Styx gave an impatient shake of his head. It was bothersome to admit that he couldn't solve the mystery of Darcy's blood.
He was a vampire, for God's sake.
Blood was his specialty.
"I don't know. She smells human, and certainly behaves as a human, but she possesses traits of a demon."
Viper's expression was one of curiosity. "What sort of traits?"
"She heals far too swiftly for a mortal and has stopped aging at puberty. She also says that she is faster and stronger than most humans."
"It certainly sounds like demon blood." Viper frowned. "Surely she must know what she is."
"She claims that she has no memory of her parents or any family."
"Do you believe her?"
"Yes," Styx said firmly. "She was genuinely disturbed by her unusual powers."
Viper paced across the rare Persian rug as he considered the unexpected twist. Like Styx, he was dressed in black, although his shirt was of the finest silk and his slacks were a rich velvet. The silver-haired vampire had always enjoyed making a fashion statement. Styx had chosen a thick black sweater and leather pants with boots.
Not a fashion statement, just clothing that would cover him and not encumber him if he was forced to fight.
His one vanity was the bronze bands he had wrapped about his long braid.
Turning back, Viper gave a lift of his hands. "Mongrels are not that uncommon. Shay is one herself. But most at least have some knowledge of their ancestry. Do you think her mixed blood is why the Weres are after her?"
It had been Styx's first thought as well.
"It's impossible to say. Not until we know more."
"And what of the woman?"
"What of her?"
Viper slowly smiled. "Is she as beautiful as her photo promised?"
It was Styx's turn to pace. The mere mention of Darcy was enough to make him restless. Even worse, the image of her sweet, heart-shaped face was far too easy to conjure. As if it was lurking in his mind merely waiting for the opportunity to plague him.
"What does that matter?" he muttered. "She is my prisoner."
Viper chuckled with obvious delight. "I'm assuming that's a yes."
Styx turned, his face hard. "Yes, she is... astonishingly beautiful. As beautiful as an angel."
Viper's amusement never wavered. Damn his gall. "You don't seem nearly as pleased as you should be, my friend."
"She is... unpredictable," Styx grudgingly admitted.
"If she has any human blood at all, she is bound to be unpredictable," Viper said ruefully.
"It makes it difficult to know how to treat her."
Viper moved forward to clap his hand on Styx's shoulder. "If you have forgotten how to treat a beautiful woman, Styx, then I fear there is no hope for you."
Styx resisted the urge to toss the younger vampire across the room. It was ridiculous. He never lost control of his emotions. Never.
He could only assume his heavy responsibilities were taking more of a toll on him than he had realized.