Fated Blood: A paranormal erotic romance series (The Twisted Destiny Saga Book 5) (12 page)

Kristoff nodded his understanding. “Michael and I combined our black magic to cast a net over the human realm. She is here, Cora. We’ve found her.” He handed her a piece of paper.

She took it from him and glanced at the address written on there. She gasped in surprise. “She has some nerve to go there.”

“Indeed,” Kristoff agreed.

“Thank you,” she said. “We never had this conversation. Neither Ryan, nor Nathanial can know about this. They’re too affected by her on an emotional level to see things clearly. I can’t risk their interference. It’ll just complicate things.”

“You have my word. You do not need either of them to destroy her,” Michael said, gazing at her with reverence.

“You are such a power whore,” Kristoff chastised Michael. And then he smiled at Cora. “I will keep this secret also, my dear.” He glanced down the street. “My daughter is already here.”

“Yes. I saw her arrive. Are you ready to join her and Luca?”

He drew in a breath. “I suppose. They are bonded now, after all.”

“He will take good care of her. He’s searched for his mate for decades. He will not mess that up,” Michael assured him. “You have nothing to worry about. She is in good hands.”

“Wow, Michael. Who knew with the way things started out between you and Luca that the two of you would actually become friends?” Cora teased.

Michael grinned. “I certainly didn’t see it coming.”

“Would you like to come with Kristoff and me and join the party?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline. Nathanial has me on a tight leash and I’m due back in the Dark Realm shortly.”

“All right.”

And with that, Michael teleported away.

Cora dropped the glamour and led Kristoff down the street back towards the bar.

#

Unbeknown to them, Nathanial watched from the shadows. He kept out of sight as he watched the two of them walk away.

He’d seen the mark of the glamour.

Many wouldn’t have been able to, but Nathanial was accustomed to using them on a regular basis, so he knew exactly what to look for. He hadn’t been able to see or hear anything until Cora had dropped it.

And then he’d seen Kristoff with her. He knew Michael had been with them too. He’d sensed his energy.

Although, no one else had seemed to notice the change in her since she’d returned,
he
had. He was more perceptive than most.

It was clear to him that she was a lot stronger and more mature now. She was becoming a leader, as was her destiny. It wouldn’t be long before she took her rightful place. It was exactly what the White Realm needed. Although Marella and Asha had been doing a good job looking after the kingdom, following Vazra’s death and Cora’s
perceived
death, it wasn’t the same. The people needed their rightful ruler to take her place. Nathanial had wanted to give Cora a gentle push, to help guide her, but now it appeared that he didn’t need to. She already understood what she needed to do. Her time spent in the
Home of the Dead
had clearly enlightened her.

But he was concerned about this clandestine meeting he’d stumbled upon tonight.

After spotting both Kristoff and Michael leaving the Dark Realm together, he’d become suspicious and followed them.

When he’d first arrived, he’d witnessed Davidas, the disgraced faerie and former member of the Royal Court of the White Realm, teleporting away. Given the history between him and Cora, he had no doubt that the meeting between them was purely business. He had been the head of the faerie populace in the White Realm for years and his magic was stronger than any other faerie in existence. He reasoned that that was what Cora had wanted from him. But why? And what kind of spell had he provided her with?

Nathanial knew that she had called a meeting with the Royal Court of the White Realm. He had been invited along with Marella, who was currently acting as the joint temporary ruler of the realm alongside Asha, Guardian of the Dragons. He suspected that Cora would use the opportunity to set things right in the realm. If that was the case and she did take her place as Queen of the White Realm, he had to speak with her as soon as possible. She would become his and Ryan’s counterpart and, as such, he had to ensure their agendas were aligned. If they weren’t, then all hell would break loose, especially when they united the realms.

The fact that Cora was clearly keeping her meetings secret from Ryan was a serious concern. Was she doing so just as his wife, to protect him from something? Or was she doing so for professional reasons, because he was King of the Dark Realm? He prayed that it was the former or there would be great troubles ahead.

