The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three))

by Simmons, D. N.

  “Things going well?” Adrian asked as he gazed into Darian’s forest-green eyes.

  “Yes.” Darian released Adrian’s hand. “I didn’t get the chance to express my gratitude the first time we met to tell you how very impressed I was after hearing about your brave actions in Russia.”

  “Ah, yes. Hey, don’t mention it. Just doing my job.”

  “Well done.”

  Adrian gave Darian one last look before turning to face his father.

  “Dad, we’ve searched the city high and low, we caught her scent several times, but nothing else, no trail. Do you want us to comb the city again?” he asked.

  Xander sat in the chair, his chin resting against his hand as he considered his options. His intense silver eyes settled on Natasha.

  “We will let Natasha use her abilities for the time being, we’ll wait until we can find out further information. Natasha, what will you need?”

  She blinked twice before answering; she had to gather her senses.

  “I... um, I’ll need something personal of hers,” she said.

  Warren walked over to her, handing her a woman’s ring. She took the little gold band and examined it. Darian had taught her how to control the connections she made with certain objects. She had been most thankful for that lesson. Before she had learned that ability, many objects would form random connections and she would be bombarded with rampant images from all sorts of people. She opened the mental pathway and felt a connection immediately forming. A small gasp escaped her lips as she closed her eyes. Darian watched her closely making sure she was all right.

  A few seconds later, Natasha opened her eyes.

  “I can feel that she’s still alive. So this is good news,” she said as she handed the ring back to Warren.

  “What else can you feel?” asked Tatiana, not fully understanding the extent of Natasha’s ability.

  “Right now, I can’t tell if she’s hurt or anything like that. All I know at this point is that she’s alive. When I touch a certain object, there’s an electric sensation, so to speak. It lets me know that I’ve formed a connection. When I fall asleep, which will be very easy for me to do tonight, I’ll try to focus on any of my visions that will give me some insight on Nicole’s whereabouts.”

  “Ah, I understand. So we wait for the time being.” Tatiana looked at her husband, her hand rubbing his as he studied Natasha.

  “But I should be able to tell you something by tomorrow,” Natasha replied, hoping to relieve some of their tension.

  “Natasha, I really appreciate your coming here to help us tonight. I don’t wish to keep you any longer. Please, do not hesitate to contact me immediately if you discover any new information,” Xander said.

  Both Natasha and Darian rose from the sofa.

  “Will do,” she said.

  “Thank you, Natasha,” Xander said then nodded at Warren, who turn to lead them towards the front door, opening it as he stepped aside. Natasha hugged him.

  “Call me as soon as you see something, anytime, it doesn’t matter,” Warren requested.

  Natasha nodded as she released him and headed towards her car. Darian shook Warren’s hand before leaving.

  Once inside the car and driving along the road, Natasha spoke. “Can you believe that? Man, I hope I can help them.”

  “I’m sure that you will be able to help them. The connection was made. Just remember, when you are in your visions pay attention to every detail,” Darian suggested.

  Natasha nodded. They rode back to the mansion in silence, both in deep thought. Once they reached the mansion, they entered Darian’s bedroom and undressed.

  “I want to sleep with you,” Natasha said softly as she climbed into the bed,

  Darian climbed in behind her.

  “Are you sure? You don’t have to if you are not ready,” he said.

  “I know, but I am ready. I want to be with someone even if it is only temporary,” Natasha said drowsily.

  He took her into his embrace, his warm body relaxed her, comforted her. She snuggled closer to him and closed her eyes. A moment later she drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Five

  Through the eyes of another, she saw that she was trapped in a cement-walled cell. Walls so thick, no sound could penetrate. She could smell the distinctive scents of other shape-shifters that had occupied the room before her. Darkness filled the windowless room. Her vision was as sharp as a hawk. Even through the darkness, she could see every detail. In the corner of the room a cockroach crawled swiftly across the floor. The hunger rose, but no movement was made to capture the insect. Fear, uncertainty and sadness, these were the tumbling emotions of this shifter. Voices could not be heard through the thick walls, but there were times when she knew there was someone on the other side of the door.

