by V L Moon
“Arial…”
As always, Arial remained the ever present choice. Resolute in his allegiance as Fallen and friend, the warrior’s plight worried them both, but they trusted him without fear. Even though having a place at Lachi’s court failed to lift the male’s tarnished heart, they knew he’d help. Loz worried for her brethren and for Saul, Ms. Stroner, Tobias and Creator help her, for Roman. His turning up at the royal enclave was one thing they didn’t need. His very existence hung on a knife edge. She and Laziel had tried to oversee his safety, watching from a distance, guiding Roman through Mendeeto, until the day his safety could be assured. And, on top of all of them there was fucking D.D. and the daily task of staying one step ahead of Darklon’s deviant plans to see Lachi as a sex slave.
“Shit,” Loz groaned and turned on her back to stare at the ceiling. But, that wasn’t quite all. A new turn of events had occurred and the plot thickened further. With the arrival of the wolves came a new sense of unity, one Darklon and the Nephilim had seriously underestimated. The angel knew times were changing and as the war with the Nephilim threw them a curve ball; an ancient alliance now looked set to be reformed.
Loz thought back to the earlier adventure into Darklon’s disturbed and dangerous mind. The hatred the Elder harbored had always worried the angel, but now, lying in the darkness with time to think about what had been revealed, she planned to double up on the guards.
Darklon had made a fundamental mistake in bringing Roman into Lachi’s royal court. The vampire’s arrival opened up a very old wound, one Darklon had been unable to shield. Roman’s familiar appearance combined with the strength of his mind that had awakened the lustful rage responsible for sparking Loni’s descent. And, who did Loni blame?
“Lachi.”
In the deepest reaches of Darklon’s mind, the reason why he hated his King lay hidden. Love. Darklon’s love for another had turned bitter. He’d taken Vischeral Bourne to strike back at Malachi, turned him when he encountered an unfathomable strength of will, and then tried to break him. He’d never considered Bourne’s steadfast loyalty to Malachi Denali. For him, humans failed to harbor such lofty ideals. Friends for years, Bourne refused his every promise, his every advance. He’d fallen for the male and fallen hard. Convinced, he could change Bourne’s mind and invoke a return of his adore; Loni had virtually lost his own mind trying to break through the impenetrable shields protecting the vampire’s mind.
“Great, just fucking great.” Loz groused and shoved up from the bed as her body settled into a more manageable throb. “If it wasn’t bad enough growing a pair of tits and parading around in a dress, now I’ve got D.D. stuck in my head.” Loz growled, speaking Laziel’s oft repeated thoughts aloud. D.D., Dark and Dismal, the nickname Laziel gifted Mr. Oh So Fucking Lovely Bourne after his escape from Darklon’s clutches. As much as that handsome bastard’s love for Lachi stuck in the angel’s gut, it wasn’t in their nature to hate. Couldn’t, even though the thought of Lachi and Bourne together churned like battery acid deep in the celestial’s soul.
Pissed off on a Richter scale of, oh about, nine point nine, Loz rose gingerly, and slowly put herself through the rigors of female necessity. The ball in honor of Roman’s new status would be a formal affair and called for finery beyond that of Laziel’s favored, low slung jeans. After the skin baring slip of a dress she’d worn to the Elder’s Ball, Malachi had chosen the gown for the night’s ceremony. Loz opened the walk in closet and gasped at the beauty of the slim sheath on the hanger.
Shimmering black satin, with a full...length skirt that emphasized voluptuous hips, the dress boasted a corseted bustier that cinched in at the waist. Loz stepped into the dress and tugged it up into place. She laughed a bit as it threatened to spill over an ample amount of cleavage. Her breasts ached as her nipples pressed against the tight restrictive caress of the bustier’s fit. The sensation took her breath away and the caress of satin against her bare legs intensified the experience. But, the end result was visibly stunning against her creamy white bared flesh.
As Loz leaned into the mirror to fasten the single circlet of rubies Laziel favored around her neck, she noticed Lachi’s bite marks from the previous night had failed to heal or fade. While it was true she was weaker than Laziel’s more virile counterpart, they were one in the same. She still yielded an influential amount of celestial power. She should have already healed. Worry creased her brow as she ran the tips of her fingers over the reddened marred flesh.
