The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three))

by Simmons, D. N.

  “Follow me.” He led her to the den where everyone was gathered. Darian was on his cell phone again, making another telephone call.

  Miranda greeted everyone, before walking over to Elise. “Daniel is waiting in the car to take you back home and Darian’s coven is already there.”

  “Very good,” Elise rose from the chair, aided by Sergio. She turned to everyone in the room. “Be safe.” She looked at Natasha. “Come on, it’s time to go.”

  Natasha nodded. She walked over to Xavier, he rose from his chair and took her into his arms, kissing her deeply. Reluctantly, they released each other. “I love you,” each said to the other in unison. Releasing Xavier, she made her way over to Darian, kissing him as well. “I love you, too. Please come back to me.”

  “That is the plan. I love you and you needn’t worry, my dear,” Darian whispered, reassuringly. Natasha smiled and quivered slightly as the effects of his seductive voice flowed over her. He released her, smiling at her. “Go with Elise, now.”

  Natasha blew Darian and Xavier one last kiss, then followed Elise out of the front door. They climbed into the car, Daniel sat behind the wheel. Darian, Sergio and Xavier watched the car pull away, heading down the driveway.

  “Darian?” Xavier began.

  Darian turned towards him. “Yes. I do,” he answered his unasked question.

  Xavier nodded slowly; he now knew that Darian would have to pay Homage to his Master. He was excited to finally have a chance to meet Kysen, though he was a bit uncertain as to how Darian felt about the upcoming reunion. He knew very little of Kysen, only the few tales that Darian had told him. He didn’t know what the Master vampire really looked like, or much of anything else. In spite of all of the chaos, he was thrilled to be meeting the vampire who made Darian over sixteen hundred years ago.

  “You do understand. I do not want Natasha to know,” Darian stated.

  Xavier nodded. Darian mentally contacted Gary to inform him that they were on their way and for him to remain steadfast and silent about their arrival.

  “I do believe that we are ready. Those who are leaving with us may stay. The rest of you will go with Elise,” Xander said. The rest of the Pack started to leave the mansion, heading towards Elise’s home.

  Matthew looked at Warren. “I’m going to go home, Warren.”

  “Nonsense. You will go with the others where you will be safe. Warren has chosen you, consider yourself family,” Tatiana said. She took Matthew by the arm.

  “I don’t want to impose,” Matthew said.

  “Don’t worry, you aren’t imposing,” Tatiana said with a giggle.

  She didn’t say it out loud, but she was overjoyed that they had Safe Passage. The thought of there being a war frightened her. Now she could rest easy knowing they could enter the territory safely.

  “Thank you,” Matthew said.

  “Come on, Matt. You need to be going with the others.” Warren walked him to the front door and kissed him passionately before watching him drive away with the rest of his Pack.

  When Warren walked back into the den, he looked around. Tatiana was sitting beside her husband. Adrian, Nagesa, and Justin sat on one sofa. Sergio, Devin and Miranda sat on the chairs. Xavier, Tony and Darian sat on the other sofa that connected to the first one in an “L” formation. Warren sat down beside Justin and listened as Darian discussed the traveling arrangement.

  “I have contacted my pilot; we’ll be taking my plane. There is a private airstrip not far from our destination. We’ll land there and wait for sunset. Before we can complete the rescue attempt, I have to visit my Master,” Darian said to the others. “And fortunately for us, he is also close to our destination, mainly because of the seclusion.”

  “It shouldn’t take us too long to get there, why can’t we just attack tonight?” Devin asked. Justin nodded in agreement.

  “The soon-to-be rising sun takes us out of the mix. It’ll be day by the time we get there,” Tony said.

  “Exactly, I and my coven will be resting. Therefore, you mustn’t make any moves until sunset.”

  “But we should attack during the day, they won’t expect it. Tomorrow is the Lunar! We’re running out of time,” Justin said anxiously. “If you’re resting, then the Master vampire should be resting and we can get in and get out without anyone having to lose their life, right?” he asked innocently.

