Kiss of the Sun Read online

  "Like his Maker's life. He was lucky I only banished him for trying to take an elder's place. The only good thing to come from that experience was Vee had not had the time to kill his elder.” Darius’ mind wondered. “Send soldiers to the west. Find out what Vee is up to."

  Roman nodded his head as he closed his eyes in weariness.

  Darius took notice. “What is wrong with you, Roman?"

  "There is something you need to know. I should have told you months ago."

  Darius tensed. “Bethany or Rosalind?"

  Roman's eyes narrowed at her name. It was a sad day in Vampire City when two women occupied so much of men's time. “Rosalind."

  "What?"

  "Two months ago when I encouraged Rosalind to..."

  "Break our link."

  Roman nodded. “During the destruction,” he could think of no other word for the event, “I noticed a new power."

  "Another one!” Darius bellowed in shock. “How many powers can one mortal possess?"

  "This is not the power of a mortal, Darius. It is one of ours."

  "She is mortal, Roman."

  "I am not doubting you, my King."

  "Tell me it isn't fire."

  "No,” Roman shared Darius’ relief, but only for a moment. “Wind."

  "Oh, shit."

  "You can say that again. The good news is from what I can tell she is completely unaware of this ability. It only manifests during her episodes."

  "What kind of strength?"

  "Without guidance, miniscule at best."

  "I cannot handle her with another power.” Darius thought of how difficult it has been to gain her trust. Another obstacle he did not need.

  "No guidance then. It should stay at a small level until ... whenever.” He let the sentence go.

  Darius ignored Roman's slip. His vampire hearing brought him and Roman to the window at the sound of feminine giggles.

  "Tonight is the night.” Roman reminded Darius of Rosalind's decision to travel among mortals. To test her new ability, to leash her telepathy.

  "Yes,” was his only response.

  "Bethany will protect her.” Roman said.

  "She is beyond master control with water. There are a select few I would trust with Rosalind's life. Bethany is one of them."

  Roman thought of the young vampire's short temper. “Let's just hope all is peaceful.” He preyed his words to be true.

  * * * *

  Rosalind made her way noisily to her room. Every few steps she wavered to the right. Only the wall kept her from falling on her face. Bethany was too busy laughing at her to help.

  "I told you it was too strong, little mortal.” Bethany chided her.

  Rosalind stuck out her tongue.

  "Real mature. What are you, thirty?"

  "Thirty-two.” She swayed to the left eyeing the distance to her door.

  "A child."

  "But an adult mortal. You know we barely make it one hundred years."

  "I had heard that."

  "He is over four thousand years old."

  "Who?"

  "Darius. Jeez, Beth, keep up."

  "Four thousand?” Not even Bethany had known quite how long her King had lived. “That is four millenniums."

  Rosalind reached for the handle but knocked over a vase instead. “What would he want with a mortal like me?” her voice slipped as melancholy seeped through her drunkenness.

  Bethany reached around her and pushed open the door. She stifled her surprise when she saw Darius standing on the other side, his eye on Rosalind's weaving form.

  "What happened?” he questioned Bethany as Rosalind slumped into the nearest chair.

  "Drinking bet.” Bethany did not pass the threshold. “You taught her well, my King. Except for the occasional headache she kept herself under perfect control."

  He could not keep his gaze off of Rosalind. “Any trouble with the humans?"

  "Marsha showed her face a few times but did not approach."

  "Any suspicions?"

  "Marsha is always looking for ways to get into you good graces,” Bethany muttered.

  "I don't understand that manipulative mortal's motives."

  "Darius, you are the King of an entire race. You're built, you're hot. What more could any female, mortal, vampire, or other ask for?"

  "Bethany,” Roman hissed from behind her.

  "Damn it! Quit sneaking up on me."

  "Stop taking note of men's bodies.” He pulled her away and down the hall.

  "You are just mad I stopped sending you pictures."

  Darius laughed, knowing exactly what pictures the girl was talking about. “And Roman thought I had problems,” he mumbled as the door shut.

