Kiss of the Sun Read online

  "Sorry.” She apologized for the slip and hoped he would continue.

  "A Chosen Mate is a vampire's destined mate. It is only with a Chosen that a vampire can have children."

  She looked at him in awe. “I've never seen a vampire child."

  "How do you know?"

  Rosalind thought for a moment. “I don't know."

  "When Chosen Mates meet, their minds begin to bond. Usually without either male or female being aware of it. The bond causes a whisper effect."

  "Whisper effect?"

  "Hearing or feeling things when you should not."

  "Gotcha."

  "A Chosen Mate can feel the other's every emotion. The longer the bond goes unacknowledged, the worse it could get.

  "What do you mean?"

  "Jealousy, when another man touches your woman or vice versa. Pain, especially shared pain, is common. Because you know your mate is out there. Then there are the headaches."

  Rosalind's hand automatically went to her forehead. “Why?"

  "When a Chosen Mate does not guard his emotional upheavals he will send signals to his Chosen. She doesn't know what is going on and tries to stop it, therefore getting very painful headaches in the process.

  "My God,” she whispered to herself. So many things made ugly sense. “No wonder he threw me out.” Rosalind could feel her young heart breaking at Darius’ callousness.

  "What?” Niko asked gently.

  Rosalind came shakily to her feet. “He doesn't want to be with me.” She kept talking to herself, not even realizing it now.

  Niko floated to his feet as well. Not catching her last sentence. “Are you okay, Rosalind?"

  "I'll see you around, Niko."

  * * * *

  Darius pulled the powerful elder to him without touching a finger to him. In a blink Niko could not breathe. Darius knew what he was doing was wrong. His anger was too long-leashed, his mounting fears kept him from releasing the man.

  "Darius!” Roman shouted. No one touched the King while he was in these rages. Not even the Second. “Darius,” he repeated. “Let Niko go."

  The King released Niko's air passage. “Why didn't you tell me?” His rage threw the other man across the room and into the cement wall.

  Roman watched, his stance rigid as Niko carefully lifted his bruising body from the floor.

  "Why?” Darius bellowed.

  "It is not my place,” he responded simply. “If Rosalind, a human, could feel her Chosen I believed he could feel her as well. I have always wondered why my King would leave his Chosen..."

  "Niko!” Roman warned.

  Niko swung his cold gaze to Roman. “I will not hide this knowledge just because the King wishes it,” he spoke angrily. “She has suffered by the hands of our King, her own mate. I will not stand in silence anymore while she suffers."

  "She will suffer here as well, Niko.” Darius spoke from across the room. His anger was replaced by sadness. “Why do you think I sent her to the meadows?"

  "To get rid of her.” Niko was known for his bluntness.

  Darius looked at him in shock. “And you, Roman?"

  Roman looked away.

  Darius swore viciously. “Is that what everyone thinks? They believe their King rid himself of his unwanted, mortal mate?” He could not believe it.

  "Yes my King,” Roman answered. “That is what your people believe."

  * * * *

  Now entering Old Wyoming.

  Rosalind barely glanced at the rusted sign as she sped along the deserted street-way. No matter how far she went, it seemed that her headache was trying to follow her. The pain would be intense one moment and barely there the next. She sighed with confusion. It seemed as if someone was trying to control the ache. She didn't know, and at the moment she didn't care. She just wanted as much distance between herself and Darius as she could get.

  Why?

  Get out of my head. You don't have permission! Rosalind expertly wheeled the heavy bike back into its own lane. She could hear his arrogant laugh inside her.

  I require no person's permission for what I do.

  She pushed the bike as far as it would let her. Get out of my head! she screamed again.

  Come on, Rosalind. You have separated yourself from most contact for six years. Can we not talk after all this time? He spoke softly, tenderly.

  I separated myself. She tried to control her anger. It was you who sent me away. Further and further away from my home just so you could fuck your women in peace.

  Why do my people see me as this selfish monster?

