Dark Blooded Desires: Vampire Fantasy (Bonds of Damurios Book 1)

by Nicki Ruth

  “And Marius, I'll be heading to Paristan. I need information on one of their prisoners.”

  Chapter 17

  Davina ran from the manor not knowing where she was going, her thoughts jumbled like a puzzle whose jagged pieces could find no place. Memories of past and present blurred together, panicking and disorienting her. She paused to catch her breath behind a large boulder. Panting heavily, she squatted on the ground and closed her eyes. She had run a good distance from the manor but didn't know where she was or what direction she should go. She didn’t hear anything or sense anyone chasing her. Her head throbbed, but she opened her eyes and looked around. Ahead of her were short red and blue shrubs jutting out of some rocks. Above her, two giant moons glowed against a dark pink and purple sky. This wasn’t Zhar!

  Her heart thumped in her chest rivaling a thunderstorm beating down on a tin roof. She closed her eyes again and tried to control her breathing. Gradually, everything came back to her. She wasn’t in Zhar. She wasn’t being chased by her family’s killers. She was on Damurios, the vampire planet, and . . . Oh gods! She had lost control again, this time with Alexios.

  Alexios. His blood called to her. Davina groaned, her head pounding. How could she lose control again? Her thirst was stronger and threatened to rule her mind. What would her mutinous bloodthirst make her do if she could not keep it at bay? Thank goodness Alexios had sent the staff away from the manor. She shuddered to think what she would do if she had come upon an unsuspecting innocent.

  Yet still, she wanted more. Her blood boiled within her, surging throughout her body. Her fangs ached to sink into soft, pliant flesh. Wrapping her arms around her chest, Davina looked up to the sky, hoping the heavens would reveal the answers she desperately sought.

  A quiet sob escaped her lips. She longed for her mother. She would know what to do. Davina thought back to her mother’s last words, agony in her eyes: “Run, Davina!”

  She had protected Davina from the intruders and fought desperately to save her children. She told Davina to survive and preserve her blood inheritance. As a young girl, Davina had always grumbled about having to sit through her mother’s lessons on responsibility and duty to her people, of using her bloodgifts to protect. Her mother told her she must grow strong to become a good leader, but Davina had never wanted to lead anyone or anything. She wanted to explore the world the way birds flew with the roaming wind.

  Had her mother known this would happen, that she would lose herself and become an insatiable blood-sucking beast? Davina sobbed in earnest now. Was this the blood inheritance her mother spoke about? If so, it was a curse!

  Alexios appeared suddenly in front of her.

  “No! Stay away!” Davina screamed, backing further behind the boulder. The blood beneath her skin raced at his arrival, demanding she take.

  He stood, not approaching, concern shining in his dark eyes. She averted her gaze, ashamed at how she must appear—weak, uncontrolled, pathetic.

  “Davina, I mean you no harm,” he said softly into the darkness. He took a step forward. “Come, let’s return to the manor.”

  “No. Don’t come any closer!” She shifted backward again, trying to maintain distance from him, as if to ward against her sanguine desires. She hissed when he took another step.

  “I’m not leaving you out here. It’s going to be alright. We’ll find the answers you need. I promise.”

  She cringed. She wanted to go back with him, to curl up in his arms and feel the comfort of his body. She wanted to sink her fangs into his throat.

  She shook her head. “No. I’m too dangerous. I cannot be trusted.” She stood, making sure to keep the boulder between herself and Alexios. “I . . . I have to g-go.” Her eyes darted frantically back and forth.

  “We can go anywhere you wish. Just come with me,” Alexios pleaded softly.

  She shook her head wildly, growing more and more agitated. His words soothed the ache within her, but she couldn’t go with him. She would only attack him again. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”

  With that, she shimmered away.

  ∞∞∞

  Alexios howled with frustration when Davina vanished before him.

  Marius and Jason appeared at his side. “Father, I can’t track her scent anymore,” Jason said.

  “You may not have intended this, but you have started to bond with her,” Marius said. “See if you can sense her.”

