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

by Simmons, D. N.

  Natasha entered her lovers’ bedroom and walked over to the bed, sitting down on the edge. She gazed down at the two men as they rested peacefully. They look so innocent sleeping like that, she thought to herself before rising and walking towards the window to open the thick velvet drapes. The sun was setting and the sky was lovely. She marveled at the beautiful multicolored horizon as the sun disappeared into darkness leaving a spectrum of blue, red and gold colors.

  “It is astonishing, isn’t it?” Darian asked as he watched her.

  Startled, Natasha turned and around to face him. “Yes, it is, and you need to cough or something. You scared the hell out of me.”

  Darian chuckled.

  Natasha smiled and pointed towards the window.

  “Can you see it?” she asked.

  Darian nodded and climbed off the bed, walking towards the window, standing behind her. He gazed at the enchanting colors blanketing the sky, enjoying its beauty.

  “Xavier will have to survive several hundred more years before he will be able to see the horizon as it is now,” he said.

  Then he turned toward Xavier who still lay resting on the bed.

  “Can’t you make him stronger?” Natasha asked.

  “I can, I have, but there are still some things that must come as one grows older. Xavier has been a vampire for a very short time, less than a century and yet he is far more powerful than most vampires his age. He’s strong enough to protect himself against many vampires, even those who are two or three hundred years old,” Darian enlightened.

  “Man, to live that long,” Natasha said dreamingly, then she turned toward Darian. “I bet you have seen and done so many things.”

  “I have. I have seen many things, many wonders... well, for me when I first saw them, they were wonders. Can you imagine how dumbfounded I was when I witnessed the invention of the first automobile?” Darian asked with a chuckle.

  “What did you think of it?” she asked curiously.

  “Well, at that time, the fastest way to travel was by steam engine or horse. Of course, that’s if you weren’t a vampire with flight ability. I was not afraid of the automobile, if that’s what you were wondering. However I was bewildered by it. I wanted to know how it worked. I bought one immediately and yes, I totaled it, but in the early days of the first automobile, there were many accidents,” Darian said, he smiled to himself as he reminisced about the past.

  “Oh my God, I would have loved to see you learning how to drive,” Natasha said laughing aloud.

  “Oh, I’ll admit, I was horrible. Those days have long since passed, but the memories, I will always cherish.” Darian took Natasha by her waist pulling her closer to him. He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to hers. When he pulled away he kissed her forehead lightly. “How was your day?”

  “Well, considering I took the day off of work to hang around here, it was fun. I played on your computer among other things,” she said with a giggle.

  “I want you to be safe until all this is over.”

  Natasha smiled. “I know, baby.”

  “Oh, how tender,” Xavier teased as he climbed off the bed after having caught a glimpse of the two of them. “Good evening.”

  “Hello beautiful, I’m glad you’re awake. I have to go,” Darian said as he began to dress.

  “Where are you going?” Natasha asked.

  “Oh, that’s right, you were sound asleep last night when Xander called and informed us about the two officers Antonio mentioned,” Xavier said, then he leaned over to Darian kissing him with a bit more gusto than he’d planned. As always, his Master ignited the most primal desires within him.

  “Um, do you two need some privacy?” Natasha asked, noticing how enthusiastic Xavier was.

  Xavier broke the kiss with some effort and glided over to her, giving her the same treatment. Her legs weakened a bit, but being held in Xavier’s powerful arms helped her keep her balance. She moaned softly when he broke the kiss. Her eyes opened slowly as he released her.

  “Feeling a little less neglected now?” Xavier asked.

  “Huh?” she said, still in a lust-filled daze.

  He snickered then continued to fill her in. “Antonio was right on the mark, not only do they know something about what’s going on, they’re in on it. The drop goes down tonight, Darian, Elise and Xander are going.”

  “Oh, yeah… back on track,” Natasha said, getting her thoughts on the situation at hand.

  “Exactly, so I have to go, the drop is scheduled for ten tonight and we want to be at the location before they are. Elise and Xander are probably there or on their way,” Darian said as he tied his shoes.

