shouldn’t if you wish them to live.

Jessica’s jaw dropped. I had no idea demons were so arrogant.

Dante’s eyes flickered. Is that what I am?

Jess watched in fascination at the fire that burned behind the red eyes. She had met a few demons, and they had been cold in every sense of the word. Dante’s eyes, his presence, scared her, but she would never let that insecurity show. Not now. Not ever.

Dante frowned. I have told you I could never hurt you, yet I sense your fear.

Her hand touched the butt of her gun. The ridges of the engraving on the handle had always offered her a sense of security, yet held none now. I am quite capable of defending myself.

Dante motioned toward her weapon. That will not hurt me. The question is... will you?

Her heart stuttered. She couldn’t answer him. Her fingers closed on the weapon. Her only defense. She tried not to let her relief show when Valentino strode in the room with Laura and Jenner trailing behind him.

Dante, we have a situation, he said with irritation.

Dante turned to his brother. What has happened?

A demon I don’t recognize has contacted me through the common pathway.

Jess frowned. What’s that?

Dante looked at her. All demons have a connection to Valen if they wish it. They may talk to him at will, but any demons close to Valen will hear it. I am surprised I did not.

Valen waved a hand. You know this time is difficult. Your perception will be off until you... he glanced at Jess. Secure what is yours.

Dante nodded. I understand. What did the demon say?

Valen glanced up through the vibrant colors of the stained-glass window that accented the large entrance hall. That we are under attack.

Jess followed Valen’s gaze. What kind of attack?

Valen looked at Laura’s upturned face. A missile will hit us in thirty seconds.

Laura’s hand caressed the face of her husband. Jess had seen enough goodbyes to recognize this one. Even a demon couldn’t withstand a direct missile strike.

Valen kissed Laura’s forehead. I am sorry my love.

Jessica’s mind raced. There has to be a way to disrupt the signal.

Dante and Valen looked at each other, then her.

What? she snapped.

He says that you may possess the ability to stop it.

No, I... Her mind raced. Nobody knew what happened. I possess a low level of telekinetic ability... well it was low until a few weeks ago.

Dante moved toward