VAMPIRE:Vampire Guardian Series: Paranormal Mystery Vampire Alpha Male Romance (New Adult Contemporary Paranormal Royalty Fantasy Romance Collection))

by Rachel S. William

The flight was rather short, well, maybe it was short. Mariska kept dozing in and out of sleep, leaning against Daemon’s shoulder. Everyone’s emotions were so strong and they were making her exhausted. The only way she could get through the flight was to sleep.

  She wished the Elso was there. Elso managed to neutralize most of the emotions around Mariska, but the woman was far too sick. The Taltos had managed to enchant her, but the only way to do it in the first place was to put a spell on her and put her in a deep sleep. Jamesson was watching over her, but Mariska still wanted the Taltos close.

  As the plane started descending, she looked across at one of the Valkyrie staring into space. She was a beautiful woman with a tall, lean build and long blonde hair. Most of them looked the same, though Mariska guessed that was because of the rather homogenous breeding.

  “Ma’am?”

  The woman looked at Mariska and straightened herself, not addressing her directly but looking attentive. Mariska had noticed this about the Valkyrie.

  “How…Are we going to get to the Wolf Queens palace once we land?”

  “There are vehicles stowed in the planes. This is the third round of us who have been dispatched out. All in all, there will be about five thousand soldiers ready at your order.” She said with a nod as if that wasn’t anything terribly important.

  The idea of being responsible for the lives of five thousand soldiers was daunting. She started to see flashes of bodies, remembering all those poor people who she’d failed to protect in her own kingdom. She felt a knot in her throat and turned away, her eyes burning with tears.

  Daemon put an arm around her and pulled her close. He knew what she was feeling and he was feeling it too, though he knew he had to stay strong. Mariska needed support and he was going to be that support.

  The rest of the flight was uneventful and the ride in the military vehicles was just as quiet. Mariska was starting to get more than a little concerned. She glanced down at the blessed knife in her hands, knowing it was going to be one of the only ways to take out the Wolf Queen. She was enchanted and Mariska knew that things could get hairy without the knife. She hid it in her jacket, looking up as they rode towards the looming castle.

  As they approached, the wolf army waited for them, standing in neat lines, staring at them with cold dead eyes. Mariska had never noticed before but they seemed as if they weren’t in their own bodies. They seemed like they were possessed.

  Amira stood at the head of the army, wearing traditional battle wear and a long flowing dress. Her pride and vanity seemed to have no limits.

  “It was nice of you to show up, Amira…After you so rudely departed the last time.” She whispered, her eyes narrowed and her teeth bared.

  Mariska looked at the Taltos and then looked all around her. There were so many lives that could be lost. She closed her eyes, feeling her heart swell and pound in her chest. She knew she needed to listen to her heart. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled, putting on an air of fake cockiness.

  “I have to admit…I always thought you were rather pathetic…Having your dog’s fight for you.” She whispered, staring Amira down.

  Amira cocked a brow and watched Mariska closely, drawing her lip back into a snarl. “How dare you…” She whispered, her eyes alight with anger.

  “You know what I’m saying is true. You aren’t even willing to fight your own battles.”

  “Shut your mouth!”

  Anger rolled inside her belly, but she recognized it as Amira’s and not her own. She was getting under Amira’s skin. Daemon glanced at her, his own eyes narrowed. “What are you doing?” He whispered, his voice filled with worry and even a little bit of anger.

  Mariska glared at him and then turned back to Amira. She had to do this. She had to listen to her heart. “This is about me and you, Amira…You know the future…You know the prophecy!” She snapped.

  Daemon frowned and turned to face Mariska as she stepped forward. Elso had told her the future in secret…She’d told her the reason Amira wanted to destroy her and the kingdom and why she’d waited until Mariska was there to make her move.

  Her eyes were narrowed, searching the battle field for her parents. There were a few soldiers sneaking through the woods, set on finding Mariska’s parents. Elso’s father wasn’t even on their radar. He was a traitor and could rot for all Mariska cared. Once Amira was gone the binding spell between Elso and her father would be broken, and that was exactly why Mariska’s focus was on Amira.

