"No,” she cried. “Not Darius!"
"I'm sorry, my Queen. This is why I did not tell him the verse. His life for yours. I wasn't sure what he would have decided."
"No,” she pleaded into the fire. “Not this.” Tears streamed like a river down her face. He was right about one thing. She could feel hunger rumbling in her stomach already. She snatched a bottle, quickly satisfying her hunger. She didn't have much time. Darius would feel her slow withdrawal.
"What is your name, traitor?"
"Marcus, my Queen."
"You will do something for me.” It was an order. “I know what your ability is. Go to Darius. Make him forget.” She wiped tears away. Make him forget, Marcus."
He looked to her with acceptance. Her choice. “As you wish, my Lady."
As he vanished Rosalind ran through the fire missing the satisfied smile on his face.
* * * *
Darius worked tirelessly. He sifted through every book, every file Niko had stored in his computers. His eyes hurt from the strain of reading for hours nonstop. Rosalind's life lay in what they could find. No one was to stop until the question of her survival was answered.
"Here we go. I think I found something.” Niko jumped from one of the ladders lining his Library wall. He placed a view screen on the table.
"What, who is that?” Darius looked at the man. Somehow he seemed familiar. He just could not place where he had seen the stranger before.
Roman gave Darius an odd look. “Darius, this is the traitor."
Darius shook his head. Clouds tried to block his memory. “What traitor?” he spoke slowly, more to himself than to his friends.
Niko grabbed Roman's shoulder, pulling him to the side. “Darius mentioned Rosalind arguing with a spirit. She did not want to touch him but the spirit had convinced her to do it anyway."
"What are you getting at, Niko?"
"The traitor. He had the most information for Darius. What if he came back? He has to be reason Rosalind knew she could heal Darius."
Roman sighed. “He knew more than we thought."
"A whole lot more than we thought. I think he wrote the damn legend."
"Oh, shit.” Roman looked at Darius. “Darius, according to this file the traitor can make memories fade."
"Why would he fade Darius’ memories?"
"I don't know. Check on Rosalind."
Roman stared blankly into space for a few seconds. He looked at Niko in shock. “I don't know what she looks like."
"Darius, raise your shields."
"My shields are always on alert."
"What about your memories?"
Darius looked away from his reading. “What are you taking about?"
"The traitor's spirit is still here.” When Darius’ eyes dulled Niko cursed. “Darius!"
"Watch the tone, elder.” Darius jerked to his feet.
"My King. What color is Rosalind's hair?"
"What?"
"Describe our Queen.” Niko needed to know the total damage inflicted on Darius, if it was reversible.
Darius’ lips moved but no words sounded. His mouth worked up and down, panic made his movements jerky. He pulled the keyboard to his lap and typed in Rosalind's name. He could still spell it. In seconds her picture appeared on the main screen. She had smiled into the camera, laughter all around her. She was making a face at Bethany, crossing her eyes with her tongue sticking out. It was hard to believe that picture had only been taken a year ago.
Darius stood, staring at her picture. It would take more than a ghost to make him forget Rosalind. “What the hell is going on?"
"For some reason Marcus, the traitor, is trying to make you forget Rosalind."
"I can't find the Link.” Darius breathed deeply, trying to calm his erratic heart. “How did she manage to close the Link?"
Niko pulled him toward the door. “You forgot enough about her that she was able to close the Link without causing you harm."
"Darius! Roman!” Shouting could be heard outside the library walls.
"Damn him.” Darius pushed open the door. “I told you to stay inside."
"She is going to kill herself, Darius.” Will bent to his knees, trying to catch his breath.
"No. She promised to give us time."
"She already has the answer. Some spirit named Marcus told her. Apparently he foresaw her coming and wrote it down."
Darius lifted the mortal by his throat. “She would not kill herself."
"If it meant saving your ass she would."
Roman stood silent, praying Darius didn't kill the mortal in a fit of rage. “Explain yourself, mortal."
"The power to sustain her is love, the ultimate sacrifice. He has her believing she has to drain you, kill you, to live."
"Listen, I don't know what is going on or who this ghost is that has convinced Rosalind she has to kill you. I don't care. You need to find her and tell her she can drink from you all night and she won't kill you.” Will demanded of his King.
Darius dropped Will in surprise. “How do you know that?"
For the first time Will looked nervous. “Bethany needed someone to talk to..."
"You bastard!” The ground shook under Roman's rage.
"In the past. We talked before you two mated. I know the lines, vampire. I don't have a death wish."
"We don't have time for this.” Niko grabbed Will's collar. “I trust you have been keeping this information to yourself?"
"I am loyal to Vampire City. How many times do I have to say that?"
The three strongest vampires watched the mortal as he walked away. “How does Bethany know that?” Darius asked.
Roman stood silently, his anger still seething. No one touched Bethany. Niko pulled him until he walked on his own. “She has been hanging around the Manuals lately."
The Manuals, Darius moaned. Why hadn't it occurred to him to let Rosalind know where to find the Chosen Mates archives? Those few books explained the joyous life of being a Chosen Couple. No mortal knew of their existence. Only vampires seeking their mate bothered to find them.
