by V L Moon
Darklon’s body crashed against the far wall and slumped in a heap at Saul’s feet. Laziel’s private guard eyed the male speculatively before using his boot to push him outside. Laziel turned around to meet Lachi’s glare and was instantly claimed by the lush possessiveness of Lachi’s mouth. The kiss stained the air with the soft angelic sound of Laziel’s yearning groans. Only the impending sound of heavy incoming footfalls tore him away from the male he’d sworn to protect.
“You hold that thought for me motherfucker, and I’ll more than reward you for keeping your cool.” Laziel winked mischievously at Lachi just as Arial’s looming presence made itself known.
Clouds shrouded Arial’s eyes to convey the Fallen’s darker than normal mood, and an arctic blast of ice seemed to flow around him as he knelt before Lachi and greeted the vampire King. “I am the bearer of bad tidings, my liege, and ask for but a moment of your time if you have it to spare.”
Lachi frowned, and the deep crease formed in his forehead that Laziel damn well adored. At the inclination of Lachi’s head, Arial rose to enter and came up against the solid wall of Laziel’s broad chest.
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s fucking rude to leave people waiting? Bring in our guest, Arial, before the fucker starts to shed.” With a roll of his eyes and a sway of his hips Laziel turned and made his way into the private office of the vampire King.
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
At the angel’s sardonic comment, Malachi swiveled back to face the doors leading into his office. A stranger waltzed in to the room as if he owned the place a flippant smile turning up the corners of his mouth. Tall and rangy, he moved with the easy grace of a predator. Longish hair highlighted naturally in different shades of blonde had been tamed and tied back with a leather cord. The light caught on the blonder streaks and made his honey colored eyes sparkle. His scent wafted into the room, a touch of wildness in Malachi’s nose. Wolf shifter, in his prime, pure testosterone, and Ms. Stroner sure noticed. Malachi’s own mouth quirked as her instant arousal pierced the air. Beside her, Roman stiffened, his jade green eyes landing on the new male. Fangs appeared just over his bottom lip. Malachi filed away the possessive reaction from the young vampire.
“Welcome to Italy and to my Court,” he addressed the newcomer. “In case you missed the opening act, this is the head of my Guard, Laziel, my personal assistant Ms. Kimberly Stroner, and the soon to be inducted Elder of the South American enclave, Roman Di Sangue.” The wolf’s eyes tracked to each, lingered with lustful interest on Ms. Stroner and returned to meet his own. “I assume you have reason to have dragged Arial from his duties to the enclave?”
When the wolf left Arial’s side and sauntered toward him, Malachi held up a restraining hand to both angels. The male’s cockiness amused him.
“I don’t need an angel to remind me of my manners, Sire.” Dropping to one knee, the shifter bowed his head in deference; however, there wasn’t a submissive bone in the male’s body. “My name is Tobias Chamberlin, Beta to Jorn Chamberlin, Alpha of the Appalachian Pack. My father was a trustworthy friend of your Elder Mendeeto. He sent me South to seek assistance. Unfortunately, I’ve learned of Mendeeto’s death. My father will be greatly troubled when I deliver the sad news of his passing.”
Never one to stand on ceremony, Malachi slapped a hand against Tobias’s shoulder. “Hold on a moment.” He turned his attention to the ones standing silent in the room. “Everyone grab a chair.” His eyes landed on Laziel, and with a smirk the angel crossed the room to take his place at his right shoulder. When they all sat, he addressed the wolf.
“Now continue. You were sent to Mendeeto for what kind of assistance?”
“Our pack is under attack as are others close to us. We managed to track the assailants for a few miles and the scent just disappears. No tire tracks, no whiff of magic, it’s just fucking gone.” The frustration in the male’s voice rang true. “We’ve lost five in three months, three subordinates, two pups and a breeding female. Other packs have lost more.”
“And, you think it’s a vampire, or vampires?” Malachi kept his voice calm and low. He didn’t take charges against his race lightly. They were the ultimate predator, and if they were born vampires the ability to port came naturally. They virtually disappeared into thin air.
“No, the Eau du Copper tang you bloodsuckers sport is pretty easy to identify. It hasn’t been found in any of the areas. It’s something different, I can’t explain it.”
