The Most Special Chosen (Exalted Bloodlines Book 1)

by Rachel De La Fuente

  All the while, he keeps running his thumb in circles around my nub, milking every second of pleasure out of me that he can. I finally push his hand away, unable to take anymore. He lays back and runs the back of his hand up and down my arm as I come back down to earth.

  I smile lazily at him then turn on my side to run my fingers over his stomach. I feel his muscles twitch under my touch. As I continue lower, he sucks in a breath. I trace the outline of his erection with one finger before undoing his button as he kicks off his boots. His zipper sounds ten times louder than it should.

  I pull his pants down, then off with his help, gasping when I realize he isn’t wearing underwear either. I take in his naked form. He’s glorious. It’s like he was carved by the gods.

  His skin is silky smooth under my hands, but my eyes are locked on his erection. His size is daunting. I crawl back up him to reach his lips, kissing him gently.

  He rolls back on top of me, pinning me down. He slowly circles my core with his fingers, bringing me right back to the brink.

  “Damien, please.”

  He leans forward and kisses my ear. “Please what, Elysabeth?”

  “I need you . . . in me. Please?” He pulls away from me to reach into a side drawer and I whimper. He pulls out a little foil square, and I realize what he’s doing. He keeps his head together better than I do. Once encased, he lowers himself back over me, and teasingly nudges against my entrance.

  “Is this what you want?” he asks with a satisfied grin. I try to pull him to me, but he’s too strong.

  “Yes, please, but gentle.” He slides in slowly, stopping when he reaches the barrier no one has yet crossed. He’s big, bigger than I’d realized. He’s stretching me nearly to the point of discomfort. I began to wonder if this will work.

  “Relax, Chérie.” He reaches down and rubs me until I explode once again. He thrusts in as I go over the edge. I hardly feel the pain. He holds himself in me until I come back down to earth, then he starts moving. He’s gentle at first, allowing me to grow accustomed to his size and the new sensations. But, as my cries of pleasure match his thrusts, he grows more assertive, and more demanding.

  I give myself over to the pleasure and revel in the sensations. He groans, pulling me close to roll us over so I’m riding him. I swear I can feel him even deeper.

  He holds my hips, guiding me through the motions. After a while, his hands snake down to my core. His skillful fingers bring me right to the edge and hold me there, as he thrusts up to meet me.

  We come together in a veritable explosion of lights. I can see the fireworks behind my lids. I scream his name, and I vaguely hear him calling out my own. I collapse forward onto his chest, and he slowly rolls us over onto our sides. He pulls me to him, smoothing my hair back from my damp face.

  I fall asleep quickly, tired out by our activities. Damien wakes me some time later, and we shower together, a marvelous experience that allows me to learn him more fully.

  We wash each other with care, making sure not to miss a single inch. He’s even so kind as to help dry and comb out my hair. I feel like a pampered, satisfied, princess. Eventually, we’re both clothed, and ready to leave.

  “What time is it?” He glances at his watch.

  “Almost six.”

  I’m surprised it’s so late. “How long was I asleep?”

  “About an hour.” He grins, a perfect picture of masculine satisfaction. Obviously, we were busy for far longer than I had thought. “We had best get you home. We would not wish to cause any worry.”

  Oh, right, Shawn. I feel a little bad. I hadn’t even considered what Shawn would think if I wasn’t there in the morning. Not that I would have done anything differently the night before.

  Damien leads me back out through the club area, where people are still dancing, and through the little market, where, once again, people bow out of his way. No longer distracted by naughty thoughts, I realize how odd their actions really are.

  “Why do they do that?”

  “Do what, Elysabeth?”

  “Why do they make way for you? Some of them even bow.” I gesture at a few of the people around us.

  He shrugs, but not in his typical, nonchalant way. This shrug looks more furtive, and I know he’s hiding something. “It must be because I am lucky enough to have such a beautiful woman at my side.” I blush, and decide not to press the issue further. What difference does it make, really?

  I get a better look at his motorcycle once we’re outside in the early morning light. It really is beautiful. The bottom half and the rims are red, the rest is a dark grey, almost black. The front sections have light grey flames outlined in red. I’ve heard people deridingly call motorcycles like these “crotch rockets” but I think the sleekness is far sexier than the bulkiness of larger bikes.

  ***

  When we arrive back at my house, Damien walks me to my door. I give him a deep kiss and briefly consider inviting him in before I send him on his way. But I’m not sure how Shawn will take me coming in the door at this time of day, much less with Damien in tow.

  Luck is with me, though. Shawn’s door is still closed tight. He’s obviously decided to sleep in. I go upstairs and get ready for my morning class without having to explain anything.

  I don’t see Damien that day, although he does send me a few texts asking if I’m okay, considering we hadn’t gotten much sleep. I let him know I’m fine, but I’m somewhat worried that there will be distance between us now. I know plenty about guys in college and their conquests. I don’t think that’s what happened between us. After all, he’s waited a long time for a ‘conquest,’ but I still have a sliver of doubt.

