Arias whirled around to face Venus and fell to his knees in front of her. Her face was a mask of confusion. Her eyes flicked between the two Princes and her bottom lip quivered. Riken sauntered into the room, his jaw flexed and his eyes blazing with fury.
“I,” she shook her head. “I…just can't,” she gasped and leapt off of the chair and sprinted past the two princes and Riken.
Riken sank into his chair when his room was finally cleared out. Christ...Drake was his brother? His parents had told him his older brother had died before he was born. He had an older brother...which of course meant he was no longer leader of his bloodline. The knowledge was a painful blow to the entire world he believed in. Part of him wanted to rail against the idea of it, that it was rightfully his. But then the other part of him knew it was true. When Drake unleashed his power, Riken knew and felt it through his blood that his brother was the rightful ruler. Which meant Venus was not his, which also made him feel a tiny bit better that she never truly wanted to be his. Riken's chamber doors opened again and Drake walked in, eyeing the former prince wearily.
“So, brother. What do I call you? Drake or Jace?” Riken asked though there was no sarcasm in his voice.
“I've not been known as Jace for over two hundred years Riken.”
“Have you spoken to her?” Riken asked.
Drake shook his head sadly. “She refuses to see anyone. I don't blame her actually. I was her confidante, her brother in arms if you will. She thought me different from everyone else and now it turns out that I am what she is running away from.”
“Do you feel anything for her?” Riken asked, his brows furrowed in concentration.
Drake looked away for several minutes and then sighed. “I fought it with everything in me, brother. I do not want to be a slave to the crown any more than Venus does. There of course is the call of the blood but it is more. She is as bright as the sun, as pure as the mountain air, she is the something that I've been lacking all this time. I am madly in love with her, her beauty, her spirit, her courage, her love of life. She is fucking amazing Riken,” Drake managed to push out near tears.
Riken shifted slightly, his shoulders drawing in on himself in an acknowledgment of defeat. It was everything he wanted to feel with Venus, to have her reciprocate it as well. Riken clasped a hand on Drake's shoulder.
“Go talk to her Drake, tell her your side. She has a strong attraction to Arias so you had better bond with her quickly and completely.”
Drake hung his head and nodded, gathering up his thoughts as well as his courage.
Venus sat slumped with her back against her chamber door, knees drawn in close, and tear stained cheek resting miserably on one knee. Arias had just left her door, frustrated with her unwillingness to open it. She listened to his heart-felt pleas and she even accepted the reasons why he turned his back on her. He was trying to protect her, from an enemy that the bloodlines truly needed to take care of right now and instead were coddling her. Arias told her that he avenged the wrongs her foster dad had committed against her and while a part of her breathed a sigh of relief, she couldn't help how her stomach rolled and heaved at the implications of her actions. Because she told Arias what happened and who did, a human life no matter how despicable it was, was now lost. She shook her head. Venus believed what they had was something beyond her scope of what really lurked out there in love. She saw him, truly saw him...the tender side, the evil sadistic side and loved it all. But did he see her? That was what gave her pause. That was what made her not open the door.
Footsteps thumped down the hall and by the length of the stride, Venus knew it was not Arias. She pressed her ear for more clues and was rewarded by a rustling, a soft crumpling of paper and then a swish of movement at her feet. A letter fluttered underneath the door. Then it sounded like someone sank to the ground on the other side of the door. Venus frowned and picked up the note, running her hand over the fine vellum paper, running her finger over the embossed edges of the Rex Deus insignia. She unfolded the letter and began reading.
Dearest Venus,
There are no words that I can say that would tell you how sorry I am for keeping this secret from you. I know you don't want this life and to certain ends, I never wanted this life either. The moment I saw you in that dark alley, fighting off the evils of this world alone, I wanted you. I needed you. You are what has been missing in me, what has kept me hiding in the dark all these years. Because of you, I want to be King with you at my side. Because of you, I want to make the world a safer place, free of the evils that plague all. I know you value human kind as do I and I know you seek to make it a better place by fighting those Talmidim. I know I have misplaced your trust by not telling you who I was but I had forsaken that part of me for so long, I truly did not deserve you. Now? I cannot pretend to think that I deserve you yet but I cannot stand by and let my sworn enemy have you either. I love you Venus, with all of my heart, all of my soul. If I cannot have your love, please give me your forgiveness for these transgressions.
