Chased by Darkness: A Reverse Harem Academy Romance: (Four Kings Academy Book 1)

by Taylor Spratt

And, as if reading my mind, her tears evaporated and frown lines sunk deep into her face. With a raised brow she said, “So, is the Void User my replacement?”

  I froze, a dry knot forming in my throat. Raiden’s jaw fell.

  How did this devil know we found our fated one? She even knows what she is. How could this be? Dammit! How far had the information that Aria is the future Queen of our world spread?

  “What do you know about her?” I demanded. Her red lips curled up into a wicked smile and she glanced down at her nails.

  “Yes, I know a lot about your ‘prophecy girl.’ Parents died when she was young, grew up alone in the forest, yada yada, blah, blah, blah! Honestly boys, I’m disappointed in you! If you want to be the Grand Lords, you should know a pathetic Void Bitch isn’t going help you.”

  I bared my teeth, my nostrils flaring. How dare this thing refer to my Aria that way?

  “And just what do you know about becoming Grand Lord, she devil?” I spat out, the veins in my neck now raised.

  Throwing her arms down in exasperation she said, “Three years we lived together, three years and in all that time did I teach you nothing? From Paris, to Australia, New Zealand and fucking Argentina. I took you bratty teens everywhere and taught you the ways of the world. I may have fucked up a few times along the way, but I taught you how to rule. Everywhere we went, we conquered and dominated! And now you’re here, rotting away at some stupid academy in some backwater city sharing a monarch with two blond buffoons? How far have you fallen!”

  Raiden balled his fist, seething at her.

  “I expected more from you two. You can open trenches in the fucking ground and send tidal waves to wash your enemies down like a giant fucking toilet and you think that makes you gods? Cute nicknames like Floodquake don’t make you gods. You’re still just boys. I can make you men! I can make you Grand Lords if you le-”

  “You are not in the Prophecy, Galima,” Raiden stated.

  “Prophecies are a load of bull and everybody knows it!” She whined, flashing her hair.

  “You are not the one we want, Galima,” I stated, making her freeze. She stared venomous daggers at me, her eyes going glossy with tears.

  “So,” she said, turning away and wiping her eyes. “Think you and your Void Bitch are going to end up happily ever after? Ha! You’re not!” She turned back to face us with an underhanded grin.

  “There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip, dear boys.”

  “What do you mean?” I yelled.

  “Oh, you mean you didn’t notice? King Luca seems to have quite a little eye for your so called ‘prophecy girl.’ And he’s quite the looker too, if I might say so. I’d sure fuck him. And from what I hear, the Void User couldn’t take her eyes off him at your, what do you call it? Orientation? Well, what can I say? Void Bitch’s got taste.” She laughed with a wink.

  “Anyway, good luck with your happily never after!” She chirped, her image fading out to nothing.

  Luca?! Is that why his girlfriend was after my Aria? Had he already made his move? The bastard! Everything that’s mine he seeks it out like the air itself. My fists tightened as I imagined his neck cracking inside them. Could he try to claim Aria? My Aria?

  “Zander listen to me,” Raiden said, walking over to stand in front of me, he grasped my arms. “She’s upset, she’s lashing out and telling lies. That’s what Galima does. If Aria is meant to be ours, she will be. Isn’t that how fate works?”

  My shoulders sank, taking in Raiden’s sullen face. He’d only just awoken to his feelings for Aria what, yesterday? I’d been drowning in them for a decade. I finally see her right in front of me and now Luca thinks he can take her from me?! Prophecy on my side or not, I will not let another man attempt to go after her.

  “Zander, I know that look. Don’t do anything irrational. We’ll get through this.”

  “No Raiden, the time for calculations has passed.” I jerked my head away, my eyes falling to the floor. “Now that Galima knows, it won’t be long before every Johnny sweet face in the magical world comes after her, thinking her some tool to the throne. I won’t have it! Luca Brighton has already set his sights on her,” I responded, placing my hands on his cheek to look him straight in the eyes.

  “He wants our mate, Raiden. I’ve made up my mind. If she is to be ours, we must wed her and do it before it’s too late.”

  “You don’t mean…” he replied.

