Justice bowed in acknowledgment and closed the door silently behind him and Arias knelt in front of Venus.
“It is your choice my love,” he said looking up at her praying she wouldn't be repulsed by the idea of being turned and belonging to him for eternity.
“Do you have to turn me?” she asked meekly.
“While you are still human, you are very easily hurt or killed.”
“But I can still be killed if I am Vampyre.”
Arias nodded soberly.
Venus turned away from Arias and pulled the sheet around her tighter. Venus always knew she was different...not normal. But Vampyre? What would she be losing if she changed? She asked herself. She didn't have an answer. Since she was already a Mashiach, things would not change so drastically for her. She would have the ability to drink blood, but not have to depend on it. She would not just have an extended life but an eternal life. But then again, if she were to become Vampyre and stay with Arias, the others would kill her...there would be all-out war. Good versus Evil. Whose side was she on? Venus had a hard time fitting Arias into an all-encompassing box of Evil. Venus was sure he did horrible things as he lived in a world of violence and hate. But then there was this completely separate man who treated her like a queen, like she was the most precious thing on earth. With his soft kisses, his tender words, that look in his eyes that was saved only for her. Was it because of her or was it because he wanted her to produce him with an all-powerful heir? She turned back to Arias, who was still on his knees on the floor following her movements with a worried expression on his face.
“I have another idea,” she said softly crossing the room to stand in front of him again.
He wrapped his hulking arms around her waist and buried his face into her stomach waiting for her verdict.
5
Riken entered the Suheil Boardroom at the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai flanked with his five bodyguards and his lieutenant Corbin. He took the seat at the head of the table, surrounded by windows and breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf. This meeting was called together by none other than Arias Hassan himself. Corbin tried to discourage Riken from attending the meeting, thinking it was a setup for an assassination. Even given that possibility, Riken couldn't miss the opportunity of seeing Venus again. She was in his every thought and he was miserable. In fact he was pathetic, risking his life and his men's lives for just a glimpse of her gorgeous face. He nodded at the other Princes of the bloodlines, only six remaining besides himself and Arias. They too looked apprehensive and confused. They calmed slightly once they saw that Riken himself had dared attend the meeting. If the Prince of the Rex Deus was comfortable enough sitting at the table of the Prince of the Descendants of Cain, then why shouldn't they? Idiots, Riken thought dismissively. The immense boardroom table was nearly full save five seats at the opposite end directly across from Riken. His nerves were shot. Every time the door opened, his eyes darted there to see if it was his woman walking in. Corbin placed a calming hand on his shoulder and Riken forced himself to shut his eyes and breathe deeply. The door opened again and Riken couldn't bring himself to look. He didn't want to experience the disappointment of it not being her again. Then, he felt Arias' wave of power and his eyes flew open. All Riken could see was her, his Venus. She wore a deep emerald blue sari, the fitted bikini top encrusted with diamonds and the sheer material that draped over the rest of her showing only shadows of her taut belly. She wore a westernized hijab around her head though it covered none of face like it was meant to. Diamonds had been riveted around the corners of her eyes, the only makeup she wore was around those beautiful eyes making them look even more devastating than he remembered. Riken salivated at the sight of her and his body reacted so quickly that he had to adjust himself under the table. Her eyes met his and they seemed to light a fire within him. She looked him over in no hurry whatsoever and when she looked back up into his eyes he could read the emotion in them. She knew she had hurt him and she regretted it. Riken sent a flare of power out to her and her eyelids fluttered shut, her lips parting in a silent sigh of pleasure. Arias sent a low growl across the room and everyone stiffened. Venus' eyes slowly opened and she hooked her arm in Arias' as he pulled her tight against his massive body. He settled down into the seat opposite of Riken and pulled Venus into his lap. His bodyguards stayed on their feet and Riken tensed a little at the implication. Arias' eyes had not left his and they were swirling with fury over Riken's little stunt. Justice stepped forward, his arms crossed behind his back and walked to the center of the room.
