3#Awakened by the Vampire Prince (Thorn) (13 page)

“You
look so much like her.” Katar’s voice wavered with emotion. He put a hand to
his mouth, trying to compose himself. “I recognize that look, my Esral. It was
the same look that Esme had for me.” The old king turned to Xavier. He
swallowed thickly before continuing. “I can see that you care for my daughter.”
He shook his head. “I don’t know why York is at her side, all I know is that it
should be you.” Esral gasped but Katar’s intense gaze didn’t waver.

Xavier
stepped closer to the bed. “I love your daughter.” He couldn’t help but to
glance at Esral, whose eyes filled with such emotion. Xavier smiled at her. “Very
much. It’s a long story as to…”

Katar
waved his hand. “We’ll save it for another day. I’m old and I’m tired. Your
feelings for Esral are clear and that is all that matters to me.” His eyes
moved to his daughter. “I want only the best for you. It is up to you, Esral.”
He chuckled.

“Xavier
is the one for me, father. He always has been and always will be.”

King
Katar gave a deep nod. “Well then, if you want my advice, the heart knows what
the heart wants. Why wait?”

Xavier
moved to Esral’s side. She glanced up at him with such love reflected in her
eyes that he almost lost it. Although he was tempted, putting her over his
shoulder in front of her father and brother would not be the best idea.

Xavier
gave York a light tap on the back. “Thank you for all you have done for the
princess.”

“Thank
you, York.” The princess’ voice hitched just a little as she spoke.

“If
he ever gives you any trouble, you know where to find me.” York was grinning
widely, still not a sight Xavier had grown used to. The only response was to
smile back.

“The
priest isn’t here yet, father. Besides, Xavier hasn’t officially even claimed
me. It’s all a bit of—”

“I
hereby officially claim you.” Xavier slid his arm around Esral’s waist.

He
loved the small huff of air she expelled and how her chest heaved. Her eyes
were focused on the foot of the bed.

“If
you will have me, that is.” Using just his thumb, he rubbed the lower part of
her back.

When
her eyes lifted to his, he almost damn well lost it again and had to work to
keep his hand from closing on her waist, from pulling her into his arms.

Her
big blue eyes were filled with tears, a few of which had escaped. Her lashes
were fused from the moisture. She sniffed.

“Hey.”
He cupped her cheeks, using his thumbs to wipe away the moisture. “We can wait.
I can wait, Esral, for as long as you need. I love you.” He swallowed thickly,
feeling his throat work. “There is no rush—”

The
princess put a finger over his lips and her eyes narrowed. “Yes there is…” She
smiled through her tears. “I love you too and I don’t want to wait. I’m just so
happy.” She sniffed.

His
heart swelled to the point where he thought it might just explode in his chest.
He put his forehead to hers. “Thank fuck,” he whispered. “Waiting might’ve
killed me.” He pulled back an inch, looking deep into her eyes. Lord help him,
he had to kiss her. One small taste. “No more tears, princess.”

Xavier
brushed his lips against hers. The little whimper that slipped from her lips
unraveled the last of his resolve and he slanted his mouth over hers, sucking
on her bottom lip ever so slightly. Her little hand cupped his chin and her
tongue flicked across his lips.

There
was a sound of someone clearing their throat, which he ignored as he took back
her mouth. Using her other hand, Esral clutched his bicep. Someone shoulder
knocked him. Xavier’s eyes flew open, seeing York’s amused expression.

Oh
hell.

Esral
giggled and put her hand over her mouth. Keto shook his head, looking just as
amused as York, maybe even more so.

“Young
love.” Katar declared, looking distinctly paler.

“We
should go.” Xavier clasped Esral’s hand. “You need to rest, King Katar.”

Katar
sat more upright. “Not without having your blossoming ceremony first.” His
voice quivered slightly.

“There
is no priest…” Esral said sounding concerned.

Katar
smiled. “I am the king and am permitted to perform blossoming ceremonies. If
you don’t mind us keeping it brief.” His eyes drooped and he slurred the last
word. “Your heartfelt declaration of love for one another can serve as your
vows. We will do the blood rites.”

Keto
removed a dagger from a sheath at his inner thigh. Xavier shook his head. “Must
get drafty.” He chuckled.