He couldn’t confront her now, not while she was around so many people. He had to choose the right time—when she was alone.

“I hope you know what you are doing, princess,” he breathed anxiously before teleporting away.

#

Kristoff fought to quell his irritation as he approached Luca and his daughter in the bar. Cora had pointed them out to him before being pulled away by Ryan, who’d mentioned some sort of announcement he was anxious to make. The two of them had disappeared to discuss it.

He studied Luca with his daughter as he neared them. They were seated up at the bar. Luca stroked her hair softly as she sat on his lap. They were laughing and talking happily.

Abruptly, Luca turned his head, sensing his presence.

“Father,” Aerona greeted him warily. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Cora invited me.”

“Have a seat,” Luca offered, gesturing to the stool beside them.

Kristoff pulled it out and sat down. “You two have completed the bonding ritual, I see.”

Aerona looked away, embarrassed. Luca tightened his hold around her protectively as he eyed Kristoff. He could see by the look in Luca’s eyes that he knew what he was really asking—a question that he was disgusted by, but one that he needed the answer to: had Luca slept with her?

“Yes,” Luca told him. “Only recently.”

Kristoff was surprised. He’d assumed that Luca would have taken her right away and not waited two weeks to do it. “Recently?”

“Tonight,” Luca clarified.

Kristoff watched him take in the uncomfortable look all over Aerona’s face. She was embarrassed by their discussion. He heard him whisper to her, “Beauty, why don’t you go and spend some time with Orion? He was quite taken with you earlier.”

“Okay,” she said, sliding off his lap.

He kissed her chastely on her forehead and smiled reassuringly at her. And then he turned back to Kristoff. “I waited until she was ready.”

Kristoff’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “That’s not like you.”

“She is my mate. She deserves to be treated as such.”

“You were careful?” he asked. It was more of a harsh demand than a question.

“Yes, of course.”

“Good, because I don’t want her bearing your child anytime soon.”

“Neither do I.”

“Excuse me?” Kristoff said, taken aback. He would have thought that would have been the first thing on Luca’s mind. A vampire birth was such a rarity. Only pureblood vampires could conceive a child—no other vampires in existence create life.

“Thanks to you she has spent so much of her life behind closed doors. I want her to experience things before we settle down with a child. I want to show her everything that all the realms have to offer.”

Kristoff was speechless for a few moments. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Love
. He failed to suppress a smile as he said, “You have changed greatly. You truly do love her.”

“Yes, I do.”

“She is all I have left. My wife is gone.”

“I will not keep her from you.”

“I kept her from you.”

“As much as I wanted to get you back for hiding her from me for all these years, that is not what Aerona would want. She wouldn’t want us fighting, Kristoff.”

Kristoff sighed and said, “I agree.”

“Good. Now, would you care to have a drink with me?”

“I take it you’re not drinking blood in here?” he jested. He eyed Luca’s glass. “Scotch?”

“Yes.”

“Sounds good.”

#

Cora leaned against their apartment door as she watched Ryan pace up and down the landing in an agitated state as he absorbed what she’d just told him.

“What? You agreed we’d tell them tonight, Cora.”

“I changed my mind. I don’t think it’s a good idea. Not until things are settled.”

“Settled? You mean after the meeting in the White Realm tomorrow?”

No, I mean killing your bitch of a mother, Oriana.
“Yeah,” she lied. “And once the White and Dark realms are united.”

“You realize that we don’t have a lot of time? Remember how quickly it progressed with Orion? It’ll become obvious to everyone very soon, my love.”

“There are ways to conceal these things, Ryan.”

“I don’t want to
conceal
it, Cora. I want everyone to know. I want them to be as excited as I am.”

She took his hands in hers. “I know you’re excited, baby. So am I. But I just want to wait for a little while.”

“Is this about Oriana?”

“What?”

“You forget that you’re married to a wolf. My instincts are extremely attuned, Cora. I know there’s something that you’re not telling me. Does it have something to do with Oriana?”