  Alexios perked up. Had he? He wasn’t sure a couple of shared feedings meant he had started bonding with Davina, though his desire was there. And he shouldn't be able to bond unless she also wanted to bond to him. “What makes you say that?”

  Marius shrugged. “It’s obvious. Try it and see if it works.”

  Alexios closed his eyes and focused on finding her aura. He sorted through his bond links to his sirelings. Marius and Jason were, of course, right next to him. Brandr was a good distance away, but Alexios felt him. Then he concentrated on finding Davina.

  He found a link to her! He couldn’t believe it. Somehow, he’d forged a bond with Davina. It was faint but not completed. How had this happened?

  Alexios smiled to himself. He wouldn’t deny he hadn’t desired this, to be closely connected to her like he was with the others. This meant that Davina had wanted to be bonded to him, too. Pleasure rippled through him.

  Marius chuckled. “So, you’re able to sense her? Now that we know where she is, you can go to her.”

  Alexios narrowed his eyes. Why did Marius find this amusing?

  “Do you want me to go?” Jason asked.

  Alexios shook his head. “No, Jason. Now that I can sense her, I can find her anywhere. But we’ll let her be for a while.”

  Through the bond, he sensed Davina was confused but not afraid; she was not in danger. He tried to extend comfort and calm across the fledgling bond they shared. Perhaps an hour or so would be enough for her to settle herself and her thoughts. Having command of herself was important to her.

  “Do you think that’s wise?” Marius said. “We don’t want her attacking the first person she comes across.”

  Damn! Alexios cursed. Damurios had strict laws about taking blood without consent. The civilized vampire nation couldn't have its citizens randomly attacking others, let alone a noble and soon-to-be vampire queen.

  “All right. I’ll shadow her and make sure she stays out of trouble.”

  ∞∞∞

  Marius entered the Sexyll—an expensive, upscale restaurant that specialized in exclusive blood dining–and ordered a bloodmeal. Normally, vampires on Damurios did not need to feed on other species. They could sustain themselves, and the planet had natural sources of blood that seeped from its core, although not as delicious as that from a warm, pulsing vein. But, every now and then, he liked to sample something . . . exotic, which served to clear his mind to process the latest developments.

  Davina was proving to be a distraction for Alexios, which he welcomed as it took Alexios’ mind off hunting his sire. Marius wanted more for Alexios and was pleased to see subtle, positive changes to his mood since she had come into their lives.

  However, Davina remained a mystery. She was powerful, but what was the extent of her gifts? If the legend Sandar told was true, Davina could very well be a danger to them all.

  His meal arrived: a young, female wereshifter imported from Zlatan. They were expensive but utterly delicious. Marius grinned.

  “Hello. How are you?” the wereshifter asked.

  Marius gestured for her to sit. “Much better now that you’re here.” He reached out and stroked her spotted neck—a leopard shifter, most likely. “Would you honor me with your blood?” he asked in the customary way.

  “Yes. May my offering sustain and fortify you,” she whispered, her eyes downcast.

  Marius struck quickly and cleanly into her neck, drinking greedily. It had been a while since he had taken from the vein. At his age, he could go weeks without blood, unlike Jason, who took from Alexios weekly. Why Alexios indulged Jason,
he didn’t know. Jason was old enough to be weaned.

  He finished and thanked the wereshifter. As expected the meal was good and left him sated. With his mind clear, he could think about the information he had gathered. Although Alexios didn’t seem particularly interested in the Zharim legend, Marius didn't want to dismiss it as an old wives’ tale. Alexios had begun to bond with Davina. Good. He needed someone he could care for intimately. Marius had once hoped he would be the one to capture Alexios’ heart, but it was not meant to be. Alexios’ obsession with his sire had ruled him. But the years he and Marius shared had forged an abiding kinship, and Marius was able to read Alexios’ emotions clearly, despite the walls he believed he had put in place to keep Marius out. It was more than just Marius’ gift; it was through their strong bond that he was able to read Alexios.