  Now, through the eyes of another, Natasha was able to see a small security camera in the far upper left corner of the tiny cell. The camera dangled by a frayed cord that still connected it to the ceiling. Coldness began to work its way into Natasha’s body. The coldness forced her to open her eyes. Her hand sought for the blankets, but they weren't enough. She ended the vision and opened her sleepy eyes to see Darian lying in front of her. His eyes were closed, long dark lashes resting on his cheeks. His perfectly shaped lips were closed as he slumbered. Natasha stirred slightly and felt another behind her. She began to panic. Immediately, she turned to see who was behind her. After letting her eyes adjust to the darkness of the room, she realized that Xavier was lying beside her, and it was his hand that rested on her hip.

  The initial panic she felt at the thought of being sandwiched between two cold corpses began to vanish as she looked at them. It was the first time she had ever shared a bed with the both of them while they rested. She noticed Xavier’s long brown hair framing his face. Even in the darkness she imagined how perfectly peaceful he looked. Tentatively, she reached up and brushed her fingertip across his face until she found the long strands of his thick brown eyelashes continuing on to trace the sensuous curve of his lovely shaped mouth. She turned around and traced the fine curves of Darian’s face as well.

  She smiled to herself.

  “Look at my men, so perfect,” she whispered softly.

  She climbed out of the bed, picking up the cordless telephone to call Warren.

  “Hello?” Warren greeted, his voice seemed to be alert. Natasha wondered if he had gotten any rest.

  “Warren, this is Natasha, I had a vision. But I can’t tell you much, which is what I feared,” she said sadly.

  “Don’t worry about it, just tell me whatever you can,” Warren replied.

  “Okay, she’s being held in a cell, it was dark in there and there weren’t any windows. She was being watched from a video camera, but she broke it when she ripped it off the wall. The walls are so thick because the room is soundproof and she can’t hear anyone from the other side, although she suspects they are there at times. I know that she’s scared and sad. Also, they haven’t fed her much, if any at all. I could feel her hunger and she’s ravenous! That’s all I can tell you,” Natasha said.

  “At least we have something we might be able to go on, maybe her captives will make a mistake,” Warren said in a hopeful tone.

  “Not likely, I almost forgot to mention this. She caught the scents of other shape-shifters that were held in that very same cell. It’s my guess that the previous captives are no longer living. I’ll continue to dig and find out whatever I can,” Natasha said reassuringly.

  “Any little bit you find out will help,” Warren said, his words slightly distorted by an involuntary yawn.

  “Warren, have you been to bed yet? It doesn’t sound like it. I want you to get some rest. I know you’re strong and resilient, but you still need your rest.

  “I promise,” Warren lied.

  He hadn’t been able to sleep soundly since his Pack member disappeared. “Okay, let me relay this to Xander. Call me if you pick up anything else. Thanks Tasha.”

  �
��My pleasure. Talk to you later.”

  Natasha hung up the phone and walked into the bathroom. When she exited, she looked at the two sleeping forms on the bed. Both men lay on their sides facing each other. Darian’s long jet black hair fanned out behind him on his pillow. Natasha smiled, walking over to the bed. She kissed both men softly on their foreheads, before she left the room to head to her own private bedroom to finish sleeping. She hoped that she would be able to pick up more from the vision. She climbed under the soft, cool Egyptian cotton sheets and settled against the comfortable pillows. After closing her eyes, she slowly began to drift back to sleep. As she slipped deeper and deeper into unconsciousness, she heard the loud musical ringer of her cell phone. She woke up with a start. Reaching over, she turned on the table lamp as she climbed out of the bed and ran towards the window seat, snatched up her purse and pulled out her cell phone flipping it open.

  “Hello?” she greeted breathlessly.

  “I’m so glad that I was able to reach you, Natasha,” Elise asked. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

  “Oh! No, no… I just had to run for the phone. What’s up, Elise?” Natasha asked, she began to feel herself become more alert. She looked at the clock on the nightstand; it was twenty minutes after noon. She hadn’t realized just how late in the day it was due to the thick drapes blocking out the sunlight.

