Darkest Risings

by S. K. Yule

  He licked his lips as she brought him closer and closer to release, writhing and rotating on him, driving him crazy. As her muscles clenched down hard around him, signaling her impending orgasm, her partly opened mouth revealed the small fangs that had slid instinctively into place. His heart nearly stopped in anticipation as she bent to lick his neck. His balls tightened, ready to empty his seed inside her, and when she cried out and sank her teeth into his neck, he bellowed out as he exploded.

  He pressed her to his throat as he pumped up into her relentlessly, drawing out every last wave of both of their climaxes. When her inner muscles settled to a subtle quiver around his cock, she eased from his neck and tenderly licked the bite.

  She sat back, and he peered up into her beautiful face, wondering what he’d done to deserve her. But when the blackness cleared from her eyes, dawning realization set in.

  “Oh my God! What did I do?” She began to frantically examine his neck, but when she tried to scramble off him, he slid his hands to her hips and dug his fingers in to hold her to him.

  “No,” he growled.

  “But—”

  “But nothing. You did no wrong. What just happened was perfectly natural, and I might add that I enjoyed it immensely.”

  He loved the way her skin pinkened as she blushed. “I don’t know what came over me,” she said quietly.

  “Wilhemina, nothing came over you but instincts. They are much stronger now, and you will follow them without as much thought. Trust them. They will never steer you wrong.” He gently rolled her under him, and stroked her cheek with his thumb before trailing it down to her breast and circling her nipple. He bent and licked the tightening peak, and his cock twitched, readying for another round when she moaned. “This is a part of your life now. It is something we will share often.” He nibbled at the soft skin above her nipple as he slipped his fingers down her body, and dipped two inside her. They slid deep, the passage slick and ready from the combined essence of their climaxes. She cried out, and he thrust into her again as he pushed down gently on her clit with his thumb. “That’s it, honey. Come for me again. Feel me.”

  He sank his fangs into the creamy swell of her breast, and she immediately clenched around his fingers. She thrust against him as another orgasm ripped through her, and he drank from her, knowing the sensation would heighten her pleasure. Her blood was like nectar on his tongue, a drug to his body. He would crave her until the day he died.

  When he finally eased his teeth and fingers from her body, she was lying limp under him. He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Wow,” she whispered. “I had no idea it would be like this. Now I know what people mean when they say the sex was so good it almost killed them.”

  He chuckled. “You haven’t seen anything yet, honey. And I’m the man to show you.”

  “Should I be tired? I thought I wouldn’t have to sleep as much, but I feel exhausted.”

  “You won’t have to sleep as much eventually, but at first you’ll need more sleep so your body can adapt to the change.”

  She yawned.

  “Will you be okay here for awhile? Ashe needs me.”

  Her eyes flew open. “You aren’t going out to another fight are you?”

  “No. Only a meeting downstairs.”

  “You know I’m going to be worried about you all the time, right?”

  “There is no need, but I’m honored.” He smiled. “I assure you I can take care of myself. I will always find a way to come back to you.”

  “Believe me, I have no doubt of your, um, capabilities. But I will worry about you when you are in danger just as you would worry for me.”

  Anger slapped at him hard with fear dogging its heels. “You will not be in danger. I will not allow it,” he said through tight lips.

  She reached up and caressed his cheek. “I know. I know.” She smiled. “Now go to your meeting. I’ll be fine. I’m going back to sleep.”

  “Hey.”

  “What?” she muttered.

  “I’ve never really asked you about your writing. How’s it coming along?”

  She propped herself up on her elbows and smiled.

  “What?” he said.

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “It’s the first time you’ve showed interest in my writing.”

  He cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry about that. I’m not good at expressing emotions and conversation. Honestly? I’ve never wanted to share those things with anyone before now. I already told you it’s going to take me some time. But in the meantime, even if I don’t seem to show it, I am very interested in everything about you, Wilhemina. I want you to feel comfortable to come to me for anything, to talk to me about anything.”

