I’d spent my years as hiding with a traveling carnival. Being a smaller blue-black bear with wings tended to garner attention. Finally, the Fae trackers had found me. There was a pretty price on my head. I should take the compliment but instead I felt nothing but insulted. I hated running, and I was exhausted from always looking over my shoulder.
I’d always hoped to find another one—just one like me. It would get these Fae trackers off my ass and show the Fae council that they couldn’t kill me. I wanted that damn price off my head. I wanted my freedom and peace. It was only a matter of time before they caught me. In fact, they could have already, but these fucks liked to play.
I hated games, and this was no different.
I was so lost in my thoughts I’d missed the scent and the flutter of wings in front of me. I tried to stop my momentum but it was too late. The Fae was tall and thin with a bare chest. He wore trousers that fit like a second skin. They were black matching the suede boots that tied up the side of his calves. I wasn’t sure why I paid so much attention to him considering the sword he held was meant to take my head…
Only he didn’t do as I planned. Instead he shoved the blade right through me to the hilt. I didn’t even have it in me to growl. The agony started from the front of my chest and ended on the other side. My body shook and I panted before he yanked the sword back out adding more fiery pain through my body. A shifter could handle a lot but even this was too much for both sides. It was iron. As my body shook I was forced back into my human shape laying on my back and covered in dirt and blood. I felt the beat of my heart slow. I knew in that moment they had finally won. I was going to die.
Chapter 2
Azaria
Julian followed me around like I was going to run. He wasn’t totally wrong, but dammit. I needed time alone. I was sick of being watched like a hawk. Sometimes a woman needed a break. He didn’t seem to understand that. I walked down the corridor of the castle and looked over my shoulder to make sure I was alone before opening the trap door to the tunnels.
Most people didn’t know the original layout of the large castle. It had been in my family for hundreds of years. The Lucians were always royalty. They always ruled the Vampires. When Thomas Lucian came to the US and established his place, we’d stayed from then on. My family history was full of blood and pain, but I hoped to change that. It was time for the Lucians to pass the reign to someone else. Not that my parents would ever go for it. Father was nearing retirement. I knew that was why he pushed so hard, but he had to realize pushing only made me want to rebel.
I didn’t need light to guide me through the tunnels. I hefted my bag over my shoulder clenching the strap tight in my hands. I didn’t want to lose it. Ghosts loved to play pranks and this wasn’t the time. Normally I’d indulge them but not today. I was too close to getting away. This time I wouldn’t come back. I would not be bonded to that sorry excuse for a man.
I shuddered when a translucent figured grabbed my arm. “Princess,” he said.
I smiled at the boy I’d spent almost 30 years with. “Milo, my dear, not today, okay.”
He frowned. “Why, princess?”
“I’m leaving.”
He frowned harder. “But you’ll be back.”
I sighed. He was one of the spirits that attached to living creatures. And yes, I was living. My heart beats. I could eat and function like a normal human. I was just a bit extra.
Okay a lot extra, but that was beside the point.
“Not this time buddy.”
He seemed to understand and then cold arms wrapped around me. I gasped when I felt flesh. “You’ve been holding out on me.”
“I just learned how not long ago. I’ve been waiting to show you until I knew I could do it. Now hug me back.”
I did. He was my friend since my childhood. While I grew, he never changed, and I never thought he’d be able to store enough energy to become flesh. “I’m so proud of you.”
He pulled back and beamed. “Why are you leaving?”
“Julian McCallister.”
“Oh.”
And that’s all he needed to hear. “Yeah, Father is forcing the bond. I can’t do it. You know I need my mate.”
He nodded because he did know everything. I should have been worried that my best friend was a ghost who couldn’t move on, but it never fazed me. Milo was always there. He always seemed to know more than he should. He was killed at 15, drained by a rogue in this very castle. His mother worked for the family, and they lived in their own wing. It was devastating to the family that one of their own had drained him dry. He never held a grudge though, and Mother liked to say he stuck around for me only.
“Can’t I come with you?”
I opened my mouth to say no. He’d been in the castle so long, but I knew he didn’t have to stay. There had been weeks he’d disappear. I never asked where he went; it wasn’t my place. Instead I nodded. It couldn’t hurt to have an extra set of eyes for the Vamps that were going to be on my tail once they realized I was gone for good. I didn’t need that shit.
He smiled and grabbed my hand. This time I saw it coming, but still…something was different about him. How was it after so long he could mimic flesh? Something tugged at the back of my mind, but when he looked down at me I couldn’t help but smile.
I let him hold my hand until at some point he was back to his corporal self. We eased through the tunnels careful not to make noise. Vamps had supersonic hearing, and even though I was one, I hadn’t quite perfected the silent thing yet.
“Almost there, Azaria.”
I nodded seeing the door. I was almost home free. This would be the place I’d get caught if I were going to. But I hoped everyone was distracted enough. Milo rushed ahead and scanned the area. I froze when I saw his astral like body light up like a blue orb.