“Laz.”
The name brought the angel out from behind him. Malachi hid a smirk when the tough talking wolf paled as the angel approached him. Obviously reading the wolf’s fear, Laziel braced his hands on the arms of the chair and deliberately invaded the male’s personal space.
“Does it smell like this?” Laziel blew a short breath across the wolf’s sensitive nose. Those honey eyes darkened. Fury, sadness and recognition clashed. He surged to his feet forcing the angel to straighten. With a roll of his eyes and hips, Laziel shoved Tobias back down in his seat. “Heel, wolf. I’m not the enemy. Well, not unless you make the stupid mistake of going after this vampire.” Laziel stroked his fingers up along Malachi’s arm as he returned to stand at Malachi’s right side.
“Are you telling me angels are killing our pack mates?” Disbelief warred with rage in the shifter’s voice.
“Not angels per say. It’s a possibility; one I hope is not true. But, if the Nephilim have turned their sights on other races, the war is going to get much uglier.”
“War?” Roman and Tobias asked in unison.
“Yes, war.” Malachi regarded the young wolf and younger vampire thoughtfully. An idea gelled, one that would solve several immediate problems. “After the ceremony tonight, Roman, you will accompany Tobias back to his Pack Headquarters in Virginia.”
Tobias’s eyebrows winged up in surprise that he knew the pack’s location, but Malachi didn’t falter. “After cleaning up the South American enclave following the Nephilim attack, you’re qualified to determine if the attacks are related to the Fallen hybrid bastards.” Firm lips pressed together, and he flicked his eyes to Arial. “No offense, Arial, that was thoughtless.”
The large brooding Fallen simply shrugged.
“But Sire, I’ve only just started at the enclave,” Roman sputtered.
“Afraid, whelp?” Tobias taunted crossing his arms over his chest.
“Of you, or your litter? No fucking way. I have a job to do.” Roman turned back to Malachi. “The survivors are starting to trust me, to ask for assistance.”
“Arial will return to the enclave. He has far more experience and will be better able to defend them in the event of a repeat attack.” And sending you will get you away from Darklon’s manipulative clutches. The last went unspoken but played a large part in Malachi’s decision. “Ms. Stroner will accompany you both.”
By no flicker of movement did his assistant evidence her distress, but Malachi sensed it. “Now, we have a small matter of swearing allegiance to attend to before you can leave to prepare yourselves for the Crescente di Ordinare Cerimonia. It’s fortunate you’re here Tobias, an impartial witness should dampen the fire I’m sure is scalding Loni’s ass right about now.” Malachi rose from his chair and circled the desk.
“Roman Di Sangue, kneel before your King.” Laziel’s deep baritone filled the room. “Arial to his left, Tobias to his right. Ms. Stroner if you will be so kind as to transcribe the event.” The female hurried to the desk and snatched up a pen and tablet and took her place on Malachi’s left directly before Tobias. Roman’s head came up, but Malachi caught it in his palm and shoved it down again. The young vampire needed to learn to hide his emotions better. Maybe the trip would teach him a bit about self...control.
“Roman Di Sangue, the Court has been petitioned and you have been nominated to fill the role of Elder of the South American Enclave.” The rehearsed words fell from Malachi’s lips while in his mind,
he pictured Mendeeto’s stern face and Carmelishia’s beautiful smile, such a tragic waste of young love. “Do you accept this nomination?”
“I do.” Strong and sure, Roman answered, no hesitation in his voice.
“Arial Nathanial, Fallen Angel of Heaven, and Tobias Chamberlain, Beta of the Appalachian Pack, do you attest that this nomination was accepted without coercion and at the will of Roman Di Sangue?” Both males answered in the affirmative.
“The position of Elder is a life station. Once taken, an Elder can only be removed upon death or upon treason against the King and Crown. Roman Di Sangue, do you pledge your loyalty, your fidelity and your life to the protection and sanctity of the Crown?”
“I do.”
“Witnesses, do you attest this vow was pledged by Roman Di Sangue of his own free will?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
Malachi removed his hand from the younger vampire’s head and stepped back. Laziel moved in front of him, eyes flashing golden fire. “Roman Di Sangue, do you avow before me, that you will honor, protect and remain faithful to Malachi Denali, Your Sire and Liege, from this day forward. Think carefully before you answer as a vow made to an angel is a sacred promise punishable by immediate death if it is broken.”