Something was wrong, never in all of their centuries together had she failed to heal. A feeling of impending sorrow bore down on Loz. She stumbled from the weight of it. Weak…, she felt weak, more so than any other time she had shifted forms. With no time to question it or rein in the feeling of fear, Loz riffled through the vast array of chokers and chains before finding one thick enough to hide the marks on her neck.
Warm hands glided up over the creamy flesh of Loz’s shoulders and took the clasp from her trembling hands. “Always so beautiful, my angel.” My angel…the words whispered over the angel’s flesh and threatened to steal the breath from her heart. Love raw and undiluted for the vampire embracing her swam in Loz’s eyes. But, as much as she wanted to turn into him and slide her arms around his waist, the angel dared not move.
“Grazie, my Liege. I will be with you forth with.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Loz stepped into the in suite bathroom, hoping Lachi hadn’t scented the flow of tears spilling from her eyes. In her heart, she knew she needed to shift and retake Laziel’s more powerful form. Whatever was wrong, Laziel had a better chance of fighting against it. Malachi would understand; he had too. But then, how could she explain without causing him more worry and having him push away what little love he did show to Laziel further away? She wouldn’t risk it. If anyone attempted to bring Lachi harm, Loz wouldn’t hesitate to take them out, even if it meant bringing down the whole damn enclave. She would leave the world a ruined wreck if any dared tempt to harm their mate.
With an icy smile to hide the carnal turmoil building again in her core, Loz stepped from the bathroom and bowed to the King. “Your people await you, mio amore.”
If Lachi noticed her distress, he never mentioned it. The ride to the enclave was made in utter silence. With neither of them inclined to speak, the journey felt miles longer than usual. The strength of Loz’s heightened need intensified her feelings of disconnection, and it showed when the door to the limousine opened and Loz stumbled out into Lachi’s arms.
“Angel?” Lachi ground out. The resonating sound of his voice stopped her dead in her tracks. Loz’s head swam, her lips parted and she pulled Lachi against her heaving chest to claim his highly tempting mouth. When she pulled back, he scowled, looking confused at her forwardness. The mystification gave way to a look of worry and concern. She couldn’t bear the deep lines etched into his face and looked away shaking her head.
“Just playing the part Mal…I am female after all.” Loz couldn’t hide the quake in her voice.
“Mal…Mal? Since fucking when have you ever called me Mal? What’s going on? And, don’t think I don’t know something’s wrong with you angel?” Strong hands gripped Loz’s arm and forced her to meet his piercing glare. His eyes darkened to a deeper shade of black. They reflected nothing except the harsh brutality of the vampire’s life. He knew she was lying. Loz’s eyes fluttered shut as the battle raging between her moist thighs threatened to spill over into an all out storm of female pheromones.
“Azarian.” The name came with a throaty masculine growl. Loz tightened her grip, pulling Lachi closer. “Something’s not right…can’t draw her back.”
Lachi’s eyes widened, and he pulled Loz into his embrace so they stood face to face. This close, it was impossible for her to resist. With Lachi’s breath and the scent of his ire tickling her sense, she parted her lips and claimed his mouth again. A low purr emanated from her throat and her pebbled nipples pressed into the bustier desperate to feel the hard sinew of his che
st.
Panting with desire by the time Lachi broke their kiss, Loz moaned. “Can you smell my desire for you? I’m so fucking wet. Please, Lachi, take me.” The scent of her desire poured from her to cover the vampire in a wash of potent pheromones so intoxicating even Lachi had trouble staying on his feet.
“Rein it the fuck in, Loz. We have a function to attend. But, let me assure you, my lady, you will be punished for this PDA. Now get that ass inside before I drag you in there by the scruff of your neck.”
If the threat was supposed to abate the desire burning in Loz’s core, it failed miserably. A wave of lust slammed out from Loz and floored the approaching doorman, sending him careening to the floor. With a whirl of her skirts, Loz spun away and ascended the steps to leave a glowering Lachi hyperventilating in a cloud of heavenly carnal scent.