  “There are many things you must learn about proper etiquette to exhibit when visiting another’s territory. Even with shape-shifters, one's territory is coveted. You do not disrespect the leader of that territory,” Xander enlightened the younger wolf.

  Justin looked at his Pack Alpha and nodded, letting him know he understood even if he didn’t want to agree for the sake of saving their friends. He didn’t like all of the obstacles they were facing and not being able to attack during the day was one of them.

  “Besides,” Xavier began. “Attempting to infiltrate another vampires territory without permission or paying Homage will only bring on their wrath. It may result in a loss of life and we don’t need that right now.” He looked at Darian. “We should leave now.”

  Darian nodded, and turned towards the others. “I would not suggest infiltration on Kysen’s land. He is old enough and strong enough to not be hindered by the sun.”

  Everyone in the room, with the exception of Xander sat there staring open-mouthed at Darian, their brains contemplating a vampire so strong, so old that he was no longer affected by the sun. Xander was amazed as well, but he held his emotions in check.

  Xavier only stared at Darian, but his mind swooned with the wondrous thought. What a pleasure it must be to look at the sun, feel its rays upon your face and not have to fear its heat. He was simply astonished.

  “Don’t worry, we will watch over you while you rest,” Xander said, breaking the silence, bringing the others out of their state of shock.

  “Thank you,” Darian said.

  They discussed other matters involving their infiltration while they waited patiently for Darian to complete their travel arrangements. Once information was received that everything was finally ready for their departure, Darian announced to the others that they could leave.

  Adrian rose from his seat and looked down at his father, who was still sitting.

  “Dad, should we bring weapons?” he asked

  “That won’t be necessary. We will not make it to our destination before the full Lunar,” Xander said as he rose from his chair, his hand extended to his wife, who slid hers into his. He aided her out of the chair. Everyone left the mansion in a single file line, heading towards the SUVs that awaited them.

  “Wait, let me check these fucking SUVs before we get in,” Sergio said.

  “Good idea!” Devin replied.

  Both men quickly inspected the two SUVs that they would be taking to Darian’s airplane.

  They looked the under the hood and at the undercarriage of the trucks.

  “They’reokay,” Sergio declared as both he and Devin slid from under the two Sidewinders. He looked at Darian. “Are you sure your plane’s been thoroughly inspected? I’m not looking forward to blowing up in a ball of fire fifteen thousand feet in the air.”

  Darian smirked as he climbed into one of the trucks. “I assure you that won’t happen.”

  “All right, then,” Sergio climbed into the truck with Darian along with Xavier, Xander, Tatiana, and Nagesa.

  Adrian, Warren, Devin, Tony, Justin, and Miranda climbed into the other. Warren and Xander drove for an hour until they reached Darian’s enormous private plane.

  “Jesus!” exclaimed Justin and Devin in unison as they gazed at the extremely large private aircraft.

  “That is the size of a commercial jet, you know,” Devin stated in awe.

  “Yeah, I know,” Warren said with a chuckle, throwing a glance at Tony, who had slipped into his resting state already. “He’s out of it.” He put the truck in park, turning off the engine.

  “The sun is rising and we have to
get him on the plane right now. I thought vampires only slept as soon as the sun rose over the horizon, I wonder if Darian and Xavier are still awake?” Adrian said thoughtfully. He looked at the early morning sky. The coming day had turned the sky’s horizon a purplish-blue. He looked over at the other SUV and could clearly see the two vampires were wide awake. “Ah, well, there’s the answer to my question.”

  Darian and the others climbed out of the SUV. He walked over to the other SUV, peeking inside and saw Tony resting on the leather seats. He chuckled as he opened the door, leaned inside and scooped Tony into his arms.

  “Let’s go,” he said.

  They began walking towards the huge jet. Human servants stood on the portable staircase to usher them on board.

  “Master, everything is as you requested,” the human servant informed Darian.

