by V L Moon
“Our relationship is more than sex, Lachi,” Laziel countered. “I need more from you than your lust.”
Malachi’s anger surged hotter than ever. “It has never been just sex between us. Is that seriously what you think of me?” He got right up in Laziel’s face. “You made me this way, angel. You gave me a sex drive that eats away at me, and now after months apart, you expect me to be meek and mild.” Malachi narrowed his eyes. “I’m afraid you left out those traits and doubled up on the aggression and impatience.”
A soft mewling cry sang into the room. Malachi immediately spun on his boot heel and headed for the cradle. Without conscious thought, he brought his left hand up and bit into his thumb. Blood welled from the puncture wound as he brought Destahny up against his chest. Her perfect bow shaped mouth latched onto his offering. “Hungry again so soon, bambina,” he murmured softly. “You’re just in time. Guess who finally woke up. “
Malachi returned to Laziel’s side and glanced up into stunned eyes. An eyebrow winged upward at Laziel’s disbelief. “What? She is part vampire. I tried regular milk, goat’s milk even the human baby formula. She wouldn’t eat anything until I gave her my blood.”
“You’ve been taking care of her?” Laziel asked.
“I’ve been taking care of both of you,” Malachi clarified. “No one’s been in this room except the demon doctor, and I haven’t left since her birth. I wasn’t going to leave her with strangers, and I damn sure wasn’t leaving you here unprotected.” Malachi shrugged one shoulder. “A vampire can learn how to do anything by watching YouTube, and if you can’t find it there, Google apparently knows everything else.”
“You changed her diaper?” Laziel stared at him like he’d grown horns.
“It’s not that hard once you get past the smell. Mirabella dropped off a lot of baby things, and Arial has been by to check on you,” Malachi answered. He pulled his thumb from Destahny’s mouth. “Take her, she’s been missing you. I’ve had to lay her on the bed next to you every couple of hours or so. I think she’s feeding from you somehow. There’s a beautiful glow surrounding both of you when she’s snuggled up against your side.” Gently, he laid their daughter in Laziel’s arms. Her enormous golden eyes latched onto Laziel’s face.
Malachi stepped back to give Laziel time to bond with their daughter and was immediately brought up short by Laziel’s grip on his arm. The angel pulled until Malachi’s hand rested against the bare skin of his hip. Some of the turmoil in the angel eased. Malachi understood perfectly. She had the same effect on him. When he’d been pacing the floor worried for Laziel, Destahny’s cry brought him to her cradle. With her in his arms, things hadn’t appeared quite so bleak.
A soft knock interrupted the quiet moment. Malachi sighed. “Our most trusted associates are gathered outside. I called them while you were washing up. I detest being forced into a Council meeting, but the Elders are getting jittery. Darklon has disappeared completely. I’ve been incommunicado for three days and Destahny’s life force is wreaking havoc. Our girl is strong.” Malachi didn’t try to hide the pride in his voice. “So, I called them here because I wanted the ones loyal to us to know what’s going to happen. “
Laziel took a deep breath and nodded. “Let’s do this, Batman.”
In their sitting area, five individuals rose to their feet. Malachi took a moment to study each one. Their oldest allies, Arial and Saul stood on either side of the room, legs braced apart, arms crossed over broad chests. Lance stood at the back of the room, no longer hiding the pointed tips of his ears. All three were straight up killers ready for anything and anyone who dared enter his and Laziel’s private quarters.
Kimberly Stroner sat in one of the two red leather wingback chairs facing the fireplace. Roman and Tobias flanked her with their linked hands resting just behind her head. On the black leather sofa, a still recovering Celix reclined between Clariel and Gregori. Human, Nephilim, angel, vampire, Fae and wolf looked at him expectantly. Malachi glanced behind him at Laziel holding their precious daughter and took a deep breath before facing the room again.
“All of you know Lorenza was kidnapped and that Laziel has been away.” He met Arial’s eyes. Only the Fallen knew Laziel’s secret, but that was about to change.
“Three days ago, Laziel returned. It’s why I’ve been closeted in the bedroom. He was gravely injured and very nearly returned to the Creator’s side.” Again, Malachi’s black gaze landed on Arial. “If not for our Fallen brother, you may have lost us both.” The air in the room changed with his words. The agitation and nervousness increased tenfold.