  "Roz,” he followed her to the bedroom, “how are you feeling?” He cautiously approached the bed.

  "Great, oh King Dariusss.” She hissed his name.

  Darius groaned as the familiar tremor engulfed his stomach. “Rosalind, you need to take something for the hangover you will surely have tomorrow."

  She stretched her body across the mattress. Her low cut shirt rode up her stomach. “But I feel so good.” She purred with pleasure as her hands embraced the headboard. She squeezed and pulled, causing Darius to echo her moan as her flesh peeked out from under the shrinking shirt.

  "Rosalind!” He pleaded for mercy.

  She opened her eyes as her body constricted back into place. The shirt barely covered her breasts now. “Yes, Darius?"

  He sat on the bed, unsure of where to place his hands. “How did we get here?” he whispered in despair.

  Months of hard work. Hours of more practice than she had ever had, and with one outing among mortals she was able to drink herself silly and still control her powers. She was very powerful. He didn't question what she would be like as a vampire. That decision, despite his best efforts, was hers alone to make. If it was up to him ... he didn't want to know what he would be capable of then.

  He felt the mattress shift before he was pulled to his back. He slammed back with the force of her telepathy. Caught by surprise, Darius grabbed the headboard to steady himself. He was now in the same position Rosalind had been in.

  Darius could not help but look at her in shock as Rosalind climbed up the bed. Her body slide up his legs as her smooth hands led the way. She never broke eye contact with him.

  "Roz,” he croaked in pleasure. Her hands teasingly grazed his cock as she climbed further up his body.

  She smiled at him innocently as she placed each knee on either side of his hips, encasing his large body with hers. Rosalind lifted herself, slowly making sure to drag her ass across his thickening cock.

  "Bloody hell!” He arched his hips with her to keep the sweet contact.

  She laughed as she eyed the strips of silk ties hanging in her open closet. They sailed across the small distance to wrap themselves around the bars of the bed. Rosalind slowly lowered her body back to his, embracing his full erection gently between her legs. “Do you trust me, Darius?” She looked happy to see he was unable to focus completely on what she was saying.

  "Darius,” she whispered in his ear.

  Darius tried to listen to her slurred voice. The only reason she was being so wonton toward him was because she was drunk. He could not let her go through with this, no matter how much they both wanted it. She didn't trust him, and he was still trying to accept her place in his life. His Kingdom.

  "Rosalind.” He was uncertain how to stop her without upsetting her fragile state.

  At the sound of his voice she urged the ties around his wrists, binding him to the bed. With her telepathy keeping him bound to the bed, he would not force the ties loose and risk hurting her in the process.

  "What do you think you are doing, Rosalind?” he questioned softly.

  "I am having my wicked way with you."

  "You are drunk and this is not fair,” he whispered in defeat.

  "Fair.” She sat up straight and tall. Her body fell hard onto his already aching c
ock. “Mmm.” She licked her dry lips. “Fair has nothing to do with it. I have wanted you since I was seventeen years old. I am thirty-two, old enough for you to stop thinking of me as a child."

  Darius tightened his hands into fists, testing the strips for durability. Christ, she was strong. He knew he could break them if he wanted. His need to do the right thing was slowly turning into an afterthought. Her body felt so right on top of his. The pleasure of her weight bearing down on him was unbelievable. He only wondered what it would feel like if they were naked.

  "What's stopping you?"

  He didn't question, but only accepted the fragile but budding link between them. Maybe it was better if she was unaware of it at the moment. “Nothing,” he whispered with renewed passion.

  The wind shifted gently around the room. Her shirt blew with the wind, lifting it higher up her body. “Raise your arms.” Darius whispered.

  She looked at him with uncertainty. The ties loosened enough so Darius was able to free himself. He lifted into a sitting position, careful to keep space between them. “Raise your arms, baby."

  With a shaky smile Rosalind did as ordered.

  Darius breathed deeply through his nose. He smiled when he noticed the scent of alcohol had diminished.

