by River Ramsey
I know what he’s feeling. I sense it through our link, but as ill-prepared as he thinks he is for this role, I know he’ll bear the responsibility better than anyone.
I see it now. This is his destiny. It always has been.
Twenty-Eight
THREE WEEKS LATER
Settling into a new kingdom feels like a dream, but surprisingly, it’s not one I long to wake up from. The fact that the former Queen has been so helpful is just proof that the fallen King was as cruel to his court as he had a reputation of being to his subjects.
Even then, she doesn’t know everything. In order for our plan to work, we need to actually make sure it’s possible. Christopher has been working day and night, studying the old texts and visiting the Ellri on the astral plane to test the validity of the cure the old woman told me about.
Only a powerful magician trained in the art of meditation can access it, but if anyone can, it’s him.
Rowan and Mace have adapted well enough to the strange land, and I know their presence goes a long way toward presenting any insurrection that might arise. I find myself strangely more at ease here than I ever have been back in Eternus, and I can only feel guilty for it.
Eternus is my home, but this place… it’s a fresh start. My whole pregnancy, I’ve known that no matter how much I and the others love these babies, the vampire hybrid will always be an outsider among wolves. Mistrusted, condemned to the same fate James experienced in Marok, even if Eternus wolves are more civilized about their methods of shunning.
I told Albien as much when I spoke to him last night, through our link. I’m still not used to sharing dreams, but with the distance between us, it helps me feel less alone. I may have lived a lifetime without my twin, but being separated from him still feels like a loss.
He has his own life to live now, though. One day, he and Jenna will have children of their own, and it’s obvious the kingdom is his calling. No one else was patient or compassionate enough to change things the way he could, and with Jenna at his side, he’d be even more unstoppable.
Then again, that was probably half the reason the Pentarch was so livid.
Time has been passing at a dizzying rate, but I have Mace’s voice in my ear, nagging at me to take a rest. I could use some fresh air, so I walk out into the garden, my hand on my swollen stomach. It feels so close now. If I think too much about it, I panic, but there’s excitement, too. Hope for what these children will bring into our lives, and all they’ll become.
I find myself on the bridge, staring out at the softly rippling water that surrounds the castle. The vampire lands are beautiful, I’ll say that. The trees are clothed in every hue of gold and red, and it’s all so crisp and vivid it doesn’t look real.
A familiar scent tells me I’m not alone, and when I turn around, James is walking toward me, looking dashing as ever in his royal garb. He’s chosen the King’s military regalia over the more formal robes, and it suits him, blood red fabric standing out against his dark hair.
“It’s a bit chilly out for you, isn’t it?” he asks, slipping off his jacket to drape it around my shoulders.
I smile. “There are four of you,” I tease. “I can always count on someone’s chivalry.”
He chuckles, fiddling with something in his pocket. “How are you feeling?”
“Wonderful,” I admit. “Just admiring how beautiful this place is.”
“That’s good to hear,” he says, looking around at the grounds. “Because we still haven’t talked about what this means long term.”
I take a deep breath. I knew this conversation was coming, but I’d hoped to put if off until I spoke with Albien. As much sadness as there was in his voice last night, there was resignation, too. He teased that I didn’t need his blessing, and he’s right, but it means a lot that he gave it.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that, too.”
“Oh?” he seems surprised, then wary. “I know you’re going to want to go back. Your brother—”
“My brother is the King of Eternus,” I say, taking his hand. “My mate is the King of the vampire realm. My place is here. With him.”
His eyes widen. “Dani—”
“I’ve already made my decision,” I tell him firmly. “But it’s not just about you.”
“Oh?” His eyes glint with amusement as I turn away to look over the railing.
“We’re going to be raising a mage and a hybrid,” I say, putting my hand on my stomach. “I love Eternus, but let’s be honest… it’s not exactly the most open minded realm.”
“You don’t know anyone here,” he protests.
“I have you and Rowan and Mace and Christopher,” I say, looking back at him. “You’re all I need. Besides, you said you wanted to make a difference in this realm, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. We started this, and we have to finish it.”
“You’re sure?” he asks, searching my gaze. “I need you to be sure.”
I reach up to touch his cheek, smiling. “I’ve never been more certain of anything, or anyone, in my life. Whatever the future holds, we’ll embrace it together.”
“That’s all I needed to hear,” he says, taking a deep breath. He finally pulls out whatever he’s been worrying at in his pocket and when I see that it’s a small box, my heart beats a little faster. He sinks down to one knee, confirming my suspicion.
“James,” I gasp, covering my mouth.
He gives me a knowing smile. “I talked it over with the others,” he begins. “They’ve generously agreed to let me be the first, but this realm does allow its royals to have multiple spouses, so they’ve informed me they all want their turn as well.”
My heart feels like it’s going to burst with joy. Is this actually happening? I’ve wanted to marry James for so long, and knowing we never could in Eternus was a special kind of heartbreak. When I see him like this, the gentle adoration in his gaze, I realize he’s wanted it as much as I have.
