“There are dishes in my room; please have them taken care of before you go to bed. And my linens and towels need changing, as well.” She eyed Mason, remembering she needed to find out why he’d been in her shower.
Danika headed for the study. She stood at the door and took a deep breath, then pushed it open and stepped inside. Around the conference table, Chase sat on one side while the kings and Garon sat on the other. She’d interrupted a conversation. When the men turned and faced her, she tried to keep her spine straight.
“Come in please, Lord Danika,” said Sherman. Danika stepped in with Mason following. “We did not invite your guardian to come to this meeting.” He frowned.
“I apologize, Sherman, but due to recent events my guardian feels more at ease being in my presence while there are guests in my home. The number of unknown people here tonight has him on edge. I beg your indulgence in the matter.” She gave a winning smile. While she hadn’t put a ton of emphasis on the fact that they were guests in her home, she wanted to let them know this was still her house.
Sherman didn’t say anything for a minute, but then inclined his head. Danika continued over to the head of the table. Mason followed close behind and stopped behind her chair, pulling it out for her. There was just enough space between her and the kings for comfort, and she was as far from Garon as possible.
“You seem to give your guardian much leeway,” said Garon.
“I give him leeway to judge for himself that about which I’ve given him command. His job is to protect me, therefore I take his suggestions for that job seriously.”
“I would never allow a slave to have a say in anything pertaining to me and my affairs.”
“Yes, well I’m sure that you and I have a difference of opinion on a great many things, Lord Garon. For instance, I would never presume to come uninvited to another lord’s house. However you’ve seen fit to come to mine this evening,” she retorted. Danika’s anger rose the longer she was in Garon’s presence.
“He came as was deemed necessary, due to his request,” said Sherman.
“I don’t understand.” Danika looked from one man to another, and finally to Chase. Her uncle stared at her sympathetically.
“We’ve been hearing rumors of troubling things here in Chicago, Lord Danika. We’ve heard of the rogue who shot at you, hitting your now-fledgling, William Baker. Also I believe your guardian was attacked, were you not?” asked Sherman, addressing Mason.
“Yes,” Mason replied.
“And there was more than one, correct?”
“Yes.”
“And then there is the nasty business with Xenock, I am afraid. Of course we do not blame you for any of these things, Lord Danika. But we’ve become concerned for you and your coven. We were under the assumption that the rogues were wiped out. But now it seems they weren’t, and they’re coming out in numbers.”
“With all due respect, King Sherman, I don’t believe that two isolated incidents can constitute a problem worthy of your coming to visit me. I’m already on top of the problem and should have any issue, if there is one, taken care of within the month.”
Sherman nodded. “I’m sure you will. However this isn’t the sole reason we’ve come. There is another matter to which we must attend. We’ve had a pledge of mating issued for you.”
Danika swallowed hard. A pledge of mating? Someone wanted to mate her? Why hadn’t they come to her to discuss the matter? Going to the kings was uncommon at best. “And who might I ask has made this pledge?” A pit in her stomach told her she already knew the answer.
“Lord Garon.” Vinton spoke for the first time.
Nausea threatened to bring up Danika’s dinner. He wanted her company. She stared at Garon, his face a mask. He showed no emotion. And he never would. Mating such a Vampire would be like being mated to the devil.
Danika composed herself enough to speak. What she said now may determine the fate of her life going forward. “I thank the kings for coming to me personally to bring this invitation. As you may have already seen, however, Lord Garon and I aren’t well-matched. Therefore I would ask Lord Garon why he’d send such a request.”
Lord Garon suddenly smiled; it took Danika aback. She’d never seen him smile before, and while it was more pleasant than she thought possible, there was no smile in his eyes.
“I believe, Lord Danika, that even though we have not seen eye to eye in the past, it would be possible that, given time, we will grow to at least respect each other, if not care for each other.”
“Seriously?”
Lord Garon’s smile faltered a bit. “You probably don’t remember, but your father was a friend of mine. And I believe it was always his intent—”
Danika was on her feet in an instant. “Do not presume to tell me of my father’s intents.” She clenched her teeth. “You and my father were never friends.”
“Lord Danika, I think that—” began Melton.
“I’m sorry, King Melton, but I cannot sit here and listen to this. I do not accept this male as my mate and I never will.” Her eyes traveled to Chase. “How can you sit there and let him lie about your brother?”
Chase’s gaze dropped to the table.
“You see the disrespect?” Garon rose to his feet. “You see now what I said? She needs a mate, a strong hand to guide her and this coven to the place where it belongs.”
“My coven needs nothing but me,” answered Danika. “And when and if I choose a mate, it shall be in my own time, and with a real Vampire. Not a coward who chooses to control with fear, rather than respect.”
Garon crossed the table in a flash, but Mason was quicker. He thrust Danika behind him. In an instant, all three kings were on their feet and Chase was restraining Garon by the throat.
“Enough,” bellowed Sherman. “This has gone quite far enough. I had expected better from two such highly regarded lords in our country. Chase, would you be so kind as to escort Lord Garon to his car? Lord Garon, you will retire for the day, we’ll meet with you tomorrow evening before our departure.”
