by V L Moon
“Keep your dick in your pants, DeRhys.” Malachi leaned in and nipped Laziel’s bottom lip. “And, you behave. No end of the world combat in my office. Arial, if you’ll close the door, I do believe everyone is here for the swearing in ceremony.”
Malachi turned around and faced Bastian DeRhys. “Well, this is going to be a first so we’re going to have to do things a bit differently.”
“No.”
Lifting a brow, Malachi studied DeRhys’ expression. There was no defiance. Just determination.
“What exactly are you objecting to, pray tell?”
“Do the ceremony the same as you’ve done for any other Elder. If you deter from the traditional ceremony, any seditionists will use it against you.”
“Fine, if that’s what you want. We’ll be recording this as Ms. Stroner is currently getting dressed for her mating ceremony. I assume you’ve chosen the angel, Arial Nathanial, as your second.”
“I have, yes.”
“Good, he’s done this before. Laziel, lock this place down. I don’t want any surprise visits from his sire.”
A swell of power radiated out from Laziel. Bastian bared his fangs, but stood his ground as it washed over him. “Kneel before the Vampire King, Doctor Bastian Delano Rhysafeal.” Laziel’s commanded. “Arial to his left, Gabriel, you may stand on his right.” The Seraphim winked at the child. The young one smiled shyly in return.
Malachi placed a hand on Bastian’s shoulder. “Bastian Delano Rhysafeal, firstborn son of the Fallen Angel and Demon Lord, Lucifer, you have been nominated to fill the role of Elder of the Roman Enclave. Do you accept this nomination?”
“Yes,” Bastian pinned Laziel with a hard glare. “My king.”
“Arial Nathanial, Warrior of Heaven, do you attest that this nomination was accepted without coercion and at the will of Bastian Rhysafeal?”
“I do.” Fierce pride wrapped around those two words.
“The position of Elder is a life station. Once taken, an Elder can only be removed upon death or upon treason against the King and Crown. Bastian Delano Rhysafeal, do you pledge your loyalty, your fidelity and your life to the protection and sanctity of the Vampire King and Crown?”
“I do.”
“Witness, do you attest this vow was pledged of his own free will?”
“Yes.” Arial lifted a hand and placed it upon Bastian’s other shoulder.
Malachi nodded. “Welcome to the Council, DeRhys.”
“Not yet.” Laziel stepped forward. “Do you swear to forsake your father and his authority and further avow before me that you will honor, protect and remain faithful to Malachi Denali, Sovereign of the vampire race, from this day forward? You know what a vow made to me entails.”
“Dramatic much?”
“Let’s just call it fair warning.”
“Whatever, I’m not my father. You don’t scare me.” The demon heir turned his gaze to Malachi. “I vow upon my immortal demon soul that I will hold your life more sacred than my own. I pledge my life, my honor and my loyalty to you. I’d pledge my dick, but ya boy over there is already getting pissy.”
Malachi caught Laz around the waist and pulled him back against his chest. He chuckled at the snarled curses. “You might want to check that death wish, DeRhys. I won’t always be around to save your ass. Now, I think it’s time for a wedding ceremony. The other guests will be waiting in the community chapel. Laz, darlin’, I do hope you plan to dress more formally for the nuptials as you’re officiating. The black Dolce would be perfect don’t you think?”
“All depends if it matches my thong.”
~*~*~*~
Chapter Sixty-Three
~*~*~*~
Light banter and joyful camaraderie filled the beautifully adorned chapel. The scent of orchids perfumed the air. Laziel took his place in front of the altar and the people in attendance. To his left, Lachi stood tall and silent. The intoxicating image of his male stirred Laziel’s lust. The vampire was raw power and solid muscle all contained within a beautifully fitted custom made Versace suit. His midnight hair was slicked back to show off the harsh contours of his face. Laziel wanted to take that step between them and…
“Angel.”
“Sorry, Batman, you just look so damned good.” Laziel grinned and stroked the jewel encrusted braid that lay over his shoulder.
