by V L Moon
Each breath she drew into her lungs sent fissures of pain racing through her. The slashes, cuts, bruises and abrasions scattered over her body tingled and stung. Cautiously, she expanded her senses and shuddered with relief when she verified she was indeed alone. The room was clear with no hint of a guard outside. She relaxed into her chains and threw enough light into the room to cast aside the gloom and begin the healing process. Hopefully, it would see her through Darklon’s next round of play. Using a minimal amount of celestial energy, Loz concentrated the flow of her power to the worst of her wounds, and slowly but surely, as her flesh knitted together and the swelling lessened, she was at least able to see.
But, when she opened her eyes, her insides flipped and a muffled masculine growl slipped from her full and still bloodied lips. Pictures, maps, carefully detailed routes and reports of the last known whereabouts of Vischeral—fucking—Bourne lined the walls. Another growl rippled free. Laziel paced within her mind like a caged tiger. They both knew without a doubt where they were being held.
One worry in her heart eased. There was no way Laziel’s resolve would break. Faced with Bourne and the history between them, it only aided in strengthening Laziel’s determination to keep the vampire king safe. Neither persona wanted Lachi thrown back into the maelstrom of emotions associated with Bourne. Darklon could not have chosen a more effective torture chamber. The nightmare of being held hostage was magnified by being held in the dark bastard’s home with his eyes boring into her while Darklon took his hell-bent revenge for losing the only thing he’d ever loved.
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Chapter Four
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“I assure you, Lord De Sangue; all precautions have been taken to ensure the sun will not penetrate the windows of the airplane.” The pilot’s earnest words fell flat as Roman De Sangue, newest member of King Denali's Elder Council, paced restlessly along the private terminal.
“I understand that is your belief, Captain; however, it is my life and Ms. Stroner's life that will be in jeopardy if you have failed to seal even the smallest crack,” he said, trying to keep his voice level and even. “I still don’t know why I can’t just port to the location.”
Not that he wanted to go at all. With the South American enclave slowly rebuilding from a Nephilim attack, he needed to be there. As their Elder, he was responsible for getting the enclave back on track, ensuring its safety, rebuilding what was lost. But, his King saw fit to send him across the Atlantic to the fucking United States to soothe the ruffled fur of a wolf pack.
“You want to port directly into a wolf’s den without an invitation, without an envoy. I pegged you to be smarter than that, vampire.” Behind him, Tobias Chamberlin leaned against the wall in his ripped to shit jeans and faded Metallica tee shirt. Though his stance was casual, Roman easily read the barely leashed tension in his rangy frame. When their eyes met, the wolf shifter shoved off the wall and sauntered in Roman’s direction. “I came here seeking help from Denali's court. I will certainly take care to ensure your safety during the return flight.”
Roman’s body tightened in response to the male prowling toward him. His dick twitched to attention as a throb of lust raced through his gut. Scenes from the night before played through his mind, and then skipped forward to the morning and his fangs buried in the wolf’s wrist.
As if reading his thoughts, Tobias smiled all predatory and hungry. Roman's blood sang with the power behind that smile. He caught himself before he licked his lips, remembering all too clearly the wild tanginess of the male’s flavor. Fuck! He already wanted another taste. He hadn't meant to take the first bite, but with his own life seeping sluggishly from the wounds caused by Malachi's grip, his nature took over. Lying on the floor almost at the King's feet, he'd very nearly climaxed from the sheer potency of Tobias's blood. The flavor had been dark and rich unlike anything Roman had ever tasted.
“And, I should trust you why?” he queried.
Tobias stepped directly into his path and their bodies collided. Instinctively, Roman reached out to steady the other male and bit back a groan when strong hands landed on his hips and jerked their bodies closer together. A hefty bulge pressed into his thigh followed by the wolf’s prominent growl. Roman was immediately transported to the previous night and the sweet glide of cock against cock as they fucked the King’s beautiful secretary together. His fangs punched through his gums, taunted by the smell of the wolf’s blood and the strong, steady rhythm of his heart.
