The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

I was still smiling three hours later when I finally headed for bed. I was amazed at how happy I felt, considering how my night started.

Selene and Diana were gone, having left for the airport with Marc. He was flying them home on our private jet, with a supply of blood as promised. Everyone agreed that because of my magic, my blood shouldn’t be shared, but all of my guards eagerly donated. Allie was incredibly excited to donate, since it was the first time her vampire blood would be used for something. I told Selene I’d set her up with a local contact back in the states for further donations if needed.

After we said our goodbyes, I walked Allie up to her room, and we talked until she fell asleep. I had so much to fill her in on, with the drama from the ball and the two dead Strategoi, but I didn’t want to sour our cheerful mood. So instead we talked about all the places we wanted to go together, now that we had an eternity to fill. London, Paris, Tokyo, Cairo… The list went on and on until we’d named every city we could think of.

When Allie finally drifted off, I quietly left and headed for my room. I was exhausted, and couldn’t wait to tumble into bed, but when I opened my door and saw Julian there, all thoughts of sleep were gone. I closed the door and leaned back against it, waiting for him to speak.

He stood in the middle of the room, as if he’d been pacing when I opened the door. But Julian didn’t pace, he was never that distraught. He was the epitome of strength and confidence. He stared at me silently, the muscle in his jaw ticking.

I guess I have to go first. I sighed and pushed off the door. “You shouldn’t have killed them.” He lifted his chin, but said nothing. “I’m your queen, but you still think you’re in charge. You still think you know best.”

“You’ve been queen for a month, Sarah, and a vampire less than a year. I’ve been involved in these politics for over a thousand years. I do know better.”

I threw my hands up. “Fine, you're right. I don’t have any idea how to be queen. I’m a brand new baby vampire, who probably wouldn’t survive a day on my own. Is that what you want to hear? Just because you're older and more experienced doesn’t mean you can ignore my wishes and do whatever you want. Even if you weren't older, even if we were both human, you can’t treat people that way!”

I was shouting now, but I was too wound up to care. “And if you know so much about vampire politics , how about helping me? Teach me how things work, instead of going behind my back and doing things your own way! I may be a thousand years younger , but that doesn’t mean I'm helpless. In case you’ve forgotten I can turn someone to dust just by thinking about it!”

“None of that matters!” Julian shouted, startling me into silence. “I know you’re stronger than me now, but I don’t care! I love you! I will always put myself between you and the enemy!”

I stared at him breathlessly as his words sank in. “You love me?” I whispered, stepping closer to him.

He laughed harshly. “I course I-”

“I love you,” I said quickly, interrupting him.

For a moment, neither of us moved. We stood there, both of us breathing heavily, staring into each other's eyes. Then Julian stepped towards me, closing the distance between us. He cupped my jaw with his hand, running his thumb across my lips.

“I love you,” he whispered, lowering his head to kiss me.

He pressed his lips to mine with a tenderness that took my breath away. He loves me. I’d known it all along, but hearing him say it out loud affected me in ways I couldn’t describe. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed myself against him, parting my lips beneath his. And all tenderness was gone.

I tore his shirt open, ripping the buttons clean off, and he broke our kiss just long enough to yank my shirt over my head. Claiming my mouth once more, he backed me towards the bed. I kissed him feverishly, biting his lips and jaw, as I unfastened his pants. He pulled back to yank my pants down, tossing them aside before lifting me and throwing me backwards across the bed.

I watched hungrily as he took off his pants, my eyes devouring the sight of him. He crawled up over me and I grabbed him and pulled him down against me. He lowered his head to kiss me and I dug my hands into his hair. His tongue swept over my lips and delved into my mouth, and I moaned and arched against him. I bent my knees, lifting them to his waist, and he pushed against me. I whimpered at the sensation and felt him smile against my mouth.

“ Fuck me,” I breathed against his lips.

He growled softly as he obeyed my command, thrusting his cock into me. I moaned loudly, lifting my hips to grind against him. Without pulling out of me, he sat back on his knees, grabbing my hips and pulling me with him so that my legs were spread wide and draped over his strong thighs. He looked down at where our bodies met, watching his cock move in and out of me in long, languid strokes. I tried to push against him, wanting him to go faster, but he gripped my hips tightly, holding me still.

I whimpered with frustration. “Please, Julian.”

His lips slowly curved, and he increased his pace. I watched him through hooded eyes, as the pressure built inside of me. The way his muscles flexed and strained with every thrust. The way his tanned skin seemed to glow in the darkness like polished bronze. His fangs, stark white against his full lips. He was perfection.

I looked into his eyes as I lifted my hands to my breasts, squeezing them. His pupils flared, spreading to the edges of his eyes, and he slid one hand to my pussy and rubbed his thumb over my clit. I gasped, my body jerking, and he continued to rub my clit as he thrust into me. Each swipe of his thumb sent sparks of pleasure shooting through me, making me pant and beg incoherently.

“Yes,” he hissed, thrusting harder. “Come, Sarah.”