Keto
grinned. “Once you go robe, you never go back. The feeling of freedom is
exhilarating. You should try it some time.” There was a mischievous grin on his
face.

“Um.
I’ll take your word for it.” Xavier held out his hand to the elven prince,
Esral did the same.

“Here
goes.” Keto winced as he sliced his sister’s hand open, as did Xavier. His
little princess didn’t so much as flinch though.

“No
crying.” Keto grinned as he turned to Xavier.

“I’m
not the one in the dress.” Xavier growled as the knife cut through his skin. It
stung like a fucking bitch, but he’d had way worse.

Xavier
looked back into the most beautiful eyes ever created. Esral smiled as they
clasped hands. He couldn’t help but to smile back. A goofy smile would probably
grace his face for years to come. At least, it would whenever he was in the
company of this exquisite female…
his female.

“United
by blood,” Katar said.

“United
by blood,” they each said in turn.

“It’s
done.” Xavier could hear that Katar was smiling but he couldn’t take his eyes
off of the princess.

“Take
good care of her,” the old man whispered.

Xavier
pulled Esral into his arms. “I will.” He said against her full lips before
kissing her, making sure to keep it chaste this time. It didn’t matter though,
being so close to her, knowing that she was finally his had his blood boiling
in his veins.

Her
little sigh as he pulled away had his dick jumping in his pants.

“I
will plan an intimate celebration for when you return,” Keto said. It was weird
to see him with an honest to god grin on his face.
Freaky as fuck!

“Return
from where?” Xavier felt his brow knit.

“Haven’t
you told him anything? Prepared him?” Keto’s grin grew much wider.

Esral
chewed on her lower lip, her gaze dropped to the ground for a few beats. When
she lifted her face, Xavier realized that she looked guilty. She shook her
head. “No, this all happened so suddenly.”

Keto
turned to him. “Pack an overnight bag. You’ll hike deep into the forest where
you’ll stay for the night. When you return tomorrow we’ll celebrate your true
union.”

“True
union?” Xavier shook his head.

“You
will only be considered mated once you break Esral’s thorn.”

Esral
gasped. “Enough Keto. I will handle the explanations.” She looked a little pale
and refused to meet his eyes. “Besides, I don’t think we should have a
celebration. It would be best if we kept our union a secret…for now at least.”
She finally locked eyes with him looking…sad.

“Esral,”
her father’s voice was commanding. “We will not hide your union. Love is a rare
and wonderful thing. It should be celebrated.”

“But
our people will not understand, they will—”

Katar
interrupted Esral. “Your union with the vampire prince was and is my wish. You
had no say in the matter. The elven folk will understand that.”

Esral
nodded. “Of course, father. Thank you. I love you.” She hugged him. “I will
come and visit you tomorrow.”

Katar
nodded, his eyes drooped closed. This time they stayed closed. His chest rose
and fell rhythmically.

“Good
luck!” Keto hit him on the side of the arm.

“I
think I’ll manage,” Xavier growled. “I know how to please my female.”

“Too
much fucking information. I don’t care if you claimed her, but Esral is still
my baby sister.” The male looked at Esral with affection. Thank god, he thought
he was going to have to beat the male some more.

Xavier
narrowed his eyes at Keto. He didn’t understand the male, not one fucking bit.

“Let’s
go and pack those bags.” Esral closed her hand over his. Her delicious scent
enveloped him. Despite the situation, his dick hardened up some more.
Down
boy! Soon
.

“I
can’t wait to see you in silk.” Keto called after them as they left the
chamber.

Xavier
stiffened, wanting to go back and demand answers but Esral kept on walking.
“Ignore him. It is normal for the males to goad one another. He”—she scrunched
up her nose—“really seems to like you. I’m not sure exactly when or even how it
happened, but he does.”

“You
make it sound like I’m hard to like.”

Esral
rolled her eyes, looking adorable. “This is Keto we’re talking about. You are a
vampire.”

“True.”

She
threw him a shy smile, looking up at him through her lashes. Sexy as fucking
sin. Xavier couldn’t help but to groan. “Please pack quickly. For the record, this
is going to be one long-ass hike.”

Esral
giggled. “Our first time needs to be on the ground with the trees above. Out in
nature as the gods intended. I won’t make you walk too far.”

