The Dragon's Vamp [Other Kin Book 2]

by Salo, C A

  Mari sighed as she moved away, her back to him. “It’s not that I’m not happy. I like you, and we seem to have a mutual attraction, although you are as hard-headed as I am. I wasn’t expecting it; the wave of emotions that hit me the moment we met. I’d decided a long time ago I wouldn’t get involved in a serious relationship again. The ancients knew how I felt, what I’ve gone through. I was mad at them for so long.” Drawing in a deep breath she turned to meet his gaze. “I thought that because so much time had passed, and I’d started speaking to them again with no incidents, they’d accepted my wishes. Then you came out of the forest that night and I sensed what Drake Roven scented.”

  “I felt it too.”

  “And it pissed you off because you thought I was a witch,” she said with a soft smile.

  “Something like that.”

  “So, like me, you’ve had a bad experience, but with a witch.”

  “Yes, who was yours?”

  “Human, but he didn’t do anything wrong toward me.” Her gaze lowered to the wooden floor. “He died because of who I am. The ancients saw fit to give him to me and take him away without blinking an eye. He would have died eventually with his life span, I knew that. He knew who I was, but the ancients brought the fight to our door and they didn’t protect him like they promised. Telling me ‘it’s as it has to be’.”

  “What was his name?”

  The corner of her mouth lifted slightly. “Saul. He was my husband.” Lifting her head, she met his gaze. “While I loved him and he’ll always hold a special place in my heart, I never had my senses react to him the way they do with you.”

  “And that scares the hell out of you.”

  “Huh-yes, I never want to go through that again. I’m afraid that if I let you too close they’ll take you away.”

  Rhys took her into his arms, his chin resting on top of her head. “Like everyone else, we have to live in the moment, Mari. Things will happen, but we can’t let it rule our lives. Like you, I’ve never had such an overwhelming sense of belonging to someone as I do to you. And, sweetheart, I’ve been around a lot of women.” He smiled when she thumped him on the back.

  “You always have to toss a smart-ass comment in somewhere don’t you?”

  “Yeah,” he chuckled.

  “Tell me about what happened with the witch.”

  Rhys was silent for a few moments. “She showed up while I was visiting my parents in Spain. I thought I was in love for the first time, besides the puppy crush I had on my best friends’ sister when we were growing up. She became an everyday visitor at my parents’ house and they were as duped as I. No one had any idea that she’d been stalking my parents for months, waiting for the chance to get to them. Then I showed up, and like a love sick pup, I fell right into her hands.”

  Mari tightened her arms around his waist.

  “Apparently one of my fathers’ men had killed her father in a drunken brawl. I’ve never seen such hatred in anyone until that thing showed up at the borders of Alston the night you arrived. Anyway, during a party my parents were having she made her move and went for my father. I don’t know what made me look up at that moment but I did, and I jumped in front of her, taking her blade in my shoulder. It was a poisoned dagger, made from something she’d collected from my father. I actually pleaded with her to stop, declaring my love as she ripped the blade out of my flesh. It was then she told me how she’d used me to get to my father, that she had no intention of being with me in any way. She told me she held her shudders in when I touched her. Her plan was to kill every vamp she could, starting with my father and me.”

  “Oh gods,” Mari breathed, running her fingers over his lower back.

  “Yeah,” he snorted. “Tell me about it. Well she tried going after my father again and I shoved her away as she hit me with the dagger again. I started feeling the effects of the poison and when she came at me again, I transformed to kill her…”

  “Rhys…” Mari whispered lifting her head to meet his eyes.

  “My father delivered the death blow. After the medics cleared the poison from my system I asked him why he did it. He said I’d have a hard enough time getting over her betrayal, I didn’t need to have her death on my hands as well.”

  “Instilling a hate for all witches.”

  “I know they’re not all bad, it’s just like Vampires, Lykens, and every Other Kin out there, there’s good and bad in all species. We have a coven of witches living in Alston and I’ve always gotten along with them quite well.”

  “It’s just the ones you don’t know that you’re leery about?”

