Page 58 of Cruel Vampire King

There was so much that I didn’t know about the world I lived in. I’d have to study harder if I was going to figure it out. “But Luken will know. He’ll help us.”

As though drawn by my words, the huge double doors at the far end of the room opened. Luken was announced as he strode in, wearing all black. A pleased smile played about his lips. His eyes met mine quickly, and his smile widened. Mine did, too. My heart fluttered, and Thessa gave me a quick, searching glance.

“You do know he won’t be able to come with us, right? Men can’t get to the temples unless they’re specifically invited. And if the Gods know we’re coming to take Darcie, they won’t let him near. We’ll have to go without him.” She spoke rapidly under her breath. There was a strange note to her voice, like she distrusted that Luken would come with us regardless.

The thought of leaving him again made my stomach clench but I pushed it aside. I’d get Darcie, and come back. After feeling the way he touched me last night and seeing the look in his eye as he moved in me, I knew one thing for certain.

I loved him.

I’d loved him for four years. I fell in love the moment I saw him. And from the way he looked at me, the way he mourned me when he thought I was dead, I was pretty sure he loved me, too.

“Welcome, friends.” Luken spread his arms, grinning at everyone. “I’m glad to see my closest companions all here, gathered for a feast. I present to you my new donor, Elara Tideborne. Elara.”

He held his hand out to me. My heart skipped a beat as I went to him, taking his hand. Our skin tingled where it touched. He lifted my palm to his lips and pressed my wrist into his nose, inhaling deeply.

“Ahhh. You smell even better, knowing what you taste like. It’s a shame we can’t have our own feast like last night.” He winked at me, causing me to blush.

I felt like a teenager again. Everything had worked out. With Luken, I was going to save Darcie, and then I’d have the charmed life I wanted. The man who killed my family was punished for it. I’d found the loophole to save Thessa and I would find another one to save Darcie.

Luken pulled a chair out for me, then took the one next to me. Marissa sat on my other side, and Thessa was placed at the far end of the table. Servants came out with plates laden with food. Roast meat, savory pies, seasoned vegetables. It was more than I’d ever seen before, and my mouth watered. I’d heard that vampires enjoyed indulging in normal food, even if itdidn’t sustain them the way blood did. I started to load my plate, suddenly ravenous.

Marissa served herself a delicate portion of roast lamb and cleared her throat. “Well, Elara. You’ve won the Blood Trials, and you have a place at the king’s table and in his bed. What’s the first thing you’re going to do with this new life of yours?”

I smiled. “I had a sister survive the slaughter of my family.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Luken lowering his fork.

“She was taken from the nunnery where I recovered from my burns and claimed as a tribute for the Gods. It’s her final year before she’s sacrificed.” I fought back the sick feeling that filled me. I wasn’t alone in this anymore. “Thessa and I are going to find the temples and get my sister out before that can happen.”

Marissa’s eyes widened. Several of the other vampires grew quiet and shot almost…fearfullooks at Luken.

“You will do no such thing,” he rumbled.

I turned, my gaze briefly catching Thessa’s. Her hands clenched into fists, staring wide-eyed at me. Before I could tell Luken exactly what I meant, he continued.

“I will not allow you to leave.”

My whole body jolted as though he’d struck me. Not allow me? When did I agree to be his property? My hands clenched into fists. I tried to remind myself that he was probably just concerned for me. But I didn’t like it.

“You won’t allow me?” I repeated softly. “I’m not asking for permission. Everything I’ve done, is to save my sister. I’m not going to let the Gods kill her. She’s the only family I have left.”

Luken leaned back in his chair, his eyes still narrowed.

“You can’t keep me here against my will,” I spat. As soon as I did it, I realized I was saying the wrong things. I needed to explain to him that as soon as Darcie was free and safe, I’d be more than happy to stay with him—I just didn’t like him making unilateral decisions for me as though I had no mind of my own.

He recognized that now wasn’t the best place for us to have this discussion, too. Not with all the staring eyes. He pushed back his chair and held his hand to me. I took it, grateful that he reached out to me still. He pulled me to my feet rougher than I expected. His arm wrapped tightly around my waist, and he half-carried me out of the room. I caught a glimpse of startled faces before we were in a closet.

Luken’s hard body pressed up against mine, and a fire swept through my veins. Even angry at him, I couldn’t help but enjoy the feeling of him against me. And judging by his hardening length, he was just as intoxicated by my presence.

The fantasy was short-lived.

“I very well can keep you here, or anywhere else for that matter, as long as I want,” he snarled, his face inches from mine. “I’m the king. My word is law in this kingdom.”

“Then you’ll send for my sister and get her out of the temples,” I answered quickly. “You’ll have her brought here, and I won’t have a reason to want to leave.”

Luken’s amber eyes blazed more brightly. “Is that what this has all been about, then? Your sister?”

“Everything I’ve done, it’s been for her.”

---