  “This battle is between us…You want me dead because you know that my child is the rightful heir to these lands…And you know I am the only one who can destroy you.” She whispered. “Fight your battles, you no talent hack! You want me dead? Come skin me for yourself.”

  Amira’s eyes flashed with amusement and she removed her silk cape, letting it flutter to the ground, taking a few steps forward.

  “With pleasure.”

  Chapter Nine

  Daemon’s hand snatched out and grabbed Mariska’s wrist, his eyes wide with fear “What the fuck are you doing?” He hissed, eyes narrowed.

  She pulled her arm from his and reached up, touching his cheek tenderly. “Trust me.” She whispered, standing on her toes and kissing him tenderly.

  He hesitated, but then gently released her, deciding that she was right. He had to trust her. He nodded slowly, though he did not let go right away. After a moment, she pulled away and stepped forward, staring Amira down.

  As their eyes met, Mariska was overwhelmed with the feeling of sudden fear and inadequacy. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared at Amira who was smirking at her. There was a sudden pressure pressing against the back of her skull. It felt as if someone was trying to literally get inside her mind. She stumbled back a moment and swallowed as Amira approached her, quickly closing the space between them.

  A few soldiers started to approach them as well, but Amira’s eyes darted to them and they stopped dead in their tracks. Mariska grit her teeth and glanced over at her lover, seeing him shaking, reaching out to her, his eyes glazed over.

  “What have you done?” Mariska whispered, her voice shaking with what she could only assume was fear.

  Amira clicked her tongue, closing the space between them as she reached out and touched Mariska’s face. “Sweet girl.” She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm and disgust. “You haven’t figured it out yet?”

  Mariska frowned, but remained silent, though it wasn’t by her own will. Amira ran her fingers through Mariska’s hair. “You wanted to challenge me? I will show you the full extent of my power.” She whispered, eyes narrowed. “The Taltos all have their own gifts…Mine just happens to be mind control. It makes it rather easy to convince this mob of imbaciles to do all of my dirty work.” She said with a smirk, motioning towards the wolves. “But you’re right. That would be far too easy. I want to tear you apart piece by piece with my own hands.” She whispered, grinning

  Mariska felt a growl bubble from her throat. “Release them.” She whispered, glancing over.

  The Valkyries who’d snuck in to save Mariska’s parents were working their way back into the woods, two limp bodies thrown over their shoulders. Her heart thudded in her chest, but she did her best not to let it show on her face. Her parents could be just fine. She had to focus on Amira.

  “Why are you doing this, Amira?” Mariska whispered, hoping to distract the woman.

  Amira chuckled and started to circle Mariska, running one talon-like finger nail along her neck. She could feel the warm trickle of coppery fluid start to run down her neck. She was surprised that she could still bleed despite the fact that she’d been changed already.

  “I am not the type of person who wants to share.” She whispered in Mariska’s ear. “The power these lands hold will be mine and I will do anything to take it.” She whispered.

  A sharp pain ran through Mariska’s body, starting in her lower back and radiating outward. A twisting motion solidified Mariska’s assumptions and she screamed aloud, sinkin
g to her knees as the pain made it impossible to stand.

  The blade sunk into Mariska’s flesh over and over again, digging in between her shoulder blades and puncturing her lungs. She gasped and crumpled to the floor as Amira came to stand before her, holding the knife and examining the blood stained weapon.

  “It’s a shame it had to end this way, Mariska.” She said, looking down at the crumpled, bloody woman.

  Mariska was gasping for breath, blood leaking from her lips and pooling on the ground. Amira squatted near Mariska’s body, looking her over, cocking her head to one side. “We could have been allies, you know.” She said after a moment, reaching out and touching Mariska’s hair, brushing her bloodies fingers over the woman’s dark, olive skin.

  “You have the makings of a good leader. We could have ruled together. It’s a shame you had to die.” She whispered, pulling Mariska up to her knees, holding her up by the front of her jacket.