Confused by what was happening, Loz glided inside and stood waiting for the vampire King to be formally announced. She felt the weight of everyone’s stare as they either sneered at her voluptuous presence or undressed her with their eyes. Either way, their eyes held nothing compared to the scalding heat of the King’s glare. It penetrated her back and burned a hole through to her soul.
When he joined her, his hand splayed across the glistening skin of Loz’s bare back. It came away shimmering in the angel’s sweet scented essence. A resonating growl slammed into Loz, arching her spine and silencing the room.
“Elders of the court, your King, Malachi Azarian Denali, and his escort Signorina Lorenza, Diplomatic Envoy of the Court and his Majesty’s most esteemed private counsel.”
A roar erupted through the grand ball room as everyone in attendance stood and turned their attention toward their King and his guest. Lachi courteously greeted the speaker and guided Loz with a hand at the small of her back until both stood center stage before the on looking crowd. At Lachi’s raised hand, the room fell into silence.
“We are gathered here tonight to welcome into my court a new Elder. While the situation surrounding these events continue to darken my heart, it still gives me great pleasure to present to you a vampire raised in the enclave of our fallen Elder Mendeeto and his esteemed wife Carmelishia. Their strength, love and honor will continue in their absence as it is only through their kindness and generosity that the Elder I am about to present to you has grown into the vampire we meet this night. My people, please, raise a toast to our new and youngest Elder Roman Di Sangue.”
The room roared its applause as their King guided Loz off the stage to welcome Roman into the fold. As chaos ensued, Loz slipped to the back and met the honeyed bronze eyes of their new little friend. “Tobias, it is a pleasure to meet you. Malachi has explained your circumstance and, you can be assured, we will help as and where we can. Now, how about we let the vampires play and we get ourselves a drink?”
Wide eyes smiled in appreciation of the female before him and Loz thought it quaint that the wolf held his charm regardless of his surroundings.
“The stuff they serve here gets right up my nose. Too many bubbles.” It was supposed to be lighthearted, but Tobias exuded so much testosterone it came across as a low rolling growl.
“Here, how about you try some of this? There isn’t much that affects us wolves. We burn off virtually everything from drugs to drink, so we started making our own brew. It’s a smooth one, but damn it’s got a kick to it once it hits.” He smiled and Loz liked the good tempered warmth that flowed from the wolf.
Loz took the shot, knocking it back in one hit. The bolt of heat scorched a path through her veins and sent a blast of something wickedly divine straight to her weeping sheath. The light buzz that followed heightened Loz’s predicament. By the time Lachi made his way through the mass of well...wishers and fat cat Elders prying for news, Loz was practically drowning in sexual frustration and needed to vent. With one look into those magnificent black eyes, Loz sent a mental instruction straight to mind. “Make sure your punishment leaves Laziel unable to walk.”
A smirk turned the corners of the vampire King’s mouth as his fingers ran a taunting path along the highly sensitized flesh of her back.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
After the King’s announcement, Roman circled the room, accepting well wishes from the gathered vampires. At his side, Darklon kept a firm grip on his elbow, steering him in the direction of his political allies. With the near kiss still fresh in his mind, the Elder’s touch made his skin crawl, but there was no delicate way to escape the male’s clutches. So, he smiled, greeted the males who most likely plotted against his King, and searched the room for Ms. Stroner.
Several times, he found her in the crowd, her long blond hair a golden cascade down her smooth, bare back. She moved with fluid grace, the silk sheath she wore molding itself to her lithe frame. With Darklon so close, he kept a tight lock on his mind, and the pure lust that flamed every time he caught her scent in the packed room. When she took Loz’s place beside the wolf, Tobias, and smiled up at the testosterone fueled male, his docile demeanor evaporated.
“Excuse me, father. The King is signaling me.” The blatant lie fell easily from his lips. He didn’t wait for a reply and moved away toward the King and his date. He made a brief stop for appearances, and then moved around the couple. His attention locked on the male and female heading for the dance floor. The wolf’s hand rested on Ms. Stroner’s back as their eyes remained locked together. Roman stopped in front of them, forcing them to halt or run into him.