  “Natasha, I’m sorry to have awakened you, but I need you to come by my home. I can send someone to pick you up. I really don’t want to discuss our situation over the telephone, can you make it?” Elise asked.

  Natasha could tell by the urgency in Elise’s voice that whatever was going on was serious.

  “Yes, of course, I’m at Darian’s mansion. I can be ready in about half an hour.”

  “Thank you, I’ll send Devin to get you.”

  “Well, I can drive on over there, it’s no need”

  “No. I don’t think it would be wise for you to travel alone. Devin will be there soon. I’ll see you when you get here. Be careful,” Elise replied.

  “Okay, I’ll talk to you when I get there.”

  Natasha ended her phone call. Now she was really worried. She walked into her beautiful black and blue marble bathroom. Quickly, she bathed and dressed, putting on a pair of blue jeans, black tank top and white and blue sneakers. She walked down the hall, passing a few of Darian’s human servant along the way to the living room where Billy sitting on the sofa reading a sports magazine.

  She sat down next to him.

  “Billy, I have to leave. If I’m not back before Darian and Xavier wake up tonight, tell them I’m at Elise’s. Well, at least check there for me first. But I’ll still call later when I think they’re awake,” Natasha requested. She trusted Billy would give her two lovers the information.

  “Sure no problem,” Billy said then continued to read his magazine. After realizing that Natasha was still sitting beside him, he looked at her. “Do you need a ride? Want the limo to take you?”

  Natasha shook her head. “Devin is coming to get me. I just don’t want Darian or Xavier to worry.” She smiled.

  Billy nodded and continued to read his magazine. Twenty minutes passed before Natasha heard the melodic chimes of the doorbell. Billy rose from the sofa in one movement and walked towards the door, opening it. After quickly identifying the guest, he stepped aside. Devin walked in dressed in a pair of black leather pants and thin white t-shirt. Natasha looked at the pants and doubted if he would be able to pry a finger into the side pocket. She rose from the sofa as Devin approached her.

  “Are you ready?” Devin asked.

  Natasha nodded. She could tell right away that something bad was happening. Devin, who was normally fun-loving, energetic and festive was now somber and looked to be exhausted. She walked towards his Viper sports car as he held the door open for her, then he walked around the front to the driver’s side and climbed in. They drove to Elise’s mansion. Every few minutes or so, Devin would try to spark up conversation that didn’t pertain to their immediate problem.

  “So, how are you, Xavier and Darian fairing these days?” he asked, hoping to ease the mood somewhat.

  Natasha looked at him. “We’re doing fine. How about you and John?”

  The atmosphere had not changed as both tried to ignore the obvious. Natasha wanted to know what was wrong, but decided to wait until she could speak with Elise directly.

  “Oh, we’re doing great. We went out last night,” Devin said as he tried to hide his anxiety.

  Natasha sensed that he wasn’t at ease and she placed her hand gently on his thigh and smiled reassuringly.

  “It’ll be okay, Devin,” she said.

  He gave her a weak smile and nodded. They continued their drive in silence until they reached Elise’s mansion. After Devin parked his car in the driveway, they climbed out and headed inside. He led her to the den where everyone was waiting. Natasha stood in the doorway as she surveyed the others. Elise sat on the divan and Sergio sat on the floor beside her. Devin took a seat on the floor next to Miranda. The others sat on chairs or the floor as well. Natasha greeted everyone in general as she took several steps into the room. Carmen rose from the chair closest to Elise’s and gestured for Natasha to sit down.

  Natasha thanked Carman and took the seat.

  “You want to tell me what’s going on?” she asked, concerned.

  “One of our own is missing. She’s been missing for approximately twenty-seven hours,” Elise said.

  Natasha felt her heart sink into her stomach. Circumstances were becoming grimmer with every passing minute. First Xander informed her that their Pack member was missing and now Elise had the same situation. Natasha took several deep breaths, but continued to listen before speaking.

