"I guess I go play ruler for a while.” He grasped her chin in his hand. Looking into her eyes, he could finally see all her happiness. The sadness was gone. He kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose. The lightest touch to her lips had her gasping. “Later, babe.” Rosalind watched speechless as he left the room, Roman and Bethany quickly behind him.
"Well,” Veronica walked to her daughter, “that looked promising."
Mason gave a fatherly groan. “I don't need to see things like that, daughter."
Rosalind turned to Mason. “Well, daddy, if you are going to be living here you have to get used to things like that."
Mason smiled at his young child. “The things a father must do.” He looked at Veronica, his love—the mother of their two children—and winked.
* * * *
Rosalind led them to the center of the city, to the park where she had spent most of her mortal time. Veronica sat with her on the swing as they watched father and son show her all the things she could do with her power. Fire orbs to light her way in the darkness. She could also play with her power. Mason and Niko showed her how to play baseball with the fire.
She laughed and cried with them. Shared memories she had been robbed of. Her childhood was once again open to her. She couldn't wait to tell Darius. Show him everything they had given back to her.
Hours later Veronica and Mason pulled her to the side. “Rosalind, go to him. We will be here."
Rosalind blushed, knowing she had waited too long to feed. “You won't leave?” she asked anxiously.
"No, we won't leave you.” He assuaged her fears.
"Thanks.” She looked away.
"For what?” he asked. “What could you possibly have to thank us for."
"For Darius. I never would have found him."
"Chosen Mates always find a way, daughter mine.” He smiled at her. “Now go. He can feel your hunger but doesn't want to interrupt your time with us."
Rosalind kissed them goodbye before running to the mansion. One small orb lighted her way.
"Stay with her, Bastian.” Mason walked to his Chosen without waiting for Bastian's departure.
* * * *
Darius watched from their balcony as Rosalind ran with her little ball of fire. Leave it to her to play with that level of power. She would never think to use such a power as a weapon. Only the people around her thought of the possibilities. People like the Outcasts. The elders. Him. He flinched at the thought. Yes, even he had thought of what the weapon could do for his city.
"She could never allow it, anyway.” Roman stood behind him, giving his friend the space he needed.
"That is what will make her better than us, Roman."
"Rosalind knows only peace. You made sure of that. Be glad that kind of power is harnessed by a peace loving, doesn't hate anybody, Rosalind."
"Except when she is angry,” Darius told his commander. “Never piss her off, Roman. We don't know the extent of her control."
"She will never let us test it."
Darius rolled his eyes. “A normal person wouldn't juggle fire.” He watched as his Chosen walked up the steps. Three balls blazed in the air around her. When she laughed his smile softened. “She is at peace. I guess that is enough."
"Darius!"
Roman laughed as he walked out of the second entrance to the bedroom. “She appears to be inpatient with him.” He looped his arms around Bethany's as she led him away from the mansion.
"Good. That means they'll get lucky."
Roman winced at her candor. “Don't put those pictures in my head.” he pleaded.
Bethany pulled away. Walking backwards, she crooked a finger at him. “Come here."
"Why?"
"Let's go swimming.” Before he could grab her she ran through the trees.
Roman gave chase. Knowing what the prize would soon be, he kept his pace slow so that she could put distance between them. He loved the challenge of the chase.
He loved her.
Eighteen
Rosalind wrapped her perspired body around Darius. She climbed over him until she straddled his lap. Her energy invigorated her. “Darius,” she purred and bit his nipple.
Darius wiped his hair out of his eyes. His body was drained of all energy. He was completely exhausted. “Not again,” he groaned and smiled behind his hand.
She sank her fangs playfully into him, licking as she released. She had found out tonight that it was definitely true. A mate could not drain her Chosen. “All you need to do is lay there,” she promised.
Darius opened one eye. “That is what you said last time."
Rosalind undulated her hips, moaning at the feel of his throbbing cock nestled between her wet folds. She grabbed his arms, locking them above his head. Her powers kept him immobile. “Please,” she moaned into his lips. The vibrations opened his mouth.
