Rosalind watched in horror as blood began to pump from her body into the tube. “You can't do this!” she screamed at him.
Vee jumped from the cage. He pointed to the horizon. “Let's have a contest. If you can keep them from dying a very painful death I will let them go,” he challenged her with the impossible.
Rosalind knew she would never be able to control the sun for long while her blood drained from her body. She looked at the tube, wondering how long before she would feel the affects of blood loss.
"Rosalind,” he ducked back in. “Don't worry. I have it on remote control. Marsha is playing enjoying it."
Her blood stopped moving in the tube when the door slammed down. Rosalind looked around the cage. Nothing could help her in here.
Bethany? She looked to her right. Bethany stood near the glass, looking at Rosalind. Roman was pacing the small space, his eyes darting from one woman to the other.
Are you okay, my Queen?
Groovy, Rosalind answered.
Roman's eyes glowed red in rage. This is not the time for jokes.
Would you rather have me crying?
Rosalind found Bastian still sitting in his corner. “This isn't like you. Usually you are more help than this."
I am waiting for you.
"Waiting for me to what?” she asked in confusion.
To let me in.
Rosalind closed her eyes, too tired to deal with his riddles. Darius?
Rosalind! Where the hell are you?
I have no idea. I am in a glass cage. Bethany and Roman are here.
Seconds later he answered her. Roman doesn't know where you are either. There was anger in his voice. Their Link vibrated with the intensity.
Well, not to put you in a big hurry, love. But the Vee put a draining tube in my arm. Rosalind could hear a chorus of ‘Oh, hells’ in her head. How many people are Linked with us?
Our family. Rosalind, I need your help. We need something to find you.
I am in a glass cage. If I use my power I will kill Roman and Beth, she warned him. How big is the desert? she asked curiously.
Rosalind waited for an answer that never came. Darius?
"I have blocked your Link with the King, Rosalind,” Marcus spoke from beside her.
"Why won't you go away?” Rosalind's voice was filled with annoyance. She was tired of being afraid, tired of depending on others to save her. She would deal with her fear later.
"I wanted you to have a chance to say goodbye to your friends.” With a nod from her man Marsha released a square window through the glass connecting the two cages.
"Rosalind!” Bethany yelled through the opening.
"Bethany, are you okay?"
"I've decided I don't like closed in spaces."
Rosalind laughed. At least she wasn't the only one not to have lost her humor. “Me, too.” She didn't notice the tear falling down her face. “How is Junior?"
Bethany rubbed her belly. “Hanging in there,” she whispered.
"Roman?"
"Yes, my Queen?"
Rosalind saw the sun breaking the darkness. Her heartbeat sped faster. “I can do this, right?"
Roman wrapped his arms around his Mate, pulling her protectively away from the light. “You can do whatever you wish, Rosalind."
Rosalind's eyes closed in determination as she felt the tube begin pumping her blood again. She kept her control at the front of her mind. Thoughts of her friends, her family, kept her will strong. She had to find a way to get Darius here faster. She knew he would find them. She just hoped that he got here in time to save the day.
Her eyes opened at the sound of gasping. She had no idea how much time had passed. Only that she was dizzy. Her vision was blurry. “Roman!” she screamed. Through the haze of her vision she could see them huddled in the corner, Roman's body completely covering Bethany from the sun.
"What do I do?” she screamed.
"Bring the Guardian forth,” Vee ordered. “My brother will live again."
"What Guardian?” she yelled.
"You have the power to bring forth your Guardian. The person who protected you in death."
"But he...” Her lips tightened in understanding. Only a man like Marcus would believe he was her Guardian in death. Vee wanted to see his brother. Fine, she would give him exactly what he wanted. “Cover them and I will give you what you most desire,” she ordered.
"No, my Queen!” Roman yelled.
Rosalind could hear the pain in his voice. “Do it now. Or I will blow this place apart."