Xavier
smiled. “I’ll walk anywhere with you. We’ll find somewhere beautiful.” He
squeezed her hand. “Somewhere fit for a princess.”

“So
you don’t mind a bit of a hike?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Honey,
I recommend we get far away from this place…” He looked about him, taking in
the chambers and strung walkways of Pulamor. “Because there will be screaming.”
Xavier could hear the huskiness in his own voice as he pictured just how he was
going to wring out all the pleasure he could from his princess. Today, she
would know ecstasy. Would know what it was to be a female. He would make it his
life’s goal to show her.

Her
face clouded. “Yes there will.” She sighed not looking happy at all.

“Wait
up, princess.” He stopped walking while still clasping her hand, which forced her
to stop. “What’s going on?” Then it occurred to him. He was such an idiot. Ever
so gently, he cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Are you afraid?”

She
shrugged.

Bingo
!

“A
little,” she whispered.

“I
promise to be careful. We don’t need to do anything you don’t feel comfortable
with.” He bit back a groan. “I can’t wait to make love to you. To become your
mate in every sense of the word, but I can wait, Esral. We’ll take it slow.”

“It’s
not that.” She licked her lips.

“What
is it then?” He tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.

“I’m
really afraid, but not for myself.”

What
the fuck?

Not
afraid for herself. That meant that she was afraid for him. Why would she be
afraid for him? Problem was, her lips were sealed. “Later,” she had whispered.
“I’ll tell you everything when we get there.”

She
refused to talk about it while they packed. Refused to talk about it while they
walked. It felt like they had been trudging through the endless forest forever
when in reality it had just been a couple of hours. His muscles burned, sweat
dripped off of him, bugs buzzed around his face but none of it got to him. Not
in the least. What caused the most frustration was Esral’s rigid back and her
frown. Something was wrong and she wasn’t telling him what it was.

“Esral.”
He called after her retreating back as she made her way through the heavily
wooded area with the ease of a light-footed gazelle. “Hold up.”

Her
back stiffened but she kept up the pace.

“Sweetheart,
talk to me please. Just tell me what’s got you so rattled.”

She
sucked in a ragged breath and turned. Her eyes were wide and her lip quivered.
“I’ll understand if you walk away,” she blurted.

“Walk
away? Are you crazy, princess? I’m right where I want to be. I’m not going
anywhere that isn’t in your direction.”

His
admission should have calmed her down. It had the opposite effect. “Fine,” she
huffed. “Then follow me.” She spun around and picked up the pace. He had to
really work to keep up. Within minutes they reached a stream. There were
wildflowers growing on the bank. The trees were bigger at the water’s edge.
Their branches stretched over the flowing water. The stream gurgled as the water
swirled by, catching the small rocks and pebbles on the bank. It was damned pretty.
Maybe even fit for a princess.

Esral
threw down her bag. It seemed that they had arrived at long fucking last. Maybe
now he could get some answers.

Shoulders
tense and her breathing heavy, Esral fought with the knot in the tie on her
robe. She stiffened when he closed his hands over her shoulders. “Do you need
some help?”

She
shook her head, her eyes wild with worry. “I can manage. I will wash off and be
ready for you soon.”

“Ready
for me…?” The words came out filled with the frustration he felt. “Please slow
down. Let’s talk about this.”

“I
know how to solve this.” She looked relieved. “Why didn’t I think of it sooner?
I’ll just break it myself.”

“Esral
honey, you’re not making any sense. Take a deep breath and then tell me what’s
got you so afraid.”

Instead
of doing what he asked, she narrowed her eyes at him and shook her head. “Just
go away for a little while. There’s something I need to do to prepare for you.”

“Prepare…get
ready for me…?” Xavier ran his hands up and down her arms. “There is nothing
that you could possibly do to prepare for me. I want you right now and just as
you are. I can’t wait to make you mine in every damned sense of the word. I
love you, princess.”

Her
eyes and demeanor softened at his words. Then he watched her shut down just as
quickly. “You don’t understand.”

“You’re
right, I don’t. Please, will you explain it to me?” He kept his voice low.

Esral
licked her lips. “It’s complicated.”

“I
told you blood drinking was complicated, yet we handled that just fine…together
as a team. Just as we handled everything else.” He couldn’t help but to cup her
face in both his hands. “Here we are, Esral. This is it. You need to trust me
now more than ever before. The mess we got ourselves into before was because we
didn’t talk things through.”

