Ever Dark

Prologue

DRAVEN

W hen the matriarch of an empire dies, most heirs fight to the death to stake a claim for it. Not my family. No one wants the chaos that is the Blackwell Gin Company. So since everyone eligible has refused the inheritance, the burden falls at my feet.

I never wanted it. But the second I saw my grandmother’s lifeless body slumped over her favorite velvet chair, I knew. I do fucking want it . Some say monsters aren’t born, they’re made. In this family, it’s both.

After going through the documents Penny Blackwell left for me, I now know why. There are far more dangerous things in these woods than me. But I don’t give a fuck. The devil may have a hold on Ever Graves, but so do I. And I have no plans to give up control.

“You good, man?” Bones flips his lighter in the seat next to me.

I don’t look at him but instead keep my gaze focused out the tinted window of the limousine. “I just want to get this over with. I have meetings scheduled for the rest of the day. ”

Aries snickers. He sits across from me, blond and godlike. “On the day of your grandmother’s funeral? I’m sure you can reschedule.”

I grip the edge of the leather seats, my palms sweating. “I don’t want to reschedule. Someone has to clean up this mess of a company before we all end up broke as fuck.”

They both shut up at that. My two best friends care about self-preservation just as much as I do. Plus, they know better than to push me when I’m in this shitty of a mood. It’s not sadness or loss. Just fucking inconvenient. I actually don’t remember the last time I felt anything other than apathy, darkness, and fucking misery.

The only things that bring me even a sliver of pleasure are ice-cold glasses of Blackwell Gin, hand-rolled cigarettes laced with nightshade, and getting my dick sucked by women who don’t ask me any fucking questions.

Even then, the joy is fleeting—temporary euphoria that ends up making me more miserable because it’s faker than the last pair of tits I had in my mouth.

There’s already a crowd of a hundred people gathered around my grandmother’s coffin when we arrive. She was the richest person in this town. As much as the locals fear and despise us, they also have to show us respect. My family owns most of the land in this town. Every one of these pathetic fools pays rent to us for either their homes, businesses, or both. Fuck me over, and I won’t forget.

The three of us step out of the limo in our crisp, black suits, looking very much the part of the town heathens. Super fucking rich and powerful heathens . It’s no secret that the men in this town seethe with jealousy every time we show our faces. Mostly because all their women want to fuck us so badly they can barely walk past us without clenching their wet thighs.

Bones snickers as he looks out at the mixed expressions glaring back at us. He chews on a toothpick, unfazed, as it rubs against the cut on his lips. It took a miracle to get him into this suit, but even with his neck tattoos and scarred knuckles, it works for him. It makes him look even more dangerous.

“Are we late, or are these ass-kissers fucking early?” Bones is always itching for a fight. Anyone. Any time. It’s like he’s always high on adrenaline.

I grit my teeth a little too hard and wince as a sharp pain shoots up my jaw. “I honestly don’t give a fuck. Take note of anyone who’s not here. We’ll pay them a visit later.”

Aries runs a hand through his pale-blond hair, admiring himself in the reflection of the car window. “As long as no one finds out who put your grandmother in that coffin, I don’t give a shit who turns up.”

“Of course, no one’s going to find out. It’s family business,” I snap. There’s only one person who means more to Aries than us, his twin sister Libra. She may have been the one to finally put an end to Penny Blackwell, but I paved the way. Libra was owed justice after Penny had her locked up in Absentia Asylum, and I needed my grandmother to leave me the fuck alone. It’s a win-win in my eyes. As sick and fucked up as that sounds.

We stalk over, our leather shoes sloshing through the wet grass. The autumn equinox has brought more rain and humidity than usual this year. In my twenty-seven years in this town, I’ve never gotten used to my clothes clinging to my skin. But the scent is intoxicating. Another one of those little slivers of enjoyment I periodically savor.

I take my rightful place at the head of the coffin just in time to catch the scowl on Father Peter’s face. I glare back at him, forcing his gaze to the ground. I’ll fucking slit your throat, priest.