  Shawn doesn’t seem to notice any difference with me as we have a pizza and movie night, thank heavens, and, when we finally go to bed at one, I’m looking forward to the blissful unawareness of sleep. Instead, I get to experience the most vivid dream I’ve ever had.

  CHAPTER 14

  It is 4,000 BCE and I, Nyx, Goddess of Night, shine down upon the Earth as the moon. I entered the sky early today to speak with my twin sister, Diasta, Goddess of Day. The stupid, faithless, humans notice us sharing the sky. I hear them speaking, believing that the moon joining the sun in the sky means their gods are pleased with them.

  “Sister, it is good to see you.” I look into my dear sister’s face and see myself, only different. Our features are identical, but our coloring is as different as the night and day we represent.

  Her hair is a warm, auburn brown; mine is midnight black. Her eyes are a rich, honey gold; whereas my eyes are ice blue. Her complexion is olive; my skin is pale like the snow. We are exactly alike, but completely different.

  “Indeed, it has been too long,” she answers. “I suppose you are here about the mortals?”

  I nod. “What else? They no longer thank us for our services. They do not realize that without our help, their crops would burn from too much heat, or wither for lack of light. They forget that we provide them with light both day and night by which they see. Sister, they forget our very existence and thank false gods and goddesses in our place.”

  “Yes, Sister, it is horrid. But really, what can we do?”

  “We are goddesses, Sister. Let us exact our revenge in such a way that they shall never forget us again.”

  “Should we not offer them a chance to redeem themselves?”

  I stare at my sister in shock. She knows that we gain strength from the prayers and offerings of others. “No, Sister, we must exact our revenge. The only question is in what way.” We conspire for many months, as I rarely have the power to visit her during the day. Only when the moon shines full, and the mortals offer prayers directly to it, do I have strength enough.

  Finally, after nearly a year, we have our plan. Once again, I join my sister in the daytime.

  “Dearest Sister,” she tells me excitedly, “I believe we are ready.”

  “Truly? At last?” Her excitement is catching. We have been preparing ourselves to use the abilit
y we have never tried before: the power of creation. We will create a humanoid creature who will acknowledge us as its creators and will abide by our wishes.

  I pluck a large star from the heavens to provide our creation with energy. My sister and I each add a drop of blood to the star’s energy. This forever ties our creation to us, elongates its life, and makes it immune to the petty problems of the mortal body.

  We take our time carving the body of a god from marble. Our creation must be attractive to the mortals to more easily be able to secure their trust and affection. The stone provides the creation with incredible strength and makes it less vulnerable to physical attacks.

  I pluck the eyes of an eagle and the ears of an owl. My sister takes the nose of a bear. When incorporated within our creation, these will give it senses far more advanced than the humans.

  “Our creation is nearly complete, Sister.”

  I nod. “We must still provide it with a means of exacting our revenge.” Our creation will steal blood from the humans. It shall feast on mortals to punish them.

  My sister and I breathe life into our creation, giving it our intelligence, some memories, and strong instincts. The moment our creation lays eyes upon us, it falls to its knees in awe.

  “Goddesses, you have done me a great honor. Please, tell me how I can possibly thank you for the incredible gift you have given me.” Our creation’s attitude is refreshing after such a long period without acknowledgement.

  “Creation, rise. Follow your instincts. Take revenge on the humans for their lack of faith. However, always remember us.”

  “Of course, Goddesses.” We give our creation some clothes and send it on its way. Both night and day it locates, stalks, and destroys the faithless.

  It takes rich and poor, powerful and weak, without discrimination, using its speed to enter even the most guarded of areas unseen.

  For many years, our creation does our bidding, and worships us faithfully. The humans pray to their false gods at first, but when it does no good, they turn to their elders who remind them of the old ways, of us.

  Our creation revels in its powers for a time, and we watch it from our perches in the sky. I see it more often than my sister, as our creation grows to prefer the night and its shadows.

  ***

  Our creation faithfully does our bidding for 50 years. The humans continue to wonder how to avoid the scourge the gods have sent to them. My sister calls me to join her. I rise early, throwing myself into the sky quickly. Our creation stands on Earth, and my sister and I join it. It bows as we appear.

  “Goddesses, you honor me with your presence.” Its voice sounds deadened.

  “What ails you, creation?”

  “Goddesses, you have blessed me beyond belief by giving me life, but my existence is a solitary one. I have long observed the humans, and they find such joy in a mate. Goddesses, in your great benevolence, could you possibly see fit to grant me a companion?” Our creation remains kneeling during its request, as though afraid of incurring our wrath.

  “Rise creation,” I command. “Your request is fair. We would not deny you that which you so long for. Even the gods seek companions. We shall make you a mate. Will that satisfy you?”

  Our creation bows before replying. “It is far more than I deserve. I thank you greatly for your kindness. A female companion will make my life whole.” We dismiss our creation with instructions to return the following day.

  Because the humans have continued worshipping us, we have plenty of power to create a mate immediately. We follow the same procedure and create a female whose beauty far surpasses that of the humans.

  Our creation returns the following afternoon, obviously eager to see its mate. We present our newest creation, and are gratified by the bond they form upon meeting. Our male creation bows to us, and our female creation curtseys.

