“You—we—are free. If you choose to fight Obscuros, it will be your choice. It will be on your own terms.”
“Thank you, Niccolo. I’m speechless.”
Niccolo had spent so long dreaming of the day he would be free from Reyna, and yes, it felt better than he’d imagined—even if he did not know how long that freedom would last since he’d not fulfilled the prophecy—but giving his men this gift was an even greater joy.
“Are you and the men in the safe house? Is Helena all right?” Niccolo asked. The safe house was a location they prepared ahead of time with supplies—extra weapons, a medical bag, and bagged blood—before they went into any risky situation. They either used one of Niccolo’s homes—he had one in almost every major city—but many times, they’d rent a room at a hotel within sifting distance for the other men.
Today they didn’t want to take any chances. The Demilords knew too much about Niccolo, so they’d rented the penthouse at the Fairmont in San Francisco. “Yes, she’s shaken up, but otherwise…” Viktor paused. “…intact.”
He registered that something was wrong. “I’ll be right there.”
“Niccolo, I—I will not be here.”
Had he heard his ears correctly? “Sorry?”
“I have something I need to do…something which has waited much too long.”
Niccolo did not want to pry, but Viktor was like a brother. “If there is anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you. You have always been too kind to me. I hope someday...to pay back the favor.”
In all his years, Viktor had never behaved in such a sentimental manner. It was odd, to say the least, but perhaps he was simply overwhelmed with joy. Or maybe…“You’re going to look for her, aren’t you?” Niccolo asked.
Viktor had dreamed of a blond woman every night for the last five-hundred years. On several occasions, Niccolo had prodded Viktor to look for her. There was a reason for everything, and there had to be a reason this strange woman haunted Viktor’s slumber.
There was a long pause before he answered. “I haven’t decided yet. I have other demons to put to bed first.”
“Buon. Be safe, Viktor. If you need anything, call.”
“Goodbye, Niccolo. Forgive me.”
The signal dropped.
Forgive him? For leaving? Viktor’s sense of loyalty knew no boundaries.
***
Niccolo hadn’t had much time to think about what he would do when he finally saw Helena; there was so much to say. Should he start with how sorry he was for not giving her his heart from the first moment they’d met? Or, perhaps, ask her forgiveness for being so selfish and thinking only of his freedom and the prophecy? What about his insanely stupid move to let her go with Andrus so she could be free from him?
No, he would start with saying how much he loved her. He’d quickly sifted back to the penthouse in New York to get the ring—the real one—he’d had made for her months earlier. The one he’d first given her was a fake. What an idiot he'd been. He’d thought to limit her means until her transformation in case she tried to run. Without money, she wouldn’t have gotten far—or so he thought. What he’d ended up doing was just putting her in more danger by pushing her into the arms of Andrus. Now he would make everything right. The three carat stone had been in his family for generations before it had come to him. It was the one item he’d kept from his mortal life. Now he would give it to the woman who made his existence mean something.
He sifted to the posh hotel suite—their safe house for this mission. It had rich green carpets and drapes, a spacious living room with a big screen television, a full bar, and several large bedrooms. He glanced around the room, but the place appeared empty. Where had everyone gone?
There was a note on the table from Sentin. Thought you might need some privacy. Went fishing.
Niccolo knew that meant they were half way to Bacalar, Mexico by now. Niccolo recently acquired a villa on the lake just for them after his return from hibernation. He liked the idea of giving the men a place that was warm and peaceful where they could fish at night—merely for sport, of course. But there was also something about the area where Cimil’s cenote stood that called to him. Perhaps because it was the very place that his fate had taken a turn towards his beloved Helena.
With Niccolo’s sensitive hearing, he realized that Helena was in the shower. He thought about joining her, but she might not be ready to forgive him yet. He sat on the couch and waited anxiously; he paced and sat again, returning to a pace while he practiced his forgiveness speech.
Finally, the water shut off and he heard the bathroom door creak open. The scent of Helena, shampoo, and soap filled the air.
“Is someone there?” Helena called out from the bedroom.
Here goes. “We are alone, mio cuore,” he responded from the living room.
Helena quickly appeared in the doorway wearing nothing but a plush white towel. Her large blue eyes immediately widened when she saw Niccolo. She had a bandage on her wrist and he could see splotchy, deep black bruises running up her arm. She must have fought Andrus. She also looked thinner and pale, like she hadn’t eaten or slept in days. Had Andrus chained her up or hurt her? Niccolo pushed away his thoughts of taking Andrus’ head for mistreating her. Andrus is dead by now, or soon will be. I need to be content with that.
He slowly stood, but did not approach. He needed to look at her, soak her in.
Despite the apparent fatigue, she was more glorious and beautiful than he’d remembered. Her plump lips, her full breasts, her curvy hips…she was almost too beautiful. His heart wanted to jump from his chest and weep with contentment. Helena was everything to him. How could he have been so foolish to think he could let her go?
He would find a way to keep her human and safe from his world. Even if we only have hours or days left together.