  Natasha looked at her watch, the time was almost nine. “Won’t you be late? Do you have a long way to drive?” she asked.

  Darian looked at her slyly. “Who said I was driving?” A wicked grin spread across his face.

  Natasha rolled her eyes playfully. “Of course… You’re just a cheater.”

  “Hardly,” Darian said. “I’ll be back.” He looked at Xavier. “When Tony rises, make sure he’s okay. Keep him here. I don’t want him making any rash moves on his own.”

  “Will do,” Xavier replied. “Be careful.”

  Darian nodded, then walked towards the window, unlocking the latch, opening it wide. Instantaneously he vanished before their eyes as he soared high into the nighttime sky.

  “That’s so amazing!” Natasha said excitedly.

  “Yes, it is. His speed astonishes me. As a matter of fact, everything about him intrigues me. Just as everything about you intrigues me,” Xavier said revealing his innermost thoughts.

  “Funny, Darian says the same thing about you.”

  “I know.” Xavier stepped toward Natasha, reaching out, pulling her closer to him. “I believe it’s safe to say we love one another for our individual and unique qualities,” he whispered sensuously into Natasha’s ear sending tingles down her spine.

  “You’re such a charmer,” Natasha flirted as she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down for a passionate kiss.

  “I have to feed, Tasha,” Xavier said, once the kiss ended. “When I first rise, there’s a feeling of weakness within me, then it grows as the hunger grows. I can’t avoid it any more than I can ignore it.”

  “I know... it’s okay. Go grab... Some... Er... go eat,” Natasha responded, not sure whether to say ‘someone’ or ‘something’ she thought both choices were tasteless in Xavier’s situation and opted for neither.

  “I’ll be back shortly, I promise.” Xavier walked towards the open window and vanished.

  Natasha looked on in awe as she watched him disappear right in front of her eyes. Both of the vampires’ speed amazed her. All of the supernatural beings amazed her. She climbed back onto the bed, turned on the huge television that was mounted on the wall, and waited for their return.

  ***

  From above, Darian saw Elise and Xander walking towards the designated location, stopping short and crouching low in a spot that would give them a close up view of the drop taking place without being noticed. He landed behind them, startling Elise, although she remained silent. If Xander was startled by Darian’s sudden presence, he didn’t show it. Darian smiled to himself, having caught the two powerful shape-shifters by surprise. A feat not easily accomplished by any standard.

  Darian smiled devilishly at Elise. “A thousand apologies my dear, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m truly sorry,” he said as his hand reached for hers. He brushed his soft lips over the delicate smoothness of her skin.

  Elise blushed.

  “Oh Darian, you’re terrible,” she said bashfully.

  Darian winked as he released her hand. He looked at Xander. “Hello.”

  “Hello. The officers have just arrived,” Xander announced.

  With their exceptional hearing, they listened to the conversation that was taking place. Using their heighten sense of sight they looked through the dust covered factory windows as the two cops wa
ited for their contact. The two men stood in the abandoned factory under a single florescent light which served as a spotlight in the darkened factory.

  Officers Ryan Davidson and Jesse Foster stood inside the abandoned factory. There was a large trunk on the floor in front of them. Both men were dressed in black jackets, pants, shirts and boots.

  The appropriate ensemble for such a seedy task, Darian thought.

  “What’s taking this motherfucker so long? He said ten o’clock, right?” Jesse asked annoyed that their contact was already ten minutes late.

  “Give him a minute, he’s on his way. I know this guy, he’s cool,” Ryan said reassuringly.

  “How well do you know him?” Jesse looked at Ryan. “I don’t like this shit, Ryan. He should’ve been here by now.” he said anxiously.

  “Look, I said he’ll be here, he’ll fucking be here, now calm the fuck down,” Ryan growled.

  Jesse continued staring at Ryan, but remained silent. Five minutes more passed before their contact pulled up in a silver Viper.

