Page 22 of The Vampire King's Gift

“Too late. He’s going,” Christian said as he tried to cut his thumb again. The old wound had healed completely.

“Not too late. There are rules to this.” Lisette waved one hand over her head in a circle and David was pulled back into full color and substantiation. “He will be kept here as long as it takes for you to learn to bind him, Christian.” Her silvery eyes met him. “But I’m betting you’re going to be a quick learner.”

PAWN

Daemon and Julian emerged from the sea. Daemon kept Julian behind him, even as his brave and furious fledgling tried to get around him. Caemorn was the Vampire who had killed his parents. It was rather like keeping a wolf pup at bay.

“Is that him? Dammit, Daemon, let me see him! I’ve got to see him!” Julian cried.

“Fledgling.” He put no heat in that word. No censure either. It was a simple word of command.You will accept my determination in this, was what it meant.

Julian made a sound of angry distress, but allowed Daemon to stand between him and the tall, platinum haired, Kaly Vampire in the red and black armor with a spear slung over his back and the two werewolves that flanked him. Daemon gave a grunt as he recognized the spear as Borage. It was a weapon that he had forged himself. Bold to bring it to face him, but a scan of Caemorn’s mind told him that the Preceptor did not know who had created it or its true nature. Besides, it was sheathed and Caemorn made no move towards it.

The werewolves were of interest. They whined low in their throats and dipped their heads, afraid of him. They were not used to being afraid, but they sensed he was the greater predator. Daemon was impressed by Caemorn’s control over them.

Saying nothing, Daemon waded out of the water. Julian kept near to his back. He felt his fledgling straining to keep close. Julian’s emotions were in a tumult, which was completely understandable.

Is he the one who killed my parents?Julian sent telepathically.Can you ask him, Daemon? Can you make him tell you?And are those… werewolves?! Holy crap! They ARE werewolves!

Julian’s questions came with rapid-fire rapidity. Daemon was certain that his fledgling had not yet considered what the answers would mean to him, except about the werewolves. This was the same young man who had not wanted to punish the rapists in the alleyway. He had even grieved seeing Daemon killing those who deserved more than death to raise Heath. But he believed he wanted death for the person who had stolen his parents’ lives.

They are indeed werewolves. Curious. As to the rest, let us see what he has to say first, Daemon told Julian telepathically.

You’re worried about me. You don’t want me to do or say something rash, because you’ll think I’ll regret it?Julian realized.

Am I wrong to worry?

No, I suppose not. Julian’s eyes were more red than purple and his fangs were down.But that means you think he is the killer. That he… A full body shudder went through his fledgling.

I know nothing for certain yet. The fact that he has sought me out tells me he is not what I thought he was.Daemon’s eyes narrowed as he took in the still figure who had not yet spoken. He was waiting for Daemon perhaps to make the first move, or he was too stunned to speak. A little bit of both from a scan of his mind.He’s heard tales of me. He’s impressed… not hateful.

Julian’s warm breath puffed against his shoulder.You’re impressive. That’s a fact. He’s just standing there. Staring.

He’s waiting.

For you to kill him?Julian’s eyes widened.

Perhaps. Or to talk most likely,

Then I’m getting our clothes. He’s in armor and I don’t really want to talk to him naked. Not to mention that I don’t want him looking at you either,Julian said.

You and the others are so shy! You feel weak when just in your fleshly covering. I believe it shows my strength. Clothes hide many sins.Daemon lifted his chin.

Julian snorted and some of the tension in him bled out.I suppose they do, but I know if I was in Caemorn’s position, I would be staring at your cock the whole entire time.

Good. He should. I am well-endowed.

Now Julian let out an audible laugh that had Caemorn flushing--that pale skin was hard to control--and the werewolves twitched. But, though Julian was keenly aware of the three of them, he started towards their clothing that was left on the beach, completely assured in Daemon’s ability to protect them, not to mention his own fledgling strength.

Clothe yourself first,Daemon suggested.

Another laugh.You just want to show off how big your cock is.

Indeed.

You’re incorrigible.

The instinct to keep Julian physically attached to his side raised its head, but that would show weakness in front of Caemorn. This clever Kaly could not harm Daemon, but he would rather not have violence anywhere near his fledgling. So he let Julian go to get their things that were in a little pile down the beach.

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