But what was she thinking and feeling? Did she hate him for all that he’d done to her? He reached out with his mind to sample her emotions. Anger. Pain. Fear. And…love.
A wave of relief washed over him. She still loved him.
“Helena, I know you have no reason to forgive me, but I hope you will.” While there is still time for us.
Helena fidgeted with a corner of the towel near her bare knee, exposing her upper-thigh. Niccolo balled his fists to keep from pouncing. He wanted to take her to bed more than he’d ever wanted anything in his entire existence.
“I heard the good news about your freedom,” she said in a quiet tone. “Congratulations. I guess the prophecy wasn’t right after all.”
Niccolo winced. So she knew about the prophecy. “Cimil?” he guessed.
Helena nodded. “She paid me a visit while I was with Andrus.”
“What did she say?”
Helena looked down at her feet. “Nothing coherent, really.”
Niccolo felt relieved. He was not going to tell Helena how the likely outcome of his story was ending up in the queen’s dungeon—ninety-nine point, nine, nine, nine percent, according to Cimil—which he would do everything in his power to prevent since Helena would feel his pain too.
No. Death would be the answer. This way, Helena would be free from their bond.
But before I go…
“Cimil was right. You are my one true love.” Niccolo continued to hold back. He needed Helena with every cell in his body, but he wanted the choice to be hers. He listened carefully to her heart. It was pounding furiously in unison with his own.
“Niccolo, I want you to know something.” She stepped from the bedroom doorway towards him. Drops of water slid down her shoulders from her damp hair. “I know you pushed me to Andrus because you thought you were trying to protect me.”
“You’re not angry with me?”
She was angry at someone. He could feel the emotion radiating from her. Andrus was the likely answer.
Helena shook her head and took another step. “Not any more. I’m just grateful to see you again. I love you.”
&
nbsp; Niccolo could no longer refrain from touching her. He closed the remaining gap between them and pulled Helena into his arms. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with so much affection, he thought he would die from joy.
“I love you, Helena. I will love you until my last breath. Please forgive me. I thought if Andrus had a way to break our bond, I should give you that chance.”
“No. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Vampire. Until…until death do us part.”
Maybe she did know about the consequences of the prophecy going unfulfilled? Didn’t matter now. They had this moment. He’d take it.
He dipped his head and covered her mouth with his. The sweet scent of her clean warm skin filled his lungs. His groin swelled instantly. Every fantasy he’d ever had of her flashed in his mind. He had to have her.
He slid his hand through her damp curls to the back of her head and deepened the kiss. Over thirteen hundred years of living, and he’d never felt anything so euphoric.
His lips traveled down the side her neck. “Ask anything you want of me, Helena. Anything at all. Your own island. A small country. Anything. It is yours.”
Helena whispered. “I want…you. Just you.” She dropped her towel onto the floor.
Niccolo’s breath escaped him. She was so beautiful. So perfect. The soft curves of her hips. Her silky creamy skin that glowed with life. Her round full breasts. The golden brown curls between her legs. He would sample every inch of her tonight. He would savor every moment. Because whatever change she’d provoked inside his heart had effected his body too. He longed to be inside her, make love to her.
Yet his savage, vampire side that called for her sweet blood was now completely under control. The power of love.
Niccolo dropped to his knees, wanting to worship at her feet like a sacred alter. He nuzzled her stomach. He spread kisses over her hip. His hands moved up the back of her thighs and cupped her round bottom. Like him, she seemed to be lost in the moment of their bodies touching, the sensation of lust running between them. His erection throbbed painfully, but there was just one thing he wanted to do before sweeping her in his arms and taking her to bed. He pulled her real engagement ring from his pocket.
He gently took her hand and trailed kisses down her wrist before sliding the ring on her finger. He looked up at her face.
A glorious smile swept across it. “What’s this?” She held out her hand.
Now the moment was perfect. “This is the ring I should have given to you—a priceless family heirloom. I still want to complete the ceremony with you so that you feel like my real wife.”
She tilted her head to one side. “I don’t need a wedding. I am already yours, Vampire. Forever.”
He smiled. He knew they wouldn’t have forever, but he’d savor every moment.
“In that case, there is one last thing we must do to make it official. I must take you to bed.”
Helena laughed. “What are you waiting for? I’m not getting any younger.”
Chapter 20
Niccolo was going to die.
And Helena had to stop it. Not just because she loved him, but because the lives of everyone she’d ever loved were at risk, too.
Yes, it was possible Cimil could be wrong, but who in their right mind would roll the dice on something so important? Maybe that was the reason this was her destiny; she understood and respected the impact one life could have on the other billion life forms on the planet. One life form—a virus—could kill millions. Another life form—a scientist in a lab—could save millions. The power of one should never be underestimated.
She chuckled to herself. If she survived, she’d have to change her official career from evolutionary biologist to evolutionary paranormal spiritual scientist. Sounds like a perfect new religion for California.
Speaking of the impact one could have, she looked up at Niccolo and wondered how many specs of dust, how many millions of stars, drops of rain, births and deaths, flakes of snow, and days of sunshine it all took for the world to evolve in such a way for the universe to bring her the one person who’d changed her life. And now, the two of them were together in this perfect moment.