  The wind picked up intensity until Rosalind's long blonde hair was blowing all around them. Rosalind laughed outrageously at his antics. It was rare to see Darius use his abilities for fun.

  Her arms stretched high as the wind wiped the shirt with ease off of her body. Darius tried not to move as he looked his fill of her slim body. She was gorgeous. Her skin gleamed with the heat of untried passion. He knew she was a virgin. Just as he knew she had been waiting for him.

  He placed a gentle touch to her face, tracing the lines of worry away. “You are beautiful, Rozzy.” He watched her smile as a tear rolled down her cheek. “What's wrong?"

  "You finally said my name."

  Darius knew only Rosalind's closest friends used that particular nickname for her. “You told me I lost the right to use it."

  "Darius.” She linked her fingers around his neck. “I was angry. I could never take anything from you."

  Darius tensed at her words. He was still unable to bring himself to completely trust her. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and rolled until she was locked under his hard body. When she clutched his shoulders he clasped his hands around her wrists and trapped them above her head.

  Darius held his sigh of pleasure at the feel of her plump breasts pressed to his clothed body. “You tried to run from me, to hide yourself away among the mortals,” he accused her.

  Rosalind could feel his body shake as he spoke of the past. She didn't really understand until now the toll her actions had taken on him. Not just the pain their link had created, but the pain she had caused as well. “I don't understand you,” she cried. She didn't try to free herself she knew he would not let her go until he was ready. “You rejected me. You sent me away!"

  Darius could do nothing to calm their hurt. It would take a long time to gain forgiveness on either side. He held her chin in place with his free hand.

  "Don't you dare,” she warned.

  Darius could smell her arousal. He smiled devilishly. “I am King. I do what I wish."

  And once again the tingling in her belly began anew. Every time their skin touched, her stomach clenched in anticipation. His lips roved over her face: a nip on her chin, a tiny caress to her forehead.

  While he slowly drove her insane with his torture, Rosalind could feel Darius’ hands at her jeans. The snap broke apart instantly.

  The zipper intrigued him. “A zipper?"

  Rosalind rolled her eyes at his amusement. He always had been easily entertained.

  Only by you, baby.

  You are a moron.

  She sucked in a breath as she heard the sound of metal separating her old fashioned jeans. His hand slid confidently inside the part. When Rosalind felt his cold hands cup her heated skin her eyes locked his, needing that special contact with him. “Darius,” she whispered as her jeans drew themselves down her legs and completely off her body.

  Darius lifted himself off of her. His hand tightened over her pussy. He smiled as he felt her instant wet response. Her pale breasts lifted toward him, waiting for his personal attention, and quivering with her uneven breathing.

  "Touch me, my King,” Rosalind whispered.

  Darius could hear the challenge in her voice. Her eyes watched his hand's subtle movements. She could feel his touch through her juices but it wasn't hard enough, or rough enough for her to reach greater pleasure. “Please!” she begged.

  He shuddered as her sharp nails dug deeply into his shoulder. They pierced the skin, drawing blood. His nostrils flared at the scent. The shedding of blood increased a vampire's hunger. Darius’ fangs lengthened in preparation. He needed to taste her. Since she was seventeen the urge had been getting stronger and stronger and less easy to control.

  Darius froze as the bed rattled. He looked down into Rosalind's blazing eyes “If you do not do something right now...” She left the threat unsaid, knowing he would get the message.

  With a flick of his wrist Darius thrust two fingers deep into her weeping cunt. Two tense bodies suddenly relaxed after that first contact. He pushed deeper and faster, all the while pressing his rough thumb against her clit.

  "Oh, Darius!” she screamed. “More. Give me more.” She had never felt such heat before.

  Her hips lifted in unison with his thrusting hand. To finally have him here, like this, after all these years! She couldn't think beyond the pleasure he was giving her.

  I can give you more, baby. A whisper echoed her mind.

  Anything, she whispered back.

  Darius’ smile was feral, territorial.