  Darian, Xander and Elise watched as a man clad in a black designer suit emerged from his sports car carrying a black briefcase with gold-plated locks. He walked gracefully towards the factory entrance. It was apparent by his demeanor that he didn’t care that he was fifteen minutes late. He pulled a pack of Oldport cigarettes from his pocket with one hand removing a cigarette with his lips, lighting it as he puffed twice, creating two clouds of smoke. He slipped the pack of cigarettes back into his pocket as he entered the factory.

  “Took you long enough, David,” Ryan said annoyed. “Next time… be on time.”

  “Redundant much?” David smirked.

  Ryan snorted. “You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah. Sorry fellas, I had some loose ends to tie up.” David held his hands out as if so say ‘It was out of my control’. He walked towards the trunk. “Let’s get on with it.”

  Ryan nodded and leaned down, opening the lid revealing a trunk full of silver-nitrate and ultraviolet ammunition.

  David smiled. “Excellent job, fellas… outstanding.”

  Ryan closed the lid, locking it. “You got the money?” he asked.

  Jesse stood beside the trunk anxiously, but remained silent. It was Ryan’s contact, therefore his deal.

  “Yeah, I have the money, the whole hundred-thousand,” David said as he placed his briefcase on top of the trunk. He opened it, exposing a layer of neatly package hundred dollar bills. Standing back, he drew on his cigarette, letting the two men feast their eyes on their bounty.

  Jesse’s eyes widen as he stared at the money, a look of confusion flashed across his face. He was told that the drop was for fifty thousand, which meant that they would both get twenty-five. Had the deal changed?

  “It’s all there. Do you want to count it?” David asked sarcastically.

  Ryan looked up and him and smiled as he pulled on a pair of black leather gloves. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve done business with them in the past. Never had a problem, besides, they have a very rare hobby, they’re going to be needing my services again soon enough,” he replied arrogantly.

  David snorted and closed the briefcase.

  Jesse could no longer hold his tongue, things were looking weird.

  “Ryan, what’s going on?” he asked his partner.

  Ryan looked at Jesse and smiled wickedly. “Oh, that’s right I forgot to tell you, I’m going solo today.”

  Without waiting to see Jesse’s expression change from perplexed to horrified, he pulled his gun from his holster and before Jesse could reach for his own handgun, Ryan shot him twice in the chest. Jesse cried out as he fell backwards onto the dust and grime covered floor. Blood began to ooze out of the wounds, soaking the front of his shirt as Jesse struggled to breathe. He choked and gagged on his own blood as it bubbled from his mouth.

  A lung shot, the worst kind. He knew he was dying, but it still didn’t make it easy for him to accept. Jesse looked up at Ryan confused, hurt. His partner stood over him and watched as the last of his life drained away in a puddle of blood. When Jesse could no longer breathe his head fell back onto the floor and his eyes closed as the last breath gurgled from his punctured lung.

  “How are you going to explain this?” David asked.

  “That’s for me to worry about,” Ryan said as he stuffed a bag full of cocaine into Jesse’s side jacket pocket. He ripped the bag open to make it look as though someone had tried to snatch the bag, but was unsuccessful. The leather gloves were a nice touchno fingerprints. When he turned around to retrieve his briefcase he was face-to-face with the barrel of David’s 9 mm automatic.

  “What the fuck’s going on?” Ryan asked his voice shaky.

  “You didn’t think that they would let you get away with swindling an additional fifty grand out of them for such a simple job, did you?” David asked with a chuckle.

  “You can’t be fucking serious. They need me, motherfucker,” Ryan spat.

  “Apparently not,” David said. In an act of desperation, Ryan went for his gun, but David didn’t give him the chance. The metal bullet left the barrel of his gun, burrowing deep into Ryan’s skull, right between his eyes. Ryan’s body jerked as his nervous system when into shock, then shut down. His body crumpled to the floor, a thin stream of blood began to seep from the hole in his forehead.

  “Well, this was somewhat unexpected... just a little,” Darian said, amused.

  “I don’t know… I’m a little taken aback. We should strike now,” Elise said as she watched David take the briefcase and toss it in the trunk of his Viper. He then went back for the trunk with the weapons and began dragging it back to his car.