It was beautiful.
He really had been holding out. I didn’t know enough about those left behind to know how he was capable of this but unease filled me.
He floated back. “Nothing’s there.”
Milo came in handy. I let out a breath and started towards the end of the tunnel again. Each step made my unease grow, and I wasn’t one to ignore my instincts. Milo stood smiling and glowing and it was then I knew…
Milo wasn’t really Milo.
And then I spun and ran back the way I came. I should have known it was too good to be true. There was no way Julian—or my father would let me go. I wondered if I would ever find the freedom I needed.
***
Before the sun rose, Mother came in my room with a frown.
“Why must you always run?”
I huffed; she more than anyone should get it. “You should know why. I don’t want to live like you. I love you and Father, but you’re not in love.”
She moved into the room and shut the door. Her long dress slid along the flow making it appear as if she were floating. Mother was beautiful with long wavy red hair and the brightest green eyes; her Irish heritage, she said. She had the fullest lips and pale skin covered in freckles. I wished I was blessed with her looks. Other than the green eyes I got nothing else from her.
My hair was such a pale blond from a distance most wouldn’t even know I had any hair except I because of how I wear it. My skin was much darker like Father’s, and I had no freckles or anything defining mark marred my skin. Father was German.
“What was your purpose with leaving through those horrible tunnels?”
I sat up and sighed. “I just want a break, to get away for a bit before I’m chained to Julian.”
Mother laughed. “Oh Azaria, you’re so dramatic. He’s a good match for you. If you stopped to learn you might find you liked him.”
Tears filled my eyes and pink stained my cheeks. “No Mother he isn’t. I feel this ache,” I rubbed my hand over my heart. “Where my mate should be.”
Her eyes widened. “Ache. Tell me about it.”
I shrugged. “It just hurts. Fiery pain, all the time.”
“How long?”
This was ridiculous. “How long what?”
She growled and that had my attention. Mother didn’t growl.
“How long have you been hurting.”
“It’s been almost two days.”
Mother nodded and stood up from my bed and paced the room. “I’ll think of something. You must go now though.”
I felt my eyes rise so much my brows rose to my hair line. Mother never defied my father. “What?”
“Go, it’s your mate. And something’s happened to him, and it’s likely he will die without you. He’s got to be close.”
My mate.
How would she know? I went to ask but there was this strange look in her eyes. One that begged me to ask—yet not. She was in her own world. I would listen. I would find him. If my mate really was hurt, I’d save him. He was mine to care for.
Chapter 3
Dulex
I didn’t open my eyes worried where I’d find myself. The pain was excruciating but it wasn’t as bad as it had been when I’d lost consciousness. How could that be? There was no way I’d healed from that iron enough to be alive. I should be dead. They should have won.
But I was alive.
Still with my eyes shut I smelled something delicious. The bear in my head roared and the Fae preened flapping its translucent wings. I pried my eyes open and came face to face with the most beautiful woman Fate had ever created. She smiled at me, and my body went hard. I sucked in a breath.
Mate.
“Holy fuck.”
When her smile disappeared, I realized I said that out loud.
She sat at the edge of the bed and frowned. “Are you hurting really bad?”
I lifted the thin sheet and realized I was naked in a strange bed and my mate was less than two feet away. This had to be heaven. I had literally died and this was my happy place.
“I had to give you my blood. Though I wish I’d known you were Fae too.”
It was then I realized she was a living Vampire. Her fangs extended and she shrugged. “Our kinds don’t get along.”
If that wasn’t obvious. “I know, but why did you give me your blood. “That was what I tasted on my tongue and my mouth watered. I only craved blood in beast form, and not the way a vampire did, but right at this very moment I think I might have understood her in a way that should have come later.
“You weren’t breathing when I found you. I knew as soon as I felt you a week ago. I knew I had to find you, and I did.”
She smiled at me showing fang and dammit if that didn’t turn me rock solid. I’d never liked a Vamp before.
I sat up slowly as to not open the stitches. I looked down.
Stitches.
She must have really taken care of me. “How long?”
Azaria scooted closer bringing that delectable scent with her, and then I realized—it was her.
“A week. I found you and you were out. You haven’t really woken up, but I did all right I think.”
My hand found hers before I could stop it. It was instinct. My beast was nearly salivating to take a bite out of her. “Thank you.”
“Of course, you’re my mate.”
“Who are you?”
She frowned. “Azaria Lucians, Princess to the King and Queen.”
Oh no.
That couldn’t be good. I had the princess of all Vampires holed away in some place, I had no clue, and now I realized I was the mate to a princess. I wasn’t cut out for this. I was an abomination. I wouldn’t be able to survive and be the mate she needed. Not when there was a high price on my head.
“You’re the princess?”
“I just said that.”
“I see.”
This time her lip wobbled and I felt like an ass. I squeezed her hand. “Look at me.”