  Rosalind could feel his sorrow as he asked the question. She wondered what he was talking about as she told herself not to care. Leave me be. I am only doing what you have obviously been wanting for years.

  We must talk, Rozzy.

  You don't get to use that nickname anymore, King. Rosalind knew the danger of driving this antique and trying to shield her mind as well, but her turmoil was too great for her to care what happened to herself anymore.

  Darius could feel his hold slipping away. Rosalind, wait! he urged, but it was already too late.

  "Bastian?” Rosalind whispered. He always knew how to make her aches go away.

  I am sorry, Rosalind. But you don't understand what could happen in a borough of mortals.

  The bike slowed to a stop. “No, Bastian, please! I can't go back to him.” Rosalind felt helpless tears fill her eyes “I can control it, Bas. I know I can.” Rosalind tried to convince her first real fiend of her ability.

  Would you really risk all those lives just to get away from my brother?

  Rosalind fell to the ground in a careless heap. “No, Bastian. I just want to leave his city."

  Leave him.

  If it were that simple, Rozzy, I would follow you wherever you wished.

  "Who says it can't be simple?” Rosalind jumped to her feet and began to walk.

  Bastian chuckled at her stubbornness. Now what are you planning, Rozzy?

  "What does it look like? I am walking."

  You will not get far, you know.

  Why not?"

  They are coming, Rosalind. They will catch you before you get anywhere.

  "He sent me away. Why would he come for me?” Rosalind would not let herself believe that after six years of separation he would come after her. “Bastian, it was Darius’ idea that I go."

  Bastian spoke with resignation. There is so much I cannot tell you and so much you need to know.

  "That makes no sense, Bas."

  It is up to my hard-headed brother to explain it to you.

  "Why can't you?” For the first time there was real worry in her voice.

  I have to leave for a while, Rozzy.

  She stopped. Panic from being abandoned all over again surged forth from her past. “No, Bastian.” She could not cover the crack in her voice.

  I have to, Rosalind. I should have left the two of you years ago.

  "No!"

  You are not a child anymore. You are a thirty-two-year-old woman who is dependant on a ghost.

  "There is nothing wrong with having a ghost as a friend."

  Listen to me. I won't be gone forever. But you and Darius need to work things out. Maybe, if I am not around for you to lean on you can learn to rely on him as it is supposed to be.

  "I will never rely on him. He threw me aside so he wouldn't have to leave his fuck bunnies."

  Bastian sighed in defeat. Darius was in for a long road ahead. I wish you well, Rozzy.

  She knew, just as she always knew, Bastian was gone from this plain. She wasn't going back quietly. Rosalind stood her ground and spread her arms wide. It was for show but it calmed her restless spirit. She took a deep breath and emptied her thoughts and troubles behind her special shield. Ironically it was the shield Darius helped develop.

  Within moments she was off her feet and gaining speed through her levitation and a small mix of telekinesis to move her. Her speed slowly raised enough to where she could feel the cool
night breeze against her skin.

  It was when she could openly use her powers that she finally felt true freedom. Even within the boundaries of Vampire City she was limited to the use of her gifts. Mortals feared her because of them. The vampires, powerful in their own right, found it unnatural that a mortal could match some of their power.

  "Shame, shame, Rosalind. Not all vampires believe you to be unnatural."

  Rosalind fell to the ground as she lost her concentration. “Damn it, Niko.” She spit the dirt from her mouth. “Of course he would send you,” she muttered darkly.

  "He would have come for you himself, except you incapacitated him."

  Rosalind cringed. She had never heard Niko use that cold, indifferent tone with her before. “What are you talking about? I have never hurt Darius."

  "The two of you are big pains in my ass."

  Rosalind stayed silent, knowing that when Niko used old time slang he was on the edge of no return.

  Niko lifted her from the ground with only a slight breeze. “You'll both kill one another before you finally accept what is meant to be."

  "I have no idea what you are talking about."

  "Your ignorance of our ways is why we are going back to Vampire City. There are some things you and Darius need to learn."

