All three of them turned to see who had spoken, but Mariska already knew who it was. She would recognize the voice of Daemons personal advisor anywhere. The beautiful taltos was enchanting. She could charm anyone and had the uncanny ability to read minds. She was older than almost all supernatural and as a taltos, she had been born with all the knowledge of her kind and the universe. Still, she was a kind and loving, if not slightly impatient and overbearing individual. When Mariska had first met Elso, she had felt old and frumpy. The woman was tall, lean, pale and stunning. Even compared to the other taltos, she stood out among them because of her unmatched beauty.
“Sweet mother of god, who are you?” said Jamesson, stumbling over his own feet to meet the taltos.
Mariska rolled her eyes, leave it to Jamesson to fall for the most elusive creature on the planet.
Elso laughed enchantingly, “Jamesson, you are everything Mariska said you were and more.”
Mariska's head shot up; I didn't tell you about him, she thought.
There was no need, thought the taltos, winking at Mariska.
It took Mariska several moments to realize what had just happened. When she did understand, it made her go pale. She groped around behind her for a chair, something to lean on.
Easy child, I will explain it all in time. Thought the taltos.
Mariska didn't have time to think about what was happening to her before her father and Daemon joined the small group.
“Apardia, it's good to see you again,” said Daemon as he stepped next to Mariska and put a gentle hand on her waist.
Mariska's father didn't seem surprised. No doubt him, and Daemon had already discussed the fact that he and Roje’s daughter were an item. Daemon came from an ancient class of beings; he always did things the proper way. He would be shocked when he found out she was pregnant.
Elso chuckled softly to herself, she had been listening to Mariska's thoughts, again. Mariska glared at the taltos but didn't say or think anything.
“Whoa, what do you think you're doing their bud?” asked Jamesson, stepping over to Mariska and all but pulling her away from Daemon.
Daemon smiled at the young man, and Mariska cleared her throat, “Jamesson, it's okay.” she said, blushing.
Jamesson looked from Daemon to Mariska and let go of her arm; he started to blush as he realized what was going on. “Oh,” he said.
The word once again made Elso laugh. It was a welcome distraction from the tension forming in the air.
“Dear Jamesson, won't you walk with me?” said Elso.
Right away Jamesson forgot about Daemon and Mariska; the taltos already enchanted him. Mariska rolled her eyes, no doubt the old woman would break her friend's heart, and she would spend days hunting him down in various bars.
Elso smiled at the thought and winked at Mariska before walking away, her arm linked in Jamesson’s.
“I believe we need to get to the war room, Mariska, I could use your insight and your parents also if they wouldn't mind joining us,” said Daemon after the odd pair had left.
“We would be honored sir,” said Roje with a bit of dramatic flair.
“Wonderful, we will meet you there, Roje, Apardia,” said Daemon as he turned Mariska from them and started to lead her away from the pair.
Daemon, is everything okay?” ask Mariska with concern, he didn't often seem so on edge.
“No. Mariska, I may have to leave the island.” said Daemon.
Mariska saw a flash of blood. If he left her now, would they ever be together again?
Chapter Two
“What do you mean you have to leave the island, I only just got here. Daemon, I don't want to be separated,” said Mariska, her voice was far needier than she had anticipated.
Daemon smiled, she could see that her worry made him feel loved. “Darling, I am sorry, if there was any other way, you have to know that I wouldn't leave you. I hate the idea of you being in danger,” he said.
“Then why leave at all?” Said Mariska, pouting. “Why would you want to leave us right in the middle of all this danger?”
Daemon looked down at her and smiled. He put his hand on her chin. The show of affection made her blush, and his touch sent a spark through her whole body. They had made love a few hours ago and already she wanted him again. His touch seemed to light her fire every time. He would be the death of her if he kept it up. She was happy to see his smile fading though and desire filling his eyes. Knowing it didn't only affect her made it a little better. He moved in to kiss her passionately, but she stepped away and gave him a sly grin.
“You were talking sir?” she said with a wink.
“Ah, damn. Yes. I have some information from the keepers.” he said, pulling her deeper into a corner of the castle.
One could never be too sure about things. While the castle may seem like a haven, there was always danger lingering in places.
“Mariska, the taltos have many gifts, one of these gifts is being able to feel out certain creatures, like vampires,” said Daemon. “Yelda isn't on the boats with the others.”
“What?” said Mariska in shock.
Yelda was the new leader of the Naqi; he had murdered his father in anger so that he could continue to exterminate all those that he saw as ‘lesser’ beings. Humans and non-vampire supernatural and even vampires that didn't come from a ‘pure’ bloodline. He was ruthless, and Mariska had already had one encounter with him when he kidnapped her to give Daemon a warning, a warning that he was coming for him. It was a warning that Daemon hadn't received, though. In the chaos of the last several days, Mariska hadn't had the chance to tell Daemon about it. She shared this warning with Daemon now.
He had thought for several moments before he spoke, “I believe that his threat was a fake. He doesn't have the courage to come to the Faroe Islands.”
Mariska couldn't believe what she was hearing, “Are you kidding me? You're going to leave when your people need you the most?” she shot at him.