She glanced up but struggled to meet my eyes.
“Look at me, Ria,” I said softly.
This time she did and licked her lips. “I don’t have to stay.”
Thump-thump.
The others I shared my soul with weren’t happy. The bear roared in rage. The Fae curled its lip and its wings fluttered.
“No, don’t leave. I’m just shocked that Fate deemed me worthy of a mate of your stature.” It was true. I never thought I’d ever find a mate. Better yet, the royal vampire princess.
“If you’re sure. I’d like to stay and help you get better.”
“I want you to stay—for good. Where ever it is we are?”
She laughed. “Oh, it’s an abandoned cabin. I have some people after me.”
Great, I did too and now not only was I on the run but I was harboring someone who would be missed. “Why are you hiding?” If someone hurt her, I would rip their hearts out and feed it to them.
She fidgeted and it was then I knew she didn’t want to share, but I needed to know what we were up against. I knew she could hold her own, but she was my mate. I was bound to take care of her. The bond between us would have to be different. I wasn’t any type of Vampire. “Tell me.”
“I’m supposed to be bonded in a few months. Father ordered it. But I can’t do it. I knew you were out there somewhere.” She chuckled and pushed her hair from her face. “Well I knew my mate was close. Mother told me so. Once I felt your pain.”
That told me everything I needed. “You felt my pain—from the attack?”
“Yes, you were stabbed.”
I sucked in a breath. “I should have died.”
“But I found you, saved you. I don’t know what that means though, since I’m a vampire, and a living one at that. My blood is potent”
With how I healed that was obvious. “Thank you, Ria.” I liked calling her that. I was certain no one else did.
“You’re not out of the woods yet. It could very well backfire.”
I tugged on her pulling her closer. She didn’t fight. When she was next to me I brushed her hair from her face realizing how unruly it was. She leaned into my touch and I sighed. Even through the pain for the first time in my life I felt a sort of contentment I’d never thought was possible. It had everything to do with the very woman sitting next to me. I leaned in, hoping it would be okay and brushed my lips across hers. It was a light touch, but it sent a spark through our bodies. She shivered and leaned into the kiss as if she wanted me to press my lips harder against hers.
I did.
Kissing her was like nothing I’d ever felt before. Her lips were full and soft when they moved against mine. The tip of her fangs peaked out and I ran my tongue along the point.
She gasped when they pricked my tongue and pulled away.
When I looked into her eyes, they glowed. She tried to look away but I gripped her jaw. “Never hide who you are from me.”
She licked the tip of her fang that pierced my tongue and the glow grew brighter. And if that wasn’t the sexiest thing he’d ever seen.
“You taste good,” she said and groaned.
I couldn’t agree more about her. I pulled back and smiled. There was no need to rush this. We had plenty of time to create our bond. But first we needed to find a way to survive those who were after us.
***
Azaria
I knew he was my mate before I touched him, but the moment he pressed his lips to mine, it was even more apparent. Lust shot through my body in ways I never knew possible, and just from the smallest of touches. His lips, they were rough, yet smooth at the same time. Who knew a man could make me feel the way he did with just one kiss, and I didn’t even know his name?
“What’s your name?” It should have been the first question I asked. I was more concerned about his wellbeing, at that moment it had been most important.
“Dulex Devore.”
I smiled and held out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
But instead of taking my hand in his he leaned towards me and kissed me a second time. This time he pulled me onto his lap and I gasped hen I felt his arousal, and then when he tensed when my body brushed his wound. I’d done
the best I could with the stitches, but I was no doctor.
When I would have scooted away, he wrapped his arms around me like steel iron. As much as I wanted to be wrapped up in his arms, I wanted him to heal first. I was strong, but not that strong.
“I’m fine.”
“Right.”
He sighed. “Really, having you close helps. A mate is healing to a shifter.”
That much was true, I knew. Through the years I’d heard that, but mating to a shifter had never even crossed my mind. It was going to cause a rift. Because feeling his arms around me was all it took to realize that I wouldn’t ever go back if it meant I couldn’t be with my mate. If I had to bond with a Vamp I’d wash my hands of my family—but only if Father forced my hand. And I wasn’t sure he’d want to do that. Our family would never rule again.
Chapter 4
Azaria
I watched outside standing with my arms crossed, tensed and prepared for them to strike at any moment. I knew they’d found me, but they were toying with me.
I hated that crap.
We needed to leave before they broke the door down, but I couldn’t bring myself to wake him. He needed to heal and I needed to keep him safe. Every instinct I knew I’d one day had fought to the surface. Vampires were protective, but the females…No one messed with the ones we loved. We were possessive and protective. He’d never have to worry about anyone coming after him. Anyone who tried would have to contend with me. And they would learn quickly not to fuck with a Royal.
I sighed. There was only one thing to do—
Go with them without a fight.
Azra & Elise’s Story (Uoria Mates IV Book 10) Page 6