Bones clenches his fists at his sides, picking up on my feral energy. One nod in his direction, and he’ll slaughter whoever holds my ire. No questions needed. Aries and I would do the same for him.

The crowd collectively bows their heads as Father Peter rambles on about endings and new beginnings. I tune him out as the three of us keep our heads upright, fixated on all the superficial tears and forced expressions of remorse. Waiting. Watching. For one of these motherfuckers to step out of line. Give me just one sign of disrespect, and I’ll gladly ruin a life today. I’ll add that to my list of joyful slivers as well. Like bittersweet slices of shit pie I choke down.

By the time he’s done with his torturous soliloquy, we’re drenched. It seems even the rain wants to cleanse Penny Blackwell from this world. But no one dares move unless I do, and I’m stoic as fuck.

I will make these sheep stand in the rain all day if I feel like it.

I have a sick, perverse lust for the sight of the whole town shivering and wincing under the marble-size raindrops. It gets my dick hard. It’s the power. The control. I’ll get off later tonight thinking about it.

Aries groans, snapping me out of my crude fantasy. “You made your point, Dray, and you’ve ruined my suit. Can we hurry this the fuck up now?”

Always the delicate pretty boy. “I’ll buy you another one.”

Bones cocks an eyebrow at me. “Fuck the suit. I need a drink. Let’s wrap this up.”

I sigh, nodding as I stalk toward the pile of black dahlias on the ground. My grandmother’s favorite flower. I pick one up and place it on her chest. Despite the coroner’s feeble attempt to make her look presentable, the flower matches the color of her lips. I shudder as I look upon her one last time.

I lean down and whisper in her ear, hoping my words reach her wherever she is. “ Even in death, I have no love for you .”

I wait for Bones and Aries to drop their flowers before slamming the coffin shut. The crowd flinches at the loud bang. They can leave their flowers in the dirt where they belong.

As the three of us traipse back to the limo, tiny gasps and whispers echo behind us.

Fuck them .

I hold my finger up, pointing back toward the shocked crowd. “Take note. ”

They both nod. “Bones and I will sort it out.”

I run a hand through my wet hair, slicking my black strands back off my forehead. I get a glimpse of myself in the tinted window, my golden eyes glowing like fireflies in the reflection of the headlights. Eyes like burnt honey, I’m told, but there’s no warmth inside. No sweetness. Just another tool I can use to my advantage. To lure in my prey.

I don’t wait for the chauffeur and instead yank the limo door open myself. “Fuck it. You’re both right. I can reschedule the meetings. I need a drink.”

Bones claps me on the back in excitement. “Thatta boy. Let’s go get into some trouble.”

Aries laughs as we pile into the limo. “That shouldn’t be a problem. Trouble always finds us.”

The bar is packed tonight. I welcome the noise of high-pitched laughter, glasses clanking, shitty rock music blaring from the speakers, and the clack-clack of pool balls right before a fight erupts between drunk douchebags who accuse the other of cheating. Just a typical night at Duff’s.

The bald owner is behind the bar, taking up most of it with his massive frame. He gives me a nod and slides three shots of Blackwell gin toward us. “First round’s on the house, boys. Just keep your tempers under control.”

I scowl at him. “You must have us confused with another group of devastatingly charming men.”

Duff arches an eyebrow. “You all broke three bar stools and my back window last time.”

Fucking hell, I’m already annoyed. “And you were compensated above and beyond for it, Duff. ”

Bones points to the speakers. “You even got a new sound system out of it. Quit crying like a little bitch and keep the shots coming.”

He shakes his head but stalks off, conceding. No one wants to start a war with the three of us. We make far better friends than enemies.

Aries bursts out laughing. “It’s not my fault the bar stool went through the window. The fucker ducked,” he shouts after him.

I sigh and tap my cigarette against the bar before lighting it. “Seriously, though, no brawls tonight. Burying one body was enough for me today.”

I scan the room, taking note of all the new faces. Another batch of outsiders are here to indulge in our fall festivities. The entire town square of Ever Graves becomes a haunted playground for paranormal lovers from all over Melancholia. Even Duff makes up these silly little ghost-themed cocktails. I told him I’ll turn him into a headless bartender if he ever tries to give me one.