“Good evening, I see you two are enjoying yourselves.” Calm and controlled, his voice belied the turmoil inside.
“What do you want, Di Sangue?” The snarky comment drew a chuckle from the wolf and lit the flame of his temper. He met Kimberly’s irate glare and smirked. “I came to rescue you from the clutches of the Big Bad Wolf. His smell must be nauseating to your delicate sensibilities.” Her lip curled, and she slid an arm around Tobias’s waist.
“He does not smell of betrayal and treason, vampire.” Her eyes flashed with temper. So fucking beautiful. The urge to drag her against him and kiss her senseless overwhelmed him. His hands curled into fists as he fought the need.
“In case you forgot, female, I swore my allegiance and loyalty to Malachi Denali not three hours ago.” He crowded closer to her paying no mind to the wolf. “I am not Darklon, and it’s time you get that through your pretty little head.”
She blinked and swallowed, her free hand coming up to grasp her throat. He saw the change in her eyes as her tongue appeared to moisten her lips. Before his lips found hers, the wolf shoved between them.
“The lady and I were going to take a whirl around the floor. If you’ll excuse us, vampire.” The rumbling growl broke the moment and Roman took a step back, but pressed the slight advantage he’d gained.
“May I have the pleasure of the next one, milady?” Confusion clouded her gaze, but she nodded. “Bring her back to me, wolf.”
“If you’re lucky, vampire.” The two edged past him, and Roman didn’t turn to see the other male take Kimberly into his arms. Wouldn’t be good to lose his temper in the midst of a festivity in his honor. Instead, he headed for the bar. When the song ended, he waited shoulders tense.
“I believe this is your dance, vampire.” A disgruntled looking Kimberly stood at Tobias’s side. “You did agree to it, sweetheart. You won’t go back on your word, will you?” Surprised, Roman listened to the other male cajole Kimberly into dancing with him.
“Fine.” Kimberly grabbed his hand and dragged him to the edge of the dance floor. Keeping a marked distance between them, she slid her arms up to lightly circle his neck. She gazed just over his left shoulder. Roman swallowed hard and rested his palms lightly on her hips.
“Congratulations on your new position.” Cool and dispassionate, her voice nevertheless affected him. Combined with her scent filling his nose and the feel of her hips moving under his hands, he struggled to hide his body’s reaction.
“Thank
you. It was not my ambition in life. I loved Mendeeto, Ms. Stroner. He was the only father figure I knew. I would gladly give up the honor if it meant having Mendeeto, Carmelishia, and their young back where they should be.”
Her eyes flicked to his and she studied him. “You really mean that don’t you?”
“Yes, Ms. Stroner, I do.”
“Kimberly.” His eyebrows rose in question. “My name is Kimberly…Roman.”
A genuine smile curved his lips. “It’s nice to finally make your acquaintance, Kimberly.”
“No wonder you vampires have trouble reproducing, if this is the way you dance.” The wolf’s gravelly voice made Roman curse. The other male stood just behind Kimberly, a devilish gleam in his honey colored eyes. He stepped forward folding his large frame around the petite female.
“This is my dance, whelp; go find yourself another female.” Instinctively, he drew Kimberly into his body. Tobias followed keeping his chest tight against Ms. Stroner’s back. Roman started in surprise when large strong hands slid over his hips to grasp his ass. Tobias met his gaze over Kimberly’s shoulder. “I don’t see why we can’t share.” The double meaning behind the wolf’s words precipitated a gasp from the female trapped between them.
“I don’t know what you wolves are accustomed too, but Ms. Stroner is a lady.”
“Can we?” Kimberly’s tremulous voice jerked his head down in surprise. Her arousal stung his nose at the same time she rotated her hips grinding first against him and then against the wolf.
“Oh yeah, baby.” The fingers on his own ass flexed urging Roman closer. His mind reeled. What the hell was going on? “Two strapping males worshiping your lush, sexy body. Two cocks filling you to bursting. Come on vampire, you brave enough to give the lady what she wants?” Tobias’s voice lowered full of invitation and insinuation.