  “Excellent.” Darian was the first to enter the airplane, followed by the others.

  “Wow, this is amazing!” Devin said excitedly.

  “Tell me about it,” Justin added enthusiastically.

  Darian chuckled as he watched them inspecting his airplane. He turned towards Xander. “We should arrive in Great Falls, Montana in three to four hours.”

  “Good.” Xander watched the others find comfortable seats.

  His wife lay sprawled on the sofa, gazing back at him. He smiled, turning back to Darian. “I want you to know that I greatly appreciate whatever sacrifice you’ve had to make for our Safe Passage.”

  Darian returned his smile. “I only did what was necessary.”

  “Ah, but there is more to it than that. I just want you to know that I am eternally grateful.”

  “You’re welcome,” Darian said.

  He walked past the lounging shape-shifters into the last room on the airplane. Xavier was the last to enter the room, making sure to close the door behind him. Darian laid Tony’s resting body on the sofa then walked towards the bed. He slid back the covers, gazing up at Xavier who was watching him from across the room.

  “Come here,” Darian whispered seductively.

  Xavier smiled as he walked towards the bed. He slid off his shoes, climbing under the sheets, sliding over to Darian, who wrapped his arms around him, bringing him closer.

  “What kind of Homage do you think you’ll have to pay?” Xavier asked.

  He felt his own body undergoing the effects of the sun. His limbs grew heavy and his muscles relaxed even more.

  “I haven’t seen Kysen in over eight-hundred years, no doubt he’s bitter. On that account I have wronged him, though I had my own reasons,” Darian admitted.

  Xavier jerked, staring at Darian in awe.

  “What?” Darian asked curiously.

  “I just never really heard you admit outright that you were wrong about anything.”

  Darian chuckled deeply. The sound of his voice sent tingles down Xavier’s spine. He pressed himself closer to Darian and both men could feel the coolness creeping into their bodies. Darian gathered him closer, resting his cheek on Xavier’s head.

  “I seem to be doing a lot of that lately,” he said.

  “I like it,” Xavier whispered seductively. “The great Darian Alexander is not perfect after all,” he teased.

  Another chuckle from Darian. “So it would seem, my love.” He kissed the top of Xavier’s head as he closed his eyes letting the rise of the sun put him to rest.

  ‘

  Chapter Twelve

  One of the human servants walked over to Xander, bowing slightly. “We are here to serve you as was our Master’s orders,” he said as he held a pen and paper, ready to take their orders.

  “This is wonderful… may I have your name?” Xander asked.

  “Yes sir, my name is Morgan,” the servant replied.

  Xander nodded, he introduced himself as did the others.

  “What may I get for you?” Morgan asked.

  “Do you mean we can order whatever we want?” Justin asked excitedly.

  “Yes sir. We have an assortment of cuisine specifically catered for you. It was our Master’s orders,” Morgan repeated.

  “Holy shit, it’s like a restaurant in the sky. Man! We don’t have service like this on our plane. We have to fend for ourselves and shit,” Devin said with a chuckle.

  “Yeah, we don’t either. I mean, Xander has this kick-ass plane, but it’s nothing like this. This looks like a penthouse hotel suite in the sky!” Justin said enthusiastically, as he gazed at the five large plasma screen televisions that were mounted on the walls throughout the plane’s interior. Justin lounged on the soft, comfortable suede sofas that embellished the plane along with the thick dark gray carpeted floor.

  “Enough you two,” Tatiana reprimanded. Both Devin and Justin calmed down. She looked at her husband, who chuckled. “One would think the two of you have never been on a private plane before.”

  “Sorry,” they apologized in unison.

  “Christ! That’s been happening all fucking night! You two are starting to creep me the fuck out. What are you, twins separated at birth?” Sergio said, referring to Justin and Devin's duel personalities and uncannily timely responses.

  “Well, we just clicked, I suppose.” Devin said smiling. “Okay, I’m hungry.” He told Morgan what he wanted. “Can I have that?”

