“Looks like our little Justin has found a friend,” Tatiana mused.
Xander observed his wife looking at the leopard and their fellow wolf. He smiled to himself.
“Sweetheart?” he asked softly.
“Yes?” she answered.
Xander chuckled. “When all of this is behind us, I want to take you on a second honeymoon, just you and I.”
Tatiana’s face lit up. “I would like that.”
She embraced Xander, kissing him passionately. When she pulled away, she was grinning even wider than before. “I agree that we need to take a little time for ourselves, I can’t wait.”
“Nor can I,” Xander agreed.
“Royal Flush, I’ll be taking that,” Devin said as he exposed his hand to the men at the table. He snatched up the hundred dollars that had accumulated in the gamble.
“You’re lucky this is poker because I’m a killer in Black Jack,” Justin bragged.
“Yeah, well this ain’t Black JackJack and I’ve got to get paid,” Devin teased.
Justin laughed. “You’ve got to teach me the tricks of the trade. I just learned this game last year. Nagesa taught me, he beats me every time.”
“You need another teacher,” Devin laughed. “Nagesa lost three hands in a row. Ya’ll need to step up your game.”
“I can’t stand a shit-talker,” Sergio said.
“Hey, don’t be that way. Listen, you’ll get better one day, just not while you’re playing against moi,” Devin taunted.
“Ha-ha. So funny,” Justin smirked.
Everyone looked toward the opening door when they smelled the aroma of food coming closer.
“Oh great! The food is here,” Justin announced as the four severs brought the food into the room.
They sat the platters of steaks, pancakes, omelets, hash browns and grits on the huge table and returned with clean plates, silverware, the gallons of milk and orange juice. The shape-shifters approached the table, some stared at the food eagerly.
Xander walked towards the table, he turned to the servers thanking them for the service. They bowed and left. He turned, facing the others. “Let us form a line. There is no need to rush the table like a pack of wild animals.”
Quickly, the shape-shifters formed a single line, plates in hands. Xander prepared his wife’s plate and then his own before clearing the way for the others. The plane filled with noises of silverware scraping plates, lips smacking, sounds of throats swallowing, teeth chewing and fingers being licked. Within fifteen minutes, their plates were clean and their bellies, full. The human servants returned to see if they needed anything else and were surprise to find that all of the food was gone. Xander told them that they were all satisfied and that they would call if they were needed. The servants nodded, cleaned up the dishes and left.
“Oh, I’m so full right now, but I’ll be ready to eat again in about two hours,” Devin said with a chuckle.
“You and me, both,” Justin agreed.
“I hope you two exchanged phone numbers with all this damn talking you’re doing,” Sergio teased.
“Not yet,” Devin said, “but I think we will.”
Sergio chuckled. “Ahh, I miss my woman,” he said aloud to himself as he stretched his long form.
“I miss my man,” Devin stated.
“Even if he were here, you’d still be missing him,” Sergio said.
“Shut up!” Devin said, faking anger. “That doesn’t matter, because when he is awake there is never a dull moment.”
“Egh, that’s a little too much information for my taste,” Sergio said with a grimace.
Xander chuckled. “My sentiments exactly.”
“What?” Devin asked, looking at both Xander and Sergio. “I’m just saying that I have a lot of fun when I’m around him. We have a lot in common and I love being around him.”
“Is that it?” Sergio asked. “Well, for once your mind wasn’t in the proverbial gutter.”
“No, but clearly yours was,” Devin retorted.
“I hope that this vampire doesn’t go back on his word,” Nagesa stated. Everyone turned, looking at him. He was normally very quiet, and spoke only when he had something to say. Whatever the case, when he did speak, it was always relevant.
“We all hope that this Master vampire is an honorable one. It is true that not all vampires are honorable, as it is true with all beings. Let us hope that Darian knows his Master well,” Xander said thoughtfully.
“I wonder what he looks like,” Devin pondered.
