Kiss of the Sun

by Racheal Pierce

  "Mmm, getting a little touchy, vampire.” She took his carrot stick and slowly slid it between her lips. Her tongue left a slick, wet trail.

  Darius thrust forward before he could stop himself. “What has gotten into you?” He gently held her face in his hands. He wanted to look into her eyes and know what was going through her mind.

  "Revelations, Darius,” she whispered into his ear. Rosalind smiled in triumph as she felt his body tense. Her hands slowly worked the buttons of his shirt free until she had complete access to his hard, muscled chest. Her lips grazed his ear as she trailed light nips down his neck.

  Darius hissed in pleasure as he felt the small bite of her teeth. Just his kind of foreplay, biting...

  "And scratching.” She slid her nails down his chest, leaving a light discoloration.

  "Oh, shit.” His hands dug into her shirt. He was seconds away from ripping the material from her body.

  Rosalind tightened her legs around him and pulled him as close as she could to her needy body. She shook with uncontrolled passion. Every time he got close to her, her body reacted this way. “Darius,” She groaned as her tongue licked his shoulder. “I need you.” She bit harder into his flesh.

  Intense pleasure swam through his body. He never thought a woman taking the initiative with him was sexy but now, with Rosalind, he felt as if the sun touched him.

  Darius held her ass as he moved to a chair. The kitchen was empty of mortals and vampires so he had no need to worry about someone seeing his mate.

  Rosalind laughed at his growl when she pulled away. “I'm not going anywhere.” She placed her feet on the bars of his chair so that she had her balance. “There is too much I want to do to you.” She held herself back as she watched his shirt fall to the floor.

  "Not fair.” He breathed.

  She brushed her lips against his. “I never planned on being fair.” Before he could rebuke she thrust her tongue into his mouth, barely bypassing his lengthened fangs.

  Darius was hardly able to contain his superior power. She must be possessed to openly provoke his body this way. But, he let her control the power. Let her control him.

  To a point.

  He had sensed her need to establish an equal place with him but never dreamed she would choose this route. He did not know how long he would be able to take her caresses, her scratches and, bloody hell her biting. He shuddered.

  His fangs pierced his tongue. Tiny drops escaped. Rosalind pulled away, not to get away from him, he sighed in relief. She lifted herself to her knees so that he had to lean his head back. He kept his mouth open so she would see the blood.

  Rosalind looked him in the eyes. “Small steps, Darius."

  Understanding dawned. I swear it.

  Acceptance brightened her eyes. She led his neck as she continued their kiss. Tongues met and tangled as she let his blood trickle down her throat.

  She felt sparks of pleasure throughout her body. Shivering, she lay her head on Darius’ shoulder. “What the hell was that?” she whispered breathlessly into his skin.

  His hand slid beneath her loose shirt, rubbing the smooth skin of her back with his hand. “A small taste of what I am feeling."

  "How?” Her wonder showed in her voice.

  Her shirt lay open between them. Darius spread it wide to see beneath. “Where do you find these things?” he croaked. Beneath her shirt she wore a transparent white lace bra. It held her firm breasts high and proud. Just at the right level for his kiss.

  "Veronica makes them for me,” she whispered. “How, Darius?"

  He looked up. His eyes were already glazed over. “What?"

  Rosalind ran a finger along his jaw. “How can I...” she gently traced the curve of his lips, “feel your...” she watched as her finger disappeared into his mouth, “pleasure?” The tip of her finger touched his fang.

  One drop of his mate's blood and he was lost. A week was too long for a vampire to forgo his Chosen's essence. His body reeled at the sensations.

  His teeth latched onto her still finger. Careful not the break the skin, he made gentle sucking sounds as the last tiny drop of her desire fell down his dry throat. He growled in contentment as his hands cupped her heaving breasts. Her heat seared him.

  "Holy cow!” Rosalind lifted her hips slowly up and back down to his lap.