Aries squeezes my shoulder. “Relax, Dray. Loosen up. You just became the richest fucker in Ever Graves today.”

Bones lifts his hands, a shot of gin in each one. “All this is yours now, my friend. Let’s drink to owning this fucking town.”

They’re right. I need to let go of some of this tension. I can still feel the rain on the back of my neck. Still smell the black dahlias on my fingers. It’s time to numb it all.

I wave Duff over. “Give me the bottle.”

He sighs and sets it on the bar with three fresh shot glasses. “Fuck it. You break anything, you buy it.”

I smirk as I line up three more shots. “Keep taunting me, Duff, and I’ll buy this whole fucking bar out from under you.”

His eyes widen before he dips his head. “Holler if you need anything else.”

That’s what I fucking thought, asshole.

With each shot, my shoulders relax. The knots in my back dissipate. I take off my tie and stuff it in my pocket. The heat in my chest rises as I eye all the pieces of ass surrounding us. All those short fucking skirts designed to be lifted for easy access.

Aries and Bones laugh and banter with several girls, all of them practically drooling over the attention. We’re a striking group. None of us has to do much to get laid. They come to us. But it lacks creativity.

I want to hunt. To stalk and trap. Fuck. My erection grows against my perfectly pressed black pants just thinking about it. But there’s no one worth chasing in this town. These chicks here tonight are so fucking thirsty. All I have to do is look in their direction. And I will. I just need to find one who isn’t going to bore me to death. I prefer them buzzed but not too obliterated that they can’t give me a decent blowjob. And the less chatty, the better. If I could find a mute one, my night would be complete.

Fuck, I’m such a fucking asshole.

After six more shots of gin, my head tingles, and my cock is at full fucking mast. I undo the top three buttons of my white dress shirt and lean back against the bar. A stumbling blonde catches my eye. She giggles as she falls against the pool table. She might have to do.

I down another shot before stalking over. I’m three strides away from her when someone barrels into me, knocking me from behind. I stumble into a barstool. What the actual fuck? I spin around, fists clenched.

My breath hitches. The culprit is the most gorgeous fucking brunette. I stare at her hips and work my way up, speechless. Short skirt, check. Natural breasts, double-check. Thick lips that would look insane around my cock. Check, check, check!

“Fuck. Sorry. I think some asshole pushed me.”

I glance behind her, searching for Aries or Bones. I wouldn’t put it past either of them to throw this woman at me. But I spot them on the other side of the room, taking turns throwing darts.

“Hello? Did you hit your head? ”

I look back at her. “I’m good. Let me buy you a drink.”

She wobbles to the side a bit, her cheeks flushing. “Um, I think I’ve had enough.”

“I haven’t. You can buy me one, then.” I’ll never let her pay, but my foul mood is back.

“Wow. You’re a real charmer, aren’t you? Sorry again for bumping into you. Have a good night.” She turns and starts to walk off.

Fuck. Now I’ve got a fucking chase. I grab her wrist. “Wait. It was a joke. I have plenty of money.”

Electricity sparks between us. I feel it tingling in my fingers as her pulse quickens.

She gazes up at me, and my breath hitches again. Her eyes… they’re different colors—one blue and one brown. Or I’m just really fucking drunk.

“Oh, charming and humble. What a winning combination,” she teases.

A challenge. Fucking finally.

I rub my thumb in light circles on the inside of her wrist. “You’re trouble, aren’t you?”

Her cheeks flush. It’s probably the alcohol, but I tell myself it’s because of her irresistible attraction to me.

“No, but you’re relentless.” She shakes her head and tugs her arm back. As she tries to walk away again, I swoop in front of her.

I tip her chin up. “You’re beautiful… I don’t really want to buy you a drink.”

Her throat bobs. “So you just want to stalk me through the bar then?”

I scrape my teeth across my bottom lip before tilting my head to her ear. “I want to fuck you,” I whisper.

She shudders, and her eyes are wide when our gazes lock again. “Well, that’s fucking direct. Who are you?”

