The Knights of Darkness Chronicles 01 - Desires Unleashed

by D N Simmons

  Matthew looked at Warren, who lay on the sofa, motionless. After a few seconds, Warren seemed to gather his senses and mobility. Matthew couldn't help but wonder what it felt like to be fed on by a vampire, especially one as seemingly powerful as Darian. He had heard that the more powerful, thus skillful a vampire was, the more pleasurable their “kiss”. He would ask Warren later if the opportunity presented itself.

  Darian licked his lips, his eyes lost their cloudiness and began to focus. It had been a most delightful treat to feed from Warren, not only was he a shape-shifter but a natural born wolf at that, very delightful indeed. He watched as Warren's body regenerated the blood he lost during the feeding. His gaze moved to linger on Matthew. He thought the other man was very handsome and brave. Not only to surround himself with supernaturals but to hunt them down as well. Darian thought that both of the men had a lot of fortitude.

  “Well, I feel like a million dollars.” Darian smiled, “are you ready to go?”

  “Yeah,” Warren said as he slowly sat up on the sofa. Matthew walked over to him, holding his hand out to him. He looked at Matthew, smiled, then took hold of Matthew's hand and pushed himself off of the sofa, rising to his full height of six-feet, two-inches.

  “Okay, let's go,” he said, his voice still a little bit shaky. He could feel a wet stickiness in the crotch of his underwear. He didn't want to make it known, nor did he have time to fret over a clean pair of underwear, and pants. As he pulled his leather coat over his shoulders, he thought about what had just happened. He had never been bitten by a vampire before and hadn't known what to expect. He certainly hadn't expected the indescribable pleasure he'd felt as Darian feasted on him. He knew at that moment, a vampire's life was truly one hedonistic experience after another.

  “If I'm going to ride in that car...” Darian said as he pointed to the black squad car “I'm going to ride in the front with one of you.” He stood by the passenger side of the car looking between Warren and Matthew. The two detectives glanced at each other and nodded. Matthew climbed into the back seat as Warren took to the driver's seat. Darian was satisfied with the arrangement and opened the passenger side door.

  “Not very comfortable, is it,” Darian commented as he sat on the hard, leather covered seat.

  “Good,” Warren retorted as he started the engine. He glanced over at Darian and smirked. “Put on your seat belt, you know the law!” he said sarcastically.

  Darian rolled his eyes, but remained unbuckled. He didn't like restraints, not in any form. Warren pulled the car out of the long, winding driveway and onto the main road. He reached the city's downtown party district and parked on the street. The three men had been silent on the way there, all mentally preparing themselves for the long night's search and pursuit. Darian had emerged from the car first. Matthew and Warren followed, Warren watched as Darian seemed to concentrate his powers.

  “What are you doing?” Warren asked.

  “I'm trying to locate her using my powers to search out her brain waves,” Darian said. As he stood on the sidewalk, eyes closed, head tilted upward.

  “I didn't know vampires could do that!” Matthew said inquisitively, hoping Darian would elaborate. He received his wish.

  “Only the old ones can,” Darian said distantly. “She is not in this area, perhaps we should try another.” He looked at Warren. “Any ideas?”

  “Well, when I spoke with the victim earlier, he said something about the killers wanting to make a point to the mortal world.” He paused to ponder the statement. “Now that I think about it, I think she might be in the human only district. Which can be dangerous grounds, even for one as strong as you.” he said, nodding his head at Darian. “We'll have to play it safe. Come on, let's go,” Warren said as they walked to the car and climbed in. They drove on the expressway, heading toward the human only district. It was a section of the city that didn't open it's doors to the supernaturals. All of the businesses in that area reserved the right to deny service to vampires and shape-shifters.

  Warren called into the precinct, “Hey Billy?”

  “Yeah Warren, what's up?” a husky male voice responded over the CB radio.

  “I need a list of all the human-owned nightclubs in the city and I need it yesterday!” Warren urged.

  “Okay, okay, shit! Give me a minute! Alright, I'm in the computer now...yeah, okay I have the list, you ready?” Billy asked.

