Dream Warrior: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book 1) (30 page)

She glided to the middle of the pool, and felt a heat building under her skin. It quickly turned extremely painful and she began to panic, something was seriously wrong. She needed to get out of the pool and have Jace look at her.

“Holy shite,” Zander gasped. “Look at your wee fangs. And, your eyes, they’re glowing…I was wrong before,” Zander said as he stared at her in the middle of the pool.

She was confused by everything happening in her body. He couldn’t be talking about her having fangs. Could he? Her skin was turning red and small blisters were forming. She looked back at Zander and heard his heart pounding in fear.

She became distracted by the pounding of his heart. She glanced from his eyes, to that pulse popping enticingly in his throat. Suddenly struck with an urge she didn’t understand, she wanted to sink her teeth into his flesh, and drink deeply. That need burned hotly and took over everything else.

Before she knew what was happening, she was wrapped around Zander and had buried those ‘wee fangs’ in his neck. A climax rocked her body the moment his blood exploded on her tongue. Overcome with bloodlust, she sucked feverishly. When the pain and thirst subsided, she withdrew her fangs, and met his shocked gaze.

Panic struck a chord in her thunderous heart.

*****

Zander watched his lovely mate in disbelief. Her skin had burned the moment the sun touched it. Incomprehension had hit when she sifted from the float, into his arms. She panted, in obvious discomfort, with little fangs peeking out from her lips. And now, she had his blood glistening on her lips, and his cock was still going off in his pants. He held her close to his raging body. Thoughts and emotions funneled through him, driven by the hurricane of disbelief. His mate was a vampire!

How did this happen? It shouldn’t have happened. In fact, it had never happened in the history of the Tehrex Realm. But, there was no mistaking the fangs, the glow, and the bloodlust.

“
A ghra,
you appear to be a vampire,” he whispered.

Wide, hysterical eyes gazed up at him. Her terror slayed him. “What? You’re wrong! You told me that vampires were born, not made. Remember?”

She placed her hand over his heated cheek. Of course, his erupting shaft loved the contact, and pulsed again. He needed to reassure and calm his mate right now. “We will figure this oot—”

“Can someone defrost this pool and get me out? My nuts are getting frost-bite!” Orlando hollered, cutting him off.

Jerking his head, Zander glanced at the frozen pool, and its three, trapped occupants. “Did Bhric do that?” he asked as suspicion slithered through him.

“Nay, brathair,” Bhric responded, as he ran into the pool area, followed by the others. “I didna do that to the pool. I was in the kitchen with Kyran and Breslin, when I heard the ruckus. Goddess…”

They gaped at the pool, then at the fangs in Elsie’s mouth. His protective instinct roared, and he wrapped his arms around Elsie, shielding her from the scrutiny.

Breslin extended her hand, slowly heating the water, releasing Orlando, Santiago and Rhys.

“Want me to call Jace?” Orlando asked.

“Aye. And the scientists. We have to figure oot what’s going on.” Seven intense gazes reflected his concern.

*****

“I don’t understand it, Liege, but Elsie’s blood work shows she has the DNA structure of a vampire. I don’t see any human markers left at all. It’s not the same DNA changes that are typically seen with a mating. I highly doubt this is a temporary side effect of the vampire blood she imbibed. Somehow, she has become the first turned vampire,” Jace related. Elsie gaped at him from where she sat in the war room with the Dark Warriors and the council.

She felt like a bug under a microscope, and rubbed her arms nervously, as they stared at her. She had spent the last couple of evenings with the scientists and Jace while they tried to dissect what had happened to her.

“As disturbing as that is, it makes sense. Ever since I woke-up, I have experienced the world around me differently. I can hear, see and sense my surroundings better than I did before. I was worried I had brain damage. Or, maybe that I was going crazy,” she whispered.

“I’d like to repeat testing every few days to see if there are any changes, of course. But, overall, she appears healthy,” Jace said.

She leaned into Zander’s side, as his arm wound around her waist. His deep baritone echoed loudly in her sensitive ears. “She is no’ a test subject, and we willna treat her as such. We need to protect her and figure oot if this is information we share with the realm. I plan to contact the Goddess aboot this, but no’ until after we finish the mating ceremony. I doona want anything to stand in the way of completing our bonding. Do you think it’s actually possible, to turn humans into vampires?”

