Caressed by Shadows (Rulers of Darkness Book 4) (20 page)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Bright. The world was too damn bright.

Falcon raised his hand, shielding his vision. Squinting against the harsh rays, he fought to bring his surroundings into focus.

Where the hell was he?

He struggled to sit up. Bad idea. He heard the healing wound on his side tear open before he felt the sharp pain. His vision blurred, his stomach rolled
, causing him to dry heave. Dizzy, he fell to his back, closing his eyes. Damn, his head hurt. Had someone hit him in the cranium with a baseball bat? And why did his shoulder burn?

Was he in hell? Was the light that stung his eyes flames? It would be a fitting fate.

The pain of his side intensified when he took in a deep breath. He expected to smell the pungent stench of sulfur, but the soft scent of lilacs assaulted him. He filled his lungs once more. Could this be heaven?

His eyes flew open. Sunlight poured into the room leaving nothing untouched. His protective instincts flared. Twisting to the side, Falcon ignored his injury and gathered Sonya to him, shielding her with his body. He snatched a blanket and wrapped it tightly around them, cocooning them. He did a quick assessment of Sonya’s health. Besides being a little pale, she was fine. No burn marks marred her soft skin. He brought her tightly against his chest and frowned. The coolness of metal brushed against him.

Falcon leaned back and gazed down. Sonya wore his amulet and…he hadn’t burst into flames.

What the hell was going on? He couldn’t meet the sunlight without the amulet and the poison should have killed him. Crushing disappointment gripped him. He had to be in Hell. None of this could be real.

He scowled. Everything felt real, right down to the irritating sting of his shoulder. It felt as if someone had struck him with a branding iron.

Realization slapped him hard, if he were standing he would have fallen on his ass.

Falcon hesitantly raised his left hand brushed his fingers over his right shoulder. Shock punched the air from his lungs. His mind struggled to comprehend the message his sensory system relayed. Two raised circles, one inside the other, branded his shoulder. Instinct told him Sonya bore a matching scar.

Mated.

He swallowed audibly.

Falcon couldn’t process all that he was feeling. Mind numbing surprise, heart-racing happiness, and confusion railed inside him.

He was Sonya’s mate and she had bound him to her life force. How was this possible? A vampire could not bind another vampire. The Shaman had created the spell for the rightful rulers to use to make their mates immortal without changing them into vampires. The bond allowed them eternal life and strength, all the perks of being a vampire without any of the drawbacks.

Falcon ran his tongue over his teeth. He could still feel his fangs. He would still be able to drink blood, but the action would be unnecessary. He would also be able to walk in the sunlight without fear of turning to ash.

He thought back on his conversation with the priestess. When Falcon had asked Silvie what he could do to save Sonya, she bluntly stated he would have to die.

Falcon lips lifted with a smile.
A life for a life
, he thought.

The cryptic witch had meant he would trade one life for another. The poison had corroded the magic that made him immortal. He died. He clearly remembered entering a realm of shadows and phantoms only to have the sweet vibrant taste of blood fill his mouth. Had Sonya tried to change him back into a vampire? Had she intended to bind him to her? Did Sonya know she had combined their fates?

There was only one way to know.

            *                      *                             *                     *                      *

Sonya’s brow furrowed. Her skin was hot and light shown across her eye lids. Birds chirped.

She must be dreaming. In reality, her body was cold and darkness reigned. She relaxed, intent on surrendering to sleep once more. But someone…a man? Yes, a man was calling her name. He sounded so far away. She tried to search her surroundings with her senses, but her instincts had abandoned her. Usually, she awoke with a vengeance, the demon within her always ready to kill. But it was silent.

Her name sounded again. The deep vibration beckoned to her.

Falcon.

Sonya struggled to throw off the heavy mantel sleep had cast over her. Was Falcon alive? Oh, please, let him be alive.

Pain sliced through her when her eyes opened. Her lips peeled back over her fags. The room glowed with sunlight. If this was reality, something wasn’t right.

Wincing, she opened her eyes. Blinking furiously, she tried to focus.

