Forbidden Blood

by R. L. Kenderson

  “Of course.”

  “How come when my father said I was unmated and pregnant, you didn’t say anything?”

  Turning onto his back, he crossed his arms behind his head. “I didn’t want to fight your battle for you. You’ve had someone talking for you, doing things for you, and thinking for you throughout your entire life. I figured if you needed me to step in, you would have told me. Plus, like I said, I’m not sure how vampire mating works. I didn’t want to shoot off my big mouth when I didn’t know what I was talking about.”

  “And when I talked about getting a job, I was a little upset because you never suggested I didn’t need one.” She held up her hand. “Not that I expect to depend on you, but it made me wonder if you planned for us to have separate lives.”

  He moved one arm from behind his head and grabbed her free hand. “Now, I know why you tried to shut me out that night. Again, someone has always been taking care of you and telling you what to do. I don’t want to be another person in your life who does that. I want you to know I support you and that working is your choice. But, Naya, if you don’t want to work, I will provide for you.”

  She smiled. “No, I think having a job will be good for me. I want my daughters to know women can take care of themselves.”

  He pulled her down and kissed her. “You’re going to be an excellent mother.”

  He turned her over as she wrapped her arms around him, and he kissed her again.

  When he let up, he said, “For the record though, we’re having sons.”

  She grinned up at him. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

  IT WAS THE last Thursday in October, and Arianna was with Emerson, sitting outside the sanctum at the vampire administration building. It was ten minutes to eleven at night, and they were waiting for the Council’s monthly meeting to start. A few other vampires were in attendance, milling around. Arianna was here because Naya had asked her to be, and Arianna was surprised to find out Naya had asked Emerson to be there as well. What they did not know as of yet was why their presence had been requested.

  The door opened, and everyone was allowed into the sanctum where the eight Council members and the King and Queen were already seated. The five men and three women were sitting behind one long platform toward the back of the room. Off to the left of the platform was a special seating area for her uncle and aunt, who appeared surprised to see her. At the top of the aisle, after several rows of benches, stood a podium facing the platform. This was where vampires could address the Council with issues.

  Naya had told Arianna to sit in the front row, so she made her way to an open spot, and Emerson followed. She scanned the room for Naya but did not see her. Councilman Hutton called the meeting to order by banging his gavel, and everyone quieted.

  “The first item on the agenda is Princess Anaya,” Councilman Hutton said. “She has asked to speak with us.”

  The King and Queen immediately tensed and shared panicked looks.

  “Does anyone know where she is?” Councilman Hutton asked.

  Before anyone could answer, the doors opened, and Naya entered. She was alone and wrapped in a big sweater that hid her pregnant belly. When she reached the podium, she opened her sweater and revealed her expanding waistline underneath. Gasps echoed around the room, the loudest coming from Naya’s mother.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Councilman Hutton barked to the King and Queen, pointing to Naya’s pregnant belly. “Is this the reason you did not announce a betrothal between your daughter and Councilwoman Vanderbilt’s son? Because Princess Anaya is with child?” He turned to Naya. “May I assume that since the betrothal did not take place, the father of this child is not Councilwoman Vanderbilt’s son?”

  Councilwoman Vanderbilt turned red and inhaled sharply. “My son would never—”

  “No, sir, Emerson is not the father,” Naya interrupted.

  Murmurs could be heard from the platform.

  “So, this is why you requested an audience with us tonight?” Councilman Hutton asked.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You are a princess, next in line to be queen, and unmated. What do you have to say for yourself?”

  “That is why I am here. While I have already accepted him as my mate, I am requesting permission to be mated with the father in a vampire ceremony.”

  “What do you mean by already mated? Who would this male be? Why is he not here? Is he scared to show his face in front of the Council?”

  “No, I asked him to wait,” Naya said.

  As if on cue, Vaughn entered the sanctum.