Shit, I can’t tell him about that. He’s too protective; he’ll try to stop me or something.
“No,” she lied. She could tell by the look on his face that he didn’t believe her.

But, surprisingly, he actually let it go and just said, “Okay, my love. Whatever you want. We won’t tell anyone until you’re ready.” He kissed the top of her head. “We should get back to the party.”

She was grateful for him dropping it. He’d promised her he’d try to tone down his controlling tendencies, so she wouldn’t feel suffocated like she had before. And this looked like it was his first demonstration of that. He was showing her that he was trying. And it meant everything to her.

She smiled. “Thanks.”

He wrapped his arm around her and led her back down the steps. “No problem.”

CHAPTER 20

“Did I mention how hot you look in that outfit?” Ryan asked, his gaze raking over her as he walked beside her, carrying Orion in his arms.

She was wearing crisp, white, boot-cut dress pants that hugged her ass nicely and had his cock straining against his jeans with every step she took. Her silver corset top had had him salivating since the moment she’d put it on back at their apartment. It pushed the soft peaks of her tits together in a mouth-watering cleavage that had been distracting him incessantly. All he could think about was getting his mouth on them.

“Ryan, stop looking at me like that,” she complained as she strode purposefully down the corridor of the palace towards the throne room.

“Like what?” he asked innocently.

“Like you’re going to jump me any second and have your way with me.”

He smirked at her. “Really, Cora. Suggesting such a thing when our son is right here in my arms.”

She rolled her eyes. “You can’t deny it. I know that look of yours.”

He chuckled. “I’ll indulge your fantasies later.”

“Is that a threat?” she asked with amusement.

“A promise.”

She shook her head with pretend disapproval. “This is me trying to look more presentable.”

“You mean, trying to fit in?”

She hesitated for a moment. “No, that’s not what…I just…I want them to respect me.”

“They already do, my love. Besides, look at me. They still respect me no matter how I look.”

He watched her gaze rake over him. He was wearing his signature jeans and leather biker jacket. He knew she wasn’t happy, because she’d suggested he don the courtly robes of the Dark Realm, just like Nathanial would be doing for the meeting. But he’d refused, telling her that it wasn’t who he was.

He took her hand in his and told her, “Cora, the way you carry yourself, your actions and your abilities are what garner you respect. That’s all you need.”

She smiled sweetly at him. “Very wise in your old age, aren’t you?”

“In case you’ve forgotten, we’re the same age. It’s just that I have more experience than you. That’s all. I know you’re nervous, but everyone at that meeting is gonna be in your corner. They fucking love you, Cora.”

They reached the throne room and she stopped a couple of feet back. “Thank you, baby. Good pep talk.”

He winked at her. “Go get ‘em.”

* * * * *

Cora drew in a deep breath and strode into the throne room with Ryan following close behind, Orion held tightly in his arms. Josh had offered to babysit yet again but they’d refused, not wanting to let Orion out of their sight. They both knew they were being insanely protective and clingy with their son, but after losing him, they couldn’t help it.

Cora glanced around the
Sacra Mensa
—the Sacred Table of the White Realm—as she strode confidently towards it. Everyone she’d invited was seated. Asha, the Guardian of the Dragons and longtime member of the Royal Court, nodded respectfully at her. Marella sat beside her and flashed her a kind smile. Opposite her was Shaye, who gave her a reassuring wink. In between the three of them was her father’s former seat at the head of the table. It was the seat that she was about to take. At the other end of the table, Nathanial sat in his courtly black robes, to the right of the seat at the other head of the table. It took her a moment to realize why he hadn’t taken the head seat. It was because Ryan was attending the meeting also. If he took the head seat it would be a sign of disrespect to the Wolf King. He lifted his chin at her.