  The male creation speaks. “Goddesses, you have blessed me beyond belief. She is perfection. Would . . . would you be willing to witness our bond and recognize it for all eternity?”

  This request delights my sister to no end. She is more romantic than I. “We are pleased you are so satisfied with your companion. We will be happy to witness your union.”

  Our creations turn to one another, following the instincts we gifted them with. On impulse, I decide to perform the soul bonding ceremony used by the gods.

  “We shall witness the bonding of these two beings for the entirety of their existence. They desire to be joined such that they may never again be parted. As the Goddess of Night, I bless their union and request that the Earth and the heavens watch over them.”

  My sister adds her blessing. “As Goddess of Day, I bless this union and request that the Earth and the heavens watch over them.” She turns to our male creation. “Love and honor your mate. Respect her and cherish her. Protect her from harm, and do your best to see her happy.”

  I turn to our female creation. “Love and honor your mate. Respect him and cherish him. Help him and do your best to see him happy. May the gods and goddesses always honor your bond. Go forth and be merry.”

  They share a kiss, sealing the bond, then they depart after a quick prayer of thanks. We watch as they revel in each other’s company. They travel constantly, feeding on the humans of different civilizations. Not once do our creations forget about us. They continue to acknowledge us with prayers and offerings every night.

  Our creations slowly assimilate human customs. They take names and use them regularly. Our male creation takes the name Sinnashi. Our female creation takes the name Inanna. Nearly one hundred years pass swiftly. We realize that Inanna is wistful. She begins yearning for a child, although she never once mentions this desire to us.

  Finally, realizing she will not come to us, I visit her while her mate is hunting. “Dear Inanna, I have seen your heartache. You long for a child. Why do you not visit my sister or I?”

  With her eyes demurely cast down, she answers. “You have both blessed my husband and I beyond belief. I would not wish to overreach by asking for yet another blessing.” Her answer pleases me and I laugh. To think she had been afraid of angering us.

  “You need not fear us. This yearning is understandable. My sister and I both know the joy of creation and do not wish to deny you that joy. Come closer, so I may bestow upon you the ability to have children, as we should have done before.”

  Her face lights up with joy as she steps closer. I can see she trusts me implicitly. Not a single doubt resides in her mind. Already she is planning a family. I make a few quick alterations to Inanna, then I send her on her way with a request that she send her mate to me when he returns.

  Sinnashi arrives just before midnight. “Goddess, you requested my presence? Have I done aught wrong?”

  “Calm yourself, Sinnashi. I did request your presence. Has your mate told you of our meeting?”

  “No, Goddess, she told me that honor belonged to you.”

  “Very well. Your mate wishes for a child.”

  “Yes, Goddess, I am aware.”

  “Why did you not apprise my sister or I of this fact?”

  “I did not wish to offend by making another request.”

  “As I told your mate, do not fear of offending us in such a way. I have granted your mate her desire. She is now capable of bearing children.”

  “Goddess, you are too good to us.”

  I wave away his comment. “Come closer so I may give you the ability to give her children.” He does so, and with simple alterations, I send him on his way.

  ***

  The next day, I join my sister early to apprise her of the events of the previous night. “Sister, I am pleased you provided our creations with such a wonderful gift.”

  “How did you know, Sister?”

  “They have been enjoying that gift all day.” We laugh at their enthusiasm.

  Within a year, our creations are proud parents of a little boy they name Alulim. He grows quickly. When he is 35, they have another child, a girl this time. When Alul
im turns 50, he visits my sister to request a mate. Together we gift him with a mate who takes the name Delondra.

  As the centuries pass, Sinnashi and Inanna have more children. By the time five centuries have passed, they have a happy family of eight children (six of whom have requested, and have been granted, mates), eighteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. They offer nightly prayers of thanks and worship, providing us with enough power to create not only requested mates, but also some additional creations to expand the population.

  My sister and I find that this growing population satisfies us. We cease to acknowledge, or even care about, the humans, who have long since ended their terror-inspired worship of us.

  In fact, our creations become dear children, as opposed to simply our revenge. Our first family, however, holds a special place in our hearts. My sister and I determine that this new status deserves a true name, rather than creation. As such, we decide to call our new race of creations Vampires: creatures that we pieced together to vent our ire on the mortals.

  Inanna comes to us one day with concerns about her two youngest children, Ditanu and Enlil. “Goddesses, I worry for my sons. I do not wish either of them to have a solitary existence. They will only tell me they are happy as they are, but I do not believe this to be so. They will speak the truth to you. Please, dear Goddesses, will you speak to them?”

  My sister answers for us both. “Of course, Inanna. Send us Ditanu first.”

  “Thank you, Goddesses. You are so good to our family.” She sends her second youngest son to us later that afternoon.

  ***

  “Goddesses, you wished to see me?”

  “Yes, Ditanu. Your mother is concerned for you,” I answer. “Is there no vampire who catches your interest?”

  “How can there be, when compared to the radiance of the moon and sun?”

  My sister tries to look stern. “You flatter, Ditanu.”

  “Never, Goddess. There are no earthly words to describe your beauty, or that of your sister.”