Daemon's temper flared but he held his tongue, “Mariska, I am not leaving my people helpless. The taltos can defeat them before they ever make landfall. If they do breach the shores, we are not helpless. I believe I am leaving them in the hands of the most capable person I know.”
She rolled her eyes at him, “who would be conceited enough to think that they could follow in your footsteps?”
Smiling, Daemon said, “You.”
She shot him a look of disbelief, “excuse me?”
“I am leaving you in charge of the islands. I believe that you have the best heart to make sure that all the people here are protected,” he said lovingly.
“Are you kidding me? I couldn't even pass geography without help, and you expect me to win a war?” she shouted.
Daemon laughed, “I expect you to keep the people calm. The keepers will do all of the hard work okay? I need someone that the people will trust, and they trust and love you. Elso has foreseen it; you will lead them to victory.”
Mariska wanted to hunt down the taltos and smack her in her flawless face. “What does she know?”
Daemon wasn't deterred, though, “I trust Elso, Mariska. She believes in you and so do I. She will be going with me on my journey to Egypt.”
Mariska raised her eyebrow at him once again, “Oh, so you and the beautiful ‘almost God’ are going to leave the island on a dangerous trip and leave me here to deal with everything else? Great. Have fun.” she shot at him.
Now his gaze darkened and he pulled Mariska into his grasp. “Understand something my little empath, it is you I love. I have waited for centuries to find someone who can command my love so honestly, and that is you. Elso is a dear old friend, but she will never match in my heart what I have for you. I am going to fight Yelda but only because I want to live a long life together with you Mariska, not with anyone else. I would forsake everything if it meant I could spend one more moment in your company.”
His honest and passionate words caught her off guard. She rose to her toes an
d kissed him passionately.
He broke away from her after several minutes, breathless; he said, “come with me now.”
She followed behind him until he pulled her into a large dark library where locked the heavy door behind them.
“I cannot wait for you any longer,” he said, already he was unbuttoning her shirt.
She was ready for him as he cupped her breasts in his large hands. His head bent down as he tenderly bit her erect nipples. She let a moan of pleasure escape her lips as she reached for his shaft, already hard in his pants. Now she was the one who couldn't wait. She fumbled with his zipper and found it just as his hands moved over her breasts and onto her bare buttocks.
Lifting her from where she stood, Mariska jumped and wrapped her legs around his waist. He wasn't anticipating her not wearing anything under the long skirt she had on. When she grabbed his rod and pushed her waiting body down onto it, he let out a loud groan and pushed himself deeper inside of her. Using the wall as a platform, they thrust together in unison until they reached a crushing climax.
As she peaked, she screamed out his name. She felt his teeth brushing her neck and begged him to taste her flesh which he willingly did. The pain brought her pleasure to another exploding climax. As her body clamped down on his manhood, he pinned her against the wall and came to a second peak while softly saying her name.
After several moments, they collapsed together onto the soft carpet of the room. They laughed at the spontaneous moment of passion.
“Mariska, I’m sorry that I have to go.” he said as he sat up.
“I know, I wish you didn't have too, but it's for a good reason,” she said. “Do you really think I will be able to take care of things?”
He smiled as he helped her to her feet, “if I didn't think that you could do it, I wouldn't be leaving. I am sure that Elso could handle it but still, I asked her to come with me. I know that you can do this.”
She blushed at his compliment, “I am glad you have so much faith in me. As long as I don't burn anything down, I did the right thing right?” she said laughing.
He joined her in laughter, “that's the spirit.”
They left the room holding hands. Thankfully, no one had noticed them go in. Mariska kissed him once more before she watched him leave with Elso. She wanted to be left alone, to go to bed and not wake up until her prince returned but she knew that wasn't an option.
“Miss Wasi?” a voice behind her said.
“Yes?” she said as she spun around.
A large, dark and brooding vampire stood towering over her.
“The prince has instructed me to keep you in the forefront of the attack, if you would like to join us at the peak now, we can discuss what is going on.” he said, looking down at her with disdain.
“Oh right, sure.” she said.
As they walked, Jamesson walked up beside her. The giant vampire stepped between the two of them and ordered Jamesson away. Sensing a confrontation, Mariska stepped in and demanded that Jamesson be welcomed along with them.
The vampire glared at her as he said, “Fine, you're in charge after all. Just keep him out of the way.”
Mariska wanted to smack the vampire, but she knew that wouldn't go over well. Instead, she just smiled sweetly at him as they continued to walk up to the peak.
“What a jerk,” whispered Jamesson behind her.
She laughed softly and shook her head at her friend. She would need to talk to him about being a little kinder to their hosts. She didn't want him to get kicked out of the castle. Mariska didn't trust anyone except those she had known from her life before the prince came into it, and they were few and far between. She needed Jamesson there with her, and on his best behavior.
Walking up the steps, she had to wonder, what had she gotten herself into?
Chapter Three
Mariska and Jamesson followed the large man up the steep steps to the outside wall of the castle overlooking the coming ships.
“They have gotten closer,” said Mariska in shock.
“Yes ma’am,” said the vampire, “they seem to have some sort of magic encompassing their ships.”