“Laziel is fine. In fact, he’s behind me. But, before he comes out, we have to tell you something.” Malachi paused and turned to the angel. Laziel nodded, giving permission for Malachi to reveal his secret.
“It’s time, Azarian,” he whispered.
“What I’m about to say cannot leave this room. You are here because we trust you. If you break the trust we are placing in you, neither of us will hesitate to kill you. We clear?” Everyone nodded, faces grave with the exception of Gregori.
He fairly chortled. “I do love vampire business. All of the drama is so very exciting.” Tobias snickered and winked at the human. His jovial attitude lightened some of the tension weighing heavy in the air.
“All of you know Laziel and I are intensely private. We have no choice in order to protect ourselves.” He stopped and shook his head. “I guess the easiest way to do this is my way—straightforward and no bullshit. Laziel and Lorenza are one and the same person.” All levity fled. Stunned expressions rode the faces staring at him.
“For those of you that don’t know the legends, he is the last Seraphim angel of Heaven. He is able to assume both the feminine and masculine form. Both sides have their own identity, their own feelings and their own thoughts. Their unique ability has allowed me to escape the demands of the Elder council.” Malachi turned his attention to Roman.
“This information must remain secret. Your fellow council members would deem my actions as treasonous. They do not care that I love Laziel, have only ever loved Laziel and will continue to love him despite their unceremonious attempts to force me to mate a female.” At his back, Laziel rested his forehead against his shoulder. Emotion swamped him; Laziel’s and Lorenza’s astonishment spilled over his skin. There was no surprise on the faces in front of him. In fact, several smiles appeared, including one from Arial with a thumbs-up.
“About damned time you admitted it, vampire,” the big Fallen growled.
“It wasn’t anyone’s business before now, asshat,” Malachi shot back, and then softened the rebuke with a half-smile. “Laziel and I have some issues to work out, and we will.” Malachi refused to believe otherwise and forced confidence into those words.
“But before we address the Council, we wanted you to meet someone very important to us.” He moved to the side and reached back for Laziel’s hand. When his angel stepped through the door, Destahny’s beautiful golden eyes took stock of the new room and her visitors. Gasps peppered the air.
“This is our daughter, Destahny.”
“Well fuck me, Batman, I think they all turned to stone.” Laziel’s snarky comment broke the stunned silence. Tobias broke away from Roman and loped across the room.
“Holy hot damn,” he purred. “A beautiful baby girl.” In true Tobias fashion, he scooped Destahny from Laziel’s arms and started cooing nonsense to her. His tawny eyes were alight with pleasure. Roman followed much more slowly. He held out a hand to Malachi.
“My loyalty is only to you. None will learn your secret from me,” he swore. As a whole the group chimed in their agreement with the statement. Saul broke the line of admirers and stepped forward with knife drawn. Laziel tensed, his mercurial eyes narrowed. Malachi’s vampiric nature went on full alert. Saul’s eyes were locked on Destahny.
The blade sliced through his thumb. “On my honor, I pledge my life to keep you safe. None shall harm you while I draw breath,” the hardened
warrior whispered. Very carefully, he swiped his bleeding thumb across Destahny’s forehead. When he went down on one knee, head bowed, Malachi very nearly lost his cool. One by one, the others followed suit, including Ms. Stroner and Gregori. Tobias was the last to adorn her forehead with his tribute and handed her back to Laziel to join the others, kneeling at their feet.
At a loss for words, Malachi slid an arm around Laziel. In the months since Lorenza had been taken, he’d dealt with more emotion than he’d seen in his entire existence. There were lows that nearly killed him, but the highs were extraordinary.
“This is the power of love, my Azarian,” Laziel whispered into his mind. “You honor us with your loyalty and support,” he said aloud. “Now, I’m sure King Hot Pants here has a plan. Let’s get this shit over with. Who has my damn Jolly Ranchers and where are the baby wipes?”
~*~*~*~
This was it. The pinnacle of their lives, the one defining moment where everything they’d achieved coalesced to form the indestructible foundation of something new and far greater than Laziel ever imagined possible. The immense sense of pride he felt for Lachi swelled in his chest. It threatened to burst his heart with the overwhelming degree of love he felt for the regal, yet volatile male.