  “Yeah. Roven assumed you were a witch because Kalana was vague about who you were.”

  “He was wrong.” She smiled.

  “I know, but that didn’t stop the unease and mistrust of having an unknown witch at my door.”

  “Which you directed so well.”

  Rhys smiled. “You stood up to me instead of backing down. You stood toe to toe with me.”

  “I don’t scare easily.”

  “So I’ve noticed.” He grinned as he lowered his lips to hers gently.

  Mari sighed as she lifted up on her toes, her arms wrapping around his mid-section as his went around her.

  Rhys chuckled as he leaned back. “What are you doing?” he asked as she kept going back and forth on her toes.

  “I’m short. It’s not easy to kiss you without being on my tippy toes. You’re at least a foot taller than me.”

  “Wrap your legs around me.” Lifting her up, Rhys held onto her ass as she wrapped her strong legs around his waist. “Better?”

  “Yes,” she breathed, her body reacting to the press of his cock against her pussy, and the seam of her jeans rubbing her clit. Lowering her mouth to his, her fingers ran up into his short, dark blond hair, gripping it as best she could.

  Rhys growled. “If you’re still afraid of us, you better stop now or I won’t be able to.”

  “I don’t want to stop,” she whispered, shaking her head.

  “Then we need to get to my bedroom. I am not taking you on the floor our first time.” Heading to the door, he opened it, getting ready to quick-step until he saw his head of security running his way. “What’s going on?”

  “We’ve had an encounter down by the sea,” Hoag explained.

  Mari released her legs, sliding down Rhys’ lean form. “What kind of encounter?” Her eyes widened when he ignored her, not even looking at her in acknowledgement as he answered to Rhys.

  “A Kelpie came ashore and attacked the guards.”

  “Attacked? It didn’t try to lure or shape shift?” Rhys asked.

  “No, sir, just straight out attacked.”

  “That’s not right. Kelpies don’t just attack out of nowhere,” Mari stated, her nostrils flaring as Hoag continued to ignore her presence.

  “My lord, the guards are holding it for you. We’ve also sent a message to Roven Manor’s security force.”

  Rhys nodded, his arm slipping around Mari’s waist. “All right then, let’s go.”

  “Sir, this is coven business.”

  Mari’s eyes widened again as Hoag glanced her way. “Excuse me?” Moving in front of Rhys she stood in front of the young vamp and poked him with her finger, letting heat scorch through his clothing to his skin. “Let’s get one thing straight here, junior. Anything that happens in Alston is my business as I’m guardian, so don’t you think to cut me out or I’ll take you to your knees so fast you won’t know what hit you,” she growled.

  “Mari, he’s seven hundred years old,” Rhys stated as he laid his hand on her shoulder.

  “Like I said, junior,” she snarled before stomping away.

  Rhys motioned for Hoag to follow. “She is my life mate, Hoag, it’s been decreed by the ancients. Why don’t you like Mari?”

  “I can’t put my finger on it, sir. It’s like she’s hiding something, something important, and I don’t like that.”

  Rhys lifted his eyes to the petite woman i
n front of them. “Mari would never do anything to hurt Alston or its people. If you trust my word on anything, trust me on this.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Mari listened to their conversation, her lips furled, until Rhys stood up for her. She smiled as she turned. “Are we going to flash-step or what?”

  “Quick-step love, quick-step,” Rhys chuckled as he grabbed her around the waist and took off.

  “Oh gods, whatever,” she groaned, grabbing her stomach as they stopped. Rhys’ hand caught her as she wobbled. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,” she mumbled as Rhys helped her over to where Drake Roven was standing. Mari moved her gaze to the horse-like creature held by Lyken and Vampire warriors off the beach area up by the grass and rocks.

  “Any idea why it attacked?”

  “No,” Drake replied as he turned to look at them and smiled. “You don’t look so good, Mari.”

  “No kidding. Tell me something I don’t know,” Mari grumbled.

  “Do you need Kalana?”

  “No, I’ll be fine in a moment.” Straightening up, she glanced over as the Kelpie tried fighting. Rhys’ arm went around her waist. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed the closeness of her sanctuary. “Just where did it come ashore?”

