The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) (41 page)

“He looks to be Egyptian,” Tatiana speculated. “It’s in his bone structure and the exotic shape of his eyes.”

“Darian is over sixteen-hundred years old. There’s no telling how old his Maker is. But I’m guessing by the air of arrogance that he had, I’m willing to bet he’s a few more centuries older than Darian, maybe even a millennia or two,” Warren said.

“Yeah, you’re right about the arrogance part. I could tell he was looking down on us. Especially when he asked that question, I could tell he was waiting to see which one of us answered,” Adrian said.

“He probably would have kicked our asses had one of us answered,” Justin said.

Nagesa snorted. “Speak for yourself. I don’t plan on getting my ass kicked so easily.”

Adrian chuckled. “Ditto. Besides, it was vampire business, let them deal with their own shit their own way. Still, I wonder how they met.”

“So Darian and his Master, Kysen, have intrigued you?” Tatiana asked.

“Well Mom, it’s kind of hard not to be intrigued. The vampires I’ve seen pale in comparison to him and Xavier, even John appeared to be stronger than the usual vampire I see around town. When we were in Russia, I saw Xavier rip the heart clean out of a wolf’s chest in a fraction of a second. He scared his other attacker to the point where he tried to flee, but I killed him. But it was then that I saw what a strong vampire could do to a shape-shifter, and it was unnerving,” Adrian said thoughtfully. “Now, don’t get me wrong… I know for a fact that a strong shape-shifter could totally annihilate a vampire weaker than they are, but I’m just saying, I’d never seen it the other way around… know what I mean?”

Xander studied his son. “I have seen the power of older vampires. I have met vampires older than Darian who do not possess the intensity of his aura. He and his are quite formidable. But I do believe the little lady in their lives has the upper hand.”

“As she should,” Rachel and Tatiana said in unison.

“Natasha is a special kind of human,” Warren smiled. “I remember the first time I met her. She was scared out of her mind. Her ability was brand new to her and she was relaying to me the vision she had about those serial murders Matt and I were trying to solve. She was so sweet and so willing to help.”

He reminisced on their first meeting then his expression grew serious. “She was attacked by the wolf when we were in that warehouse. He sliced her wide open and she would have died had Darian not saved her life. I should have never allowed her to join us, but then again, I didn’t expect to luck up and find the killers so quickly either.” He shook his head. “Nah, I still think it was bad judgment on my part. I’m just glad that she survived.”

“He shared his blood with her?” Devin and Justin asked at the same time.

“Yeah, it looked like they both enjoyed it. I can see why those mobsters wanted to sell supernatural blood on the black market. I’m glad you guys took care of them,” Warren said, nodding to Adrian, Nagesa, Devin and Sergio.

“You helped,” Adrian said, smiling.

“Glad that I was able to,” Warren said then he continued his thought about Darian. “But I think it was that moment when Darian and Natasha fell for each other. Then again, I could be wrong.”

They continued to talk about other things more lighthearted for several hours; some even took naps to pass the time away.

Devin’s stomach began to growl. “Okay, I’m hungry and ready to eat,” he declared.

“Now that you mention it, I am, too,” Justin agreed.

Xander playfully rolled his eyes. “Very well, we will order something to eat.” He called for the human servant and ordered food for all.

The group conversed while waiting for their food to arrive. Finally, the human servants returned, covering the buffet table with platter after platter of delectable foods. The hungry shape-shifters formed a line at the table. David smelled the succulent aroma of the cooked meats and sat up instantly. Quickly he climbed off the sofa, running towards the line.

“Back of the line there, little cub,” Devin teased with a chuckle. David looked at the end of the line, pouting. He started slowly towards the back when Devin laughed, his hand darting out, grabbing David by the arm. “Come on,” he said as he made a space for the child to squeeze into.

David looked up at Devin, smiling.

“Thank you,” he said revealing missing teeth.

“It’s cool.” Devin helped him make his plate, they all ate greedily cleaning the platters completely.

After finishing their meals, the shape-shifters lounged on the furniture, drifting off to sleep. David managed to snuggle into the crook of Devin’s bent knees. Devin looked down, smiling at the boy before falling asleep himself.

Chapter Seventeen

Kyse
n awoke and looked at Darian resting in his arms and smiled. He kissed him tenderly on the forehead before climbing out of the bed. He walked to the curtains, opening them wide. The sun was setting and the sky was a reddish-blue, soft rays of light still shone over the horizon. Kysen approached the bed sitting on the edge beside Darian. He brushed a few strands of jet black locks from his child’s face, fingers gently stroking his cheek as he spoke softly to his lover, bringing him awake.

“Darian… Darian, my love, wake up or you’ll miss something very special,” Kysen said over and over until Darian gradually opened his eyes.

Darian’s eyes fluttered open and he looked up at Kysen, grinning then his gaze shot over to the exposed window. He sat up straight when he noticed how light the sky was.

“Oh my God!” he gasped breathlessly, amazed by the miracle. He rose from the bed making his way towards the window. He stared at the sky he had not seen in over sixteen-hundred years.

Kysen chuckled, pleased with his gift. “You are no longer a complete servant to the night.` You are still vulnerable to the sun and must sleep at first sunrise but when the sun in not present and the sky is still blue, you may enjoy it.”

Darian turned to Kysen, a tear trickled down his left cheek.

“Thank you,” he whispered softly, humbled by his new ability.

