Kiss of the Sun

by Racheal Pierce

  Bethany sat next to Rosalind. The grass tickled her legs before she was able to pull her skirt over them. “She is a werecub."

  Rosalind nodded. “I keep forgetting that. Her people rarely venture out of their domain."

  "They only allow Kylie into the city because she is the goddaughter of Darius. They know he would protect her with his life."

  "The fact that he is the leader of the entire vampire race does help."

  "Oh, by the way, have you heard who is back in town?” Bethany rolled to her side to see Rosalind.

  Rosalind plucked at the grass. “I don't pay attention to city rumors. The last one I heard had the King banishing me to the tower.” She laughed at the thought of Darius even thinking of locking her in a room.

  "We have a tower? When did we get a tower?"

  "We don't have a tower."

  "Then how can he lock you in the tower?” Bethany asked deadpan.

  "It's only a rumor!” Rosalind always did have a short temper. By the time she realized she was yelling Rosalind was in the trees. She looked down at Bethany. Feet planted firmly on the ground, a grin on her face. “That was so childish,” Rosalind informed her as she lowered herself to the ground.

  "I would think you had complete control of your levitation by now."

  Rosalind ignored the vampire's jab at her abilities. “Who is back?” she asked only slightly aggravated.

  "Niko."

  "The Historians finally found him?” Rosalind asked in surprise.

  "He came back on his own. Roman told me he met a woman in the south forest zone."

  Rosalind smiled. “Explains why he never contacted Roman.” She thought for a moment. “Did he bring her back with him?"

  "That is the weird thing. She vanished a week after he met her. No one can find her."

  "She just disappeared?” Rosalind couldn't believe it. “No one just vanishes in Vampire City. Where is Niko?"

  "Roman says he has locked himself in the Library. Rummaging through old bookdiscs and videos."

  "I wonder what he is looking for."

  "He won't say, but Roman thinks that Niko has shut down the entire Library. No one is allowed inside since he technically owns the building and the contents."

  Rosalind ignored the obvious warning. “I'll go see him at sunrise."

  Bethany laughed at Rosalind's bravery. “Only you would disturb a vampire at sunrise."

  "Please.” She rolled her eyes. “Niko is older than..."

  "No one knows how old he is,” Bethany pointed out.

  "Not the point. I've seen Niko up and around after sunrise. He may be a bit cranky but he'll talk to me."

  "How do you know?"

  "Darius made him my protector while growing up. As far as I know the title hasn't been removed."

  "So the pouting vampire will be honor bound to let you in the library.” Bethany said with delight. “I like how you think, Roz."

  "Thank you. Now let's go find those kids."

  Bethany gave her a worried look. “Are there ghosts here?"

  Rosalind laughed as she pulled Bethany forward. “Not in this area, chicken. I wouldn't take children in an area with unknown spirits."

  Bethany gave her a suspicious look. “Does that mean you take them in places with known ghosts?"

  "That isn't the surprising part, Beth."

  Bethany watched as Leena led her friends out of the tree. “What is the surprising part?"

  "Some of the spirits I find are these children's guardians. They have been with them since the children were born.” She smiled softly as the children ran around one another, playing a game of tag. “The guardian spirit does not leave its charge until puberty, when he's old enough to have a sense of right and wrong."

  "A spiritual subconscious.” Bethany wondered.. “I never thought ghosts had a reason to be."

  "Spirits.” Rosalind corrected automatically as the wind picked up. Bethany's long braid whipped across her back. The sting had her cursing. “That was definitely uncalled for, Roz."

  Rosalind stopped. The children had already reached them but the wind was getting stronger. The children hugged close to the adults. “It isn't me, Bethany."

  "It sure as hell isn't me!” Bethany swore over the moaning wind. “I am not this strong with this element.” She looked at Leena, a Chosen Child like herself. She didn't voice the question because Leena had informed her that the mortal children had no idea she was a vampire. She did not want them to treat her any different than they would another human child.

