My mouth shut and I tightened my fists. I felt like a soldier getting my ass handed to me from a superior. It’s what had driven me to the top. I always led and I didn’t question my judgment. Yet, that’s all I had done in this new life. My instincts were there, as was the power in my blood, so what was I waiting for?
“Will he manage to take her?”
Marko’s face turned impossibly harder as he stared at me. “I feel as though he won’t stop until he finds a way. Like I said, every second that passes, he grows even more desperate. My blood is driving him crazy. She, is driving him crazy.”
“Because of your love for her …”
“Tessa is everything to me,” he ground out, stepping so close his face was but inches from mine. “Aetas is finding out firsthand the depths love can go, and while we’re talking about it, you should know, too. There is more to the emotion than the good side. People die for love. They kill for it. Just because you have her, too, never forget about the man whose love goes as far as obsessive madness. She’s what flows through my bloodstream. She’s my life source—my entire fucking existence. I allow this because I love her. You ever cross me to keep Tessa to yourself, the powers above better help you because no one else will be able to.”
“Don’t fucking threaten me. Who the hell do you think I am?”
“Enough,” Tessa hissed. “There will be no backstabbing between the three of us. We are one. That is never-ending from this moment on. You both have love for me, but I asked that you love each other. That is what I want. We don’t stand a chance unless you do.”
Marko and I held stares for only a moment before his expression softened and a grin pulled back the side of his mouth. “You see that, Hunter? Tessa is the calm to the chaos. She’s also the storm that ignites it.”
He turned, pulling her in his arms. His lips brushed against hers and whispers in French filled the space. The interpretation in Tessa’s mind left their conversation as clear as day to me.
“I love you. Don’t be upset with me, ma minette. It had to be said.”
“It’s said. Never again does it have to be repeated. We love each other. He knows that.”
“I know, but I still have to make my feelings clear. We may not be bonded anymore, but that changes nothing. You will always be mine.”
“Always,” she said, lower. “The fact that I can even have this conversation with you in a language foreign to me proves that. The bond we shared may be no more, but the effects will last forever. All that you are is imprinted in me. Hunter will love you, because I do. And you will love him, because you love me. This will be a beautiful joining, and stronger because of our trials.”
Her hand rose and she traced down his cheek with her fingertips. The kiss that followed from him was deep and I didn’t miss the way he clutched to her.
“I will have you tonight. If.” He paused. “Can you … be with me yet? Here,” he said, moving his finger to her temple. “You’re unsure.”
Tessa’s confliction ate at me, just as it did her. I felt her sadness and confusion.
“You want me after what I did?”
“After what I did?” he corrected. “This is my fault. Everything that has happened after my decision to tie with Aetas is my doing. I don’t blame you, nor do I look at you any differently for your actions. I know your heart. It’s here, inside of me. You love me and I love you. That’s the end of it. Let it go. I already have.”
Prickling stabbed at my skin and my head whipped to the side. “We have to go,” I cut in. “Something’s not right.”
“Everything is fine.” Marko spoke to me, but still faced Tessa. “What you feel is Niko. He’s detected us. He’s coming.”
Coming? All I could do was nod as I pushed Tessa’s emotions far away. I was expected to take charge of this member. The vampire could probably end my life in seconds if he wanted, and yet I had to order him from the place he called home. I could do it. I knew the words and authority would come, but could I back them up if it came down to it?
I wasn’t so sure.
“Hunter, step closer.”
I obeyed, still trying to focus. When Marko grabbed my hand, I couldn’t help but look down at the connection. The warmth emanating from his touch crept up my arm, branching out into my chest as it took me over. My pulse was increasing and sweat began to coat my skin as his power filtered through. “I need you to see, nothing will change unless you believe. Feel your source—you’re path, as I do. Feel your greatness as only I can.”
His grip tightened and the electricity that followed jolted my body rigid. Air gushed from my mouth, devoid of tone. It was meant to be a yell, but I was incapable and it was all because of Marko.
Flashes blinded me. Vivid colors swirled and I could see myself panting as I glared ahead … right into Marko’s eyes. It was of our first meeting after my change. I was going wild, tearing at the invisible shield. My power surged, building and growing as I went crazy to get to him. Even then, as Marko, I could feel it.
Time drew out, and still I increased. Outside of the memorial, my aura hovered through the air like a heavy fog. It mingled with Marko’s and I could feel how the vampire tested it against his own.
“Don’t fucking threaten me. Who the hell do you think I am?”
My early anger sent a tidal wave sweeping over Marko’s skin. He was so sensitive now. He picked up everything and I almost couldn’t believe that it had come from me.
The room warped and I suddenly saw the memory of a man I knew had to be Nico. His light brown hair was short and his piercing blue eyes were so close to my own light color. Marko was staring him down and I could feel their anger toward each other, but there was only one thing I cared about above all. Marko was testing him, just as he’d done with me, and even now with as young as I was, I knew I surpassed him. It didn’t seem possible for the lack of skills I seemed to possess.