  “I am the father—Vaughn Llewelyn, future Alpha of the Minnesota Pride.” Vaughn strode to Naya and grabbed her hand.

  There were more gasps.

  Vaughn ignored them. “Good evening, councilmen and councilwomen,” Vaughn addressed everyone with a small bow. He turned toward Naya’s parents. “Good evening, King Kensington, Queen Kensington.”

  “A shifter?” Councilman Hutton barked. “You are pregnant with a shifter baby and want to be mated to one? You are a foolish child. We cannot allow our fellow vampires to be led by someone who is irresponsible.” Councilman Hutton pointed his finger down at Naya and shook it as if he were disciplining a child. “We should consider stripping you of your position and power and banning you.”

  Uncle Marek stood, and in a firm voice, he said, “Councilman Hutton, you will not speak to my daughter that way.”

  Naya’s eyes widened, and Arianna was sure her eyes matched.

  “Yes, she made a mistake, but she is not completely responsible.” He looked at his wife and back at the council. “Our contemptuousness toward others is one of the reasons Anaya is in this position.”

  “Marek,” Aunt Celeste said and tugged on his arm.

  He turned to her. “Celeste, you know this to be true. Over the past few weeks, I have come to realize that in our attempt to keep Anaya close and pristine, we have pushed her away. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to lose my daughter forever.” He turned to his daughter. “Anaya, I am sorry for anything I said to offend you the last time we spoke. Part of the reason I said those things is because I do care for you, and I don’t want to see you hurt or disappointed. While I might not agree with everything you’ve done or will do in the future, I do not want to lose you. Therefore, I accept your choice in a mate, and I will do my best to be a good grandfather to your children.”

  Naya’s hands covered her mouth, and her eyes glistened with tears. “Thank you, Father.”

  Uncle Marek regarded his wife. “Celeste, is there something you would like to add?”

  When she didn’t say anything, he leaned over and whispered something in her ear. Aunt Celeste’s face turned white, but his words drove her to her feet.

  “I”—she cleared her throat—“also approve of this mating.”

  “I also approve,” Councilwoman Vanderbilt said to the astonishment of them all.

  “Does anyone else approve of the mating?” Councilman Hutton asked, disdain dripping from his voice.

  To his chagrin, three other council members agreed. With half of the Council supporting the mating and the King and Queen behind it, Councilman Hutton was unable to deny them their wish.

  “Princess Anaya, you and Mr. Llewelyn have permission to be mated,” Councilman Hutton reluctantly said.

  Naya threw her arms around Vaughn’s neck, and he wrapped her in an embrace. The room applauded, and Uncle Marek and Aunt Celeste returned to their seats. Arianna was happy for her cousin, and she clapped the loudest.

  When Naya and Vaughn separated, Naya said, “Thank you, Council. With our mating, instead of keeping our species segregated from one another, I hope we can work to unite vampires and shifters.”

  Naya looked up at Vaughn and smiled. He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed it.

  “You may have permission to be mated, but your role as future queen is still in question,” Councilman Hutton reminded her with a sneer. “You are still with
child and mating a non-vampire.”

  Uncle Marek halfway stood up, but Naya put her hand out to stop him.

  “Well, sir, I agree most vampires are not ready for such a dramatic change this quickly. However, I do have a suggestion,” Naya said.

  “Oh? And what would that be?” Councilman Hutton asked.

  “As you know, my father had a younger brother, who had a daughter—Princess Arianna.”

  “Yes, we all know. Your point?” Councilman Hutton said.

  “I suggest Princess Arianna be the next queen. Emerson should be mated to Arianna, and he can be the next king as you all wanted. I, in turn, will simply retain my status as princess, and I will use my position to become the new vampire ambassador to the shifters.”

  Arianna collapsed back in her seat in complete shock. She never imagined Naya would give up the title of future queen to her. She looked at Emerson, and he also appeared astonished.

  “Hmm…” Councilman Hutton paused for a moment. “This idea might work.”

