Vampire's Mate Page 2

  “I’m so sorry. I have you, my friend.”

  “Why would Odage do this?”

  Marcus sensed anger building up in the king. It wouldn’t be long before Aidyn’s fury unleashed itself. “I wish I had the answers, but I will find out. I promise you.” He didn’t understand either. Odage was an ally. This was out of character for the shape shifter or any of the Draki.

  Lightning streaked through the sky and struck the ground. One of the most powerful guardians had just had his heart ripped out, and Marcus was standing in the middle of a shit storm.

  “Aidyn, pull yourself together, or you will destroy us both.” He prayed he didn’t anger Aidyn further. The king’s control over the elements would create a danger to everyone in their world. Hell, if he let Aidyn’s temper continue to grow, it might reach the human realm as well. Lightning struck so close electricity sizzled across his skin. Smoke swirled from the crater left behind him. Shit! He pursed his lips and squeezed the prince tighter against his chest.

  “Aidyn, I know how much you’re hurting, but you must regain control.”

  “Marcus, help me. Talk me down from my rage.”

  “You can’t bring her back, but you can avenge her death.”

  “Yes, I will kill Odage. How do we torture a Draki?” Another flash of lightning snapped over their heads.

  “I don’t know, perhaps we slit his belly open? In the meantime, think of how guilty you’ll feel should your anger accidentally hurt the ones we protect.” Marcus closed his eyes and let his energy merge with Aidyn’s. While he couldn’t heal a broken heart, he was able to help the king focus and surround him with a calming aura.

  Some of the tension left Aidyn’s body. “You’re right. I will fight the urge I have to kill everything in sight. You’re a good and loyal friend.”

  Marcus released Aidyn and the king stood, lifting the queen’s body in his arms. “We need to take my mother home. I could use your help with the preparations.”

  “I would be honored to assist you.”

  After helping Aidyn prepare the queen’s soul for departure the two men now stood on the beach watching her body burn. This had been Daria’s favorite place. The beauty of it never ceased to astound him. Waves swirled in various shades of turquoise, and the beach itself resembled freshly fallen snow, dusted with diamonds. As beautiful as it appeared, it also haunted him. Three hundred years ago, they stood in this exact spot and cremated their loved ones remains. Marcus’s mate, mother and father, not to mention, his king, as well as thirty warriors along with their mates.

  “What are you thinking, my friend?” Aidyn asked.

  “I can’t help but recall the last time we did this.”

  “Yes, we have both suffered many losses in our lives. Today, we suffer another.” He turned to face Marcus. “Make sure you tell your sister how much she means to you.”

  He dropped his gaze to the sand. “I probably don’t do so enough.”

  “She is all you have left of your family. Cherish her, being alone holds no merit.”

  He touched Aidyn’s shoulder. “You are never alone, Aidyn. Remember that.”

  Aidyn nodded. “Tomorrow, the gods will come.”

  The next day, Aidyn would be crowned king. No doubt Zarek would show up for the coronation, as was his duty. Marcus looked over at his friend. “Are you ready for this?”

  Aidyn stared into the distance “I am left with no choice. My mother was a remarkable woman. I can only hope to lead our people as well as she did.”

  “You certainly have your work cut out for you, but I don’t doubt you’ll do well.”

  Cassie swung her feet over the edge of the bed and sucked in slow, deep breaths. Sweat trickled between her breasts, tickling as it formed intricate patterns on her skin. These dreams were driving her batty.

  She dropped her face in her hands. “What’s wrong with me?”

  It always started the same, with her lying in bed naked, sleeping. A man slipped in beside her and caressed her arm. He started at the shoulder and ended at her fingertips. His lips brushed a light kiss on hers, then another until he suckled her lower lip. His tongue flicked out and demanded entrance, and she submitted, parted her lips, allowing their tongues to caress each other. The kiss deepened, became desperate until he pulled away and left her gasping for air.

  He traced his tongue down her neck and stopped at her shoulder, giving a playful nip before he proceeded to her left breast. Warm lips wrapped around her pink bud, pulled until it hardened and she arched her back.

