The Two Kings (Afterlife Saga)

  “I have never had sex like this ever before, so it means I sometimes lose control, which believe me is not something I am used to and with what you do to me, I have to be even more careful, as I have never experienced losing control around a human before... I forget how breakable you are.” He had my hands in his, entwining his long, thick tanned fingers with my thin white ones. There was such a contrast in colour and size I let out a nervous giggle.

  “Is that why you sometimes bite me?” I asked always being more than curious about that but he looked a bit ashamed.

  “Yes” he said sternly before continuing.

  “It is an impulse, like an animal instinct but with a human it seems to be more enhanced. The smell of your skin and the blood underneath it, it is too much for me not to taste. But I have found I can contain it if I concentrate very hard.” I was fascinated but I found myself wishing he didn't feel like it was a bad thing. During sex, I had wanted him to bite me as it seemed to intensify the pleasure and now I had a better understanding about people that liked that sort of thing.

  “So the pillow got it instead,” I remarked blushing. He lifted his lids to look at me once, giving me a quirky smile before lowering his lids to one of my breasts, where a single white feather had landed. He then got closer and blew on it making it tickle its way to my neck. I closed my eyes and sighed at the prickling it made on my skin. Then I flashed open my eyes and remembered what it was I wanted to tell him.

  “I like it!” I blurted out but he just shook his head, knowing what I meant.

  “I do, I don't know why but it just feels right when you bite me and of course there is the pleasure that follows.” Now this had him raising his eyebrows and leaving the feather forgotten.

  “I think you are too good in giving into my needs. I am selfish when it comes to getting what I want. I know this but you have the power and right to tell me no, do you understand?” Oh I understood but it still took me back on hearing it being spoken. He was saying that I was his equal and that he would in fact obey me if I so wished. Then as if by nature I had a flood of naughty thoughts whip through my mind all at once. Of course he wanted to know what it was that had me smiling like an idiot but I just licked my lips before kissing him.

  “So now tell me, is Vincent very angry with me?” I asked dreading the answer but judging from Draven's soft black eyes and a smile that made his face light up, I guessed I was being paranoid again.

  “Of course not, why would he be?”

  “Because I kissed him,” I said feeling the shame burn my cheeks.

  “Yes you did but it was my fault. I should have been the one to put you to bed myself but instead I sent my brother to check on you. Granted he got more than he bargained for but I doubt very much that he minded. I can imagine he hasn't been able to stop thinking about it!” He laughed at both a combination of his comment and my reaction to it.

  “Oh don't say that!” I buried my head into the pillow that used to be in one piece only instead I got a face full of feathers. Draven fell on his back and pulled me on top of him so I couldn't hide. I rested my folded arms on his wide chest and looked down at him, and again, he was grinning.

  “Well I remember what our first kiss did to me. And after all, you were his first human kiss...poor bastard!” He laughed again making me shake with him but I frowned hiding my smile and jabbed him in the side.

  “You shouldn’t say that!”

  “Oh Keira don't fret, he is fine. I am just teasing you but what can I say, I am half Demon.” And with this, he smiled showing his full set of white teeth and for the first time I noticed his canines were larger than most humans. No wonder he had been able to bite me so easily.

  His hands were tickling my sides and I couldn't help what came next. The worst thing in the world happened.....I snorted! His eyes widened at the new noise that just passed my lips and my hands flew out to my mouth but of course it was too late....it was out!

  “And that was...?” He asked mocking me as he couldn't contain his wicked, bad boy grin.

  “I don't want to talk about it” I said getting defensive at my utter humiliation. I rolled off him but he pined me down and pulled the covers off me leaving me exposed.

  “Oh no you don't, I want to hear it again!” And then with surprisingly gentle fingers he tickled my defenceless naked skin until I was near to tears with laughter. Of course the snorting came through which made his roaring laughter harder and deeper. By the end of our little playing on the bed we were both trying to calm down enough to form actual sentences. Then it hit me, here I was having one of the best mornings of my life, when there was still so many questions I needed answering.

  “Oh my God... I can't believe I have been so self-centred! I haven't even asked you about Takeshi, is he alright?” Draven looked as though he found this endearing but I just frowned, he can't let me get away with my selfish behaviour.

  “Don't scorn yourself and you are sweet for asking but I think after everything you have endured you are entitled to a little distraction. Takeshi is fine now, he is resting. I gave him some of my energy to help him heal.” He was smoothing my hair back from my face as he spoke.

  “How did this happen to him?” I could tell he didn't want to tell me but I raised my eyes to him before he could protest.

  “Ok, I will tell you but Keira, I don't want you to obsess about something I will not allow to happen.” I nodded to indicate he should continue.

  “Lucius is trying to poison his mind so that his actions can't be seen for what he has planned. I don't know exactly what he is going to do but one thing is for sure...he knows about you.” This made me shudder at the thought and Draven didn't miss my reaction as he pulled me closer to him, wrapping the covers around me like a secure cocoon, making me feel like a butterfly.

  “But nothing will happen to you. He can't take you from me.” This sounded very threatening and I couldn't imagine anyone being as crazy as to want to antagonise Draven. Well apart from the obvious being Sammael.