“From what I can see of the blood work, I highly doubt it’s possible to turn humans. Her earlier samples had different markers from humans and there is a magical quality present. Under the microscope, I can see purple, blue and green threads woven throughout her blood. I’ve never seen anything like it, before,” Evzen explained, pouring over the printouts.

“I noted that, too. I had previously considered it a side effect of her precognitive ability. I never thought it could mean something more,” Jace added.

“She has abilities from each of the four of you. I can’t fathom how that happened, given that special powers are not transferred through blood exchanges. Whatever we decide to share with the realm I don’t think it’s a good idea to share that she has acquired these abilities. Otherwise, we will have problems of sups trying to steal powers from one another. I’ll say this, nothing about your mate is normal, Zander,” Hayden pointed out.

Great. One more thing that made her different. At least she no longer saw herself as a freak. She was going to be the Vampire Queen. Excitedly she turned her thoughts to planning her mating ceremony.

Elsie had taken to her new, supernatural, blood-drinking status like a duck to water. She loved her new strength and was anxious to get revenge against the demons. They had disappeared from the cave and had gone radio silent, but they’d be back, and the Dark Warriors would be prepared.

She glanced in the full-length mirror as her mind came back to where it needed to be. Her mating ceremony was going to take place shortly. They hadn’t wanted to wait another four weeks for the next full moon, so they were doing it less than a week after she had been turned into a vampire. ‘Carpe Diem’ was her new motto. Funny, because now that she had eternity stretched out before her, she wasn’t wasting a moment.

She shifted her chaplet again, unable to stop wondering if the realm would approve of her. She was an abnormal-unexplainable-phenomenon, and here she stood, about to become the Vampire Queen. This was a powerful position, and she wanted to make Zander proud. She was young and didn’t have centuries of life experience, nor did she grow up with knowledge of the realm. She couldn’t have been more ill-prepared for the position, but was determined to be the best queen possible.

Cailyn interrupted when she knocked on the doorjamb, “Can I help you with that?”

Elsie smiled tentatively. She was still unsure how Cailyn was taking her new supernatural status. “Yes, please. With these new powers, I keep freezing the fresh flowers in this thing, and can’t seem to wrap the chaplet around his family’s crown. I’m so nervous and I want this to be perfect.”

Cailyn shook her head. “I still can’t believe you’re a vampire now, but I have to say it suits you. I owe Zander and the others everything for saving you. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you, too.” Tears welled in her eyes as her sister crossed the room to her side. Elsie wished Mack could accept her as easily. The fierce SOVA leader hated vampires and Elsie feared would never accept what she had become. It was the reason Elsie hadn’t seen her in weeks. She would have to face her eventually, and soon. She was running out of excuses to give her when they spoke on the phone. That was consideration for another day, today she was getting mated!

“I see why you’re nervous. Marriage is a nerve-wracking thing, and according to how you’ve explained this mating, this is a huge deal. You’ll be bound to Zander for centuries, if not millennia. I can’t even fathom that. Give me that,” her sister murmured as she took the crown and arranged fresh flowers on it, then placed it on Elsie’s head. “It’s obvious to me that Zander loves you. And, I have to say, I’ve never seen you happier. You deserve only the best, El.”

“Thank you, Cai. I’m so happy you’re here with me. I love him more than life. I never knew it was possible to have what we do.”

Cailyn wiped her tears, and then grabbed the gown from the back of the door. “I am so jealous of what you have. I wonder if I will ever have even a portion of the love you do. Enough of that. Let’s get this on you.” Elsie wondered what her sister meant. John loved her.

Cailyn held out the dress and Elsie slid into the simple, white, long-sleeved, silk dress. She had chosen an off-shoulder gown with light-gold trim around the collar and cuffs, and a matching belt that sat low on her hips. She loved the feel of the satin against her hyper-sensitive skin.

“You look so beautiful,” Cailyn said as she gazed at her with tears brimming in her eyes.

She checked her hair and make-up. “Time to get mated,” she exhaled.

*****

Nerves froze her feet at the entryway to the enclosed patio. The room had been cleared of furniture. Not for the first time, Elsie wished Breslin had also given her blood when she was on death’s door. It was an awe-inspiring sight, watching her wave a hand and light hundreds of candles. But it paled in comparison to the sight of Zander standing in the center of the room, in traditional, Scottish, formal wear. He took her breath away.

