Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness)

by Amanda J. Greene

  Hadrian curled his fingers, sinking his talons deep into Jefferson’s throat. He could feel his opponent’s jugular frantically pumping against his fingertips. With a simple tug, he could tear Jefferson’s head from his body. Blood would spout from the corpse like a glorious fountain and rain down upon him. The demon roared with satisfaction and demanded death. It wanted to bring death.

  Hadrian dragged in one breath after another, clamoring for control. The beast within him struggled for freedom. Slowly, he peeled his hand from Jefferson’s throat, one finger at a time.

  He forced himself to his feet, as he trembled with the urge to murder. He willed his chest to expand. The warm rush of vanilla nearly knocked him over. Eva. She was to his left. Gods, he wanted to go to her. He craved to feel her soothing touch and hear her calming voice. But this was not finished.

  Hadrian turned his crimson gaze to Dimitri. The pureblood glared back at him, knowing he stared at a fellow original demon. Hadrian blinked, until the red faded and his eyes returned to cool black.

  “As victor, you have every right to claim your opponent’s life,” Dimitri said, his tone emotionless and flat.

  Hadrian shook his head. “No. Jefferson had every right to challenge me.”

  “Very well.” Dimitri waved a group of knights forward. “He will survive, but he needs to be tended to.”

  They took up the gurgling Jefferson and carried him from the hall.

  “Are there any more challengers? Come forward now or not at all,” Dimitri commanded.

  Silence.

  “Then I declare the floor closed. Will the victor step forward?”

  Hadrian shrugged back into his robe, but Falcon kept the sword. He went to stand just before Dimitri.

  “If it does not offend, Sire, I would like to address the Clan before reciting my vows,” he said.

  Dimitri gave a respectful nod. “As you wish.”

  Eva took a hesitant step forward. Hadrian held out his blood stained hand, beckoning her to come to him.

  The crowd began to whisper, the sound rising and rising until Eva took his hand. She smiled up at him and he squeezed her hand. In that moment, he knew he could never have done this without her. He never would have been able to break free of his guilt, his demon, or his madness.

  “Validus, I have been gone for far too long.” he began, his gaze scanning the sea of vampires that stretched out before him. “After the death of my brother, Titus, I was no longer stable enough to lead you. I renounced my throne in the hopes of sparing the Clan another crazed, tyrannical king. Madness control my mind and ruled my life for centuries, leaving me broken.”

  He brought Eva a little closer. He could feel the comforting heat of her body.

  “But Fate has saved me and has shown her grace down upon our Clan.” He lifted their entwined hands, displaying their mating brands. “I present to you my mate and the future queen of the Validus, Eva Maldonado.”

  Gasps of shock, words of joy, and relieved sighs reverberated through the room. Slowly a roar built, it rose until the stone floor rumbled from the force. Eva was struck speechless. They were cheering, clapping, howling, and whistling in approval.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  After the coronation, Hadrian returned in a pure white suit and the celebration moved to the ballroom. The Hall of Mirrors was overflowing. The sounds of merriment ricocheted off the glass. The orchestra had not stopped playing since the king and his mate entered. Champagne popped and fizzled as glasses clinked. The Clan rejoiced. Their king had returned, he was mated, and their people would know peace. After so many years of war and oppression, they had finally broken free of the cycle.

  The rejoicing carried on throughout the night. Songs of happiness were sung so loudly the chandelier swayed. Nobles welcomed Hadrian back and congratulated him while they introduced themselves to Eva and offered her their best wishes. She could not believe the reception she had received and Hadrian was convinced it would be at least a week until her shock faded.

  It was an hour before dawn when the party began to die. Hadrian took the first opportunity to slip away with his woman.

  “Hadrian Lucretius, I demand you take me to your room,” Eva said as he tugged her down the dark hall.

  He laughed, the sound bouncing off the walls and echoing through the narrow corridor. “So eager.”

  “With you,” she ran her nails over his wrist and up the inside of his arm, “I’m always eager.”

  “Do not forget you said that. I will be enacting our deal tomorrow. Seventy-two hours, my sweet.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  They stopped and the sconce overhead flamed to life. Eva blinked, her eyes adjusting to the light. She was still not completely used to her sensitive sight.

  Hadrian spun her about and forced her back against the wall. A surprised gasp escaped her lungs as he pressed his body into her, his hands braced against the wood paneling above her head.

  “Oh, god,” she sighed, her voice laced with love and lust.

  “This is where it all began,” he said. “I stalked you down this hall. Powerless against the lure.”

  Eva closed her eyes as one of his hands fell away from the wall to encircle her wrist. His thumb brushed over their brand and her pulse jumped.

  “Your scent called to me.”

  She shivered as he bent his head down to her throat. His cool breath tickled and teased.

  “Do you remember?”

  “Yes,” she gasped. His hand moved up her arm to cup her nape. Delicious tension flooded her and gathered at her core. “I remember it perfectly.”

