The Darkest Night

Praise for the novels of New York TimesandUSA TODAYbestselling author

Gena Showalter

“A fascinating premise, a sexy hero and nonstop action, The Darkest Night is Showalter at her finest, and a fabulous start to an imaginative new series.” —New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning

“Showalter delivers another smart and sexy romance

brimming with hilarious pickup lines, fiery banter and steamy sensuality. A wickedly well-matched hero and heroine mix with an entertaining, creative and tremendously fun premise.” —Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 4½ stars, on Catch a Mate

“Smart-alecky, wicked, and hilariously funny…

sure to please the most jaded reader.” —Contemporary Romance Writers on Catch a Mate

“A world of myth, mayhem and love under the sea!”

—New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward on The Nymph King

“I want to visit Atlantis! Deliciously evocative and

filled with sexy men, The Nymph King is every woman’s fantasy come to sizzling life. A must read.” —Award-winning author P.C. Cast

“Wow… Gena Showalter always takes us on

a fantastic ride.” —USA TODAY bestselling author Merline Lovelace on Playing with Fire

“The versatile Showalter takes the nail-biting elements

of her exciting paranormals…and blends them with the wit and humor of her contemporary romances… to make a delicious offering spiced with the best ingredients of both.” —Booklist, starred review, on Playing with Fire

“Charming and hilarious…

I was hooked from page one.” —New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson on Playing with Fire

“Another sizzling page-turner from one of the premier

authors of paranormal romance. Gena Showalter delivers an utterly spellbinding story!” —New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole on Playing with Fire

“Showalter writes with a sparkling humor that keeps

the story light without losing poignancy.” —Booklist on Animal Instincts

“Bold and witty, sexy and provocative,

Gena Showalter’s star is rising fast!” —New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips on Animal Instincts

“Shines like the purest gem….Rich in imagery

and evocative detail, this book is a sterling example of what makes romance novels so worthwhile.” —A Romance Review, 5 stars, on Jewel of Atlantis

“Lots of danger and sexy passion give lucky readers

a spicy taste of adventure and romance.” —Romantic Times BOOKreviews on Heart of the Dragon

“This couple is dynamite and Tristan’s intense

sensuality will have you sweating. [The Pleasure Slave] is definitely going on my keeper shelf.” —The Romance Studio

“Sexy, funny and downright magical! Gena Showalter

has a lyrical voice and the deft ability to bring characters to life in a manner that’s hilarious and absorbing at the same time.” —New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister on The Stone Prince

Dear Reader,

I’m thrilled to present my brand-new paranormal trilogy, LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD, which begins with The Darkest Night. In a remote fortress in Budapest, six immortal warriors—each more dangerously seductive than the last—are bound by an ancient curse none has been able to break. When a powerful enemy returns, they will travel the world in search of a sacred relic of the gods—one that threatens to destroy them all.

Join me on a journey through this darkly sensual world, where the line between good and evil blurs and true love is put to the ultimate test.

Wishing you all the best,

Gena Showalter

To Kresley Cole and Nalini Singh. Not only

because your books are beyond amazing and I get twitchy if I don’t get a KC and NS fix, but also because you are such wonderful people.

To Shelly Mykel. Because you’re awesome and

I’m determined to get it right (at least once).

To Debbie Splawn-Bunch. Because I’m a terrible

friend, you love me anyway and I know you wouldn’t have let me title this book Take This Sword and Shove It.

To Jill Monroe. Because you’re always in my

corner—even if you do have my adored Lobby. And speaking of Lobby…

To Lobby. Because I miss you.

Max Showalter, you are my one and only.

CHAPTER ONE

EVERY NIGHT DEATH CAME, slowly, painfully, and every morning Maddox awoke in bed, knowing he’d have to die again later. That was his greatest curse and his eternal punishment.

He ran his tongue over his teeth, wishing it were a blade over his enemy’s throat instead. Most of the day had already passed. He’d heard the time seep away, a poisonous tick-tock in his mind, every beat of the clock a mocking reminder of mortality and pain.

In little more than an hour, the first sting would pierce his stomach and nothing he did, nothing he said, would change that. Death would come for him.

“Damned gods,” he muttered, increasing the speed of his bench presses.

“Bastards, every one of them,” a familiar male voice said from behind him.

Maddox’s motions didn’t slow at Torin’s unwelcome intrusion. Up. Down. Up. Down. For two hours he had worked out his frustration and anger on the punching bag, the treadmill and now the weights. Sweat ran from his bare chest and arms, riding the ropes of his muscles in clear rivulets. He should be as exhausted mentally as he was physically, but his emotions were only growing darker, more powerful.