  She looked at Rosalind. “Call for Darius,” she whispered to her friend.

  "Why?” Rosalind could feel how uneasy Bethany was. Something was going to happen. Something bad.

  "Bethy, what is that?” Leena pointed to the sky. Fear emanated from her small body.

  "Oh, shit!” Bethany lifted her arms high. Water broke through the ground, surrounding them in a cage.

  "Fireball, Rosalind!"

  The ground shook as the water wall absorbed the impact of each fireball. Steam rose around them.

  How long will it hold? Rosalind spoke weakly in Bethany's mind.

  How many are out there?

  Rosalind closed her eyes and opened her mind to their enemy. She could not latch onto one mind. Each thought was too chaotic, too emotional. She could see images each mind shared. Images of the sun, bright and beautiful as three beings found their peace in the sight. She couldn't understand it. The connection broke suddenly when the children tightened their hold on her.

  Now there was screaming in her head. Children in danger, scared of the coming death. Rosalind fell to her knees. Her mind was forced open by all the emotions bombarding her. The hysterical crying coming from the little girls. The flashing thoughts of the people trying to kill them.

  Bethany watched in horror as Rosalind fell to her knees, clutching her head. “I can't control it!” she heard Rosalind whisper in fear.

  All implications of that statement went through Bethany's mind. Rosalind's abilities could kill them if she lost all sense of control. “Hold on, Rozzy!” Bethany pleaded as more balls slammed into the wall.

  "Bethany!” Leena screamed when the water drenched them.

  "Get away from Rosalind,” Bethany ordered the girls. She knew their touch was causing the Queen more pain. Taking it away wouldn't relieve her completely but it would help.

  A little.

  Roman! She screamed with all her strength.

  Where are you? Two cold voices answered at once.

  Animal zone three by the water. We are under attack. Bethany sent a mental visual of what was happening. I will hold them at bay as long as I can, my King.

  Hold on, baby. Roman's voice was tight.

  What is wrong with Rosalind? Darius demanded.

  I am not sure, my King. Her telepathy with the Touch. Her voice trailed off. She is barely hanging on. Bethany looked at Rosalind's curled body. She was shaking back and forth in the dirt, holding her head between her hands. Tears coursed down her cheeks.

  A howling scream rent the air. It could be heard for miles as clouds covered the sky. Thunder and lightning overpowered everything. The King was out and looking for blood.

  Bethany held her shield as the vampires—it had to be vampires, she told herself—tried to get to them.

  "We don't want to kill you or the children, young one."

  Bethany winced as they gave her the title of a vampire born after the Long Sleep. It meant the vampires after them were elders. They were around before the Long Sleep. This information frightened her most. It meant her power may be able to keep them away, but it would not stop them completely. It also meant they knew Darius and what he was really capable of, yet here they were anyway.

  Hurry! She pleaded.

  Hold on, Beth. We are coming.

  "What do you want?” she questioned.

  "Give up the King's mortal and you may leave."

  Bethany laughed at their nerve. “You dare to harm our future Queen?"<
br />
  The man spoke with tolerance. “It is for the good of our people that we do what must be done."

  "What would that be?” She tried to stall for time.

  "We don't have time for this. He is coming.” A female voice raged. “Rosalind Kincaid, give yourself to us now or they will die."

  "No!” Rosalind screamed above the shouts and pleas of frightened children.

  "Do you really want the deaths of innocent children on your hands, mortal?” The female spoke with menace.

  "No,” she whispered. She looked at Bethany. The children sat huddled in a wet heap, their bodies shaking in fear. Rosalind could not stand to see the tears falling down their pale cheeks. They had done nothing to deserve this. Only her. No matter where she went death followed her. But she hadn't seen this one coming.

  Darius had.

  Rosalind stood on shaky legs. Her determination to see this through kept her upright. “No one dies because of me."

  "Damn it, Rosalind. You will not go to them."

  Rosalind shrugged off the command. “Be well, vampire."

  "Time is running out, mortal.” The female gave her last warning.