I cried out as I came, my thighs squeezing him as my pussy clenched his cock. His hand moved back to my hip, and he grabbed me tight, pounding into me. My body throbbed as wave after wave hit me, and I clawed at the bed and cried out his name, again and again. He threw back his head as he came, his body stiffening. I felt his cock pulse inside me, stretching me further. He collapsed on top of me, his body pressing against my swollen clit, sending another wave of pleasure through me.

Breathing heavily, he pressed his forehead to mine, and we stayed that way as our hearts calmed and our bodies slowly relaxed. I cupped his cheeks with my hands and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

“I love you,” he whispered against my lips. He kissed me, gently nipping at my bottom lip.

“I love you,” I breathed. I ran my tongue over his lips, and he opened his mouth, letting me in. I dug my hands into his hair, holding him as I deepened our kiss. I felt his cock twitch inside of me and heat swirled low in my stomach.

I pushed on his shoulders, and he lifted his head to look at me. I smiled seductively and pushed again. His eyes widened as I flipped him onto his back and straddled him with his cock still in me. His surprise turned to satisfaction, as he looked up at me, and I placed my hands on his chest and rocked my hips, feeling his cock harden inside me.

He growled and gripped my hips, rocking me again. I arched my back, thrusting my breasts out, and his hands slid up my body to cup them. He teased my nipples as I found my rhythm. I rolled my hips like a dancer, watching his face as I fucked him. His lips were parted, revealing his fangs, and I opened my mouth and ran my tongue over my own fangs, teasing him.

“God, you’re incredible,” he groaned, squeezing my breasts. “I’m going to spend the rest of eternity worshiping your body.”

I felt his cock pulse, and I ground hard against him. The pressure against my clit set my body aflame, and I quickened my pace, chasing the feeling. I whimpered, feeling my body tighten.

“ Come with me, ” he whispered, and I closed my eyes and gave in.

I moaned loudly when I came, my hips jerking. I collapsed on top of him, burying my face in his neck, and he grabbed my hips, continuing to rock me as he finished. His body stiffened beneath mine, and he groaned as he found his release.

I lifted my head to kiss him. “I fucking love you,” I murmured against his lips, my body still throbbing.

He laughed softly, and lifted his hands to cup my face. “I fucking love you.”

H ours later, I lay in Julian’s embrace, listening to his heartbeat as I let my mind wander. This was a new beginning, and there were a lot of decisions to be made. Would we stay at Marius’ castle, or return to Julian’s? I felt reluctant to leave Marius’ tomb, but Julian’s whole life was in Spain. Plus, he had amazing showers. Or maybe we’d find some place new and start fresh.

A new council had to be established, and new laws written. And then there was Allie, and our planned trip around the world. I imagined us traveling, with my eight guards in tow, and almost laughed at the picture that came to mind. Aside from the fact that they were the Queen’s Guard, they were all crazy about Allie and I knew they'd want to remain close to her. I wondered how that would play out, but was determined to stay out of it.

And Adam. My creator, and my first real love. Because it had been real, even though it only lasted a moment. I wondered where he’d go, and if I’d ever see him again. I hoped he’d find peace, and perhaps even love. I imagined him happy and in love, and the thought made me smile.

I’ll miss that smile.

I sucked in a breath as my heart skipped a beat. I thought you’d gone.

I wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.

Is that what this is? Goodbye?

Yes.

I’ll miss you. I wish…

I wish I could remain and see all you’ll accomplish as queen, but after two thousand years my soul is ready to rest. I am at peace, knowing in another life, perhaps another world even, I’ll see you again…

Goodbye my love.

Goodbye Marius.

Letting him go was bittersweet. I would miss hearing his voice, but I was glad he found peace. And maybe he was right. Maybe our souls were destined to meet again, in another life. But for now, in this life, I was where I belonged.

I snuggled closer to Julian, and his arm tightened around me. He mumbled in his sleep and I smiled.

Yes. This is where I belonged.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading The Darkest Crown. If you enjoyed it (I hope you did), please consider leaving a review on lokepub. As a new indie-author, reviews are so very important.

As with most of my stories, the idea for this duet came to me in a dream. I was standing in the corner of a room, watching two powerful vampires fight to the death. No one spoke in my dream, but I somehow knew they were fighting over me. I also knew I loved them both, and didn't know who I wanted to win. That one scene was the entire dream, but when I woke up I was obsessed. I frantically wrote down every detail, desperate to get it on paper before the dream faded from my memory. And that was the beginning of my book. I started in the middle and worked my way backwards. And since no one wants to read a story about me , falling in love with two sexy vampires, I created Sarah, a talented violinist I could live vicariously through.

Within an hour of waking, I had the entire story planned out. I had an image in my mind, of Sarah sitting on her throne with her two lovers sprawled at her feet, and a crowd of vampires kneeling before her. Yes, Sarah was supposed to end up with Julian and Adam. But once I started writing Julian, I knew he'd never share her. And I loved that about him. But that didn't stop me from imagining the three of them together on several occasions… (bonus scene anyone?)

But fear not, Adam will get his own happily ever after, as will Allie.