“Aetas’ blood mixes well with those who are below him, but his biggest mistake was tainting the source. There is no future to rule,” Marko said, dropping my hand and bringing me back. “We are already there. Now face the truth. Take charge and tell him to go. Make him by any means you feel is necessary. This is all you.”
The heaviness of the member grew closer, but I didn’t wait for him to appear on his own. My core was on fire, coming to life inside of me as I searched out the male who was made to serve me. Marko was right. I couldn’t wait for this to come on its own. It was there and I’d force it to me, just as I planned to do to the member.
Instinct.
There was no room for humanity in the height of war. It was lead or follow—fight or die. Fuck not having a voice in this disaster we were facing. This city was technically mine and it was overtaken. I had the say on what happened to it.
My power burst from my body, seeking out my target. The moment our powers clashed, a shockwave took my breath away. I could feel his location. Feel how he was momentarily stunned as I drew him in to me. I had control. Only me as his tall frame stumbled forward. Vibrations of thoughts left my hold shaky, but I refused to be weak. More, I lured him in against his will, holding to our connection tightly.
“You don’t belong here.” My voice was deep as I closed the distance between us. “This is my city and I’m ordering you to leave. Do you hear me?”
A strangled sound left him and I dropped the web I had invisibly woven. When he didn’t answer, my hand locked around his throat. Anger, it was all I knew. Reality of our world was beginning to sink in as my true self tore through the confines of my newborn status. The change was still so fresh that the buffer kept me only focused on Tessa—my mate. She’d be taken or end up dead if I didn’t do as Marko said and break through the restraints of my condition.
War. War. War.
Blood boiled within as I turned and slammed him into the curved cement wall.
“I think I gave you an order and you still haven’t acknowledged it.”
“You’re … The new Black Prince.”
&n
bsp; “Answer me,” I growled. “Are you going to leave my city or am I going to have to remove you myself?”
Niko’s eyes flashed to Marko’s. “This is your fault. You did this to us.”
Power exploded from my core, right into Niko. His limbs jerked while a muffled cry left him. “I believe I am the one talking to you. Not him. You speak of something you do not know. Your leader and my creator, Aetas, is not dead. He’s killing us off. He’s impersonating the king you attack.”
“Aetas is n-not dead?”
His teeth were chattering from my powers and I didn’t ignore the way that fed the vampire within. It made me stronger. More aware of who I was, and I loved it.
“No. He wants us to think he is, but he is very much still alive and soon the world will know. I need you to listen to me, though, Niko. You have to leave here.”
He struggled in my grasp and I flexed my jaw as I let him fall to the ground. Trembling was still shaking his body as he struggled to stand.
“Why do I have to leave? W-why can’t the humans? I will fight with you. W-we can kill them all now, and with your power radiating from here, they’ll stay away. The survivors will come back and we will be safe again.”
“I cannot stay. I must help the king overthrow Aetas. We will never be out of harm’s way until he is taken care of.”
“You can’t overthrow Aetas. It’s impossible. He’s Aetas!”
My throat vibrated with warning as I slammed my hand over Niko’s mouth. “Aetas will fall. It is not impossible. Do you not feel the power of the king? He and Aetas are bonded. They share the same blood. Marko will rule, Niko, and I will serve him. And you,” I added more pressure, leaning closer in to take in the scent of his blood. It had my fangs lowering, hungrily. “And you will serve me. Won’t you.”
It wasn’t a question, but an order.
His teeth clenched under my hold and he nodded, slowly.
“That’s what I thought. Now get out of here and head south. The vampires will be putting off energy. You’re the strongest of them all. I expect you to take care of them—protect them until I come for you. Is that understood?”
Again he nodded.
“Good,” I said, dropping my hand and stepping back. “And Niko …” The vampire stumbled away, watching me cautiously.
“Yes, Prince?”
“If you hurt any of them, or they are mistreated while you’re representing me, you will pay. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Prince.”
He took fast steps until the darkness swallowed him whole. I faced Marko and Tessa and couldn’t stop my grin from coming at theirs. I did it. I was finding myself, and I couldn’t help but like the person who was beginning to show. For the first time, I felt confidence. Meaning, in who I was inside. I’d always been a soldier and leader, and wasn’t this sort of the same thing? I was ruling, and I was in a war. The only difference was this time I had Tessa and Marko on my side.
Chapter 34
Marko
I knew the moment we appeared in the tunnels of New York’s underground that we were walking into a blood bath. Panic and mayhem were surging through the air and screams echoed along the cement walls. I’d only been here once, but the ruler in me pulled Hunter and Tessa straight toward the heart of the massive city where their members were. My speed was so fast that I could feel them struggling to keep up. Yet, I couldn’t slow. These were my people, and they needed help.
“Clear. Go, go, go!”
The loud yelling had my hands breaking loose from my mates. Beams from the flashlights broke through the darkness in all directions as the humans poured from a room ahead. Power burned, sizzling in the background as the killer in me took over. Bloodlust hit hard and my fangs and claws shot down in my need for revenge.