  "Keep the shield up, Bethany. Protect the children.” Rosalind took a deep breath and walked through the veil of water Bethany had created.

  Roman, she has gone to them. You have to hurry.

  Almost there. Bethany could hear the cold hatred coming from her love. She closed her eyes and prayed to the Historians. They had always appeared when Rosalind needed them most. Why haven't they shown themselves now?

  Fate cannot be changed. A soft, sad voice spoke quietly to Bethany.

  It can be stalled, though. She fought.

  Not death.

  You saved our King, once a mortal. Why not her?

  Sobs strained the Historian's voice. We knew this day would come. Rosalind's destiny must be fulfilled.

  Do you know what her death will bring?

  Leave it be, Bethany. Darius’ words were final as he flew across the storm filled skies. Fighting the words he heard Veronica give, his anger overwhelmed everything in his path. Animals fled in terror. Trees fell to the ground across the land.

  * * * *

  "My King,” Roman spoke as he released himself from the shared Link. “The three have taken her to the cliffs."

  Darius felt his heart stop. He knew what cliffs his second spoke of. After all, he had seen his Chosen's death. He could not keep the fear from his mind. If only he had not waited to change her. In time she would have forgiven him. He would have seen to it, made it is mission to make sure she knew nothing but happiness in being a vampire.

  Instead he had allowed her mortal fears to interfere in what should have been done. His love for her would be her death.

  "There is Bethany. She has kept the shield up.” Roman pointed the way for Darius to stop. When his feet touched the dirt the ground shook in anger. “My King, the children are frightened enough."

  Darius waved his hand. The water fell silently to the ground.

  "Roman!” Bethany fell into his waiting arms.

  Roman wrapped her in his arms, pulling her so close that he felt the beat of her heart. He inhaled her sweet scent, unable to believe how close to death she had come.

  When he released her she fell instantly to her knees in front of the Vampire King. “It is my fault your woman was taken, my King. I await whatever punishment is set.” She lowered her head in shame.

  "Darius.” Roman stepped forward. He feared for his mate, fear of the emotions flowing through the King. Emotions that may cause regrettable actions between them.

  Darius bent to one knee and placed his hand to Bethany's shoulder. His voice was sad. “We know how Rosalind is. No matter who was with her, myself included, she would sacrifice her life for us.” He looked at the children still huddled together. “Take the children to the mansion, Bethany."

  "Yes, my King.” She stood without looking at him and went to follow Darius’ demand.

  "Bethany.” Roman grabbed her arm.

  "Go. He will need you.” She spoke with finality, Veronica's words still heavy in her mind.

  * * * *

  "Oh, come on! Is this the best you can do?” Rosalind spoke with disgust when the three elders dropped her in the dirt. She looked around, trying to find a place to run. Maybe she could get away long enough for Darius to find her.

  "Sit, mortal!” the female demanded.

  Rosalind fell to her knees. The elder's power took her by surprise. Never in her life had a vampire used his power against her. When she fell the medallion Darius had given her appeared from beneath her shirt. She grabbed it in her fist, praying for Darius to come.

  Darius? She spoke hesitantly. Ever since these vampires appeared she had been unable to Link with Darius.

  "Don't bother. As long as we have you your Psi Link to Darius is closed."

  Rosalind looked at them with shock. “You can't do that. Darius banned using a Chosen Mate's Psi against them."

  The female walked to Rosalind and would have slapped her had one of the males not grabbed her arm. “Little mortal, you have not completed the steps with our King to be his official Chosen Mate. Therefore nothing is stopping us."

  "Just because I haven't fucked your King make me no less his Chosen."

  The woman screeched in frustration. “Listen closely. The Link between you isn't complete. Otherwise we would not be able to block you from him."

  "Bitch!” Rosalind could not help the tear that fell from her eye. Her head ached from trying to reach Darius. “Darius!” she screamed aloud.

  "Where is the injection?” The woman held out her hand, waiting for the elder next to her to place it in her palm.

