Laird of the Underworld : Book 1

by Verna Cyril

  Still struggling to control her senses, Genevieve blurted, confused: “A newspaper?’

  Alaric shrugged indifferently. In his defence he responded: “I have to stay informed.”

  Genevieve heaved and sat up, wrapping the sheets around her. Her head felt heavier than usual. “I feel like crap!” absent-mindedly, she smacked her tongue, a look of disgust distorted her beautiful face.

  Alaric chuckled softly, looked away from the paper to gaze at her, “You are in the transition phase,” he pointed out then folded the paper in his hands, “Unfortunately, you may feel this way another two to three days, perhaps a week. It depends on your tolerance.”

  Genevieve shot him daggers with her eyes. “You should have told me!” she fumed. “A little more information would have made this process a lot much easier to digest.”

  Alaric smirked then stood up. Genevieve noticed that he was wearing a black sweatshirt and pants and had just finished jogging. The sweat shirt hugged closely to his well built chest giving her a flattering look of his extraordinary physique. She blushed in bewilderment and thought. Was he jogging?

  Alaric chortled then drawled as he turned away from her to move towards the staircase. “There is a lot you don’t know about me.”

  Genevieve inhaled sharply. She had already forgotten he could read her mind.

  She watched as he stopped at the foot of the fancy staircase.

  “I am gonna go hit the showers now.” He lifted his shirt over his head. A glistening six-pack chest greeted her. His muscles rippled and flexed. Genevieve cleared her throat then averted her eyes, her cheeks a glowing tint. “Oh,” Alaric continued flashing her a conceited smile,“there’s more coffee in the kitchen, feel free to indulge. As well, I can use a little company upstairs.” He winked, grinning roguishly to reveal perfectly white teeth and a gorgeous dimple at his right cheek.

  Genevieve’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him leave. She chewed softly at her lower lip. She had to admit, he was intriguing. She stood grimacing. Between her thighs were sore, but then blushed all over again. Last night was quite eventful, she thought. What did he think I was anyway, a machine? Asking me to join him in the shower. She pattered over to the kitchen and moved towards the counter, inhaling deeply as she poured herself a cup of coffee. The aroma was extremely inviting. Eyes closed, Genevieve quickly took a huge gulp then wrinkled her nose. Repulsed by the flavour, she spat the contents onto the kitchen floor. “What is this vile substance?”, she moaned, then quickly gargled her throat with a full glass of water into the sink. Her head was suddenly spinning again. “Oh dear..” she whimpered, head in her hand. Feeling sick, she proceeded to the sitting room, “Whoa!!” she cried out as she helplessly slipped over the coffee mess she had made. She fell to the floor on her back with a heavy thud. She looked up at the high ceiling roof overhead. In despair, Genevieve blinked back her tears, fighting to keep her eyes open. Tender arms wrapped around her. She looked up to see her knight in shining armour kneeling gallantly before her on the floor. Soft amber- emerald eyes stared down at her, a few locks of his dark mane fell casually over his forehead. His lips were moving but she could not tell what he was saying. She furrowed her brows into a small frown then smiled lazily. Dazed, she tried to reach for his face, “Are you my guardian angel?” she whispered, her arm dropped to her side, then unaware, she breathed into unconsciousness.

  “Dammit!” Alaric muffled as he stalked over to where Genevieve was laying on the kitchen floor, “Genevieve !” he gathered her into his arms. Quickly, he scrutinized her scalp by running his fingers through her hair. Helplessly, he watched as she slipped into unconsciousness, a dreamy, smile curling her full lips. Distraught, he lifted her sleeping form into his arms and shape-shifted into their room. He quickly placed her limp body over the large mattress. There was no blood. Hopefully, she should be all right, he reassured himself and ran his hand over her scalp again. The only thing that was different was the unusually large lump that was now swelling rapidly at the back of her head. He drew a shaky breath, then gritted his teeth. It is all my fault, he chastised himself. He should never have left her alone. Annoyed at himself, he darted to the kitchen to get an ice pack. In a frenzy, he wrapped it with a towel and returned to the room, a deep frown furrowing his brows as he absent-mindedly checked her pulse and pulled her limp body close to him again. He gently placed the cold pack upon her head and threaded his fingers through her hair. He watched helplessly as she stirred in his arms, a small groan escaping her lips. He gazed tenderly into her face to see a tiny frown creasing her perfectly shaped brows. He supposed her uneasiness was the result of the uncomfortable icepack on her head. He unwillingly laid her down on the pillows then reluctantly prepared himself for his meeting. He was late for another board meeting at the clinic. He inhaled deeply. Then thoughts of his afternoon ran through his mind. Shortly after his board meeting, he had another meeting with his father. He knew this would take all day. He wouldn’t be back home until later that evening. He immediately informed his mother of Genevieve’s condition.