“Marko, wait.”
Tessa voice should have stopped me, but it had the opposite effect. I had to protect her. I had to make sure that a single human didn’t make it passed me. Hunter was there. I knew he would keep her safe, but as her mate—her husband and soulmate—it wasn’t in me to let that fall to chance.
“Marko, please!”
Lights jerked in my direction, blinding me, but I was already diving for the closest human, tearing through his face and throat as I swung my arm to fillet through the next. Shots rang out, pinging with pressure as they connected with my impenetrable skin. Aware of a possible threat, the bullets didn’t stand a chance in harming me. The protection was child’s play, and an act I mastered long before I even found Tessa.
Blood flooded my mouth as I tore into the side of one’s neck. Only when the sweet flavor hit me, did I tap into my gifts. Time slowed and the chaos ceased as I sucked the human’s life-force into me greedily. I had wanted carnage and murder and for the briefest moment, I had had it. But it didn’t have to be this way. I had to think. I …
I broke away, slicing through the necks of the remaining few so fast that my hand and body were but a blur. Just as the last of my claws ripped through the skin, I brought the present back and let them fall to the ground. Tessa was running again, only to slide to a stop feet away. She blinked, confused as she stared at the bodies around me.
“I didn’t feel you stop time. I didn’t even know.”
Nor would she ever went I used that gift. But she knew what I did. For her it would appear one minute I was fighting, the next, it would be like someone took out a frame and the humans were suddenly on the ground.
“Hunter, guard her, and stay a few feet behind me. The city is overrun. I’m going to call them forward. Don’t let human or vampire anywhere near my queen.”
“You don’t have to worry about that.”
He was already moving closer to her as I stepped over the bodies and continued toward the great room. My powers flared, surging out for as far as I could push them. The calm I projected was nothing more than bait to hungry wolves. Yet they wouldn’t act on their impulses. They wouldn’t be able to think at all. Not with my persuasion. It was Aetas’ gift and one I hadn’t tested, but I knew what it was capable of.
The screaming faded as I neared the glow emanating from ahead. Shuffling of feet in the distance grew louder, the closer we got. Fuck, I hoped this worked. I felt it would, but my gifts were just as new to me as Hunter’s were to him. I knew if I put my mind to it, anything was possible, but I hated the thought of failing at such a critical time.
“I told you he would come. I told you!”
A vampire yelled out crazily as I broke into the light. Both vampire and human were gathering, all looking confused and fearful as I neared. The amount of living filled the space until they were practically wedged against each other. Both wanted to act from their instincts. They wanted to murder one another, but I wasn’t going to let them. I had plans of my own.
“Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness. I told them you’d come and save us. No one believed me. No one would listen.”
My eyes went back to the older, crazed male vampire. That he could speak at all was enough to give me pause. He shouldn’t have been able to, but he was clearly not of sane mind, therefore unaffected by my persuasion.
“I am not who you seek. You put your faith in an imposter. Your leader, your messiah, Aetas still inhabits his headquarters. As me,” I snarled. He will let you all die. I, the true King Marko Delacroix, will not. So yes, old man, I am here to save you. But know the truth of who it is that protects you on this day. It is not that fraud, Aetas.”
Eyes followed me as I neared the blood soaked members that remained at the very heart of the room. Their backs were facing each other, guarding who they could, yet protecting themselves.
“You. Mistress Price.” My finger pointed to a dark skinned woman in what was once a dark blue dress. She was looking over her shoulder at me, watching my every move. She was older than most, but not any more powerful than I was before Tessa’s change. “You’re the strongest here. Your ruler?”
She cleared her throat, turning to face me as I allowed it. “Dead, my king. We
are all that is left.”
“I see. And you know who I am?”
“I do. I saw you once, but it was a very long time ago. I’m regretful to say that I missed meeting you when you graced our city decades back. You weren’t a member then, but we all knew you would be in time.”
I saw the truth in her black eyes as I neared.
“I’m going to clean up your city, but I need you to do something for me before I allow you to return to it as leader.”
“Leader?” She blinked rapidly. “I never—”
“No, you never thought it because even as a vampire you are humble and smart. You know someone more powerful than yourself should lead, but I’m telling you that it will be you, and I will be make sure your strength surpasses anyone who will think to try to take it away from you. I need allies. Rulers I can trust after I overpower Aetas. I can trust you. I see that.”
“Of course.” Her words came in a gush of breath. I could feel her mind racing and I didn’t have to tap into it to know she was going over what this would mean. “What will you have us do? You mentioned us returning, so that must mean we are to leave?”
I nodded. “Yes. Vampires are collected in a safe haven. Right now they are held up outside of Dallas, but come tomorrow night, they will move. They will be projecting their energies to call in more of our kind. You and your people must do the same. I will take you all. Except him,” I said, pointing at the old man. “He doesn’t go. He’s a risk.”
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