“I know what you mean. I have never seen an ugly vampire. And that guy, Darian, is too fucking good looking for his own good! I can’t wait to see what his Master looks like,” Justin said enthusiastically.
“That’s because vampires are vain, at least, that’s how I see it,” Sergio stated sarcastically. “God forbid they grant immortality to anyone less pretty than themselves.”
“You may be right. Man! I couldn’t believe my ears when Darian said that this vampire was stronger than him. All I kept thinking was; ‘we’re so fucking dead’ I mean, Darian is so powerful!” Devin stated.
“I agree,” Miranda said. Everyone turned, looking at her. “When we were in Russia, I was amazed by Xavier’s power, but I’m completely taken by Darian’s. I believe that he is only using a fraction of his. Am I the only one who has felt his aura?” she asked.
“No, I think we’ve all felt it. I know that I’m not ashamed to say that he scares the hell out of me. I’m just glad that he’s on our side,” Justin said.
“When he killed that assassin back at the mansion, you know, after that thing that happened with Xavier… I was frozen by his aura, I mean too scared to move, I didn’t want to attract attention to myself,” Devin said.
“Is that why you are all worried? Because we have all sensed a fraction of Darian’s power; now we go to meet his Master who we know nothing about?” Warren asked.
“Well, that’s part of it,” Justin said. “I don’t want to die and if Darian can’t beat this guy, then we might be in deep shit if this vampire decides to renege.”
“Let us not fret over what has not come to pass. We have and hour and a half remaining before we land. Then, we must stay on the plane until nightfall. We should all be getting some much needed rest,” Xander said, all agreed.
“Now that you mention sleep, I realize that I am tired,” Justin acknowledged as if he was declaring a revelation.
“Then go to sleep,” Tatiana said with a chuckle.
Everyone settled on the soft sofas. Xander held his wife in his arms as they drifted off to sleep. Within the hour, everyone was fast asleep as time passed until sunset.
Chapter Thirteen
Natasha rolled over on the comfortable bed, shielding her eyes from the bright rays of the sun shining through the window. After a few moments, her eyes adjusted to the sun-lit sky. She blinked several times before looking at the alarm clock on top of the night stand. The time was 1:12 in the afternoon, her body felt completely rested, but now she was beginning to feel the first pangs of hunger. She climbed out of the bed, Elise had loaned her a silk pink pajama shorts and tank-top set. Natasha had teased Elise when she gave her the pajama set, saying that everything she owned was pink. Elise had thought it funny, but still protested. She did have clothing in other colors, just not many. After making use of the bathroom facilities, she slipped on her satin bathrobe before heading toward the aroma of food cooking which led her to the kitchen. Peeking in, she saw it was packed with people preparing the afternoon meal.
“Hey, finally awake, eh? Do you like porterhouse steak and hash browns with vegetables? Does that sound good?” Daniel asked Natasha as he flipped over the steaks.
“Y-yeah, that sounds great. Thanks,” Natasha said graciously. “Do you need any help?”
“Nope, I’ve got everything under control, don’t worry.”
“Okay, well, I’m going to go and find Elise. Let me know when that delicious smelling food is done,”
Natasha said before turning to leave.
“Will do,” Daniel replied.
Natasha gave greetings to the other shape-shifters walking down the hallway. Everyone appeared to be anxious. There were several different conversations going on at one time concerning the group who flew to Montana. Natasha couldn’t blame them for being nervous; it was on her mind as well. Not only was she worried about Darian’s Master, but she was highly concerned about the mortals that had to be dealt with. She located Elise in the den, which was also packed with shape-shifters as the vampires were still resting.
“Good afternoon, Natasha,” Elise greeted her when she entered.
One of the male shifters, Christian, from Xander’s pack rose from his seat, offering it to Natasha.
“Thank you, I really appreciate this,” she said as she sat down.
“Don’t mention it. What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t offer a lady a seat?” Christian said, before finding a spot on the thick carpeted floor.