To Cora’s surprise, all of them suddenly rose to their feet—a sign of the utmost respect for her arrival in the room. She smiled kindly at them and then took her seat. As she did, they all followed suit. Ryan settled in at the far end of the table, one seat over from Nathanial. He stroked Orion to keep him calm for the proceedings. He tended to get a little riled up whenever he was around other people—their little wolf-pup liked to show everyone what he was made of.
Just like his father,
Cora thought.

“Thank you for coming. Nathanial, I appreciate you taking time out of what I know is a very busy time for you to join us here today,” she spoke.

Since Ryan and Nathanial had officially united as joint Kings of the Dark Realm, a lot had needed to be done in regard to mending the rift between wolves and vampires. It’d been a very busy time for both of them. Cora knew that because, with Ryan’s refusal to be apart from either her or Orion, she’d accompanied him each time he’d travelled to work in the Dark Realm. It’d been educational for her, though, because she’d gained a solid understanding of how they ran things over there. It was important to her to understand everything she could about the Dark Realm, seeing as though it would be her greatest ally once her plans reached completion.

“Before we get into the meat of why I’ve called you all here, there are a couple of things I wish to say first,” she began.

She glanced around the table to make sure she had everyone’s attention. Once she was satisfied that she did, her gaze rested on Asha and Marella. “Asha, Guardian of the Dragons and Marella, Head of the Coven of White Witches,” she said formally. “I thank you for your indispensable service to the realm, for taking on the burden of governing following King Vazra’s untimely death.” As she mentioned Vazra’s death—his murder at
her
hands—she saw a twinkle of amusement in Nathanial’s eyes as well as a smile from Asha and Marella. Clearly they hadn’t opposed her decision to forcibly overthrow him then.

“It was our pleasure, Cora,” Asha responded.

Cora nodded politely. And then she gestured to Shaye. “I invited Shaye to this meeting as I wish her to take on the role of my personal advisor.”

Shaye’s eyes were wide with surprise. An audible gasp escaped her lips. “Me?” she asked.

“You’ve been a great asset, both to my husband and to me, over the difficult months we’ve all endured. You have the wisdom and patience that I need in an advisor. Will you do me the honor of accepting this appointment?”

Shaye smiled excitedly and nodded her head. “I would be honored.”

Cora watched her and Ryan exchange a look. She could see the pride in his eyes.

She drew in a breath to compose herself for what she was about to say and then she rose to her feet. Everyone’s eyes were on her.

“I didn’t know my father, King Vazra, well. But in the time that I did have with him, it became apparent that he was not the King that he believed himself to be. During my time spent in
Spiritomb
, I came to learn of more disturbing truths regarding his rule over the White Realm. I’m going to reveal them to you all today. Everything I’m about to say will become public knowledge. Every subject within the realm must know the truth.”

She paused to collect herself and her gaze fell on Nathanial as she said, “Nathanial, King of the Dark Realm, has never wished war upon the White Realm. His agenda is to unite the realms, to form a lasting peace. Not only is he not the villain that Vazra made him out to be, but he is a merciful, generous, and wise ruler. And he will be looked upon as such by our people. My father sought to destroy the Dark Realm with the aid of disgraced sorceress, Oriana. He betrayed Nathanial several times over. We are fortunate that Nathanial showed the White Realm so much restraint or we would’ve faced a destructive war several times over as a result of Vazra’s misguided decisions. This realm needs a ruler who has its
people’s
best interests at heart. A ruler who doesn’t rule with prejudice or with personal gains in mind. And this
court
needs a ruler who respects them and recognizes the value of their counsel.” She paused briefly to gauge their reaction. Nathanial’s was the one that stood out. He smiled at her with admiration and gratitude at her having taken the time to publicly vindicate him after all these centuries.

“I’m new to this. I’ve never ruled before and I was never groomed to take the throne. My father wanted to rule eternally. I know I have a lot to learn and that’s why I need your support with what I’m about to say. I need your guidance, your experience. This court is an invaluable tool to me, the most valuable tool. And going forward, I would ask that Nathanial and Ryan attend all meetings of this court if it suits their schedules at the time. The Dark Realm is our greatest ally. What we do affects them and vice-versa. We must be as one.”

