Darkness Awakened — Tori Minard

Merciless killer Obsidian never met a rogue vampire he wasn't eager to assassinate. Until the beautiful Kayla Chandler enters his life. Her vulnerability and courage touch a part of him he thinks lost forever--his heart. Although he believes himself unworthy of her, Kayla loves the compassionate hero who lies beneath the ruinous violence of his profession. When the empress of vampires orders Obsidian to murder Kayla, he refuses. With ruthless killers on their trail, they flee west toward the only shelter for those who defy the Dark Empire...a legendary stronghold which may be more fable than fact.