The mystery girl is trying to be good, but every sign points to her need. Her racing pulse, her flushed cheeks, the way her chest heaves as she fights to control her breath…

“A charming and humble man who wants to give you the best orgasm of your life.” Something tells me she doesn’t come to places like this often. She’s out of her comfort zone.

“You’re not used to hearing no for an answer.” The blush on her cheeks spreads to her chest.

I flash a grin. “How long are you in town for? A night? A few days? Have fun with me tonight. We’ll never see each other again, but you’ll have a great story to tell your friends back home. Wherever that is.”

She licks her lips. I can see it in her eyes. She’s conflicted. The alcohol, impulsivity, and the force of fucking nature, which is me, are convincing her.

I wait, patient like a wolf.

We stare at each other for five whole fucking minutes. I know because two song changes happen during this.

But I don’t break eye contact. I’m not letting her walk out of here without fucking me.

She lets out a deep breath. “One drink.”

My cock twitches. That’s a yes. I’d prefer to skip the drinks, but I don’t want to spook her now that I’ve got her on the cusp of bending over for me.

I’m not even annoyed by how slowly she sips her whiskey. “What’s your name, beautiful?”

She licks her lips. “No names.”

Fucking hell, this couldn’t be working out more perfectly if I dreamed it up myself. I flash her another grin. “Trouble it is, then. Come with me.” I reach my hand out to her.

She downs the rest of her drink and takes my hand. Her skin is warm and soft. “Lead the way, Slick.”

I can’t help but chuckle. She has no idea. I tuck her arm through mine. “See, we even have cute pet names for each other already. ”

Every word, every touch, works on breaking down her defenses. I almost gag from my own performance. I’ve never had to work this hard for pussy before. But I want a real release. The tougher the challenge, the sweeter the reward. So I channel Aries, mimicking his words and demeanor. I’ve seen him in action a million times.

But I have to be careful not to let the mask slip. Not until I get what I want. What I need so I can sleep tonight.

She relaxes against me. I can feel her need is as strong as mine. Maybe more so. This girl has so much pent-up sexual tension inside her; she might fucking cum the second I touch her.

I lead her down the neon-lit hallway toward the bathrooms—Duff’s private bathroom that I convinced him to give me the key to. A fair trade for some extra cases of Blackwell gin that he doesn’t have to pay for.

I open the door, pull her inside, and lock it behind us. “Don’t be nervous…” I cup her face in my hands. “Turn around and face the mirror.”

Her breath hitches, but she does as I say. Good obedient little slut . I brush her hair to the side and plant a soft kiss on her neck. “Good. Now, lean forward.”

She whimpers as I run my hands up her thighs. I push her skirt up over her ass. No fucking panties . “Fuck, you are trouble,” I rasp. I unbutton and unzip my pants with one hand.

“Just so you know, I’m not a slut.”

I don’t care . I trail my hands up higher. “I know, baby. Neither am I. Go on and spread your legs for me.” I rub the tip of my cock against her pussy.

“Oh, fuck,” she whispers as she widens her stance.

“Mmm, I should be calling you Slick.” I grab her hips and anchor them up as I thrust my cock inside her.

She lets out a yelp.

“You have the tightest fucking pussy I’ve ever been in. Fuck.” I still myself for a second so I don’t explode. She’s so warm and wet, and her insides are literally trembling around me.

“Why did you stop?” Panic riddles her voice.

I chuckle. “Because I don’t want to cum too soon. Relax and hold on to the counter.”

She grips the edge and bites down on her lip as I start to slide back and forth. Fuck, she feels good. Her scent is intoxicating. With each thrust, it wafts up to my nose—jasmine—sweet and seductive like new money.

A deep growl erupts from my chest as she clenches around me. Fucking hell. I burrow in deeper, hitting all the way to the back.

She lifts her head, her mascara running, and lets out a deep moan. “Harder,” she begs.

I drive into her, pinching her hips between my sweaty fingers. We lock eyes in the mirror, and I almost cum. Her gaze is haunting. Broken. Provoking me to tear her apart.

“Fuck,” I grunt out.