  “Don’t stop,” she whimpered. He never listened. Instead, his tongue glided down her belly until he reached her pelvic bone.

  Silver eyes flashed at her as he smiled. “Cassie, my love, I will worship your body until you beg me to stop.”

  Stop? No, she’d never ask him to stop. At a pace that was sheer torture, he started to nibble down her thigh while reaching to insert a finger deep into her sex. Her body shuddered with pleasure as her orgasm built. His tongue flicked out around her soft folds and lapped at her wetness. Her head thrashed side to side, while her body bucked wildly. It had been a long time since a man touched her, and no man had touched her like he did. Her body burned, and when she could take no more he inserted another finger and began sliding them in and out. His hand found her nipple and pinched the pink bud between his thumb and forefinger. She crashed over the edge, falling into an eternal flame of pleasure. Her screams filled the room. When her climax subsided, another took hold, sending her soaring. Tears rolled down her cheeks from the intensity. He was true to his word. She begged him to stop, not sure she could take anymore.

  When he pulled away he smiled, white fangs flashed in the moonlight. “You are mine forever.” Then he sunk his fangs deep into her neck, taking heavy pulls of blood that sent her body crashing into another wave of ecstasy.

  She lifted her head, closed her eyes. “Men that handsome don’t exist.” Her active imagination still saw him. He was lean and muscular, every inch of him toned. His gray eyes were flecked with silver that flashed when aroused. Her fingers itched to slide through his dark brown waves. He was perfection, built only for her.

  She laughed. “How fucked up and lonely I must be. I need to stop reading all those paranormal romance novels. They’re showing up in my dreams.”

  Chapter Two

  Marcus straightened, hands clasped behind his back and scanned the room. The throne was located in the west wing of Aidyn’s home in Vandeldor. The windows on both sides were covered in heavy black damask in a show of mourning. The single gold throne glistened in the sunlight that somehow managed to sneak in, while twin onyx statues of Horus stood guard on either side.

  Taking his position at the head, Marcus’s men fell in, forming a line on both sides of the room. Attire for this function was a traditional black linen shendyt, an ancient Egyptian kilt that wrapped around the waist. A medallion crafted from gold depicting the sun fastened to the front. Feathers of emerald green, trimmed in gold, formed a collar around his neck, and each bicep bore a gold band. He longed for jeans and a T-shirt and right now, he could only think of his privates and how the boys were not happy at being exposed to a draft.

  The doors swung open, and the king strode through, bearing the same manner of dress as them except his eyes were lined in kohl and the bands on his biceps were studded in emeralds. Aidyn made his way down the long, red carpet until he stopped in front of the throne. He hesitated...waiting. Power crackled in the air and Marcus watched as one by one several of the gods and goddesses appeared in order of importance.

  Dusaro, god of recollection, was first since he ranked at the bottom of those in attendance. Then Quadira, the goddess of fire, Ranis, god of darkness, Ediva, goddess of lightning and Argathos, god of vision. The last to appear was Zarek, the supreme god. Everyone, including the other gods and goddesses, dropped to one knee. Marcus liked to think he had forgiven his god, but upon seeing Zarek, realized he still wanted his god’s blood.

  Zarek�
��s voice echoed across the room. “It is my duty to provide the guardians with a new leader. Aidyn Santiago is the last remaining member of his family.” Zarek placed both hands on Aidyn’s head, surrounding him in a bright, white light. Marcus knew the god transferred power to Aidyn from both of his parents. At their coronation, it was customary for the king or queen to receive their parents’ power. He could only guess how lethal Aidyn would become after this.

  “The deed is done. You will follow your new king in the quest to safeguard the human realm from evil. You will help him keep the peace among the other immortals. Should you waver in your loyalty to him...” Zarek cast a lethal glare around the room. “Then you will accept the punishment of death.” His baritone voice lowered another octave with this final pronouncement.