  "That is exactly what Bastian said before he left me."

  Niko looked at her in surprise, “Bastian is gone?"

  "He believes I need to learn to rely on Darius instead of a ghost.” She rolled her eyes at such nonsense.

  Niko was smart enough not to voice his agreement.

  Two

  Rosalind sat Indian style, hands resting quietly on her knees as Niko directed the wind where to take them. She was used to being in the middle of one of Niko's windstorms. They were harmless to everything and anyone the wind got close to. Unless, of course, Niko allowed it.

  "Why did you say I incapacitated Darius?"

  Niko gave in to a moment of mourning. “You'll soon see."

  "How could I hurt Darius? He would not let me anywhere near him for six years."

  "Rosalind, you should know a person does not need to be near another to hurt him. Physically or mentally."

  "But Bastian said Darius was coming for me."

  "He would if he could."

  "Darius can do anything,” she said with confidence.

  "Not anymore, Rosalind."

  For the first time Rosalind knew her foundation was on the verge of crumbling. “Darius can do anything,” she whispered again as she saw the vast city come into view. “Where is Darius?"

  "Roman had to retrieve him and quietly return him back to the mansion."

  "Excuse me?"

  "The people of Vampire City would be shaken to the very core if they ever discovered what our King allowed a mortal woman to do to him time and again."

  "For the last time, Niko. What are you talking about?"

  As they landed on Darius’ roof the emergency door swung open with Bethany on the other side. “Rosalind,” Bethany whispered shakily. She grabbed her hand, urging her toward the door. “You have to come, now!"

  "What's going on?” Rosalind's heart tightened as she felt the fear radiating from Bethany.

  "It is Roman's place to inform you.” Bethany rushed as she dragged Rosalind down the long corridors.

  After twenty years living among vampires in their city, one thing Rosalind did learn was when it came to the King there was a chain of command to follow. When Darius was unable to speak, Roman was his voice.

  Rosalind also knew something was seriously wrong when Roman activated the chain. She ran through the door and almost collapsed when she saw Darius in the bed. His body was covered in sweat. She could see him shivering despite the heat of the room. His eyes were clenched tightly closed as if he were in pain.

  "Oh, Darius.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “Roman?” She looked to him, desperate for answers.

  He lifted a finger to silence her. His head bowed, one arm crossed over his chest in respect. He was communicating with Darius through their vampire link. Within moments Roman's eyes opened. They were glazed with exhaustion.

  "Roman, please,” she whispered. Wishing someone would tell her what was happening to Darius.

  "You are killing him, Rosalind Kincaid. For six years, whether you realize it or not, you have been killing our King and he is allowing you.” Roman spoke with no sign of life. It was as if he had let go of all his emotions.

  "Roman,” Bethany whispered almost to herself.

  Someone has to be the bad guy.

  Bethany's eyes widened in shock as she, for the first time, heard Roman's voice in her mind. She had spoken to him but he had never answered. I hope you know what you are doing.

  So do I, Beth.

  "How, Roman? How am I doing this to him?” Rosalind walked to the bed, cautious not to disturb Darius. His body shivered but the room was hot. His skin was soaked with sweat. She could see lines of pain around his eyes and mouth. It was as if he was trying not to scream in agony.

  "He has been this way since you reestablished your shield."

  "But I raised my shield hours ago,” she told them.

  Roman grimaced. “I know. I felt the Link between you before he shut me out.” Roman didn't catch his slip in time.

  "Link? Darius and I aren't linked. I would know if we were.” She sat on the edge of the bed, unable to deny the urge to be near him.

  "Rosalind, there is no such thing as a mental shield a mortal can build, than can completely block out the Touch of Death,” Niko spoke form the door. He did not enter the room.

  "But Darius taught me. I have used the shield he helped forge so I could shut out the images.” She grabbed her neck, trying to soothe her stiff throat.

  "It wasn't a shield Darius created, little mortal. Darius opened a link between the two of you."