Yours,
Drake
Venus crumpled the paper to her chest and burst into tears. They came in chest heaving, stomach curling sobs. She heard a slight movement directly behind the door what she could only imagine was a hand sliding down the wood. She couldn't hold back any longer, her heart was calling for someone, the someone that sat mirrored to her behind the door. She scrambled to her feet and threw the door open, simultaneously launching herself at the large figure looking up at her with wide eyes.
11
Drake jerked in surprise as the heavy wooden door was flung open and even with his Vampyre eyes, he struggled to make out the blur of bountiful femininity flying towards him. He opened his arms in time and felt Venus' soft tiny body collide with his. He inhaled her delicious scent that was a mixture of heaven and hell since he re-embraced his blood calling. He wanted to taste her, to lick her, to kiss her, to experience all the sensations he went without through the years. He wanted...her, so badly. Venus pulled back enough to meet his eyes. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes puffy and her lips still trembling but she was the most gorgeous being he had ever seen. It took his breath away. She smiled just a little, a mere upturn at the corners of her mouth. She brought her hand up to his face and brushed an errant strand of hair from his face so gently it made him hurt.
“Venus,” he whispered.
“I choose you, Drake,” Venus purred into his ear.
A violent roar sounded from the end of the hall, and it went up her spine. It was Arias. Standing there, dressed for battle, the warrior cried out in despair.
Venus’ gut clenched and rolled from the knowledge that she was hurting him.
“Arias,” she called, her heart clenching, knowing she just wounded him deeply.
She moved to go to him, but Drake held her still. Arias roared again and was gone. Venus stared at the empty hallway, frozen with guilt and fear until Drake pulled her back into her bedroom.
12
By the time the jet landed, there was nothing that wasn’t scattered throughout the plane and in fragments. All of his men lay broken and bleeding. Two of the lesser guards were mere ashes on the floor. And Justice had taken the brunt of it. Arias stood over his Lieutenant, his massive shoulders heaving with rage, with sorrow, with the adrenaline of nearly ripping the jet apart. He glanced down at Justice…his throat lay in shreds, blood still spilling out of it too fresh and too savage to heal on its own. Arias’ powerful hands had nearly torn the limbs off his best soldier, his pain too raw and encompassing to realize what he was doing. Now, seeing the aftermath, Arias still had no remorse. What was left of his heart was back there at Riken’s castle. The absence of her was ice burning through his veins. The jet’s door opened and a deep laugh brought Arias’ attention away from the carnage.
Ivan Grozny stood before him, a deep rumble of laughter filling the small plane as he took in what Arias had done. Arias stepped towards him, flexing his muscles not nearly sated. Ivan thre
w up a hand.
“I am not here for that my liege, I come with a proposition.”
Arias stepped down from the plane, barking an order to awaiting guards to tend to the others. He felt Ivan’s large presence follow him gracefully. The ride to Arias’ palace was silent and he had a chance to rest mentally…the come down from the adrenaline rush was taxing on his mind and body. If Ivan wanted to kill him, Arias was easy pickings right now.
