Darian smiled then laughed outright. His forest-green eyes sparked with delight as he gazed at her. Xavier kept quiet as he watched the two of them converse.
“I must admit, I didn’t think I would fall in love with you when I first decided to court you. I thought you would submit to me within a week’s time, but you’ve surprised me. You’re a most extraordinary woman, yes indeed, very extraordinary to resist my charm. I find myself leaning towards your needs and wants over my own desires. To answer your question, no, it doesn’t bother me to be in an exclusive relationship. I have known the pleasures of many, therefore, I do not feel the loss. I only want to share my bed with you, that is my only desire at this point,” Darian said seductively.
Natasha felt the heat and wetness gather between her legs. She fought the urge to squirm in her seat. She decided it would be a good time to change the subject. Remembering his last relationship, Natasha continued the conversation.
“You know Elise is pregnant, right?” She paused as Darian nodded. “Well, she called me and told me that she’s having twins. Isn’t that wonderful? I wonder if she’s going to have boys or girls or one of each!” she said excitedly.
Xavier chuckled. “I know that Sergio must be beaming with joy,” he stated matter of factly.
“Yeah, she said that he was. He’s waiting on her hand and foot, his Queen and mate. I’m so happy for them and they make a beautiful couple,” Natasha said then she looked at Darian. “Don’t you agree?”
“Of course I agree. I hope that you’re not asking my opinion out of jealousy,” Darian said as he met Natasha’s gaze.
“No! …No. I was just asking to see if you agreed, that’s all,” she said, it still amazed her just how well Darian could read people.
He was right, she knew that Elise and he had been lovers in the past, and maybe just the smallest hint of jealousy may have sparked the question. She knew full well that Darian would never go back to Elise, and the relationship that he'd had with her was strictly sexual as far as Darian was concerned, but she couldn’t help but ask anyway.
“Well, Elise said the morning sickness is the worse, it’s her first time being pregnant and she’s just as nervous as she is excited,” Natasha said.
“I’m sure she is. If she bares a daughter or daughters, then the position of the Pride’s Queen will be sealed. Her union with Sergio pleases her Pride, I’m sure.” Darian said calmly.
Natasha was beginning to wonder if they were truly happy for Elise and Sergio. “Why do you two seem less than thrilled?” she asked finally.
Both men looked at her and smiled.
“It has nothing to do with me. I’m pleased that Elise is happy finally. However, the fate of her Pride is of no concern to me,” Darian stated.
Xavier glanced at Darian then back to Natasha.
“I feel the same as Darian does. I have no direct impact on her Pride. But if they are happy that is all that matters,” he said.
Natasha looked at both men, sometimes the detachment of the vampires from all other beings concerned her. She didn’t expect them to feel as she felt, but she did expect them to feel. Perhaps they did feel, only they didn’t quite express their feelings the way that she did. Natasha knew that she needed to learn much more about vampires. She had been with them for eight months and she spent the last four months truly opening up to them and their lifestyles. She was still learning and it would take time for her to fully understand them.
“Darian, some of those things that you mentioned that were out of your reach… were any those the ability to eat food or have children?” Natasha asked curiously.
“Yes. Many years must pass, perhaps a millennia or two, before I would be able to taste one morsel of food,” Darian said. “Not that I’m terribly anticipating that aspect.”
“Do you ever miss it?” Natasha asked innocently. “Back in the restaurant, you said you missed food.”
“I said that I wished I could remember the taste of food. This is true. But I’ve learned from older vampires that the digestion of human food is far less desirable and enjoyable than one would expect. Let’s just say, I would rather take their word for it.”
“So you’d never eat human food if you had the chance?” Xavier asked.
Darian thought about his question seriously before answering. “I probably would, but I don’t believe I would make a habit of it.”
“Do you ever regret not being able to have children?” Natasha asked.
