by Alice Wade
He needed his plans to be finalized quickly and find her soon though, or his claim on her would soon be diluted. Issuing a vicious growl as he prowled the cell, he ran through the plan one more time. Tonight, Deandra and Kaen would announce their engagement at court. Ondre already knew of their betrothal and was seething in anger over it
Kaen found Deandra’s enthusiasm amusing for she already had the event scheduled, the dress ordered and his suit designed. Against his better judgment, she’d argued and secured a date five days from now which was an incredible feat considering royal weddings typically took months to plan. Obviously she was driven and the moment Kaen proposed, she locked herself away with the chamberlain plotting out his torment.
Thinking of her, Kaen smiled. Leave it to Deandra to rush when she really wanted something. And, she really wanted to be converted. His wedding gift was one of eternal bliss for he’d promised to convert her so they could experience the benefits of that process in combination with their consummation of their vows. She’d writhed with elation at the thought, which only drove her to try and find a way to wed him faster.
He had his own plans however. The moment they were finally wed, he’d start his hunt for Lainey. He’d then locked her in the castle under strict guard ensuring that she never left his side. Ever.
Faelwen approached on the other side of the bars. “Is it better?”
“Yes, she’s either blocking now or the urges have disappeared.” He said while scrubbing his bald head.
“You good to come out now then?” He looked behind him with a nervous twitch. “Deandra is here looking for you.”
The tattooed vampire laughed. “She is persistent when she wants something. How long has she been here?” Kaen took a deep breath, and faced his vampire friend as Faelwen held up three fingers for hours. “Where is she, by the way?”
“First landing.”
* * * *
Kaen found her pacing angrily for being kept waiting. “Deandra, what brings you here?”
“Looking for you. You disappeared so suddenly, and no one knew where you went, so I tried you here and since been waiting for three bloody hours. Your dark skinned bodyguard wouldn’t let me in. What are you doing in there anyway?”
Kaen stepped close. “Careful dear, you sound like you think you have a claim on me. Do try and remember your manners when speaking to your betters, all right?”
She stood her ground. “You are not my better, Kaen. I need to know where you in case I have questions about the ceremony. This is moving quickly and right now, I need you to meet the tailor so he can have you try on the suit.”
“Ah, I see. If that is all, then by all means, I’ll keep you informed until the ceremony takes place. Is the tailor in my quarters now?”
She was seething. “Yes, he has been waiting for over three hours.”
Kaen smiled at her waspish response and strode from the room, confident she would calm down once he had her in bed. “Will I see you tonight?”
He heard her sigh behind him. “Of course.”
“Excellent. I’ll see you then.”
* * * *
“You know I should flay you alive for deflowering my sister.” King Ondre snarled. He was still irritated about Deandra marrying this man. He appreciated Kaen for his crueler side, and his coven had given him access to delve into his desires, but he didn’t approve of this marriage. He’d have a private word later with his sister on her poor taste in husbands. For now, he just tolerated the situation until he could do something about it.
“What’s done is done, my liege.” Kaen lounged in a chair off the side, sipping wine. It was later that afternoon and the servants were scurrying around with last minute preparations with Ondre’s formal doublet. A button was missing and the king was not pleased. Kaen watched this with mute amusement, choosing to lean back.
He knew this was the dangerous part of the plan. Ondre could banish him at any time. Kaen implanted coercions for the past two days to prepare him for this announcement. So far, they seemed to be working. It was a game to find the right balance between acceptance and fury. It would be odd if Ondre were not just a little incensed that his sister did this behind his back. However, Kaen needed to keep a tight control on Ondre’s temper so he wasn’t thrown out before the ceremony.
King Ondre turned slowly and the look on his face was murderous. “Don’t play games. Nothing is ‘done’. I could put a stop to this as she is technically my ward.”
Kaen nodded. “My apologies, liege. I meant no disrespect. The ‘done’ comment is related to the fact we are in love, sir. That is not something to joke about.” He flashed a smile meant to be sincere, but the scar on his face only pulled it half way into a grimace.