  Marius sighed. He hadn’t yet been able to tell Alexios what he had discovered about his sire’s presence on Damurios. Multiple sources had confirmed a powerful presence in the mountains of Tayklion that arrived less than a couple of weeks ago and disappeared soon thereafter—before Alexios had been visited by his sire. Amelagar was likely masking his presence and could still be in Tayklion. It was worth checking out.

  He needed a plan to surveil the mountain. Tayklion was the home of Minister Zlow, who had considerable influence over the Damurian military. If Zlow and his family were helping Alexios’ sire, there would be serious consequences. The Dāmming was almost here, and time was of the essence.

  ∞∞∞

  Davina melted into the shadows tracking her prey. She had ignored all others, because this one smelled delicious. It wasn’t as enticing as Alexios, but it called to her nonetheless. Her prey, a young vampire male about her age, had entered a building from which thumping music could be heard. Davina debated whether to follow him inside when, to her luck, he came right back out. She moved from the shadows and concentrated, speaking into his mind. There is something in the alley you should see.

  The young vampire paused, looked in her direction, and then started walking toward her. She moved back into the darkness and waited for him to round the corner.

  As soon as he did, she grabbed his shoulder and shoved him against the wall. He shrieked and struggled, but she was stronger; she wanted him, and she would have him. She sank her fangs into his neck as he thrashed against her.

  “That’s enough, Davina,” Alexios’ voice boomed behind her. “Let him go.”

  She ignored him and continued greedily.

  “Now is your chance to prove you can control this,” Alexios said softly.

  What was she doing? She couldn’t violate someone this way! Taking blood against their will. She struggled to break free, but her desire for blood was stronger. She gurgled, fighting to retract her fangs, when she felt Alexios squeeze the back of her neck.

  “You can do it. Let him go.” A soothing wave moved from her neck into her body. She calmed, her blood slowed its racing, and just like that, she was able to retract her fangs from the young man. He stumbled back in terror and opened his mouth to scream.

  “Silence!” Alexios said sharply, pointing to him. The young vampire quieted, looking up at Alexios with perplexed fear.

  Alexios whispered into Davina’s ear. “Project into his mind and make him forget this encounter. You can do it.”

  She leaned back into his chest and his guarding warmth.

  “Davina,” he prompted.

  She swallowed and stepped forward. The young man recoiled from her, and Davina found herself unable to meet his eyes. You do not feel well and will go home. You remember nothing else.

  He blinked a couple of times and stood up in confusion. “I’m sorry. I don’t feel well. I . . . I should go home,” he muttered and walked away.

  Davina sighed and leaned back into Alexios’ embrace.

  “Did you forget what I told you?” he said.

  She tilted her neck to look up at him, confused by his question.

  “You’re to take from no one but me,” Alexios said, his lips grazing her ear. She mumbled incoherently and he chuckled. “You did well. You were able to reign in your thirst. I’m proud of you.”

  She had, hadn’t she? Alexios’ embrace tightened, and she purred. His presence alleviated the stifling heat of want and repudiation that conflicted her soul. Her blood no longer roared in her ears demanding she take, take, take! It calmed as smoothly as tumultuous waves after a monsoon storm.

  “Should we go back?” Alexios asked.

  She nodded, lost in newfound contentment, basking in the reprieve that he had somehow settled upon her, a peace she had not experienced since waking up on the strange ship.

  Chapter 18

  After a couple of days, Davina had recovered from her near breakdown and felt more optimistic about the challenges she faced. She didn’t know what influence Alexios had over her, but being near him quieted the bubbling, desperate turmoil within her. Even her nightmares of fire and death that woke her panting were held at bay. She still yearned for blood but felt she could control her urges better. Now, she stood in the garden thinking about finding Lexi. They were to depart for Paristan in a few hours, and Davina was anxious. She hoped Lexi was still alive. She hoped Sandar was wrong and Lexi was not suffering.

  Sensing she was no longer alone, she stopped pacing near the bloodfalls and looked around cautiously. Behind the falls stood a hooded figure whose thin, pale hands beckoned to her. She made her way behind the falls, careful not to slip on the wet rocks.

  “Sandar?”

  “Davina. I have something for you.” Sandar’s gravelly voice echoed off the rocks. “It’s for your friend when you find her.” He unwrapped an object in his hand. It was a plain, grey stone. Davina looked at him unsure what to make of it.

