The Most Special Chosen (Exalted Bloodlines Book 1)

by Rachel De La Fuente

  “Your Majesty, you cannot doubt her. There is no other way she can have known that our Goddess favors silk.”

  Mrs. Delanciennes nods, eyes speculative. “Indeed. Well, thank you, Hilda. I look forward to seeing what has been accomplished tomorrow. Lys, why don’t you stay here to see if anything else needs deciding? I’ll send Damien for you in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Delanciennes.” I’m not sure I should continue to call her that. I need to ask Damien how to address his parents.

  “You are welcome, Cara.”

  Hilda puts aside a few more bolts of fabric, then gathers them into two bundles. “Now, I must get these fabrics put away before he gets here.”

  “Let me help, Hilda.”

  “I’m quite all right, dear. Even at my age, I am stronger than a human.” She picks up all nine bolts of fabric and carries them into the supply room, but with my new strength, I’m certain I could have lifted them just as easily.

  CHAPTER 19

  It only takes a few moments for Damien to make it to the room. I smile when I see him.

  “Damien, I have another question for you.”

  “I hope I have an answer.”

  “So, do I. How should I address your parents? I don’t think Mr. and Mrs. Delanciennes is right, but they have not corrected me.”

  “That is because there is no need. You are practically family. Just go with whatever feels most comfortable.”

  “Oh, okay. How’s Shawn?”

  He grins. “Doting on my youngest sister. He is hanging on her every word, and she loves it.” He sobers. “I need to speak to her tonight, though. I want to make sure she is sincere. He is a good person, and he does not deserve to be toyed with.”

  My eyes narrow. “Definitely. Your little sister or not, if she messes with my friend, she’ll be facing a beat-down.”

  He laughs. “I will let her know, but perhaps you should wait until you are turned.”

  “I don’t need to. Come up to your room. I want to show you something.” He leads me back to his bedroom. As soon as he closes the door, I walk right up to him and put my hands on his waist. “Ready?”

  “For what?”

  “This!” With minimal effort, I lift him until his head touches the ceiling and lower him back down.

  “I had wondered about your strength earlier, but as I have never been slapped before, I assumed it always stings that much.” I look away, somewhat guilty now that the flames of my temper have cooled. Damien turns my face, making me look at him. “You had every right, Elysabeth. What I did was unforgivable, despite considering it the better of the two options at the time. I consider myself quite lucky to be forgiven so easily.”

  I kiss his nose. “It’s difficult to stay mad at you.”

  “Good to know,” he answers with a grin. “Have you noticed any other abilities?”

  “I think I’m getting faster. And more may come later.”

  “Very true. I do not plan to keep you here all day, Chérie, but I need to change out of yesterday’s clothes before we leave. Would you like to wait here, or is there someplace else you’d like to see?”

  “I don’t suppose you have a shirt I can borrow?”

  “I am certain you can find something. Come look, Chérie.”

  I walk over to his closet and step in front of him. As I peruse his massive wardrobe, I’m hit by another question.

  “Damien, what will happen once we’re Bonded? Will your parents stay here, or will they return to France?”

  “They will most likely stay for a little while. My siblings have made friends, and they wish to spend more time with them. We will be expected to go home for Selene’s Grand Coming Out.”

  “Are we expected to stay in France after that?”

  “I do not know.”

  “I’d like to return home. I don’t want to give up my life.”

  “Unfortunately, you will have to someday, Chérie,” he answers quietly.

  I quickly blink away the tears that are threatening. “I know, but at my age, people wouldn’t notice that I’m not aging for at least ten years. I might be able to squeeze out as many as twenty.”

  He steps closer and wraps his arms around my waist. “Elysabeth, while I understand your desire, things are different for you now. Typically, a king would rule until his heir has reached five hundred years old, at which point he would abdicate. However, I will be the first king to have a Chosen.”

  “But only the royal family has ever had Chosen,” I interrupt.