  Hadrian placed a light kiss to her pulse. “Warm vanilla. You taste so sweet, my Eva.”

  She opened her eyes and found him gazing down at her.

  “I had borne centuries of loneliness, of emptiness. My world was consumed by the darkness of madness. I was hollow.” His other hand came down on her shoulder, pinning her to the wall. “Then you arrived and everything changed. You are the light that chased away the shadows that clung to my soul.”

  Eva cupped his face as tears slipped down her own cheeks.

  “You freed me of my pain,” he whispered. “I can look in the mirror and not see my guilt, or Titus, or the demon. I see me. For the first time in centuries, I can see myself. You made me remember who I am. I only wish I had not taken so long to realize you are mine.”

  She smiled and more tears slipped from her eyes. “Oh, Hadrian, I love you.” She pressed a gently, trembling kiss to his lips. “And we have all of eternity to be together.”

  He gripped her hips. Eva wrapped her legs about his waist as he slid her up along the wall. He held her with one hand as the other tossed up her skirts. Her breath caught as she felt cool air caress her core.

  Hadrian groaned, finding her wet.

  The sound of a zipper kissed her ears and she bit her lower lip in anticipation.

  “Hadrian, I love you. Ever since we met, here in this hall. I loved you. I wish I had realized it sooner.”

  He captured her lips in a gentle, soul-binding, mind-numbing kiss as he entered her with a painfully slow thrust.

  “Eva, you are my savior,” he whispered against her mouth as he claimed her.

  * * * *

  Sonya hooked her duffle bag over her shoulder and started down the stairs to the main hall. She had done quite the costume change. From an elegant ball gown, shining jewels, and strappy heels. To slim dark jeans, leather trench coat, red leather corset, and knee high laced boots.

  She paused on the last step, her eyes closing. God, she could not believe she was going through with this. Her hand slid over her hips, her fingers checking the buckles of her gun holster. It was secure. The weapon was loaded and she had plenty of spare clips. Her father’s hunting dagger was strapped between her shoulders blades. A small dagger was concealed just under the lining of her corset, the hilt forming a Y shape over her breasts. She shifted on her feet, feeling to cool slide of metal against the side of her lower leg and
ankles. It was odd, she could not remember the last time she had been strapped for battle.

  “Are you leaving?”

  Sonya’s eyes flew open and she stumbled from the step. Falcon reached out, but snapped his arms back to his sides. She held back her sigh of disappointment. She remembered with perfect clarity, what his arms felt like. His hands. His mouth. Had it really only been two months since their encounter at Dimitri and Kerstyn’s wedding? Two months since they almost…

  “Yes,” she said, desperately needing to focus on anything other than that night. “There is some place I need to be.”

  Falcon clenched his jaw to keep it from dropping. Her light blonde hair was pulled back and tightly secured in a bun. Her yellow, gold eyes glowed with resolve and her soft pink lips were set in hard line. And she was dressed for battle. She looked every bit the warrior queen of legend and, damn, she was sexy.

  She stepped around him and crossed the great hall. All the guests had moved to the Hall of Mirrors once the challenge had been finished and Hadrian had taken his vows as king. Her steps echoed, bouncing off the high, arched ceiling.

  Falcon went after her. “Is Gwen not going with you?”

  “Her presence his unnecessary,” Sonya replied. “She will remain here. No need for her to miss the celebration.”

  “Are you coming back?” he asked as they entered the foyer.

  Sonya paused and slowly turned to him. Her shoulders were squared, her heart-shaped face titled up, as she took his hand. She met his gaze for a brief moment before pulling away.

  What the hell is going on, he wondered.

  Cold, angry wind rushed in when the front door opened. Her driver greeted them with a low bow before taking her bag. Snow covered the silver Jaguar XJL, the windshield wipers thrashed, fighting to scrape the ice from the glass.

  A strange foreboding sense coiled around Falcon’s heart as he gazed down at the car. Something was not right.

  “Goodnight, Falcon,” Sonya said.

  She stepped out in the furious blizzard. Falcon followed her down the steps.

  “Wait.” He snatched her wrists, spun her about, and pulled her back. Their bodies hit. Heat enveloped them despite the frigid air. They stood for a long moment, their eyes locked, each searching for the right words.

  Something inside him demanded he not let her go. Danger awaited her.

  “Sonya I—”

  She cupped his face and placed a light, butterfly like kiss upon his lips. She drew away. Stepping back, she gripped the top of the car door, her knuckles turning white.

  “You are coming back.” Not a question, but a stern statement.

  Sonya smiled, but no warmth touched her eyes. “Try to enjoy yourself tonight. This is a wonderful celebration.” She slid into the car. The chauffer closed the door and quickly rounded the hood.

  Falcon’s hand shot out. He could not let her go. Something bad was going to happen, he could feel it.

