Devour, A Paranormal Romance (Warm Delicacy Series, Book 3) (20 page)

“Look at you!” I said appraisingly, eyeing Robin’s training get-up. She always looked so sweet, and fragile, but in sweats and a t-shirt she looked pretty tough. Especially when the flush of her cheeks displayed how hard she was training, not to mention the thudding of her heart that I could hear like a drum inside my brain. In fact, I could hear everyone’s heart hammering like a thundering stampede. If they were human, I could imagine my thirst being hard to control.

“I know!” she giggled sheepishly, until a gasp exploded out of her as quickly as a popped balloon. Dmitry tackled her to the ground, sitting on top of her, his hands holding down her wrists. I jerked forward, my instincts taking over, any thought that they were simply training completely left my mind. I had one foot on the mat when Arrick’s iron grip wrapped around my waist, preventing me from taking another step forward. I looked up at his stern face, ready to demand he let me go, when I saw him nodding for me to watch the mat. I turned back around as Dmitry growled, lowering his fangs toward Robin’s pulsating neck. Everything inside me told me to stop him. Seeing Robin lying there, seemingly helpless, was making my blood boil.

Just as Dmitry’s fangs were inches from her neck, Robin jerked upward before rocketing to her side. Before I realized what had happened, she had taken Dmitry’s place and was sitting atop him ready to sink her fangs into his waiting neck. The look of downright shock on his face was priceless.

“How did you do that?” he asked, completely bewildered as she climbed off him, a triumphant grin on her face.

“Easy,” she replied cutely, smiling. Bennett chuckled heartily from behind me, and we all joined in, to Dmitry’s chagrin.

“He thought he had you didn’t he?” I whispered to her when she came up to stand beside me and let the next couple spar.

“Sure did,” she whispered back, sticking her tongue out at Dmitry who still looked thoroughly surprised. “He released his grip the tiniest bit as he was leaning in, and that was all the chance I needed.”

“Wow,” I nodded my head, totally impressed. “I didn’t realize you knew how to fight.”

“Growing up in a palace full of vampires, you kinda have to. My dad was always afraid some vampire boy was going to try and… cop a feel,” she giggled at her choice of words.

“Cop a feel?” I snorted loudly.

“Hey! His words, not mine,” she chortled. “He always tried to sound hip. Once, he even read one of my gossip mags cover to cover!”

“Now that’s determination,” I winked at her. Her dad was definitely a special vampire, unlike any other, and I was sad he was gone. Gone, but not forgotten. “Your dad was really awesome.”

“Yeah…” she smiled sadly at me for only a second, then took a deep breath, “He really was.”

“Where’s Liz?” I stood on my tip-toes to scan the group.

“Oh, she didn’t last very long. After a few rounds she called it quits.”

“This training is really important,” I huffed.

“She knows.” Robin patted my back, wiping her brow with a towel. “Liz put in a good effort tonight.”

“Really?” I knew physical activities weren’t Liz’s thing, but safety was more important than whether or not she broke a nail.

“Really.” Robin nodded encouragingly.

“I just want her to be safe.”

“She will be, Claire. It was good that you brought her here. I’ll make sure she trains with me. She can get a few rounds in every night before everyone else gets here. I think it was starting to overwhelm her.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks for looking out for her. You’re a good friend, Robin.”

“So are you.” She smiled, giving me a one-armed hug.

A sudden hush made me gulp. Every vampire and guard ceased sparring, and turned toward the Château, their attention riveted. I stepped away from our group to get a better look and saw my father entering the training grounds with Rennek. He took a few steps further, and the momentary pause died away. As everyone went back to training he and Rennek took their time as they surveyed each group. At each mat the group would stop to bow, fisting their hands on their chests as a show of respect.

It was the first time I saw my father outside of the Château. Among so many other vampires and guard he seemed bigger than life. He was a mountain among hills. Just by looking at him I would have never guessed he had such a gentle and loving nature. He looked every bit the warrior, and it was awe inspiring to see the respect that poured out of everyone as he visited their mats, encouraging their hard work and commenting on their movements. I could also feel their nervousness, wanting to impress him with their skills.