  “Yes, that is so, but they were younger sons, or sometimes daughters. Once this information is released to the vampire nation, the public may call for our ascension to the throne. We may be ruling our people in just a few years. After all, Chosen are rare, and thus, honored, and it seems you may be the most special Chosen of all.”

  It hadn’t occurred to me that our reign could start soon, or that I’d have to give up my current life before my lack of aging became obvious. “But we won’t have to live exclusively in France until then, right?”

  “I cannot say, Elysabeth.”

  I turn in his arms to face him. “Will my desires have any weight?”

  “Yes, Chérie, of course. But so will public opinion. It is not just you this affects.”

  I decide to set this aside and wait until things are more settled to have this conversation, and tackle a different problem instead. “Will we at least get our own place?”

  “I own a chateau within easy distance of the family castle. If we choose to stay in France, we can live there. Also, my father and I have visited several small homes here, and are finishing purchasing one I believe you will like. It shall be our own private haven. I understand that you may still need to live with Shawn for now, but we can visit our own home whenever you like.”

  “We’re going to be Bonded soon, Damien. I’ll live with you. Besides, Shawn may want a different roommate soon.”

  Damien grins. “Perhaps.”

  My eyes widen on another thought. “What will I tell my parents if we stay in France?”

  “Perhaps you can go to graduate school in Europe.”

  “I’m certain they’re expensive, and probably rather exclusive. My parents are well off, but they can’t afford something like that. Besides, with what I want to do, there’s no real need for a graduate degree. They won’t believe it.”

  “We will figure out something, Chérie. Perhaps we can reveal to your parents that I am a wealthy nobleman.”

  “I suppose, but—wait, wealthy nobleman? Is this in addition to you being a Prince?” I turn to look at him with an eyebrow up.

  “Yes, my father holds several titles in the mortal world, and some have passed to me.” He says it so matter of fact, like it’s no big deal.

  “Holy mother, this is like a vampire fairy tale. In what countries?”

  He frowns. “Elysabeth, before I answer, might I suggest you utilize different words to express surprise?”

  “There’s a problem with holy mother?”

  “It might cause offense with vampires of older bloodlines. You should get out of the habit of using it, since you will need to be careful at state functions.”

  This keeps getting more insane. “Oh.”

  “Now, to answer your question, I currently hold titles in England and France.”

  “You have a house in England?”

  “Yes, I have two manors.”

  “Oh. Cool.” My voice comes out squeaky. This is so damn much to take in. Dorothy, you sure as shit aren’t in Kansas anymore.

  “My mother mentioned you had another dream,” says Damien, obviously trying to change the subject.

  I eagerly grasp at the offered lifeline, not really able to process more details just now. I’m still trying to assimilate the vampire royalty part. “Yeah, but you’re all so excited about me already, I don’t really want to tell you in case it doesn’t actually come true.”

  “I understand.” He looks at me proudly. “You are doing so well
with all of this. I realize we thrust quite a bit on you all at once.”

  I laugh, but it’s humorless. I’m not doing as well as he thinks. “It helps that this is sort of a dream of mine. I mean, not exactly, but close.”

  Damien pulls me close and kisses the top of my head. “I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. But do not forget that we are all here to help. On a lighter note, have you found a shirt?”

  I pull out a blood red t-shirt that I would like to see him in. “Yeah, for you.” I finally find a pale blue shirt with two front pockets that looks long. I hold it up against me, checking the length. It reaches my knees. Once I cinch in the waist with my belt from the night before, it will be the perfect length. “And I’ll wear this one.”

  I move out of his way, so he can choose pants, and he pulls a pair of jeans off a hanger without even looking. As he pulls off his shirt, an idea comes to mind.

  “Can I join you for a shower?” I lick my lips at the thought.

  His gaze turns heated. “That is an immensely acceptable suggestion.”

  I pull my clothes off as we walk to his bathroom, leaving a trail behind me. I know he can hear me do so. I can tell, by the stiffness in his walk, that he’s trying hard not to turn around. Finally, I remove my panties and throw them in front of him. That does it.