  “I know. It’s nice is all. I didn’t mean to make a big deal out of it. It felt good.”

  He smiled. “That’s my main goal in life now. Making you feel good. I do care. Please have patience with me?”

  “Of course, but don’t forget I need to know you need me too—not just intimately.”

  “Honey, since the moment I met you, you became the reason for every single breath I take. You are my other half. Without you, I would be lost. Don’t ever doubt your importance to me. You are everything.”

  Tears swam in her eyes. “Damn,” she whispered. She sat up on her knees and hugged him. “I love you, and I feel the same way about you. I’ll always be here for you.”

  She kissed him, and he claimed her mouth with a slow, lazy, burning kiss.

  “To answer your question, I haven’t had much time to work on my book, but I have it outlined and am ready to get started on it.”

  “I’d like to read it when you are ready.”

  “I’d like that very much.” She kissed him again.

  He helped her get settled back into bed and tucked the covers around her before kissing her on the forehead.

  “Get some sleep. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Okay,” she answered as her eyes slid shut.

  He watched until the slow, even rise and fall of her chest indicated she’d fallen asleep. The fear of her being in danger had subsided to an incessant gnawing. There would never come a time when he wouldn’t worry about her because the thought of losing her was incomprehensible. He kissed her on the cheek then got up to shower and dress before going downstairs.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Aldin stared down at Ragnor. The lifeless pale body lying on the dark silk sheets was a macabre sign that they had failed. Now that Ragnor was dead, the ritual could not be performed that would bring him and his brothers into their true blood powers. Without those powers, they had little hope of defeating Trinidad.

  The first wave of the uprising to most would not seem much more than a reckless ambush, but they all knew better. There had been a purpose behind that ambush. Trinidad had tested their weaknesses and had taken out Ragnor. Trinidad had somehow known about Ragnor, known that he’d come to try to repair a broken bond between brothers. But how had Trinidad known of Ragnor when Ragnor had not been able to see who Trinidad really was until the night of the first battle?

  That fact alone sent shivers of cold dread through Aldin’s spine. That fact alone spoke of the power that Trinidad wielded. However, something still didn’t add up. Up on the rooftop of the warehouse when he’d seen Trinidad for the first time, Aldin had read the need for revenge that had burned in those cold eyes. Trinidad had been careful to keep his features hidden, but even the cloak couldn’t hide his need for vengeance. Thus, Aldin doubted Trinidad’s goal had been to kill Ragnor.

  No. His goal had been to draw Ragnor out to reveal who he was. Trinidad had planned to taunt Ragnor, to show him what he was capable of, to test the waters. Aldin had no doubt that Trinidad’s main goal was to make Ragnor suffer for the wrong he felt he’d dealt him. The next and final wave of the uprising would be much different. This battle had been too sloppy to represent the cunningness Grady had insisted Trinidad possessed, the wickedness that Malachi had spoken of, the evil they h
ad all witnessed in small doses.

  Unfortunately, even though Aldin doubted Trinidad had actually meant to kill Ragnor, it may have made his plan for revenge that much easier. They could not allow Ragnor’s death to get back to Trinidad. If Trinidad knew of Ragnor’s existence all along, what other information did he possess? Was he aware of the true blood ritual and that only Ragnor had the power to perform it? Was he even aware that Aldin and his brothers could be brought into such power?

  That answer was simple. No. Had he known only Ragnor possessed the ability to perform the ritual, killing him would have been Trinidad’s number one goal, not taunting. He’d watched the two fight, and while Ragnor and Trinidad both had each dealt staggering injuries to one another, Ragnor had not been the only one holding back.

  Aldin shook his head. None of that mattered now. Ragnor was dead, and all hope was lost. His kind and human kind would soon be caught up in a battle that would most likely open the jaws of hell and swallow them all.