"You will kill them as well,” Vee reminded her.
"I am the Queen. I can do whatever I wish.” She used Roman's earlier words. Opening her hand, Rosalind released a fireball. It slammed into the glass wall, leaving a black stain. “I can give you more.” She smiled through her weakened state.
"Cover them,” Vee ordered.
Rosalind watched as four vampires she had never met rushed to cover the glass cage.
"Now release my brother."
Rosalind closed her eyes tight. Bas.
Are you ready to let me in? The Guardian asked politely.
Do it.
Rosalind felt a rush of wind as her mouth opened for breath. Air filled her lungs faster than she could take it in. Choking, she pulled her arms free and fell to the glass floor as she waited for the wind to leave her body one last time. The tube fell to the ground. What little blood she had left fell down her arm.
She looked around her. The air swirled in the corner, allowing something to form inside it. She watched as slowly she could see Bastian emerge from the funnel. He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, like he had just returned from a morning stroll instead of being dead the past four thousand years.
"Hi,” she greeted him softly. “I guess this means I have another brother."
"At least by marriage,” he answered as he sat beside her on the glass. He pulled her into his arms. He wiped the blood away, careful not to disturb her wound. “You need to feed."
She shook her head. “I can't. Only Darius’ blood can fulfill my hunger. Otherwise I will go crazy."
"Darius is my brother. His blood is my blood. You are safe to feed from me.” He smiled at her.
Rosalind lifted his wrist hesitantly to her lips. She looked at him in suspicion. “This isn't a trick, is it?"
"Rosalind, if you don't feed before they find another way in here we are both dead. Since I have only been back among the living for a few seconds I will be sorely disappointed in you."
She took a deep breath and bit into his arm. She closed her eyes. His blood tasted identical to Darius'. Only his was sweeter less tangy. Rosalind mentally rolled her eyes. Now she was comparing them like meat. She let go of him after a few minutes. “Well, that was weird."
Bastian laughed at her discomfort. “Are you ready to get us out of here? I think my brother wants to make sure you are okay."
"Darius.” Rosalind jumped to her feet in time to see her Chosen slam into the glass. Blood was smeared across his cheek.
"Hey!” she yelled as Vee disappeared behind a building. She wasn't surprised to see him dragging Marsha behind him. She touched the glass and it shattered around her.
Darius gripped her tightly into his arms. “Rosalind.” His breath caught as she wrapped tightly around him. “You are alive."
"Well, of course I am.” She left the safety of his arms. “Meet your brother.” She yelled over her shoulder as she released Roman and Bethany.
Darius looked at Bastian. Shock kept him immobile. “Bastian?"
"Brother!” Bastian yelled over the rolling thunder. “You might want to go after your mate."
Darius turned around to see Rosalind follow Vee around the building. “Rosalind!” He ran after her, looking behind him to make sure his dead brother was following. “Explain this to me later,” he ordered.
He found Roman perched behind a mound of sand, Bethany tucked into the corner. “Where is the storm coming from?"
Da
rius shielded his eyes as the wind blew sand across the desert. “I think the Lady's warriors are coming."
Niko looked at the sky. He could see large wings flapping against the wind, causing the storm. He watched with hunger as she dropped stealthily in front of him. Her wings closed behind her back. He could see the beautiful white feathers brushing her white leather pants. “Madeira,” he whispered.
Bethany looked at the winged woman. “She is Madeira?"
"Yes,” the soft voice answered.
"Wow. Rosalind is going to love this.” The mystery of Niko's secret woman was finally solved.
The female smiled softly. “My lord, Darius,” She spoke formally, “my warriors are here to serve their Lady."
Darius swore as the sky lighted with fire. “Find her,” he ordered the woman as she took to the sky. He took off around the building. There she stood, fire bursting from her hands and she rolled to the ground.
"You'll have to do better than that, asshole!” she yelled over the sand dune.
"Bitch!” the male screamed at her.