Natasha smiled as she moved her chair closer to Elise.
“I can see that you’re worried by the look in your eyes,” Elise stated.
“I know that you have to be just as worried as I am,” Natasha replied.
“I am,” Elise confessed. “But I can’t let it get the best of me. I have to think about my Pride and pray that everyone returns safely. Darian was able to get them Safe Passage and I have faith in our families, that they can save the others and return by tomorrow night.”
Natasha contemplated what Elise said and nodded. “You’re right. Elise?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think that Darian’s Master ordered him to pay Homage?” Natasha asked.
Elise remained quiet for a few seconds, considering her answer. She thought about the time when Xavier had to pay Homage to the vampire Master in Russia, before they were allowed to enter. “I don’t know. What do you think?”
Natasha shrugged. “I’m not sure. The way Darian described Kysen, you know, being so ruthless and all. There’s no telling what a man like that would demand. I mean, think about it. This guy owns all of Montana, how selfish do you have to be to lay claim on an entire state?”
Elise tilted her head slightly, her lips pursed as she considered what Natasha said.
“Hmm, I would not go as far as to say that this vampire’s intentions are entirely based on selfishness. As it goes with territory, one must be ruthless or else you would be challenged every day. This man is extremely powerful and therefore, it might be that he feels he can control the entire state, thus warning off all those who would seek to challenge him. Apparently, there are no shape-shifters in the area either.”
“He wants to be the one true ruler of that territory?” Natasha asked.
“That is how I see it,” Elise said.
Natasha thought a little longer about the meaning of Homage, how it was explained to her. She remembered what Xavier and John had told her about it. She remembered them saying that sometimes the Master may require some sort of entertainment, blood or sex, sometimes even all three. Whatever the case, Natasha decided that Darian would do whatever was necessary to save lives, and she would not question his methods. She would only believe in him and trust him. She smiled to herself, and then looked at Elise who had been watching her.
“What are you thinking?” Elise asked
“I was thinking about them and how proud I am of them. I think ‘proud’ is an understatement, but I can’t think of a better word to express my feelings,” Natasha said.
“I know exactly how you feel. They are doing what must be done,” Elise said then yelped. “Ooh! There was a little stirring.” She placed her hand on the bulge on her stomach.
Natasha’s eyes lit up as she realized that Elise’s babies were moving inside of her. “May I feel?” she asked softly.
“Of course,” Elise took Natasha’s hand into her own and placed her palm on her stomach where the babies were moving.
Natasha waited, feeling the babies stir, a look of surprise flashed on her face.
Her eyes widen and her mouth became a perfect O. “Oh my God that is so amazing! Oh Elise, you must be so happy!”
Elise chuckled. “I am. You should see Sergio; he’s just as bad now as he was when Madeleine was pregnant with Sebastian. If he had his way, he’d never let me leave the bed,” she giggled.
“Are you nervous about giving birth?” Natasha asked.
She looked at the other shape-shifters in the room. Some were watching television, others were talking amongst themselves. Only a few were watching them. Daniel walked into the den carrying two plates. Well, one was a plate, the othera platter. He walked towards Natasha, handing her the plate with one porterhouse steak and two scrambled eggs with cheese and a side of toast with strawberry jelly and hash browns.
“There you go. I hope that’s enough,” Daniel said.
Natasha looked at the huge meal, then back up at Daniel.
“Oh I don’t know. I think I need about six more steaks,” she joked.
Daniel chuckled. “First finish what you have on your plate,” he teased.
Natasha chuckled. “Thank you, Daniel.”
“Don’t mention it,” he said, leaving with his platter.
Natasha began cutting her steak into numerous bite-size portions. Elise giggled as she watched her eat.
“What’s so funny?” she managed to asked once she swallowed.
“Daniel is a darling, but that steak is huge, definitely too big for you to eat all by yourself,” Elise stated.
