by D N Simmons
“You look like hell,” he joked. Darian chuckled deeply in his throat. The sound vibrated over my skin giving me goosebumps.
“You have not had the misfortune of sleeping on the cell cots.” Darian retorted playfully.
Darian reached out and took Xavier by the back of his head, pulling him close as he kissed him passionately on his lips. He then turned to face me, before I knew what was happening, he took me by the waist, pulling me closer to him and planted his soft cool lips to mine in an equally passionate kiss. I felt my knees grow weak as my body responded to the skillfulness of his lips and tongue. When he pulled away, my eyes were still closed, my lips still pursed.
“Natasha?” Darian asked, his sexy Greek accent making my name sound exotic.
I opened my eyes and looked into what I knew to be his deep forest green eyes. He was smiling at me, his pretty-boy dimples brightening his face, I fought the urge to pinch his cheeks, though I doubt if he would have mind my doing so. I continued to look up at him and decided to give into the urge. I raised my right hand to his face and pinched his dimpled cheek between my finger and thumb. He chuckled slightly. I smiled then released him.
“Come. Let us go.” Darian said, we walked towards his truck. He opened the door and peeked inside.
“Hi master!” Tony, April, John, Miko and Annabelle exclaimed when they saw Darian open the door to climb in. He chuckled. “Hello.”
Then he held out his hand to me, aiding me into the truck. He climbed in after me and closed the door behind himself. Xavier climbed in the driver’s side and started the engine. John switched seats with Miko so that he was directly behind Darian.
He leaned forward by Darian's ear. “Master, are you thirsting?” John asked Darian, concerned.
Darian turned slightly to face John and smiled. “Are you offering?” Darian questioned.
“If you wish.”
Darian smiled seductively, but gestured for John to return to his seat. John settled back against the cushions. He looked slightly disappointed. I wondered why, I assumed it was because he wanted to please Darian, but it could very well be that Darian's bite was the highest amount of pleasure John had experienced. I remembered the conversations we had shared while in Russia and I knew that John desired to share blood with Darian again. We rode in silence until Xavier pulled the SUV into the driveway of Darian's huge and extravagant mansion. We all climbed out and went inside. Darian turned to me and took my hand gently into his own. Tony closed the door behind us and everyone went their separate ways as if what happened in Russia, didn't happen. I suppose there was no need to dwell on it. Darian was free and the criminals were in jail and Annette was avenged.
“You may stay here if you like, there is plenty of room.” Darian offered sincerely.
I smiled. “Thank you, but I'm not ready to move in. But if you don't mind, may I spend the night here?” I asked.
He gazed down at me and smiled. “Of course I do not mind. The invitation will be available to you whenever you decide to take me up on it,” he chuckled deeply.
Hearing the sound of his voice always made me blush like a highschool girl with a crush. I looked at Xavier, he was standing to our left, his hands in his pockets as he gazed at us, smiling. I turn to look for John and saw that he had taken a seat on the sofa, he still looked disappointed, I frowned and looked back at Darian.
“What is wrong?” Darian asked me when he noticed my expression. I gestured with my eyes towards John and Darian turned to glance at him. Darian faced me and flashed a mischievous grin.
“I suppose he has earned it,” Darian turned and walked towards John, who looked up at Darian, smiling broadly. John started to rise, but Darian put his hands on John's shoulders, keeping him in a sitting position. Darian gazed seductively into John's dreamy expression.
“Master?” John asked with a hint of uncertainty. Darian placed his knee on the sofa beside John and leaned into him. His left hand gently gripped John's chin, turning his head to the right. John's breathing began to increase as Darian bent towards his neck. John grimaced and bit his bottom lip as Darian's fangs pierced his flesh. I watched as John's expression became euphoric as Darian began to feed. Small whimpers came from John as his hands gripped the cushions of the sofa. A few seconds passed before John's grip fastened onto Darian's clothes, trying to pull him closer. A few more minutes passed before John cried out in ecstasy as he reached his climax through Darian's draining. His body trembled and twitched underneath Darian for several seconds. Darian pulled away, licking his lips, he moved to stand in front of John. Darian lifted his own left wrist to his mouth, biting into the tender flesh. I got a glimpse of his fangs when he withdrew, they appeared to be extremely sharp, not quite an inch in length but long enough to me!