  “Yeah, I'm ready.” Warren handed Darian a pen and paper to jot down the information. Darian frowned but took the stationary and listened to the addresses.

  “Okay, it's four human only clubs in the city and the first one is, The Sunlit Lounge on Ontario. The next one is, The Slayer's Lair, actually, they're all pretty much in the same area. Okay, here's the other two, Obsession and The Hit. Is there anything else that you want?” he asked.

  “Nope, that's all. Thanks.” Warren ended the connection. He looked at the list Darian held in his hands.

  “So, if we go to that district, will you be able to sense which club she'll be at?” he asked the vampire.

  “Yes, if she is there.” Darian looked out of the window, exasperated. “There are a number of things I could be doing on this night instead of head hunting with you two.” He looked speculatively at Warren. “There are some things we could do together, actually...” He turned to face Matthew and smiled. “The three of us could really enjoy ourselves,” he said seductively. Mutual desire filled the car, making the air thick with lust. Darian eyed Matthew a little longer before turning back in his seat to look at Warren.

  “Look, I'd like to thank you for doing this, we really appreciate it,” Warren said as he turned the car onto Ontario street.

  “I see there's no tempting the two of you when you're on the job.” Darian let out a long breath, “Very well, why don't you pull in over there.” He pointed to a space in front of a clothing store. The three men climbed our of the car. Darian closed his eyes to focus his powers. His eyebrows creased, then he slowly opened his eyes.

  “She's near.” Darian looked toward the Slayer's Lair nightclub. “She's there.” He pointed at the club.

  “How did she get in?” Warren asked, perplexed.

  “Yeah, all the entrances are protected by an ultraviolet lighting system. Which isn't controlled by the door bouncers, so they can't be mesmerized into turning it off for a vampire to enter,” Matthew said, mystified.

  “I believe she is waiting outside for her victim, gentlemen,” Darian said as he walked toward the club.

  Warren turned to face Matthew. “Before you put up an argument, listen to me,” Warren said, placing his hands on Matthew's shoulders.

  Matthew knew what Warren was going to say and he wanted to protest. “Warren, I...I don't want to leave your side, I'm your back up...your partner,” he said. He felt exhausted, wounded and confused. He was unsure of himself, he didn't feel confident enough in his abilities right now to be an asset to Warren. The painkillers he had taken were making him sluggish and his back was throbbing. His entire body felt stiff and sore, not to mention he was mentally exhausted. But he didn't want to let Warren down.

  “You're not letting me down, so don't feel that way,” Warren stated, correctly guessing his partner's feelings. “But in the vision that Natasha told me about, you weren't in it. It was only Darian and me. I don't want you to be...” he paused, taking a deep breath. “You're already injured, tired, and hungry and the list goes on. No my friend, stay here,” Warren said firmly.

  Matthew looked defeated. As much as he hated to have to admit it, Warren was right, he wasn't up to fighting the vampire. He didn't know how to explain to Warren that he felt like he'd failed him as a partner the night before. He knew Warren wouldn't want to hear it and would say something to ease his conscience. Matthew nodded sadly, returning to the back seat of the squad car without another word.

  Darian watched the two men from a few paces away. He noted Matthew's sad and defeated compliance, concluding that Matthew would stay behind. W
arren started walking toward him and Darian waited patiently for him to catch up.

  “So tell me, will she know you're coming?” Warren asked.

  “Not if I do not want her to, I can shield my aura.” He saw Warren's questioning expression and smiled. “A vampire's aura is a lot like your wolf's howl. It can be used skillfully to gather vampires together or to warn them off.”

  “Ah, I understand now,” Warren said, nodding. They stood outside of the boisterous nightclub. The big sign with the club's name on it glowed bright green over the door. There was a long line of people waiting to get in, all dressed in brightly colored clothes. The bouncers watched over the door, holding six-inch long silver stamping wands in their hands. They stamped the back of hands of all of the people who entered the club.