Darius ran to Rosalind's side, his rightful place. “You are supposed to wait for rescue."
Rosalind pulled Darius to her until she could reach his lips. She kissed him softly. Her tongue ran over the seam of his closed mouth. “They have to know I will fight back if they come for me again,” she explained to him.
"Rosalind.” He didn't know what to say to her.
"Let me do this?” she asked her mate, knowing that what she asked him was hard for a male to do. Especially when he was the strongest vampire on this world.
"My lady.” Madeira landed with grace.
"Holy shit.” Rosalind choked.
The blonde woman smiled indulgently. “Your warriors await orders."
"I have warriors?"
"Who can take care of this little skirmish easily for you.” Her wings fluttered with her movement.
Rosalind ducked as fire exploded beside her. She looked at her Chosen, then at the family surrounding her. They were breathing heavily and tired, but ready to continue if she wished it. She could see the reddening of their skin. She had forgotten about sunburn. Even she could not stop something as natural as sunburn.
"Have the warriors bring the Outcasts to me."
The woman nodded her head. “Yes, my Lady.” Madeira streaked to the sky to deliver her orders.
Bethany fell in beside her. Her hands protectively covered her stomach. “That is Niko's mystery woman,” Bethany revealed.
Rosalind's eyes widened. “That is Madeira? No wonder he has been so lost.” She watched her brother as he stared at the sky.
Madeira huge white wings kept her just out of the reach of the Outcasts. She fought alongside the men of her people. They watched with pride as she bested vampire after vampire. Even with their elemental powers she was stronger. Her arrows hit every heart she aimed for.
In moments it was over. She dropped Vee from the sky. Not enough to kill him, but then Rosalind didn't say not to hurt him. Madeira landed next to Niko. Her wings brushed the exposed skin of his neck. When he shivered she smiled. “Hello, Niko."
He looked into her grey eyes, and saw the fierce warrior she had never told him of. “Hello, reluctant mate."
Madeira kissed his shoulder softly before walking away from him. “My lady. I have delivered your cargo as requested."
"Please don't call me that. My name is Rosalind."
Madeira bowed at the honor she was given. “I am called Madeira."
"I know. You are..."
"Shut up, Rozzy!” Niko yelled at his sister.
Rosalind smiled happily at her brother. “That is better."
"So, Vee. Where is your brother?” Rosalind stood next to Darius. Her fingers linked with his.
Right here, woman. He spoke from beside his brother, knowing only she could hear his voice. You will never be rid of me. I will find a way to you. My brother means nothing.
"I want you to leave my family alone.” She moved to stand in front of him. Her fear of him was gone. Her family surrounded her, trusted in her. They stood with her under the sun that would kill them if she lost her control.
No.
"No?” she asked one more time.
He made his voice to be heard by all. “There is no where any of you can go. You are her weakness. All I have to do is wait her out."
Madeira held Niko back. She handed him her bow and pulled a feather free of her wings.
What are you doing?
She put the feather to her lips and blew gently.
Rosalind watched as a breeze blew the spirits hair from his face. She stepped back. Looking to Madeira, she nodded. “Do it."
Madeira vanished from view. Rosalind watched as she appeared at Marcus’ side, the feather in her hand. I will give you what you want, vampire.
Marcus shrank back. Who are you?
Madeira blew gently on the feather until it landed in the palm of his hands. He caught it without wanting to but his will was no longer his. I am dead. You can't kill me. He declared even as his body vanished into the wind.
Madeira materialized next to Niko and winked at her Lady.
"I think I am ready to go home now,” Rosalind informed Darius.
Roman held Vee in his grasp. Standing next to him was Bethany laughing as she held down a struggling Marsha. “What about them, my Queen?"
"Give him to Will, for when he wakes up."
Roman pulled the struggling vampire with him as he laughed.