  “But why does he even want me?” I asked bringing him back to my eyes, which softened when they got there.

  “Because my lovely, you are mine and you are my only weakness. You are also a very breakable human as we both know so this puts the risks at a higher price. He will do anything to have you, to take you from me but he is not stupid and will not chance coming here himself. It just means that I will be a little more protective over you than I normally would.” He said all this without too much emotion and I knew it was to spare me worry....but because I knew this I worried anyway.

  “Ok, next question, why the Hell didn't you tell me that you had Layla here imprisoned?” Ok telling by his reaction to this question I could add another crazy person to the list of “Who would risk making Draven angry.” He did not look happy that I hadn't forgotten this small factor.

  “We are not going to discuss this!” He said flatly but I was not going to yield that quickly.

  “And why not? I think I have a right to know!”

  “You do not yet know enough about our ways to understand.” He was trying to judge my response but whatever he saw in my face, it was not what he had hoped for. His face said as much.

  “Understand what?” I shook my head at him but I had a feeling I was going to regret the truth.

  “You will think our ways are barbaric and you won't look kindly on me for being the one that has to enforce such punishments. Is this something that you really want to know about?” It wasn't so much a question but more a statement as he knew that I would not. I was torn between the two Dravens I knew. I remembered how cold he had first been to me and the sight of him fighting, ripping into those creatures they called Gorgan Leeches. How he wielded his two powerful swords that came from his Demon form, slicing into the body that Sammael had used as a vessel. It had been a truly frightening sight.

  And of course there was the other Draven that was with me now. The one that had taught me more about the pleasures my body could endure than anyone
before him. I had felt more love and passion in these past few days than in my entire life. His soft voice telling me how perfect I was and how his eyes looked at me when he told me that he loved me. It was like two completely different people but I couldn't help that I loved both of them to my very core.

  “Ok so I get the point but I don't exactly need details here.” He was getting up and before I could protest he was leaning down to whisper in my ear.

  “I have to do Demon/Angel man things.” And he winked at me before leaving to use the bathroom. I couldn't believe how shocked I was just to see him doing something so human. I mean he was only using the bathroom for goodness sake but I still couldn't believe it, even when I heard the toilet flush I found myself giggling. I got up, cleaned the evidence of our joining with some tissue and put my clothes on still chuckling to myself before he came out. I wondered if he left the seat up? Ha!

  When he came out, he too was dressed and his hair was pushed back, wet around his neck. The sight of him in designer jeans and a tight fitted black vest made me need to sit down. His shoulders looked huge and it seemed every day he was taller. I was only five foot three so he was over a foot taller, being I guessed over six foot. I had never asked him so I wasn't certain.

  “How tall are you?” I asked thinking while I was pondering it, I might as well get the facts. He looked at me with a curious smile and I knew he was wondering were the question had come from but he obliged me anyway.

  “I'm about six foot four, two hundred and forty pounds and I hate cucumbers, anything else you would like to know?” He asked and I could tell he was teasing me again.

  “You hate cucumbers?” I said trying not to laugh at the thought. He came up to me as I was sat on the bed and put one hand on either side of my thighs, leaning into me smiling.

  “I don't like the texture but one thing I do like the texture of....” He was speaking over my mouth and the rest of his sentence was lost on my lips making it very clear what he was referring to. We were just about to do the naughty again when my phone started to vibrate and I almost cursed out loud.

  “Bloody technology!” I said instead but Draven found my frustration funny and he jumped up quickly to retrieve my phone. Of course as soon as I saw who it was, this did make me swear.

  “Oh shit!” I knew it wasn't lady like but I couldn't help it.

  “Keira what's wrong?”

  “Just reality!” I said before flipping the phone open and saying begrudgingly,

  “Hi mum.”

  Chapter 3

  Unfortunate Family Members.

  “Hi Honey, I've not caught you at a bad time have I? Only there was no answer at home.” My mum’s sweet voice made it difficult to lie so of course I did a lousy job of it!

  “No mum its fine, is everything alright?” I noticed Draven had taken a seat and looked very amused at the dread on my face. The problem was that even though I was some distance from him, I knew he could still hear every word that was being said, on both sides. Damn Demon hearing!

  “Yes everything’s fine sweetheart, I guess I just wanted to see if there's anything new with you?”

  “Umm no not really just plodding along, you know college and work and stuff.” I was trying my best to sound casual but when I was faced with the most gorgeous, sexiest man alive staring at me and knowing every lie I made, oh and finding it hilarious at that, well let’s just say it did make personal phone calls....difficult.

  “So, nothing new then?” My mum was being about as subtle as a bull at a tea party!

  “Mum is there something you want to ask?”

  “Well don't be angry with her but Libby kind of hinted that you were courting?” Oh no just when I thought it couldn't get any worse. I was going to murder my sister! When I didn't answer my mum cleared her throat down the phone.

  “Keira!” My mum was getting impatient and I refused to look at Draven who the last time I looked was frowning.

  “Yes mum...well, I'm sort of seeing someone.” I said quietly but it didn't do me much good as when I looked up, Draven’s injured expression filled my view. He was stood in front of me and he mouthed the words “sort of” to me.