  “Yes, Raiden, call the men. We must bring Aria to heel.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Galima

  “Jeffery, get in here!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, flinging my heels against the wall. “Hurry up!”

  Where the hell is he? My eyes spread across the room and I nearly gagged. Just look at this place, what was I even thinking? Lavender walls, turquoise couches and black antique tables scattered far and wide. In here was so fucking bright, the colors way too sickly sweet for my mood. I sighed, flinging myself onto the nearest couch and I laid an arm over my forehead to block the light.

  If I had to be miserable, why did the stupid walls get to be so happy?

  Knock-knock.

  “Just get in here already! Damn you Jeffery!” I cried.

  He yanked the door open and sped inside. My eyes bulged open, and I muffled a sob.

  Did he always look like that? He’s so tall, just like Alexander. His jet-black hair combed back so tight, just like Raiden. And those eyes, did they have to be so grey? They looked just like, like….

  “Oh, dear god!” I sobbed uncontrollably into Jeffery’s white long sleeve shirt. He cupped my hands in his, his eyes wet and dull.

  “Your grace, what’s wrong?”

  “They were so mean to me, they hate me!” I cried, my tears still flowing, I pulled the handkerchief from his shirt pocket and blew my nose in it.

  “There, there. Everything will be all right,” Jeffery consoled, patting me gently on the back, his eyes changing to warm and kind.

  “Oh, it will be. For me at least,” I said springing from the chair, my brows furrowing. “But that Void bitch is going to get it! And I’ll make her suffer too.” I shook my fist in the air.

  “Your grace please, don’t do anything rash again,” he said, coming to my side. “Those Adelgriefs aren’t worth the trouble. They-”

  “Don’t say their name!” I rolled my eyes, my jaw clenching. “I practically broke those little bastards out of jail and this is how they repay me? Abandoning me for some stupid school and fugly Void User?!”

  I cupped my chin and strolled around the room, Jeffery trailing me like a lost puppy.

  “What will I do to her? Throw her off a roof perhaps? Chuck her in a vat of boiling frog saliva? That’d be good.”

  “Your grace, your grace, please. Be careful. Void Users can be very dangerous.”

  “Buffoon! I’m dangerous, you don’t tell me about dangerous,” I said waving a finger at him when… not again.

  Gurgle, gurgle.

  I gripped my belly. Hells bells, hungry again? Well, there goes my diet.

  I turned smiling, my hands clasped behind my back to stare down Jeffery.

  “Jeffrykins,” I asked, batting my lashes and strolling over to him. “Is dinner ready?”

  He bit his lip, his brow wrinkling.

  “Well, your grace. Funny thing about that.”

  I don’t like the look on his face, I don’t like it one bit. I frowned.

  “Are the men not ready, Jeffery?” I asked.

  “Getting ready, your grace.”

  “So what’s with that face then?” I said raising an interrogating brow, putting my hands on my hips.

  His eyes darted around to land on the floor, sweat gliding down his face.

  “Do you have my toys ready?” I questioned.

  “Of course!” He said, eyes still on the floor. He was shaking now.

  I circled him like a drill sergeant.

  “You have my muzzles?”

  “All four, your grace.”<
br />
  “What about the whips and chains?”

  “Absolutely!” He exclaimed, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

  “The handcuffs and vibrator?”

  “Yes and your taser, as well, your grace.”

  “So, if you’ve got it all then what the hell is the problem?”

  He paused, not saying a word.

  Gurgle gurgle. I hunched over, my face twisting in pain as I dug my fingers deep into my aching abdomen. Ahhhh! My belly’s tumbling like a desert storm. How much fucking longer must I wait!?

  “I’m starving Jeffery!” I growled, leering at him. “Go get the men now!”

  “They’re afraid, your grace.” The words fell from his mouth like word vomit and my head reared back, my eyes springing open in shock.

  “Afraid? Of what?” I asked.

  “Well.” He hesitated. “Most of them have lost a great deal of teeth and hair since last night’s orgy.”

  I laughed, holding my sides. “Is that all? Nobody cares about a little hair and a few teeth, Jeffery. What’s really going on? Haven’t they been having fun with me?”

