Vampire's Kiss

by Valerie Twombly

  Well crap. She had to remember her mind was an open book and she slammed down the wall to keep it closed. Zarek laughed.

  “You cannot hide anything from me.” He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed and swirled into silver storms. “Like the fact that you really care for Seth, yet you refuse to admit it even to yourself.”

  She raised her chin. “Well I guess you don’t really know all that much. I do care about Seth and have no problems admitting it.” She cast her gaze at her plate. “I’m happy he seems to be cured.”

  He sipped his wine. “Yes, the one regret I have. Had I known his memories would be his curse I would never have given him that gift. The fact remains, you can admit all day long you care about his welfare, but tell me you haven’t fallen in love with him.”

  Now it was her turn to laugh. “I hardly know him well enough for that. I still find it barbaric this mate thing. It’s like arranged marriages.” She was well aware she’d fallen in love with him, but it scared the hell out of her. What if he didn’t reciprocate?

  “Perhaps. Yet fate has a way of knowing what’s best for us even when we don’t. Search your feelings and make your choice before it’s too late.”

  She glared at him. This sounded like one of the riddles Baal complained about. “What exactly does that mean?”

  “It means you either accept your mate and live a happy life, or you deny him and live without love. For eternity.”

  Well, hell.

  Seth showered and changed yet his mood hadn’t improved. He sat on the edge of his bed and fondled the dagger in his hand. It had been Garin’s favorite and Seth had found it in his room upon his return. As he stared at the shiny steel edge, he reflected on everything that had happened. Replayed his friend’s death and it sat in his stomach like a ball of lead.

  “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

  He’d not been able to attend Garin’s service and say his goodbye. Hell, he still expected his friend to walk through the door at any minute, but Seth would eventually accept his friend’s death.

  “Why did you have to go and get yourself killed?” he ground out.

  He’d lost many brethren in his long years of life and expected to see the death of many more. Didn’t make it easy, only a part of life. Staring at the blade had him wanting to shove it in his chest and cut his heart out. Maybe it would stop the pain of losing his friend or better yet his mate.

  He tried to shove Katie’s image into the recess of his mind, but it was impossible. They should have been together planning their future. Instead, she’d become a goddess and he her servant. He fought instinct. Every fiber of his being wanted to go and search for her. Pull her close and never let her go. Her essence flowed through him and he knew she was alive and well, yet she hadn’t come to him. He could make demands. After all, she belonged to him, but with the exception of the bedroom, Katie O’Hara wasn’t the type of woman to be controlled. He grinned at the remembrance of how he took command of her body. Somehow though, that wasn’t enough. He’d been around a long time. Been the protector of life and bore the stain of many deaths on his hands. Could he give up who and what he was for the love he held in his heart for his mate? It was too much to ask.

  He rose from the bed and walked to the dresser where he wrapped the dagger in a cloth and tucked it in his drawer then exited the room. Aidyn had summoned him so he could be briefed and his duties assigned to him. From the rumors he’d heard, so far, the Phoenix god hadn’t surfaced.

  Strawberries.

  He stopped dead in his tracks and watched as Katie materialized in front of him. He had thought it impossible she could become any more beautiful, but he was mistaken. Being a goddess apparently agreed with her. He fought to keep his fangs in place as he stared into her cobalt eyes.

  “I see you’ve learned to flash.” He masked his emotions.

  “I have.” She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt and he fisted his hands at his side to keep his feet planted.

  “I’m glad to see you well. Did you learn anything of your father? I understand he still hasn’t surfaced yet.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know anything.” She let out a heavy breath. “Maybe it will take some time for him to awaken.”

  “Perhaps. I’m on my way to get my orders. Was there something you wanted?” The question was so cold she visibly shivered.

  “What about us? Where does this leave you and I?”

  “We followed the path fate led us down. You saved me and I in turn saved you.” He shrugged. “Hopefully it will save humanity. Other than that? It was a good time, but you are not bound to me. You have your life as a goddess and I have mine.” He would never admit he needed her. Besides, she’d previously made it clear she had no desire to bond to him and she was out of his reach now.

  “I see. I thought I was your mate? Did I misunderstand what that meant?”

  “I thought so too, but you are a goddess. How do you think it will work when I have to take orders from you? Bet you hadn’t considered that.” The look on her face said she hadn’t.

  “I thought Zarek was your leader,” she whispered.

  “He’s everyone’s leader, but I must also take directive from the others. I would always question your orders because I know more than you.” Her body stiffened. He’d hit a sore spot.

  “Are you saying you’re smarter than me?”

  “See, already you’re riled like a territorial cat. I’m saying I’ve lived a helluva lot longer than you. Seen more than you and in the scheme of things you are now no more than a babe in a new world. I would question every command you issued.” How could he tell her he could defeat armies of evil yet this was foreign territory to him? How was he supposed to say he felt unworthy of someone as good and pure as her?

  “I see. Well then I guess there is nothing more to say.” She vanished.