Darius thrust his tongue out as she retreated from him. He hissed at the maneuver. His fangs exposed past his lips. She always tried to bring out the animal in him. So far he had kept his dangerous side chained from her.
"I am ready.” She sucked his tongue into her mouth.
Darius lifted himself into the kiss, taken by surprise when her power forced him back to the bed. Something she had never tried before. Using her power against him wasn't wise. He was the dominant one. The male.
Rosalind lifted her body up with her knees. Her breasts thrust out. She moved her hands up her stomach, twirling her pinky in her belly button. With the other hand she licked her fingers, pinching her nipple until it beaded.
"Rosalind,” he hissed through his fangs. His eyes flashed the warning she usually followed.
"Not tonight, King. I am in control."
"Excuse me?"
"Guess what my mother taught me?"
"Knowing Veronica, it can't be good for me."
She laughed as her body slithered down until she was perched between his legs. His shaft stood straight for her. Rosalind kissed the tip. “Depends on you."
Darius knew he would probably regret it but he asked anyway. “What did she teach you?"
Rosalind cuddled his tight balls in her hand, careful not to hurt him but hard enough to have his arching off the bed. She licked his shaft from tip to base, letting her fangs drag along the silk skin.
Darius froze at the feel of those sharp teeth brushing his cock. “Rosalind?” He looked down at her. Her head was moving side to side. He could feel her tongue licking up the come he couldn't control. “Oh, baby.” He pulled at his arms. But it was no use. She really was strong when she wanted something. The fact that she could restrain him should have worried him but right now with her mouth all over his aching penis, he could care less who was stronger.
"Are you ready?"
"Oh, yeah. Give it to me.” He closed his eyes, waiting for that mouth to suck him in. He screamed instead, something any male would never admit to. Her teeth sank deeply into his cock. It didn't hurt. His eyes crossed when she starting sucking at him. The vein she had discovered took him by surprise. Never had he allowed a female to feed from his cock, unless it was his come.
When her teeth retracted Rosalind took him fully into her mouth, sucking hard. Her fist pumped at the base. Darius struggled more, needing to touch her, throw her to the bed, and ram hard into her pussy. Where he needed to be. Wanted to be. One arm came loose, then the other. Who released him he didn't care. All that mattered were the lips driving him insane. He had to release. His orgasm was coming hard and she was still sucking him like he was the last Popsicle stick in the dessert.
Hands digging into her shoulders, he lifted her off of him and slammed her into the wall. Her back arched at the slight pain. He didn't care. She had broken him. His control was gone. Only the need to fuck her clouded his mind. His body.
Rosalind wrapped her legs willingly around him as he pinned her hands above her head. His hand pushed into her pussy. She tightened around him, pulling his finger in when he tried to withdraw.
"No.” His voi
ce was hard.
Rosalind opened her eyes. Her fists squeezed in desperation. “Fuck me, Darius!"
Two long fingers thrust hard into her vagina, pumping hard then leaving her. Teasing her. Only giving her a hint, then leaving her bereft of his touch.
"Damn it,” she moaned. If this is what it was like to open the cage she would do it more often.
Darius lowered his head to her breast. He bit deep as his fingers thrust back into her hot body. Hard and fast, his hand moved. The thumb pressed firmly on her clit, dragging shallow screams from her.
Her blood filled him with life with her pleasure. She had needed this. This show of power. Her over him. Him over her. He let her go. Brushing her hair away from her face, he thrust into her body. Sending her over the edge into orgasm. She convulsed in his arms. Her body throbbed with fulfillment.
Rosalind fell into his arms, trusting him to catch her fall. Laying her in the bed, he covered their sweaty bodies with a sheet. She fell into a deep sleep as he curled his body around her. “We are equal, my Queen,” he whispered to her.
"Love you, my King,” she murmured, pulling his hand to her breast.
