Read Online Dark Alpha's Demand: A Reaper Novel (Reapers) by Donna Grant - Free Book Online Page A

his courage and his intelligence. It was really too bad he couldn’t turn him. But he had plenty of men in his army, with more added every day.
    “I honestly would like to see you try,” Bran admitted.
    Atris looked down at the chair. “Release me.”
    “Oh, that wouldn’t be a fair fight,” he said with a laugh. “Besides, I can’t wait to hear what Talin has to say to you. As soon as your sister finally succumbs to the effects of the poison—with my magic added, of course—Talin will be on the warpath. He’ll come looking for me no matter what the other Reapers tell him.”
    “And you’ll be waiting.”
    “Well,” Bran said as he thought of his plan. “In a manner.”
    Atris looked at him with ridicule. “So you don’t even have the balls to meet him yourself.”
    “He’s a fine catch, Atris, but Talin isn’t who I’m really after. Talin will be a fun kill that will outrage Cael. Just as I intend.”

Chapter Nine
    Talin paced the area in front of Neve’s bed. It had only been an hour since they arrived at Everwood Manor. The servants simply thought Neve was sleeping. So far, none of them knew the rest of the Everwoods were missing.
    Cael’s plan was simple. Almost too simple. Yet it hinged Talin her parts while omitting so much more to Neve. That wasn’t what had Talin tied in knots. It was the fact that Cael wanted to send her back to court.
    It was thanks to Eoghan, who managed to drain all of the magic infused poison from Neve’s body that they were even contemplating the plan. But Talin had been part of such a plan before.
    He recalled all too well how Jordyn had been struck by Dark magic. As a half—Fae, none of them knew what power she might have possessed. It was by sheer fortune that the Fae part of her had allowed her body to slowly heal. None of them had realized that, however, so Baylon had sat by her side, waiting for her to pass.
    The torture that had put Baylon through was extreme. It didn’t matter that Neve was Fae. In fact, it made things worse. Because Bran would stop at nothing to kill her—along with Talin and the other Reapers.
    Talin ran a hand down his face as he halted. They had to stop Bran. That wasn’t up for debate. Talin wished there was another way to get to him instead of using Neve, but no matter how he racked his brain, he couldn’t come up with anything.
    Bran hadn’t just kept his Reaper powers. They seemed to be stronger. The Reapers had yet to find him, and they looked continuously.
    Talin wasn’t sure about Death. Erith could find anyone at anytime, so why hadn’t she done something about Bran. Unless he was able to shield himself from her, as well.
    That put a whole new spin on things. That could be why Cael was so adamant about his latest plan. Talin had died once already, and though he didn’t want to do it again, he didn’t fear it.
    For Death’s life to be extinguished . . . now that was something to truly dread.
    Talin knew Neve had more of an advantage than any half—Fae. Neve was a powerful Light. She was strong and confident. She was determined and well—versed in the intricacies of deception.
    Neve wouldn’t back down from Bran. She would focus everything on getting her family back. Talin could only hope there was a way that could happen. Knowing Bran, they were likely already dead.
    Any moment, Cael would return from visiting Daire and filling him in. Eoghan was already veiled at the Light court to see what he could learn.
    Fintan and Kyran were even now taking a stroll through Taraeth’s court. With Bran’s link to the Dark, it made sense that information would pass through there, as well. And if it did, Fintan and Kyran would find it.
    Baylon remained at Inchmickery with his woman Jordyn and River to guard their sanctuary. Bran had already discovered many of their hideouts. This one had to be defended at all times.
    Cael didn’t want Talin at court in any fashion. His fear—justifiably so—was that Talin would see Bran and