Lord Garon, who’d been staring hard at Mason, turned to King Sherman. “Of course, my king.” He straightened his coat and Chase let go of him. “I apologize to you for my outburst. I will await your arrival tomorrow.” Garon did not apologize to her. Without another word, both he and Chase left with a bang of the door.
The three kings turned their attention to Mason, who still shielded Danika. Her head blazed with the rage she felt inside. The fact that Garon had dared to suggest that her father had wanted her to mate with him was beyond an insult to her father’s memory.
“Lord Danika, we’re alone now, you may be seated,” said Sherman. “Your guardian needs to leave while we finish our discussion.” The three kings took their seats as Danika reappeared from behind Mason.
“I’d like for him to stay, if you don’t mind,” she said in a small voice.
Melton shrugged. “What does it matter now? He’s heard enough already.”
Sherman nodded, and they motioned for Danika to sit.
“Lord Danika, we’re in a very precarious position. It’s quite obvious that you and Lord Garon don’t get along. If left to your own devices, we’re afraid that a war would soon break out between the two of you.”
“King Sherman, I can assure you—”
“Please let me finish.” He raised his hand to stop her. “We understand that such a union would be difficult on you both, especially to you, my dear. But we cannot take the chance of an all-out war, either. We have just begun to settle into a period of rest and peace with the vamps. To have a war now will ruin all that we’ve worked to achieve since the awakening and Outbreak War. I’m afraid we cannot let that happen.
“We’ll give you fourteen days. In that time, you’ll either find another, strong enough to stave off a war, who’ll become your mate, or you’ll mate Lord Garon. In the meantime, Lord Garon must be given a stay of passage here in Chicago. He’s to be put
up in his own residence and allowed access to your house. He doesn’t have to stay here, but you do have to see him. We ask that you take this time, get to know each other better, and see if it would be possible to make a union work. This is our decision in the matter.”
Danika stared at her hands. When had they become so pale and thin? They were her mother’s hands. She wondered if they would shrivel and wither away if she were ever forced to touch Lord Garon.
“Danika, did you hear Sherman?” Melton asked.
“Yes.” She didn’t look at them. She couldn’t. These men who’d appointed her lord were now treating her as a child. “I heard your judgment. I appreciate your coming all this way to bring me the news. I will do my best to find a suitable mate in the next fourteen days.”
“Very well.” Sherman rose from his chair with the other kings following suit. “Lord Danika, I hope for your sake you do find a suitable mate. A male of good standing in the society. One who’ll be able to stand at your side, and strengthen your back.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ll return in fourteen days. Peace go with you,” said King Vinton.
“And with you.” She finally locked gazes with the three men who had determined her fate. She hoped their planes crashed on the way home.
Danika’s gaze swept the solid, worn, wooden table. The scratches and nicks that she’d never noticed before were now staring at her like scars from old, never-healed wounds. They felt like the wounds of her life, the loss and the pain. Looking at them made her feel like she was staring into her own soul. It was oddly soothing. Her gaze moved from scratch to dent identifying each one. A large dent shaped like a fist reminded her of her father. A small, roughed area that had been varnished over was her mother. The fresh chip, no more than a few months old, was Xenock. And the ten gouges on the other end of the table, where he’d pressed his nails in, were Garon.
There was a soft knock. Chase stood at the door with a frown on his face. Danika watched him, but said nothing. He took the seat next to her. He was silent for a long minute before reaching across and taking her hands.
“I am sorry about this, Nika. I didn’t know this was going to happen.”
“What did you know then, Uncle?”
He sighed. “Lord Garon called me a day ago, when you wouldn’t return his call. He hinted at the fact that he thought a merger between the covens would be a good idea.”
“You didn’t tell me.”
“In all fairness Danika, I did warn you that outbidding him would come back on you. And I did try to reach you yesterday.” His eyes traveled to Mason.
Danika withdrew her hands from his at the mention of Mason. “I made my decision and I stand by it. I’ll not give in to his threats or the threats of the kings. I’d rather die than marry that monster.”
“Danika, be reasonable—”
“If you think it’s so reasonable, you marry him.”
Chase blanched at her suggestion.
“If you’ll excuse me, Uncle, I’m tired and ready to retire.” She moved to the door.
“Danika, please, if you’ll just—”
“Good night, Chase.” She refused to face him.
Stepping out the door, she noticed the air in the rest of the house was cooler than it had been in the small conference room. Without speaking, she walked upstairs. As she passed William’s room, he stepped out. She continued on, threw open her door, strode in, and stopped in the middle. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply. She stood for a long time listening to the sounds of the house: the fine hum of the heater, the buzz of the lights. A dog barked in its kennel outside. The wind whipped through the trees and a branch bounced off her window. This was her home, her safe haven, and she would be damned if she was going to share it with the likes of Lord Garon. She had to find a mate, someone, anyone, and quick.
A light movement behind her caught her attention and she turned. Mason’s face was a blank canvas, stoic and immovable. William’s, on the other hand, showed every emotion he felt, the most of which consisted of concern.
“Both of you should go to bed.” She began removing her clothes.
“What happened?” asked William.