  “No, no,” Jeffery assured, raising both palms. “It's not that they dislike you, your grace. It’s just that, well, this dying stuff is rather painful for them. Even if done in the throes of glorious sex with a lovely lady, such as your-”

  “Enough flattery, I’m hungry now!” I growled. “Who cares if they have to die so I can eat? Haven’t they ever heard of the food chain? Besides, dying being fucked by me is the grandest death any of them can ever dream of! I’m doing them a favor!”

  Jeffrey gasped, his face going white as a sheet, his eyes fixed on my face.

  Hell! It must be happening again. I scurried over to the mirror on the other side of the room. Ekk, it was happening.

  Just look at what I’d been reduced to. I sighed, taking in my purpling skin and squinting eyes; they looked like damn slits now. I was turning into a fugly monster all because I hadn’t fucked once today.

  “Fuck!” I punched the mirror, sending shards of glass flying all around. I’m meant to be beautiful, all the time! How could I have let it get like this again? Tears slid down my cheeks and I turned my monstrous face to Jeffery.

  His eyes popped open, and he fell over his own feet, scattering for the door.

  “I’ll get them now, your grace!”

  His hand had just touched the door when, rattle, rattle. The glass windows shook hard in their tracks and I ran to the nearest one.

  What the… I gasped, my hand covering my mouth. This can’t be happening, not now.

  Outside the window, the horrid sight of six brooms carrying my dinner, zoomed through the air. Each man taller, and more gaunt than the last. Their half naked willowy forms clinging for dear life to their broom sticks.

  My fists tightened, and I trembled, frozen in place.

  All six disappeared, riding the clouds, as if sucked into the afternoon sun. My head jerked from side to side, my eyes cold as ice as I trailed them to land hard on... “Jeffery!”

  “Didn’t I tell you to chain their ankles to the beds!?” I screamed, tearing after Jeffery. He froze, his head dropped and his fingers fidgeting frantically.

  “They-they must have slipped through with all the weight they’d lost! I’m terribly sorry.”

  “How will you make it up to me?” I said, one eyebrow raised, arms folded.

  He sighed and paused for a moment then started unbuttoning his collared white shirt. The shirt split open exposing his incredibly cut abs.

  I used to love those abs. But, hell! The gurgling. It’s too far gone now. I need it faster; I need to feed faster!

  He slid off the shirt, gliding it to plop on the floor. He smiled, and I snarled back at him.

  “It’s too late for that now, Jeffery.” The edges of my mouth curled up in a wicked grin and his mouth jerked wide open.

  “Please, your grace, not that!” He cried, “you might kill me if you do it!”

  “You brought this on yourself!” I growled.

  I grabbed him by the neck and pulled his flushed face to mine. He was trembling.

  Delicious.

  His delicate fingers scratched at my hand and face as he screamed.

  Scrumptious.

  He kicked me and jerked and kicked out some more, frantic, but I couldn’t feel a thing. All I felt now was hunger, pure and deep.

  Need to feed, now…

  My reflection shone in Jeffrey’s tear-drenched eyes. I was a hideous, full on monster. Deep purple thick skin, two ugly horns and two gross breathing holes for a nose. Fuck!

  My shoulders fell. Still, there was beauty in those bloodshot eyes of Jeffrey’s, if not from me, from his fear. Nothing was more delicious than the flavor of fear.

  Gurgle, gurgle, my belly sounded out and my mouth sprang water.

  “Please, my Queen!” He choked out, fighting to break my vice like grip around his neck. “I can find you more men, just give me an hour, two at the most, I-”

  Cutting him off, I covered my lips over his, my cheeks bulging from the force of his screams.

  I gave a deep suck, and pure, rich energy coursed through my veins, filling my body more and more with each desperate suck.

  Delicious, delicious, delicious, More! More! More!

  Jeffery lightened rapidly, his eyes sagging and skin pulling like dried meat.

  So delicious, I want it all, need it all.

  I coughed, gasping for breath and blinking rapidly. Damn, that was quick.

  Jeffrey’s ashen remains, powdered my mouth, dress and most of… My expensive Persian rug! Damn, Jeffery! You really have been naughty today, haven’t you?