“At times, I do, but not often. If ever given the choice of mortality over my immortality, I would choose to remain as I am. The greatest thing that has ever happened to me was my immortality. So not being able to have children of my own is an unfortunate loss, but one I am willing to accept.”
Natasha nodded understanding what Darian’s life meant to him. He was very much like Xavier in that regard. Knowing they’d lost aspects of their humanity, but being content with what they had and appreciating it for all that it was worth. She listened to Darian as he continued.
“Natasha, I have seen empires rise and fall. I have witnessed new generations of mankind emerge time and time again. I’ve seen wars form nations. I’ve witnessed natural and unnatural calamities both destroy and rebuild civilizations. I’ve even seen fashions transform and thankfully, for the better. What I’m trying to say is that I have no regrets. Once my Maker explained to me what I would have to sacrifice to become what I am, I accepted my losses along with everything that I gained.”
“I understand now. So I take it you like today’s fashions better?” Natasha asked.
“Yes. The fashion of today is more to my liking. If I cannot wear my togas, then I would prefer to wear what I am wearing,” Darian said as he reminisced on the multitude of fashions of the past.
“You mean to tell me you didn’t relish the lacy fashions of the romantic Victorian era?” Xavier joked.
“Oh! Heavens no.” Darian grimaced, appalled by the memory. “I detested the fashions of those times. The silk and velvet brocade and lacy, ruffled shirts, stockings with buckled boots,” he stated vehemently. “And the fashions of the fifteenth century were no better.” An expression of disgust flashed across his face causing Xavier and Natasha to laugh.
“In my opinion, the fashions did not improve until the middle eighteen hundreds and during the time of the cowboys. I did enjoy wearing chaps and spurred boots,” he said chuckling.
“I find it hard to imagine you in a pair of chaps and spurred boots, but I bet you looked very sexy,” Natasha said, trying to get a mental picture of what he would have looked like.
Darian nodded. “Of course I did.”
Natasha smirked.
“You’re almost too modest, you should learn how to gloat more,” she said sarcastically causing both of her men to laugh aloud.
She gazed lovingly at Darian, he intrigued her more than any man she had ever met. That he had been alive for over sixteen hundred years still baffled her, as she was sure it amazed Xavier. She wanted to know so much about his life. She had asked questions in the past and found that he was an athlete during his human years. She was tickled to find that fact out, but it made perfect sense to her. She had been racking her brain trying to figure out how Darian got his wonderful physique. His body was a beautiful work of art; sculptured muscles and bone structure. He was a natural masterpiece, there was no denying it.
Natasha believed that his appearance was one of the reasons why he was so conceited. She could just imagine how much he must have been lusted after in his human years; she could see it now in this day and age. Whenever she went out with them, people looked at her, but they stared at Xavier and Darian. Even when they were at the restaurant that night, people were looking at them. Lust-filled gazes were directed at Darian and Xavier. Sometimes she became jealous of this attention, but then she reminded herself that they were with her and by their own choice, and the thought made her feel better.
“Darian, do you have any pictures or portraits of yourself?”
Natasha asked genuinely interested.
Darian chuckled. “Yes I do.”
“Would you mind showing them to me when we get home?” Natasha asked
Darian nodded. “Not at all. You do realize that I’m going to want to see photographs of you as well.”
Xavier pouted playfully. “I see you’re not interested in any photos of me,” he said, pretending to be disappointed.
“Oh stop it. You know I want to see your photos. The good thing about you is that you should have baby photos,” Natasha said excitedly.
Xavier chuckled. “Only one and it’s worn, but I will show it to you.”
“Good. I can’t wait.” Natasha grinned in anticipation.
As they rode in the limousine she listened to Darian’s philosophy on human behavior and Xavier’s opinion on mankind, some of which she both agreed and disagreed with.
“So you believe that some philosophers were wrong in thinking that?” she asked Darian.