  Darian wanted to laugh, he found it humorous that these mortals thought wearing brightly colored clothes would repel a vampire. It also amused him how mortals would automatically assume that all vampires would adhere to the stereotype of wearing dark colors at all times. He himself owned plenty of brightly colored clothes. There was only one thing that would keep him out of the club and that was the ultraviolet lighting installed at all the entrances, as well as the interior itself. The closer the two men approached the club, the mental connection that Darian received from the female vampire grew stronger.

  “Around the back, let's split up!” Darian whispered to Warren urgently. Warren nodded, and without hesitation, he went in the opposite direction along the side of the club. Darian took the other side to close in on her. As they rounded their corners, both of the men spotted the female vampire. She was wearing a black latex catsuit. The outfit was so tight it looked as though she had painted it on. The latex fabric hugged every curve, leaving nothing to the imagination. She hovered over a man in the back alley of the club, beside a dumpster. Catching the scent of Warren, she looked up, her lips bloody from feeding. She let the unconscious human slip from her slender fingers, smiling wickedly.

  “I've been waiting for you, wolf,” she said seductively, then turned to face Darian, “and you...Master.”

  Warren looked at Darian, he allowed a quick expression of shock to flash across his face before regaining his composure. Darian leaned against the brick wall of the club, his arms folded across his chest. A sinister smile crept across his face and he cocked his head.

  “You've disappointed me, Eliana. When I gave you my blood on that fateful night in Italy, I didn't expect you to repay me in this fashion. You have come to my territory unannounced and have caused nothing but trouble.” His lips forming the words as if they were a kiss.

  “I've paid you back in blood, my dear Master. How else should a fledgling repay their maker?” She backed up until she was against the wall, centering herself between the two men. She stood, legs parted, standing her ground. Her arms dangled at her sides, both index fingers tracing circular patterns on her thighs. Warren looked at Darian. This had turned into a matter between Master and fledgling. Warren looked at the female vampire again and felt his anger rise.

  “You had no right to kill all of those people because you have a grudge against your maker!” Warren said venomously as he balled his hands into fists. The female vampire ignored him, keeping her eyes focused on Darian. It angered Warren that she thought him insignificant enough that he should be ignored. He decided right then that he would not attempt to take her in to stand trial. He removed his 9 mm with silencer from his holster and aimed it at her heart. Without hesitation, he fired the first shot. He watched in amazement as she remained standing, unharmed. The bullet was lodged in the brick wall behind her, still smoking with ultraviolet gel oozing from the shell. He fired off two more shots, only to realize that somehow, the vampire had dodged each one.

  Her eyes slowly left Darian's to glare at Warren. “You impudent little fool! Your weapons cannot affect me and how stupid of you to think so. You, who have traded sides, tell me, does it make you feel superior to kill your own kind...for them?” she growled as she gestured to the unconscious human laying slumped beside her.

  “You're not my kind! You're a murderer, the same as any other murderer. There is nothing about you that should warrant my respect!” Warren said coldly, the barrel of his gun still pointed at her. He removed his custom automatic from his other holster, the one that contained the explosive metal bullets.

  “You are stupid and stubborn. I will kill you slowly, I shall savor your blood before I grind your bones in my hands.” She held her hands palm up, outstretched in front of her. To add emphasis, she slowly curled her hand into a fist, one finger after another. A sinister smile played across her lips. “Then maybe I'll feed on your partner,” she laughed wickedly.

  “You touch him and I'll-”

  “You'll do what, wolf? You'll do nothing, because that is all you can do, puppet!” she said arrogantly, then turned to face Darian, who had been watching the battle of insults with a certain amusement. He did have to admit the last two nights had held plenty of spontaneity. It was nights like this that Darian was reminded just how wonderful immortality was. He pushed himself off of the wall and walked toward Eliana. He stood in front of her, his long, black trench coat flapping in the cold breeze behind him. His leather clad hands resting at his side.

  “Is this a challenge to me, my darling?” Darian asked pointedly.

  “Yes,” Eliana responded, mimicking his calm.