  “Chérie, what are you trying to do to me?” I shoot him an innocent look.

  “Whatever do you mean, Damien? I’m not trying to do anything. I thought everyone takes off their clothes for a shower.” He makes a small, funny sound, before stripping down as well. His erection is pointing straight up, as though seeking the light. I make a split-second decision and drop down in front of him, reaching out to touch it.

  I lightly run my fingers down the shaft, fascinated by how it twitches, like it’s alive. I suddenly understand the joke about two brains. As I run my hand along the silky-smooth skin, a pearly bead forms at the tip. My tongue darts out and licks it up. I can’t help myself.

  It’s somewhat salty, but Damien’s answering guttural groan is a reward unto itself. His hands fly to my head, though for what purpose, I’m not sure, because he just grips my hair with a moan as I take the head into my mouth.

  “Oh, Elysabeth! Yes, please Chérie, more!” Well, I definitely can’t resist that. I slowly slide down, taking as much as I can, before sucking lightly. I experiment, trying different things, noting what he likes best.

  Damien suddenly pushes against me. “Elysabeth . . . you must . . . stop . . . you will make me . . . ” His words are punctuated by delighted groans.

  Really? Hmmmm. I don’t stop. Rather, I bob my head up and down, which he seems to enjoy most, determined to see him to completion as he did for me on our first night together. I feel him tense, and he makes one last half-hearted effort to get me to stop, before exploding.

  The flavor is unlike anything I’ve encountered before. It’s not pleasant, but it’s not exactly unpleasant, either. He’s regressed to French again, once again far too fast for me to keep up. I catch a few words: darling, incredible, brilliant. He’s quite obviously pleased.

  When he stops twitching, I release him with a final lick and stand. He pulls me close for a kiss. “My goddesses, how the Fates have blessed me!”

  Now doesn’t that just melt my heart? I snuggle into his embrace for a moment before pulling away. “Damien, we’re supposed to be taking a shower.”

  “Yes, of course, Chérie.” Damien insists on washing me, and is very methodical. He lingers in certain places long after they’re clean. Once he finally deems me finished, he washes quickly and shuts off the water. He hands me a big, fluffy towel then wraps another around his waist and steps out of the shower. He’s one of the guys that don’t dry off. If possible, I fall for him even more. I decide right then that there’s nothing like a wet, naked man to perfect a room.

  I take time to dry myself off before pulling on his shirt. The pockets land right over my chest, concealing the fact that I’m not wearing a bra. I walk out to his room to grab my belt, collecting up my clothes as I do. I pull the belt around my waist and tighten it, checking the length of the shirt once I’ve done so. It reaches mid-thigh, plenty long enough. I twist my hair into a knot and secure it with a pencil sitting on the desk.

  Damien steps out of the bathroom a few minutes later with his hair still wet. He looks different, but in a good way. He looks like a model. “Very well, we should get . . . ” His eyes traverse my body, darkening along the way. “It is satisfying to see you in my clothing. I do not suppose you could spare a few minutes?” His descending fangs clue me in to his meaning.

  “I suppose a couple minutes won’t cause too much trouble.” He practically pounces on me, kissing me deeply. I eagerly respond, groaning with delight. He kisses across my cheek to my ear, and then down to my neck as I throw my head back.

  “Elysabeth, may I?”

  “Of course,” I moan. He bites me, and I’m overcome with the ecstasy that is quickly becoming familiar. I try to muffle my scream of pleasure. One thing I had not considered, however, is how much more acute vampire hearing is than human hearing. The door flies open, and we spring apart. I touch my neck, but apparently Damien has already licked the wound closed.

  Mr. and Mrs. Delanciennes stand in the doorway looking incredibly embarrassed. I’m mortified. We all stare at each other for a moment, until Mr. Delanciennes clears his throat.

  “Apparently there are no problems here, so I must be going.” He turns and strides out of the room.

  Mrs. Delanciennes gives us both an apologetic look. “We heard screams, we were concerned . . . ” She trails off as Damien sighs.