“I’m guessing those match what’s under the suit.” Lachi growled when Laz chuckled and gifted him a quick glimpse of the row of sapphires crossing his back.
“Really? You’re wearing sapphires down the crack of your ass? That’s gotta chafe.” Tobias laughed.
“And your point is?” Laz replied putting a hand on his hip. “It feels as good as it looks. And, you forget, nothing chafes my sexy ass more than Lachi’s big d…”
“Angel! Unless you want to explain to Ms. Stroner why her wedding has had to be postponed I suggest you stop right there and curb that mouth.” The low growl combined with the flash of fangs heated Laz’s blood.
“I don’t know. Hey!” Tobias huffed at the dig in his ribs from a wary looking Roman.
“Sorry, my Liege. You know how he gets.” Roman inclined his head to hide his smile.
“I’d like to introduce you to Khadlyn. He’s Jorn’s youngest son and Tobias’s brother. Khadlyn, it’s my honor to introduce you to Malachi Denali, the vampire King. This is his mate, Laziel, and the man of the moment and head of the King’s personal guard, Saul.
“Ohhh, he’s cute, much better looking than your brother,” Laziel purred, earning a glare from his vamp.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Khadlyn. Thank you for your assistance with Copi; I’m glad he’s here with us tonight. We can keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t run off on his own. He doesn’t seem like the patient type.” Lachi added, glancing over at Copi who stood at the back of the chapel, scrutinizing each of the guests.
“How DD managed to bag that is beyond me. Talk about a hottie. Ouchies, Batman. Watch the thong.” Laziel glared playfully at Lachi’s chastisement.
“He misses his male. He grows impatient for news, as we all do. I know today is a day of celebration, and I don’t want to rain on Saul and Kimberly’s day. However, we all need to stay alert. Darklon’s antipathy with formality often leads to his unwelcome appearance. Bastian, stay alert to your own kind in case Arial’s mother or your father tag along just for the hell of it. Forgive the pun. Tobias, Roman, keep Copi close. And, Laz, darlin’, try to get through the ceremony without Kimberly roasting your balls. I may have use of them later.”
Riotous laughter filled the room as the small group split. Roman and Tobias took their leave in order to escort Kimberly down the short aisle. Khad took his place between Copi and Jorn.
“Copi’s calmer than I thought he’d be.”
“It’s Jorn. The Summus soothes him. I hope Darklon steers clear. I don’t think it would take much to tip Copi over the edge,” Laziel explained.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, my angel. Now, let’s get this male mated before his balls explode.” Lachi laughed, leading Saul to one side to await his bride.
“You honor me, sire. Thank you for standing up with me.” Saul’s voice shook with nerves.
“The honor is mine, my friend,” Lachi replied.
Laziel smiled at the swell of pride on Saul’s handsome face, and he had to agree with his vamp. Saul was a male worthy of his place at the king’s side.
~*~*~*~
Flanked by Tobias on her right and Roman at her left, Kimberly took one last look in the full length mirror and smiled warmly at the reflection of her two closest friends. She wore a long line gown encrusted with rubies to match the ones around her neck and adorning her ears. She loved the dress and the way she looked.
“Saul’s one hell of a lucky guy, princess.”
“Damn straight. You look too good for words, sweetheart. Absolutely stunning.”
The words of encouragement flattered. “Thank you, guys. You’ll al
ways hold a place in my heart. Seeing you so happy together makes me happy, too. Maybe one day, and by that I mean soon, I’ll get to enjoy your mating ceremony. But for now, we have a wedding to attend.”
A kiss on each cheek from both males threatened to push her over the edge. Tears welled in her eyes as they made their way down to the chapel. When she’d entered the enclave under Darklon's enthrallment, she'd been taken in, given guidance and aided by none other than the King. Since then, she had the privilege of becoming one of his inner circle of friends. As much as she loathed admitting it, Darklon had been a turning point in her life. It led to her meeting Roman and Tobias and the male who had stolen and owned her heart.