“Is this part of the ceremony?” A faint whisper from Ms. Stroner broke the strained silence.
“It is if the young male expects to continue his visits to the King’s office.” Shaking his head, Malachi grasped Laziel’s elbow and tugged him backward.
“It is not required,” he started, but Roman surged to his feet and held out a hand to the angel.
“I vow upon my soul that I will hold Malachi Denali’s life more sacred than my own. I pledge my life, my honor and my loyalty to my King.”
Laziel gripped the young vampire’s hand and shook.
“Good choice, kid.” The lighthearted tone returned to Laziel’s voice. “Now can we have a drink and a Jolly Rancher, Batman?”
“I believe the formality is over,” Malachi chuckled before turning to Ms. Stroner. “If you’ll have the appropriate papers drawn up for our signatures, I think Laziel will be serving us all a drink.”
Malachi retreated to the large leather chair behind his desk. He hid a smirk behind his hand as Roman and Tobias watched his assistant leave the room. Arial took up residence against the back wall, his eyes tracking everyone’s movements.
“Tobias, there is a ball later tonight to celebrate Roman’s new position. We’d be honored if you would attend.”
“I appreciate the offer, Your Grace, but I didn’t pack for a formal affair.” A huge smile wreathed Roman’s face at that bit of news.
“I’m sure we can find ya something,” Laziel said handing the two males a drink. The grin fell from Roman’s face and appeared on Tobias’s full lips. Malachi took the snifter of Glenfiddich and inhaled the spicy aroma before bringing it to his lips. He swallowed a surprised grunt when Laziel fell into his lap. Twin looks of shock crossed the younger males’ faces. Arial remained stoic as always.
“Where’s my Jolly Ranchers, Batman? You hid them again.” Laziel wiggled his ass, causing Malachi’s cock to sit up and take notice.
“Bottom drawer, on the left. Now get your ass up, we have guests.” With a huff, Laziel gained his feet and rummaged in the drawer until he found the candy. “I want reports from you two every day. If the Nephilim have expanded their attention, we need to alert everyone. They have no mercy. Male, female, baby, geriatric, they don’t care. Roman, you’ve seen that first hand.” His gaze swung to Tobias. “I suppose you have too, if you visited the enclave. We need to stop this now.”
The soft click of heels announced Ms. Stroner’s return. She laid a single sheet of vellum on his desk. “Okay gentlemen, it’s time to sign.” Roman signed first, followed by Arial and Tobias. The Fallen bid them farewell and disappeared out the door. Laziel added his name with a flourish and the page rotated for his signature. Malachi put his pen down and looked up into somber faces. “It’s party time, youngsters. Go get your party clothes on. My envoy, Lorenza and I will see you at the Ceremony. Ms. Stroner, if you will accompany our guest to your apartment to refresh himself and change.”
“He can come to my room,” Roman blurted, but Malachi shook his head. “I think it best he stay well away from your father.” He caught Tobias’s eye. “Her welfare is important to me. Understand?”
Tobias snapped his eyes up to meet his and nodded.
“See you all later tonight then.” Malachi inclined his head in dismissal as strong hands slid around his waist and pulled him back against a broad chest.
“Miss Lorenza will see you later, sexy.” Malachi whirled around, but the angel had already disappeared.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Breathless as the shift into female form started, Laziel lay splayed across an ocean of rich purple satin. His body glistened in the glow of candle light, and he arched off of the bed, spine bending, lost to the lascivious enthrall of transformation. A sweet heady scent flooded the room and whispered moans filled the room as small feminine hands trembled over soft ample swells of voluptuous breasts. A halo of light pulsed over the female form now writhing on the duvet as soft mewling groans slipped from fuller parted, lips.
“Malachi…Lachi…oh Creator, it hurts. Please make it stop,” she panted. Her breath came in shallow rapid gasps as tears tracked down her flawless face. When a shockwave of pleasure coursed through her veins, Loz screamed. Her legs scissored as long elegant fingers slipped through the wet swollen folds of her labia and caressed the hardened nub of highly sensitized flesh. The friction of her fingers as they circled and pressed that erotically charged part of her sex sent Loz’s body into violent shuddering jolts that directed a flash of raw, undiluted sexual energy blasting through the room. The force of her release shattered the mirrors running along the wall and snuffed out the candles littered throughout the room.