“Gentlemen, thank you for meeting with us on such short notice. In this enlightened age, the Descendants of Cain believe that the time for bloodshed must end. Furthering the advancement of our race should be priority one and we need to accomplish that by working together not killing each other off.”
“Where was that sentiment a hundred years ago,” Riken growled. “Or rather, where was that sentiment just a month ago when you finished off yet another priceless bloodline?”
Arias' eyes narrowed but Justice took it in stride.
“We will be the first to voice our faults and wrongdoings. Yet as it is said, forgiveness is divine. Thus, we ask you for your forgiveness.”
Riken mentally cursed. They were calling a truce and throwing it in their faces as repentance. Riken stood and slammed his hand into the table.
“It is only through God, our Father that you will be absolved of your sins. A truce between us is impossible!”
The silence that followed was deafening, the air tense and crackling with testosterone and then his woman stood up from Arias' lap. All eyes focused on her as she glided to where Justice stood. He bowed low and returned to Arias' side. Arias' eyes were turned to Venus, love and devotion shining through his dark swirling eyes. His lips were turned up in adoration. Venus gazed around at the faces before her and then rested her eyes on the handsome Prince at the other end of the table, the one that made her heart beat dangerously fast even now. Riken.
“A truce would be in the best interest of all parties,” she said softly. “I have a proposition for you all.” She paused long enough to swallow and calm her own nerves. “I will remain a fledgling and you all will call a truce. Arias and his men will not harm another without just cause.”
Several gasps and murmurs arose around her.
“You wish to remain a fledgling?” Riken asked in disbelief.
Venus met his eyes and nodded once. “As a fledgling I will be unable to conceive and as such there will be no threat. If the Descendants of Cain step over their bounds which I am certain they will not, then I will willingly surrender myself...” her eyes deepened to a darker shade and Riken went hard all over. “to you.”
The boardroom erupted into a symphony of shouts and chaos. Riken felt himself moving towards her drawn by the gravity of their blood. She turned to him and Riken vaguely became aware that Arias had wrenched himself from his seat and was moving towards them. Venus' eyes were half-closed with desire, her body within inches of his grasp.
“Come with me now Venus,” Riken pleaded. “Save yourself the time. The Descendants of Cain will fail.”
Venus swayed towards him and before Riken could snatch her to his body, Arias' arm snaked around her waist pulling her into his chest. Venus let out a breathy sigh, her head falling back onto his chest. Arias glared at Riken's brazen trial.
“Do we have a truce?” Arias growled.
Riken's fury boiled up and over but he gave a stiff nod. Arias turned his head and spoke coarse orders in his tongue and his men started getting up to leave. Arias himself turned to leave and Riken clamped a heavy hand on his shoulder. Riken quickly lifted it when Arias bared his fangs but he had his attention.
“Why? What good will this do for you?” Riken asked.
Arias was silent a moment, his swirling ebony eyes calculating. “I'm not with Venus to have a child. I'm with her because I am madly in love her. Isn't that reason enough?”
It took everythi
ng within Riken to leave Dubai with things unfinished between himself and Venus. He had been tormented seeing her sitting on Arias' lap, looking like she just stepped out of Aladdin's wet dream. When she stood before the other princes and their men, she commanded their attention. She was born to be Queen and despite her shy innocent exterior lurked a tigress in waiting. Her announcement shocked everyone and renewed Riken's hope of winning her over. He still had a chance. Riken wanted to stay in Dubai to formulate a plan but at Michael and Corbin's insistence, he left that day. Besides, there was the matter of a small uprising within the Talmidim of his bloodline that needed to be quashed. Michael sat with him on the jet ride back. The angel had refused to attend the meeting though Riken wasn't sure why. He turned to study the angel who was staring out the window, a faraway look on his face.
“Why didn't you go Michael? You might have been able to get her back, she trusts you.”
Michael laughed and it sounded scornful.
“She barely knows me,” he said quietly.