  “Over there by those rocks,” Drake replied.

  Mari followed his pointing finger and drew in a large breath when she noticed it was directly under her entrance, way above the rocky slope. Stepping forward she glanced out over the sea. “Was there anything else there? Did your scouts say they saw anything out of the norm?”

  “No, nothing. All reports from both our teams indicate everything was as it should be: calm, serene and peaceful. They said it came up out of the sea as if it was crazed and it just went for them. Palidies on team one is a water nymph, he said he’d never seen anything like it. The Kelpie wouldn’t even acknowledge his presence or communicate. We have no idea what the hell happened or why.”

  Mari turned to face them. “I know someone who will. Damn I hate to do this, but I want solid answers on why they’re attacking my town.”

  Rhys’ gaze narrowed, arms crossing over his chest. “Your town?”

  “Damn right. Clear everyone another hundred yards back, I have a call to make.” Striding for the beach she listened as everyone fell back. Mari stood right on the edge of the crest, the water lapping the toes of her shoes, and closed her eyes. Breathing deeply, arms up, elbows by her side, palms up, Mari called forth the energies of the land. Her skin tingled, brain numbed as energies flowed freely through her system. Her eyes fluttered as she took a step forward, right hand raised. She knelt and brought her hand down, slapping it on the surface of the water as she yelled, “Triton, I call for you!” The energy wave reverberated over the top of the water like a pulse, sending a sonic boom type of sound to the ears of everyone within hearing distance. Stepping back she stumbled a bit before arms went around her waist.

  “That was something.” Rhys smiled.

  “Takes a lot of energy.”

  “I guess the hell so,” Drake replied as he stepped up. “Did I hear things or did you just call a mythical creature?”

  Mari chuckled. “Don’t you know by now that all mythical beings are real, Roven?”

  “You’re telling me Triton, King of the seas and oceans, exists?”

  “Of course Triton exists, and he’s a prince. His father, Poseidon, is king.”

  “I thought Gods like them were myths,” Rhys stated.

  Mari chuckled. “They are not Gods, they are Other Kin, very old Other Kin.”

  “And they just come when you call?” Drake asked.

  Mari’s lips lifted as her brow hiked up. “Only the ones I’ve played with.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Rhys asked as he turned her to face him.

  “It means that I have some very old friends.”

  “Just how old are you?”

  Her smile grew as she kept his gaze. “Don’t you know you never ask a lady her age? Besides, that’s something for us to discuss later.” Turning her gaze to the Kelpie when it started fidgeting, her smile widened. “I’d say Triton’s coming.” Moving out of Rhys’ arms, she turned toward the sea as a water spiral shot straight up to the sky and a man emerged from within its center, smiling when he caught her gaze.

  “Triton, is here!” he called out, arms tossed out to his sides.

  Chapter 2

  Mari laughed as Triton lowered the waterspout like a bridge and rode it to land. “You show off!” she chuckled as he picked her up and twirled her around. She noticed Drake and Rhys look at each other before Rhys glared her way. He folded his arms across his chest. “All right put me down you oaf.”

  “Oaf, oaf, I’m the Prince of the Seven Seas and Oceans and I get oaf?”

  “Yes.” She smiled, taking his hand within hers. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  “It wouldn’t happen to be that big vamp with a pissed off look would it?”

  “Ha, yes it would,” she laughed, leading him right up to Rhys and Drake. “Rhys, this is my friend Triton. Triton this is Rhys, my soon to be life mate, and our friend Drake.”

  “Life mate?” Triton boomed. “By the Gods, she’s finally settling down.” He whooped with laughter. “It’s about time, Sissy, I now forgive you for not calling me for a century.”

  Mari slapped his huge bicep. “Stop it you trouble maker. Now back to business, the other reason I called.” She motioned over to the Kelpie, noticing the smile leave his handsome face. “He came ashore and attacked with no warning. He injured a water nymph badly. Triton, he didn’t try to shape shift or lure. What have you heard about Alston?”