“You
promise you won’t run away?” Her eyes flashed with fear.

“I
already told you that I’m here to stay, there is nothing you could possibly say
that would change my mind.” Xavier clasped her hands in his.

“It’s
going to hurt when you break my thorn.” She blurted, biting down on her lip as
soon as she finished.

“Oh,
sweetheart.” He put his forehead to hers. “I told you I would be gentle. We will
take it slow. You can talk me through it.”

Esral
shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “No, Xavier.” A tear broke loose
and he caught it with his thumb. “Not me…” Her lip wobbled. “It’s going to hurt
you.
” She whispered the last, “A lot.”

He
cleared his throat, pulling away ever so slightly. “I can take it. I’m a
warrior, I’ve sustained wounds—”

“There
is a reason it’s called a thorn. Battle scarred warriors have passed out trying
to break them. This is serious, Xavier.”

Xavier
couldn’t help but to swallow hard. “I am a vampire, a prince dammit. I can do
this.”

Pulling
a strand behind her ear, Esral shook her head. “That’s just it.” She paused.
“You don’t have to go through all that. Give me a chance to prepare, I’ll break
it myself.”

“Not
a fuck.” Xavier couldn’t help the words as they flew from his mouth and would
say them again despite Esral’s disapproving look. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop with
the bad language once it’s official.”

Esral
chewed on her lip for a moment. “I think you should leave me for five little
minutes.”

“You
didn’t wait your whole life for this moment so that you could break your own
thorn. I’m here and I’ll do it.”

Her
eyes were wide and she shook her head. “No…okay…just no. You don’t know what
you are offering. I should’ve explained things better.”

“It
wouldn’t have made any difference. Do you think if I knew about your thorn being
a real thorn that I wouldn’t have wanted you? I sincerely hope you don’t think
so little of me.”

She
shrugged and his heart actually clenched inside him.

“It
wouldn’t have made any difference. I’m here and this is happening.” He could
see that she still wasn’t buying it. “Answer me this…”

It
took a while but she finally nodded.

“Those
hardened, battle scarred warriors you were referring to. They must have known
about the whole breaking of the thorn and how painful it is, yet they performed
the deed. Why is that? Why don’t the females just break their own thorns all
the time?”

 Esral
looked at him like he was a nut job. “It happens often that a female is made to
break her own thorn. If a male really loves his mate, he will do it for her.
It’s rare, but it does happen…” She gasped. “I see what you are trying to do,
to get me to talk myself into this.”

“I
just want you to see things a little more objectively. Go on.” He squeezed her
arm to encourage her.

Her
whole demeanor had changed. It seemed that he might actually be getting through
to her. “It is a great honor to break a female’s thorn and an even greater
honor when a male is brave and willing enough to do it for a female. Blood is
shed…a lot of blood.” Her eyes were overly large in her skull and she made an
anguished noise. “When the thorn breaks the female bleeds too although not
nearly as much as…the male.” Esral made an anguished sound. “I’m so sorry,
Xavier. I would change it if I could. When blood mixes, the male and female are
seen to bond and become one.” She gave him a ghost of a smile. “It is a bit
gruesome and pretty messy but it’s also kind of romantic…” Her eyes widened as
she realized what she had just said. “But we don’t have to do it.”

“Bullshit,
princess.” He kissed the very tip of her pert nose. “I love you and I want to
become one with you.” He stared her deep in her eyes, cupping her cheeks so
that he had her full attention. “It would be an honor to break your thorn.”

Her
throat worked and her lip quivered. “Do you mean that?”

Xavier
moved in closer, just an inch or two away. “Never more serious.” He pecked her
sweet lips, moving back to maintain eye contact. “I’m not taking no for an
answer unless…you really mean no.”

Esral
giggled and a weight lifted off of him. He stared deep into her eyes. “Does
that mean yes, princess?”

She
tried to nod but he was still holding her. “Mmm Mmmm.”

“I’ve
never felt happier about having my dick ripped to shreds.”

She
gasped. “You don’t have—”

“Hush…”
He kissed her, slipping his tongue into her mouth. She sighed as he released
her moments later. “Will it hurt you?” he asked.

