Princeton could easily pass as an attractive 30-something African-American male. His black hair was carefully cropped, and a thin mustache ran along his upper lip. His black eyes shone like black onyx and spoke volumes whenever they were centered your way. His stature exceeded his own 6’1’’ by at least three inches, and his breadth was similar to that of an NBA star.
In the fiery world of Vale, Princeton was deemed a protector and served the elite. With valor and strength, along with the other protectors, the warrior shielded the dragon world from the fiercest of enemies. The protector’s powers were more deathly than his own. With little effort, he could crush you into nothingness with just the simplest of touches.
When war had broken out between the warring dragon clans, he’d been the very thing that the enemy sought to destroy. So, in the first hours of his infancy, within the dark trenches of the night, he’d been whisked away to safety by his chosen protectors: Princeton, Cadman, and Dermott. On that treacherous night, they’d encountered the vilest of enemies, and along the way, they’d been separated from the other two protectors. Now, for centuries, Princeton had been his teacher and confidant, and he’d always known that he’d learned from the best.
Sobering, he felt his anger dissipate.
There was no point in blaming Princeton.
He wasn’t responsible for any of this, and more importantly, he wouldn’t even be alive if it weren’t for him.
He owed him everything.
More than that, he was his closest friend.
“Hell, I’m sorry, Princeton. I’m just mad as all fuck and needed to take it out on something or someone. Unfortunately, you became that target.” But, soon, his attention was diverted to the protector’s last statement. “What did you mean when you stated that I wouldn’t be the first to be seduced by this world?”
Would he acknowledge that his grandfather had fallen for a human?
Princeton hesitated briefly. “Your blood ties to this world run deeper than you know. Your grandfather, Solomon, had the same weaknesses. He wanted to save this world more than his own.”
He stared at his protector, stunned and fascinated at the same time. This was the most that he’d ever learned about his family. Since infancy, his entire life had been an enigma, and he could make no claim to a mother or father.
So, why did his protector suddenly want to shatter the sacred walls of secrecy?
“Why have you never mentioned this before?” he asked sharply, unable to shake his need to know about his tainted bloodlines. “In the past, when I broached the subject, you’d never tell me anything. So, what’s changed?”
“Because now, I realize that it is of the utmost importance. You deserve to know who you are,” Princeton revealed. “It happened many centuries ago. Solomon was young, reckless, and foolish. Just like you, I must add. He was placed here on Earth for reasons that I’m not even allowed to speak of.” He paused briefly. “He lost himself and was convinced that his purpose was greater here. And he did the unthinkable.”
Tensing, he returned the protector’s deep stare, fearing that he already knew the answer. “Which was what?”
“He fell in love with a human.”
Just like him.
Quickly, he pushed the thought away.
“Go on,” he demanded impatiently. “Tell me more.”
“When Solomon met Adrianna, it was if lightning had struck them both. Their relationship was tumultuous, to say the least. But, they couldn’t deny themselves no matter how hard they tried. Adrianna turned her back on her own kind and fully embraced the life that he offered.” Princeton glanced at him. “As a matter of fact, your looks and actions mirror his closely.”
They both stayed silent as they stared into the night.
Finally, he broke it. “So, my grandmother was human, which means that my mother was partly so.”
And so was he.
At least partly, he thought quietly and was comforted by the thought.
“Exactly,” the protector agreed.
They grew silent again.
“Did you have any luck locating the other protectors?” he asked quietly, frowning. “I know that the situation deems such a necessity.”
Actually, he didn’t know if he really wanted them to be found.
Once they were, it would only solidify the daunting course that his life and destiny would take. And it would be a life without her, and that was something that he didn’t want.
“I have to admit that Cadman and Dermott were rather efficient in hiding their locations,” Princeton said, finally mentioning the other protectors. “But, I have made some progress. I’m channeling my energy and will soon touch base with Cadman. Before long, we will finally come face to face with him. And once we’ve located Dermott, we can make moves to depart from here. Forever. Time is running out,” Princeton’s tone had grown detached. “Xander, you must act soon. I know that I haven’t been around lately, due to my pursuits of our kin. But, I do trust that you’ve at least scouted out a few women while I’ve been away. I know that these modern women on Earth don’t adhere to the old standards and give their fruits freely.”
Cocking a brow, he eyed the protector. “You really are centuries old, aren’t’ you? Those old ideas and stigmas expired long ago. Women are beautiful in spirit and nature, regardless if they’re virgins or not.”
“Granted, but, Vale calls for the blood of the innocent, the untouched. Only a human virgin sacrifice will break the enemy’s evil hold.”
Frowning, he returned the protector’s intense stare.
As usual, Princeton was trying to assess some hidden truth.
“I’m impressed,” Princeton admitted with grudging respect. “You’re in full control of your faculties. You’ve closed your portal, and I cannot read your thoughts. That bodes well because that means that no one else can. Xander, you’re evolving into a true Vamdrago in truth and spirit!”
“Whatever you say, Princeton,” he muttered, tracking the falling star as it streaked across the night sky.
Definitely, he knew what he wished for.