For once, he’s free to show it.
“Dani,” he says in a somber tone, holding my gaze. “Will you do me the honor of being my Queen?”
My voice hitches in my throat and for a moment, I can’t breathe. “Yes,” I finally choke out. He takes my hand, placing the beautiful golden band on my ring finger. There’s a brilliant diamond set in the very center, and rose engravings all around the band. He could propose with a string and I’d say yes, but it’s the most gorgeous ring I’ve ever seen.
When James finally stands to take me into his arms, I kiss him until we’re both breathless. The ring is small and delicate enough that there’s room for three more above it, and my heart leaps at the thought of being theirs in every way, but in this moment, it’s just us.
It’s perfect.
Twenty-Nine
The day of my wedding feels like a dream. Especially since Christopher, Mace and Rowan have managed to be in the same room together all morning without fighting. So I’ve heard, at least. James insists on keeping the vampire tradition of not seeing me before the wedding, but Christopher has been teaching me to hone my telepathic skills, and I don’t think that counts as cheating on the tradition.
Tonight, James and I will be alone for the first time in forever, but as the doors to the royal hall open and I see the others’ smiling faces, I know they’re more than happy to step aside for the moment. We’ll all be together soon enough.
Forever.
For all the grief I gave Albien about rushing his wedding, James and I have managed to put ours together in even less time. If I wait any longer, I’m going to be too pregnant to walk down the aisle. Somehow, the royal seamstress managed to put together a flowing white gown that makes me feel elegant and beautiful with long, lacy sleeves and a low neckline that bares my throat. I’m told that’s the fashion in vampire country.
Albien and Jenna are here, waiting for me in the front row of the hall with Aspen at their side, and as long as they’re here, I have all the family I need. My heart warms as my twin meets my ga
ze, giving me a reassuring smile.
This wedding might be a union of the soul for me and James, but to our respective kingdoms, it’s a symbol of peace. I don’t envy Albien for being the one who announced it to the Pentarch, but them no longer being my problem is just one of many benefits of moving to the vampire realm.
The joy is bittersweet, but Albien has promised he’ll visit as often as he can. This marriage means the beginning of a new era for our people, and for once, he’ll have allies in the vampire territory who support his humanitarian causes.
The physical distance may keep us apart, but in a way, it’s brought us closer together than ever. For so long, I’ve felt like Albien was living out his true purpose, helping people and ruling while I was just sitting on the sidelines. Now, I actually have a chance to make a difference. To make him proud.
The fact that I’m going to become the vampires’ Queen still hasn’t settled in yet, and I suspect it won’t for a while. One thing at a time.
When I see James waiting for me next to the priest, my heart goes into overdrive.
The music swells to a beautiful crescendo and I take my first step. Somehow, I manage to make it to the end of the red carpet without falling on my face, despite my nerves. James takes my hand and it doesn’t feel real. The priest’s words are a blur, and all I can think as I stare into my husband-to-be’s eyes is how impossible it all seems. This long and winding road that brought us here, to a destination I never imagined possible.
“Princess Victoria,” the priest says gently, looking at me with kind eyes. I’ve been immensely relieved to discover that James isn’t the only kind vampire. There are others who’ve been eager to accept his rule, and while it’s still an uphill battle, I have hope that it’s one we will win. The hard part is over. Now there’s just staying strong and we have each other to get us through. All of us.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, realizing I’ve completely zoned out on what the priest said because I got lost in James’ eyes.
There’s a low chuckle around the room and my face flames.
“I asked if you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband,” the priest repeats kindly.
“Oh, yes,” I breathe, staring up at James. “I do.”
“And do you, King James, take this woman to be your beloved Queen?”
“I do,” he says with absolute certainty. The husky quality of his voice makes a chill run down my spine in the best way.
I can’t believe I was ever actually afraid of him.
To be fair, I can see why others are. He’s fierce to the point of terrifying, especially when he’s protecting someone he loves.
As we walk back down the aisle, showered in white rose petals, I feel like a princess for the first time. A bit ironic, really, because now I’m Queen.
The reception is as lavish as the ceremony, and while I want nothing more than to run off with James, I know this is my chance to make a good first impression. I’m sure everyone is curious about the Queen being a wolf, but James’ intimidation factor keeps them from asking any prying questions.
After what feels like forever, we part ways with the others and I kiss each of them, knowing I’ll see them soon. Mace reassures me they’ll look after Aspen while James and I are enjoying our honeymoon, and my heart swells knowing that we’ll be coming back to a more complete family than I ever imagined possible.
When all is said and done, I find myself alone with James in the vast suite atop the city’s highest building. There are windows everywhere, and I can see as far as the mountain ridge in the distance. The bed is huge, with massive wooden posts that stretch up to the ceiling and a silk canopy that makes it feel even more like a fantasy.
The door falls shut and my heart flutters as I realize this is it. We’re actually married. This day I never dared to dream of has actually come, and as James’ soft gaze settles on mine, it’s far more perfect than it has any right to be.
