Rosalind's fangs fully fell as she lost her breath at the pleasure the pain brought. “Now, Darius. Come inside me,” she demanded in a broken voice.
Darius pumped in frenzy now. His lips nipped at her neck as he showed her what was to come. She squeezed his hand in acceptance. When his teeth penetrated her vein she arched her body into his powerful thrusts. Her blood filled his hungry body, satisfying their mutual desires.
When Darius collapsed, he rolled to the side, bringing her with him. Rosalind covered him with her body so that he was now her vampire pillow.
"Pillow?” His out of breath body asked.
"You have to come in handy somehow.” She lifted her head so that she could finally see him.
Darius opened his eyes to find they were back in the mansion. Rosalind perched on his exhausted body. “Damn.” His whisper was reverent. He yanked her body into his arms and sat up. She clung to him as he to her. They sat their in silence as both assured the other of life.
He wrapped her hair around his fist. His anchor to keep her near.
She pulled back. “Where would I go, Darius?” she smiled at him.
He sat, not speaking and just watched her. When she tugged at his arm he released her hair so that she could get out of the bed. Away from him. “Rosalind!” he jumped to his feet. Fear engulfed his thoughts.
Instantly Rosalind was back at his side, her palm cupping his worried face. “It's over, my love. You saved me just as you promised."
"But..."
Rosalind was surprised to feel both of their bodies shaking. “Darius, before we leave this room we have to get some control."
He pulled her into his arms. The feel of her naked skin against his caused his cock to tighten. She laughed.. “How many times do you think we will have to rebuild our Link?"
Darius closed his eyes at the threat and opened his mind to her. She was already open to him, just waiting patiently for him to find the thread.
Darius?
Though it was the hardest thing in his long life for him to do, Darius drew away before reestablishing his own Link with her. She could feel him, find him. Know all that she needed to know in his mind. But to him she was a blank.
"Darius?” She stepped back in fear. Tears were already forming in her eyes. Her heart was aching.
"Don't cry, baby. Please.” He stepped closer to her, wanting to welcome her into his arms.
"Why won't you Link with me?"
"I want you to have time, Rosalind."
"I don't understand. We just went through hell to be together."
"No, baby. We went through hell so that you would not die."
"It is the same thing and you know it!” she screamed at him. “You know it.” Fear flowed through her, giving her skin a golden glow.
Darius had to back away from the heat. Her life might be safe but her control was still too dangerous. “Rosalind.” How did he explain his denial to establish their Link without causing her harm?
"You just say it. Tell me everything is a lie!” she yelled. “Tell me you just want the power I had to die to get,” she accused him. Fire surrounded her body as she walked across the room. Glass cracked as she passed the walls.
"No! Rosalind you know that is not true. I love you!” he screamed at her.
Fire evaporated as she looked at him in shock. Now he chose to tell her those words? Now he gave her everything she had ever wanted at the same time denying their Link? She sat on the bed in defeat. Something was on his mind. Something she knew just had to be stupid. And probably ‘what was best for her.’ “Explain,” she ordered coldly.
"You have too much going on, Rosalind. Always I have established the Link against your will. I don't want to begin our life together with that memory tarnishing us."
"It won't be force,” she argued.
"I want you accept your place as Queen. To accept your new ‘gift'."
"I ... I don't know when I will be able to."
Darius sat beside her on the bed, unsure of his welcome. When he wasn't burned he pulled her into his arms. She went willingly. He breathed a sigh of relief. “I want you to be happy, baby."
"All I want is you,” she whispered into his neck.
"You have me. But I want you to be happy. Happy at my side. Happy with your power."
She laughed, not amused. Lifting one hand, a single blue flame appeared. It didn't hurt her. It wouldn't hurt Darius unless she willed it.
"Hopefully, you never do,” he whispered softly, kissing her temple to show his trust in her abilities.
She closed her fist. “What if I can't control it?” Her voice shook with uncertainty.
"Then we will leave."
"And go where. The sun is a part of me."
He looked out the window to the night sky. “I am sure there is a place up there where you will feel safe."
"I feel safe in your arms."
He smiled into her hair. Glad some things never changed. “We will help you learn your new power, Rosalind. I promise."
Rosalind pulled away. “On one condition."
"What?” he asked hesitantly. Rosalind never asked for things in return.
"I want you to Link to me."
"Rosalind."
"No. This is the choice I make of my own free will. As my Chosen it is your duty to see to my happiness."
"I only want what is best for you,” he defended.
She lifted him to his feet. Darius felt the power she had put behind the effort. “This is my choice. Honor it, mate."
"It will never be broken again, Rosalind,” he warned.
She rolled her eyes. “I'll never let you go, anyway. So you are stuck with me."
"Fine. But when we are back to fighting, and we will be. Don't say I didn't warn you.” Darius closed his eyes and did what it took to make his irate mate happy. After all, she was right. It was his duty to see to her happiness.
Fifteen
Bethany lay naked in the safety of her mate's arms. Roman held tightly as her breath slowly returned to normal. Patiently he waited for her to voice the thoughts forming in her mind. Though he could read them if he chose, their bond was still too fragile for them to share this closely.