“I do, from what I can deduce. Some philosophers or so-called experts believe that the main reasoning for all things was based on sexual lust. I believe that fear, love or infatuationhowever you want to look at it--as well as primal greed and necessity are all contributing factors which bring about both positive and negative reactions and events in a person’s life which also lays the foundation for their history. Therefore, I do not agree with every human theology. It is true that most human behaviors have been diagnosed correctly by human doctors, but bear with me on this issue,” Darian said as he leaned forward.
Xavier watched him closely, giving him his full attention. Natasha was anxious to hear his point.
“How many times have you listened to the opinion of the so-called qualified and decided that person had not the slightest inkling of what he or she were babbling about?” he asked simply. Both Xavier and Natasha laughed outright.
“It’s true! I have had so many teachers that have their opinions about this or that, and we’ve had so many disagreements,” Natasha stated still chuckling.
“This is because mankind is fallible. Therefore nothing can ever be concrete. Humans hold true to whatever makes the most sense at that time until something more logical comes along and even then, they may violently reject the new knowledge because it forces them to change. To change their way of thinking, of doing things and their beliefs… history has proven this.” Darian chuckled.
“In all honesty, humans are practical creatures and they are always searching for a rational explanation to all things which is why I believe supernaturals have been able to exist and flourish, for the most part, undetected over the centuries,” Darian said as he watched their facial expressions reflect humor.
“Why do I always feel like I’m being schooled when you get into these moods,” Xavier said.
“Because you are,” Darian retorted.
“Ancient, wise Darian, let us not get too philosophical tonight,” Xavier said with a chuckle.
Natasha was slightly disappointed, she had been most intrigued by Darian’s insight and wanted to hear more. But she imagined that Xavier had heard his opinions time and time again. No doubt, he needed a break. Before she forgot, she requested the limousine driver make a stop by her apartment. She wanted to pick up her photo album. She regretted waiting so late to do so, the driver had to detour in order to take her home. Natasha apologized for the inconvenience, but the driver told her there was no need. He drove to her apartment and she collected her photo album so that they could spend the night sharing memories. Darian and Xavier waited patiently in the limo until she returned carrying a large, black, leather-bound photo album with gold lettering. On their way back to the mansion, Darian looked at Natasha then his eyes trailed to the photo album in her hands.
“I can hardly wait. Why don’t you start now,” he suggested anxiously
“Dang, breathe back,” Natasha teased as she clutched the photo album closer to her chest.
“Awe, come on, Tasha, don’t tease a teaser. You won’t like the retribution,” Xavier threatened playfully.
“Is that a threat?” Natasha asked coyly.
“No, just a warning. I can be a very... ,” Xavier moved closer to Natasha, sliding his fingertips up her inner thigh tickling her. “...Big tease,” he whispered seductively into her ear, causing her to gasp slightly.
Darian smiled and inched closer leaning towards her neck, his tongue flicking out to taste her flesh. Her body trembled as he gently nibbled her ear.
“I taught him everything he knows,” he whispered softly.
Natasha could feel the heat rise in her body like a fever. She had to close her legs to keep Xavier’s hand from venturing any further.
“I can tell that you want me to be naughty. I can sense it... smell it.” Xavier’s breathing quickened. “The air is so thick with your desire, I can taste it.”
Natasha whimpered softly. Her heart began to pound within her chest, her breath began to accelerate. She shoved the photo album at Darian and pressed her hands in her lap. She looked downward, trying to regain her composure which was becoming more difficult when she was in their company. The two men in her life seduced her constantly, and, as it was, their seductions were not unwanted or undesired. She loved them and wanted them as much as they wanted her.
“Oh,” Darian began, looking at the photo album now in his possession. “I almost forgot what started all of this.” He chuckled then settled back into the leather cushions of the limousine and opened the photo album.