John's gaze locked onto Darian's wrist. His eyes became glassy as he watched the blood bubble up from Darian's veins. Darian extended his wrist to John, who took it immediately as if fearing Darian would snatch it back if he took but a second longer. John locked his mouth to the wound sinking his fangs deeply into Darian's flesh. His eyes closed slowly as he began to suck greedily. Through the corner of my eye I could see Xavier inhale deeply, then exhale slowly as he watched Darian bestow his blood to John.
I could hear John moaning in pleasure as I watched his jaws work vigorously on Darian's wrist. I looked at Darian, his head was back and his eyes were closed, his mouth parted as his chest heaved slowly. Darian looked down at John as his feasting had become more animalistic. John began to grunt and his breathing had increased rapidly. Darian threw his head back, his fingers taking hold of John's blonde hair. Darian's breathing sped up, then he moaned loudly in pleasure, his eyes closed tightly as spasms rippled through his body. John roared low in his throat when he reached his second dry climax, both of their bodies jerked and twitched. Darian wrenched his wrist free when it was over. Releasing John's hair, he pressed his right hand on John's chest to keep the frantic vampire still. Darian watched John closely as he waited for him to come back to his senses. I was amazed as I watched all of this. I remembered what Darian's blood tasted like to me, but I didn't remember thirsting for it as John seemed to be doing. When it appeared that John had regained his self-control Darian released him.
John lowered his head in a bow. “Thank you, Master!” he said passionately. Darian smiled, he placed his hands underneath John's face and gently took hold of his chin, tilting his head upwards to meet his gaze. John's eyes locked onto Darian's and he began to blush. Darian did not say one word, but I could tell that the two men communicated just as well. John reached for Darian's wrist and kissed the back on his hand. Darian's smile widen, he straighten himself and walk towards us. That was by far the most erotic thing I've ever been witness to, dare I say I enjoyed it?
“Shall I show you to your room, your exertions in Russia were no doubt exhausting. I want you to be comfortable here.” Darian flashed me his fabulous boyish grin.
I nodded and he led the way. Xavier walked by my side as we headed down the tastefully decorated hallway. Darian slopped al a closed door, then he opened it. I peeked inside and was astounded by the grandeur of the bedroom. The floor had thick dark green carpeting that reminded me of the forest green of Darian's extraordinary eyes. I instantly adored the redwood canopy bed, and matching dresser and armoire. I walked into the room and looked around, running my fingertips along the smooth velvet hunter green colored drapes. I turned around to face Xavier and Darian, both men stood in the doorway. Darian was leaning against the frame, his arms crossed over his broad muscular chest and Xavier stood beside him, his hands in his pockets. Both men smiled at me.
“I love this room!” I exclaimed.
“I am pleased that you do, I had it decorated specifically for you,” Darian said with a charming smile.
“You didn't have to do all of this.” I said, still amazed as I looked around the room.
“Yes I did. Especially after all that you have done for me.” he uncrossed his arms as he walked towar
ds me, taking me into his embrace. I wrapped my arms around him, relaxing my body as he held me.
“When did you have this done?” I asked, remembering how we searched every room in the mansion, this room did not look like this at that time. As a matter of fact, I believed it was empty.
“Gary followed my instructions while I was in the holding cell. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Well it is! Thank you”
“Natasha, I really do appreciate all that you have done for me, you had risked your life even when you did not have to, that does not go unnoticed.” Darian pulled away to look at me, he leaned forward and kissed me passionately.
I could hear moaning and I knew it was me as I leaned further into Darian as if attempting to become one with him. Darian slowly pulled away, his hands caressing my face as he peered into my eyes.