  “We have tried to call her cell phone, but Rachel is not answering. She has never spent the entire night out without calling to let us know that she was safe. I don’t want to delay, I know that the police will not help us, nor do I want them involved for two reasons. They will only complicate matters and Rachel is a grade school teacher for children with developmental disabilities. I do not need to explain what will happen if this goes public,” Elise stated.

  Natasha nodded.

  “I know what risks you take every time you touch something, I am aware of the visions that you may see, some are unpleasant, but I must ask this of you.” Elise leaned forward, looking directly into Natasha’s eyes. “Will you help us, will you connect with Rachel?”

  She knew that she was asking a lot. If something horrible had happened to Rachel, Natasha would see this, that is, if Rachel was still alive. Elise was fully aware of the horrors Natasha had witnessed before through her visions.

  “Elise, I want to do whatever I can to help you. Do you have the object you want me to touch?” Natasha asked.

  Elise nodded and handed Natasha a gold locket on a thin gold chain. Natasha took the locket and examined it. She admired the intricate engravings on the locket, she opened it. Inside was a tiny photograph of Rachel and a woman whom Natasha suspected was her mother. The two women looked almost identical, only one was older. Natasha closed the locket as she closed her eyes. She wanted to clear her mind of any rambling thoughts so that she could form her connection with Rachel. Two seconds later, Natasha felt the unmistakable sensation that comes with the mental connection. She knew that Rachel was alive. Natasha opened her eyes and looked at Elise.

  “Rachel’s alive. Look, Elise there’s something I must tell you,” Natasha began as she handed the gold locket back to Elise. Everyone in the den paid close attention to her, patiently waiting for her to speak.

  “You aren’t the first person to ask me for my help in finding a missing member. Do you remember Warren and Adrian?” She paused for a second to allow Elise to back track into her memories, then she continued without waiting for a response. “Well, their Pack leader, Xander contacted me last night. One of his Pack has been missing for a few days. They’ve been searching the city for her, b
ut were unsuccessful. And now you’re telling me you’re in an identical situation. Earlier this morning, I had a vision of the female wolf.”

  Elise remained silent and she waited for Natasha to continue, then gestured for her to go on.

  “Well, their member was located in a dark cell that didn’t have any windows. It appeared that she was being starved. I don’t know the reason why she was kidnapped or why she’s being held. Perhaps they want money. I suppose you haven’t received a call for ransom have you?” Natasha asked. She silently hoped that a ransom kidnapping was all it was and nothing more.

  “No, not yet. No one has attempted to contact me. This doesn’t make any sense, they must know that Rachel is a shape-shifter, but how did they know this?” Elise asked, as she speculated on various possibilities.

  “I don’t know. I mean... how would they know?” Natasha asked perplexed.

  “Want a Valium?” Sergio asked Natasha.

  Natasha looked at him and shook her head. “Why would I need a Valium?” she asked.

  “To help relax you. Hopefully, you’ll fall asleep quickly,” Sergio stated flatly.

  “Sergio, we have to be patient. I know that this is eating at you, but we must stay focused and calm. We know that she’s alive and that is a huge relief,” Elise said.

  Natasha looked at her, noting the roundness of her belly. She wanted to put her hand on her stomach, wanting to feel the babies inside.

  Elise’s eyes focused on Natasha, she studied her gaze and smiled. “You may touch my stomach if you want to. It’s perfectly all right.” She sat up straight on the divan.

  Natasha leaned over placing her hand gently on Elise’s firm, round belly. She giggled softly then removed her hand and settled back into her seat.

  “It must be amazing. How do you feel?” she asked with a hint of envy.

  Elise chuckled.

  “Well apart from this hysteria, I feel fortunate. I have my mate,” she said, running her fingertips through Sergio’s thick, wavy black hair. “And now I will bare two children. I’m excited. I think I may even be a little bit nervous... just a little,” she said jokingly but then grew serious. “Natasha I know that you have to be under certain circumstances in order to see the visions. I don’t want to pressure you, nor do I want to make you feel uncomfortable. Is there anything you want to eat or someplace you may want to rest? I know that I disturbed your slumber earlier when I called you, I could hear it in your voice.”