Caressed by Shadows (Rulers of Darkness Book 4) (23 page)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Oh…my…God.” Gwendolyn’s words came out in shrill squeak. Her eyes were round, her mouth hung open, and her gasp still echoed in Sonya’s ears. “Mates. You and Falcon…” Shock robbed her of her voice.

“Yes.”

“How…I mean, when did this happen?”

“Last night.”

Gwendolyn stumbled, the backs of her knees hit the bed and she fell. Sitting, she blinked in amazement. “You’re saved. Freed form the Death Curse.”

For the past hour, Sonya had shared the ups and lows of her past week. She explained that Silvie had been the one to suggest she walk into the hunter’s trap. Gwendolyn scolded her, but Sonya didn’t regret being captured. If it weren’t for the Red Order assholes, she and Falcon may not have ended up together. Her fate could have been terribly different. She could be lying in her bed, tortured by the Death Curse and slowly wasting away.

She quickly recapped her insane week, from being shot all the way to running through the meadows beneath the sun. Gwendolyn had sat in trance, awed by her story.

Sonya felt as if she were going to be sick. Her stomach knotted and she tried to control her erratic breathing. She paced, her steps quickly carrying from her from one side of her room to the other.

“What does this mean?” Gwendolyn asked.

“I don’t really know. Falcon and I have a few things to figure out.”

“Will he be coming to live with us? Is he a Voidukas now? I wonder how our Counsel will handle the news.”

“I dread finding out, but not knowing is equally awful.”

“Do you think King Hadrian will allow him to leave? He is his Second.”

“Falcon said he would speak with Hadrian first then address the Validus Counsel.”

Gwendolyn flinched. “A lot has being going
on here since you’ve been gone. King Hadrian has abolished the Counsel.”

“What? Why?”

“They were miss using their power and abusing their influence. I heard they actually wanted to kill Sir Kenwrec for leaving. I fear what they would have done if they knew the two of you−”

“My nerves are fried as it is. Please, Gwen.”

Sonya collapsed on the bed beside her friend. Placing her elbows on her knees, she buried her face in her hand. She nervously bounced there as she thought about their next step. She had hoped Falcon would accompany her back to Estonia and live with her and her Clan. But it may be best if he stayed. At least for a little while. His Clan and his King needed him.

God, why did everything have to be so damn complicated?

A rasping knock sounded on her chamber door. Sonya’s spine snapped straight, her heart began to pound.

“Enter,” she called.

He stepped in. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Sonya swallowed a gasp. Damn, he looked sexy in the customary all black uniform.

Gwendolyn jumped to her feet. “Not at all. Please, Sir Kenwec, excuse me.” She hurried past him and shut the door.

Falcon closed his eyes for a mom
ent then crossed the expensive yet ordinary guest room to stand in front of Sonya.

“I spoke with Hadrian.”

Sonya bit her lip. “What did he say?”

He shook his head. “He said…a lot. I think it will take me a day or two to process everything and let it sink in.”

“Is it trouble with your Clan?”

“No. At least, not yet. I haven’t the details, but he dismantled the Counsel.”

“Gwen told me.” Sonya reached out and took his hands. She brushed his knuckles with pads of her thumbs. “If you need to stay and help Hadrian smooth things over that’s fine. I’ll stay with you.”

“But what of your Clan?”

“Gwendolyn can go home and rule in my stead for the time being,” she offered.

His shoulders fell with a heavy sigh as he joined her on the bed. “I don’t know. I don’t want to keep you from your Clan and your work.”

Sonya turned and sat cross-legged on the mattress.

“What would your Counsel say?”

“To hell with them. I think Hadrian might be on to something.”

The tension stiffening her muscles eased when he smiled. “Dimitri doesn’t have a Counsel and Dorian’s consists of his Queen and his Second, Raphael.”

She playfully punched his shoulder. “See, Counsels are overrated.”

Falcon chuckled. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close and rolled across the bed. Tucking her against his side, they
lay together for long quiet minutes.

“You really don’t mind staying? At least another two weeks.”

“Nope. My Clan has already survived about a month without me. They can handle two more weeks.”

“Thank you.” He kissed her brow. “You are truly wonderful.”

“Besides, I wouldn’t be able to cut and run anyway. Gwendolyn told me Dimitri and Dorian will be arriving tomorrow.”