  Katherine’s eyes darted across the room with concern as she listened tentatively to her son’s news. “Oh, dear!”, she replied worriedly. “I will quickly have one of the ladies care for her right away. No need to worry. She will be in very good care.” As if aware of her son’s hesitation, Katherine continued: “I will personally make sure of it.”

  Alaric pursed his lips. At his mother’s reassurance, he unwillingly left his wife in the care of his family.

  Although late for his meeting, Alaric chose to drive into town. He often tried his best never to shapeshift outside the walls of his home. Now, living in the twentieth century, it was crucial that vampires not betray their presence in the cities. Dunkans were pledged to keep this belief as a sacred oath amongst themselves for decades and as the leader of his coven, he was obligated to teach what he preached. For hundreds of years vampires had chosen to live normal lives, settling into rural and remote areas or even lush mountains. The Rocky Mountains were perfect for settlement. Their family had chosen this land for many years. Dunkans thrived into making themselves a good name by building their brands, successful businesses and a multimillion dollar empire. They were the major investors and shareholder in a number of private entities all over the globe. The Dunkans were now formerly the most feared family in the underworld.

  Alaric was trained to become the leader of the coven and head of the family empire from a very young age. This was all he knew. Now that he was prepared to be coronated, his father had given him full responsibility for the affairs of the business and people. He rushed down the nearly empty street in a silver-grey Aston Martin car and pulled into the driveway of the clinic. Upon entry, he was met by his personal assistant Jerry.

  “Sir, you have a few messages including one concerning the long-awaited deal with Mr. Pajero”

  Alaric nodded then strode past Jerry towards the conference room.

  The middle aged man followed uneasily with shuffling feet. “We also have a few complaints from the board which requires your immediate attention.”

  Stopping midway through his tracks, Alaric turned to face his now red faced personal assistant and snapped: “Isn’t that what I came to address?”

  Jerry gulped: “Yes, of course.. sir!”, he stuttered, heart racing.

  The pulse at his neck vigorously twitched

  Annoyed by his assistant’s fear of him, Alaric gritted: “Give me that!” as he grabbed the files in Jerry’s hands, then dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

  With a burst of relief, Jerry handed Alaric three manila folders and scurried back down the hallway. His desk was located near the entrance of the usually empty office belonging to his boss. The name Alaric Dunkan was boldly inscribed on the front door. Clearing his throat, Jerry sat at his desk, staring in despair at his assistant Courtney.

  Courtney was staring at the empty hallway where Alaric stood with a lovesick look on her pretty face.

  Jerry
fumed. “Snap out of it. I have been employed here for practically three years and you have had this nauseating puppy love drool face every time Mr. Dunkan walks in.”

  Courtney inhaled deeply then mused. “He is so mysterious and gorgeous.”

  A frown furrowed Jerry’s brows as he scratched his abnormally-shaped head. Jerry was okay on the eye but not the best looking guy around. He had dirty brown hair and glasses that he often had to tip back over his long nose. “Didn’t you see him with those blasted sunglasses again?”, Jerry whispered: “He always has a pair on?”, he pointed out shaking his head.

  Courtney shivered gleefully, rolling her hair with her index finger. “All the more mysterious. I wonder what colour his eyes are.” She wet her lips.

  Confused by Courtney’s forthright remarks of their boss' appeal. Jerry let out a derisive snort, drew his lips into a thin line, pushed back his glasses over his nose and returned to his work. He had a very long day before him and he was not the least interested in Courtney’s usual banter.