  "Why? Why would he do that?"

  "To give you peace, Rosalind.” A weak whisper from the bed drew all of their attention.

  "I don't understand.” She looked at Roman, not wanting to tire Darius further. “I've always been able to master my gifts. Why would he believe that this would be any different?"

  "Darius once knew a mortal during the Long Sleep."

  Rosalind nodded in understanding. She knew that the Long Sleep was a three thousand year nap all vampires, except a chosen few, took to separate themselves from the mayhem and destruction mortals had created.

  "This mortal had many gifts. Like you, Rosalind, he believed he could handle the Touch of Death. Instead of mastering this new skill he slowly went mad. Death destroyed his mind until he, in despair, threw himself off of cliff."

  Rosalind tried to shut her mind from the images Roman was invoking.

  Darius grabbed his head and groaned in agony. His brown hair lay matted to his head as he thrashed across the bed.

  "Rosalind, stop!” Niko flashed across the room. Grabbing her by both arms he squeezed until she screamed form the jarring pain.

  Niko sailed across the room, landing high on the wall. “You do not touch her, Niko.” Darius’ weak voice was filled with chilled fury. He held his arm up, his hand clenched into a fist. He did not stop squeezing until he heard a familiar wheezing coming from the elder. “Friend or not, I will kill anyone who lays harm to Rosalind."

  Niko looked at Rosalind. Darius’ medallion still hung around her neck. Niko, a powerful elder in his own right, gave a silent warning to the King. “I understand.” Darius dropped his arm and Niko left the room without looking back.

  Rosalind sat back on the bed. “My head is hurting.” She mumbled.

  "Good,” Roman spoke coldly. “You are finally catching on. Don't use your shield anymore."

  Rosalind lifted her head so she could look Darius’ second in command in the eyes. “Tell me how this link with Darius works. How am I making him this way?” She gently secured his hand within hers after noticing Darius had fallen into a deep sleep. Her head throbbed more.

  "Niko told
you of the link when you were seventeen, Rosalind. It is also called the Psi Link. With this connection two people can share everything. Memories, fears, pains, and their emotions..."

  "Roman that is the Link for Chosen Mates. Darius turned me away years ago. Why would he bother connecting himself to me so permanently?” Rosalind could not keep the anger and hurt form escaping her voice.

  "Deny all you like, mortal. Our King is linked to you. The link is permanent. So if the two of you wish to live, I suggest you learn how to share the space."

  "How?” she yelled at him. “Roman, I would help him is a second. I would take back all of the pain I ever gave Darius if I only knew how."

  Darius stirred from his slumber.

  Roman knew he had little time before Darius realized what he was about to do. “Roz, you are not strong enough to adjust the link, but Darius is. I need you to reverse all you have done. Bring the emotions, images, death back to your side of the link."

  Rosalind froze. If she lowered her shield the Touch would overpower her because of her proximity to others. If it didn't drive her insane first. She looked at Darius, his body shaking and pale. He was so close to true death, and she had been the one to bring him this low. Her heart hurt for what she now knew. He was dying for her, yet acted as if he did not want her.

  If only she understood him.

  "Close your eyes. Relax, Rosalind. Open the doorway and give him the peace he gives you."

  Rosalind lay on the bed, her hand closed around Darius’ shivering one. She took a calming moment and closed her eyes. Immediately she brought her shield—no, she corrected—her link to Darius to her mind.

  She always thought of it as a massive chain that spread throughout her mind and connected to another door. A door she had assumed to be a dark room filled with scary pictures and sounds, overflowing with her pain and others’ suffering.

  Now she was told it was a link connecting her to Darius—a direct route to his mind. And she had been sending everything had there for storage. He could have died and she would have been the cause. Rosalind did the only thing she could. She grabbed the chain with both hands and pulled toward herself with all of her mortal strength.

  Immediately her body was filled with the pain of mortals and their deaths. Her telepathy shot out to all the people around her. She could hear their voices blaring, whispering, and bickering all through her mind.