She jerks back, then forward, as she rubs her clit against the bathroom counter. “Yeah… right there,” she breathes out.

My cock swells as the blood rushes forward, my belly fluttering. I feel sick with need. A strange chill rolls up my spine as spasms shoot down my shaft. It’s her eyes. She keeps them glued on me.

“ You fuck like a slut .” I don’t know why I’m so angry, but my fury threatens to consume both of us.

My degrading words don’t seem to faze her. She gasps. “I’m… cumming.” Her body writhes against the counter as she grinds her pussy on the cold ceramic tiles. Her cream spills out, cradling my cock like a warm cocoon. It sends me over the edge.

I let out a moan as I cum inside her, riding her hard as I unleash. I can taste the jasmine on my tongue now.

With her beautiful eyes still on me, she squeezes her pussy around my cock so tight, it makes me hard again. Fuck. I can’t take this anymore. “ Don’t look at me .” I grab her by the hair and press her face down on the counter.

I slam into her harder this time and grind in circles, fucking her like an animal. “Oh, fuck. Ahhh .” The fucking pressure… fuck. I explode inside her again, my cock trembling and twitching against her folds. I can’t stop. I rock into her as I ride one of the longest orgasms of my fucking life.

My cum fills her so full she can’t contain it in that tight pussy of hers. It leaks out and runs down her thighs. I thrust again as I milk myself, desperate to stretch it out for as long as I can. I don’t want to fucking leave this pussy. Fuck.

She whimpers against the counter, her legs shaking. “Holy… fuck.”

I can’t listen to her anymore. I can’t look at those eyes. No. I need to get out of here. My cock hardens again as I slide out. I lick my lips, and all I taste is jasmine. Sweet fucking fragrant jasmine, like a fucking drug that I would actually snort off her pussy if I could.

I let go of her head and put myself back together, cock and all. As I look at myself in the mirror, my anger grows. I came in here to fuck her so that I could numb myself. Now I’m angrier than I was when I left the funeral.

I pull her skirt down, my hands lingering on her hips for a second. “I hope I gave you a good story to tell… See you around, Trouble.” I know that I won’t .

Before I’m halfway out the door, I hear her murmur, “ See you around, Slick .”

I wrangle Bones and Aries away from the pool table before they get accused of hustling for the third time this month. Which, of course, they are. Aries has a pool table in his house. We’ve been playing since we were eight.

They follow me without protest. Once inside the safety of the limo, I let out a deep breath. I roll the window down, relishing the feel of the cool autumn breeze on my face as we head back to Blackwell Manor.

Bones taps his lighter on my knee. “So, who’d you fuck in the bathroom?”

I wipe the sweat off my brow with my sleeve. Fuck. She’s still on me. Jasmine. It’s all I can fucking smell. All I can taste. I shrug as I slip back into the apathetic version of Draven they’re both accustomed to. “Just some random out-of-town slut.”

Bones lets out a hearty laugh. “Ever the gentleman.”

I grit my teeth. “That, my friend, I am not.”

When we pass Harker Mansion, my fury grows even more. Emma Harker finally croaked. She had no heirs. No family except for that imbecile nephew, Dorian, a professor at Tenebrose Academy over in Raven’s Gate. It was supposed to be easy. I’d swoop in with a generous offer and a few threats.

But the granddaughter we all thought was dead showed up to claim the land that I want.

“Where do we stand with the Harker girl?” I growl.

“Mia Harker hasn’t returned any of my calls. I’ll pay her a visit tomorrow.” Aries pulls out his phone and begins typing away.

I smack the door with the side of my fist. “We need that land. It’s the only place that grows baneberry. Double our original offer.”

Gin isn’t our only empire. We’re also the leading purveyors of poison. Aries’s family controls most of it. And I control the rest. But if I can get my hands on the baneberry fields at Harker Mansion, then I’ll hold the majority.

Bones cracks his knuckles. “What if she refuses to sell?”

The darkness that flows in my veins spikes my adrenaline. I light up a cigarette. “Then we’ll make her life hell. Mia Harker will wish she never came back to Ever Graves.”