"Rosalind has always known about Chosen Mates. It would not occur to her to read up on the subject.” Niko read Darius’ thought.
"Where would she go, Darius?"
"The meadow.” His answer was immediate. Absolute. “She won't listen to me, though."
"It is too dangerous to deal with her out in the open. We will have to bring her back here before sunrise."
"Easier said than done."
"I could put her to sleep,” Niko offered. “Quick, painless. She'll be pissed, but she will be alive."
"Do it now so she doesn't feel us coming. I would hate for her to inadvertently use her power against us."
Thirteen
Searing pain woke Rosalind from her dreamless sleep. She tried to curl into a small ball but her leg wouldn't cooperate. Opening her tired eyes, she looked at her unmoving leg. Latched around her ankle was a think cotton towel protecting her skin from the shackle and chain securing her to the wall.
"What the hell?” Dizziness from sudden movement swept through her. She barely stayed upright on the bed.
"Rozzy."
She looked up. “Niko.” She acknowledged his presence.
"Running isn't the answer."
"I am tired of being treated like a child."
"Then stop acting like one."
Rosalind was careful sitting up this time. She glanced around in amusement. “What is all this?” She eyed the wall of water blocking the exit.
"There is also earth and wind blocking your way as well. It would take too much of your power to make it through all three.
"What makes you think I won't try?"
"And risk your sanity?” He lifted a brow at her dare.
"It isn't safe, Niko."
"The world isn't a safe place, child."
"Child!” she sputtered indignantly.
"You are a thirty-two-year-old newly made vamp. To me you are a child."
&nb
sp; Her leg cramped from inactivity. “You should stand up,” he advised from his casual perch. “Walk around a bit."
"I don't need the uninvited humor, Niko.” She did as he suggested anyway, careful not to pull the chain taut. “What is with the bondage?"
"Rosalind.” Niko walked closer to her. “It is okay to be scared."
"Scared.” She glowered at him. “I'm not scared. I am terrified. You have no idea what is happening."
"Rosalind, calm down."
"No. You let me out of here before ... ahh.” She fell to her knees from the pain. “Oh, gods, it hasn't been this bad before."
Niko whispered to her, “The immunity to our blood has completed. Nothing but his blood will save you."
"Please, Niko.” Her green eyes met his. “I'll kill him."
"No you won't, my Queen."
"But Marcus said I had to drain him. I can't kill Darius. Not to save my own life."
Niko jumped back when the towel protecting her ankle from harm burst into flames. “Will you stop? It won't melt. It won't loosen so you cannot get out."
"Let me out!” she screamed.
Niko left her on the floor. It was the hardest thing he had ever done, but she had to see this through. “Rosalind, would Roman or I put the King's life in danger? If you could kill him would we let Darius sacrifice himself?"
"No.” She was afraid to believe. To hope.
"Then let us do our jobs. Let us protect our King and our Queen.” Without waiting for a reply, Niko walked harmlessly past the barriers keeping her trapped. He winced at the hoarse echo of her scream. Walking up the steel steps, Niko was careful to lock the thick metal door when it closed. He walked slowly to the table where Roman and Darius sat in silence.
"He has some kind of hold on her.” Roman waited for Niko to sit before speaking.
"She is so worried about hurting Darius she won't think straight,” Niko explained. “Once he mentioned Darius and death in the same sentence she went in a dangerous tailspin."
"Marcus has to know Rosalind cannot kill Darius. Chosen Mates cannot drain one another. If they could they wouldn't have sex so damn much."
Roman spit his drink across the table. “How do you know that?"
"The archives are written in hand by every Chosen Couple since the Awakening. I read them."
Darius listened to his two commanders. They were the best at what they did. They protected him from the enemy, from himself. It was why he trusted them with Rosalind's very life. “Bethany's here."
Bethany walked through the archway into his private domain. Her arms were full of view screens filled with old books.
Niko smiled. “Doing all your studying, young lady?"
"Bite me, Niko."
"Bethany!” Roman reprimanded.
"Yes, my mate?” She gave him her most innocent look.
"Just wait until we get home,” he warned.
"I can't wait.” She laughed.
"What do you have, Bethany?” Darius cut their conversation. He needed facts before he could go to Rosalind. It took everything he had not to get up and go to her now. But, he had to think like the King, not like the man.
"Marcus, the ghost. He wants Rosalind to kill you."
"What?"
"Why?"
"If you die Rosalind is still Queen. Her powers guarantee the position."
"He told her to drain me, her willing sacrifice. Chosen Mates can't kill each other that way. It's impossible."
Bethany gave Roman a speculative look. “Is that so?"
"So the hunger will overpower Rosalind. She'll go mad before hurting you. But once the insanity wins she could kill you. She is, after all, the sun in human form."
"She could.” Darius did not like the idea of accidentally doing exactly what Marcus had planned.
"But why?” Roman asked a second time.
"To be King. He wants to take Darius’ place.” Bethany started tossing view screens until she came to the right one. “Here,” she handed a copy to each man, “Marcus wrote the legend.