Princeton turned his dark gaze on him again. “You never responded to my question. Have you found her yet, your human mate?”
As Nicole’s sweet image snapped into focus again, he didn’t break gaze. If he did, it’d be a sole admission. “No,” he lied quickly, pushing away from the railing. The white drapes billowed against the glass door as he passed through it back into the apartment.
Princeton trailed in behind him. “Why am I finding that hard to believe?”
“I refuse to believe that there isn’t any other way to restore Vale besides the one that you’re suggesting. There has to be some alternative---”
“There is none,” Princeton said deadpan. “Don’t try to alter something that has been deemed centuries ago. If you don’t take action soon, I’ll be forced to intervene.”
“And do what?” he snapped. “Kidnap some poor innocent virgin and force her to do your bidding?”
“I don’t believe in forcing a woman against her will, regardless of the situation. But, it would never come to that point anyway,” the protector said, standing deathly still as he stared at him. “The ball is in your court, Xander. You must convince this woman that it’s the right thing for her to do.”
“Yeah, I can just hear me now: Hey baby, you want to die and become the forbidden sacrifice?” He gave an abrupt laugh. With a frustrated breath, he sat down on the black leather sofa, and then eyed the protector closely. “You can’t be serious.”
Rather than taking a seat, Princeton continued to stand with his arms folded across his chest. The protector was devoid of feelings, at least it seemed. And that’s why it was so easy for him to be detached as he carried out his duties.
But, I’m not like that.
Ruining someone else’s life for his own needs was purely selfish, and he wasn’t about to do that.
Especially, not Nicole’s.
“No, there has to be anot
her way,” he intervened again. Standing, he paced before the sofa. “Enough about that, okay? I don’t want to discuss the matter any further. Let’s move on to less, volatile subject matters, shall we?”
Reluctantly, the protector nodded in agreement.
Immediately, the crazed vamp cropped up in his mind.
“Since your travels, have you encountered other bands or leagues of immortals?” he hedged cautiously.
“Why do you ask?”
He hesitated.
Could he learn what he need without disclosing information about Nicole?
“I’ve been working on a case, and let’s just say that I have reason to suspect that I’m dealing with someone less than human,” he said slowly, choosing his words carefully.
Princeton eyed him thoughtfully. “There have been rumblings of a new vampire legion flourishing in the Atlanta undergrounds. I will find out all that I can. We can only hope that they have no ties to our enemy. If so, help us all.”
Was Nicole in even more danger because of him?
It was just one more reason to convince him to keep her at arm’s length.
***
She slid her fingertips across the Braille as she neared the end of the chapter. After reading the last few words, she closed the historical romance novel. Finally, the hero and heroine had overcome the odds to be together!
And hadn’t the real events of tonight been just as satisfying, she surmised with a pleased smile.
Everything was right in the world.
At least in hers…
Her performance with the Atlanta Symphonic Orchestra hadn’t been bad at all. As a matter of fact, she’d been outstanding! Not only that, but she’d had dinner with the most incredible man.
She tossed the romance novel on the sofa, and then, turned off the television. Fortunately, there hadn’t been any more reports about the killer and his string of violence; and with all hope, the authorities would catch him and end his deadly rampage.
She shivered in repulsion.
Hadn’t she almost been one of his victims?
“No,” she shook her head. “I’m not going to ruin a perfect evening with horrid disgusting thoughts.”
She stood up from the sofa and then made her way towards the bedroom. Humming softly, she passed through the open doorway, but as soon as she did, her toes met the small corner table. “Ouch!” she exclaimed, bending over to nurse her injured toe, and winced in pain.
How had she bumped into the small table and snubbed her toe, she frowned, especially since the glass-topped table was placed a few inches away from the doorway. When she’d moved in, she’d made certain that all the furniture in the apartment was strategically placed, if only to avoid small mishaps like these.
Oh well, she thought, straightening.
She certainly wasn’t perfect, and in her dark world, making a glitch or two every once in awhile wasn’t major.
Besides, Macy was usually her second pair of eyes, she thought gloomily, missing her presence. For the next few weeks, she’d be stuck at the vet, and she’d be incredibly lonely without her.
“Xander was right earlier,” she sighed. “How will I manage without you, Macy?”
Then, she perked up.
Since the accident, hadn’t she managed to defeat every challenge that she’d encountered?
Wincing again, she wiggled her toes before venturing further into the room. After edging towards the dresser, she grasped the round crystalline knobs as she pulled it open. Gently fingering the soft clothing in the drawer, she took out underwear and a thin sheer nightgown.
Suddenly, the phone rang on the nightstand.
Without hesitation, she lifted the phone’s receiver.
“Hello.”
Only silence followed.
“Hello,” she repeated.
But, only endless waves of static crackled across the phone lines. Angrily, she slammed the phone down. “I don’t have the time or patience for this kind of behavior, especially tonight. So, goodbye crank caller!”
Suddenly, the automated clock clicked on. “11:41 p.m.,” it said in its usual mechanical tone.