  He gritted his teeth, fisted his right hand and swung. The wall in front of him cracked and his knuckles broke, but the pain in his hand hurt less than the one in his heart. He should just say to hell with it and take her, yet he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Raven escorted Lowan to a secret chamber in the lower level of the building where they had arrived. He stared at the red pentagram painted on the floor. Candles were lit and placed in strategic places on the flooring and walls.

  “Your throne, my lord.” Raven took his hand and led him to a large black skull carved out of marble and polished to a high sheen.

  He waved his hand to dismiss her then spun on his heel and planted himself on the black, velvet cushion. He ran his fingers along the cold stone. “Perfect.”

  “The others are beginning to arrive and are anxious to meet you, my lord.” Raven bent at the hips and gave a bow as she backed away.

  “Excellent.” He crossed his legs and steepled his fingers, pressing them to his lips. Anxious to meet these humans and make them his minions.

  People began to file into the room. Some dressed in black jeans and tees, others wore black robes. Lowan raised a brow at the hardware many had sticking from lips, brows, noses and ears. He had to wonder what purpose it served and made a mental note to ask Chaval about it later. Soon the room was full with men and women of varying ages. Raven came to stand next to him and a tall, husky, young kid called for everyone’s silence. Raven leaned in to whisper in his ear.

  “That’s Ace. He’s our local leader.”

  Lowan chuckled to himself. Ace was in for a surprise demotion, but then again, he might prove useful.

  “Brothers and sisters. Tonight, our requests have finally been answered.” Ace gestured to the throne. “Our king has arrived to lead us. Let us show him the respect he deserves.” Ace dropped to his knees and everyone behind him followed suit. Except for one. A burly, grotesque man in the back with greasy hair and torn clothing remained standing.

  Lowan narrowed his gaze to pinpoint on the one who dared disrespect him. “Who is this human that offends me?”

&nb
sp; “That would be Jack, my lord,” Raven whispered.

  “Bring him to me,” Lowan growled.

  Two men in the back jumped to their feet, grabbed Jack by his arms and dragged him forward. Shoved him to the floor in front of Lowan.

  “Why do you defy me?”

  The human curled his lip to reveal missing teeth. “How do we know you are really who you say? You look like any normal man to me.”

  “Ah. So, it’s proof you seek? Then I shall accommodate.” Lowan rose and in two strides stepped off the pulpit, grabbed Jack around the neck and lifted him off the floor. “You will regret challenging me.” His fangs extended and he bit into the fat flesh of the human and struck the artery. Blood squirted and splattered a few people nearby, but no one spoke out.

  He drank until the man’s heart stopped then dropped the body to the floor. Lowan held his palm in the air over Jack and the demigod’s power ripped Jack’s heart from his chest. Lowan squeezed it in his vice-like grip until it turned to dust. He then summoned his Wendigos.

  “Remove this filth from my presence,” he commanded.

  “Yes, my lord.” They bowed and proceeded to drag the body from the area, leaving a trail of blood in their wake.

  Lowan scanned the room. All eyes were downcast and several people were visibly shaken. “Is there anyone else who wishes to question me?”

  The only sounds that reached him were their rapid heartbeats. He turned and walked back up the stairs and took his seat. “You have witnessed only a fraction of what I am capable of. I am your god, and you will do my bidding or suffer severely.” He leaned forward, his hands firmly on the small skulls that adorned either side of the throne. “The time has come for darkness to rule your world. Follow me and reap the rewards. Defy me and you will live to regret it.”

  Katie flashed back to her father’s palace. Fury dripped from every pore and it was all she could do to keep from going back and beating Seth to a pulp. Her mind kept wandering back to Zarek’s words.

  You either accept your mate and live a happy life, or you deny him and live without love. For eternity.

  “Asshat.” What did the statement mean really? Katie took it as more of a threat to force her into taking Seth as her husband, yet when she stopped for a moment...

  She sighed. Her body craved him and she wanted nothing more than to chalk it up to the fact that he had a way of strumming her like a harp. He really had commanded her to one of the most intense orgasms ever. She touched the place on her neck where he had sunk his fangs and her heart skipped. Never had she felt more connected to someone. She’d also had a glimpse of Seth’s memories and emotions. He had truly received a raw deal with the life handed to him.

  “Katie?” A female’s voice called out from the courtyard.

  She flashed, liking the mode of travel and also needing the practice. Cassie stood by the fountain with a little girl in her arms. The guardian turned and smiled.

  “There you are. I hope we’re not intruding, but I wanted to see how you were and if I could help.”

  “Not at all. I’m actually thankful for the company.” Katie stepped closer. “This must be your daughter.” Katie had been told mother and daughter were sent to stay in the Temple of the Gods while the war waged. She’d seen first-hand how protective Marcus was of his wife and daughter, who was the first baby born in hundreds of years.

  Cassie jiggled the little girl who laughed. “This is Ariana.”

  “She is beautiful.” A small pang went through her heart. Would she ever have children? Was it even possible now that she was no longer human? She had to think it was since Zarek and his wife once had a daughter and Cassie stood before her with a child.

  “Come sit.” She led Cassie to a cozy seating area with several wicker chairs and a loveseat that sat under a trellis covered in jasmine. She adored the smell. Next, she snapped her fingers and a play area, complete with thick carpet, toys and a fence appeared next to them.