“You are extraordinary,” he said as if he were looking at one of the wonders of the world. I seriously doubted that I was that interesting. I began to blush and Darian chuckled.
“Oh, don't be so modest!” he stated teasingly.
“I'm not!” I exclaimed as I blushed even more. Darian laughed outright and then he kissed my forehead before releasing me. He walked toward Xavier who still stood in the doorway.
Both men looked at me. “Goodnight, Natasha,” they said in unison.
“We are next door, call us if you need anything.” Xavier said.
I nodded and they closed the door behind them. I looked around the room again, it felt kind of uncomfortable to be sleeping in a completely strange environment, this time there was no one else in the room with me, though I felt some comfort in knowing Darian and Xavier were right next door...but I'm guessing they might not want to be disturbed. I chuckled to myself as I walked to the window and opened the thick velvet drapes. The land surrounding the mansion was beautiful. I marveled at the landscaping, there was a pond not too far from the mansion. I wondered if there were fish in the pond, probably were-knowing Darian. I closed the window and walked towards the bed. Darian was right, I was exhausted. Both my mind and body felt drained, I kicked off my shoes, took off my jeans and leaving my shirt on, I climbed under the soft blankets. It wasn't long before I drifted off to sleep. I did not dream of death or chaos, everything was peaceful.
Chapter Ten
Requiem for Annette
The police finally released Annette's body to her family four days after Darian was proven innocent. Her funeral was scheduled for the evening, which was a good thing because most of her coworkers and friends were night breeds, so if anyone wanted to come, the opportunity was open. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was to look through Annette's things and pack them away. I was relieved and grateful that Elise, Darian and Xavier had helped me do it. I did not think I would have been able to do it on my own. Her room was completely empty now. I walked around the apartment and began to remember all of the happy times we spent together. I will always hold them dear to my heart. Annette was the first person I've ever met that was honest, fair and accepted me for who I was, that was how she was with anyone she ever met. I will miss her greatly.
Her funeral services were to take place at 7pm tonight. I had the day off of work to shop for some flowers and an outfit to wear. I always hated going to funerals, even if I did not know the person who had died, I always felt other people's grief I brought myself a black two piece skirt suit. I took a shower and began to dress. Once I was completely dressed, I looked at myself in the mirror, black from head to toe. In Japan, they wear white to funerals, at least that is what I've heard, I could be wrong, though it makes sense to me to wear colors that weren't so grim. I remembered what Xavier had said about Annette being an angel. I smiled at the thought. I suppose she was and she might very well be watching over everyone she loved. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the room, reaching for my long black trench coat. Before I closed my apartment door, I remembered I forgot something I wanted to give to Annette. I ran back in to retrieve the duplicate of the photo of Annette and myself on my birthday. I put the framed photo inside of my purse and left.
The drive over was uneventful, I pulled into the parking lot of the church and saw the black limo parked in front. I watched as Annette's mother and father climbed out of the limousine and walked into the church. I myself walked towards the church but stood outside of it. I held the picture of Annette and me in my hands, clutching it to my chest. Tears began to flow down my cheeks as I forced myself to accept the fact that she was gone. I looked up towards the church and took a step forward.
“You are not going in alone, are you?” asked a familiar, deep, sexy voice from behind.
I turned around and saw Elise, and possibly her entire Pride, Warren, Matthew and Adrian as well as Darian, Xavier and what I believe was his complete coven. My mouth dropped open, I could not believe that they would come to the funeral. Seeing all of them standing there was too overwhelming and the tears flowed freely from my eyes. Darian and Xavier walked over to me and each gave me a hug. Elise came around and hugged me after they had released me.
“We are here for you, Natasha.” Elise said as she kissed me lightly on my forehead.
My hands were trembling as I looked at them.
“Is this Annette?” Elise asked and gestured towards the picture frame I was holding.
I nodded then held it out to her. She took the frame and looked at it. The others surrounded her and glanced at the photograph as well. Elise smiled and handed the frame back to me.