“I thought only the taltos could provide magic so powerful?” said Jamesson.
“They have a taltos,” said Mariska, barely above a whisper.
Jamesson looked at her in shock. It was unheard of for a taltos to side with darkness. They were, by nature, very peaceful beings.
“Why would anyone do that?” asked Jamesson.
The vampire looked at him, “we don’t know, the keepers are trying to find out who it is, maybe then they will be able to offer some insight into why they are helping the Naqi family. As of right now, we only know that our defenses are not holding up as well as we had hoped, and we need to have a plan if they make landfall.”
“What can we do?” asked Mariska.
The vampire looked at her with disdain, “If I were in charge, I would have all random people fall back to the interior of the castle. If we need to fight, at least, we will know that our people are protected.” said the vampire as he nodded to another man.
The man started to jog over to them, and the vampire relayed the command.
“Also,” added Mariska, “have someone contact all the supernatural natives outside of the castle. The business people, tour guides, and their counterparts. If the Naqi does make it to shore, the last thing we want is a group of sightseeing humans getting caught up in the middle of a bloody battle.”
The vampire looked at Mariska with surprise. She had proven that she knew what needed to be done now to lead the people.
“Very good ma’am,” said the vampire earnestly, “I didn’t mention before, but my name is Soljen. I am the captain of the castle guard.” He bowed to her and gave her a military salute.
“It’s nice to meet you Soljen. What’s the next step in protecting the people?” Asked Mariska
“All we can do is hope that the taltos can do their job. It looks like they are holding them off okay so far.” Said Soljen as they walked over to where the group of taltos was standing.
“Is that supposed to be happening?” said Mariska
Soljen, Mariska, and Jamesson all watched in horror as one of the taltos’ nose started to drip blood. He didn’t break in his chanting, and if he were in pain, you couldn’t tell. Mariska was amazed at their dedication.
“Oh God.” Whispered Mariska.
The same taltos that had suffered from the nosebleed was now shaking, blood began to drip from his eyes and slowly out of his ears. He continued to say the words that were protecting his people though until he collapsed onto the ground. Mariska screamed and ran to his side where he lay twitching.
“Oh my god, someone help me!” she screamed.
“No, please ma’am. I can continue.” He said weakly.
Mariska looked down at the man, “bullshit, your prince left me in charge, and I won’t have you die if it can be prevented.” She shot a look to Soljen, who nodded for two men to come and take away the taltos.
“Make sure he is taken care of and do not let him return until he had healed completely; do you understand me?” said Mariska to the two men.
She spoke with far more confidence than she felt. The men nodded to her, and as the taltos was carried away, a deafening noise came from the shore. Wooden boats were hitting hard rock. They had made landfall. Mariska looked at Soljen, who had the same look of fear on his face.
“What kind of defenses does this place have?” she asked Soljen
“We have one hundred armed guards, plus the twenty-five taltos and around two hundred staff and civilians. Plus, maybe twenty non-essentials.” He replied.
“Non-essentials?” she asked.
“Humans,” said Soljen.
Mariska rolled her eyes; she should have guessed that humans would be considered useless in the eyes of the vast amounts of supernatural power that was surrounding her. She would just have to show them that even those without fangs, claws or super-magic
could be useful. Mariska placed her hands on the castle walls and looked at the ships below them. She focused all her concentration down on them.
“Mariska?” Soljen said.
He moved to touch her, but Jamesson stopped him. Jamesson had seen her do this before and touching her would only be a distraction, he explained this to Soljen now.
“What is she doing?” he asked Jamesson.
“Hopefully saving our asses, or, at least, giving us the upper hand.” Said Jamesson with a smile.
Mariska stood as still as a rock for several more minutes. Finally, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. It always hurt when she tried to stretch her mind, but it was worth it if it meant that they had a little extra protection.
“There’s three hundred of them coming this way. Most of them are only loyal to Naqi because he had threatened them and their families. A few are loyal because they agree with his idea that all other races should be eliminated. All of them will fight to the death. No one will risk Yelda’s wrath. They plan to charge with their disposable men first while the ones with supernatural powers, like the witches, stay back and take out our taltos one by one.” Mariska paused in her speech to take a deep breath while she did; she saw Soljen’s look of awe from the corner of her eye.
Mariska continued, “Of the three-hundred, fifty-two of them have magic powers. It takes all of them working together though to bring down one of our ancient taltos. If we are going to strike them, our best defense is going to be to seal the gates. Divide and conquer so that half our taltos are working to bring down their magical beings and the other half are working to push the boats back out to sea. If they can disembark, they have orders to scatter and go to the villages, killing as many unsuspecting innocents as possible before they are taken down. We won’t stand a chance if their gates drop.”
Soljen was still looking at her like she had two heads when she finished. “Wow, umm, okay,” He said dumbly.
She smiled at him; she used to the same reaction when people realized she was more than just a pretty face. “How about we start with talking to the taltos and letting them know what we are up against?” she suggested.
VAMPIRE:Vampire Guardian Series: Paranormal Mystery Vampire Alpha Male Romance (New Adult Contemporary Paranormal Royalty Fantasy Romance Collection)) Page 6