  “I agree,” Xander stated.

  Darian looked at his two companions and nodded. David opened the trunk of his car, cursing himself for not bringing his Sidewinder, instead. The cargo space in his SUV was really something to behold. He turned to grab hold of the trunk when Darian caught him by the throat. In a movement far too fast for David to defend against, he felt his arm being painfully twisted behind himhis back pressed tightly against Darian’s chest. The vampire’s other arm locked around David, restricting any movement. Elise and Xander walked gracefully towards them. Xander marveled at Darian’s speed, agility and gracefulness. He wondered to himself, just how old the Master vampire was.

  “You must be a very old vampire to have that kind of ability,” Xander speculated.

  Darian smiled knowingly. “Old enough.”

  Elise walked in front of David, smirking.

  “Aren’t you in a predicament? If you answer our questions, we’ll let you live,” she said.

  “Yeah, right. Why would you let me live?” David asked.

  “Because you’re just a pawn in a bigger game. You’re of little importance and you should be grateful we’re willing to deal with you at all,” Elise answered.

  Xander opened the trunk to inspect the “product” his eyes scanned over the ammunition and he shook his head as he closed the lid.

  David’s eyes darted between the woman and man beside the trunk, he grunted. “Who’s to say you won’t kill me once I give you the information?”

  “No one is to say,” Elise said. “Now, who hired you?”

  “Fuck you, bitch!” David said vehemently.

  “That’s no way to speak to a lady,” Darian said with a slight growl. He tightened his grip on David, causing him to cry out from the pain. “Let’s try this again.”

  “Who hired you and where are they?” Xander asked calmly.

  “Fuck you!” David cursed, then hawked and spat a large ball of phlegm at Xander, who moved with a swiftness that David’s human eyes couldn’t see and the saliva landed on the ground.

  “That’s disgusting,” Elise said with a grimace.

  “Indeed,” Xander replied flatly. “Not to mention, rude.”

  “You wouldn’t know this, but I think this is a good time to inform you that I have not fed this evening. This dreadful meetin
g was a bit too early for my taste,” Darian said with an edge of a threat.

  David tensed at the thought of being the food for whatever the creature was that had his vice-like grip around him.

  “Okay, okay, look, I fucking swear I don’t know who really wants these guns. But I have a contact who might know. I was just supposed to whack those two cops and take the money and the ammunition, that’s all,” David said desperately.

  Xander and Elise looked at him.

  “You know, I could smell if you are lying.” Elise ran her finger over his forehead, wiping away some of the sweat that was now beading his forehead and running down his temples.

  “I’m not lying, I really don’t know, I swear!” David yelled. His body began to tremble.

  They watched him a moment longer then Xander spoke. “He’s telling the truth, he really doesn’t know. What is the name of your contact?” he asked.

  “Brian Phillips. I’m supposed to meet him tonight and give him the trunk full of ammunition. I was to keep the money as my payment.” David’s voice was still shaky.

  “What is his number?” Elise asked.

  Darian tightened his grip and David gasped as the sharp pain of a rib snapping wracked his body.

  “Why?” David demanded through gritted teeth, panting slightly.

  Darian rolled his eyes.

  “Enough of this. It was fun for the first few minutes, now it’s just boring,” he said with finality as he plunged his sharp fangs deeply into David’s jugular.

  The man cried out as the fangs broke through the surface of his flesh. Elise and Xander looked on as Darian fed from David. Darian’s eyes were closed, his mouth sealed to his captive’s neck as he took in the blood. David began to pant and moan as indescribable pleasure coursed through his veins. A wetness formed on the front of his pants as a violent spasm ripped through his body. Darian tilted his head slightly to gain a better hold as he continued to feed. Elise ran the tip of her tongue along her lips as she watched the eroticism of Darian feasting. Xander was somewhat intrigued as well. He had always wondered what blood tasted like to vampires and what effects they felt. He only understood what it meant to taste human blood from a shape-shifter’s point of view.