Falcon took in a deep breath. “Yes. Carter called Dimitri. He would like to discuss peace.”

Sonya blanched. Peace between the Red Order Hunters and vampires. Now that Samuel and Oliver were dead, perhaps there could be a chance. Only time would tell.

Sonya rested her head on Falcon’s chest and frowned. His body was tense, his muscles tight.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“Wrong?” he repeated, his voice a whisper. “No.”

“Out with it, knight. I can tell there something banging around in your head and it’s obviously not images of us rolling naked in these sheets.”

He let out a soft curse. She smiled, watching his shaft swell and press against his pants.

“I’m think of us now,” he grated.

She traced her fingers over this hardened length. “Good.”

Falcon stilled her hand. “I’m not a Black Knight.”

Sonya sat up. Her arousal instantly replaced by anger. “Did Hadrian strip you of your title?”

“No. Silvie did.”

Sonya felt her brows knit together in a deep frown. “I’m lost.”

“Weeks before my king’s coordination, Silvie went to Hadrian before your capture and asked that he place me in her charge. Apparently, I’m the personal guard of the Shaw Priestess.”

Laughter bubbled inside her. “Seriously? So, we were never breaking any laws.”

“This past week, every time I denied us was for naught.”

Sonya fell to the mattress, with a huff. “All the sexual torment we suffered. Damn. We could have been hooking
up all this time.”

Falcon turned onto his side. Cupping her face, he stroked his thumb over her jaw line. “Oh, love. It has all been worth the wait.”

Sonya curled into him. Her breasts flattened against his chest. His erection pressed against her belly. She ran her fingers through his hair. Falcon cupped her nape and brushed his lips softly across her cheek. Need ignited within her.

“Falcon, do you know the title given to those who serve as guardians of the Shaw?” she asked, biting her lip. Sonya tried not to giggle.

“No.”

“White Knights.”

He groaned. “Really?”

A light laugh escaped her. “Yes. I think it suits you.” She kissed his chin. “You rescued me from the evil witches.” Sonya kissed the corn
er of his mouth. “You’re my white night.”

“And you are my wicked king.”

Falcon captured her lips with a long, passionate kiss.

Epilogue

Gabriel knelt before the line of Clan Chieftains. His fist firmly pressed over his heart, his head hung low. The chill of the cell’s stone floor seeped into his bones. Upon his arrival to the Validus strong hold high in the Carpathian Mountains, he and Gannon had been escorted to the underground dungeon. Gabriel had loudly, yet politely, demanded to speak with the rulers. Apparently, he and Gannon weren’t the only unwanted and untrusted guests in residents. He had overheard some of the guards speaking of Red Order Counsel members who recently lost their leader and were now seeking peace with the vampire
s. He rolled his eyes.
Keep dreaming.

Dimitri, the last remaining pure blood of the vampire line, broke ranks and came to stand before him. Gabriel kept his gaze directed at the floor, he didn’t even glance towards the shinning leather tips of Dimitri
’s shoes.

“The Clans were established by the four original vampires. Their fledgling all united by blood,” Dimitri stated, his authoritative voice echoed through the dungeon.

Gabriel remained silent. He may be an outcaste, but he knew the rulers. The Madame had instructed him well. Unless he was granted permission to speak or asked a direct question, he would hold his tongue. Gannon followed his lead, like always.

“He displayed incredible bravery for coming here,” Sonya said. Her voice was distant. Gabriel assumed she stood by the dungeon’s stairs.

“Or incredible stupidity,” Hadrian drawled, his tone bland.

“A new Clan.” Gabriel could practically hear Dorian shake his head.

“Made up of Outcastes?” Sonya asked. “They are criminals.”

“Not all,” Dimitri corrected. Gabriel could feel the ancient vampire’s ice like gaze upon him. Burning him. “Some are blood bastards.”

“Explain your purpose for wanting to form a new Clan, Gabriel,” Dorian commanded.

Gabriel swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight. He could barely breathe. Keeping his head down, he explained, “The Outcaste Society has been lawless for too long. I seek to unite the outcastes and put an end to the infighting and the victimization and mindless slaughter of mortals.”

“A noble cause,” Hadrian mused.

Dorian came to stand beside Dimitri. “If we are to grant your request, would you seek our military aid in uniting the outcastes?”