Ondre’s face scrunched into a sour frown. “That’s why I’m allowing it. I do have to say though; you’ve ruined my plans on shipping her far, far away. You’re the only man in this realm willing to tolerate her.”
“Pardon?”
“I had a betrothal contract in the works with Hyoden, one realm over. Their young king is looking for a bride. It would have been a wonderful elevation for my dear, annoying sister. Not to mention, she would become someone else’s problem.”
Kaen knew Ondre was an ass, but this was by far the most idiotic thing he had heard. “King Ondre, you’re unmarried with no heirs. Isn’t it dangerous to deport your crown princess?”
Ondre waved his hand. “No. I have a lady in waiting who is going to fill that honor. She’s already given me two daughters, and I’m waiting for a son before I make it official and legitimize him.” He glared at Kaen. “Nice to know you think I make dangerous decisions.”
The vampire growled then checked his anger. He couldn’t lose his temper right now. This news wasn’t good, because it now meant he had to hunt that bloodline down and destroy any remnants so there could never be an uprising of bastard blood. “I never said that, sir. I was merely curious of the rationale. As one would expect, you have thought it all through perfectly.” Kaen tipped his head again and went back to sipping wine.
Ondre just stared at the man who was about to become the crown prince. He really needed to get that son so he could move him lower in line to the throne. Maybe he should do it now and legitimize his daughters, yet that wasn’t what he really wanted. He wanted a son on the throne, not a daughter.
“Why are you here?” Ondre asked indifferently before he turned to face Kaen dangerously. The nervous servant dropped another button and it rolled across the floor to Ondre’s slippered feet. His annoyance grew.
They still had hours before the ceremony, so Kaen decided to use it wisely. He wanted to give Ondre a little gift to pacify him. “I came to discuss new residents in the dungeon, sire. There are a few I think you will find interesting.”
His curiosity was piqued. “Oh?”
“There is a man and a woman that I’m holding out for your enjoyment. Both appear to be sturdy and should present you with ample sport. Shall I give the order to have food brought to keep their strength up?”
A wicked smile caused Ondre’s face to pull tight, “Oh, yes. I’ll attend the woman tonight.”
“Most excellent,” Kaen wanted Ondre occupied when he played with Deandra. In the mood Ondre was in, there was a good chance he interrupt them.
Pacing, Ondre turned with a wicked smirk, “Set it up.”
“Excellent, I’ll make the arrangements and have her brought to your torture room at third bell?”
“Yes, yes.” Ondre waved.
Kaen saw the excitement on the king’s face and knew the poor woman wouldn’t survive long. It had been three days since Ondre had proper entertainment. Kaen hoped this would earn him some favor with the king. Ever since Talon’s humiliating attack, Ondre had lost faith in the Dûr Falas and that put the vampires on shaky ground. Kaen needed to correct that.
It was a surprising question, “Actually yes. Faelwen is leading that, but already we’ve found a handful of strong men with tendencies that lean towards our needs.”
Ondre lifted one brow, “Where?”
“Your mines sir. We specifically asked for the men who imprisoned for a crime not working off debt. He will keep searching. I lost twenty good men, plus all my newborns against Talon. I want them replaced.”
Ondre nodded, “Take what you need and rid me of the vermin there.”
“As you wish, sir.” Kaen hinged his upper body and half bowed, “If you’ll excuse me, there a wedding plans that your lovely sister needs my assistance on.” He paused, “Shall I meet you in the cell this evening or is Faelwen good enough?”
Ondre was lost in thought, so it took him a moment to realize what Kaen was asking, “Faelwen?”
“Yes, next to me, he is the most talented with coercions.” Kaen was cautious as he watched Ondre. Ondre preferred Kaen at his side. However he was greedy and if it meant he could still play with his toys, he’d take anyone.
“Faelwen is acceptable. As long as I have those implants to increase the terror, I care not.”