  “I mean yes, I am dating someone.” I corrected and this brought the smile back to his lips.

  “Well that's nice Kazzy honey, me and your dad both think it's about time but Libby mentioned he’s your boss.” Oh boy, Libby was certainly going to be in for it now. I would refuse to cook for a month but poor Frank would have to eat gruel and charcoal for the duration and that wouldn't be fair on him.

  “Yes that's right, he owns the club but he's not my manager, so it kind of doesn't count, plus we don't really see each other when I’m working, see I work downstairs.” I was babbling on and on and for the first time I felt like kicking Draven in the shins as he stood there grinning at me like a mischievous child. I mouthed the words “grow up” at him but this just added fuel to a naughty flame.

  “Well as long as it doesn't interfere with work Keira that's the important thing.”

  “No it doesn't.” I said trying to sound convincing but when you have the memory of Draven's hands all over your body when you were trying to work, it made it harder to lie.

  “So what's he like? Libby said he’s very handsome and that you were wearing make up again so I gather this means you must really like him.” Bless my mum but right now I just wanted my phone to blow up! But no doubt that Draven would just use his powers to fix it again. He was definitely enjoying himself too much for this little call to end.

  “I'm not wearing make up again, Libby is exaggerating. I wore it once for Halloween!”

  “Don't get touchy Keira it's nothing to be ashamed of, you’re just getting your life back on track and it’s good to hear. We’re happy for you, just remember to take it slow and don't let the fact that he's your boss and rich, intimidate you.” Oh sweet Jesus, could this get any worse? Of course the answer to that quickly followed.

  “Oh and remember to use protection, remember it's better to be baby safe than baby sorry.” This had been my mum’s motto since I turned seventeen. I just wanted to cry but from the looks of Draven he already was, with laughter! He was sat back down and I scowled at him. I waved my arm around at him to motion for him to leave but he just shook his head at me, telling me a defiant no. So I mouthed the word “Fine!” at him to indicate my anger.

  “Mum it's a bit soon for that.” I was just thankful I didn't slip up and say “too late” instead.

  “Well as long as you’re careful when you do, that's all that counts.” This of course was not the best time to panic about the fact that I didn't really know if we had been careful. Could Demon/Angel half breeds reproduce? Oh no, how could I have not thought about this sooner?

  “Anyway, what is the young man's name?” This made me laugh out loud. I just couldn't help it. For one I didn't actually know how old Draven was but I was pretty sure he was past being called young man!

  “His names Drav...umm I mean... Dominic.” At this Draven’s eyes held something other than humour. I got the impression that he loved it when I called him by his first name.

  “That's a nice name. Has he taken you anywhere fancy?” I couldn't help but smile when I saw Draven's face drop. Of course we had been a bit preoccupied to go on an actual date, what with my psycho stalker after me and then there was his Demon partner in crime, leading to my being kidnapped. So to be honest we just hadn’t had the time. All in all, we’d had one hell of a week!

  “Well I have been a little busy and things are still fresh, we have only been dating a few days mum. Anyway how’s me dad?” I needed to get her off this subject. My mum wasn't old fashioned as such be she still thinks that the girl has to be wined and dined by a gentleman before a girl gives up the goods! Well my goods had already been bought, purchased and spent, many times over and boy was Draven one hell of a buyer. He was a pro! But I wasn't about to disclose that bit of information to my mother.

  “Oh he's fine, asleep on the co
uch as usual, I don't know why he bothers watching telly if it's just going to send him off to sleep.” I could faintly hear some world war documentary in the background and it made me chuckle.

  “Libby is back off their trip soon, isn't she?”

  “Yeah, Sunday I think.”

  “I hope you haven't been scared all alone in that house by yourself, you know you can ring me or you know we have Skype now.” Oh great more lying.

  “I ain't been scared, there's nowt to be scared of.” I said and before I had thought about it, my Northern Twang had shown itself in full force.

  “Keira use proper English dear.” She scolded. This had always frustrated my mother but considering she had married a Scouser (Someone from Liverpool) I was always surprised when she pulled us up on it. The sweetest thing about this was when Draven heard me sort of being told off by my mum he came over and kissed the top of my head lightly. He mouthed the words “I like it” and I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Libby also tells me that you have been painting again, I must say if this is down to this new guy you’re now dating, I like him already.” I could almost hear Draven smiling behind me as his arms wrapped around me.

  “Yeah I decided to take advantage of the amazing views around here, I'll send you one soon. Anyway mum I'm going to have to go but...”

  “Oh well there was one other thing I wanted to tell you before you go” This was what I had been waiting for. I knew my mum well enough to know the hidden meaning behind the things she did and this time I knew that she had been stalling.

  “What is it mum?”

  “Well don't go off the handle but someone's coming to visit you,” she said trying to sound upbeat, as if that would help! I suddenly went cold, knowing there was only one person who my mum would know I wouldn't be happy about seeing.

  “Oh No, no way mum, not going to happen, not now not ever!” I said in a stern voice that shocked Draven enough to drop his arms and face me. I was frowning so hard my cheeks ached.