“I pray that won’t be necessary,” Gabriel answered.

“You understand that by recit
ing your vows and becoming king that you will be subject to the Death Curse,” Sonya pointed out. “You will need to choose an heir.”

Gabriel nodded. He was fully aware of the consequences of his decision. He had lived long enough and he viewed the Death Curse as a get out of jail free card.

“What linage do you claim?” Hadrian asked.

He inwardly cringed.
“Lady Ingrid Hjort.” Gabriel swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. It had been centuries since her name crossed his lips. It nearly choked him.

Ingrid Hjort was a direct descended of Uro, t
he Father of the Voidukas Clan, and was a stain on the Voidukas name. She had used her beauty and irresistible smile to hide the evil that consumed her soul.

“The vampire curse is strong in his blood and his strength is impressive,” Dorian said before addressing Gabriel, “You will be tested.”

Pain and blood. An inseparable paring in the vampire world.

“This is madness. Think of how the Clans will react.
” Sonya whispered.

“May I interject?”

All fell silent as the air shifted within the dungeon. The overpowering scent of magic caused Gabriel to gag. He glanced over to Gannon. The vampire’s jaw was set, his eyes squeezed shut, and his muscles shaking as he resisted the urge to look at the Shaw Priestess. Damn, Gannon had it bad for the little witch.

T
he soft click of Silvie’s short-heeled boots ricocheted off the walls, creating a ringing in Gabriel’s ears. “It must be noted that the abhorrent practice of human slavery is running rampant. Therefore, I must agree with Mr. Erhard, the outcastes have been lawless for too long.”

“Are you here on the shaman’s behalf?” Hadrian asked.

Gabriel couldn’t detect any emotion in Hadrian’s tone or words, though he could sense the king’s mistrust.

“I am. He has grant
ed his approval and support,” Silvie replied.

Dorian cleared his throat. “Shall we put this to a vote?”

“All those in favor of inducting Gabriel Erhard into our ranks and granting him the authority to building and govern his own clan under the laws of Vampire Society, say aye. Apposed say nay.”

“Aye,” Silvie cheered with a clap.

“Aye,” Dorian seconded.

Hadrian mumbled, “Aye.” His voice again bland.

“Aye,” Dimitri added.

Sonya remained silent for so long Gabriel became convinced his heart would pound right out of his chest.

“I agree, but only to save the humans. No one should ever have to live as a Bleeder,” the queen said.

“
We will need induct him,” Hadrian added.

Gabriel’s eyes slowly closed, steeling himself for the coming pain. Every king had to prove their worthiness.

“Done,” Silvie announced with another joyful clap.

“The decision has been made,” Dimitri proclaimed.
“Gabriel Erhard will be named King this night.”

Gabriel
stood, squaring his shoulders. He met Dimitri’s cold diamond gaze. This was going to be a long night. He wasn’t certain what awaited him. He would pledge his undying loyalty to his fellow Chieftains. His vows would be written and signed with his own blood. But he would endure anything to unite the Outcastes and to bring an end to Boras’s tyrannical reign. Even if it meant selling what remained of his soul to the four rulers of darkness.

He pulled his shirt over his head, baring his chest and revealing his slave brand. No longer would the mark define him as unworthy. He had been a Bleeder, kept in a dank dungeon as Lady Ingrid’s personal pet. Now, he would become a king and he would bring an end to human slavery amongst the vampires.

“There is nothing I could say to explain what is about to conspire here. Just know, that in the end, you as a Chieftain of a new Clan, stronger than ever,” Dimitri said. “Do you have a name for your Clan?”

“Tapfer.”

“German for courageous,” Dorian mused. “I like it.”

Silvie snapped her fingers. A polished black box appeared at her side. The lid slid back revealing long, glistening daggers with gold and silver inlaid hilts. Dimitri was the first to claim a weapon, then Dorian, followed by Hadrian and lastly Sonya. The surrounded Gabriel and Gannon.

“Last chance,” Sonya warned, her grip tightening on the dagger.

Throwing his arms wide, Gabriel surrendered. “Do what you must.” Closing his eyes, he welcomed the sting of the first slice. He silently prayed for strength. Not for him. After centuries of torture, he could withstand any pain.

He prayed Jordan would have the strength to survive until he could find her.