Her feet automatically moved toward her male in his pristine kilt and crisp white shirt. The fabric draped over his shoulder matched his black and gray kilt. His broad shoulders pushed the material of his shirt to its limit. God, he was sexy.

Kyran stepped next to Zander, near the tiled image of the Triskele Amulet, wearing identical clothing. She smiled. Did they have anything on under those kilts? A laugh bubbled up at the sight of the sporran around their waists, and the tiny flashes holding up their long, white socks.

When Zander first told her that he and his brothers would be wearing kilts with all the Scottish finery, she imagined it being ridiculous. She should have known better. She eyed Zander hungrily as she finished her approach.

“Friends and family please form a circle around the couple,” Kyran instructed. Zander removed the amulet from around his neck, and handed it to Kyran. Kyran closed his eyes as he grasped the amulet, clearly overcome by some emotion.

“We have gathered here in this beautiful place, under the eye of the Sun and the glow of the Moon. Let the circle be blessed and consecrated with Fire and Water,” Kyran recited.

Bhric and Breslin stepped forward and with a flourish, fire shot forth from Breslin’s outstretched palm to flow around the outskirts of the circle. The fire rose from the earth to the heavens, like shooting stars. Bhric raised his hands and water cascaded down in a sheer waterfall, from heaven back to the earth, extinguishing the fire.

Kyran squeezed the amulet. “We call to the Goddess Morrigan, and invoke her to bless this mating.”

Smoke and mist filled the room. A bright, white light dispelled her belief that it was caused by the twins’ powers. The light was blinding, as strong power buffeted through the room. All the supernaturals of the Tehrex Realm must have recognized the source of the power because they went to their knees with their heads bowed.

Ignorant to what was happening, or why, she and her sister remained standing. They need a class, or book, on supernatural etiquette, she thought, as a shower of fine, silver glitter had her eyes traveling to the ceiling. She sensed the power coalescing, and gaped as a woman of incomparable beauty took form in the fog.

She wore a blood-red, velvet cloak fastened at the neck with a silver broach that looked like the amulet Kyran was clutching. A silver circlet that contained a small, blood-stone in the center of her forehead wound into her silky, black hair. She had soft features with a small nose, full lips, and long, thick lashes framing ice-blue eyes. Her midnight-black gown had an empire-waist, accenting her ample bosom. Elsie noticed her hair had silver streaks and flowed mid-back. She may have been barely over five-feet tall, but Elsie knew she could crush anyone. Her power commanded the entire room.

“I will take over from here, Kyran. Thank you.” She extended her hand, and Kyran placed a kiss upon the back of it then he placed the mating stone in her palm. It was a smooth, round, granite rock.

“It has been many centuries since the last mating. I regret the need for such a cessation, but I’ve always had plans for the realm. Before we continue with the ceremony, I would answer one question that has plagued all of you. Yes, Elsie is the first, and will be the only turned vampire. Now, rise. We have a mating to complete.” The Goddess smiled magnificently at Zander and placed the stone into his right hand.

She gasped at the electrical pulses that crawled up her arm when the Goddess grabbed her right hand. She felt power when her hand was laid on top of Zander’s hand that was clutching the stone. “We call upon the spirits of the East, of Air, Spring and new beginnings. We call upon the spirits of the South and the inner Fire of the Sun, Summer and personal will. We call upon the spirits of the West, of Water, Autumn, and healing and dreaming. We call upon the spirits of the North, of Earth, Winter, and the time of cleansing and renewal. Join us to bless this couple with your guidance and inspiration,” the Goddess chanted. Magic cocooned Elsie and Zander. Emotion choked her while she watched the Goddess.

The Goddess lifted her hand from where she had joined them, leaving theirs clasped together, surrounding the stone. Zander grabbed her left hand and placed it on his chest, over his heart, then placed his left hand over hers.

“I bless this mating under the Sun and the Moon. This circle of love and honour is open and never broken, so may it be,” the Goddess’ voice resonated with her blessing.