“We did it,” I say quietly, lacing my fingers through his.
“We did,” he murmurs, slipping his arm around my waist. “But we’ve still got a long way to go.”
“Shh,” I smile, pressing my finger against his lips. “Let’s just enjoy this moment for what it is.”
He takes me fully into his arms and kisses me until I forget where we are. I nestle my hands into his long, dark hair and he unzips the back of my gown, letting the white silk slip to the floor in a pool of fabric. When his hand cups my breast, I gasp against his lips.
Somehow, every touch is as exciting as the first one, and there’s something special about this night. Just the two of us, commemorating a promise our hearts made so long ago.
James lays me back against the pillows and my head spins with desire as I peel off his shirt, then his trousers. His body brushes up against mine, cool and hot at the same time, and I crave the union of our flesh like air and water.
His lips sweep against the side of my neck and I moan, turning my head to encourage him as he settles between my legs. I’m already slick for him, but his girth always requires an adjustment. Nonetheless, my body surges under his, eager to take him, and as he starts to thrust, my breath matches his rhythm.
Sometimes it feels like our hearts beat in unison, perfectly synchronized in a way I don’t even understand. Like we were always meant to be this way, together, inseparable.
His lips find mine again as his own breath grows shallow and I lose track of the separation between us. For one magical moment, there is none. My climax spreads through me in a dizzying hail of pleasure and ecstasy and when he fills me with his seed, the differences between us don’t seem to matter at all. Wolf or vampire, King or Queen, we’re made of the same stuff where it counts and for a moment, I don’t just feel him inside of me. I feel him entwined with me perfectly.
It’s hard to believe that it’s always going to be this way, but as he holds me close, bathing in the afterglow of our union, it feels a little more within my reach.
Thirty
It’s been two months since the wedding, and life seems intent on proving me wrong that it can’t get any better. While I’m less than thrilled about the cravings and the fact that I need help getting up from the sofa, adjusting to life as the vampire Queen isn’t nearly as difficult as I imagined it would be.
I have the sneaking suspicion that my alphas are working double time on making sure I don’t experience any stress, but I’m not going to complain about a little pampering. For now.
At least I managed to convince them that a walk in the garden every afternoon wasn’t going to kill me. The vampires have taken the increased sunlight and warmth of springtime pretty hard, so I have the garden to myself most days.
According to the doctors, the delivery could be any day now. I feared the little ones would make an early arrival, but despite their anxious kicking, they’re four days past their expected due date.
Of course, the moment I feel the first contraction happens to be the one time I’m out alone. I take a deep breath and grip the railing on the bridge, bearing through the sudden pain. It subsides quickly enough, but I’m sure there’s another one coming.
Before I can make it halfway back to the castle, Rowan rounds the corner of the garden maze, frowning at me. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” I say, blinking at him. “How did you—?”
“I sensed something,” he grunts. “I might not be psychic, but you’re still my mate.”
I can’t help but smile. “I’ll be alright, really. But I think I’m going into labor.”
His eyes widen. “Knew it,” he mutters, lifting me into his strong arms before I can protest. It’s not the first time he’s insisted on carrying me around like a doll, and at this point, I know better than to put up too much of a fuss. When you live with four alphas, you learn to pick your battles and so do they.
By the time another contraction comes, I’m grateful for the help.
“That bad, huh?” Rowan asks sympathetically, carrying me into the castle.
“I’m pretty sure it’s not a false alarm this time,” I admit, taking another deep breath. It’s not doing as much to dispel the pain as the midwife said, but it helps.
Before long, I’m settled in a luxurious room and Christopher is the next to arrive. I’ve scarcely seen him lately with his work on the cure, but the sight of him fills me with relief.
“Dani,” he says, taking my hand. He squeezes it tightly and sits down next to me on the bed. “You’re sure?”
“Pretty sure,” I say, laughing before another contraction hits me. “That or they’re crying wolf again.”
He gives me a sympathetic smile, stroking my hair. “You’ve got this. The others will be here soon.”
He’s right. James and Mace come in together in a matter of moments, and while I have the royal physicians on my case, I’m relieved that Mace is overseeing them. His presence is a comfort, even though I never imagined that was possible.
Strange how much has changed, while other things remain the same.
“Where is Aspen?” I ask Mace as he comes to stand by my other side.
“He’s with his nanny,” he assures me, taking my hand. “I told him he’s going to meet his brother and sister very soon.”
I smile in relief. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what we were having until the delivery, but curiosity got the best of me.
“Hey,” Rowan barks at him. “Spoilers.”
Mace snorts. Guess Rowan is the only one who managed to hold out on looking at the doctor’s sealed report.
“Just breathe,” Mace coaches. The others allow him to take center stage for the moment, coaching me through the delivery I still don’t feel prepared for, even though I’ve had nine months and change.
Christopher uses magic to take away some of the pain, but there’s only so much he can do. By the time I hear our daughter’s cries, the pain has given way to joy and relief. Another hour and our son’s wails join in with her.