He’s evolutionary perfection. She didn’t want to waste any more time thinking of the task to come and all that was riding on her. Niccolo loved her. She loved him. They had this moment together. It had to be enough.
He studied her briefly. Then he scooped her in his arms and carried her to the king sized bed. The room glowed softly from the muted sunshine filtering through the thick curtains. The bed linens were her favorite: soft white sheets and a fluffy down comforter. If they had actually had a human wedding today as planned, she would have picked a hotel and a room just like this one for their wedding night.
Niccolo laid her gently on the bed and began peeling away his own clothes while his thirsty gaze raked over her naked body.
Perhaps as a sign that he too had changed, she noticed he wasn’t wearing a stitch of black. He wore a soft white linen shirt and faded blue jeans. She sighed. He was so sexy that her mouth literally watered.
My tasty man-candy. His broad shoulders were twice the width of hers. He was larger and stronger than life.
But what she loved most, aside from the depths of soul-filled eyes, was the sleek hard lines of his stacked muscles and the slight golden glow of his skin. Okay. She had to admit there was one other part of him she might like better. And that part was currently hard, ready, and bulging against the fly of his jeans.
She stared at him as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and let it drop to the floor. His thick black waves of dark hair hung just past his shoulders, giving him a wild look. His stomach rippled as he reached for the top button of his pants.
Dark eyes twinkling with passion, he released his pulsing erection. It was long and thick, and Helena had dreamed for months of how it would feel when he slid it inside her.
For weeks, he’d been part of her mind and heart. But her body had been missing out on the fun, and that was just wrong. Poor, poor body.
The moment he shed his jeans, she reached to pull him on top of her. She pushed her lips to his and glided her fingers down, letting the back of her hand graze his washboard stomach before gripping his solid cock.
He gasped and pulled her hand away. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to contain myself if you do that.”
She smiled. The thought of bringing him over the edge almost made her burst. “I know what you mean.”
He slowly moved over her, nestling himself between her legs. He kissed her with a wild frenzy while grinding himself against her. It wasn’t enough; she wanted him deep inside.
She broke the kiss. “What are you waiting for?”
Niccolo smirked and ran his hand over the side of her face. “Patience my love, patience.”
He slid down her body, trailing kisses over her neck and breasts. He lovingly savored each nipple, paying loving respect to each before continuing the journey down, down, down. Oh, okay. Maybe I can wait few more minutes.
He stopped.
Oops, belly button detour? Would he ever get to the other place? She was ready to explode. She ached for his touch on her soft flesh. “Please, Niccolo.”
“Please what?” he asked with a wicked smile, gazing up at her with his dark eyes.
“Please, please…please me.” Wasn’t that a Beatles’ song?
“I love the sound of you begging,” he said, his voice deep and velvety.
“How about the sound of me crying hysterically if you don’t—oooh,” she moaned as he moved his mouth between her legs and plunged his tongue inside.
She shuddered as she instantly found her release. He didn’t relent as she grabbed fistfuls of sheets beside her and quivered under his tongue. Her chest rising and falling rapidly, all she could hear was the thundering sound of her own heart. “That was—it was…amazing.”
“Just a warm up, by bride.” He crawled up her body like a predator ready to pounce. “Just relax, we’ll take it slow.”
She shook her head. “Not slow. Just fast and hard.”
Niccolo didn’t bother questioning. Maybe he couldn’t. Maybe her command was all he needed to lose the tender restraint he’d been showing her. He positioned himself at her entrance and brought his mouth to hers once again, lapping and panting as he slowly sunk his hard flesh down her passage. She felt a twinge of pain as he pushed deeper. She let out a moan she wasn’t expecting, and he eased back.
“You’re so tight and slick. So warm,” he said in a husky voice saturated with sex. “It’s like my cock died and went to heaven.”
She stifled a laugh.
“The smile on your face is almost as good as the other expression you just had,” he said.
“Which was?” she whispered.
“Pure pleasure.” He thrust deep inside her again, taking her breath away.
The sting subsided almost immediately. Now all she felt was the delicious friction of him pumping into her, filling her over and over again. She moved her hands over his back, feeling the solid muscles work beneath his smooth skin. Everything about him liquefied her. Suddenly a scream escaped her mouth as he sank deeper, sending her over the edge once again. A moment later, he followed her with one long, hard, final push.
Panting he collapsed on top of her, burying his face in her neck.
It was done. She was no longer a virgin and Niccolo was truly her vampire husband.
Until death do us part.
***
Nearly comatose with euphoria after three more hours of wild lovemaking, Helena stared at the ceiling, realizing why vampire divorce was unheard of. Because if the other vampire males were one-half the lover that Niccolo was, well, why would any woman leave? Then there was that whole, “death is the only way out” thing. That made it a little harder to call it quits. She wondered what the human divorce rate would be if they faced the same circumstances?
“Thank you, Helena,” Niccolo finally said after a few silent moments and squeezed her close in his arms.