by L. N. MALONE
Twenty One
Chapter Twenty-one
Armand POV:
I have never been so glad to wake up in my entire existence. I look around and realize I am back in my bedroom. The last thing I remember is Jayson stabbing me in the heart. I know the only way I can still be here is because of Akasha. Only the blood of a fated chosen mate can bring a vampire back from a fatal wound. Her giving me blood from her own veins though means that we are not past the second stage of the claiming.
I feel a small movement on my hand. I look down, and I am blessed with the most beautiful vision of a head full of red hair. Akasha is sitting on a chair next to me and I can tell by her breathing she is asleep. Her body is bent over with her head face down against the side of my mattress. Her soft fingers are holding my hand and I cannot help but to rub my fingers against hers to feel more of her. The slight movement must have woken her up because she starts to stir awake. She looks up at me with those amazing green eyes that always takes my breath away. “Welcome home my beloved.” I hear her say in my head and feel the twitch of my lips move into a smile.
“Beloved?” I ask back still with a huge smile on my face.
“Yes. Beloved.”
“Well, I have to say I do like the way that sounds, especially from your lips.”
I look down upon her face and see the sadness in her eyes that are now filled with unshed tears. I know what she did to save my and what it cost her. I worry she also knows and is now regretting it.
“Oh Akasha, love, what is wrong? Why are you upset?”
She turns her head away from me to try and hide the tears that are now running down her face and says, “You were captured, tortured and almost left this earth for good, and it was all my fault Armand. I was too stubborn to admit the truth about who we were to each other. I made you wait for the claiming. Had I not had, none of this would have happened. I am so sorry.” The last sentence nearly broke my cold heart.
“No, Akasha, my love. You had every right to want to wait and be sure. I would wait for eternity for you. Please do not think on this any longer. None of this is your fault.” I try and console her the best I can. I worry about everything that has landed upon her shoulders and I know we have so much to do and even more to discuss, however all I want to do is cuddle up next to her.
“I missed you Armand” her words come out soft and shy. It truly makes my heart sore with happiness.
“Oh love, I missed you as well. How are you feeling?” I ask her full of concern. I know she used a lot of power. She was nearly drained of energy at one point. I remember being terrified I would lose her.
She wipes her tears away and says “I am recharged and doing fine. How are you? You are the one that was tortured for weeks.”
“I am honestly just fine âme sœur, please do not worry yourself with me. I bounce back quick.” I know how much she likes it when I wink at her, so I shoot her a smirk and a wink. She smiles up at me and it brightens every inch of this room. I sigh inwardly worried about all the things she and I need to discuss. I know I needed to bring up Dargon and Jayson, however I also do not want to destroy this moment of happiness for either of us. I think on it for a minute and decide it is best to just focus on Dargon. The appearance of her birth brother was a shock to her I am sure. Also, Dragon will be an easier discussion than one of Jayson since there is less of an emotional history. Or so I hope it will be easier I think to myself before saying, “So, I met your brother, Dragon. How are you doing with his unexpected arrival?”
A look of slight panic crossed her face and I worried I may have destroyed our moment after all. Luckily for me the look passed quickly. “I feel as though I am handling well, I suppose. I must say, he is not at all what I expected. I have seen his soul and I have to say I am confused. He does not have the soul one would think an evil ruler would have. We have a meeting with him as well as your circle later this evening if you are up for it.”
“Ah, I see. Well, we do have much to discuss and prisoners to pass judgment on.”
“Very true, however for now just rest. You have been through so much and even the notorious Vampire King needs his rest.” She smiled up at me and I had the urge to be as close to her as possible.
“My âme sœur, come up here to me.” I tell her patting the bed next to me. She crawls her way up and I move over a bit to make room for her. As she lays next to me, I feel the comfort of our connection cover me. Her body is so warm against my cold skin. I wish we can stay like this forever. “Thank you for saving me, my âme sœur, however I want to make sure you are okay with your decision.” I say with a bit of worry in my voice.
“There was never a decision that had to be made” she said with absolute certainty. I pause for a moment and think back to how she saved me.
“You know what this means right?” I must ask to make sure she is fully aware of what it means to give me her blood while we already had the first part of the connection. I do not want her to ever regret her decision. I close my eyes as my anxiety builds while I wait for her answer.
I feel the bed and then her body shift. She opens her legs and leans up and over me to straddle me with one leg on each side of my thighs. I open my eyes to see her right above me and I instantly feel the tightness in my pants. She looks down at me and slowly starts to move her hips rubbing the length of me with nothing but a few pieces of clothing between us. The tingles of the connection are exploding within me now and I fist my hands together to keep from taking her here and now. She leans down her face inches away from mine and she smiles before completely astonishes me and finally answers. “Yes, my King, I know exactly what it meant, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Now, if you do not have any objections, I would like to make this official and complete the final stage of the claiming.” Then she thrust her hips even harder at the same time as placing her lips against mine in a kiss filled with heat and passion.