“Hmph, if that’s your idea of begging, you can breathe back,” Natasha said then she plunged her fork into another piece of steak and popped the tender morsel into her mouth.
“You’re so comical,” Elise said with a chuckle.
“So, are you nervous?” Natasha asked.
“Well, yes. I know that it may be painful. Madeleine made it look so easy when she gave birth to Sebastian. It is too bad that we women do not have babies the size of kangaroo infants. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Elise mused.
“Tell me about it!” Natasha agreed.
She ate all that she could of her meal, leaving half a steak and a slice of toast. As she rose from her chair, one of the shape-shifters stopped her.
“Are you done with that?” Carmen asked.
Natasha nodded. “Yep, do you want the rest?”
“Only if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind. Besides, I knew one of you was going to be begging for it.” Natasha handed her plate to Carmen.
“Thanks, I hate to see good food go to waste,” Carmen said as she bit into the meat.
Natasha laughed. “You guys do know that excuse is getting old.”
“Okay, okay… but that doesn’t mean it’s not true.” Carmen grinned as she finished the remains.
Natasha walked back over to Elise, who was giggling coyly.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“I’m just laughing at you,” Elise said.
“Well, it’s kind of funny, because when other people beg for my food, it annoys me. But when one of you guys asks for my food, I know it’s because you can’t help but do that, and it doesn’t bother me at all. Actually, I think it’s kind of cute and definitely amusing.”
Elise nodded.
Natasha looked at Elise’s stomach longingly. “I want children,” she said wistfully.
“I can tell. Are you going to have any?” Elise asked as she rubbed her stomach.
“I just want to pick the right person to father my baby. I would love for it to be Xavier or Darian, but they can’t reproduce.” Natasha grimaced. “Oh God, I just made them sound like some sort of science project.”
“Natasha, you’re a lucky woman,” Elise said.
“Yeah,” Carmen interjected. “You have two loving, tender, rich, powerful, gorgeous men loving youOh did I mention that they were filthy stinking rich?”
“Yes you did.” Natasha playfully tapped Carme
n on her thigh. “I know I’m fortunate. I love them so much.” Natasha’s expression grew serious. “Last night when Xavier was... ,” her voice drifted off.
Elise placed her hand gently on Natasha’s thigh in a comforting gesture. “I know honey. I know.”
“I want a family one day. I only hope they will understand and want one, too,” Natasha said.
“Do not worry, they will understand.” Elise patted Natasha’s knee then drew back. She looked at her, and smiled. “So, who would be your choice for… you know… anyone I know?”
Natasha faked an expression of being appalled. “Such crudeness, and from a French Duchess, no less! For shame!” She laughed.
“Who’s being crude?” Elise placed her hand over her heart, “certainly not I,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Natasha gave her a sly look.
“Oookay.” She chuckled, before growing serious. “To answer your coy question, I have someone in mind. Of course he doesn’t know it yet, and I am hoping that he won’t turn me down.”
“Who?” Carmen asked, giving herself away to the fact that she was listening in on their conversation.
Elise looked at Carmen and shook her head, smirking.
“I can’t help it!” Carmen said in her defense.
“Yeah, curiosity killed the cat,” Natasha teased.
“Yeah, but satisfaction brought her back,” Carmen said with a yelp of excitement and a snap of her finger. A few of the others in the room laughed, including Elise and Natasha.
“Well, I suppose that there is no place in this house where I can reveal the name without everyone knowing anyway... So… I want to ask Matthew,” Natasha said. “This doesn’t leave this room!” She pointed at the others, who nodded, swearing to secrecy.
Elise’s mouth dropped open, her eyebrows raised. Daniel popped his head inside of the den and looked at Natasha with a shocked expression.
“That is a name I wasn’t expecting to hear,” Elise said. She thought about Matthew and what she knew of him, she smiled. “I don’t think that he would mind you asking. As a matter of fact, he seems the type of man who would be honored.”
“I hope so,” Natasha said.
The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) Page 23