“Cora, it would be my pleasure. I had suggested such a thing to Vazra,” Nathanial said. He glanced at Ryan for his agreement and Ryan nodded and flashed Cora a wink.

“Thank you. My proclamation? I will take the throne of the White Realm. I will rule as your Queen. But I will only do so with your support. You all know I possess the power to protect the realm, but I plan to do more than that. I will involve myself with every aspect of the realm and serve our people to the fullest extent of my ability.”

She’d barely finished speaking when everyone rose to their feet and starting applauding wildly. She just managed to stifle a laugh when she heard a wolf-whistle of support from Ryan.

She couldn’t believe it. She’d expected
some
resistance, given how new she was to all of it. But there was nothing but support from every single member of the court.

When the applause finally ceased and they all returned to their seats, Marella told her, “The best way for a ruler to learn is on the job.”

“The throne is your birthright,” Asha said. “You are our rightful Queen, Cora.”

“And she’s the only one who has the power to keep the realm safe,” Shaye added.

“We will arrange the coronation ceremony for one week from now,” Marella said, eyeing Asha.

Asha nodded her agreement.

“Following your official inauguration as Queen, I want us to unite the realms,” Nathanial announced, his confident, commanding baritone filling the room.

“That’ll be my first act as Queen,” Cora assured him. “It’s already been too long coming.”

As Cora fielded a few more questions, she caught Nathanial looking at her intently. It was as though he was scrutinizing her. He wasn’t reading her thoughts. She would’ve felt his intrusion in her head. But it looked as though he wanted to. What was he up to?

It wasn’t long before the meeting was concluded. Everyone was excited about the turn of events. Asha and Shaye were engrossed in conversation. Ryan was chatting away with Marella. And Nathanial had slipped away to God knew where. She wasn’t surprised. Vampires were notorious for being in one place one moment and slipping away the next.

She decided to take the opportunity to get some fresh air and some alone time. She walked out of the room and down the corridor until she reached the steps outside that led down to the gardens below. She leaned against the wall, looking out over the gardens and heaved a sigh.

“Being a ruler is a great responsibility,” a voice came from behind her suddenly.

She spun around to see Nathanial standing there regarding her curiously, his arms folded across his chest.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” she responded a little tersely. She was becoming increasingly aggravated by his intrusive looks.

“You will need help. Marella and Asha have centuries of experience you can use.”

“I know, Nathanial. Thank you for your advice,” she said dismissively. She moved to turn away but, in a sudden rush of vampire speed, his hand gripped her wrist, holding her still as he invaded her personal space.

“I know of your meetings.”

“What?”

“Kristoff. Michael. Davidas.”

Oh shit.
“You’ve been spying on me?”

“I keep a close eye on all developing situations. It is both my prerogative and my responsibility as ruler of the Dark Realm.”

She pulled her arm from his grip. “What was discussed in those
private
meetings isn’t your business.”

He regarded her calmly for a moment before telling her, “Your father kept many secrets, Cora. As such, I was never able to trust him, something that made things very difficult between us
and
the realms we governed. It was a concern to me. But never a
grave
concern, because I always knew that his magic could never overpower mine. With you, that is clearly not the case. Your power is beyond mine.” He leaned in close, his fiery, red eyes boring into hers as he added, “So you can imagine the depth of my concern now, to know that you are keeping secrets already.”

Her gaze softened. He was right. She understood where he was coming from. “My
secrets
are to protect you and Ryan.”

“Secrets protect no one, Cora.”

“In this case they do, Nathanial,” she shot back.

“I could understand if you were only keeping this from Ryan, given his distaste for Davidas, especially, and given his infamous temper.
But
the fact that you are keeping it from me is concerning. If I didn’t know better, I’d have to assume you were plotting against the Dark Realm.”

“Nathanial—”

“Why else would the soon-to-be Queen of the White Realm be keeping a secret from
both
the Dark Realm Kings?” he challenged.