“I should say because I would never dishonor my duties to the pack, but the real reason I want you safe; I want to fuck that beautiful ass of yours. I want my dick buried so deep inside you I can feel you clench around me when you come.” Tobias leaned in and rubbed his nose up the side of Roman’s cheek, across his eyes and then down the other side. “And that, my vampire, is only the start of what I want from you…”
“You boys playing without me?” Stunned by the male’s audacity, Roman stared into the wolf’s flashing eyes as Kimberly Stroner’s voice cut through the sexual tension. Tobias dropped his hands and settled back on his heels, but Roman found he couldn’t let go of the wolf. His vampire nature exalted in the visions Tobias’s words conjured.
“No, sweetheart, we were just discussing how to get vampires safely across the ocean. It seems De Sangue doesn’t trust the accommodations.” Tobias broke the short silence and took another step back. Roman’s arms fell to his sides, and he blinked before sliding a glance to the pilot.
Voice cool and steady belying the turmoil inside, he addressed the man. “I’m ready when you are. Mr. Chamberlin has made some excellent points.” A smirk tipped Tobias’s lips, but he kept any comments to himself.
“Well, I’ll lessen the burden. The King changed his mind about sending me with you. His office needs repairs, and with Laziel away on whatever business he has, I need to make sure the Guards are in place. I’ve agreed to be on hand if Saul needs my help.” Kimberly spoke briskly and smiled brilliantly at the pair of them. Unease snaked down Roman’s spine as he transferred his gaze to the female’s too bright smile.
Tall and slim with blond hair and dark chocolate eyes, Ms. Stroner personified everything Roman desired in the female form. A soft heart-shaped face, lush lips he knew were perfect for kissing, firm high breasts and slightly flared hips that tapered to long smooth legs. She was undeniably beautiful, and had bowled him over from their first encounter. But since meeting Tobias, his gaze continued to stray to hard-packed muscle and chiseled features.
“For some reason, I don’t believe you. He specifically told me to take you with me.” He dug for his phone. “Surely, Laziel made arrangements with Arial before he left. I can’t see him trusting anyone but another angel with the King’s safety.” When he tugged his phone free of his carry on, Kimberly snatched it from his hand.
“No need to call him, Roman. I knew you wouldn’t believe me if I just told you. So, I brought a letter with the King’s seal.” She flashed a folded paper in front of him and offered a sweet smile that ramped up his bullshit meter. “You two be safe and I’ll see you when you get back.” She pushed up on her toes and kissed his cheek, and then turned to the wolf to repeat the gesture.
Before she could vanish as quickly as she’d appeared, Roman caught the paper between thumb and finger and pulled it free of her grip. “Hold up, little female. You’re his assistant and his office is a wreck. You could have sealed the thing yourself. If I leave you here, it’s my ass that will be in his crosshairs.”
Kimberly spun back to face him, her beautiful face serene though her eyes flashed. “Read it, if it makes you feel better. I have nothing to hide.” Though he tried, Roman couldn’t decipher anything from her expression or her scent. . No accelerated heart rate, no fear, her gaze was steady on his.
“Well read it, Rom. We need to be in the air to minimize your risk of exposure to the sun,” Tobias drawled. He stood just behind Kimberly with a familiar hand resting on her hip. The scent of his lust carried easi
ly across the short distance, making Roman wonder if that hard cock was pressed into Ms. Stroner’s ass. With a curse, he ignored the unexpected and bitter stain of jealousy and broke the seal on the short missive. The King’s unmistakable signature scrolled across the bottom.
“Guess you got lucky then. I’ll see you when I return?” Instead of returning the letter to her, he slid it into his pocket.
“Undoubtedly, as you will have to report to the King before returning to your enclave,” she responded tartly.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it,” he started only to be interrupted by the wolf.
“Stop teasing him, sweetheart. You can give him a kiss for me when he gets back.” Tobias spun her around and captured her lips in a quick, but thorough kiss. “Yeah, just like that, baby.” Another kiss landed on her nose, and then Tobias passed her and headed for the boarding ramp. “Hurry up, vampire. Ain’t got all night.”