  “I spared you last night to teach you a lesson, I mentally warned you to cease this behavior.” He exhaled deeply. “It did not have to be this way. If you were cross, you should have come to me, on my terms. We could have worked this out.” He began to remove his leather gloves from his hands, one then the other “You still make the most undesirable decisions. It's a pity that this will be the last time we will speak to each other. Tonight, I will end your existence since that is the one choice that you leave me with,” he said, his eyes never leaving her intense glare.

  “You underestimate me Darian, you always did. For if you had only given me what I asked, if you had increased my power, I would have been happy and it would not have come to this. You are so selfish. However, I found someone who would share power with me. And this city...” She raised her hands and looked around the area. “...will be mine, as will your life!” She smiled at him.

  “The only thing I've underestimated was your lack of common sense. But there is an easy way to remedy that. Now enough hot wind, I have matters to tend to before the sun rises,” Darian said. He watched as Eliana's jaw tightened. It was the response he hoped for, anger, fury, all the emotions needed to make a fight worth his while. As he looked at Eliana, he smiled. She was the second woman in twenty-four hours to have attacked him, though entertaining, he hoped it wasn't going to be a pattern. He braced himself as Eliana charged him, moving faster than Warren could see, but Darian could see her every move. In a movement quicker than lightening, his hand shot out before him catching Eliana by her throat. His fingers tightened around her slender neck. A guttural growl spat forth from her as she clawed at his hand. Darian braced himself and tossed her body upward, sending her crashing against the brick wall with a bone-crushing impact.

  Darian appeared underneath her, catching her in midair. His grip returning to her neck like a vise. Her clawed nails scratched his flesh, drawing blood. Darian's own nails began to extend, razor-sharp, strong and pointed. Then in one quick movement, he ripped her throat, tearing flesh apart. Blood gushed from the torn wounds, spraying Darian's face and shirt. Eliana gaped at Darian, hands instinctively going to her throat, closing over the bloody wounds. Her mouth open wide, gasping, unable to scream in horror. Darian's hand rested at his side, pieces of her flesh clinging to his fingernails as drops of blood pooled under his hand.

  Warren stood speechless as he watched the fight between the two vampires. He had never seen a fight between two vampires, witnessing the stronger overtake the weaker in such a manner, it amazed him. He had seen fights within his Pack take place, in spite of Xander'
s strict rules of the household. They had been bloody, vicious and always left both participants wounded, sometimes unto death. But never had he seen a fight were one member was left virtually untouched. He found himself truly astonished by Darian. He watched Eliana choke on her own blood as her body fought to restore itself. She backed away from Darian cautiously, her eyes holding fear and resentment.

  Darian began to move forward, like a stalking predator. Then in a movement too fast for Warren to see, even with his superhuman vision, Darian was upon the frightened vampire once again. His fangs buried deeply into the bloody wound, drinking. Warren could see his throat swallow every drop of blood he took. Warren was relieved that they were in the back of the building, away from the public's eye. He would hate to have to explain all that was taking place to the media or his official superiors. He watched Darian pull back from the wound, releasing his hold on her limp body. He looked at Warren, mouth bloody, eyes glazed.

  “She is yours to deal with now,” Darian said simply.

  “Is she dead?” Warren asked.

  “No. I do not want to be wrapped up in this case of yours, not any more than I already am. It's easier for you to end her life,” He looked down at her limp body. “You could even say it would be more humane,” he said thoughtfully. His eyes gradually rose, looking up at Warren. “I'll leave you now.” And with that, he vanished as if he had never been there. Warren stared at the open air where Darian had stood only a second ago. It seemed he would have to learn a lot more about vampires himself if he was going to continue to hunt them down. He gathered himself out of his deep thought and walked over to Eliana's prone body. He looked down into her face. Her dark, wavy locks framed her head like a fan on the cement. Her eyes were half lidded, mouth parted slightly. The wound in her throat was healing still, but dramatically slower than before. Her hands fluttered weakly at her sides, her body turning pale. He placed the barrel of his gun to her head and pulled the trigger.