Destahny’s arrival changed everything, including the King. Laziel profoundly regretted his absence over the last months while carrying their young. Even though he feared Lachi’s reaction to Loz’s form and the news of their young, Laziel should have at least given Lachi the chance to protect them, be there while their young grew inside of Loz. He knew that now. “Too little too late Laz. You had your chance and blew it smart ass.”
As much as he wanted to make things right between them, he couldn’t undo the past and mentally scolding himself over his own shortcomings would only make the gap between them wider. He had to move on. They both did.
Surrounded by their closest allies and friends, Laziel padded barefoot behind Lachi. He felt the heat of their stares boring into him. Their unanswered questions and curiosity permeated the air. Time would soon ease their inquisitive minds, and if that didn’t help, they’d all have to deal. Laziel didn’t kiss and tell. The answers involved their private lives, not some absurd soap opera or fairy tale.
At the thought of fairies, Laziel cut a sideways glance toward Lance and forced himself to hide the anxiety that threatened to creep up on him. So much had happened in his absence; none more astonishing to him than the Nephilim in their enclave. Laziel needed a complete debriefing from Saul on all of it, except Lance. That little tidbit of info was just one of the many issues he and Lachi needed to talk through together. In private.
Briefly, Lance met Laziel’s glare. His fear tickled Laziel’s nostrils with its rich earthy taint. Laziel wasn’t happy with the fact Lachi’s blood ran in Lance’s veins. Lachi was his. End. Of. Story. And, if Lachi needed him to prove it—hell yeah! He’d so be getting down with that idea, preferably with Lachi beneath him. For a change.
God he wanted that, wanted Lachi. Done with Lance for the moment, he cut his gaze back to Lachi and let it linger. His eyes took in the broad width of his shoulders. He knew every glorious inch of flesh hidden beneath the Ralph Lauren shirt and licked his lips in anticipation of when he’d next get to touch or taste. His eyebrow quirked in appreciation and his heart rate increased. Upon lowering his eyes to take in the perfect curve of Lachi’s ass, his breathing turned ragged and the sudden rush of blood that stirred his yearning struck like a lightning bolt.
His shaft lengthened as a scalding surge of lust rolled over his flesh and engorged his stiffening sex with blood. Laziel stumbled against the sheer force of his sexual desire. In front of him, Lachi stopped dead in his tracks and visibly shuddered. Connected by their bond, Lachi was well aware of the effect he was having on Laziel. A low snarl emanated from his lips and stilled each one of their entourage.
“Oh, hell no! You two need to slow your roll. You ain’t getting into this, not here, not on my watch.” Arial’s deep resonating voice held dire warning, which Laziel chose to ignore. With his gaze fixated on the ample round of Lachi’s ass, Laziel hesitantly licked his lips and growled.
“Well, fuck me,” Tobias piped up. The lilt in his voice practically chimed with laughter. A mock howl followed and Arial retorted.
“You might want to rein in your pup’s leash, Roman. Last time these two got their groove on, I ended up flat on my back, and not in a good way. Damn pheromones,” Arial grumbled and took point. He joined Saul and Kimberly who seemed to have quickened their pace. Arial obviously intended to plenty of space between himself and Lachi, who was still standing in the same spot with his back to Laziel.
Lachi’s stiff posture screamed of built up tension. Laziel could only imagine how delicious their first union would be after their extended abstinence. Only this time, it would be different. Their desire for each other would be soft, slow, and sensual as Laziel explored, teased, tasted and touched. For the first time, Lachi was going to be making love.
“Roman, take your pup and wait up front. Lance, take Destahny to Arial place her in his arms and do not move from his side, comprendere?” Lachi’s words sounded forced as though ground out between clenched teeth and fangs. Laziel moved, unhappy with the prospect of Lance taking Destahny. The Fae prince hesitated, his eyes diverting between Lachi and Laziel. Between a rock and a hard place. Laziel saw the conflict in Lance’s peculiar Fae eyes. He knew he was acting out of sorts with Lance, but the fucker had fed from Lachi, tasted the essence of an angel’s blood; Laziel’s gift of life to the male he so studiously adored. So yeah, it pissed him off. A lot.