Falcon lay beside her. His elbow bent, his palm supporting his head. Sonya turned towards him, rolling upon her shoulder. She winced, pain shot down her arm causing her fingers to tingle.

“Careful,” he said, reaching for her.

Sonya welcomed his touch. She didn’t care if this was a dream or if they were in the hereafter. Falcon was holding her. They were where they belonged. Together.

She rested her head on his chest. Her shoulder pressed against his. She tossed her other arm over him, hugging him to her. His scent overwhelmed her senses in a delightful way and his warmth enveloped her, chasing away the chill
of a vampire’s deep sleep. Falcon’s chest lifted and fell with his breaths. His heart beat matched her own. Perfect harmony.

“Your hair shimmers in the sunlight. Just like gold,” Falcon whispered.

“Hm?” She nuzzled closer.

He kissed her brow. “You skin is so warm.”

Sonya opened her eyes again. Falcon held up his hand, shielding her gaze. She blinked at him, confusion drawing her eyebrows together. “Is this real?” She poked at him. “Are you real?”

He took her hand and laced their fingers together. “Do I feel real?”

“Yes,” she sighed, enjoying the feel of his strong hold. “Very real.” She pushed herself up and sat back, her feet tucked beneath her bottom. Something knocked against her chest. The amulet. She took it in her hands and studied the fine piece of jewelry. The chain was heavy around her neck.

Fear and realization struck her like a Mack Truck. “Shit!” she shrieked, throwing the blankets over him. “You’ll burn.”

She hurried to cover him. Her hands moving too fast for him to catch.

“No, Sonya,” he laughed, kicking his legs free of the cocoon she had wrapped him in. “I’m fine.”

“You’re crazy!” he exclaimed. “The poison nearly took you from me. I won’t lose you to the sun. If you turn to ash, Falcon, I swear I will−”

He launched himself at her. Tackling her, the
y fell to the floor. He landed on his back with Sonya splayed across his chest. Pushing up, she came to her knees, straddling his hips.

“Are you okay?” she asked, patti
ng him down, checking for new injuries.

His knife wound was red and aggravated, but is was healing.

“I told you, I’m fine,” he said with a smile.

Sonya ignored him and continued with her study. “Your body may be fine, but you’re smiling like an idiot.”

Her hands roamed over his chest to his shoulder. Falcon winced and Sonya’s gaze fell to her fingers. Her breath escaped her on a gasp. Sonya’s vision blurred and for a precious moment she thought she would faint. She softly stroked her fingers over the raised rings. Two circles, one inside the other, a symbol of unity and eternity.

“Is this real? It can’t be,” she whispered.
Her mind whirling, struck with awe. She pushed away from him, falling back. She sat on the floor, her eyes glazed over, her jaw hanging open. Her hand went to her own shoulder. Sonya flinched, as her nails skimmed over her brand. She couldn’t process. “I don’t understand.”

“Sonya.”

Falcon’s voice grew hard, all traces of laughter gone. His brow furrowed with concern and his smile fell.

Her mind raced as it replayed all that had happened.
They were mated. How? Vampires couldn’t bound with another vampire. Only a mortal could be tacked onto a vampire’s life force. Besides, she had only shared her blood with him. There had been no exchange, which was required…The kiss. His lip had been bleeding when she pressed her wrist to his mouth. Their blood had mixed and when she kissed him, the seal had been set. They were now bound. Forever. And Fate could suck it!

Sonya cheered and pounced on her mate. She rained kisses over his face, his neck, his chest, and gently brushed her lips over his tender new scar.

Falcon framed her face with his hands. He caught her gaze. His gray eyes were serious. “Are you okay with this?”

“You’re joking
, right? Falcon, I’ve literally dreamt of this countless times. I’m not one hundred percent sure how it happened or why I’m suddenly off the Death Curse’s party list, but I love you. That’s right. I love you.” She kissed him hard. “And you won’t be getting rid of me.”

His arms folded around her as he rolled her beneath him. “I never want to be rid of you.” He kissed her long and slow.