  ***

  “I think she’s up now, momma,” Genevieve woke up to the whisper of a little girl. Big blue eyes instantly locked with hers along with the tiny tug of small hands.

  Genevieve smiled warmly at the sight of Amber. “Hi darling”, she croaked then grimaced as she tried to lift herself up.

  “No, no,” Tanya moved closer. “Let me help you, my lady.”

  Genevieve had not realized she had more company. She impatiently allowed Tanya to place a few pillows at the back of her neck. “What happened?”, Genevieve groaned. There was a dull throb at the back of her head.

  Tanya hugged her daughter closely from behind as she questioned Genevieve: “You don’t remember?”

  Genevieve shook her head gently, even as the pain intensified. “No, I don’t actually,” she admitted with worry.

  Tanya clucked her tongue as she shook her head in disapproval. “I think it may just have been a minor concussion, my lady. You fell over on the kitchen floor. Lord Alaric quickly brought you upstairs. You have been asleep ever since, or should I say unconscious?”

  Genevieve sighed. “Could you quit saying that?”

  Bewildered, Tanya searched her young mistress’s face. “I don’t understand.” Genevieve heaved then rolled her eyes. “I am not in some eighteenth-century movie, you know? ”

  Tanya chuckled, followed by Amber’s gleeful laughter. “I apologize but this is the mannerism of Dunkan people. It is customary to address our lord and mistress that way”.

  Genevieve scoffed. She honestly didn’t want to sound rude. It was obvious Tanya was trying her best to make her comfortable after her accident and being rude to her was definitely out of the question. Genevieve reached out for the large glass of water at her bedside table and with relief took a long drink.

  Tanya frowned in concern, “Do I offend you, my lady?”

  Genevieve smiled wryly, saying: “Please call me Genevieve.”

  “Lady Genevieve?”, Tanya whined with uncertainty.

  .“No”, Genevieve snapped breathlessly then just as quickly apologized. Flustered, she inhaled deeply then flashed Tanya a pleasant smile, “Just Genevieve.”

  Startled, Tanya gazed at her mistress in disbelief, followed by a small frown. “Is there anything else?”, she asked.

  Genevieve placed her index finger at her chin in thought. “And where is my husband?”

  Tanya gave a curt nod and folded her hands in her thighs, “Sadly today, my lord has a number of engagements.”

  Genevieve’s lips curled into a cynical smile.“ Engagements?” she feigned interest.

  Tanya smiled. “Yes my la..., oh my.” she placed her palm across her chest in surprise, “I meant Genevieve. Lord Alaric is the founder, and major shareholder of a number of companies.”

  Lost for words, Genevieve gawked open-mouthed at the other woman. She could not believe what she had just heard. Her eyes wandered around the room in admiration. Hence the reason for such a luxurious lifestyle, she noted with a sigh, then her thoughts trailed angrily. That bastard! Did she have to hear of his good fortune from the mouth of another woman?

  Having read her thoughts, Tanya flushed. It was evident from the look in her mistress’s eyes that she didn’t know very much about her lord. Tanya broke the awkward silence, “Is everything all right?”

  Genevieve inhaled deeply in exasperation. “Umm, I am going to take a shower now. Is there any way I can probably take a walk, go to the store or do something other than staying at home all day? I have never felt this suffocated.”

  Tanya reached out and touched her arm gently. “Of course. I can only imagine. Coming from a busy life and now you are just at home, performing women’s duties.”

  Genevieve rolled her eyes. “Is that what it is?”. She stared at the other woman in bewilderment.

  “Yes, of course” Tanya yelped as she burst into laughter. “Didn’t Lord Alaric tell you all about the given duties of a Dunkan woman?”

  Piqued, Genevieve shifted closer, then snorted: “I don’t believe he has.”

  Feeling a bit odd, Tanya finally stood and addressed her daughter: “Mommy will call you in a bit. As soon as I am done speaking with Lady Genevieve.”

  Amber nodded obediently then skipped away.

  Tanya sat back on the bed and took Genevieve’s hand in hers. “It’s all right, You don’t have to worry. I will show you what’s necessary to keep your husband content with you.”