  Rosalind cowered in fear as the three vampires surrounded her. “What are you going to do?"

  "We need your death, Rosalind.” The second male spoke for the first time. His voice was soft and ironically reassuring at the same time.

  "But ... why?” Tears streamed freely down her face. “I have never done anything to you."

  "It isn't what you did to us, child. It is what you can do for our people."

  "I don't understand."

  The man took the syringe from the hostile female. He placed a gentle hand at Rosalind's elbow and secured a vein in her arm. Rosalind, future Queen of Vampires, mate to our King. I know that in this one act I bring my own death. My only regret is you will not understand why this must be done. With his final words that only Rosalind heard he sent the poisoning agent into her bloodstream.

  When Rosalind slumped forward he spoke. “It is done."

  "My turn.” The woman picked Rosalind up by her elbow. With annoyance at Rosalind's stumbling she pulled her along the dirt path to the clearing. “Rosalind.” She lifted Rosalind's head by pulling her hair. When she moaned the woman smiled. “Look at me, mortal."

  Rosalind lifted her gaze. Her mind felt cloudy. She was out of sorts with her surroundings. “Where is Darius?” her voice slurred.

  "You are going to walk and keep on walking. Do you understand me?"

  Rosalind screamed her rage in her head but her mind only acknowledged the command. “Walk,” she whispered. She tried to stop when the evil woman pushed her toward the clearing, but her body would not listen. It was as if she was under some one else's control. Her body was no longer hers.

  The drug. Her mind thought frantically. It wasn't poison. It was something that separated her mind from her body. Why? Why not just kill her and be done with it. Rosalind looked ahead. Her mind froze in denial. The cliffs. The cliffs Darius had seen in his vision. She was walking to the edge. Darius! She pleaded. Darius.

  Rozzy, baby. I am coming.

  Her heart soared with joy and fell with sorrow. I am sorry, Darius.

  Don't, baby. You have to stop.

  I can't. They gave me something. Some kind of injection. Rosalind tried to give him as much information as she could before it was too late. The wind blew forward, causing her footsteps to f
alter. Too slow. It wasn't enough, her body fought for every step.

  NO! The words were in her mind but they weren't her own. NO! He shouted again.

  Rosalind could finally feel him. His pain, his anger, his self loathing. But it was too late. The edge was too close and she could not stop herself. With one final step the ground ended.

  Darius! She sent what love she could to him before the world went black.

  Eight

  The cries of the King sliced the air. The woman hurried to her companions. “We must go before he arrives."

  The second man walked to the clearing and lifted one strong arm. Against their will the woman and her cohort followed from their hiding place. “What are you doing?” She waved her hands toward him, flames shooting to his head. To her consternation each flame sizzled out before contact could be made.

  He looked at them, hatred in flaring in his glowing red eyes. “You will get what you deserve,” he snapped at her.

  "It we are caught the king will kill us,” the third man objected.

  She rolled her eyes, total confidence in her voice. “She walked off that cliff. He saw it. The King cannot kill us for her suicide."

  All three vampires ducked their heads at the deafening clap of thunder. The ground shook as lightning destroyed the ground. Rain pelted their skin as they saw a dark shape speeding down from the sky.

  * * * *

  Roman landed and strode to the woman's side. He grabbed her throat, lifting her off of the ground and squeezing without regret. He knew asphyxiation would not kill her, but would only cause her to black out for a few hours. “He knows what you did.” When her body stiffened in shock he dropped her to the ground.

  Roman, the vampire king's second in command the King's voice when he was not present, looked to Rosalind's killers. He spoke to the vampire who did not allow the escape. “Do not think this will change the consequences."

  He stood straight and tall, the glow gone from his eyes. “I accept my coming death."

  "Death was never a part of the deal!” the woman's companion shouted.

  Roman looked at the man standing before him. There was a stuffy superiority about his that he hated. “I remember you.” Roman opened the palm of his hand. A ball the size of his fist appeared. Fire engulfed the sphere. “You like to throw fire at the parks."