  “Yes, sir.” The human servant jotted down the first older.

  “Oh, this is just too cool!” Devin smiled as he settled back against the cushions.

  The human servant finished writing down everyone’s request. “So, that will be sixteen servings of twenty-six-ounce steaks, twelve servings of the western omelets, fourteen pounds of hash browns, four gallons of orange juice, two gallons of milk, four servings of grits with cheese and twenty four apple pancakes. Will this complete everyone orders?” he asked, somewhat out of breath. Everyone sat quietly, thinking about the upcoming meal.

  “That will be enough, Morgan. Thank you,” Xander said.

  “If there is anything else that I may get for you, please do not hesitate to ask,” Morgan said with a bow. He went into the galley, handing the orders to the chef.

  “I can’t believe this shit,” Adrian said shaking his head. “He must really live in the lap of luxury.”

  “Darian does,” Warren stated.

  “No wonder,” Justin said, still tickled by the restaurant-style service.

  Warren walked over to Adrian who was sitting by the window. He sat down beside him.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  Adrian turned toward him. “A little better… considering. Look, just tell me one thing… why him?”

  Warren thought about his answer before speaking. “Because I love him. With us, Adrian, we were too much alike and you were overbearingoverwhelming even. I mean, how many times did we argue about who’s going to top?”

  Adrian chuckled softly. “Too many times to keep track.”

  “Exactly. I was tired of that even before it got old. You need someone who’s going to be exactly what you need them to be to complete you. I’m not that person, never was. It was just time for one of us to make the right move. I needed more stability and my own role in a relationship.”

  Adrian looked at Warren for a few seconds, taking in what he said. “So you felt suffocated?”

  “Not all the time, but there were times when I did,” Warren paused a few seconds before continuing. “The sex was amazing, there’s no denying that factor, probably the reason why I procrastinated breaking up with you. But even great sex shouldn’t be a reason to hang on to a doomed relationship. And I think because we’re best friends we have had some good times. However, I think we both know that we would be cheating each other and ourselves if we continued the way we were. I love you still, that will never change but we both need someone completely for us.”

  Adrian smiled sadly. “I would be lying if I said I’m not jealous. My ego’s a bit bruised… shit, it’s a whole lotta bruised. I would have never thought I’d be replaced by a human. It stings still
, but I’ll give Matthew the benefit of the doubt. He’s got to have big brass balls to have hung around you all this time knowing what you are. And I’ve never told you this, but I respected him for not squealing on you to the government.”

  Warren nodded. “Yeah, he’s honorable that way.”

  Adrian chuckled. “Not to mention, the guys got to have some skills being your partner and all. I’m surprised his still alive.”

  “Hey, you’re the dangerous one, Mr. Enforcer,” Warren teased.

  “Damn right!” Adrian gazed into Warren’s soft gray eyes, then, leaning over, he kissed him gently on the lips savoring the sensation. Warren didn’t resist as he enjoyed the last passionate kiss the two would share. Adrian pulled away, his eyes opening.

  “I love you, too. If this human is who you truly want, then I won’t stand in your way. I’d hate to lose your friendship… it’s too precious to me. But if you ever get tired of him-”

  “Adrian... shut up,” Warren said playfully.

  “I’m just saying,” Adrian smiled.

  Both men chuckled and began talking about other topics, patching up the open wound caused by Warren breaking off their relationship.

  “That’s wonderful and a relief,” Xander whispered to his wife as he noticed Warren and Adrian speaking to each other as friends once again.

  Tatiana looked at both men and smiled. “Good, I knew that we raised sensible boys.”

  “Sensible boys who grew up to be sensible, strong men. Now, I’m not quite sure what to think about those two,” Xander said chuckling.

  He gestured to Devin and Justin who were now playing a game of poker with Sergio and Nagesa as they waited for the food to arrive. They were all waiting for the food and the succulent aroma wafting from the kitchen assailed their nostrils causing their stomachs to grumble.