Arias didn’t want to think about what Ivan could possibly want but he needed to prepare. He knew Ivan was mounting a Talmidim army but for what purpose, Arias didn’t know. What could Arias do for Ivan that he couldn’t do for himself? Ivan had hundreds of years to gather funds, so money shouldn’t be an issue. He was a born leader, so organizing his army was not an issue. True, the bloodlines had been policing the rogue Talmidim and Arias had been a part of that but without Venus’ watchful eye, Arias didn’t give a shit anymore. He rubbed an exhausted hand across the bridge of his nose. He didn’t want to think about it. A wave of sorrow swept over him as he thought of his Queen...Venus. He was an idiot. To think that a goddess could actually want him, could love him. He was convinced for a minute but obviously she was just pulled to him by the blood calling. Oh, how he looked like a fool, he thought bitterly. Weak. And Jace, or Drake…or whatever the fuck his name was. He was going to die. Slowly. The bastard wouldn’t have a chance to turn his Queen or create a spawn for their bloodline to celebrate. No, not while Arias was alive.
Venus awoke slowly, too sated and warm to let her eyes open quickly. She was basking in her union with Drake still. Her head still resting on his muscled chest, her fingertips tracing circles on his bicep. Every few minutes he would kiss her forehead letting her know he was still awake. After Arias left the compound, Drake had pulled her back into the bedroom. He was elated, joyous that she had proclaimed her desire for him. Venus was more subdued, still troubled that she hadn’t had a chance to think about her actions. More troubled that she had hurt Arias and didn’t even have a chance to talk to him. She worried. Worried about what he would do. She knew with his temper that he was going crazy right now. She also knew he would turn to other women. The thought of that burned her heart and even brought tears to her eyes. It was stupid that she felt jealous after she just chose another man over him. Selfish of her to hope that he would only want her even after her rejection. Venus loved Arias, of that there was no doubt. The way he touched her, held her, kissed her…like she was the most important thing on Earth. Even knowing he had a dark side…one that he was comfortable with and visited often. She loved all of him, even his stubbornness that led her to flee back to Riken. Perhaps she hadn’t given him enough time, she thought doubting her decision. Perhaps, given enough time he would have gotten to know her. He had already proved that creating a child with her was not his priority. He loved her…but was it love because of the blood calling or love for her for being herself?
A pair of soft lips and a wet tongue between her legs removed all thoughts of Arias from her head. She spread her thighs wide and placed her hand of the wavy head between her legs. She gasped as he lapped at her softly, his tongue flicking back and forth as quickly as a hummingbird’s wings. It’s attention directed solely at bringing her to climax…which was coming fast. Venus released a low moan, feeling the pressure build in lower abdomen. Breathless, she pressed her hand against the back of Drake’s head and there…she came hard and long and he sucked it all from her core. He continued to lick and suck until she was begging him to stop.
Drake lifted his head from between those beautiful thighs with a big smile on his face. His entire face was wet from giving her pleasure and he loved it. Feeling her quiver from head to toe and hearing her urge him on with her soft mewling, made him hard all over again. He prowled up her body, nipping at her skin earning more breathless gasps. He reached her perfect breasts and couldn’t resist latching on to a hard nipple. He needed to taste her, his fangs lengthening before the thought came to mind. Drake pierced her delicate skin gently and then he nearly blacked out from her taste. He became dizzy and disoriented on first pull. The second pull made him release uncontrollably. His third pull made him hard again and he thrust inside of her as he lifted his head from her breast. Her eyes were wide and bleeding to black with desire. Her beautiful, teasing lips formed an O and their eyes locked as he buried himself deep. He swept his tongue one more time across his marks on her breast and felt her convulse around him.
Venus pulled at his arm that was braced above her head and Drake watched amazed as she brought his wrist to her lips. She kissed him softly, her bottom lip rubbing sensually along his vein. Surely, she wouldn’t, he thought to himself amused. Proven wrong again, quick as a snake bite she bit him…blunt teeth and all. He let out a groan at the dull pain and then mind-numbing pleasure as she pulled at his wrist. He used his other hand to wrap around her neck and he pounded into her…his release coming already, in waves. When she pulled her lips away, he collapsed at her side, drained but the happiest man on Earth.
Michael paced the halls of Riken’s palace, his sensitive ears picking up everything that had occurred that day. He shook his head at the turn of events. Jace’s reentry into the game was rather unexpected but the end justifies the means right? Venus was safely within the walls of the Rex Deus and it was only a matter of time now until he finished his duty here. He should be relieved, so why was he feeling this way. Two floors above him, Jace and Venus were going at it and it dropped Michael’s stomach to the floor.