It was almost midnight, she mulled, feeling her irritation drain away, and a smile now replaced her frown.
Always, she would cherish this night.
Especially the man who’d made it so special, fascinating, and memorable….
She dropped the gown and panties onto the bed. Then, she strained as she reached for the dress’s back zipper. “Where’s Leslie when you need her,” she muttered in exasperation. Then, she chided her own foolishness for keeping the elegant piece on. The festive evening had long ended. But, perhaps, she hadn’t wanted it to end, she reasoned silently.
Finally, the zipper jumped on track, and the cool air caressed her skin as she eased it down. Then, with a soft whisper, the dress pooled at her stocking feet. Looping her fingers at each side of the pantyhose, she pushed the delicate fabric from her hips on down her thighs. After tugging the pantyhose off, she slipped her feet into the pinky fuzzy slippers.
She padded towards the bathroom.
Her hands met the cool tiled wall as she flicked the lights on.
For a moment, she was completely stunned.
Her hands fluttered to her chest.
A faint lightness penetrated her darkness as she made out the faint shadows. But, then in an instant, the darkness returned.
Her heart beat faster.
Could she dare hope again?
Maybe Dr. Peters had been somewhat premature when he’d made his diagnosis. Perhaps her latest surgery had been effective after all. But, he certainly was one of the best surgeons in the world, and he hadn’t been wrong yet.
But, still, was seeing again possible, her conscience disagreed.
The tears stung her eyes.
How many times had she been down this road?
Clinging to false hope that only turned into bitter disappointment…Still, though, she couldn’t just overlook what’d just happened, she mulled, blinking the tears away.
First thing tomorrow, she’d make a trip to the clinic.
She moved to the bathroom sink.
Her hands met the ceramic countertop as she reached out. She braced her hands against it, and once again, wondered who stared back at her from the mirror.
Without a doubt, Leslie had over-exaggerated about her appearance this evening. She’d claimed that she resembled a princess from a romantic fairy tale.
By now, her sleek chignon was surely in tatters, and probably, her carefully applied makeup was smudged or had faded. “More than anything, I’m now like one of the wicked looking stepsisters,” she laughed and then sighed with satisfaction. “For once, it felt good to get all fancied up.”
She sobered further.
When was the last time that she’d felt womanly instead of like an outcast?
Gently, she pulled the ivory comb from the chignon, sending the black tresses tumbling to her shoulders.
Searching, she felt along the smooth countertop.
Nothing but open space…
She frowned.
That was strange.
Earlier today, they’d left the makeup removal cream on the sink.
She reached out again.
Surprisingly, this time, her hand landed on it with ease.
Sighing her frustration, she twisted off the round plastic top.
Maybe she was just a tad clumsy today, she reasoned, dabbing a healthy dollop of the smooth, facial cream along the edges of her fingers.
Within seconds, she’d generously applied the facial cream and rinsed it off. After patting her freshly, scrubbed face dry with the hand towel, she tossed it into the hamper before peeling off her undergarments. Stepping over the delicate items, she moved towards the marbled shower stall.
The knobs squeaked slightly as she turned the water on.
Quickly, she adjusted the heat.
Soon, warm water trickled down her body.
Sighing,
she closed her eyes.
Reaching out, she grappled for the shampoo bottle in the small, wire caddy. Just as she thought she had a good grip, it slipped from her hands, clattering to the wet floor. “Damn it!” she said irritably, releasing the expletive. “Why can’t I hold on to the fool thing?”
Stooping down, she grabbed it from the stall floor.
Flicking it open, she squeezed a sizeable amount of the creamy shampoo over her head. She rinsed the soap suds from her hair, and then went about bathing.
“Nicole.”
As the chilling voice slipped past the frosted glass, she froze in horror. The only sound she heard was her thudding heartbeat, and now it drummed out of control.
Surely, she’d imagined it, she mulled, feeling the water beat against her face.
She frowned.
Of course she had imagined---
“Nicole.”
The naked fear slammed against her chest, and she stepped away from under the spraying nozzle. All around her, the hot steam billowed like a fine mist within the shower walls and swathed her wet skin. But, still, the cold shivers of fear slithered through her.
“Nicole.”
This time, mocking laughter followed the single word, and it held such an eerie quality that she pondered its nature.
“Who’s there?” she asked shakily.
A soft haunting melody began to play.
Pure Gothic...
Pure horror…
Pure evil…
The score was a mixture of strings and violins, and its entire mood symbolized impending doom. With her every heartbeat, she sensed it.
“Who’s there?” she asked again, raising her voice.
“Nicole...Nicole…Nicole…Nicole…Nicole…Nicole…Nicole...”
“Stop it!” she screamed, slapping her hands over both ears. But, her action failed to block out the tormenting sounds. “Stop it! Leave me alone!”
“Nicole...Nicole…Nicole…”
The haunting melody reached a crescendo, and now it played so loudly that she feared that her eardrums would split. At intermittent points, it seemed to shrill, and then finally, it returned to its eerie softness.
“Nicole...Nicole…Nicole…”
“Nicole...Nicole…Nicole…”
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 23