She
shook her head. “No, maybe a little uncomfortable but no pain. I’m sorry.”

“Stop
apologizing. I am a male in his prime. I can take it. Besides…” He felt
everything in him tighten and heat. His dick throbbed in his pants wanting
inside her regardless of consequence. “It will be so worth it in the end. I
cannot wait to have your legs wrapped around my hips. To fuck you so long and
so hard that you forget your own name…I’ll stop there because I don’t want to
scare you off just yet.” He’d talked dirty to her before, but this was
different. He was actually about to do the deed this time. Best he tone it down
a bit. Esral was as innocent as they came. He had to do right by her in every
way.

The
thing was, she looked anything but scared. Her nipples just about poked holes
through the thin fabric of her robe. Her breath was choppy and her cheeks
flushed. Her wild cherry scent blossomed with arousal, it just about drove him
to insanity.

“Oh
hell, princess. I think we should set up camp before I take you right
here…right fucking now.”

She
shrugged. “It is kind of the idea.” Her cheeks infused with pink. “It has to be
on the soil but we would need to move deeper into the forest. There’s also one
other thing.” She bit down so hard that he could see how her teeth were denting
her lip. If she wasn’t careful she was going to draw blood.

“It
can’t be worse than an honest to god thorn.” He paired his statement with a
grin, hoping that she could see he was joking. No thorn was going to stop him
from having this female.
Nothing would.

“You
need to wear a white, silken robe.” She scrunched up her eyes.

“You
have got to be kidding me,” Xavier growled.

“We
both have to wear one.” She squeaked, still not looking at him.

“I
want you naked, princess. I’ve waited so damned long for this.” He knew he was
being selfish but he couldn’t help it.

She
shook her head.

“No,”
he growled.

“No.”
She shook her head some more. “We can part our robes, but our first time needs
to be clothed.” Her eyes were pleading. He was so screwed because there was no
way he could say no to her. No way in hell.

“Why?
It’s such a strange tradition. Rutting is best when done butt ass naked.
Nothing to get in the way.”

Her
eyes heated and her lashes fused. “It would just be for that first time. After
that we can do whatever we want.”

Xavier
couldn’t help but to slide his hands over her ass and pull her towards him. “As
in anything?”

She
nodded.

“No
more rules or regulations? Just you and me and…wait a minute.” He took in a
deep breath. “That still doesn’t explain why we have to wear those things. No
one will know. We’re alone out here. At least, I hope we’re alone.” He didn’t
feel like they were being watched. His senses would’ve kicked in long ago if
they were.

“We’re
alone but they will know.” Her expression became concerned once more. “We kind
of have to wear the robes to our ceremony tomorrow as proof.”

“Proof?
But that’s crazy. White robes would be ruined. Wait a minute…” he shook his
head. “Proof you say?” He growled the last. “That’s so fucking barbaric. Are
you serious?”

“Like
I was saying, not all males choose to break their female’s thorn. This way
everyone would know that you did. It’s considered good luck. You will be
greatly respected by every elven male at the celebration tomorrow, particularly
the mated ones.” Her blue eyes clouded. “I’m so sorry.”

“Stop
apologizing. Let’s have that swim in the stream and then you can show me my
robe.” He couldn’t believe he’d just said that.

Esral
smiled, which made everything worth it.

“I
draw the line at pointy boots though, princess.”

Her
grin widened and she laughed. So damned worth it.

“Help
me with this please.” She reached down and held up the tie on her robe.

Xavier
groaned. “It would be my pleasure.”

His
hands shook a little, so it took a minute to undo the knot. “May I?” He
clutched each side of her robe in his hands.

Esral
nodded, her eyes shone with…excitement. “I think it’s long overdue don’t you
think?”

“Holy
hell.” He growled, as he carefully bared her, one creamy inch at a time. He all
out cursed as her pink tipped breasts sprang free. “You’re never to wear
clothes while we are alone, not ever again.” Xavier cupped their full weight in
his hands. “So soft. Good god!” he groaned.

Esral
whimpered as he squeezed her soft globes. “That feels so good.” She arched her
back. He removed his hands on another curse and her heavy curves actually
quivered as he let them go. Xavier clasped his hands behind his back as his
gaze dipped lower to her belly and glistening pussy.