Sonya broke the kiss, a sober question bounced in her mind. “What of our Clans?”

Falcon rolled to his side and tucked one of his arms under his head. He stared at the ceiling for a long moment. Sonya worried at her bottom lip as she awaited his response.

Would he forfeit his title as a Black Knight and come live with her? How would the Validus Clan react? They looked to Falcon for leadership and support. And Hadrian? What would is he think of their relationship? Falcon could remain his Second, if Hadrian allowed it. Damn, her thoughts were becoming a tangled mess.

“We
’ll discuss it later. Come one. Let’s enjoy the day now that we can both walk in the sun.”

She smiled. Her fears quelled. Falcon’s confident tone eased her. Besides, he was right. She should embrace this day. For centuries she had yearned to feel the soft glow of the sun on her skin and today she would.

“You’re right. We’ve plenty of time to worry about propriety and duty. Let’s have some fun.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Falcon watched Sonya dance about the field. He grinned when she began picking dandelions. She closed her eyes for a moment then blew the white florets away. They floated on the breeze.

He wondered if she had made a wish.

Sonya sighed and turned her palms up. Tilting her head back, she stretched her arms over her head. After a long stretch, she ran her fingers through her hair. She was bathing in the sunlight. His fierce vampire queen laughed as she began to twirl through the long, flowing green grass. The scene chased away the coldness that had existed in his heart for so long. Over the centuries, he had trained himself not to display emotion of any kind, ever. But when he was with Sonya, Falcon couldn’t mask his emotion and, more importantly, he didn’t want to. Sonya embodied the hope and happiness that he craved. She brought light and love into his world of darkness.

When had he become such a sap?

Easy. The instant he laid eyes on Sonya for the first time
.

Falcon shook his head and gave a light laugh as he started down the hill. His lovely mate was chasing a butterfly and…he wanted to kiss her so badly. Damn, she was charming and deceptively lethal. No man would ever assume this tall, lean, blonde with shimmering golden eyes could be a ruthless warrior. His chest swelled with pride. Sonya was strong, smart, sassy, and just the right amount of sexy. And she belonged to him. Fate couldn’t have selected a better match for him.

When he approached her, he reached for her hand, but Sonya spun away.

“Have you come to join the fun?” she asked, dodging him again. Laughing she teased, “Oh, sir knight. I can see the lust in your eyes.”

“Your Majesty, I beg a kiss.”

Sonya pressed her index finger against her lips and studied him. “A kiss. As is in only one?”

Falcon smiled. He would play her game and he would win. “If your Highness would permit, I will give and take more.” He raked his gaze over her body. “Much more.”

“I’ve an idea. If you can catch me, then you may do whatever you like with me.”

Sonya didn’t wait for his response. She spun and took off down the hill, sprinting through the dandelions. A cloud of soft white followed in her wake.

His gaze sharped with need and predatory delight. He no longer harbored a demon, the vampire within him had died, but his instincts hadn’t changed. He would hunt her, he would claim her, and he would taste her blood as she came.

With a growl, Falcon gave chase. Sonya darted into the trees lining the meadow. She was careful not to snap a single branch, but he knew her direction. Every cell in his body was focused on her.

Breaking free of the small forest, he ran faster. Sonya laughed as she went speeding across another open field, glorifying in the feel of the sun upon her skin. He
r gold hair whipped in the wind.

He reached for her. Sonya cut to the right.

“You’ve got to do better than that,” she teased.

Falcon chuckled. His demon would have loved this game and he was thankful he wouldn’t have to share the prize with it. Sonya belonged to him. Only him.

He kicked up the speed and lunged for her. She dodged. Falcon quickly recovered and sprinted after her, holding nothing back. He faked left, leading to spin right. She careened around and crashed into his chest. His arms locked around her as they tumbled to the ground. He twisted his body to take the impact.

Falcon pinned
her against him and Sonya pummeled his chest with her fists. “You tricked me.”

He smiled. “Everyone expects me to play fair and are shocked when I don’t.”

Her eyes flickered with desire. “I knew underneath your polite exterior you were a bad boy.”