* * * *
Rosalind woke in a cold sweat. Something was wrong. Trouble was coming. She could feel it. She turned to Darius but he was already gone. Darius?
Downstairs, everyone is already here.
What is going on?
Roman and Bethany are missing. His voice was cold. Already he had sent the Links to find his missing people. Vampires searched the city. Niko had already searched their house but they had never made it home.
Rosalind burst through the war room doors. Her clothes were in disarray from her hasty dressing. Veronica went to her first. “When they didn't answer the call we went searching for them."
"How long have they been missing?"
Darius looked up from his desk, a palm unit in his hands. “The Outer Clans have been keeping watch over the Outcasts. They say Vee has been staying in the desert for the past few nights. Marsha is with him."
"Vee doesn't like mortals.” Niko stood next to the desk, awaiting any order from his King.
"Marsha is pregnant. So I guess he doesn't hate her.” Will stood at the doorway. Blood ran down his neck.
"Will!” Rosalind ran to her friend, catching him before he fell. She looked at his neck. There were teeth marks all over him. “You went back."
"They want you, Rozzy,” he whispered.
Darius stood over the mortal. “What were you thinking, mortal? Outcasts will kill you."
Will choked on a sarcastic laugh. “They already did.” He looked at his King. “Looks like you are stuck with me."
"Vee let them turn you?"
"Vee wasn't there. The females wanted a new playmate. While it was fun, I didn't want to stay. Needless to say they didn't agree.” He pulled a laser from his pocket and handed it over to Darius. “I had to break a few hearts in my escape."
Rosalind slapped his shoulder. “That isn't funny, Will."
"Yeah, it was.” Niko laughed from the other side of the room.
Veronica sat next to her daughter's childhood pal. She placed her hand over his forehead and closed her eyes. “Every new vampire has a budding Link. Not many can find it in one who has yet to sleep the vampire slumber but...” she paused as she felt the slight sting shoot up her arm. “You have it, my boy. Don't worry you will live."
Will relaxed his body. “That is good to know."
"Oh, joy,” Darius muttered. “Now he will never leave me alone."
Will fell into the vampire slumber, his laughter still ringing the room.
"Why would Vee stay in the desert?"
"What if he took Bethany and Roman out there? If Vee wanted he could leave the two out in the desert. Once the sun rises they would never be able to find cover.” Rosalind worried her lip with her teeth. “Niko, find soldiers. We are going to find them.” Rosalind stood.
"No, Rozzy. I need you to stay here. They can't get to you."
"But I can help."
"Baby, please. I need you to stay. There is no way I can concentrate knowing you are in danger out there."
"Darius, you will have to let go someday,” she warned him.
"Not today, Rosalind."
Rosalind wanted to stomp her foot but knew that would be too juvenile, even for her. Instead she sat next to Will and watched his even breathing. “Fine, I guess. Just this once, Darius."
Darius kissed her hard on the lips. “Thank you,” he muttered.
"Just find them before the sun comes up,” she ordered.
"Yes, my Queen,” the men answered automatically.
Veronica laughed at her daughter's wince. “Get used to it, dear.” Then she vanished with her Chosen.
Rosalind used a wet towel to clean away the blood from her friend's face. She smiled when his eyes opened. “Hey."
Fear had him jumping out of the way. His battered body fell to the ground. “Rosalind.” He clutched his stomach.
"Will, what is wrong?"
"Run!” he yelled at her. “Get away from me.” Doubling over, he screamed.
"Will!” Rosalind fell to his side before she could touch him she arched back. His body tightened in despair. Rosalind watched in horror as something stepped out of his body. A shadow filled the room as windows broke open. Walls cracked at the flood of hate coming from the thing that had invaded her friend.
"Will?” She held his head in her lap. “Open your eyes, Will,” she pleaded.
"Run, Rosalind. He wants you.” Will fell to the side, his body unable to fight the trauma of the spirit raiding his body.
Rosalind touched his neck. His heart was still beating. She looked at the dark shadow as it circled her. “Marcus.” She spit venom at him.