  Extremely annoyed now, Genevieve gave a short mirthless laugh and rolled her eyes again. She wished she could bury her head somewhere. Her cheeks heated with shame as she averted her gaze. “I don’t think that is necessary”, she replied.

  “Oh no, please let me help you.” Tanya insisted

  Genevieve slumped over the pillow. Her head was throbbing all over again. She remained silent.

  Tanya went on: “Dunkan women are always obedient and docile. We always stay within the pack. It is quite unladylike to leave the pack. This means we don’t roam outside of our domain unaccompanied for fear our husbands will be shamed”.

  Genevieve groaned inwardly. She believed she had heard enough. She feigned interest with a drawl. “Oh, this sounds pretty interesting. I am definitely going to follow this protocol.”

  Tanya's face lit up with satisfaction, “I am so happy that you are willing to comply because I know how tough it is to be a mortal coming into a new world”. She quickly cleared her throat, then whispered: “Did you know that Lady Katherine was a mortal as well. She had to adhere to the rules of the pack. I must admit though she was not always so inclined.”

  Genevieve blurted with a frown: “My God, is Katherine also half mortal?”

  “Yes she is” Tanya retorted. ,

  Genevieve gasped. She had not meant to pry but she needed to know as much as she could. “I have a question.”

  “Uh huh..”. Tanya's big green eyes sprang to life as she nodded her head in approval. Genevieve let out a sigh of frustration. She had never had anyone to wait on her. It should have felt like a privilege but actually it didn’t. She wrung her hands nervously. “It's about my thoughts.”

  Tanya giggled. “I know, can all vampires read your mind?”

  Genevieve cheeks grew pink.

  Tanya burst into laughter, Genevieve waited impatiently for the woman to finish. “I am sorry”, Tanya breathed, giving Genevieve’s hand a slight squeeze. “No worries my dear, you don’t have to worry, It is only your life mate who can do that, and for Alaric he is exceptionally powerful.”

  Genevieve exhaled, what a relief!, she thought. If this wasn’t the case, she probably would have been the most hated woman in the village. She cleared her throat, then raised an eyebrow in question. “My life mate? But how did …,” she groaned inwardly then let out a shaky breath. She now had bigger fish to fry. “How can I stop him from reading my thoughts?”

  Tanya squeezed her hand with a pleasant smile. “You just have to create a barrier between your thoughts
and your feelings.”

  “Huh?” Genevieve blurted.

  Tanya sighed. “In order to stop him from reading your thoughts you just have to control your feelings. This will give you a little more privacy. Vulnerability exposes your thoughts quite easily.”

  Genevieve exhaled in relief. “Thank you.” This explained Alaric’s upper hand on me, she thought

  Tanya nodded. “A pleasure. my.. umm, I meant Genevieve.”

  Genevieve burst into laughter at the woman’s miserable attempt to address her informally. Quickly she soothed the other woman’s now hurt feelings: “It's fine, Tanya,” she reassured. “Now let's get me into that shower.”

  “Ah yes!” Tanya stood as she helped Genevieve undress.

  An hour later the two women strolled silently down the narrow dirt path through the forest. Genevieve realised that she had gotten quite used to Tanya’s company. She pulled her cloak closer. It was somewhat chilly despite the sun beaming over and through the large evergreen and oak trees. She glanced at the area. It was quite peaceful. The dried leaves crackled and small twigs snapped under their feet. She hadn’t felt so free in a long time. Not to mention that she hadn’t hiked in a long time. She recalled the times when she and her father would go fishing up the coast. She whimpered. He had always treated her like a normal girl. It was really hard to believe he was a vampire. She wished she could see his face. She really missed him. After the death of her mother, Genevieve’s father had filled that empty void she had felt. He spent lots of time talking, hiking, fishing and exploring with her . It was hard to believe she would never see him again. She sighed.

  “Is something the matter, mistress?” Tanya inquired faintly.

  Genevieve inhaled sharply: “Oh no, not at all,” Her eyes moved over her surroundings thoughtfully until her gaze fell over a beautiful lake.

  As if reading her thoughts, Tanya interrupted. “This lake separates two plots of land. Tanya drew an invisible line of demarcation. “Ok, so over here is the border. When you are past this border, you will find the Crinamortes land and further down you will find humans.”