“She was beautiful, I can tell by the love you show for her that she was a wonderful person. I am deeply sorry for your loss,” Sergio said and then he embraced me lightly.
“Thank you,” I said to everyone as I looked around at all of them standing there dressed in black from head to toe. For a minute I thought about the night we infiltrated the mansion. Darian stood on my right and Xavier on my left and both men offered me their arms.
I looked up at them, they were gazing at me lovingly, making me feel warm inside. “Walking into the church won't bother you?” I asked curiously.
“No. Mankind has found the few things that can actually harm us, there is nothing else,” Darian said smoothly.
I smiled at them and placed the frame back inside my purse and looped my arms through theirs and all of us walked into the church. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw how many people were sitting in the pews. There had to be at least two hundred people! Some I recognized were Annette's family members and many of her friends from Desires Unleashed. I looked up at Darian, shocked.
He glanced down at me and smiled. “The club is closed for tonight in honor of her memory. Everyone wanted to show their respects.” Darian whispered softly into my ear.
I turned to look at everyone and smiled, Annette was respected and loved; and I decided right then and there, that thought alone would be my most fondest memory of my best friend. I walked towards the coffin and the others followed closely behind me. When I reached the casket, I looked inside and saw my beautiful friend laying there against the white satin as if she were asleep. Her hair had been curled and the soft curls framed her oval shaped face. Her slender fingers were interlocked together as her hands rested on her abdomen. She was dressed in a long lacy soft pink gown. I liked the cheerful pastel color on Annette, it mirrored her personality. I reached out and touched her hands lightly, saying my final farewell. I then reached inside my purse and pulled out the picture and placed it inside the coffin beside her and leaning over, I kissed her lightly on her forehead.
“I love you and I will always remember you,” I whispered. I walked away to sit down in one of the pews. I looked over and saw Darian and Xavier gazing down at Annette. Both men turned in unison and walked towards me. They sat down in the pew beside me on my right and Elise and Sergio stepped past us taking the space on my left. Having them there gave me added comfort and strength... I did not feel so alone anymore. We listened as Annette's family members and friends stood up to speak about her and
how each would remember her.
“You should say something, it will make you feel better.” Darian suggested softly.
I looked at him, my face blushing, but he nudge me and smiled. I nodded and decided to raise my hand when the preacher asked if anyone else had anything to say. Darian and Xavier shifted their bodies to allow me to pass and I walked up to the front of the church, turning to face everyone in the pews. I began to feel a tinge of nervousness and I looked over at my friends, they smiled at me. Xavier nodded and Darian winked. I took a deep breath then began to speak.
“Annette was my best friend, but more than that she was a beautiful and caring person. She was the kind of person that would open her heart and door to anyone who needed help. She was a free and feisty spirit and that only added to her total charm. A dear friend of mine reminded me that God isn't fallible, and that all things happen for a reason. Annette's time on this earth is now done and God has called home this lovely angel to watch over all of us from heaven. Her physical presence will be missed, but she will forever live on in here.” I pressed my right hand over my heart. “Thank you God, for giving me Annette.” I said as the tears flowed from my eyes.
Everyone applauded as I headed back to my seat. Darian and Xavier rose as I slid in past them. Both men sat back down, Darian took my hand into his, squeezing it gently. I looked at him and smiled, he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, be lore turning to face the preacher who had begun the service.
The service lasted one hour and forty-five minutes. I enjoyed the sermon and the choir sang beautifully. During the gospel number the Choir was singing, I looked over and saw that Elise was crying, her hand covered her mouth. I suppose she is like me and funerals filled her with grief as well. I reached into my purse and handed her a tissue, she thanked me softly. Sergio leaned over, looked at Elise and chuckled. He held her hand and kissed her cheek. After the services were over we all said good-bye to Annette one last time before leaving the church. I felt a calming sense of peace come over me and I smiled. Darian came up beside me, gazing into my eyes.