  “Falcon,” Dimitri’s rang out from the top steps of the entrance. “Dorian and I are going to have some drinks and I think Hadrian will be joining us…some.” He gave a light laugh. “Come inside. The celebration is not over yet.”

  Epilogue

  “Your Majesty, we will be entering the Voidukas territory of Poland shortly,” the driver called.

  Sonya shook her head and banished her fantasies of Falcon. Now was not the time to be thinking about him. She had to focus.

  She released her seatbelt. Leaning forward, she scanned the road and spotted movement up ahead.

  Hunters.

  Sitting back, she thought of her conversation with Silvie. The priestess had hauled her off to a corner and shoved a flute of champagne into her hand, insisting that their conversation needed to appear casual.

  “They will be waiting for you at the boarder,” Silvie had whispered. “You could escape since they did not bring enough, but I need you to allow yourself to be captured.”

  “Are you mad?”

  Silvie shushed her. “Keep it down. We can’t have anyone overhearing this. Everyone needs to think we are having a normal conversation, hence the champagne.”

  The priestess glanced about. When she was confident no one of importance was in earshot, she continued, “You won’t be held captive for long, I swear.”

  “Explain to me why the Red Order is planning on attacking me.”

  Silvie sighed and shook her head. “I wish I could. Believe me, I really do. But I am already altering the Shaman’s plan by warning you and sending you out a day early. Your entire entourage is to be caught unaware.”

  “You expect me to surrender to those—”

  “I said nothing about surrendering. I just need you to be kidnapped.” Silvie gave a careless wave of her hand. “You may kill as many as you like.”

  I intend to, Sonya thought as she drew her gun free and cocked it.

  “Giles,” she said. The driver met her gaze in the rearview mirror. “Do you remember the plan?”

  “Yes, Your Highness, and I see the spikes in the road now.”

  “Good.”

  Sonya let out a slow exhale, clearing all the air from her lungs, causing her heart to seize in mid beat. Her fangs punched down into her mouth as the whites of her eyes were consumed by black.

  The tires blew and she kicked the door open. Tucking her head, she rolled from the car. She saw Giles bail seconds before the car wrapped around a tree. He glanced her way and she nodded. She knew he did not want to leave her to fight on her own, but he knew the plan. Silvie had given them specific instructions. Giles turned and ran. Sprinting to the waiting car they had arranged to be left a little further up the road. He would call for back up.

  Sonya slowly straightened as the witches jumped out onto the road, their weapons drawn. She bared her fangs. A joyful murderous smile curled her lips.

  She raised her gun, leveling it on the hunters. “Come and get it, bitches.”

  Gunfire splintered the peaceful silence of the night.

  * * * *

  Falcon leaded back in his seat. The sound of softly scrapping metal hissed through the council chamber. Dawn was approaching and Sonya had yet to return to the castle.

  The celebration had ended about an hour ago and by now all the Clan members had retired to their rooms, preparing for the day. Most vampires found it difficult to function while the sun ruled the sky. Only a handful of elders could resist the call of slumber and three of them were with him now.

  “I would like to say, Hadrian, that your coming out party was a success,” Dorian said, holding up a shot glass topped with Silver Moon.

  Hadrian raised his own drink. They both tossed the liquor back and slammed their empty glasses on the table.

  “I am so very glad you have returned to us,” Dimitri said, clapping Hadrian on the back. “Did you find the words in my letter helpful?”

  Hadrian smiled. Dimitri had written nearly exactly what Eva had said.

  “Yes, but only after I heard similar words from my mate.”

  A rhythmic, hurried, pounding carried down the hall. All four men frowned as they turned to face the entrance. Someone was running at a frantic speed and was headed their way.

  The door flew open with such force it slammed against the wall. Gwendolyn rushed in, her hair swung about her face as she skid to a stop.

  “Our Black Knights just received a distress call,” she said, her voice and body trembling with rage. “Sonya’s car was ambushed by Red Order Hunters and she has been taken.”

  The men jumped to their feet, their chairs sliding along the floor hitting the wall and one or two toppled over.

  “How long ago?” Dorian snapped.

  “Maybe ten minutes. Her driver is the one who reported the attack.”

  “Was she attacked on Validus land?” Hadrian demanded.

  “No, she was heading to our compound in Poland. They had just crossed the border,” she answered.

  “Fuck,” Dorian growled. “They timed this perfectly. We can o
rganize a team to head out at sunset, but they will be long gone by then, their trail cold.”

  “If you would like to join me, I can teleport us to the boarder and see if we can find anything,” Dimitri offered. “They may not have counted on Dorian and I being able to walk in the sun.”

  “The Voidukas’s knights have already assembled, but we need computers and phones,” Gwendolyn said.

  “Yes, of course. Falcon can provide all you require,” Hadrian said. He turned to face the knight and cursed.

  Gwendolyn gasped, Dorian groaned, and Dimitri did his best to hold back his smile.

  The secret door hidden along the wood paneling of the room lay open, revealing a dark passage way.

  Falcon was gone.