The smirk Kaen hid behind his hand was wicked. His dream of controlling this entire realm was so close. He wished this damn wedding was over so he could put his next plot into motion.
Looking at the weasly man sitting there, dreaming of torture, Kaen sneered.
He needed to kill Ondre.
* * * *
Lainey woke quickly. Someone was in the room and they were human, because her fangs surged forth. She smelled blood and she was hungry.
Turning her head and sniffing, she recognized the source as the warm naked body sprawled out next to her. He was asleep from the exhausting night they had just shared. Lainey didn’t know how to describe how this sight made her feel. Dace had stayed. She could not help but smile at that, before the insatiable thirst consumed her again as his heart continued to push his hot blood through his veins.
Groaning, she turned away from him and left the bed to find a robe. “Talon?”
Groggily, and thick with sleep, his mind responded, “Lainey?” Then more alert, “What’s wrong?”
Lainey was near panic. “I don’t know what to do. I, uh…I need to hunt.”
“Is Dace still with you?” She heard his alarm, making her look worriedly back to the bed where Dace lay peaceful and asleep. His long thick body filled the majority of the bed, and the sheet had slid off his midsection revealing his semi-hard erection. “Yes.”
“Get out of there, Lainey. Now. Dress and meet me in the hallway. We’ll go right away.”
“Talon…I…”
“I know. I understand. Grab your clothes and dress in the outer room. Just leave now.”
She could not ignore the firm command in his tone, so she grabbed what clothes she could find and ran from the room. Just as she put on her shirt and tucked it in, Talon emerged. His short hair was perfectly brushed, and his clothes were impeccable. If it weren’t for his the sleepy response from a moment ago, she would have sworn he had been awake for hours.
“What happened?” she asked in fragile voice. “I fed last night. Why am I so hungry?”
Talon laughed. “Because my dear, you used up all that energy in your reunion with Dace.” He laughed again at the pink shade that flushed her skin and a small sound vibrated in her throat.
“Seriously, am I going to have to go through that again in a few hours?”
Now Talon bellowed a gutter laugh and pulled her into an affectionate hug, “Unfortunately yes. Until you master this, poor Dace is your sexual slave.”
“What’s this?” Both Talon and Lainey spun around, shocked that neither smelled him. Dace leaned on the door frame as he watched with a jealous possessiveness.
“Easy, Dace,” Talon chuckled. “We’re just going hunting. I suggest you regain your strength.”
Dace stepped forward and blocked their exit. “No.”
Lainey narrowed her eyes in annoyance. Some things never change. She hated it when he tried to control her before just as much as she hated it now. She was doing this for him damn it and he was going to stop her? “Dace, do you have any idea where we’re going?”
“To feed.”
“Then stand aside.” When he didn’t move, “Please.”
He didn’t. “No. I don’t like the idea of you feeding on strangers.”
“You have no choice. If you don’t move, I’ll turn on you. I need to go!” She shook with agitation, pleading wildly with her eyes. This was getting annoying.
“I wasn’t kidding last night. I accept you for what you are—fangs and all. Feed off me.” For dramatics he extended his neck and watched her eyes widened. She even swallowed a few times to stop her primal urge to pounce, but she could not stop her fangs from appearing to their full length.
Talon interrupted this little love game, “You have no idea what you’re offering. I suggest you go rest until we return. You can expect the same mood as last night.”
“No. She stays,” he demanded in an authoritative tone.
Lainey shivered as her hunger burned along her nerves. He smelled so good and his scent was intoxicating. Lainey tore her eyes away from his neck to plead with Talon. She wanted Dace and she wanted his blood.
Talon spoke privately to her, “Get him to stand down. You are not in a position to do this with him yet.”
Her eyelids slowly closed blocking her sight. She didn’t want to look at him at the moment. This was too close to the argument from days ago. “Please Dace, don’t do this. Let me go and we can talk about this later. I—” her cheek flinched when his heart rate increased. Another shattering wave of hunger tormented her. She stood there with balled fists, “I can’t do this with you.”