Falcon rolled her beneath him. He braced himself on his arms, his palms pressing into the earth on either side of her head. He came to all fours above her. Leaning down, he nuzzled her neck, drawing her lilac scent deep into his lungs. He traced her pulse with his tongue. Her skin was soft, warm, and tasted of woman and sunshine. Her heart beat quickened beneath his mouth. Falcon sucked on her flesh. She moaned.

Pulling back, he caught her gaze and slowly licked his lips. He could smell her need for him rising.

“Time to collect.”

His voice was deliciously rough. It made her shiver. His molten silver eyes promised pleasure. Her body heated in response. Her nipples tightened and breasts began to ache for his touch, his kiss.

Sonya raised her arms over her head, stretching herself out beneath him. Offering herself to him.

“Yes, knight,” she purred past her extended fangs.

Falcon’s eyes glowed even brighter. His lips hovered just above hers. “I will claim my mate.”

She sighed as he took her mouth. He lifted her torso and stripped her shirt over her head. Fitting himself between her thighs, Sonya rocked her hips, grinding her core against his unyielding hardness.

Slanting his head, Falcon kissed her deeply. His tongue slid erotically against her own and teased her fangs. God, she melted for him. Surrendering to her driving need, she twined her fingers through his hair. Tugging.

Falcon growled. Capturing her hands, he held them above her head while he pulled his shirt off, tossing it to the side. Sonya arched her back, craving the feel of his solid, muscled chest against her breasts. He released her hands and took her lips again. Aggressive and masterful. She gripped his shoulders, reveling in the feel of him. She glided her hand down, over his pecs, his taut abs and past the waistline of his jeans. She curled her finger around his long, hard shaft.

Falcon bit out a curse as she began to stroke his cock. He bent his head to her breasts. Nipping and suckling each nipple in turn. Sonya moaned. Every cell in her body burned for him.

He brought his hands up to cup her breasts. His rough palms scrapped over her damp, sensitive nipples as he kissed her neck. She eagerly shifted beneath him, desperately seeking more contact, more friction. God, she was about to come.

“I want you,” Sonya said on a breath.

He grazed his teeth over her shoulder. Torturous shivers of pleasure coursed through her. With her free hand, she drew down her zipper. Falcon came to his knees and pulled off her boots then yanked her jeans down her legs.

His gaze fixed on her light blue panties. He traced the lace pattern with his fingertips. S
onya trembled beneath his gentle touch. Her breath caught when he pressed a kiss to her naval.

“I need you,” she panted.

His sensual lips turned up in a smile. “You will have me,” he rasped. “But first,” he tore her panties away, “I’ll have you.”

Sonya cried out when his fingers caressed her sex, rubbing up and down. She reached for him, but he pressed her down, his palm flat over her chest. He dipped one finger inside. Sonya’s head fell back.

“So hot,” he whispered. “So wet.”

He withdrew his finger the
n thrust in two. She moaned in bliss. The sun kissed her skin, the breeze danced over her body, heightening her pleasure.

Sonya perceived Falcon shifting
over her. A sharp cry fell from her lips as he claimed her sex with his mouth. Her claws extended and dug into the grass. He sucked her clit until she felt as if she would die from ecstasy. Her orgasm came hard. Her moans carried away on the wind.

Dazed, she tried to sit up. She wanted more. She wanted him. She craved the delicious sensation of him filing her. Falcon held her down. His hand pressing against her chest.

“Not yet.”

“Yes,” she hissed. “Now.”

He thrust his tongue into her core, distracting her. Sonya’s back arched. She felt him smile against her trembling flesh. He replaced his tongue with his fingers.

“Oh, God. Falcon!”

He drove two fingers in and out of her tight sheath, the rhythm was maddening while he continued sucking and licking her. Sonya screamed. Her body clenched. His other hand roughly palmed her breasts. She shuddered through another orgasm.

Through her pleasure blurred vision, Sonya watched him work his pants down and off. The instant his cock sprang free, she shot up. Taking him into her mouth, she
stroked him with her tongue.

