The Dark Rose

by Ramsey, Valentine

  “That’s why I was so late getting you,” Dom said. “I started my vegan diet today so I can venture into the sun and not waste a moment’s time with you. It’s weakened me a little, but once my body adjusts to it, I’ll be fine.”

  A vegan diet, Pan thought admiringly. Feeding only on animals. Hardly any vampire practiced it. As a predator higher on the food chain, human blood was their right as gazelles were the right to lions.

  Andre of course tolerated it, so he could walk the day with her and not get fried. Vampires who fed on humans were extremely sensitive to the sun. It was something about taking a part of a soul that made them so. They were God’s creatures as well, but to take from his eternal pool was to die burning in his fiery eye.

  “You did this for me?” Pan said, touched. Eating vegan was considered lowly.

  “Of course. I’ll do anything for you.”

  Pan cuddled closer to him. A normal human may find his body slightly cold, perhaps enough to give a momentary chill, but lying against his bare chest, Pan found it divine. Being born to the undead, she was used to it.

  “You see,” Dom said in dislike, playing with her hand. “This is a damn shame.”

  “What?”

  “You are claimed, engaged, yet you have no ring to show for it. Hmm. I’ll have to change that. Of course you cannot wear it in view, at least not until we are wedded anew.”

  “Where’s my rose ring?” Pan asked, remembering he had taken it. It was the visible symbol she wore to announce her as royalty, but she had others.

  “Against my heart where it belongs.”

  Pan raised her head to see it on the chain of his necklace with his crown crest resting above his heart. The combination of the two worlds look fitting.

  Pan tried to stay awake a little while longer, but she was at such content lying in his arms, sleep pulled stronger. She woke briefly when he pulled her arms from around his neck and slid from bed.

  “No,” she moaned, reaching for him.

  Dom chuckled, pulling his shirt on. “It’s almost dawn.” He kissed her forehead and pulled the blankets back up. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  Half out of it, Pan nodded and sighed. Her eyes fluttered open enough to see him vanish like a mirage into the predawn darkness of her garden.

  He must be a dream….

  + Chapter 13 +

  Sundown

  School wasn’t any better the next day as nothing could detour her mind from its chaos fray. Antsy and bouncy, Pan was so anxious to see Dom, she couldn’t sit still. It was like she had a major caffeine buzz, her concentration fuzz. Though she had to contain herself as the others were eyeing her quizzically; she didn’t need them going to Andre or Victor with their concern.

  But then a saving grace in an unusual place. It was at lunch when her cell phone rang. Taking it from her satchel, expecting it to be Andre or Raphael as they were the only people who called her besides her friends, Pan was confused to see an unknown number. And it was out of the question that it was her father. He never called her. If he had something to say he did it in person or passed it along through bodyguards.

  Pan answered, unsure. “Hello?”

  “What are you doing?” Dom’s smooth voice.

  Pan turned her back to the others so she could burst into smile.

  “I’m in school,” she said, then realized she had to play like it was Raphael or the others would become suspicious. It wasn’t unusual for him to harass her on her phone, thinking it funny. “You know that,” Pan added, trying to sound annoyed, hoping she pulled it off as she was so happy.

  Dom was silent for a moment. He must have realized her tactic as he said next, “Are there listening ears?”

  “Aren’t there always?”

  He sighed. “As it would seem, though we’ll be alone soon enough.”

  “Whatever.”

  His chuckle made her spine tickle.

  “My, my, aren’t you the good little actress.”

  “I’m hanging up now.”

  “I’ll see you tonight then. I won’t be so late.”

  Hating that she couldn’t tell him she loved him, Pan hung up.

  “Raphael?” Danna inquired, popping a grape in her mouth.

  “Who else would it be?”

  As the others returned to talking, Pan held her phone out of sight, under the table and texted him—I luv u.

  She turned the ringer off. A second later she was glad she did when the screen lit up.

  I luv u 2, c u 2nite.

  Smiling to herself Pan tucked her phone back in her bag. Though there was a pang in her chest from missing him, hearing his voice for those brief seconds relaxed her as her mind had been so taxed.

  Dom arrived right after sundown. Seeing him leap the wall, Pan ran for him, relieved that he hadn’t been caught by their sentinels. His face exploded into a grin as she launched herself into his arms, glad he hadn’t fallen under any harm.

  He grunted in surprise from the force she hit him with and wrapped his arms around her. Pan clung to him tight, arms wrapped around his neck, legs dangling.

  Dom laughed. “You missed me, I take it.”

  “More than I knew was possible.”

  He buried his face against her neck. “And to think it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.

  I missed you more than I expected as well,” he breathed. “It would make me a liar if I said this desire I have for you makes no sense. My love…so intense, so new I didn’t expect this.”

  Dom wrapped an arm under her bottom, lifting her up. Pan wrapped her legs around his waist as he strode into her room. Laying her on the bed, he crawled in next to her. Tucking close against his side, Pan rest her head on his chest. He began running his fingers through her hair.

  Having this love yet knowing nothing about him, Pan said, “Tell me something about you.”

  Curiosity had gnawed at her all day as she thought of all the things she wanted to know.