  The world was starting to spin, but Mariska could see into Amira’s eyes. The woman had no idea she was a vampire. Sure the collapsed lung was making it hard to breathe, but Mariska knew her wounds would heal. She couldn’t let Mariska know…Not yet. That little voice in her head was still guiding her, urging her to fight.

  It was up to her now. The armies were still frozen in place, though her parents were safe at least. If she was going to end this without bloodshed, she was going to have to act fast. She reached out to brush her fingers against Amira’s robes, coughing up blood.

  “Oh, Mariska…You look so delicious like this.” Amira whispered, leaning in, a cruel smile playing on her lips.

  She leaned close and gently pressed her lips to Mariska’s her tongue darting out to taste the blood. She pulled away, licking her own lips, grinning. “It’s a real damn shame you’re going to die.”

  “Not…Today…” Mariska wheezed.

  In one swift moment she pulled the enchanted knife from her jacket and plunged it into Amira’s chest. Amira dropped Mariska to the ground, staring down at the knife as it began to glow. A horrific scream erupted for the Taltos’ lips as she stumbled back, yanking at the knife and trying desperately to pull it out.

  No matter how hard she tried, the knife wouldn’t budge. Fire erupted around the knife, slowly starting to engulf Amira. Their eyes locked for a brief moment and the fear and confusion in Amira’s eyes was almost enough to make Mariska feel sorry for her. Amira was power hungry and she let it engulf her life. Now, that very same desire was going to eat her alive.

  Soon enough Amira crumbled to ashes, blowing away as a breeze came through the battlefield. The haze of confusion that seemed to have fallen over both armies dissipated and everyone looked around, confused and unsure as to what had just happened.

  Mariska turned, blood still dripping from her wounds. She considered explaining everything, but before she could get a word out the world went black and her legs gave out from underneath her. She felt as if she were falling forever, only able to hear the desperate cry of Daemon as he rushed to scoop her into his arms.

  At least she could rest.

  +

  Chapter Ten

  When Mariska’s eyes finally fluttered open she soon realized that she was back in her own bedroom…The bedroom she shared with Daemon. Elso was at her bedside, smiling softly and brushing her fingers through Mariska’s hair.

  “Welcome back to the world of the living, my dear.”

  “I…I died?”

  She chuckled and shook her head. “Of course not…I was using what you humans call an ‘expression’.”

  Mariska smiled, just happy to see that Elso was back to normal again. After a moment, however, a frown settled on her face.

  “How…How long have I been out?” She asked weakly.

  “A few days. Your body needed time to heal.”

  “Heal…OH! Oh my god! My baby!” She gasped, touching her belly, eyes wide.

  “Your baby is fine.” Elso said, putting her hand over Mariska’s own hands. “He’s a tough little guy…Just like you.”

  Mariska let out a shaky breath, closing her eyes and leaning back against the head board. There were so many questions running through her mind. Elso just chuckled and caught her eyes, touching her cheek.

  “Your parents are fine, Daemon is fine and the werewolves that were under Amira’s control have returned to their packs or come to like here. Many of them had been kidnapped by Amira. Their families are eternally grateful to you for saving their sons.”

  Mariska smiled and patted Elso’s hand gently. “Sometimes I’m glad you can read my mind, Elso.” She said with a soft sigh.

  “It simplifies things, doesn’t it?” She hummed playfully.

  Mariska chuckled, her eyes falling on the doors as they were pushed open, squeaking on their hinges. Daemon wandered inside, looking exhausted, though his eyes lit up when he saw that Mariska was awake.

  He closed the space between them quickly, throwing his arms around her and holding her close. “Mariska!” He gasped, holding her to his chest. “God, I was afraid you’d never wake up.”

  Elso patted his shoulder gently. “I told him over and over again that you just needed rest, but you know it’s impossible to keep him from worrying.” She said, standing and starting to leave the room. She knew that they probably wanted some privacy.