  I wiped my lips and marched over to the mirror and took myself in. I turned my cheeks from one to the other and smiled. Damn, it’s good to be beautiful again.

  “Sara!” I called out, ringing my bell, and the maid entered, a cute little thing in her white apron and heels.

  She gasped, trembling hand over her lips, her legs shaking as she took in the sight of Jeffery's pile.

  I flung my tired bones onto the nearest couch, pulled a cigarette from my bra and lit it, taking a deep draw.

  “Be a dear and bring a vacuum, will you? Jeffrey's made such a mess.”

  She swallowed. “Yes, my Queen!”

  Jeffery was a good butler too. I sighed, taking another draw. If it hadn’t been for that damn Void User messing up my head space, I could have waited another hour or two.

  First she takes my Raiden and Alexander and now this? That bitch really needs to die.

  Sara raised the vacuum and stood, facing me. “Is there anything else you need, my queen?” The tears still spilling down her cheeks. “Perhaps a few slices of cake for dessert?”

  “Slices?” My lips curled up into a wicked grin. Yes, that would work! I think sliced is just how I want her. Can you imagine it? Sliced Void User? I laughed.

  “Get me the butcher!” I said, beaming at Sara.

  “The B-b-butcher my queen?” She said, the tears now cascading down her pretty little cheeks.

  “Stupid girl, it’s not for you,” I said, rolling my eyes. “At least not if you hurry up and call him already.”

  “Yes my queen!” She sobbed, running out the door.

  I took another draw of the cigarette and folded my legs.

  Hmmm, so that little Void bitch thinks she can just come in here and steal my men without a fight? Well, we’ll just see how she fucks without a head.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Aria

  I paced the floor, zooming from the bed to the dresser and back.

  I couldn’t believe I let that devil kiss me. How stupid could I be? I halted, wrapping my arms around my waist. Okay, Aria, you need to calm down and think. Too bad that was easier said than done.

  A twinge of pain lit up my forehead. The bandage was gone but a little red bump remained. I paused and gently touched the spot and, ow! Okay it still hurts… a lot.

  Wait a m
inute. Alexander said he hadn’t thrown the rock. If he didn’t do it, then who did? Did the Flamenado Kings even send the burnt-up picture?

  Thoughts of Bane’s rage fueled ranting in the hall flooded my mind. ‘Stop wasting my damn time!’ he’d said. The jerk. And he almost flambéed that broom guy. It was so him, he had to have sent that picture. If that wasn’t a threat, then I didn’t know what was.

  And speaking of threats. Who the hell did Alexander think he was? Threatening me for daring to have my own wants and needs separate and apart from him and his brother’s Void fetish games. True, I’d felt a strange connection with him but it was only a momentary lapse in judgment. I wanted no part of his kingly drama.

  The bell rang, and I stiffened, my eyes eking over to the clock on the wall. Crap! Eight in the morning. That was the bell to head to class, wasn’t it?

  Hell no! I’m not going. Not today! I rooted my feet to the ground and folded my arms. They’d have to drag me out today.

  My asshole classmates hated my guts, if Rebecca were to see me, I’d be done for, and only god knew what’d happen if I bucked up on Alexander in the halls. Yup, that settled it. No way in hell would I…

  Bam! Bam! Bam! The door rattled on its hinges and my heart fell to my stomach.

  “Open the door!” A feminine voice yelled from the other side.

  Curse the stars! Was it Rebecca? The pounding continued, sounding like thunder directly outside my door. It was her, I just knew it. I slowly backed away from the noise, my heartbeat racing. There was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Was she alone? No, she’d never come alone, her goons were out there, and no doubt they came ready for revenge.

  “Open the damn door already!” The voice repeated with mounting anger.

  I shifted to the balls of my feet, flinging my shoulders forward, readying for battle. If they were gonna kill me, like hell I’d go without a fight.

  I charged for the door, fists balled tight. I swung it open and it banged against the wall.

  I froze and my bloodshot eyes zeroed in on the wall of long fiery hair in front of me.

  “Love, what in the world took you?” She said, her head cocked to the side in confusion, one brow raised.