Kysen rose from the bed, strolling over to him, his hand coming to his fledgling’s cheek, his thumb wiping away the tear.

“Love me,” he whispered seductively. “Keep me inside of your heart that is all that I ask of you. I never want to be apart from you as we were before.”

Darian nodded. “Everything has changed in my life and I want you to be a part of that, Kysen. Know that you are always welcomed.” He looked down at his hands, chuckling gleefully as he gazed at the daylight rays reflected on his skin. “This gift that you have given me,” he looked at Kysen, shaking his head. “I cannot

”

“You have.” Kysen leaned forward, kissing Darian passionately. When he pulled away, he placed his hand on Darian’s shoulders, turning him towards the window.

“Watch,” he instructed.

Darian smiled as he watched the sun set. A multitude of colors blanke
ted the horizon and they stood there together watching the darkness fill the sky.

“You will be able to digest some human food, such as raw liquids without the aid of blood as well as some soups, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The evacuation process is revolting,” Kysen informed with a shiver of disgust.

Darian laughed outright. “I don’t even want to imagine you in such a state.”

“Good, please don’t try,” Kysen smirked. “Come, let us shower.”

He took Darian’s hand leading him into the huge gold and tan marbled bathroom. They stepped into the open shower, and Kysen adjusted the temperature so that hot steaming water poured from all six sprouts. He rubbed soapy oil over Darian’s body, lathering him completely. Darian allowed Kysen to bathe him, relishing the sensation of his Master’s strong hands over his skin.

Kysen embraced Darian, pulling him closer. The two shared another passionate kiss.

“I almost don’t want to let you go,” he said as he released Darian.

Darian chuckled. “I see.” He placed his hands on Kysen’s shoulder, turning him around. “Allow me.”

He massaged the oil over Kysen’s muscular body, rubbing his hands over the plump firm mounds of Kysen’s buttocks then farther down over his powerful thighs and calves. Kysen smiled wickedly as he turned around quickly to face Darian. He looked down at him, a wolfish grin spreading across his lips.

“You’re crafty, but not
that
crafty,” Darian teased as Kysen’s erection bobbed before his eyes.

“Oh my! Whatever do you mean?” Kysen asked, feigning innocence.

Darian raised one eye brow, tossing him a knowing glance. Without another word, he took Kysen into his eager mouth, completely.` His hand massaged Kysen’s scrotum, sending wonderful sensations throughout his loins. Kysen tilted his head back, reveling in the pleasure. Darian suckled, licked and teased him until his body began to tense and his toes curled as his hands gripped handfuls of Darian’s dark, wet hair. Darian quickened his pace, his skillful tongue, throat and lips coaxing Kysen to his highest point of ecstasy. A long shuddering moan erupted from Kysen, his body began to quake as the pinnacle of his climax rippled through him. When it was over and his body ceased its erratic movements, he released Darian, his hand pressed against the wall of the shower for balance.

Darian rose, brushing his long hair away from his eyes. He smiled at Kysen. “That was my last gift to you, Master.”

Kysen looked at him and nodded. “What a wonderful gift,” he said breathlessly. “I don’t recall teaching you that trick either. My, my you have learned a lot.”

Darian smiled wickedly then climbed out of the shower. He toweled off in the bedroom before he dressed. Kysen stepped out of the shower, but didn’t towel off. He lay across his bed, watching him dress.

“Natasha wants to have a birthday celebration for me

” Darian began.

Kysen interrupted with laughter. He threw his head back, laughing without reservation, barely able to catch his breath before another fit of laughter erupted. He looked at Darian, his hand coming up in a gesture for him to continue. “I’m s
orry, please go on.”

Darian looked at him, eyebrows raised. “Are you sure that you can handle the rest?” he asked sarcastically.

“I do believe the worst has passed. Please do go on.”

“You’re unbelievable at times,” Darian said chuckling but he continued. “As I was saying; before I was so rudely interrupted, Natasha wants to prepare a birthday celebration in my honor, I have agreed.”

“Why on earth did you do that?” Kysen asked, genuinely curious. “Feeling nostalgic, were you?”

“Not by any means. This celebration means a great deal to Natasha. I see no harm in allowing it to happen.

“Oh my, you have changed. Do you still hunt at least?” Kysen asked, teasing Darian, but secretly wanting to know the truth.

“Of course I do. I am not weak, Kysen,” Darian said in his defense.

“That is good to know.”

“Why did you

”

Kysen held his hand up, quieting Darian. “I know what you are going to ask me. I simply wanted to understand your feelings for this woman. I am still a bit perplexed as to why you have not given her the gift, making her something more powerful, more exc
eptional, than human.”

“I don’t wish to discuss this.” Darian turned from Kysen as he tied his shoestrings.

“Ahhh, if you can’t even discuss it

”

“Kysen!”

Kysen looked at Darian then nodded. “Very well, I suppose this celebration will take place on the da
te of your
mortal birth
?”

“I believe so.” Darian stood fully dressed. “Would you like to attend?”

“I believe that I will, my coming to your birthday celebration will give me an ample opportunity to meet these two individuals in you life.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll see you there. Thank you for allowing us into your territory and I can’t thank you enough for your gift,” Darian said with heartfelt sincerity.

“Thank you for coming back to me last night. It meant more to me than you can possibly imagine... but one day you will learn for yourself. Now go, your loved ones await,” Kysen said.