“Still, it's your job to guide her to me,” Riken snarled.
Michael cast him a dark glance. “Don't lecture me on my job Vampyre.”
Riken gritted his teeth and clenched his fists trying to calm his explosive mood. “I know why I'm testy,” Riken said. “But why are you?” he asked Michael.
Michael closed his eyes thinking about Riken's question. He had no claim to Venus but like Riken he was antsy, furious even that she was with Arias, the spawn of the Devil himself. Michael didn't want to think of the insidious ways the monster was talking pleasure from her. He didn't go to the meeting initially because he was tired of playing Vampyre politics. But he knew the reason ran much deeper. Venus was pulled to Arias' blood because he was so much older than Riken. Michael was Arias' elder by several thousand millennia. The fact of the matter was Michael was afraid that Venus might choose the angel over the Vampyre. Michael knew the only outcome of that union would be heartache for her. He realized Riken was still waiting on an answer.
“Just tired man,” he lied smoothly.
Riken studied him for a few more seconds and then closed his eyes for a much needed sleep.
Six warriors from the Descendents of Cain bloodline under Justice’s watchful eye fanned out along the Amstel in the red light district of Amsterdam. The warriors, turned hunters, had been busy these last few weeks after their leader’s executive decision to begin monitoring the Talmidim. While other bloodlines held their beasts on a tight leash, the Descendents were choosing to only pursue the worst of the worst. Justice had gotten a call for help from one of his men here in Amsterdam and when Justice arrived, he himself was overwhelmed by the carnage. Amsterdam’s bustling, seedy nightlife was almost a ghost town once the sun fell. The red light district was void of prostitutes dancing in the windows, void of sinners crawling the streets. Their bloodline’s Talmidim had virtually wiped this area clean.
The sounds of fighting two clicks to the west alerted Justice’s sensitive ears and he sped to the area to find one of his men getting ripped apart limb from limb by a mob of twenty bloodthirsty Talmidim. The enormous lieutenant stepped back into the shadows of a building watching the grotesque display, his chest clenched with trepidation and he palmed his phone in his hand dreading the call he was about to make.
Arias wrapped his arms tighter around Venus' small frame, breathing in her scent and memorizing the feel of her. It was going to take everything within him to leave her, even for the shortest amount of time. She stirred in his arms and his libido sprang to life. She purred into his neck, proof that she too was still on a high from their latest union. Their orgasms together were getting stronger and this last one made Arias' power field swell and burst like fireworks as he came. He had been drained physically and emotionally yet hours later at the call of her body he responded immediately. She was his match in every way. He kissed the top of her head and shifted out from beneath her. She moaned in protest yet he forced himself to move. He had to leave immediately. He had promised the other bloodlines to police his Talmidim...not like he cared but he was following his Queen's peacekeeping efforts to a T. He forced himself to get dressed, strapping on weapons layer by layer. When he turned to kiss his woman farewell, her eyes were open fixed on him and so dark green they were almost black. He swallowed loudly at the sight of her naked in his bed.
“Where are you sneaking off to,” she said her voice hoarse from the vocal outbursts of pleasure she had earlier.
“We have a problem with a few Talmidim in Europe. I need to get out there before things turn south.”
She rose up on one arm, her eyebrows drawing down with worry.
“Can't Justice see to it?” she asked.
“He's already there and he needs me.”
Venus nodded and held her arms out for an embrace. Arias' heart pulsed with emotion as he lowered himself to her. He pressed his lips to hers and leaned his forehead against hers.
“Hurry back,” she whispered tears cutting paths down her cheeks. Arias kissed them away and left the room in a hurry.
6
As the Prince of his bloodline, Arias could feel the presence of any Vampire…especially one of his own. He could distinguish between his Mashiach and his Talmidim. There was a distinct scent difference but even more than that there were power waves or fields. So, when Arias’ jet landed smoothly on the runway he was expecting a few Mashiach to greet him. What he felt was a very strong power field, from a very strong Talmidim along with at least 10 other bloodsuckers.