“Be safe while I’m gone and stay away from my—from Darklon,” Roman said while sliding an arm around Kimberly’s waist. He dropped his head and took possession of her lips in a soft kiss. The combined taste of her and Tobias slid into his mouth as their tongues met. A groan of arousal welled, but he refused to let it escape. When he finally broke the kiss and stepped back, his body throbbed for more. Harshly, he shoved the lust away. “Call Arial if the King doesn’t. Laziel trusts him.” At her nod, he spun and followed Tobias onto the waiting plane.
“Please take your seats gentlemen and buckle up. I’ll contact the tower and let them know we’re ready. We’ll be in the air in a few minutes.” The Captain disappeared into the cockpit, leaving Roman alone with the shifter. Tobias wore a smirk as he slouched in his seat.
“Windows painted black, inside and out. Caps put over the outside and shades down and fastened to the wall on the inside. I think you’re safe vampire. Take a load off.” Tobias waved a hand at the five other available seats. He chuckled when Roman chose one across from him and on the opposite end of the plane. “There’s no in-flight movie so we’ll have to entertain ourselves. Once we’re in the air, we’re free to roam around.”
“Although I’ve never flown before, I’m not stupid. I’ve watched human movies; I know how this works.” Roman tucked his carry on under the seat and reached for his seatbelt. They sat in silence through the takeoff, but as soon as the seatbelt light clicked off, Tobias moved, taking the seat next to him. Roman went still when the wolf captured his hand and twined their fingers together. “What are you doing?”
“It’s a long flight, perfect time to get to know each other better,” Tobias drawled. “I’m a very…tactile male. Hope that doesn’t bother you.” And, apparently, he didn’t care if it did. He twisted in his seat and settled his free hand on Roman’s thigh. Roman’s already heated blood kicked up a notch.
Resolutely, he stonewalled the lusty thoughts and arched a brow. “I think our time would be better spent discussing the disappearances from your pack.”
“Are you always so serious? We’ve got hours on the plane; we can discuss that when we’re closer to the States,” Tobias said, pouting playfully while brushing his fingers back and forth over Roman’s thigh.
“Listen, wolf. My King has sent me to do a job; so fuck yes I’m serious. I won’t let him down. This is a business trip,” Roman swallowed a curse and captured the wolf’s wandering digits and pressed them hard against his leg. “We need to get one thing straight right now. Last night was an aberration, a celebration that got out of hand. I don’t like to share and I definitely don’t do males.” Liar! His cock throbbed reminding him that there was no female present, and he was very much hot and bothered.
Tobias growled. “You’re lying to me and to yourself. I can smell your arousal.” He leaned in closer, his beautiful eyes locked on Roman. “And, I don’t want you to do males; I just want you to do me.”
The words were a punch in the solar plexus. Roman blew out a frustrated breath. “Not going to happen, wolf, so back off.”
“Oh, it’s going to happen,” Tobias promised. “So, you might as well start calling me Tobias, unless my being wolf does it for you.” Before Roman could think to deny it, Tobias continued. “No denials there, Roman baby, I can see the way your eyes fire up when you look at me, smell that delicious scent that says you want me, and I can’t miss the way your fangs keep getting longer. You liked the way I tasted this morning, and you want more.”
Roman stared at the male in disbelief. How the fuck did he know? If he could be read that easily, he’d be in trouble as an Elder. Schooling his features and shoring up his mental walls, he reclined in his seat and shrugged one shoulder. “Not denying the blood thing; I am a vampire after all. You’re just reaching on the other.” He smiled slowly. “You weren’t the only one to get a good-bye kiss from Ms. Stroner.” The barb hit home. Tobias’s smile faltered, and he surged to his feet.
“Touché, vampire,” he said before spinning away to stride the short distance to the bar. Drink in hand; he glanced back over his shoulder with a predatory smile on his face. “But, if you change your mind, there’s a bed just beyond those doors.” The smile widened as Roman’s scent grew stronger. “Hmm, not as immune as you think.” He sauntered back and resumed his seat; however, he kept his hands to himself. “What do you want to know about the disappearances?”