Heat built in the stone as she felt both souls leave her body to enter the stone. She wished fervently to keep a small portion of Zander’s as it was the only thing that had kept her alive during her torture. It was selfish yes, but it was such an integral part of her she didn’t want to part with it.

A brilliant light flashed between their fingers. Her skin tingled with the magic. The connection she felt to Zander strengthened, and she could now see the bond between them. A thick, golden ribbon wrapped around her heart and ran to his, entwining them. Her soul surged back into her body at that moment, causing her to gasp. Looking up, she saw the joy and astonishment she felt mirrored in Zander’s eyes.

She was complete in a way she’d never been before, and knew Zander was experiencing the same. Prodding her newly reformed soul, she discovered her and Zander’s soul had been so entwined during the mating, it was as if they both resided within her. Wishes do come true, she thought. Her chest may burst from her joy, and she became aware of Zander’s every thought and emotion.

She heard the Goddess’ voice whisper in her head.
“No power, not even death, can ever sever this bond. Mating stones protect and bless different aspects for different couples. Yours blesses and protects your womb.”

Unable to hold back her curiosity, she raised one of her fingers and gasped. The ordinary-looking, granite rock was now the biggest, most dazzling, blue sapphire she had ever seen. It matched her vampire’s eyes.

Zander raised their hands and the stone. “My Queen.” Zander reached into his sporran and removed a large, pink diamond ring.

“‘Tis the Queen’s ring, passed down in my family, and last belonged to my mamai. Now, it belongs to you. I am yours,
a ghra
.” He slid the exquisite, platinum-gold band with a fifteen-carat, pink diamond onto her slim, left finger. Energy zipped through her skin as the ring sized itself, automatically. She gaped at Zander, in awe. “And, you are mine,” he declared.

Kyran nudged her. “Give this one to Zander. ‘Tis the King’s ring,” he whispered into her ear, handing her an intricate, platinum band with a smaller, black diamond.

She raised her lids, meeting Zander’s bright, glowing eyes. “I am yours, my King,” she said simply, not knowing proper etiquette, and slid the ring onto his finger.

Even in her six-inch heels, she had to go to her tip-toes to reach his mouth. She twined her hands into the hair at his nape. “When is the blood exchange? I need you,” she murmured in his ear. The faint, tinkling of laughter told her the Goddess had disappeared. The evening was surreal. And, it wasn’t over.

Bluidy hell. I can see her nipples through that silky gown. I am a fully-mated male and my mate wants me. I willna make it two more minutes unless I am inside that sweet body.

She stared at Zander. She had heard him, but his lips hadn’t moved. Were those his thoughts?

I agree, love. How do we get out of here?
She reached out to him, testing her theory.

The telepathy has already taken effect, mate. Unfortunately, we must greet our subjects. Then, we will make our escape. Or, a quick visit to the pantry.

A quickie will never sate me. Besides, Hayden is approaching, followed by too many others. Let’s do this.

Hayden’s well-wishes blurred into hundreds of others and her cheeks hurt from smiling. She nearly wept with relief when she saw Rhys was last.

Rhys swore his fealty to the couple and whooped loudly, if irreverently. “Let’s partay, warrior style!” He sidled up to Cailyn, “Hey, sweetcakes, want some of my
hey juice?”

*****

Jace stared openly at Cailyn while she spoke with Rhys. This was the first time he had seen her face, and he was awed by her soft features and pouty lips. Her light-brown hair was loose around her shoulders, and she looked elegant in her simple, green, silk gown. He was immediately drawn to her. His body came to life and hardened, readying to take her. He braced himself for the nausea and self-hatred that always followed his arousal.

His body zinged and his erection grew out of control. That familiar self-hatred hit, and was compounded by a new level of disgust. Cailyn intruded in his recriminations when she slapped Rhys’ shoulder.

“Not in your wildest dreams. However, I want to toast my sister and it calls for champagne.” Cailyn grabbed a flute from the tray of a passing waiter and called out, “To Elsie and Zander.”

“Here, here,” Elsie responded, as she accepted her glass of bubbly and shared a drink with her sister.

Jace’s gaze was riveted on the sight of Cailyn’s slender throat, swallowing. It was erotic, and brought images of her sucking and swallowing him. He groaned. Time to think of something else. She had a fiancé. A complication he was glad to avoid. He was damaged goods, anyway.