“Lord Garon wants to mate me.” She ripped off her necklace and flung it on her vanity.
“What?”
“He wants my company and my coven. The only reason he wants me is to get to them.”
Danika dropped her clothes to the floor and stepped out of her heels. William averted his eyes, but Mason continued to stare. She held his gaze for a moment, then headed to the bathroom where she took down her hair and put on her bathrobe. When she re-entered her room, she sighed in exasperation.
“Please, I’ve had a very long couple of days. Go to bed and leave me be.” She slid in between her sheets, feeling their coolness on her skin.
William stood for a minute, but when she closed her eyes he left. A moment later, his door opened and closed. Right afterward she heard her own door close. She tried to relax her body enough to sleep. When she rolled over to turn off her lamp, Mason was standing at the end of her bed. She finally saw what he’d been hiding from her, and from everyone for the last several hours. The anger burned off him in wave after wave of heat. His eyes glowed, holding back a fury beyond what she thought capable. She knew that feeling, because the fury burned in her chest as well. She pulled back the sheets and rose, stopping mere inches from him.
“Say whatever you have to say, Mason.” She stared into his handsome face. Her whole body wracked with exhaustion.
He said nothing, simply stared at her. She opened her mouth to speak again, and his huge arms lifted her off the ground, his lips burning into her with a fury.
She melted into him, her rage replaced with the passion that had been building inside. His lips and roaming hands told her everything that he hadn’t spoken in words. Her mind screamed that she should stop, but her body told her to keep going. She’d never wanted another being the way she wanted him, whatever he was. His temperature rose higher the longer they kissed. There was nothing gentle about his manner.
Falling on top of her on the large bed, Mason broke his lips away from hers and trailed kisses down her neck and shoulder to her collarbone. The heat of his body pressing on her made it hard for Danika to breathe. Her head swam. All she’d wanted was this. All she’d dreamed of for the last month was this. They had to stop. They shouldn’t do this, not now with Lord Garon in the picture, and all eyes on her to find a mate.
“Mason,” she breathed. “Mason, we have to—” He continued to trail hot wet kisses over her arm and down her stomach. She wanted him so much it made her ache inside. A groan of pleasure escaped her instead, and her fangs descended into her mouth. “Mason, please. If we do this—” He cut her off, pressing his mouth on hers again. She ran her fingers into his hair and drew him to her.
Before she knew it, she was unbuttoning his shirt, his blazing chest hot against her cool hands. He pulled away from her. She touched his runes, then pushed his shirt from his shoulders and ran her fingers down the webbed tattoos of his back. They pulsed and stretched against her fingertips. He dipped his head and plunged his tongue deep into her mouth, licking her fangs, causing her to moan with need. His stomach quivered as she ran her cool fingers over his hard, packed abs.
He lay down on her, his muscular chest flattening her soft curves against him. His body was large and heavy, but despite their size difference, they fit together perfectly. He ran his hands under her robe and down the outside of her waist to her hip. Digging his fingers into her flesh, he pulled her leg up around his rear and then yanked her panties from her, throwing them over his shoulder.
His body carried a scent that aroused her further: spicy and warm. His arousal pressed into her most sensitive spot through his suit pants. Letting her need guide her she stopped thinking and fumbled with the buckle of his belt. He twirled his tongue over her flesh, pulling the tie on her robe and exposing her naked b
ody. Danika pushed his pants and boxers down to his ankles with her toes. Mason looked deep into her eyes for a moment. She’d never seen anything so glorious. They blazed with an inner light. For the first time, she glimpsed beyond his rough exterior. His gaze drifted the length of her body, his hands caressing her flesh. Danika gasped at the warmth of him as their bodies became one.
They stared into each other’s eyes as they made love. Wrapping her legs around his waist, he lifted her body to meet his more fully. Locking his lips on hers again, Mason built in rhythm and force until all Danika wanted was his blood. She needed it. Breaking their kiss, she struck him at the same moment he pierced her own neck. His hot blood slid down her throat, and her body exploded in ecstasy. He pulled his head from her neck and roared as they climaxed together. Waves of pleasure shook her body. He clutched the post of her bed, his arm muscles flexed and his body tensed. The wood creaked in his tight grip. When the after-shocks had passed, he fell on top of her, kissing her all over her face and neck. Their mouths danced and their tongues tangled, mixing the lingering drops of their bloods.
Mason lay still inside her, and Danika ran her fingers over his firm muscles. At first, his body was warm and his weight on top of her soothed her. She gripped his broad shoulders as he continued to bathe her skin in kisses. She needed this. She needed him. Minutes passed with them still lying in each other’s arms. The heat rose between them and grew. The warmth of his chest on hers built into a fire, until Danika cried out.
She pushed him off. The runes from Mason’s chest had burned into her skin, leaving behind their symbols on her like a brand. Danika’s head snapped up in alarm; Mason stared at her chest. His runes glowed.
“You burned me.”
“I didn’t know.” He still stared.
“What did you do to me?”
“Nothing. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize...” He moved away, and sat on the edge of her bed.
An emptiness chilled her body. “What’s going on?” She sat up and pulled her robe closed.
Reign of the Vampires Page 19