  Zarek looked down at Aidyn. “Rise, my son.” Aidyn did as commanded then held out his wrist to the god. It was Marcus’s cue to step in beside the king. Zarek extended his fangs and sank them into Aidyn’s wrist. He would drain the king to the brink of death. It would be Aidyn’s sacrifice to the gods. As the king’s second-in-command, Marcus would be first to give of his blood to Aidyn. The rest of the guardians lined up behind him by rank. Each would give his blood until the king regained his strength. Every warrior would be tied to their leader.

  With the coronation now over, and Aidyn at full strength, Marcus milled around the room. There were several guardians there he hadn’t seen in person in many years. Communications lately were done via video conference so he could remain on top of the world’s events. He stopped to chat with his third commanding officer, Lucan. “What are you hearing among the others?”

  “There is concern about the increase in missing female demons. It seems the slave traders have been busy.”

  He scratched his chin. “Yes. While Baal and I were on a stakeout in Egypt, we saw a human female being escorted by a demon. I wonder if this was an unusual circumstance or if they are kidnapping humans now.”

  Lucan’s eyes shimmered. “I’ll ask around. We cannot allow our wards to be treated in such a way.”

  “No, we can’t. Let me know what you find.”

  As soon as Lucan slipped away, Zarek slid in next to him.

  “Do not blame yourself for the queen’s death.”

  “What good is it to be a healer if I’m unable to help those I love?” He gazed across the room at Aidyn. He’d let his friend down once again.

  Zarek directed his gaze toward Aidyn. “He does not blame you. He places the blame with us.”

  “As well he should,” he replied through clenched teeth. “Haven’t you done enough damage? You could have aided us. Instead, you left us to perish.” He realized his anger hadn’t abated even after three hundred years. He doubted three hundred more would be enough.

  Zarek placed his hand on Marcus’s arm. Sharp prickles penetrated deep into his bones, and the scent of spiced honey filled his senses. The sensation confused him, but he was jerked from his thoughts when the god spoke. “Someday, you will understand.” Then he vanished.

  “What the hell?”

  Aidyn came up behind him. “What’s the matter?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing.”

  “You know you can’t hold a grudge against him forever.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “Like hell I can’t.”

  Aidyn sighed. “I know you blame the gods for taking everyone we love. I do, as well. However, this will destroy you if you let it.” Aidyn slapped him on the back. “Now, let’s get out of these fucking skirts before my balls disappear forever.”

  “Best idea you’ve had all day, and while you’re at it, wash off that damn makeup before someone mistakes you for a female.”

  Aidyn cast him a dirty glance then flashed away. Marcus closed his eyes and pictured his home deep in the forest, on the other side of Vandeldor. His body sucked into a vortex as he flashed to his bedroom where he stripped, taking exceptional care to fold and return the clothing back to the cedar chest at the foot of the bed. Hopefully, he wouldn’t need the traditional attire again for many years. He quickly redressed in a pair of jeans and tee, then made his way to the kitchen, popping open the fridge. An array of containers stared back at him, but he decided not to open any, or risk releasing some kind of toxic waste.

  “Guess I’d better throw those out.” Tomorrow, he thought. He wasn’t hungry anyway, so he grabbed a beer then sat at the kitchen table. Since there was time to kill before heading back to the royal estate, he reached for his Glock. Caressed it with a chamois like a treasured female before he began to dismantle it. Laying each piece on a thick, soft towel. He raised his head when he sensed his sister approaching and seconds later, his front door was whipped open. Gwen swept into the room.

  “Marcus, I need to speak with you.” Stress filled her voice.

  He grabbed a dagger off the table and jumped to his feet. “What’s wrong?” He scanned the still open door for intruders. The murder of the queen had made him edgy.

  “Zarek, he touched you, didn’t he?”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose. “What the hell, Gwen? You come in here like Hades himself is chasing you, only to inquire if the god touched me?” He rubbed a hand through his hair and tossed the dagger on the table. “What? Did he give me the plague or something?”

  She grabbed him by the arms, her body trembled. “Zarek has blessed you.”

  “You’re not making sense. What do you mean blessed me?”

  She released him and wrung her hands together, took a step back and sucked in a breath.