  He licked her erect nipple. “Chosen Mates can share sensations with one another. It is particularly strong during the blood exchange.” His voice was ragged as her knees tightened harder around waist. He could feel her dampness through the thin clothes she wore.

  Rosalind removed his seeking tongue from her aching body and pulled him back to her. Darius’ fierce growl was stopped when she instantly slid her tongue back to his. The taste of their mingled blood caused his cock to harden impossibly more.

  His body tensed as her hand slid slowly down his chest, brushing his nipples in play. His stomach shivered at the phantom touch but she continued on. “Roz.” There was warning in his tone this time.

  Her green eyes darkened with pleasure. “Yes, Darius?” Her fingernails scraped the skin inside his jeans. Both hands stopped at the ancient buttons holding together the material.

  Darius knew if she unsnapped the buttons his cock would spring out, ready and willing to be touched by her. Her knuckles slid along his washboard stomach as the snaps came loose...

  "Rosalind! Rosalind! Rosalind!"

  Darius’ arms tightened around Rosalind's slim waist when she accidentally squeezed her hands. “Careful,” he muttered into her ear.

  "Let go!” she laughed at him.

  His arms shook with all the restraint it took not to fuck her on the kitchen table. Darius sighed in frustration as he let her jump from his lap. He stood but kept the tall counter in front of him to block the bulge in his pants. “Why are children raiding my home, Rosalind?"

  She glanced to the ceiling, trying to hide her laughter. “Looking for me?” she made it a question.

  Darius could hear the pitter patter of little feet. The closer the noise came the further he moved until his back was to the rear exit.

  "Running from children, Darius,” Rosalind chided. “I would have thought that was beneath you."

  "Kings do not run, Rosalind. We retreat."

  "Retreat?"

  "There is no way I am going to be guilted into coming on whatever adventure you are taking them on."

  "How would you be guilted into that, Darius?” Rosalind took a single step forward. Her shirt flapped behind her. At Darius’ groan she looked down, chagrined to have forgotten her shirt still lay open. Within seconds each button returned to their home. “Not fair.” She bit her lip in a pout.

  Darius was unable to look away. “Speaking of not fair.” He stepped out of sight as children of all sizes flooded his kitchen.

  "Rosalind! We yelled and yelled and yelled but you didn't come.” A very excited little girl jumped up and down beside Rosalind.

  Rosalind gave an evil grin. “I was entertaining the King."

  All of the children looked at her with fascination. It was known, at least among the vampires of Vampire City, how their King and Rosalind were connected. For a vampire to find his Chosen was a great moment. But, for their King to finally have his Chosen was a reason for celebration.

  The little girl bounced with energy. “Where is he? Is he here? Can we see him?” Questions were asked before answers could be given.

  "Please!” All eight children pleaded at once.

  You should come greet your people, chicken king.

  I am not a chicken. Darius sounded insulted. He was the Vampire King. Not a piece of poultry. I have already met the children. The one bouncing so vigorously is a Chosen Child...

  Really? Rosalind had not realized the little girl's parents were Chosen Mates.

  Her parents are visiting old relatives. I think they left her in Bethany's care. Darius finished the sentence Rosalind's curiosity had interrupted.

  Come out.

  No!


  "Darius, come say hello.” Her voice rose enough for everyone to hear her.

  All of the children knew Darius by sight and name. They saw him in the play zones with other kids and in the animal zone with the teenagers, who were allowed to care for the creatures. Every small child waited anxiously for his twelfth year, when Darius allowed the children to replace the now grown adults in the caring of his many animals.

  They were to care for them. Play with them. Feed and clean up after each animal assigned to each child. This was the King's way of teaching the children, vampire and mortal, about responsibility and compassion toward other creatures and species.

  "King! King! King!” The litany began anew as the flood of children awaited the King's entrance. They acted confidant he would come out of hiding. After all, it was rare for the king to deny Vampire City's children anything they wanted.