With luck it may not take long for her to share everything with him without fear. Her fear of him, despite their new mate status, ate at him. He had hoped that the traveling he had allowed her would take away her fear of him.
Bethany pulled away from him. If not for his supernatural reflex she would have hit the floor. “You allowed me my travel.” She looked at him in shock. “No one knew of my going away until I left. I made sure of it."
Roman winced. She might have trouble letting him into her mind, but he left the Link open for her at all times. “Bethany?” he cautioned.
"Don't Bethany me, Roman. Did you know about my travels before hand?"
Roman closed his eyes. “Yes."
"How? Was it the Vampire Link?"
"No, Bethany.” He didn't want to answer her. Didn't want to hurt her with the knowledge he had kept hidden from her.
"Who told you I was leaving? Did they tell you why?” She was becoming hysterical. Trying to pull away from him as the answer was becoming obvious.
Roman used his superior strength to keep her to him. “Bethany,” he pleaded. The bond was too fragile, too new for him to use without breaking. Their emotions were too powerful. Their bond was not quite complete.
"You knew,” she whispered. “You have known half my life and you did nothing."
He felt the punch to his heart at her words. “It wasn't like that,” he denied.
She knew he would never hurt her physically, so she pushed away from him and quickly put on her clothes.
"It wasn't like that, Beth."
"How was it, Roman? Were you glad I left? Glad you didn't have to give up your whores!"
"That is enough.” He left the bed, gloriously naked. His rod was hard and painful.
Bethany looked down his body. “Don't expect me to take c
are of that."
"Oh, you will take care of it, woman.” His voice was cold as he stalked toward her.
Bethany backed up a step, careful not to run. That would only provoke him, and she was not in the mood for this kind of play. Not tonight. Her heart hurt too much.
When he jerked her to him his grip was gentle, her every thought in his head. “Bethy.” He licked away her tears.
"Don't touch me, Roman. I don't like you right now.” She looked at the ceiling since she could not look at the floor without seeing him hot and ready for her.
For any woman.
"No! Not any woman and you know it. We are married. I would never do that to you. To us.” Her pain seared him. He had to make her understand. “Bethany, I am an elder. You were so young when I found the mate Link with you."
"That doesn't stop other males from claiming their Chosen."
"I grew up with your father, Bethany. We were like brothers. Are still like brothers. When I found out I went to him."
"My father knows?” She was incredulous.
"I am old. Old fashioned and used to the old ways. I went to Lionel asking his permission to court you..."
"Court me?"
"See you. Take you out for walks, dates, dinner. Whatever,” he explained.
"You asked my father permission to bond with me?"
"Yes. Can you imagine how a father would feel knowing his young daughter was fated to be with a man he was a child with?"
Bethany let her head fall to his chest in understanding. “You are lucky he didn't kill you.” She laughed.
"We fought.” He smiled into her shocked eyes. “I had forgotten how strong your father really was."
"Yeah, looking at him you would never know he was a warlord as a mortal."
"Your mother changed him,” he added hastily when she glared at him, “for the better."
"What happened?"
"Afterwards I agreed to your traveling. Your parents wanted you to experience life before you found your Chosen. Wanted you to know the world with your own senses."
"But, Roman. I only left because I believed you didn't want me."
Roman winced. “I didn't know. I thought it was what you wanted. So I waited."
"It has been twenty years.” She pushed him away again.
"You came back hating me, Bethany. What was I supposed to do?"
"I came back to find you fucking Marsha!” she screamed at him.
"No."
"Yes. I came back a week earlier than planned. No one knew I was home except Roz. When I went to your home she was in the bedroom."
"No!” he vehemently denied.
"Why was that bitch in your house, Roman? In your bed!” How could he not remember?
"I have not touched a woman since speaking with your father.” He pleaded with her to believe him. To trust him. “I would never dishonor you or your family like that."
"I saw you,” she cried. The memory flowed between them.
Marsha in his bed. Fucking Roman on his bed. Her back had been to the window where Bethany stood. Bethany watched. Tears blurred her vision as Roman had pushed the mortal to her back before thrusting into her responsive body. When the mortal had looked to see Bethany she screamed Roman's name. Bethany could still remember the evil smile the mortal had given her.
Roman watched in confusion as Bethany ran from the house in the shared memory. He held her tightly when his vision returned. Carrying her to the bed, she curled into a sobbing ball. “Bethany, it wasn't me."
"I saw..."
"It had to be a shifter, because I never touched that woman.” Revulsion shook him.
Bethany looked inside for the answer. Their Link quivered from her anger but held strong. The power of their love protected them from this obstacle. His mind was always open to her. Open in ways she was not. He never flinched from her invasion of his memories. What was his was hers. She could feel his faith in her to one day trust in him the way he trusts in her.
"Roman,” she sobbed into the bed.
Roman lay in the bed behind her. He pulled her into his embrace until every inch of her body was protected by him. “I don't know what she was up to, Bethany. But I swear I will find out."
"She is still a citizen of the city."