"We knew that."
"He wrote two,” Bethany revealed. “The first, the one we have been operating with and this one.” She held up her copy. “This is the complete legend. There are six verses, not four and a half. ‘Blood will be given but will not sustain her for only the power of a Mate's love will keep her strong. His death will come like the sun. For her choice will rise again unmarked, unharmed by her hand.’ The final is the only one I don't understand: ‘She will bring her guardian forth. To help her through the madness. At the time of death her warriors will come. Like the promise made in secret minds.’”
Darius held up a hand. Silence fell immediately. He read each line over and over in his head. Hoping, praying, this was true. “She will kill me but can bring me back."
"It is the only way for Rosalind to reach full strength. After that you will be the only blood source she can drink of."
"Then how could he successfully replace Darius?"
"The Guardian she brings forth. Marcus is helping her now so that she will bring him back from death. Maybe he thinks the guardian's job would also to be keep Rosalind at full strength."
"Making himself indispensable,” Niko remarked.
Roman sat up. “With his memory swipes none of us would remember him as the man who killed her."
"But what about the warriors? Is there going to be a war?” Bethany worried.
"There is always the chance war could break out. But that is the least of our problems right now.” Darius stood straight and tall before his closest friends.
Now, his fate was at his feet. All he had to do was step forward and claim it, claim his Queen. His Rosalind. Put his very life in the hands of his Chosen. She would get her life back by taking his, temporarily. “If I die don't let any harm come to Rosalind, by her own hand or some one else."
Bethany gasped. “But the Link?"
"Is no longer there. Marcus took care of that. But Rosalind sees no reason when it comes to us. Watch her.” He waited for their oath of protection.
"It will be done.” The three swore.
* * * *
When he disappeared from the room Bethany began to frantically collect her view screens. “I ... I ... I have to get these back to the Library.” Her voice cracked with emotion.
Roman watched her hands as they shakily grasped the equipment to her breasts. He walked to her side. “Bethany.” He took the screens from her hands and tossed them carelessly at Niko. Slipping his hand under her legs, he lifted her to his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Finally she allowed her tears to fall. Moans of heartache escaped her throat.
"Shh, baby.” He had been waiting for her to collapse. For the past few days she had been doing everything. Taking all the children, to their parents. Taking care of Rosalind in Darius’ absence. All of this on little sleep. He felt her exhaustion as he was sure she could feel his. Their Link was still forming, tugging their emotions in every direction. “Come, Bethy. Let's go home."
* * * *
Niko watched as the newly mated couple left the house. It wasn't very often that the vampire male succumbed so willingly to his fate.
You did, she whispered softly.
You didn't stay, he answered back.
I noticed you have the complete legend now.
Bethany has always been useful.
So will my warriors when your Queen has the need for them.
So Rosalind will live through this night. What about Darius?
You say yourself just because I see it doesn't mean that is what will happen. It wasn't the answer he had hoped for.
I love you, Madeira.
Just like always she didn't answer, never promising what she can not see. He didn't worry, though. He had forever to bring her around.
Fourteen
Darius appeared as if out of a dream. His strong body was wrapped securely around her quivering form. “Darius,” she whispered faintly.
"It's me, baby."
"Bethany found the answer, Rozzy."
"I won't do it.” She tried to pull away from him. Away from the steady beat of his heart.
"Bethany found the whole legend. There is more than what Marcus is telling you.” Darius turned her to her back so that he could see her.. He told her everything they had found about the legend, leaving nothing out. He needed Rosalind to know what the future would bring if she accepted. He stared at her face, watching in trepidation as her beautiful green eyes began to fade. Red was coming through. Her hunger was beginning to surface again.
"Listen to me, Rosalind.” He didn't touch her skin, not because of fear, but for her. Anything she did to him might cause her to deny what was coming. He didn't want her memory of this to be of force.
Like the past.
Her breath caught in shallow pants. Her mind already receded. “I'll kill you. You can't let me do this."
His heart twisted at her fear of causing him pain. “To save your life I will do what must be done."
Rosalind slammed down on the bed. Her nails dug into the mattress to keep from touching Darius. Her fangs extended to their full length. She had not been this voracious for blood when she had first awakened. Her legs shifted, moving the blanket further down her body, taking away Darius’ protection from her heat.
When he lay next to her he tossed his shirt across the room, giving her all the access she might need. He looked into her red, panicked eyes. “You won't be able to stop the hunger, Rosalind. Already you fight your most basic instinct for survival.
She hissed at him, trying to keep some grasp of sanity. “I will kill you,” she promised.
He pulled her heated body over him until she straddled his waist. He sat up, keeping her locked to him. She still did not fight his confinement. Even now, she didn't take what was rightfully hers.
"Damn you, Rosalind.” Darius pulled a dagger to his reach and positioned it over his own vein. “Don't make me force you,” he pleaded.
Very slowly she pulled the thick blanket over his exposed skin. Still thinking of his care first. She sidled up closer to him, looking into his eyes for what she believed to be the last time. “If you go, I go.” With that promise she sank her fangs into his throat.
Kiss of the Sun Page 16