  “All hope is lost,” Aldin said.

  “No,” Ashe answered.

  “What do you mean no?” Aiston asked.

  “Good question,” Uriah grunted.

  Malachi leaned against the wall in a dark corner of the room, blending with the darkness as if it were a part of him. Dominic sat in a chair about ten feet from Malachi, his face pale and lips drawn in thin lines over his teeth. He was not taking Conrad’s death well. Marilena sat on the edge of the bed beside Ragnor with her hand resting on his chest as if her touch could force his heart to beat once again.

  “Read the letter, Mother,” Ashe said solemnly.

  Marilena nodded and opened a folded piece of paper that rested beside her.

  “My dearest Marilena, and beloved sons,

  I write this letter in haste as I have finally seen Trinidad for who and what he is. While my heart grieves at the loss of a half-brother I never knew existed, I know that the only thing that will end this uprising is Trinidad’s death. However, as much as I long for his death to avenge my daughter, Estril, I also feel obligated to try to breach the chasm of hatred that separates us before I lose my brother to the darkness forever.

  I do not expect you to understand my need for this as I am positive vengeance for your daughter’s, your sister’s, death is first and foremost in your minds. It is also foremost in mine, and will be dealt no matter the outcome of my meeting with Trinidad.

  Dearest Marilena, please forgive me, but I have foreseen my death, which I felt no need to disclose to you because I did not want to see worry for me etched on your beautiful face. If you are reading this letter then that vision has come to pass.

  At this point in time, I know you must think that all hope is lost. It is not. I performed the virtus ritus adveho en vox before I left to confront Trinidad. However, the ritual is not complete until the last step is performed. The four sons must come together under the blue moon and drink from one another. Only then will the ritual be complete.

  I wish you all luck. I know you are all strong and will find a way to save us all.

  Love always,

  Ragnor”

  “How in the hell are we supposed to save us all when he is already dead?” Aldin said.

  “He left another letter only to me,” Marilena said. “I cannot divulge that information to you until and unless you choose to fulfill the ritual. The only thing I can tell you is that he can be brought back.”

  “Then let’s fulfill it,” Aiston said.

  “If I understand all of this correctly, it will be dangerous for Uriah to come into those powers unless he is anchored to his life mate.” Malachi stepped from the shadows.

  “And?” Aiston asked.

  “You really need to brush up on your astronomy, brother.” Aldin’s stomach began to drop.

  “The blue moon is in three days on August thirty-first. Will your life mate accept you by then, Uriah?” Malachi turned to Uriah.

  Uriah snorted. “Since Lindsey won’t let me within twenty feet of her, I’d have to say noooo.”

  “Then we’ll wait until the next blue moon. Give Uriah some time to convince her,” Aiston said.

  “The next blue moon isn’t for three years,” Malachi said.

  “Yes.” Ashe nodded. “You really do need to brush up on your astronomy.”

  “Never needed it before. Probably won’t need it again.” Aiston shrugged.

  Aldin’s gut clenched. He had no choice but to ask the question that was undoubtedly on the tip of everyone’s tongues. “You wouldn’t consider compelling her?” He would never have done that to Wilhemina, and he didn’t expect Uriah to do it to his viata amant.

  “No. I will not,” Uriah answered vehemently.

  “That’s settled then. We have to figure out a way to take down Trinidad without our true blood powers,” Ashe said.

  “Not necessarily.” Uriah argued. “We have another option.”

  Marilena slowly stood and turned to Uriah.

  “No. I’ve lost a daughter, and—” She glanced at Ragnor and sobbed. “I will not lose a son too.”

  “It is my choice, Mother.” Uriah glared at her.

  “If you are insinuating what I’m thinking, it’s not going to happen.” Ashe’s words were chastising.

  “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a full grown man capable of making my own decisions. I can handle it. We will perform the ritual. We will come into our powers. We will kick Trinidad’s ass back to hell where he belongs, and I will hold off the darkness of those powers until Lindsey agrees to be with me.”