"I will find her then evict her myself. Bodily if I have to.” Vengeance was close to mind where that hateful mortal was concerned. No mortal got away with the things she had done.
"I'm sorry. I should have told you."
"Yes, you should have,” he reprimanded softly.
"It was so real."
"As real as she wanted. Whatever her plan had been it kept us from each other. You were my Chosen and I let you walk away. That was my mistake."
"But what about when I started harassing you? Sending you those images,” she asked. “You should have known then that I was ready."
"Bethany, when you came back to Vampire City you were a different woman. Cold whenever I came near you. I didn't want to chance being hurt by you. A Chosen is very dangerous when angry with her mate."
Bethany held him tightly. “I love you, Roman."
"I love you, mate."
"We need to get to the mansion.” Bethany bounced from the bed as she ran to her new closet in their bedroom.
Roman watched her ass move as she bent to pick up her shoes. Fantasies crossed his mind.
Bethany glared at him. “Stop that, or keep those in your own mind."
Roman laughed. “Sorry.” He dressed as she searched her full closet for just the right outfit.
"Bethany,” he groaned at the mess she was making.
"Okay, I am ready.” Stepping out of the closet wearing a short red dress, she pulled on her sandals.
"No,” he ordered. “You are not going out in public wearing that dress."
"Roman I always wear this dress."
"No way. Every man will be staring at you."
"I am a hot woman. Get used to the staring. Men will congratulate you on winning a woman like me."
"How did I win you? You were mine to begin with."
Bethany rolled her eyes. “Come on. I don't want to keep Rosalind waiting."
Roman followed her ass out of the house, jealous as every man pasted his woman. Yep, this was definitely going to be something to get used to. He really didn't want to have to start killing his own friends. But, damn. That dress really worked her slim body. He couldn't wait to get her home again.
"With thoughts like that I am surprised you let her out of the bed.” Niko walked next to Roman as they followed Bethany up the steps to the mansion doors.
"If the city had not been empty I don't think I could have let her out of the door wearing that dress,” he confessed.
Both men waited warily, watching Bethany pace restlessly. “They should have been out of the bedroom by now,” she whispered.
"Hold your horses.” A voice squeaked from the bottom of the stairs.
"Rosalind!” Bethany ran to her friend. Arms outstretched, they embraced one another like long lost sisters.
Rosalind held her breath at Bethany's first touch. When she didn't cringe in pain Rosalind hugged her close. “Bethany,” she whispered thankfully.
When they pulled away they sat on the couch in a corner, away from the ears of the men. “They can still hear us, Roz.” Bethany laughed.
Rosalind rolled her eyes. “I know. They hear all. They know all."
Bethany looked at her friend. She looked healthier than she had been as a mortal. “I see that the legend was true."
"I hear that I have you to thank for finding the true answer."
"Well, I had nothing better to do.” She yawned.
"Ha, ha. Vampire."
"Vampire,” Bethany teased back. “So, are you okay?” Bethany asked quietly. She could see Darius talking with his commanders, his stance ready for anything.
Rosalind watched as well. She closed her eyes and smiled. Warmth filled her body. “He kept me from falling."
Bethany co
uld hear the love in her friend's voice. Maybe now Rosalind could be happy. Her life had never been easy. She went from one bit of trouble to falling into even more dangerous trouble. No one left her alone. Some one always wanted something from the woman. Now, as Queen, they would expect more from her.
Roz, I mean, my Qu..."
"If you, of all people, pull that my queen stuff, I will be sorely disappointed."
Bethany rolled her eyes. “At least tell Roman I tried."
"Is he still after you about that?” she asked with a laugh.
"You would think he'd realize by now I am not much on convention."
"He is. How about compromising? Tell him you will call Darius my King, the day he gives you a baby."
Bethany laughed at the possibilities. “There is nothing better than daring a man to impregnate his Chosen."
"Especially when she is more than willing."
Both woman burst into loud laughter.
Niko looked at his Queen and Bethany. They were close to falling right off the couch with their laughter. “I think they are up to something."
Roman rolled his eyes. “When are they not up to something?” Today he didn't care what they were up to. Everything was back to normal. At least, their idea of normal.
Darius smirked, all knowing. “It is about you, Roman."
Roman stopped talking, fear in his eyes. “I hate when they do that,” he muttered. Whenever those two got together it never ended well for their victim. “What are they going to do to me?"
"Don't worry. You will enjoy the end results."
"Niko, you know."
Niko shook his head, laughter in his eyes. “I am not touching this with a ten-foot pole."
Roman turned to his Chosen. She glowed with happiness. She had her friend back. She was with her Chosen Mate. Their family was back together again, unharmed. When she looked at him she blew him a kiss. Roman was in a good mood so it didn't bother him too much when his two buddies laughed.
They quietly left the room, going to Darius’ personal chamber. His thinking room. His war room. Whatever room they needed it to be. When the door closed Roman broke the silence. “Does anyone know where Marsha is?"
Darius’ eyes glowed red at the mortal's name. “She has been living among the Outcasts,” he informed him.
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