In this weaker and more vulnerable form, Loz trembled from the intensity of embittered release and curled in on herself, letting tears, stained with sorrow track down the her angelic face. Her emotional state was a raw, open wound; she yearned mercilessly for the love of the male she and Laziel both worshipped and adored. A love the vampire King refused to acknowledge or reciprocate.
Alone in her suffering, Loz, curled into a tight ball and released the unseen restraints that fettered her celestial heart. The change usually invoked on orgasm though not always. She’d expected the rolling wave of climax, but the strength of it scared her. Desolation followed it, leaving her weak, lost and raked by a longing Lachi would never understand. She whimpered; she nor Laziel would ever know how it felt to have that love returned. The capability for the vampire to love was there, engrained within the darkest part of the vampire’s heart. But, she feared Lachi had long since shut away any notion of love, solely out of fear.
Loz moaned as another tremor swept through her core, “Creator, please…make it stop.” Her fingers ground against the slick folds of flesh and eased into the heat of her core. A scream ripped from her throat. “AZARIAN, HELP ME!” Tears ran in rivulets down her face. “Dear Creator, it won’t stop. Please…”
Her inner wall seized around her fingers and she wept harder, trembling through each spasm until wave after wave of sweet scented release poured from her opening to coat her fingers in a wash of blistering angelic juices. When her breathing eased, Loz struggled to rise from the bed, but a swell of cramps rolled through her core sending Loz to her knees.
“Laziel…” She pleaded as pain ripped through her abdomen. “Laziel, please make it stop. Come back, please.”
Inside her mind, Laziel roared and struggled to the surface only for the strength of her need to bring him to his knees in defeat. This was why Laziel chose its masculine gender. As a male, he was safer, stronger and completely in control of feelings and senses. In male form, the seraphim warrior ruled, keeping the weaker part of its nature tamped down.
As female,
those feelings and needs were exposed for all to see. They could and would be used against Lachi who would die to protect the angel in either form. Loz crawled back onto the bed, her skin damp and her hair plastered to her face. What was this? What was wrong within this form that held domination over Laziel? She tried to relax, to regulate her breathing and instigate another change to bring the warrior within to the surface. She tried in vain to summon up the will to change. But nothing transformed. For the first time in her celestial existence, fear touched her very soul. Feminine fists curled into the sheets and a low angry growl ripped from her throat. If she couldn’t change back, how could Laziel protect the male they loved more than life itself?
A wave of lust rose up within her.
“Creator, help me,” she moaned as her empty core clenched painfully with the need to be filled. The satin smooth feel of the sheets against her heated skin emphasized the yearning for sexual bliss. Her hips gyrated hard against the palm of her hand. She wept openly, wishing, wanting the only one who could abate her need.
“Lachi,” she whispered, and then moaned. Her breath hitched when her thighs parted and cool air brushed over the soaked, petaled flesh of her swollen core. Grabbing the pillow, Loz stuffed it over her face and screamed deliriously until the sheets beneath her were drenched and her celestial body glowed in the darkness.
When she finally calmed, Loz wiped away the tears and turned onto her side. Naked and trembling, she feared what was to come. Before the time the seraphim walked mortal Earth, there had been nothing to harm the form it had chosen to take. How was she to deal with such a dilemma? What was she to do if Laziel couldn’t take control? She knew without question Lachi didn’t desire a feminine form.
“Oh Creator, no. Nooo…” Unbridled tears swam in her eyes as realization dawned. Lachi would never want his angel while in female form. Loz was an adornment; nothing more, nothing less. It was the angel’s masculine entity, Laziel, the vampire craved, not some pasty soft female. Laziel’s uninhibited strength and fortitude enabled Lachi to be who he was. How in the hell was she supposed to protect him while stuck in what was supposed to be a female vampire’s body? She was in trouble, and she would have to call for help. But who could be trusted to watch over the only being known to have stolen the breath from an angel’s beating heart.