Xavier’s eyes were focused on Natasha, watching her as she attempted to control her emotions. He loved her dearly like Darian. He had never met a female who was similar to Natasha. She intrigued him, but more than that, she made him happy and being with her rekindled the human part of him that he had forgotten. He respected her courage, her honesty and above all, her genuine loyalty. He was more than delighted that she was his and Darian’s.
Xavier sat back thinking about the beginning of their relationship. Although, Darian was the wisest of them all, he was also the most cynical. When Darian decided to court Natasha along with himself, he immediately started noticing the subtle changes in his lover and Master. He would do things for Natasha simply because he knew she wanted them done, such as drinking Synblood, even when Darian had not touched the alternative sustenance outside of Tony’s signature drinks at his club, Desires Unleashed. Even those were rare occasions, as he preferred his personal drinks be served with real blood. He didn’t mind that Darian extended himself to please Natasha.
Even though he was loyal to Darian and loved him with all his heart, he had to admit to himself that he liked the new Darian even more. He wanted him to open up more to the world, he knew that Darian had seen many things come to pass time and time again, but he believed that eternal life always brought something new. If one chose to ignore it, what could eternity offer? Not that Xavier thought Darian let the little things in life pass him by. Darian was very aware of what was going on in the world, but Xavier did want him to embrace more of what humanity had to offer. He was thrilled that his lover was doing so now and he really had to credit Darian’s new outlook to Natasha.
Natasha watched as Darian look at the pictures in the photo album. His eyes scanned over the photos as if he were memorizing every detail, which he was.
Xavier leaned closer so that he could view the album as well. He chuckled when he saw a picture of Natasha as a baby with a pamper over her head. His hand extended and a long finger and pointed at the photo as he looked at Natasha.
“What was happening here in this photo?” he asked, still chuckling.
“Hold on, let me turn on this light.”
Natasha switched on the light then looked to see which photo he was referring to, she laughed. “Oh! That one.”
Darian watched her closely, smiling.
“My Mom took that picture when I was four months old. She said that she was changing my pamper and she walked away to get the baby power. Seconds later, she heard me screaming.
Naturally she came running into the room, only to see that I had pulled the pamper over my head and scared myself,” Natasha said.
She began to laugh harder as she imagined the situation.
“You look positively adorable,” Darian said sweetly.
Natasha blushed.
They continued to flip through the photo album, both men asking questions about the photos in the album that struck their interest. They now knew what Natasha's family members looked like and how close she was with each member photographed. Both men were pleased with the new information. They felt even closer to Natasha now.
Chapter Three
The limousine pulled in front of the mansion and Natasha, Darian, and Xavier climbed out. Billy opened the door, nodding respectively to Darian as they passed by.
Once they were inside the mansion, Natasha playfully reminded her companions of the deal they made in the car.
“I want to see pictures, portraits and sketches.”
“As you wish,” Darian said with a gentlemanly bow. “Follow me,” he told them, as he turned to lead the way.
They came to a room with double fireproof doors. Using telekinesis, he unlocked the doors and turned on the lights. Xavier, being the last to enter the room, closed the doors behind them.
“How did you do that?” Natasha asked, amazed by Darian’s skill.
He turned around to face her.
“Because I am very old and very skilled, there are many things that I am able to do,” he said, not willing to delve into the details of his vast abilities.
Natasha didn’t want to press the matter. She believed he would tell her when he felt the time was right. Darian walked towards the other side of the room where some canvases lay against the wall covered by white sheets. Both Xavier and Natasha walked closer to the canvases as Darian slowly pulled the sheets away. A beautiful painting was revealed of him lying naked on a red, velvet cushioned pillow. His long, wavy, jet black hair fell in luxurious locks on his chest. His remarkable forest-green eyes stared forward as if he could see though the painting. He was breathtaking. His body was beautiful and for a man of sixteen hundred-plus years, he was well endowed. Natasha didn’t think a man from that time would be that “gifted”, so to speak, in the manhood department. She had only seen Darian fully nude on one other occasion.
The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) Page 4