Saul Dyalov. In the short time she'd dated Saul, the burly Russian managed to break through her walls and simply lay claim to her heart and her soul in a way she'd never believed possible. Except, she was seconds away from marrying the courageous, sexy male. She just wished her parents were there to witness her happiness and share in the joy of her union with Saul.
“Hey, no tears. This is a happy day. The only tears we want to see are the ones you’re wearing,” Roman stated, handing her a silk handkerchief. Her eyes dropped to the rubies on her dress and she lifted her hand to touch the choker around her neck. “Rubies are rare; the only real ones are formed from the tears of angels. Laz might be a tad bit wacked, but his heart is in the right place. He wanted this for you. It's his way of saying thank you for all that you do for his male.”
Kimberly could hardly contain the shock on her face as the huge wooden doors swung open to reveal the glorious form of her handsome intended. Soft gasps filled the air. Tobias placed a bouquet of crimson roses into her arms, and then took her elbow. Roman followed suit on the opposite side. They escorted her down the aisle to the harmonious sounds of a string quartet. With each step, Kimberly was overwhelmed by the beauty of the chapel and the friends within its walls.
Lance was there with Arial and Bastian who flanked a young Nephilim. Jorn sat between Copi and Khad. The young wolf was totally engrossed with the scene before him. To her right, Malachi stood, dressed in an opulent black suit looking every bit as regal as his blood deemed him to be. The angel stood dead center of the altar with his hands clasped together and his head bowed in prayer.
Everyone she cared about was all gathered under one roof; yet, none of them held her attention like the male watching her approach. Stormy grey eyes filled with emotion poured heat through her body, fanning the flames of her building ardor. Her breathing quickened as a lustful look crossed Saul's face.
“Who gives this female?” Laziel asked.
“We do. In honor of our friendship, loyalty and love,” Roman and Tobias avowed.
Laziel shifted his attention to Saul who looked more than a little nervous at finding himself the center of attention. “By rite of vampire law, do you, Malachi Azarian Denali, permit the sharing of knowledge, power, love and unity between Saul Dyalov and his beloved Kimberly Stroner?”
Kimberly’s stomach fluttered as their king took his place at Saul’s side and turned to face the silent congregation.
“As king and personal friend to both parties, it is an honor and a privilege to stand at the side of such a courageous loyal male. By rite of law, I give my permission as well as my blessings. May your union be eternally blessed,” Malachi declared and turned back to face Laziel. Kimberley had never known such pride. It welled up within her heart making her tremble from the sheer force of its presence.
“Friends and loved ones, it gives me no greater pleasure than to join two of our own in an eternal bond forged by the love they have found in each other. Kimberley and Saul, do you avow before your king to love and honor each other, to bind your hearts and your thoughts and seal your oath to each other in the giving and taking of blood?
“We do” She announced in unison with Saul who took her hand in his.
Kimberly’s head spun as they swapped amulets filled with each other’s blood. After tying the platinum chain to Saul, she let her fingers trail over the vein running up the side of his thick neck. The real giving and taking would take place later once they were alone. In truth, she could hardly wait. The itch to sink her fangs into him and feel him within her was building momentum. A squeeze of her hand from Saul helped to ground her enough to realize that Laziel had ended the ceremony and was eagerly awaiting the obligatory kiss. She turned her face up to her mate. Saul’s lips descended, which earned them rapturous applause from all of their friends.
~*~*~*~
In all of his long years, Saul never believed he’d be given a second chance at love. The loss of his family along with the years spent in bloody and brutal battle had left him but a husk of the man he once was. It had taken Kimberly’s ménage with the two men at her back to break through Saul’s reserve. He’d known her, noticed her beauty and her ample form the very first time she’d entered the enclave.
When he’d heard of Darklon’s treachery, he wanted to avenge her for the abuse of her mind. Darklon’s enthrallment of one of their own in order to advance his treasonous claim to the throne had infuriated Saul. Thankfully, their King had recognized the fingerprint left behind from Darklon’s depravity. Malachi had freed his betrothed of the maniac’s grip on her mind.