He was vastly outnumbered and he wasn’t prepared for an attack. Besides the flight crew, there were but two others at his side. Arias stood up from his plush seat, rolled his shoulders bracing for a battle and nodded for his guard to open the door. Arias counted half a second before the stake-filled air-rifles began firing. His two guards went down immediately. Strange that they didn’t fire on him, he thought. He leapt through the jet’s opening and tore through the first Talmidim he encountered. Blood and gristle flew. With a swipe of his wrist, he cleared his eyes and dove into another exposed throat. He dimly felt stakes pierce his skin but nowhere near his heart. He plucked out the stakes with annoyance and roared at his attackers. They circled him as he stood there hulking. His fangs dripping with blood and not sated in the least.
“Lord Arias,” a deeply accented voice called from behind the circle.
“Show yourself,” the prince growled.
“You come into my territory and you make demands of me?” A deep rumbling laughter crawled up Arias’ spine. “You are far from home my Lord. You and your self-righteous followers are outnumbered. We will destroy you.”
“What do you want?” Arias growled.
“We are on the brink of change. I hear that your Queen has been found.”
“I know not what you are talking about.”
“Really?” the voice called, sarcasm dripping from its edges. “So, the honey colored beauty that was sighted in your palace isn’t yours?”
“She is mine, though merely a part of my latest harem. The Queen you speak of has yet to be found.”
The dark laughter filled his bones again.
“We shall see.”
They fled fast, leaving Arias to ponder about the Talmidim’s words. He knew that voice. How could he have known that voice? Dread filled his veins as realization dawned upon him.
Venus wandered around the Dubai mansion restless. It had already been a week since Arias left and she missed him like he was her air to breathe. Justice checked in twice a day but she had yet to hear from Arias and it was wearing on her more each day. Arias had left her with guards of course but they avoided her like the plague. So, she sat by the edge of the enormous fountains in the foyer surrounded by onyx and diamond tile, her hand dipping into the lukewarm water. Suddenly, an explosion shook the ground beneath her and Venus jumped up unsure of what to do. The chief of security, Tomas, rushed into the foyer, his eyes wide and his fangs showing.
“Quickly,” he bec
koned.
Venus rushed to him and he pulled her through the mansion.
“What is it?” Venus asked afraid to know the answer.
“We are under attack,” Tomas said in a thick Spanish accent.
Another explosion sounded right behind them and the percussion blast sent them both flying. Venus landed hard on the tile, her arm breaking her fall in a twisted angle. She whimpered as she pushed herself up. Tomas was at her side in an instant pulling her tight to his body all the while scanning the room. Five enormous Vampyre sauntered into the room. Venus recognized their piercing red eyes that signified Talmidim. Their fangs were dripping blood and Venus trembled in Tomas' arms. Tomas walked her back into a corner and then stalked forward to meet his opponents. Venus eyed the Talmidim as they snarled at Tomas, spittle, blood, and gristle flying. Three attacked Tomas at the same time, their movements so fast it was a blur to Venus' eyes. The other two approached her from either side. Venus flexed and curled her hands trying desperately to figure out how to beat these killers.
“Remember, don’t kill her,” one snarled to the other.
Out of the corner of her eye, Venus saw the remnants of a desk pulverized by the explosion, the shard sharpened to a point on one end. As the Talmidim on her left sprang into the air, she called upon her God given talent commanding the make shift stake fly through the air at a blistering speed and plunge through the Vampyre, seeking his heart from the back. Meeting its mark, the Vampyre crumpled into dust. Venus leapt into action grabbing the stake as it fell towards the ground and whirling around to plunge it again as the second Talmidim tackled her to the ground. Ash exploded around her as she thudded to the hard tile. Hand still clutching the stake so hard her knuckles were white, she looked towards Tomas and breathed out a sob as he dispatched his last opponent.
Revelations Coming (The Dark Truth Novel Series) Page 6