I waited impatiently as he and Rennek made their way through the crowd. I was anxious to talk to him. Our last conversation hadn’t gone very smoothly and I regretted that I had fought against his wishes. I suppose it was a bit funny, too. I spent my whole life without my real parents, and now that I had them I was acting like a typical teenager; rebelling against their rules. Of course, the scenario was much different than it ever would have been normally. If life had taken a different course maybe he would have been refusing to let me date, or punishing me for sneaking out. Instead, he had asked me to hide a weapon of our enemy that I somehow had the ability to use myself. The goddess certainly had an unusual path set out for us all, but I hoped it would result with a happy ending for everyone.

“Your majesty!” Everyone said in near perfect synch as my father stepped toward me. Bennett, Robin, Dmitry and Arrick bowed at my father’s presence, and normally I would give a small curtsey out of love and respect but I couldn’t hold my elation. I leapt into his arms, hugging him with as much strength as I could muster.

A deep chuckle rolled out of him, surprised by my levity. “What’s gotten you in such a good mood?” he asked me as Bennett and Robin stepped onto the mat to begin sparring. Dmitry took a few steps to the side, his eyes locked onto Robin within a protective expression.

“Nothing. I’m just happy to see you,” I replied, releasing him and nodding a greeting to Rennek.

“And I am happy to see you, Claire,” he replied, smiling through his thick beard. “I actually came out here to see you.”

“Oh? What’s up?” I asked, my attention dodging between my father and the sight of Robin and Bennett brawling.

“Do you have a moment?”

“Of course.”

“Let us take a walk then.” My father gestured me forward, and we made our way into the gardens side by side. Arrick and Rennek followed a ways behind, like two bodyguards.

My father walked the path, leading me deep into the gardens through routes I’d never taken. We passed the rose gardens and sculpted hedges, strolling through a canopy of willow trees.

“I hope you’re not still upset about the stones?” he said finally as we approached a bubbling pond, a small cascading waterfall pouring into it. I never knew there was a pond in the garden so I skipped ahead to the pond’s edge and peered inside. Brightly colored fish swam below the glassy surface.

“I could never be mad at you father,” I answered, sitting on the water’s edge. He smiled, taking a seat beside me. “What did you want to talk about?” I suddenly felt a little nervous and worried. It was usually never a good sign when someone wanted to take you aside to talk. From my experience it meant they had bad news. I doubted I could handle more bad news at the moment, so I swallowed hard, and waited for him to speak.

“I’m going to be leaving soon.” He took a deep breath, and gauged my reaction. All I could do at first was stare in shock with my mouth hanging open.

“Why? We need you here!” I squeaked through a sudden burst of emotion. How could he leave us?

“I know, and that is why I must leave.”

“But that doesn’t make any sense. Where are you going that’s more important than being here?”

“I must go to Titan,” he said, a sudden grimace creasing his features.

“Titan?”

“Yes. If we stand any chance of winning this war we are going to need more than just one region on our side in order to defeat Baal.”

“What about Noire? Nicolae said he would help. I know you don’t trust him, father, but you need to give him a chance.”

“I’ve spoken with Jarvan, and although Nicolae has kept his promise of assisting us, he doesn’t have the means necessary,” my father explained as he took my hand in his.

“I don’t understand.”

“The Noire region wasn’t developed to fight. Their society was molded differently,” he said, struggling with his words. “They have no soldiers, or guard. Noire has dignitaries and socialites. Being a vampire is a status symbol to them, and nothing more.”

“What about the Blood Mates?” From what I’d learned blood mates were created the same way as guards were in Naos, and they were just as powerful.

“There are only a handful of blood mates in the entire Noire region. Their creation was monitored by the royal family and the high council. They are stronger than vampires, and out of fear of them rebelling and turning out like Baal, their creation was limited. I can’t say that I don’t agree with their decision.”

“You think it’s good that they didn’t allow Blood Mates to be created?” I asked, surprised by his words. I didn’t think my father would be against such a thing, especially since he’s trusted Arrick to watch over me for so many years.

“In their society, yes. Remember,” my father waved a finger at me, “blood mates are more powerful than vampires, and the Noire region is
all
about power. Nicolae was smart to not allow the other vampires in his region to create them. If he had, your region might not have developed as it had. There would have been a constant struggle for power, and the throne. Blood mates would have been used as soldiers.”