He bowed his head in respect. “My Lady."
"What did you do to him?"
"I just needed a ride. He will live just as he told you.” Marcus floated to the laser Darius had abandoned on the table. Waving his hand over it, the armed light blinked on.
Rosalind stepped away from Will, slowly walking to the open door. Too late, as the laser blast went off, catching her in the back. She fell to the floor, hitting her head on the corner of the table.
Marcus walked to his captive. Staring at her still body, he vanished into the smoke. Seconds later Rosalind rose and walked out of the mansion.
Part Three: Acceptance
Nineteen
Rosalind opened her eyes to see the stars bright in the sky. She was in a large square glass box. “What the hell?” she muttered. “How do I manage to always get in these messes?"
"Because of what you can do. No one will ever truly leave you at peace, Rosalind.” Bastian sat in the corner. He reclined against the thick glass.
Rosalind moved to rub her head, but her arms would not move. She looked down in disgust. She was lying on a bed made of glass. Her restraints were glass as well.
"I hope you aren't going to do something stupid,” Bastian spoke mildly.
"This is starting to get ridiculous.” She tried to move her hands but they would not come loose.
"Don't blow yourself up."
"The fire doesn't hurt me."
Bastian pointed to the other side of the cage. “It will kill them, though."
Rosalind turned her head to see another glass cage. Inside it, Bethany was holding an unconscious Roman in her arms. His body was bruised and battered. His leg bent behind him. Bethany slid her wrist to her mouth, biting down until blood welled. She laid her wrist over his face letting the blood pour into his mouth.
Tears came to Rosalind's eyes when Bethany shook his shoulders, urging him to swallow. Rosalind twisted her body, trying to free herself from her prison. Bethany dropped her head to Roman's, their foreheads touching. She could see her friend's lips moving, whispering for her Chosen to choose life. She pulled his arm and covered her flat tummy with his large hand, telling him of their future, of his unborn child. Daring him to leave her to
raise their off spring without him.
Rosalind held her breath, waiting to see if Bethany's pleas would awaken him. His back arched in agony as his teeth sank into his Chosen's wrist. Her blood brought him away from the brink of death.
"Pretty sight, isn't it, Queen?"
Rosalind watched as the famous Outcast Vee dropped into her cage from the above trap door. It closed with a heavy crash. “Let them go!” she ordered.
He moved to her side, never taking his sight away from the couple struggling for life in the cage next to them. “She works so hard to save him knowing they will die anyway."
"What is the point?"
"Chosen Mates are the most amazing people, did you know that?” he asked casually.
"From what I hear Marsha isn't that amazing."
Vee looked to the side of the cage where his bitch stood. He blew her a kiss. When Rosalind looked over and groaned in annoyance he spoke. “She has her uses.” He eyed the swell of her belly.
"Marsha, long time,” Rosalind greeted her enemy.
She did nothing to cover the bruises marring her flesh. “Not long enough, vampire slut."
Rosalind could not hold in her laughter. “I'm a slut. Me,” she sputtered. She looked at Vee. “Is she serious?"
Vee viciously slapped Rosalind. “She may not be the brightest bulb, but she is still my mate and you will treat her with respect."
"You hear that, Marsha. Not even your mate thinks you are smart,” Rosalind taunted.
"Get back inside,” Vee ordered his woman. When she obediently left he smiled. “Now, that is how a true mate treats her chosen."
"If that is your idea of the proper treatment of a mate, no wonder Darius banished your ass."
"Maybe if Darius had better control of his own mate you would not be in this situation."
Rosalind tried not to cringe as he began playing with buttons on the console behind her. “What are you babbling about?"
"Your mate. How do you think he will react when he finds you here? Under my control?"
Rosalind laughed. “I will never be under your control."
The most hated vampire of Vampire City grabbed her arm and squeezed until she yelped in pain. Taking a needle with tubes, he painfully inserted the needle into her vein. “You will be soon,” he promised as he flipped a button.
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