  Mariska smiled and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight, pressing kisses to any bit of skin she could reach. “You should have known I was going to be fine. I told you to trust me, didn’t I?”

  He sighed and leaned back, cupping her cheek. “I was terrified, Mariska…You just…You decided to attack her on your own and I had no idea that was your plan!”

  “I didn’t really either…Not until I was face to face with her. I was kind of afraid of telling you I was playing it by ear.” She said with a nervous laugh.

  He cupped her cheeks and pressed their foreheads together. “You’re so damn reckless. You scare me to death.”

  She smiled and pressed her lips to his for a moment. “But now it’s over…It’s all over.” She sighed, cupping his cheek in her own hands. “We can finally start our life together.”

  Daemon chuckled softly, his laughter full of relief. “Are you done with war?”

  “I am done with war.” She assured with a smile.

  He nodded and sighed, moving to lie down with her, curling around her. Mariska sighed and buried her face in his chest, enjoying his scent. Part of her had been afraid that she’d never be held by him again. She’d thought her life was going to end in that field. There were assumptions she’d made about her own mortality, but she had no way of knowing whether or not those stab wounds would kill her. All she knew was that she had to trust her heart and trust fate.

  “Daemon…I’ve spent the last few days lying in bed…”

  “I know. I know, darling.” He whispered, kissing her hair. “Just let me have a moment to hold you.” He whispered. “I saw everything. I saw everything that happened to you and I couldn’t do anything.” He whispered weakly.

  Mariska cupped his cheek. “You were there…You gave me strength just by being there. It was my fight and I don’t want you to feel like you failed. You’ve done so much for me and for all of your people and together…We are going to do bigger and better things. Our son is going to take over this land and our family with rule with strength and grace. Our love is what will make our country strong.”

  Daemon smiled a little. “You’re right…You’re always right.”

  Mariska just grinned. “I know.”

  The laughed together and in that moment, everything was perfect. Mariska had never been one to believe in fairy tales or happy endings, but despite her skepticism…She found her own happily ever after.

  Chapter Eleven

  Everything was calm. At least, Mariska thought so. There was a lot of hustle and bustle to prepare for little Jayden’s first birthday, but the fear and anxiety that had ruled their lives for so long was gone and had been for a long time
. There was no more fear or hesitation.

  Jayden was everything a little prince should be. He was happy with bright eyes and dark hair. Mariska couldn’t have picked a more perfect baby if she’d tried. Jayden was everything to her and she loved him desperately.

  Mariska was walking through the gardens, watching butterflies flutter and land on the flowers that were finally starting to bloom. Jayden’s eyes widened and he started bouncing on his mother’s hip, holding his hands out, though he didn’t say anything. She never thought much of the fact that her son was so quiet. It seemed normal to her.

  Mariska set her little one on the ground and watched him run towards the butterfly. She watched with interest as the butterfly circled Jayden’s head before flying off into the sky. Jayden’s eyes were focused on the butterfly and he seemed sad with it finally disappeared into the great blue sky.

  She smiled and lifted him gently, settling him back on her hip and looking him in the eyes. Sometimes she thought she could see her own joy and happiness reflected in his eyes and wondered if he had the same abilities that she had. She stroked his cheek and kissed his forehead. Their communication was silent and even though she knew it was impossible, sometimes she could swear that she heard a tiny voice in her head saying ‘I love your mommy.' But that was ridiculous, wasn’t it?

  Mariska carried Jayden back into this house, setting him down. He didn’t go anywhere for a moment and finally turned to his left, grinning brightly as Elso came through one of the many doors, her robes sweeping the ground as she moved. It was almost as if Jayden somehow knew she was going to be coming through that very door.

  Elso glided across the marble and swept Jayden into her arms. The little boy let out a squeal of excitement but made no other noises. He reached out and touched Elso’s cheeks like his mother did to him and stared deep into her eyes.

  Mariska smiled softly and bumped her forehead against his before setting it down a little. “He’s a gifted child, isn’t he?” She asked.