Nevertheless, Laziel needed to relent. There was no use in creating a scene. Lachi was obviously unsettled; otherwise, he would have never ordered Lance to take Destahny to Arial. Laziel abhorred his green streak. Jealousy was an ugly trait, one that Laziel lay claim to on more than one occasion. Gritting his teeth, Laziel nodded, giving his guard the permission he sought to take Destahny.
“Straight to Arial. No one else or your life will be forfeit. Now go.” Lachi growled. Laziel watched Lance as Lachi delicately placed Destahny in his arms. The guard walked toward the looming presence of their Fallen friend. Once their little girl was safely in Arial’s arms, Laziel closed the gap between himself and Lachi and ran his index finger down along Lachi’s spine.
In response to Laziel’s touch, a violent tremor rode Lachi hard. The male shuddered beneath Laziel’s fingertips and his breath hitched when Laziel leaned in to whisper in his ear. “The thought of making love terrifies you doesn’t it, my Azarian? Well you better get used to it. It’s going to happen, and when it does, I’m going to love you so sweet and so slow you’ll be pleading with me to take you,” Laziel whispered, brushing his lips along the shell of Lachi’s ear.
The male’s usual stoic calm crumbled, and for a second, Laziel saw the real reason he’d fallen so hard for the Vampire King. With Lachi, there was no mask to hide behind, no façade to lighten the true depths of his rage. He was the embodiment of beauty and death, life and need. The purity and strength of each layer of emotion was there, lying harnessed beneath a body made for sin. A sin Laziel would happily Fall for, lose his wings to and kneel before. As long as he had Lachi, the Earth could fall to ruin. The male would always be his.
The knowledge of what they shared and how they each felt toward each other filled Laziel with light. It poured through his veins and sent a soft shimmer radiating outward over his flesh. As he moved before Lachi and cupped the male’s face between the palms of warm hands, his ethereal radiance coiled its way around them both. Lachi’s eyes widened in surprise. The look of awe filled Laziel with the hope the divide between them would soon be breached and allowed to heal. If there was a way to win back what he’d lost, Laziel would do anything to see the look of love glowing in the eyes and smile on Lachi’s handsome face.
Drawing him in, Laziel didn’t wait for Lachi’s permission. He sealed their lips together, dipped his tongue i
nto the heat of Lachi’s mouth and drew it viciously along the length of his fangs. Lachi’s pained moan sent Laziel’s heart racing. His male needed him, needed his love and his blood. They were one, whether either of them admitted it or not. What they gave each other was more than love, more than life. Their tongues rolled and mated, swimming in a bath of celestial blood. Strong hands gripped Laziel, fisting tightly around the length of his hair. Lachi’s nature to dominate roared to life. Laziel smirked. For the first time in centuries, he was about to break the mold and deny his male’s need to control.
Laziel shifted slowly, deepening the kiss while edging one hand around the small of Lachi’s back to support his spine. Lachi replied by pressing the hard length of his throbbing arousal against Laziel’s thigh. The need to touch, to take Lachi and show him the real depths of an angel’s love threatened to overwhelm him. Laziel pushed back and took control. He wanted this to be right, wanted Lachi to see there was more to them than sex and pain. Not that he’d ever give that up. Hell no.
Nothing gave him more pleasure than being compliant to Lachi’s sexual needs. The whips, floggers, cuffs and chains where an integral part of who they were and what they both enjoyed, always had been, always would be. But, Laziel had needs, too. And, it was going to bring him great pleasure to show Lachi just how needy he really could be. One hand pressed at his back, the other fisted into the hair at Lachi’s nape. Laziel bent Lachi back until his spine bowed and his throat became exposed. Beneath his hold Laziel felt Lachi’s control, felt his need to dominate flow through him like a wave of rage that threatened to break the vampire’s resolve. Laziel pushed.
Tapping into the well of his celestial strength, he held Lachi in place and tightened his grip on the male’s hair. His tongue circled Lachi’s lips before delving into the back of his throat, igniting Lachi’s hunger and forcing the male to suckle on what Laziel so freely offered. Lachi moaned. Laziel abruptly pulled away, leaving Lachi looking shocked and a little disheveled.