  “We were figuring something like this was going to happen. All the signs toward a sea attack on Alston have been showing; the creatures of the water are anxious.” Looking down at her and then up to Rhys and Drake he said, “We need to talk in a more secure location. I’ll have my warriors come fetch him and get answers.”

  Mari stood by as he lifted his hand and four mermen emerged from the sea. Taking hold of Rhys’ hand she leaned into him as Triton gave his orders. Once his men and the Kelpie disappeared into the sea, Triton turned with a smile.

  “You’re lucky I was close by.”

  “Where?” Mari asked.

  “Hawaii. Gods I love Pele, she’s such a little hottie,” he whooped.

  “Oh I’m sure,” she frowned. “Why were you so close?

  “Ah, I had a little visitor saying I should come this way.”

  “Who?”

  “Your momma!” he grinned. “Boy she is still one fine looking woman. And no disrespect to your daddy, but if she wasn’t with your daddy, I’d hop all over that little ancient ass.”

  Mari slapped him. “Ewe, gross. Now I have to go wash out my ears or something. She’s my mother you moron, don’t say stuff like that to me.”

  Triton belted out a laugh. “Let’s go find some place to talk, we have a lot to catch up on, and I need to fill these boys in on what’s happening under sea.”

  Rhys snarled when Triton took her hand, leading her away.

  “Easy,” Drake said as they turned. “He’s not a threat.”

  “And how do you know that?”

  “Well for one, they’ve apparently known each other for quite a while and she chose you.” Drake smiled as he slapped his back. “Let’s go, they’re heading toward your place.”

  * * * *

  Mari frowned at Triton as he started hitting on one of Rhys’ house staff. What he’d just revealed was an attack from the sea was imminent. The darkness was raising his army to try and attack Alston from that angle now. Drake had left to talk to the Elder council about what they’d learned and Rhys stood by the window. “Triton, what does your father think?”

  “He’s calling his guards to arms. He’s also been speaking with my aunts and uncles about what’s happening on their ends. They don’t want to get involved; they’ve fought the darkness once with you
r father and sustained a lot of casualties.”

  “Why wouldn’t they want to fight against the darkness?” Rhys asked. “Isn’t it as much a threat to them as us?”

  “It is, and my father has made that point known. If we don’t destroy the darkness or find some way to seal it forever, it will come back with a vengeance like it is now.”

  “But how do we seal it? None of us has that kind of power,” Mari said as she laid her arms across the table.

  “Your father does.”

  Mari met Triton’s gaze. “And my father is sleeping.”

  “We may have to take the chance of waking him, Mari. Does he know what’s going on?”

  “Yes, he’s aware.” Her eyes lowered to the table as she sensed Rhys’ gaze burning into her back as Triton’s eyes narrowed.

  “You haven’t told him who your parents are? I thought you were joining as mates?”

  “We are but I haven’t had a chance to explain certain—things—to Rhys.”

  “Damn, I thought you would have explained everything to him before sleeping with him, because you know what happened before.”

  Mari glanced over at Rhys and frowned, turning back to Triton when he busted out with laughter.

  “By the Gods, this is great! You haven’t slept with him yet have you? The Terror of Tahiti, The Sex Kitten of Shangri-la, The Arouser of Atlantis…”

  “Shut-up, Triton,” Mari growled.

  “Oh no,” Rhys grinned. “Continue.”

  “No, it’s time for you to go play with Rhys’ servant,” Mari stated as she jumped up. “So I can talk to Rhys.”

  “Or other things,” Triton grinned as he wiggled his eyebrows.

  “You’re cruising for a bruising, water boy.”

  Triton sighed dramatically, the smile still in place. “Water boy? No respect I’m telling you, no respect. So, Lord Beven, do you mind if I partake in some extra activities with your beautiful coven ladies? It’s been awhile since I’ve had the pleasure of loving a Vampire.”

  Mari rolled her eyes as Rhys grinned. “What, you can’t be happy with one, oh scourge of the seven seas?”

  “They’re adults to do as they will,” Rhys answered as he stepped up behind Mari.