  “Anaya, are you sure you want this?” the King asked.

  “Yes, it was never my dream to be the next queen. I only accepted the role because it was expected of me.” Naya turned and smiled at Arianna. “I know how much Arianna has done for you and Mother during the last two months, and she deserves it more than I ever did. She will be the perfect queen.”

  “I agree,” said Councilwoman Vanderbilt. “I second the motion.”

  “Wait,” Uncle Marek said. “Arianna and Emerson, will you please step forward?”

  Cautiously—more Arianna than Emerson—they did as he’d asked, and Uncle Marek approached them.

  “Arianna,” he said, “how do you feel about being the next queen? Are you okay with this?”

  “Oh, yes.” Taking care of her aunt and uncle and managing the household had taught her a lot about herself. “I have often felt there was more I could do for the vampire species. Now, I will have the opportunity.”

  “How do you feel about being mated to Emerson? I’m not going to lose another daughter because I forced her to be with someone she didn’t want to be with,” the King said.

  Arianna felt tears burning the backs of her eyes. She had never heard her uncle call her a daughter before.

  Blinking away the wetness, she replied, “I am more than happy to be Emerson’s mate.”

  “And, Emerson, how do you feel about this?” Uncle Marek asked him.

  Emerson put his arm around her. “I could not have a better mate than Princess Arianna.” He looked at her, his face filled with love, and it was obvious how they felt about each other. “She has been the one I have always wanted to be with.”

  With that, she felt his love flowing completely within the blood she had consumed from him. She had never understood how much they had been taught to hide their emotions and block one another. It was like a live wire strumming inside her. Wanting Emerson to know she felt the same, she released her control on the love she held for him. He beamed with happiness, and so did she. She couldn’t believe mated couples shared such a special connection, and she was blessed to be able to experience it with Emerson.

  Uncle Marek nodded, seemingly pleased. “Very well. Councilman Hutton, you may proceed.”

  “All in favor?” the councilman asked.

  There were no protests from the platform. Arianna would be the next queen, and she would get to be with Emerson.

  With gratitude, she turned to Naya. “Thank you.”

  Naya hugged her. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just doing the best thing for everyone.”

  As the meeting broke up, the King and Queen approached Naya. Naya’s father gave her an awkward hug and shook Vaughn’s hand. Without waiting, Naya embraced her mother, and Arianna saw the Queen’s face slightly soften. It wasn’t a perfect ending, but it was definitely a good beginning.

  It was the middle of November, and Naya was officially mated to Vaughn.

  Their mating ceremony had been performed almost two weeks ago. As with any traditional vampire ceremony, Vaughn and she had combined a drop each of their blood in a special chalice with herbal wine. Then, they had each taken a drink. Drinking their collective blood symbolized binding them together. Her parents along with Arianna and Emerson had attended. Vaughn’s parents and sister with the rest of the sentinels had also been present. Even Kenzie and, of course, the Council had shown up.

  After the ceremony, Vaughn had arranged for their mating celebration to be at the club, Pulse, where they met all those weeks ago. It had been a Sunday night, and the club was normally closed, but they’d opened it especially for them. Not only had it signified where they met, it had also been in the middle of the two cities, making vampires and shifters alike feel more comfortable with attending.

  The event had been a little tense, but they’d ended up having a wonderful time. She’d even watched her parents speaking to Vaughn’s parents. Neither side had looked very comfortable, but it had been a start. She knew her parents still had a long way to go, but she was grateful that they were making an effort.

  The evening after their ceremony, Vaughn and she went to the justice of the peace to make their mating legal in the eyes of the law. Shortly after, they bought a home and planned to move in as soon as possible. Vaughn had started looking the day after they had their big talk, and they were lucky enough to find something they liked right away. The house sat empty after being on the market for over a year, so the owners were excited to close immediately.