  Sandar chuckled. “Don’t worry. Your friend will know what it is and how to use it.”

  “And you’re certain I’ll find her?” she said, hoping for assurance that his information was true.

  “Oh, yes. I’m sure you will. Your ties to your friend have preserved you thus far. And now those to your guardian will be essential for what’s to come.”

  “My guardian?” Speaking with this man left her with more questions than answers.

  Sandar looked at her quizzically. “Yes, your guardian. The anchor.” He sighed. “I'd assumed Tiamat had prepared you, but it seems she did not have the chance. She fled to Earth to find the guardian, the one who would be able to help you along your path. We searched the galaxies and divined that the guardian would be born on Earth. We were unsure of a human guardian, given their short lifespans.” He smiled. “But fate has a way of intervening.”

  “I don’t understand. Who is this guardian?”

  What was Sandar saying? Her mother went to Earth to find a human guardian? She never spoke about any human, and Davina’s royal guards were all damunaki.

  Sandar spoke like she was a child trying his patience. “Davina, you’ve already met your guardian. Hasn’t he revealed himself to you? Certainly, you should know by now through the bond.”

  She shook her head, exasperated. “You’re not making sense. I’ve met no humans here, and I’m certainly not bonded to one.” This man was giving her a headache and needed to stop talking in riddles!

  “Ah, I see,” he said, suddenly amused, his eyes swirling red and gold. “Seems you really do need my help.” He chuckled and disappeared.

  Argh! Davina growled and stomped her feet. The man was insufferable!

  ∞∞∞

  Alexios entered the coordinates for Paristan, also known as Planet Gia, into the computer and switched to autopilot. At maximum speed, they would arrive in fourteen hours. Marius had already made arrangements for their landing visas with the Gian station. Once docked, they would take a three-hour ferry to the island of Gastmouros, then a four-day ride in an all-terrain vehicle to the harsh mountain region of Faitain, where they planned to interview a prisoner—a ruse to gain access to the prison.

  Once inside, he wo
uld locate the fae and smuggle her out disguised as the prisoner they interviewed. Marius had spent considerable resources to gain access to the prison, and it was a hastily put together plan, but they had dealt with worse situations.

  Alexios sat back in his chair and sighed. In addition to the hasty plan, his ship had a stowaway. He had asked Brandr to join him and Davina, leaving Marius and Jason behind to gather intel on the location of his sire. But his youngest was intent on staying by his side.

  He would ignore Jason for now. Maybe it was for the best. Alexios didn’t want to take Davina to the prison; Jason could keep her safe on Gastmouros, or even on the ship, until they returned.

  Brandr had been reluctant to come as he didn’t particularly care about helping Davina. But the Viking could never turn down the possibility of a fight. Chuckling to himself, Alexios remembered their very first meeting on Earth.

  He and Marius had boarded a ship sailing toward the frigid northern lands. The captain was a degenerate who treated his men horribly and dealt in the slave trade. Alexios had already decided to kill the captain once they arrived at their destination. It had been cold and wet for days on end when there had been a commotion on the deck. The crew fished a man from the water—a shipwrecked Viking, by the looks of him. The man was enormous with bulging biceps and long, matted, golden hair. His eyes were the bluest Alexios had ever seen.

  Although he looked to have been in the sea for a while, he fought his captors valiantly. The captain laughed, hollering about the gold he would fetch for his find. This had enraged the sodden Viking, who fought with renewed vigor against the ropes and chains hurled at him. But his strength was failing. Soon, a sword pierced his shoulder, pinning him to the side of the ship. Alexios looked into the man’s eyes, full of hatred and rage, and Alexios knew he was his.

  Later that night, in the bowels of the ship, he visited the chained man and offered him a gift. At first, the golden-haired man cursed and spat. This amused Alexios and only increased his desire to gift the spirited warrior. Eventually, Brandr accepted the gift—after all, a life of slavery was no life at all. Together, Alexios, Brandr, and Marius had slaughtered the captain and the crew.