  He tensed, his fingers stopping in her hair. “Like what?”

  Pan shrugged. “Anything. I know nothing about you accept that you are a Gray and I still love you more than anything.”

  He relaxed, combing again. “I am a Gray,” he said in an uncommitted way.

  “And?”

  “Ask and I shall answer.”

  “How old are you?”

  “A few years changed. I turned when I was eighteen. How old are you?”

  “Seventeen. I thought I was asking the questions?”

  “I’m curious as well. I know nothing about you except that you are the Rose Princess and I still love you more than anything. But in all truthfulness, I know a little more than that.” There was a hint of smugness in his voice.

  “Like what?”

  “You’re favorite color is purple and the—”

  “How do you know that?”

  “The majority of the flowers in your garden are some hue of violet. It was just an assumption by observation. Am I right?”

  “Yes,” Pan admitted slowly. “Go on.”

  “I know that you love dresses—”

  She did. Danna always teased her that she wore ones that made her look like a four year old going on an Easter egg hunt.

  “I know that you love butterflies—”

  “How—”

  “Because you have several species of plants in your garden designed to draw them. I believe,” Dom said tentatively, “that although you don’t dislike them, roses themselves are not your favorite flower. That—”

  “How do you know that?” Pan was astounded he could have picked all this up. Nobody knew that.

  “It’s your personal garden and there are only eleven rose bushes that are nearly overwhelmed by all the other plants. Am I right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why don’t you like them?”

  Pan considered for a moment, not ever having given any thought to it.

  “I suppose, because, to me, roses are everywhere. All over the grounds, found in all the dé
cor. I can’t get away from them. While beautiful they can grow a little boring and overbearing after a while. Is that all you know about me? Should I be suspicious that you’re a spy or assassin looking to get close and kill me, or have gotten close, but can’t kill me?”

  “Yes, that’s all I know about you and it’s not nearly enough. No, I am definitely not a spy or an assassin and I’d sooner harm myself than lay a hand on you.”

  “How did you get my cell phone number?” She peeked up at him.

  Pan told herself it wasn’t to see the expression on his face, see if it betrayed any malicious intent, that she just wanted to see his reaction all the same and if it remained tame.

  Dom shrugged. “I’m good with computers. Tracking down your number wasn’t as difficult as father probably hopes. You’re not mad are you?” He met her eyes, now looking a little worried.

  Pan was glad her bullshit barometer didn’t detect anything suspicious. She couldn’t bare if it had and she trusted her gut more than anything as she used it often enough with Raphael.

  “I’m not mad. I needed to hear your voice.”

  Dom looked relieved. “I wasn’t going to call, but I admit I needed to hear yours as well.”

  Pan snuggled closer, breathing in his masculine scent that reminded her of freshly laundered sheets, soap and forest.

  “So you know my favorite color,” she said, playing with the collar of his shirt. “What’s yours?”

  “It used to be black, but of recent it tends to be whatever color you’re wearing.”

  Pan looked down at her pink tank top with little roses on it. “So pink is your favorite color now?”

  He chuckled. “As it seems.”

  “What’s your favorite blood type?” A morbid question by anyone else’s standards.

  “Again, as of recent, anything fuzzy.”

  “It must be really hard on you, turning vegan,” Pan said sympathetically. She felt a pang of guilt that it was because of her. The vegan diet was very bland and unsatisfying though sustainable.

  “You’re worth it.” Dom turned her face up to kiss her. “Never doubt that,” he said, holding her chin between his thumb and finger.

  His kiss had been light yet it had stolen her breath. “I love you, Dom.”

  He grazed his nose against her cheek. “I love you as well.”

  “Every time I hear you say that, I have the hardest time believing you could possibly love me as much as I love you.”

  He leaned away so he could look in her eyes. “If we play the game of who loves each other more, I will surely win,” Dom said intensely, almost angrily. “That is one thing no matter how much we argue about you will always, always, be wrong.”

  His eyes were so intense as they bored into hers Pan could do nothing but believe him.

  “Okay,” she said, her voice a little weak.

  “Okay.” And he relaxed. She hadn’t even noticed he had gone rigid.

  “Are you mad at me?”

  “No! Don’t be absurd. You just—” Dom rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Pan, you have to understand that…I have never been in love and while I am only a few years changed, I am vampire. To feel such intense emotions in general is a shock when—I haven’t felt much of anything in a long time. I needed you in a way I didn’t know.”

  “Doesn’t it seem ridiculous that we feel like this and it’s only been two days?”

  “No, it feels like fate. Perhaps twisted, depraved, masochistic fate, but fate all the same.”

  Pan hugged him tighter. “That’s a good answer.”

  His chuckle rumbled under her ear. “What did you learn in school today?”

  Pan laughed. “That’s a drastic change in conversation.”

  “I’m interested in what you do when you’re not with me.”

  “Well,” Pan traced his muscles through his shirt. “I learned that I need you in a way I didn’t know either. Your voice relaxed me today, made me feel euphoric when all I had been feeling was chaotic—I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

  “You stalked my mind all day too. I’ll have to call you before school for both our sakes and sanity. What’s tomorrow?”