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Chapter Five
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Housed within the familiar walls of the Pope’s private sanctum, Arial bowed his head in silent prayer. In all of the centuries he’d allied himself to Malachi and Laziel, not once had he ever known Laziel to abscond without informing Malachi, himself or even Saul. Something wasn’t right. Even the flicker of the celestial link he and Laziel sometimes shared seemed to have been smothered, blanketed by a sheet of impenetrable steel.
It was apparent Laziel had purposely shut himself off from Arial and Lachi. The Seraphim protected himself against either of them gaining access to his feelings or thoughts. To Arial, the link he shared with Laziel was a constant reminder that he wasn’t alone. It was a bond he always felt, but never tapped into unless Laziel called on him first. The absence of it, of Laziel, lit up warning signs inside Arial’s mind and set what was left of his wings on edge.
Each of his senses screamed foreboding and doom. Arial refused to believe, refused to admit that his brethren angel deliberately evaded those he’d chosen to love and protect. Icy sweat slithered between the flanks of his tattered wings, and sent a shiver of fear down his spine. For hundreds of years, he refused to give in to the fear, so why now?
Kneeling in front of the holy Pontiff’s replica of the crucifixion, Arial remembered his oath to Laziel.to keep sacred the scroll and the words inscribed upon his altar. The secret haunted him. If Laziel had somehow met with an injustice, how would he ever be able to explain to Malachi the meaning behind his existence? Or worse, what if the inscription of the Creator’s words were true? Laziel and Malachi were bound, tied together until the light of Laziel’s celestial life faded and took both of their souls back to Heaven’s realm. Arial shivered.
He’d only glimpsed the surface of what was shared between the two males. Whatever was between Laziel and Malachi ran much deeper than Arial, or anyone else could ever imagine. Together, they were the righteous, the absolution, and the fundamental anchor to each other’s salvation. What would become of them without the unity that tied them together?
Damnation? The word seared through the core of Arial’s thought’s as though the Creator himself whispered it to him. The cracks were already showing—literally—and Arial feared for anyone foolish enough to get in Malachi’s way. With a heavy heart, he warred with the knowledge and the burden of keeping Laziel’s secret.
“My child, what troubles you? You look as though you’re bearing the weight of the world on those shoulders of yours.” Soft words from a familiar voice were followed by the soft shuffle of robes. The Pope knelt alongside him and blessed himself. Arial waited as the Pontiff sile
ntly prayed, and then turned his questioning gaze to meet Arial’s own.
Concern etched the holy male’s face, and lines of worry marred his already aged features. “You are worried for the king and for Laziel. I take it that he still has not returned to the King’s side.” Statements of fact rather than questions, and Arial answered with a downward glance at the floor and a mere shake of his head. A hand, warm and comforting, rested between the ragged remains of his wings, and for just a moment, he welcomed the peculiar feel of ease that accompanied the simple, friendly gesture.
“Our Lord is a gracious and most merciful Savior, Arial. He must be, for he brought us you and the angel, Laziel to give us hope. Whatever he has planned for us will only endeavor to make us stronger. Keep the Lord in your heart, for I believe he hasn't given up on us quiet yet my old friend.” Wise words and words Arial knew meant well. But, however courteous the Pope's words were meant, they wouldn't bring Laziel back, help Arial locate Loz, or work out how to keep Malachi from ripping Rome and Darklon apart.
“I’ll try to remember, but it won’t be easy considering it was Gabriel who betrayed us. Security footage clearly showed him within the west wing outside of Lachi’s private quarters, and again in the garage where he attacked Mistress Lorenza. The only access to that part of the enclave is either through the court, or through the isolated entry that leads from your quarters. There is no doubt it was Gabriel.” Arial shrugged massive shoulders and sighed.
“All I can hope for right now is to track the treasonous miscreant down before Malachi tears him apart. If he has hurt the King’s mate in any way, Malachi will not be held responsible for his actions. And, I mean that literally, Your Holiness. Without Laz here to calm the King’s temper, Rome will swim in a river of blood.” The weight of Arial’s words sounded ominously threatening, and in a way, they were.