  “I understand, Mother. I am sorry.”

  “I must . . . say good-bye to your father.” She leaves, closing the door behind her. I cover my face with my hands.

  “Elysabeth.” Damien tugs lightly on my arms.

  “What must they think of me? I’m so embarrassed.”

  His arm worms around my waist. “Elysabeth, they would never think ill of you for this. It is entirely my fault. However, I wish to thank you for allowing me a drink.”

  I peek at him through my fingers. “Are you sure they won’t think poorly of me? I want them to like me.”

  “I promise you, they will not judge you in any way because of this, especially not poorly.”

  I take a deep breath and force myself to sit up straight. If nothing else, I can brazen it out. “Damien, I should get home, if for no other reason than to put some real clothes on. Oh, and you’re always welcome to a drink.” He stands and offers me his hand to help me up. He holds me close as we walk through the house. When I see the front door, I stop him.

  “We should say good-bye. And what about Shawn?”

  “As you wish, Chérie. I was not sure you would be up to it,” he says kindly.

  “I’ll have to face them all sometime.” Damien nods, accepting the truth of that statement.

  “I believe they are all in the sitting room.” I follow him there and say good-bye to everyone. Shawn winks at me which makes me turn bright red again. Damien’s sisters give me a few knowing looks as well. It’s Sebastian’s look that worries me the most. It’s speculative, as though trying to figure out how to make the most of the situation. I doubt I’ll ever live this down.

  Shawn stands and says good-bye to everyone as well. He is just starting to leave when he pauses and turns to Mr. Delanciennes, who is standing by the door. “Sir, may I have your permission to visit again, perhaps tomorrow?”

  Mr. Delanciennes looks surprised by the question. He glances at his wife, who nods with a smile. “I do not see why not. I will have you added to the list of visitors allowed. And you as well, Lys, of course.” We both thank him.

  “You driving with Damien, Lys?”

  I smile. “Yeah.”

  “Okay, see you at home.” Shawn gets into his car as I follow Damien to his motorcycle.

  I arrange the shirt carefully once I climb on behind Damie
n, making sure I’m sitting on the end. I don’t want to moon the world because it’s flapping in the breeze.

  “You know, I’d like to get to know your family a bit better. I know their names, but I don’t really know much of anything about them. Well, except that Selene seems to like Shawn.”

  “That is true, and I apologize. I really should have introduced you to them sooner. However, I was worried they would let you know you were my Chosen. They were not best pleased with my delay in informing you.” He saves me from answering by handing me a helmet. He pulls his own on and waits for me to do the same before driving off.

  As we pull into my driveway, I hear the voice I am now positive is Nyx.

  Invite him in.

  I don’t dare disobey, and besides, it sounds like a good idea to me.

  “Do you want to stay for a while?” Damien looks uncertain. “Nyx, I mean the Goddess Nyx, suggested it. I’m going to have a hard time remembering that.” His look of shock is almost funny. I shrug. “We interest her for some reason. We’re important, she just hasn’t told me why.”

  He shakes his head slowly. “I suppose I should get used to this?”

  “Probably. But come on, let’s get inside.” I lead him up to my room. “Okay, I’m going to change, I can’t wear this all night, and I feel odd without underwear.”

  His eyes darken at my words and I smile. I find something to wear and dump my clothes from the night before in the laundry basket before heading into the bathroom. I change quickly and fold his shirt for him before padding back out to my room. “Want to go downstairs and play some video games?”

  “Whatever you wish, Chérie.” When we get downstairs Shawn is sitting at the kitchen table.

  “Hey, you two.”

  “Shawn, we’re going to play Mortal Kombat, want to join?”

  He stands and tosses his plate in the sink. “Sure!”

  As he comes up to me I stop him and pull him into a hug. “Thanks for everything, Shawnie.”

  “What are friends for, Lys? Now, come on, I still owe you for last time.”

  “Oh, come on, Shawn, you don’t think you can actually beat me, do you?”

  “I can try.”