  “Wednesday.”

  “There’s a carnival on the cliffs Friday, I want to take you.”

  Panic shooting through her, her eyes snapped open. “Take me out?”

  “On a date, yes.”

  “But Dom—” Pan sat up to look at him. “What if someone was to see? How are you going to get me free? Once I leave the grounds, I’m followed everywhere. It would be near impossible.”

  Dom stroked her arm. “I’ve been scouting all day and I’ve mapped it out. It will be simple.” He sounded so certain, Pan almost was as well.

  “That’s all you have to say? It’s not very convincing.”

  His brows furrowed. “I wouldn’t put you in any danger—”

  “I’m worried about you! What if we get caught sneaking out?” She stroked his cheek. “They’ll kill you.”

  He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “If we’re caught, which I highly doubt, then we’ll say I was kidnapping you for rape and ransom for which the pay must be handsome.”

  Pan yanked her hand away, wanting to slap him. “They’ll still kill you, you fool! See reason!”

  “I am. You’d be spared any inquiries of treason.”

  Pan harrumphed, crossing her arms.

  “You’re doing it again.”

  “Doing what?” she demand, haughty.

  “Pouting.”

  Pan scowled at him.

  “Oh,” Dom groaned. “Oh, don’t stop. It makes my heart surge with joy at how adorable you are.”

  “I’m not being adorable now, I’m being annoyed.” She turned her back on him.

  “Oh, heavens above!” he gasped. “I think I’m experiencing my first silent treatment. I think my heart has stopped.”

  Pan turned and smacked him in the chest. “It’s not funny,” she said, glaring.

  Dom wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to lay back. Knitting his fingers with hers, he held them above her head as he straddled her.

  “I think it is funny.” He grazed her cheek with his lips. “Because you see,” he whispered.

  “My heart stopped beating long ago.”

  “I’m going to smack you.”

  Dom laughed hard. “Smack me, attack me, bruise me, black me, you can do whatever you want to me. Remember, I’m your prisoner.”

  “It’s not funny!”

  “Shh,” he cautioned, looking towards her door. “All right.” He sat back, pulling her up with him. “What are you so worried about?”

  “Dom,” Pan stressed. “We could get caught.”

  “It’s a risk,” he admitted, a little reluctantly. “But a small one. I would never do anything to put you in danger from your coven or mine. I’m not worried about it. The cliffs are neutral territory. So all that’s left is…do you trust me?” He searched her eyes.

  She didn’t even need to think about it. “Yes. Indefinitely.”

  “Then let me take you on a date. If you ask me, it’s a little pitiful that we’re engaged and haven’t even been on one.”

  Seeing the imploration in his eyes, Pan knew she had to relent. Come heaven or hell she was under his spell.

  “Alright,” she said, then admitted a little sheepishly, “I’ve never been on a date before. No boys have been brave enough to ask.”

  “Then I’m glad I have nothing to be jealous of, because I—” Dom leaned in as if to kiss her, “—do not share well either. Matter of fact—I don’t share at all.”

  Pan tilted her face, her lips parting, waiting for them to meet. He leaned in further…then abruptly rolled to the side, lying back down. Having wanted and expected a kiss Pan looked around at him. He smiled broadly, arms behind his head.

  She narrowed her eyes. “Tease.”

  Dom shrugged. Pan punched his stomach.

  “Ooo,” he laughed. “I’ve always been a g
lutton for punishment. Do it again.”

  “Fine. Don’t kiss me. See if I care.”

  As she turned to lie on her side, Dom lunged at her, rolling her. “Give me a kiss or my heart will wither without bliss!”

  Pan screamed with laughter as he kissed all over her face. She tried to keep her mouth from him, but he found it and took claim. Put it to shame, she wasn’t the only one who had to have her way.

  + Chapter 14 +

  Fight Fright

  As a Princess Pan hated being wrong and all beware her wrath for those who tried to tell her she was. But Dom was right, sneaking out was rather easy. It had seemed a feat of the impossible at first, but as he said before, he had the talent of stealth.

  He arrived after sundown, before the new round of sentinels was to take guard, knowing the ones before would be ravenous from the dayshift and anxious to depart. Guards rotated every couple days so they wouldn’t fry in the sun as they fed in between.

  Pan was impressed as Dom avoided cameras and kept her downwind. It was exhilarating as she had never snuck out before, at least not without Andre secretly pretending he didn’t know she was and following. But where was the fun in that?

  A couple of times they had to duck into a secluded alcove as a well hidden guard impostering the yard surprised them. Dom would then block her body with his. He blended into the shadows, mimicking them with his stillness, questioning his realness. Tempted to torment, as they waited for the guard to pass, Pan pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed on his neck.

  Dom closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath. “You are positively evil.” He spoke so low she could barely hear him.

  Grinning, Pan licked up his neck. He shivered. “You’ve no idea.”

  He chuckled and met her lips. After a second, he pulled away. Pan wanted to pull him back, finish what they started, but he tilted his head, his expression one of concentration. She knew he was hearing something she could not.