I do not want to break the kiss, and knowing I am barely holding on by a thread, I mentally link her and ask, “Are you sure, my love?”
“I have wanted you since the very first time I saw you Armand. Even as a girl I knew your heart. I may be unsure of many things, but my need for you is undeniable. Take me Armand, claim what is rightfully yours and let me claim what is mine.”
The moment her words rang in my head all hesitation was gone and the need for her increased so much I thought I would catch fire from desire. The soft passionate kiss soon turned into a heated one, each of us forcing ourselves on the other. I cannot get enough of every part of her. We are entwined at the mouth and hips as if we were trying to devour each other. She breaks the kiss and lifts her body up, so I have to look up at her, damn she is beautiful, I think to myself. She smirks down at me letting me know that she also heard my private thoughts. I could not help but chuckle before I thought, “I love you Akasha.”
“I love you as well Armand,” she sends back to me. I feel her desire to make our claiming permanent. In a matter of moments our clothes are flying across the room and I can feel how the closer our bodies get the more our souls merge until they are one. I feel the love flow out of her and into me as I release all the love I have for her as well. Our bodies and souls are fully complete and molded together as she whispers my name full of love, desire, and contentment. Never in all the time I have walked this planet have I felt more complete than I do right now my âme sœur. I send to her as she moves off me and I twine my arms around her. I hear her sigh in contentment and then in her beautiful now sleepy voice I hear her whisper. “I am yours forever Armand.”
#
I lost track of time just enjoying the moments with Akasha as we stayed wrapped up in each other. We stayed in bed wrapped around each other both forgetting about the world around us. We were supposed to have a meeting at some point however, we decided to stay in. Let the world around us live without us a bit longer. The only time we left our bed was to order food up or to shower and even that we stayed together for. Falling asleep with my chosen safe
and happy in my arms is the best gift a person could ever have.
A few hours after we fell back asleep in each other’s arms, I awoke to a loud bag of a door slamming open and Mirella barging into my room. “Okay love birds, time to rise and shine we have work to do.”
“Mirella, you do realize I was captured, tortured, and almost left this earth. Do you not think I should be allowed a few minutes rest?”
“Yes, which is why I gave you both three nights to recuperate. However, we have dealings we need to discuss, and your people need comfort.” I sigh with regret because I know she is right. I look down at Akasha who is wide awake but still laying in the same spot as before. She is truly a sight for my tired eyes. I think to myself. I see her smile.
“She is right you know. We should get up.” I hear her in my head and teasingly pinch her butt to tell her how much I did not like that she is right. She just chuckles and Mirella rolls her eyes. I cannot help but be grateful for these moments.
“Ok, Mirella, you are right. We all have lots to discuss, and our people need us.” I say as I reach my hand out for Akasha to take. Surprise flows through me and I am confused as to who it was coming from until I look up to find Mirella wide eyed and then drops to her knees before bowing her head. “Mirella?”
She looks up and stares at the both of us with a look of surprise and respect and says. “You both have claimed each other. It is now written on your neck as well as hers. She is now the Mother Queen of Souls and you are the new King of Souls. Congratulations to you both.” I look over to Akasha and sure enough I see my mark starting to form on her neck. It is still light and will darken over time, but the intricate detail will forever have a home on her beautiful body, and I cannot help but to be proud.
“Oh Mirella, just stand up. We do not need all of the formalities amongst family.” Akasha yet again surprises me as she stands up completely unashamed that she is naked. I stare in a bit of shock myself at her as she confidently walks to grab my robe off the hook and puts it on. I can tell by the look on Mirella’s face she is also surprised by Akasha’s lack of modesty. Are you complaining about my naked body, my love? I laugh genuinely delighted by her cheeky response. Not at all. I enjoy every part of it. She smirks at me as she turns her attention back to Mirella. “Mirella, you have seen a naked woman before, I am sure of that. Just because my title has changed does not mean I have. Now, if you both are done gawking can we get on with what we need to do. I would really like to head back to bed as soon as possible. I… am exhausted.” she says with a smirk and a wink at me.
Exhausted huh, I can help relax you with a shower my love.
Hmm… Yes, I would rather enjoy that. I believe relaxation is called for to calm my nerves before the day.
I do not need to be told twice, “Mirella, we will shower and head down to the meeting room within one hour. Please leave us my friend.” Luckily for us Mirella does not argue, she simply nods and rushes out of the room.
“Now my little exhibitionist, let us get you relaxed. I say as I swoop her up in my arms and rush to the showers her laughter echoing against the walls. I want to hear your laugh for eternity, my âme sœur.
You will and I will enjoy living the rest of my years bringing your laughter out as well my love.
Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty-two
Akasha POV:
Armand and I walk hand in hand towards the meeting room. It has been a few days since we have seen everyone however it feels like it all just happened yesterday. My nerves are fried, and my head is going a mile a minute. With so much to think on it is hard to concentrate on what is in front of me. I think back on the past few days and sigh inwardly wishing we could just go back to our room and continue where we left off. However, reality must come back to us all and we have many decisions to make. Just the thought of what is to come makes my stomach turn. Armand must sense my unease because he chooses that moment to squeeze my hand slightly as a way of comforting me by reminding me of his presence. The next moment I feel a soothing calmness rush over me, and I immediately know it is Armand’s soul warming me with his own strength. Thank you I tell him through our mind link. He just looks over to me and smiles that gorgeous smile of his.
The doors to the meeting room open for us and I look around to see everyone standing in front of their designated seats. The looks on everyone’s faces are filled with respect, awe, and surprise. Before I had time to fully adjust to everyone and let my emotions take over, Armand softly pulls me leading me to the thrones for us to sit upon.
Once we take our seats everyone follows in silence waiting for us to address the room. Would you like to start? I hear Armand ask through the mental link. You can my love, I responded back. I am grateful that he is willing to step aside for me and let me take the lead, although I know he has a deep-rooted history with most of the people in this room. Due to those bonds our announcement should come from him and I am more than willing to take my own step aside for him.
He stood and looked over at me with a quick smile that I of course returned. “Guardians of the House of Obscurite, we have had an exceedingly difficult past year. We have lost people dear to us and have gain others. We have a long road of healing ahead of us and I am aware of that. I hope the news I bring today with help with that healing.” He pauses and turns briefly to me holding his hand out for me to join him. I stand and hold his hand letting him lead me to the spot next to him. We stand side by side and hand in hand as he continues. “Akasha has accepted me as her chosen, and I have returned the claiming.” Claps, praises, and smiles pour out of the room forcing him to pause yet again until the room calmed once more. “Changes are here and coming even faster. We will be taking a weeks’ time to readjust and rest. Then we will be traveling to the first circle realm. We will need everyone to be ready in a weeks’ time. On a personal note, thank you all for coming together and coming for me.” I gave his had a soft squeeze for comfort.
I look over at him and know that it is my turn to speak, however I cannot help but worry about how what I am about to say is going to affect him. I know I need to address the Jayson issue and we have both tried our hardest to steer clear of discussing him however, now we are about to sentence him, and things are not as it seems. I know how Armand must feel because Jayson not only killed his daughter but captured him and tortured him for weeks. The pain and hatred he must have endured and still probably has must be hard on him. However, I know in my heart that Jayson is not the actual cause of all this, and I can only hope that Armand can understand.
I clear my throat quietly knowing it is my turn to speak. I try my hardest to settle myself knowing I must show strength even when I am a nervous wreck inside so with as much confidence as I can muster, I begin to address the room. “We have all been through so much and I know our hearts and souls need healing. In a moment we will see to our new guest and our prisoner, however I wanted to address you all first before bringing them in. Jayson has done many things to the House of Obscurite, and I am not going to challenge your feelings on the matter. However, I see things you do not. I can see in his soul and I can tell you Jayson is not the one behind it all.” I hear small gasps and see heads slightly shaking across the room. I feel a twitch come from Armand and I know he must be concerned with what I am about to say. He has been through so much and what is coming next is going to be difficult for him. Please trust me I say through the mind link. His response of I do, helped settle my nerves a bit so I continued. “While Jayson’s physical body was behind all of the horrible acts against this house, his soul is not his own. I can feel the evil that has taken over him, and I cannot help but feel the need to release it. I know some of you may not agree, and I will not force you too. I will, however, ask for leniency and time. I need time to release the tainted soul, so I ask for understanding when and if leniency is given.”
“My Queen, what kind of leniency are you asking for?” Mirella asks.
“I am asking he not be sentenced to death. I know his acts aga
inst this house is cause for death and that is to be expected. I ask that he be imprisoned until I can release the tainted soul.”
“Then what? Will we just let him go? With all that he has done?” This time it was Luke that asked the question and unfortunately, I had no answer. Armand must have sensed my hesitation because he answered for me.
“We can decide what to do with him after the soul has been released. We all know that a tainted soul is difficult to cleanse or release and there is no reason to address what will happen to him in the future when his future is already uncertain. Akasha and I will sit now and let the circle decide what Jayson’s punishment will be.” Thank you, my love, I mind link to him feeling grateful to him for stepping in when I was at a loss. Always is all he said back as me took our sets. Armand had a point, Jayson may very well die by my hands when I try to cleanse or release the soul, so there is time to decide what will come of him later.
The circle had come to a decision rather quickly. We do not know the final decision of the circle and would not know until Jayson was brought forth. Armand had to choice to override whatever decision they came too however I knew he rarely did that. He ran his kingdom as a family with everyone having an input to how it was ran. It was one of things I loved about him. He liked his kingdom fair and honest just as he was. “Bring in the prisoner.” I heard Jin tell the guard at the door. I held my breath as the door open and my brother, the boy I grew up with that I loved, walked into the room with hatred still blaring in his eyes.