Rosalind walked to Marsha. Her eyes barely glanced at the extended belly. “Do not think this child will save your life, traitor. Once it is born you will meet what ever fate Will bestows on you."
Will was going to love this.
Epilogue
Rosalind sat on the couch, her eyes on her mate and his brother. The hours they had been home had not separated them yet. They had four thousand years of catching up to do. Memories to fight about.
Mason had already assured them that as Guardian Bastian would live a very long, healthy life. Just not as a vampire. He was just an immortal human, Guardian of Rosalind's power. His duty would be to help her with her power and to coordinate with Madeira's people if there was ever another danger to Rosalind or her gifts.
She was glad she had not killed Vee. Will stood healthy as a newborn babe next to Bethany. He palmed her belly and she laughed. When Roman hissed at him, Will laughed and held up his hands in surrender. His own fangs glinted in the light.
Her mother and father stood with her brother and his winged ‘friend.’ She couldn't hear their conversation, though. They always spoke with their private Link. Mason looked at her and smiled. Lifted his glass to her he silently saluted.
Darius left his brother to sit with his mate. “Why are you sitting here all alone?"
Rosalind smiled at him. “Just watching.” She moved until she was cradled in his lap. Burrowing into his neck, she sighed.
Darius rubbed her neck. “What?"
"Our whole family is home now, Darius."
"That is good, right.” He felt her smile.
"There is still something missing.” She kissed his neck. Her fingers played with the loose buttons of his shirt.
"What could possibly be missing?” he hissed when her tongue moved over his pulsing vein.
"I want a baby."
Darius picked her up and ran from the room, ready and willing to get the job done. After all, a mate's duty was to see to the happiness of his Chosen.
About the Author
Racheal Pierce is a long time writer of romance. Never published until now. She buys her purses with only one requirement: it has to be able to fit a book inside. She is just glad they make notebooks in every size otherwise the beach bag would be coming out of the closet.
She writes whatever strikes her fancy. Whether it be a lusty vampire hunting for his mate or a burned out cop looking for just one more chance.
She loves to read every romantic category she can find. As lon
g as it has that happy ending. Sure the leading couple WILL fight through out the book, after all that is what makes it so exciting, but it is the trials and tribulations that lead them to one another that makes love worth the risk.
Writing about those troubles and the love that conquers it keeps her entertained for days. It also keeps her family wondering where she gets her ideas.
Racheal likes to spend some of her free time reading and writing. When she isn't doing that she likes to curl on the couch with some one special and watch as many movies as she can.
Racheal would like to hear from her reader at: [email protected]
If you enjoyed this title, may we recommend ... ?
Moondance, by Selah March
ISBN 1-59426-551-8, $2, available in eBook format
Zoey Ryder has made some stupid choices in her lifetime. Her latest has landed her alone and broke at an isolated highway rest area in the middle of the night. Faced with two very different men offering assistance, she needs to choose again.
Who will it be? The gorgeous, charming, golden-haired (and did we mention gorgeous?) truck driver, who seems to want to help her? Or the dark, scowling night manager with the creepy scar and the bad—if compelling—attitude, who plainly doesn't like her? Her head tells her to pick the cutie with the viable means of transportation. Her gut, and other parts of her anatomy, feel differently.
When the rising moon triggers bloodlust in a beast ... when the rules of reality ebb and flow like the tides ... when the consequences of her choice go from bad to worse ... from cheap thrill to deadly seduction...
...will Zoey find a way out of her erotic nightmare?
Fearfully Delicious, by Adrianna Dane
ISBN 1-59426-552-6, $2, available in eBook format
Sevra enjoys her love making served up with a healthy dose of fear on the side. Robert likes to give her what she wants. Tonight it's Halloween and Sevra's about to enjoy an evening of fearfully delicious entertainment. And Robert? He's going to provide her with some tasty surprises...
Now available at www.Phaze.com!
The hottest romance, the most memorable heroines,
Kiss of the Sun Page 22