  Tonight, Naya had a doctor’s appointment, and they planned to move into the new home the following evening. Since the house had been vacant for a long time, Kenzie and some of Vaughn’s sentinels had painted some of the rooms and fixed things up, and tonight, they were working on the final touches.

  Now with her appointment completed, Vaughn and she planned to go to the house and help. They held hands and smiled at each other as they walked out to the car. Everything was well, and Naya felt very fortunate. She rubbed her belly as the babies kicked.

  What could possibly go wrong when everything is so great?

  Then, Vaughn’s phone rang.

  Kenzie was set up to paint the last room in Naya and Vaughn’s new house. She worked most of the day on the living room, and even though it was late, she hoped to finish up, so everything could be done tonight. The downstairs half-bath was all she had left to do, and she knew it wouldn’t take long since the room was small. It felt good to be on the tail end of the project, and she was more than happy to help out Naya and Vaughn.

  The only thing that kept her from enjoying her work was the sound of Sawyer pounding away upstairs. He was there to put up shelves or something, and she was pretty sure he was being louder than necessary just to annoy her. The last time she had seen him at Naya and Vaughn’s mating celebration, they’d avoided each other all night. He’d told Vaughn’s cousin that he’d bit her and that she belonged to him, but then the next time they had been around each other, he’d pretended like she didn’t exist.

  She was considering swearing off men completely. Women were pretty. Maybe she would try being a lesbian.

  Nah. She liked penis too much.

  Putting in her earbuds to listen to music on her MP3 player, she went to work. After about an hour and a half, she stepped back to look at her handiwork. At the same time, she felt a presence behind her, and she figured it was Sawyer. She removed her earbuds, so she could find out what he wanted when she felt a hand clamp over her mouth as an arm gripped around her waist.

  Shit. Not Sawyer.

  She shook his hand off and screamed as loud as she could, hoping Sawyer would hear. He might not like her, but she was sure he wouldn’t let her get hurt either. She struggled against her captor as he dragged her outside and attempted to throw her in a van.

  He growled, “Stop fighting, Princess.”

  Princess?

  Oh no. He thought she was Naya.

  Kenzie had to warn her friend. She fought harder, struggling with all he
r strength until he punched her in the side of the head, and the world went black.

  Kenzie woke up halfway on her stomach with a horrible headache, and she moaned. The floor was hard, and she could feel the rhythm of a moving vehicle. She couldn’t move her arms and feet very well, and her mouth hurt. She was tied up and gagged.

  Everything all came back to her, and she remembered being kidnapped. She heard a grunt. She rolled onto her side and focused her eyes in the dark to meet Sawyer’s furious ones. With the occasional passing streetlights, she could see he had the glazed look of a drugged person. It explained how the kidnappers had managed to get Sawyer into the van. He was also gagged and tied up. She felt relieved he hadn’t abandoned her, but simultaneously, she felt defeated since he had been her only hope of rescue.

  She looked toward the front and saw two men—one driver and one passenger. Who were they? What did they want? She heard one say something about a pregnancy and her mate. She closed her eyes and remembered how one had called her a princess. They thought she was Naya, and Sawyer was Vaughn.

  What would happen when they found out who we really are?

  Damien waited for Payton to walk out of the restaurant where she was having dinner. He was wearing only a long-sleeved shirt, and he was starting to freeze in the cold November night. So far, nothing had happened, but he’d been antsy all day, and something told him to be on guard.

  He saw Payton round the corner of the building, and she was heading to her car near the back of the building. The restaurant had been busy when she arrived, and she was forced to park far away from the door. Now, the parking lot sat almost empty, and she was talking on her cell phone as she made her way to her car. The phone call distracted her, and she didn’t notice the three men approaching her.

  “Shit.” He knew his father had lied and hadn’t told him about moving forward. He was glad he’d trusted his instincts.

  But he was shocked that he hadn’t detected the other waiting sentinels. He ran after them to talk, or fight, some sense into them.