  He grabbed her wrists and bound her as she had bound him. Silk ties wrapped tenderly yet securely around her wrists and the headboard. As long as he was able to block her telepathy he could keep her this way for hours.

  Her eyes flashed open at his stray thought. In your dreams.

  Every night, he agreed with a smile.

  His hand cupped her breast. You are a pig.

  Rosalind heard masculine laughter but paid no more heed to his antics. She was too disturbed by his enthusiastic hands.

  Darius watched her face in fascination as he lowered the tempo of his plunging fingers. Unconsciously her hips adjusted as well. He moved his thumb to press harder to her clit. He wanted to see how much it would take to bring her to orgasm.

  "Move!” she innocently challenged the Vampire King.

  He lowered his head. His tongue moved slowly over the curve of her ear. Her hips pushed higher into him in return. “More?” he asked.

  "Yes."

  Darius stopped all movement. He lifted his head, looking into her eyes to show her who had the power.

  "Please.” Her voice broke from the pleasure still coursing through her sensitive body.

  Darius slowly let his body cover her once again. He fit his hips between her open thighs, relishing the feel of her wet heat through his jeans.

  "Take them off, Darius. Please.” She added the last to show him she could submit to his dominance.

  Her actions almost broke his control. He was barely able to hold on. Instead he closed his eyes and pictured Rosalind as she was now. Bound, naked, helpless ... completely at his mercy.

  Rosalind watched Darius with confusion. His eyes were closed, his lips were moving, but she could not hear him speak. “What ... oh. Mmm.” Her eyes rolled back as she violently thrust her body upward. The warmth floated throughout her body. Her thighs quivered with ecstasy. “Darius,” she whimpered.

  A thousand fingers glided over her body. Each caress was a kiss. Every sensation overcame her reasoning for needing to know how he was inside her throbbing body without really touching her.

  "What you know of vampires is only the beginning, Rosalind,” he whispered along her neck. His lips soothed her heated skin as
he prepared her for his taking. Darius’ tongue licked along her pulse. He smiled when he heard her hiss.

  His fangs, already begging for a taste, nipped her skin, leaving a tall tale sign of their travel.

  "Now, please.” Rosalind was out of her mind with pleasure. How could he drive her so close to the edge and not let her go over?

  "As you wish."

  She felt the sharp points graze her neck. Her breath caught as she wondered, for the first time, if there would be pain.

  Only pleasure.

  Darius could feel her blood flowing faster and faster through her body. He knew that with one taste her pleasure would be his. His to taste. His to feel.

  His to possess.

  The pain was fleeting for Rosalind as he sank his fangs deeply into her vein. His lips moved over her skin as her blood gushed into his starving mouth. When he moaned the vibration from his throat slivered across her entire body. She jerked in surprise, the sudden burst of pleasure taking her off guard. The ties that held her to the bed shredded. Using one hand she combed his hair back from his sweaty forehead. Rosalind closed her hand into a fist, knotting his hair through her fingers.

  He growled and bit harder into her skin in retaliation for the small tug. She thrust her hips up into his, wanting to feel his body fit to hers despite the jeans he had yet to take off.

  Darius could not help himself. Her blood was ambrosia to his body. He had to have more. He knew for her safety he would stop feeding but her hands—her surprisingly talented hands—knew exactly what to do for a vampire to lose control.

  Rosalind held firmly to his slick back. His muscles bulged from his feeding. Her nails slid, barely touching, down his skin. When she heard his hiss Rosalind could not help but do better. Using only two fingers she placed her nails along his rib cage and dragged them roughly up his back, leaving two thin, red-lined trails.

  Darius released her neck to look at her. He pulled her taut, causing her neck to arch back. Even after the small flicker of pain she kept eye contact with him, showing her trust in him.

  "Do you know what you tempt, Rosalind?” His voice was harsh yet filled with pleasure.

  "I tempt only you, Darius.” She wrapped her legs firmly around his hips, bringing him back down to her. She covered her nude body with his hot, hard body.