Afterward, Saul guarded her door, watched over her from afar while falling further under the spell of her beauty and forthright charm. Anyone who could handle Laz on a daily basis had to have a backbone and nerves of raw steel. Kimberly possessed both. On his darkest days, when the screams of his murdered family drew him from daymares, Kimberly’s arms held him tight until the visions faded and the shaking passed. With her arms, she protected him; with her mind, she guided him; and with her body she made love to him in ways he’d never imagined possible. She was in every sense of the word, his world.
A constant stream of backslaps, handshakes and kisses led up to them taking the floor for the traditional first dance. Their laws were made and sealed in blood by their king; however, many of their traditions filtered through from human ceremonies from turned vampires. The array of traditions embedded into their vampiric rituals was a symbol of their previous lives. Every one of them was addressed to ensure a perfect representation before being given the royal seal of approval by their king.
With Kimberly held flush against his body, Saul led her around the dance floor in a whirl of dips and twirls. Her supple frame was the perfect match to his much stockier build. He couldn’t wait to map out the curves and tease over the ticklish spots of her flesh. He yearned to feast on the softer parts of her while she groaned, writhing beneath him gasping his name as her orgasm rode over her.
“Your eyes get so bright when you’re thinking naughty thoughts. Don’t try denying it, sexy. Just hold on to those desires. I want to make them all reality the first chance I get,” Kimberly purred into the shell of his ear.
“You keep teasing me like that, and you’ll be the one holding on while you scream my name as I make love to you just the way you like it. Good and rough from behind.” Saul growled when a keening whimper escaped Kimberly’s lips. “As soon as it’s deemed acceptable, we’re leaving before I end up embarrassing both of us and taking you right here on the dance floor for everyone to see.”
“I think we should at least congratulate Bastian on his inauguration before making a spectacle of ourselves. It’s his evening, too, darling.” Kimberly laughed and followed Saul’s lead to the edge of the floor where a group of their mutual friends waited.
~*~*~*~
Chapter Sixty-Four
~*~*~*~
Malachi watched the couple’s first dance from the fringes of the ballroom. Combining their reception with Bastian’s Crescente di Ordinare Cerimonia had been Kimberly’s idea. Malachi had agreed immediately because it meant only one night of playing dress up instead of two. While the newly mated couple dipped and swayed, Malachi’s narrowed gaze tracked the fortifications.
The vampire-Nephilim guard configuration had caused a f
ew gasps and wary glances, but none dared complain or object. Satisfied the event was as secure as possible, Malachi nodded to the majordomo.
“Elders of the court and honored guests, your King, Malachi Azarian Denali, and his mate, Laziel.”
The room before them went silent. Everyone in attendance shifted their attention to Malachi and Laziel. Vampires bowed in respect. Jorn nodded his acknowledgement. Malachi slid a hand over Laziel’s ass, sucking in air through his fangs when he felt the ridge of sapphires disappearing into the crack of the angel's ass. Laziel’s chuckle vibrated between them.
Malachi cleared his throat. “Good evening. We’re here tonight for two reasons. First, congratulations to the captain of my guard and my assistant. Saul and Kimberly, Laziel and I wish you a long and joyful mating.” Malachi lifted a glass from the offered tray and toasted the glowing couple.
When the cheers subsided, he continued. “And, the second reason for our gathering tonight, I would like to bid welcome to the newest member of my Council, Dr. Bastian DeRhys. His addition to the council opens the door for a new and more diverse future. Please raise your glasses and salute your newest Elder.”
Glasses were raised, but the response was much more subdued. Standing beside, Arial, Bastian smirked at the vampires eyeing him. He wasn’t the least bit intimidated or uncomfortable. “Please enjoy yourselves.”
Malachi descended the few steps to the ballroom floor with Laziel at his side. They made their way to the newly mated couple.
“Congratulations.” He kissed both of Kimberly’s cheeks. “You look radiant. We would have been in sooner, but we had to check on Destahny. She’s with Mirabella in our chambers.”
“I understand, Sire. She’s okay?”