  Darius walked confidently out of the doorway. His gaze locked on the girl still attached to Rosalind's leg. “Leena. I should have known you would instigate this rebellion.” The child had the audacity to roll her eyes at him.

  "At least she quit sticking her tongue out at you, Darius.” Bethany breezed through the back entrance of the kitchen. Her shirt was wrinkled and mis-buttoned. Rosalind was quick to notice the blush still slightly visible on her cheeks.

  "Leena, why don't you take the others outside to wait for us?” Rosalind gave the girl a pat on the shoulder to move her along.

  When Rosalind knew the children were out of ear shot she looked to her friend. “Bethany, what happened to you?"

  For once Bethany was unsure of what to say. She had gotten what she wanted. Roman was hers. She was his. Their mating was nothing to be ashamed of but knowing that her best friend and their King were still struggling with their own feelings she did not want to flaunt her newfound happiness.

  Darius walked to Bethany and took her shaking hand into his strong grip. Roman quietly stepped into the silent room behind his new mate. “Bethany, there is nothing to feel unsure of. I have been waiting for this news for quite some time. Be happy as one day we shall be as well."

  Roman looped his arms around Bethany's shoulders, pulling her into his body. He lowered his head in respect to the compliment from his friend and from his King.

  "Bethany.” Rosalind ran past Darius to pull Bethany into a warm embrace. “I told you it would happen."

  Bethany tightened her arms in relief. “I should have believed you."

  Rosalind smiled secretly at her friend. “Now we really have to talk."

  Bethany laughed. Knowing she would share the details.

  Bethany! Roman warned in her mind.

  Darius laughed when Roman looked pained.

  Rosalind stuck her tongue at Roman before turning to Darius. She twined her fingers into Darius’ outstretched hand. He brought her hand to his lips. Placing small nips along her fingers. “What are your plans?"

  "We're going...” Her voice choked when his fang nipped the tip of her finger. She felt his tongue lick the small wound. “We're going ghost hunting."

  He stopped what he was doing. “Ghost hunting?"

  She laughed at his expression. Of all her abilities being able to communicate with spirits, being a medium, was the only one he had difficulties with.

  "Ghosts aren't always peaceful. The can be violent and destructive."

  Rosalind smiled. Placing a finger over his lips she spoke, “Darius, I have always been able to communicate you know that. What makes you think I don't know when not to interact with a spirit?"

  "Just be careful, baby."

  Her heart stuttered at his soft tone. “Always, my King."

  Seven

  Rosalind walked alongside Bethany as they followed Leena and her friends along the river. The children splashed and played, laughing as fish darted away from their noise. Already thoughts of finding ghosts had vanished from their young minds. Rosalind laughed as she put an arm around Bethany's shoulders. “So tell."

  Bethany laughed at Rosalind. It was as it had been when they first met. Seventeen-year-old Rosalind and five hundred-and-something Bethany. It was like being a teenager all over again for Bethany. She loved every minute of it. “Maybe I don't wanna,” she teased.

  Rosalind smiled at the familiar response. “Pretty please with sugar on top?"

  Bethany locked her arm around Rosalind's waist. “I had no idea, Roz,” she sighed as she brought the memory back. “I just teased him into a swim."

  "And now you are mated."

  Bethany released Rosalind to bounce in front of her. She couldn't contain the energy of being with Roman inside anymore. She wanted to shout to the rooftops that she had her mate. She wasn't alone. Looking at Rosalind stopped her.

  Rosalind smiled in understanding. Bethany was the greatest friend she could have. “Go ahead, vampire. Shout it to the wind,” she encouraged with all her heart.

  Bethany tilted her head to the dark blue sky. Drawing in a deep breath, she screamed her heart out, releasing all the happiness she felt into the night.

  "Feel better now?"

  "All I can say is when that man decides something he doesn't waste time."

  "Tell, Bethany.” Rosalind nudged her friend into giving the gossip.

  I don't think Roman would appreciate having his skills dissected by the two of you, Darius admonished her.