  “Oh, thank you.” Cassie placed Ariana inside the enclosure and the little girl went right for the pile of toys.

  “I’m starting to get used to this power thing.” Katie took a seat and flashed in refreshments. “The fact that I loathe doing housework makes it even more fun.”

  Cassie laughed. “Sounds like you’re getting along then.”

  She smiled. “I can make do. It’s so beautiful and peaceful here.”

  Cassie poured a glass of ice tea. “It is. However, it’s also boring.”

  Katie leaned back into the velvet cushion. “Yes, I suppose it could be. I can travel to anyplace I wish though.”

  The guardian nodded. “Yes, but let’s be truthful. It’s not the same without him. Is it?”

  Katie picked at invisible lint on her dress. “I don’t know what you mean. I’m an independent woman and certainly don’t need a man to make demands of me.”

  “How well I know.” Cassie set her glass aside. “Look. I feel like since we were both human and dragged into this mess kicking and screaming, we are sisters of a sort. May I speak frankly?”

  “Oh, gods please.” She had to stop herself from begging. From the moment she had met Cassie she’d liked the woman and hoped they might become friends. Friendships were one thing Katie never really had. Oh, there were acquaintances, but no girlfriends to hang with and pour out one’s soul to.

  “Immortal men are overbearing,” Cassie started.

  Katie didn’t stop herself from laughing. “To put it mildly.”

  “But there are ways around them. You have to be just as stubborn as they are and sometimes let them think they’ve won.”

  “I tried to talk to him and he was clear on where we stood.” His iciness still stung like a sharp slap on the cheek.

  Cassie rolled her eyes. “I know Seth pretty well. Marcus and I had our issues, but when he came up missing I helped search for him. It was a damn mess. Baal ended up being taken by the slave traders and to keep Seth from following, they sliced his gut open.”

  Katie cringed.

  “Top it off with the dragons attacking us and Seth couldn’t open a portal home. He was prepared to die in order to save me. I however, am a stubborn woman and refused to leave him so I slit my wrist and made him drink. To this day I think of him as a big brother. If I know Seth, he feels lost. Something tells me there is a problem with you being higher up the ladder so to speak.”

  “Ugh.” Katie flipped her hand in the air as if she were dismissing something trivial. “He actually said he would question any command I issued.”

  “Well can you blame him?”

  She let out an exasperated breath. “No, but he didn’t even want to discuss it. I felt like I was being dismissed.”

  Cassie smiled. “Well a little bird told me that after you left him, he put a pretty nice sized crack in the wall and broke all of his knuckles. I’d be willing to bet he has it bad for you. If you care about him at all, you’re going to have to make it work.”

  So, he rammed his fist into the wall? “I have to admit, he’s gotten under my skin and now I’m not sure I want to live without him.” She lifted her glass. “To our stubborn men.”

  “Cheers.” Cassie touched her glass to Katie’s and both women laughed.

  Baal had never been turned down before. Not once. Ever. He stared at the woman behind the bar who had so much as refused to even give him her name. He’d closed the place down a couple of nights ago with Seth, or had it been longer? He couldn’t remember after taking a couple of those damn pills. Either way, he did remember craving a piece of the vision currently giving him the evil eye. Still did. He hadn’t come across a female like her in a long time.

  “Seriously, why are you working in this shit hole? You should be strutting your stuff in designer clothes and high heels.” Black hair curled around her shoulders, blue, almond-shaped eyes were fringed with thick lashes, add to that high cheekbones and pouty lips and you had exotic perfection. Not to mention the curves he wanted to sink his fingers into while he fucked the h
ell out of her.

  She laughed. “I suppose you’re going to promise me a starring role in your next movie?”

  He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a card. “Nope, but I need a hostess for my casino.” He tossed the card on the bar. She rolled her eyes then threw her towel aside and picked up the card.

  “Dragon’s Cove?” She eyed him suspiciously. “I’ve heard of it.” She snorted and tossed it back on the bar. “Right, and I suppose you’re gonna tell me you own the place?”

  He shrugged. “Okay, I won’t tell you that, but I do.”

  “Please, I’m not that stupid. Why would someone who owned a highly successful Vegas club be here in ––as you called it––this shit hole?”

  “I came to help a friend who was down and out.”

  She reached for a dirty glass and ran it through the washer. “The dark-haired guy? He seemed like he’d seen better days.”

  “He has, but I think things will be improving for him soon. Now back to my offer. I was serious when I said I need someone. You think about it and if you’d like I’ll fly you in for an interview and to talk terms.”

  She wiped her hands and picked up the card again. Stared at it while pulling her bottom lip through her teeth. He could almost see the smoke coming out her ears. “I don’t get it. Vegas has to be full of people who qualify for the job. What do you want from me?”

  No way in hell could he tell her what he really wanted was to strip her, toss her on top of the bar and taste every inch of her. He’d have to work his way up to that one. “You desire more than this, I can tell.” No lie there. The ability to read a human’s desire was bred into every demon. It’s how the evil spread, some chose to use it for bad and others good. In this case his intentions were for a little of both. “Your beauty shouldn’t be wasted here.”