I swallowed hard as the truth of his words sank in. He was right. Had any vampire been allowed to make blood mates, then Ana and her family would have had an easier time of taking the throne from Nicolae. Who knows who else had wanted the throne as well.

“But isn’t there something they can do?” It sounded bad hearing it, but my father was right. The vampires in Noire were a million times different than the ones here. If any of them had ever fought in their entire existence, they’d forgotten years ago. The only fighting they probably knew how to do was litigating an argument about some new law, or the best way to govern the citizens and punish the protestors. Growing up in Noire, I’d admired the royal family, but now that I’d seen the way society worked in Naos, I couldn’t imagine living any other way. Here, everyone was equal and in Noire…

“There is, but I am hoping it doesn’t come to that.”

“Come to what?”

“Nicolae is going to elevate the requirement on blood donations and begin a stockpile, in the event Baal wins. We will need an emergency supply should this war last longer than expected. Neither of us wants to see a repeat of the dark ages.” I shuddered remembering the horrifying diaries of the soldiers who resorted to feeding on themselves and each other; their fear and hunger driving them mad.

“When are you leaving?” I asked, an idea sparking in my mind.

“In one week’s time. I wanted to tell you before I left. I need you to look after your mother while I am gone; she worries so much.”

“I want to go with you,” I said in a commanding voice.

“What?” he replied, surprise widening his eyes, before sadness closed them. “Somehow I knew you would say that.”

“If you really think that this region can help us, then I want to be there. I’ve encountered Baal face to face; maybe I can help convince them to be on our side.”

“I fear that it’s not convincing them that I am worried about.”

“Then what are you worried about?”

My father searched my face before he pulled me to him, kissing the top of my head. “Do not let my worries trouble your mind, Claire.”

“That’s easy for you to say. I don’t think I’ll stop worrying until this is all over.”

“Then let’s hope that happens sooner than we think,” he forced an optimistic tone, but so had I. We had no other choice than to believe we could win this war. If we didn’t, then there was no point fighting at all.

“Do you really think they will help us?” I asked, dipping my fingertips in the pond and teasing the fish below. They swam to the surface attempting to eat my fingers like they were little bugs.

My father stood, pacing back and forth before the pond as he stroked his beard. I watched him for what felt like hours, trying to be patient and allow him time to think. I chewed on my bottom lip, tucking it under my fangs to distract myself and keep from pestering my father with the dozen questions I wanted to ask him. There was so much about our world that I wanted to know, so much I wanted to learn.

“Long ago,” my father began, clearing his throat, “the queen of Titan was attacked by Baal’s most merciless general, the Jackal. He is as vile and evil as Baal; laughing maniacally as he devours his victims. Legend says that in his first life, the Jackal was an evil wizard who worshipped the dark arts and practiced necromancy.”

“Necromancy?” I rolled the word around in my mouth, and it tasted foul.

“It is believed they can communicate with the dead, and call to the powers of the underworld to do their bidding.”

“Did he create the stones?” the question flew out of me precisely as I was thinking it.

“I’ve assumed as much for many years. When Baal discovered the Jackal’s power he recruited him, offering him eternal life for his… abilities.”

“I can’t imagine Baal would want to keep him around once the Jackal had taught him everything he knew. He doesn’t seem to be one who would want to share power.”

“No, he is not,” my father hid a smile, but I could feel the pride he felt at my inquisitiveness. “Some think that Baal used the very skills he learned to trap the Jackal in a stone.”

“What do you think?”

“I think…” he said, stopping his pacing, “I think that Baal
would
do such a thing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jackal rears his ugly head again in this war. He was once a formidable weapon in Baal’s army. I can’t imagine he would give up such a weapon so easily.”

“Neither do I.”

But, then again, if Baal
had
turned the Jackal into a stone, he could still technically use his powers. I suddenly felt relieved that I didn’t have the stones with me. What if one of them was the Jackal? It made my skin crawl to think that such a monster could be anywhere near me. No, Baal wouldn’t be that stupid. I had gotten all the stones I had from his minions. There was no way he’d let them have such a powerful stone. He’d want to keep a stone like that in his possession at all times.