  “And what if she doesn’t agree?” Dominic asked quietly.

  The anguish in the hunter’s voice was enough to make Aldin’s stomach twist in knots.

  “She will,” Uriah said determinedly. “It is our only hope. Our only option at this point. What would you do?”

  Uriah had them all with that question. Aldin was certain he, Aiston and Ashe would all make the same decision under the same circumstances. And Uriah was right. He was a man capable of deciding his own fate.

  “Very well. In three days, we complete the ritual. But there is one stipulation, Uriah, that you must agree to or we will not go through with this,” Ashe said before looking to Aldin then Aiston then back to Uriah. “If the darkness starts to overtake you, Lindsey will be compelled to accept you as her mate.”

  “On one condition.” Uriah paled, and anger flared in his eyes.

  Ashe nodded for him to continue.

  “If the whole mess is over with Trinidad when and if the darkness starts to take me, I have the choice to allow you to compel Lindsey to accept me or to end my life.”

  “No!” Marilena cried out.

  “It is his decision. It is not unfair of him to ask this.” Aldin clenched his jaw hard.

  “And you have no more say in what I do or do not do, Mother. Remember?” Uriah practically spit the words at her.

  “Take it easy, Uriah. We can’t blame you for your anger, but this is not the right time to express it.” Aldin glanced at Marilena, who had slumped back on the bed beside Ragnor.

  “Mother, you need to tell us how to bring Ragnor back,” Ashe said.

  “No. I cannot tell you until the time is right.” She shook her head.

  * * * *

  Marilena watched her sons, along with Malachi and Dominic, leave the room one by one. Her chest hurt from the pain of losing Ragnor, and the thought that she might soon lose another child She understood Uriah’s decision, but she couldn’t bear to think of the possible consequences. The consequences will be much, much worse if they don’t come into their powers. Maybe that was true for everyone else, but the safety of the world paled in comparison to the loss of a child.

  She brushed her fingers over Ragnor’s chest before going to the dresser across the room and pulling the piece of paper from it. There was a way to bring Ragnor back, but that way was dangerous. That way required Trinidad’s blood and the summoning of Christos. One could not be achieved unless her sons came in
to their powers, and the other could not be achieved without the possibility of suffering the wrath of an angry God.

  Not to mention, there was a short window of time in which it had to be accomplished. If Ragnor was not brought back within ten months’ time, he would be forever lost to her. But she could not risk her sons’ lives unless they had the means to protect themselves properly. They would shortly have that means, but she still balked at giving them the letter.

  Ragnor had left the decision up to her, but her instincts told her that that decision was one that could prove detrimental if chosen wrongly. She tucked the paper back under her clothing and closed the drawer. “Oh, Ragnor, my love. What have you done? Why couldn’t you have forewarned me of what I was to face? I wish you could tell me what to do now. I cannot afford to make another mistake with my sons.”

  She laid her head over his chest and sobbed when nothingness greeted her where the sound of the soothing beat of his heart had once been.

  * * * *

  “I can’t ask that of my sister, Aldin,” Wilhemina said.

  He reached for her and pulled her to him. He gently stroked her hair as she laid her cheek against his chest. “I’m sorry. I would never ask you to do anything that might cause your sister or you any pain.” Aldin tried to soothe her while mentally kicking himself in the ass.

  After several moments, she let out a long sigh. “I know. I’m just a little overprotective where Lindsey is concerned. I can’t contemplate suggesting that she should give Uriah a chance. She’d go ballistic on me.”

  “It was wrong of me to ask you to put in a good word for my brother.”

  She stepped back, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his chin. “No. It wasn’t wrong of you. You love your brother. I understand that. And to be honest, I think Uriah is a decent guy, even though he did clock me one.” She snorted.

  “I don’t find that funny in the least,” he grumbled.