His head rolled back. He cupped her face while she suckled him, moaning at the taste of him. Sonya wrapped her hands around his length, pumping up and down as she lapped at him.

Sonya resisted when he drew back, but his strength was greater than hers’. He rolled to his back, positioning her over him. She straddled his hips, his tick erection straining towards his naval. Falcon cupped her nape, pulling her face down to his. Silver and gold clashed as they gazed into each other’s eyes. He kissed her so hard when he pulled away she was left gasping.

Falcon palmed her hip and reached down. Holding his shaft, he pressed the head against her slick core. Sonya rocked back. His cock slid over her cleft and brushed along her clitoris. Falcon’s fingers tightened on her hip. With a shove, he forced her down. Sonya called out his name as she took him into her body. Nothing felt more right.

Framing her hips with both hands now, Falcon lifted her then slammed her back down. Sonya threw her head back. Her long flaxen hair tumbled down her back. She scraped her claws down his chest and across his abs. Rocking against him, Sonya took control, setting the pace.

Falcon gazed up at her, his silver stare a mix of love
, desperate need, and awe.

Oh, yes. This was
so
right. This was what she had been missing. He was everything she had been missing in her life.

Sonya opened her knees w
ider, taking him even deeper. She swept her hair back, piling it atop her head as she rode him. Falcon’s hands moved over her body. Flames of pleasure burned everywhere he touched. Turning her face up, she gloried in the sky, in the spring scents that surrounded them, and in the rapturous sensation of Falcon buried inside her.

He sat up, his arms locking around her. He kissed her shoulder and traced the circles of their mating brand with his tongue. She trembled. Then she felt his teeth. Her instincts went wild. Anticipation spiked her
desire, driving her closer to the edge of pleasurable madness.

“Are you g
oing to bite me?” she asked breathlessly.

Falcon flashed her a smile, revealing his elongated fangs. In a whirl of movement, she
was on her back.

“Yes.” He licked her sensitive flesh above her pulse. “I want to feel you come with my cock and my fangs buried deep within you.” Falcon punctuated his words with a hard thrust.

He scraped his fangs along her throat. He sunk them deep before she could even gasp. With his first draw on her pulse, her eyelids fluttered closed. Pressure built within her, tightening every muscle of her body. She circled her legs around his waist. Her claws cut into his back, which spurred him on. He pounded into her, rocketing her toward the heavens.

The combined pleasure of his skilled thrusts ad his pulls on her neck was indescribable. Earth shattering. Sonya’s toes curled. Bliss unlike any she had ever known claimed her. She climaxed again, screaming his name in ecstasy to the sky.

Falcon’s fangs sliced even deeper into her flesh. Her blood sweetened with her orgasm. He shuddered and sucked even harder, taking more of her. Sonya cradled his head. Holding him against her, she tunneled her fingers through his hair.

She begged for mercy. She didn’t think she could come anymore. Gasping for air, she believed she would die from pleasure.

His body plunged into her, demanding more.

“Falcon!” she cried, her eyes flashing open when she climaxed once more.

Her entire body shook as her sheath clenched around his shaft, squeezing him.

Falcon came with her. Throwing back his head, he roared. She felt him ejaculate, pumping his seed hotly and relentlessly inside her.

When the last after shock released him, Falcon rolled to his back. Supporting himself on his elbows he studied their surroundings. Sonya reach up and caressed his jaw.

“The sun will be setting soon. We should head back and get ready before the team arrives.”

Sonya sighed. She was not looking forward to returning and facing the Validus and Voidukas counsel. Her stomach knotted as she imagined their reaction to their mating. Their love was forbidden but – her fingers dropped down to trace his newest scar – this changed everything.

Falcon bent down and kissed her shoulder. When that didn’t snap her out of her dark thoughts, he nipped at her.

She laughed. “That tickles.”

“You’re gorgeous when you smile,” he whispered.

Sonya frowned and gave a pout. “You’ve wounded my pride.”

Falcon chuckled. “Is that right, my wicked queen?”

“I’m always gorgeous.”

“Please, I humbly
beg your forgiveness.”