  Don't worry. I'll return the favor when my time comes. Rosalind laughed aloud when she heard Darius moan and Roman's hardy laughter.

  Bethany joined in when she realized that the four of them had connected their Link. “I hope this does not become a habit,” she said when she knew the men had vacated the Link.

  "Knowing those two, I would not put anything past them."

  "I had not expected Roman to say the Sacred Oath tonight, Rosalind."

  Rosalind stopped in shock. “He said the Oath.” She was speechless. “Years of you chasing him and after one bout between the proverbial sheets he marries you."

  Bethany and Rosalind both groaned at the twin reprimands from the Link. “I didn't mean it that way,” she muttered.

  Bethany smiled, not at all offended by her friend's lack of tact. “It is more than just sex to us, Rosalind."

  "I know, Bethany.” Rosalind could have kicked herself for her insult to vampire culture. How was she to take her place among the vampires if she could not grasp the importance of their ways?

  Bethany linked her hand with Rosalind's. “I was the same way when I was your age, Rosalind. It takes years to learn so many things. I still manage to step on Roman's toes when it comes to properly addressing Darius."

  Rosalind nodded in understanding. “Roman thinks I should address Darius properly when we are out in public."

  "Sometimes they show their age.” Bethany managed to use her most properly stiff tone of voice. Instantly bring the elders to mind.

  "I guess three thousand years of sleep will do that to a person.” Bethany winked.

  Three thousand years of sleeping. From the dark ages of 998 until Earth had finally managed to find peace with itself in 3998. Bethany knew the story of when Mason and Veronica had made the decision to put all vampires into the Long Sleep. Mankind had waged war after war. Killing for pleasure, for religion, and because they simply could.

  They knew that one day the hysteria of humans could cause the extinction of the vampire race. To save the lives of all vampires they were hidden. Underground, deep in the sea, and in the volcanoes of fire. After all, each vampire had the power to control the elements, some stronger than others. A master elemental could live inside the element he mastered: Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water.

  No vampire defied Mason or Veronica. They were the first of their kind. Mother and Father to all. No one could defy that kind of power and live. So, for three thousand years they slept. Waiting for the day humans put down their weapons and thoughts of war. Waited for father and son, mother and daughter, to embrace the ways of peace.

  Sadly it had taken the deaths of mo
re than two thirds of Earth's people to sway the minds of the millions left. Technology of war was destroyed carefully and thoughtfully. Nations either embraced their enemies or turned their backs on them. Either way, fighting stopped. Senseless death ceased.

  Earth was cleansed of pollution. Man had even managed to bring space travel up to date without ruining their planet. It was rarely used except for trading and knowledge. Humanoids and Others were welcomed on Earth as long as the strict laws were followed. Humans may have left deadly violence behind but there were still ways to scare the hell out of anything if the right buttons were pushed.

  "Then how do you explain Darius? He was made during the Long Sleep."

  "I blame that on Mason. Veronica was outnumbered when she turned Darius."

  "Bethany?"

  "Rosalind."

  "Stop that,” Rosalind muttered.

  "What?"

  "Have you Linked wholly with him?” She was hesitant to ask this, knowing that the Link between Mates was private.

  "Not wholly. To Link completely with someone, especially your Chosen, is very scary. To Link that deeply you will reveal every thought, every action. Your every memory is his to see."

  "Complete trust."

  Bethany watched as the children ran around the trees, their hair flying behind them. She could see their innocence in every move. “When I am ready I will know,” she whispered. “And so will you, Rosalind."

  They walked in silence for a while. The children finally calmed enough that they lay in the grass talking softly of boys they had seen. Looking at them one would never be able to tell which were the vampire child and the mortal. There were no visible differences between the two species. It was only their eating habits that separated them.

  And the whole sun thing.

  Other than that, they could have been the same.

  "Don't forget Kylie,” Bethany reminded her. She was always able to find her path into Rosalind's thoughts.

  "What about her?” Rosalind asked absently.