The moment was not lost on Dace either. He recognized her words and the whole conversation felt familiar. It was enough to distract him. He wasn’t about to lose her again because he gave in.
Talon ended this little stand off by grabbing her elbow painfully and dragging her from the room. Behind him, he slammed the door before Dace could react. “Go. Now.” He ordered. She needed no urging and stormed from the building into the bright sunlight of a new morning.
* * * *
Dace kicked the couch in frustration before he sat down in defeat. Damn it!
Kailani sauntered into the room looking refreshed and relaxed, clearly unperturbed by the scene that just played out. “You are either stupid or hopelessly in love.” She commented as she lit a fire to heat water for tea.
Dace continued to sit there, staring at the ceiling in a catatonic state.
“She’s still young, Dace. Her control is not good. If she slipped, you’d be dead in a heartbeat. Let her learn how to control this before you make such an offer to her again.” Her compassion resurrected him from his stupor.
“I don’t like it. I could manage it when we were estranged, but now…now I can’t stand the thought of her placing her mouth on anyone else’s neck.” His voice trailed off as he watched her go about her day. It never ceased to amaze him how graceful she was, even doing simple chores such as make tea. Frankly, the fact she was doing chore was strange for some reason.
“Give it time. Tea?” She took down two mugs when he nodded. “I’m glad you came around. She’s been devastated.”
That caused a slight tick in his cheek as he continued to watch her, “Why didn’t you go with them?”
Kailani straightened up from the fire and met his evaluation full on, “Because Talon is training her in this. Another vampire would only cause her to become protective and the results would be disastrous. I’ll hunt later.” She shrugged, “I can go a while longer b
efore it becomes uncomfortable.” Then she winked, “Plus, I need to be ready for when they return or Talon will be in a sour mood all day.”
Dace literally groaned as he realized what Talon had said a few minutes before. He was so consumed with jealously that he hadn’t really heard him, “I don’t think I can keep up with her again.” He rubbed his face at this point and leaned forward to accept the tea Kailani held out. He scooted to the side to allow her a place to sit and leaned back.
Even though Kailani looked younger than Dace himself, she spoke like a matron of many years. “You’ll manage. Believe me, when your lover is charged and in that state, your body can’t help but respond.” She patted his leg in feigned comfort, “Not to mention, I think you did just fine last night from what I could hear.”
He actually blushed. “Oh no, you heard.”
“It was a little difficult to avoid.” Kailani let the space of silence of his embarrassment stretch into long minutes before he asked his next question.
“How long have you been with Talon?”
“Two hundred years, give or take.” She looked shyly at him, “I’ve lost count.”
He nearly spilled his tea as scalding hot water splashed on his hand from choking mid-sip. “Two hundred years?” His eyes roamed over her face in disbelief. “You look no older than nineteen at the most.” Dace continued to eye her, waiting for a laugh to announce she was jesting. None came.
“He claimed me as I was the legal age to marry.”
He sat there in a state of disbelief as he watched her sip her tea as if this conversation was about as common as discussing the weather. “Where?” he asked in a hushed tone.
“Do you really want to know this?”
He nodded once and she read the anxiety in his eyes. He needed to talk.
“I’m from a village far to the north in the foothills. A farming town, really. Talon came through one fall day and just watched me while I worked in a field of potatoes. The longer he watched, I recalled how uncomfortable I became, because I was dirty, sweaty and up to my elbows in mud. I knew what he was, but couldn’t help finding him so very handsome.” She sipped her tea. “Later that night, the village leader came to our house to announce that I was chosen to appease the vicious killer stalking our lands. I was to be offered as a means to keep the peace.” That raised the corner of her mouth, and she turned to look at Dace with a dreamy amused look in her eyes, “Talon had implanted images in their minds that he was dangerous and would kill everyone if he was denied what he wanted. Me.”