  “What is it? What are you afraid to tell me?” He leaned closer. What has the bastard done to me now?

  “I had a vision. She came to me.”

  He scrubbed a hand across his face. “Who came to you?”

  She folded in her bottom lip and chewed. “Your mate, I have seen her.”

  He knocked over a chair when he stormed across the room, his muscles flexed. No. No. No! “You’re mistaken. I have no mate, remember? I killed her!” His heart burned at the thought of Eliza. Her laughter still rang in his mind as he recalled their walks on the beach. She always loved the waves lapping over her toes. Blood bathed his vision as he walked through the castle. Eliza’s eyes looking at him when he sliced off her head. Why was Gwen doing this to him? He didn’t want to remember.

  “Marcus?”

  “Huh?” She jostled him, and he shook free of the visions.

  “I never meant to hurt you.” Her palm caressed his cheek. “She came to me in a vision right after the ceremony. Zarek has blessed you with another mate.”

  His jaw ratcheted several inches. The gods were giving him another chance. “Who is she? We have so few females left now. I can’t believe I haven’t sensed her presence.” Could she have been living in the human realm all this time? Possibly. There could have been children born that he was unaware of. It certainly would explain why he hadn’t known about her.

  She lowered her gaze. “She is human.”

  “What? What kind of fucked up shit is this? Do the gods despise me so much they would torture me with a human mate?”

  “I don’t understand, I thought you’d be happy with the news. What’s wrong with a human mate?”

  “Well, let’s start with the fact I have to watch my wife grow old and die. Not to mention how the hell I explain what I am. ‘Oh by the way, dear, I’m a vampire. I help a bunch of gods protect humanity from things that go bump in the night.’ Did I mention the growing old and dying part?”

  “Yes, yes, you did.” She kissed his cheek. “I have faith it will work. Perhaps you can turn her into one of us.” Her eyes glowed with excitement. “I will help you find a way to turn her, there must be a way.”

  “Gwen, I’m not sure how to do it, or if it can even be done. Not to mention we have never had human mates before.” He snapped his fingers. “Maybe she’s the daughter of a Chosen one.” The Chosen were humans who had helped the guardians for centuries. The duty passed down from generat
ion to generation. In exchange for their loyalty, the guardians made sure they were well cared for.

  “Maybe you're right, which would certainly solve one problem.” He hugged his sister. He loved her more than his own life, and she meant well. “Go on back to the meeting, I’ll follow shortly.”

  Gwen nodded and flashed from the room. After she left, he balled his fist and slammed it into the wall. He wanted to kill someone. His mate was dead, damn it!

  After several deep breaths and much more swearing, Marcus flashed back to Aidyn’s home. His mood was sour, but he did his best to push it deep into the recesses of his mind. No reason to darken everyone else’s mood with my own. Several warriors were already seated at the large oak table while others flashed or walked in. He strolled over and took a seat next to Garin. “What’s up?”

  “I think your sister is about to dish out a can of whoop ass.” Garin inclined his head to the other side of the room.

  Marcus focused his gaze to the powerful warrior who towered over his sister. The man wore a thick braid of golden hair that hung down his back. He recognized Quinlan, an ancient who had lived the last eight hundred years in Ireland.

  “Tis no place fer a woman,” Quinlan stated.

  A grin formed on his lips. “Shall we wager who wins this fight?”

  Garin snorted. “I’m afraid that we’d both be betting for the same side. Undoubtedly, your sister will emerge the victor. I’m afraid the poor bastard doesn’t stand a chance.”

  “Looks like the show’s about to start.” He pointed to his sister who had produced two daggers. The room grew quiet as many of the men stepped aside to view the growing feud.

  Gwen took a fighter's stance, her legs slightly bent and arms in front of her. “You still want to make comments about a female warrior? I am a guardian, it matters not what my sex is.”

  The male warrior chortled. “It matters a great deal ta me what your sex is. I prefer me women naked and squirming beneath me. Come now, lass, let me show you what you’ve been missing.” He waved his hands up and down over his groin.