Venus had chosen without hesitation once Jace revealed his true nature. She had chosen correctly. Only a few more minor details (turning her and impregnating her) were left before he could leave this hellhole. God, he didn’t want to be here for those events. He didn’t want to see her outside of her otherwise human existence. He didn’t want to see her belly rounded with Jace’s child, even if that child was to be the salvation of the world. Michael still couldn’t stomach it. He shook his head, these ridiculously high levels of testosterone were making his life more difficult than it should have been. When did he become so bitter? He thought suddenly with a sigh. He had his chance with Venus and he refused her. She had made her choice and he had made his. He pulled himself straight. He had a mission and he was going to see it fulfilled.
Arias reclined in his chair, much more calm than hours ago. Yes, there was still a gaping hole right through the middle of him. But he was sane and had an ultimate goal in mind. But first things first, he thought as he turned his attention on the Talmidim in front of him. A former Tzar, turned Talmidim during his reign in the 1500’s was known as Ivan, the Terrible for unimaginable mass killings in Russia. Before he was turned, he was already a hint crazy but with Vampyre blood running through his veins he was a monster. He was bloodthirsty, power hungry. He wanted Arias’ father’s crown and settled for drinking the blood of thousands for second prize. Arias still could not believe he had survived all these years and hell he looked like he was still in his prime.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of this little visit Grozny?” Arias boomed inspecting his still bloody fingernails.
“My lord, I have mounted you an army,” Ivan said sitting forward in his chair, his eyes lit up and a sadistic grin on his face.
“You have mounted me an army,” Arias scoffed, interlocking his fingers behind his head.
Ivan nodded and leaned back again, his fingers tapping out a melodic rhythm on the arm of the chair.
“The timing is perfect but of course. You have just lost a key that our race has been waiting for. Your blood feud nemesis comes out of hiding to claim your prize and the Rex Deus think they have already won. Your army awaits your command, my lord.”
Arias sat silent for what seemed like an eternity.
“What is in it for you Grozny?”
“The pleasure of the kill. You unleashing me on the world…on the rest of the bloodlines. Chaos, my lord.”
“Why are you suddenly coming back to your bloodline Ivan?
You have been rogue these past few hundred years. So, why now?”
“The finding of your mate changes things I must admit. It set things in motion. We are ready now my lord.”
A sense of peace fell upon the Dark Price. It settled into his bones and he closed his eyes and smiled. Ivan’s booming laughter filled the room and could be heard throughout the palace.
After Ivan left his room Arias swiveled his chair to the expansive window behind him. A wall to wall view of the Persian Gulf filled his tired eyes. Alone again, he thought of her. Remembering her soft, supple body he grew hard. The memory of her creamy blemish free skin against his own dark skin was a beautiful sight. He tried to picture her limbs entwined with his as they both lay breathless, void of any energy from their explosive sessions. Most of all, he remembered her eyes and that is what gave him confidence that he was still in her heart. When she looked at him, it felt like he was King. She saw him, faults and sins and all and she truly saw him. She looked at him with a deep love and tenderness. She softened his heart but he knew it was only towards her. He could never hate her. Never wish her ill will. If she was truly happy with that little imposter, he would leave her be but he wanted his chance at making her happy…giving her the life that she always dreamed of. Memories of the first night they saw each other, when she came to him without question filled his head. How she stood tall and proud and defiant, without fear amidst the gunfire to protect him. Oh, how he ached to hold her again, to feel her satin hair drape across his body, those sweet lips feed him with her nectar. His hand grazed his shaft, ridged and at full mast underneath his leather pants. He grabbed it like she would, firmly but with the softest touch. A knock at the door brought a deep growl from his chest.
Revelations Coming (The Dark Truth Novel Series) Page 11
