Regina in the Sun: Children of the Goddess Book 1 Read online

  Zander’s jaw tightened with understanding as he began to help in the removal of the dirty fabric. He tried to be as clinical as his brother, but as her flesh was revealed, Zander felt an answering response send a tremor through his body. She was a goddess.

  Completely dressed she could pass for an adolescent, but beneath the loose-fitting blouse and torn jeans, she was a deliciously petite armful.

  Full, ripe breasts topped with dark cocoa nipples beaded in the cold air of the room. He took in the cream-colored curves and softly rounded hips. He had the sudden urge to caress them until he could thread his fingers through the neat triangle of ebony curls below.

  There was another tattoo, low on her pelvis, this one of a small tribal sun. The symbol made him smile. He could practically feel it against his tongue as he imagined laving her silken skin from head to toe.

  Hard with desire, he had to shake himself out of his lustful thoughts as Lux began to turn her body on its side in search of the wound. She had asked for his help, he reminded himself harshly, not this inappropriate and shameless voyeurism.

  All thoughts of lust disappeared as he caught sight of it on the left side of her lower back. It looked like someone had gouged out a chunk of her flesh.

  Zander moved to the side so Lux could examine her. She was covered in fading bruises and deep scratches, but it was the large gash on her back that held his attention. The edges were charred with markings that chilled him to the bone.

  Confusion and fear clawed at his gut. Why hadn’t the tissue mended? One of the blessings of their kind, Unborn or True, was the ability to heal swiftly from any physical wound.

  As long as their hearts and heads remained attached, they could, at the very least, begin their own healing process. Did she need blood?

  The girl immediately stirred and turned towards Zander. “No blood. Shadow Wolf…too dangerous. No blood.”

  She looked distraught and Lux made soft soothing sounds until she calmed. One golden eye opened and tried to focus past the pain. “Liz—danger…Lux…save them…let me—”

  Lux had placed his hand on her forehead, using his ability to send waves of reassurance and sleep her way. The girl appeared to struggle against him for a moment, but she soon slipped into unconsciousness, obviously too weak to put up much of a fight.

  Save them. Let me die.

  That was the request she hadn’t been allowed to finish. And her broken, nearly incoherent speech had set off alarms in Zander’s mind. Shadow Wolf? Had she been injured by a member of the Shadow?

  He remembered all the tension-filled nights and emergency meetings his father had been a part of during the final stages of the war between Vampires and Shadow Wolves. Most of the major battles had been finished long before he was born—but that was over six hundred and sixty three years ago.

  The Shadow were Weres that, until now, were thought to have been exterminated. Beings of unbelievable strength and cruelty, they’d harnessed the powers of black magick along with their natural abilities in order to wreak chaos on the Vampire and human population alike. Had the Trust been misinformed?

  Lux covered her with a light blanket at her hips, tracing the blackened edge of the jagged wound and drawing Zander’s attention to it once more. “This is at least a few weeks old, but instead of healing, it’s killing the surrounding tissue. Do you see these markings? It’s a powerful and ancient spell meant to counteract a Vampire’s natural healing abilities. Whoever did this wanted to slow her down and cause her pain. I don’t think they wanted to kill her outright.”

  Zander clenched his fists in fury at her unknown assailant. “She said ‘No blood…too dangerous.’ What did she mean?”

  Lux sighed. “When I studied with Glynn, she told me a be-spelled wound from a Shadow Wolf could be poisonous to other Vampires. To taste of the victim’s blood, or to allow any of their saliva or fluids to taint your bloodstream, would be to share their fate.”

  He paused and Zander could almost see the wheels turning in his mind. “Although she did say the fatality rate was higher in Unborns. The purer the blood, the stronger the immunity.” He began rolling up his sleeve and moving closer to the tiny figure huddled on the massive bed.

  “What are you doing?”

  “It just occurred to me. There is no purer blood than ours. It’s the reason our family was designated for mediation. The Sariels are pure Vampires, natural-born—every one of them. So far the fact has meant less than nothing to me, but it might actually be worth a great deal in this situation.”

  A rumbling growl rose from Zander’s chest as Lux placed his arm around the girl. His brother raised his eyebrows at the sound, a curious expression on his face.

  “I’ll do it. You’re the best healer I know. If something happens, you’re the only one who’d know what to do.” The compliment, given through gritted teeth, didn’t exactly sound sincere.

  Zander meant every word, but it wasn’t the whole truth. All he knew was the sight of another hand, even his brother’s, on her flesh was bringing out a possessiveness he’d never felt before. He wanted to be the one to touch her, to save her. Hell, he just wanted her. Badly.

  “Don’t give me that look, little brother. I’m the only logical choice.” Zander avoided the knowing blue eyes as he reached back to pull his shirt over his head, tossing it on the ground before returning to the bed.

  Lux smiled innocently. “Actually, you’re the least logical choice. If you become ill while trying to save a worthless little Unborn, how will the clan heads react? Dad is officially retired and he and mom are currently out of contact on their second…or is it third honeymoon? And I am not exactly up to snuff when it comes to keeping those hyenas from ripping each other apart.”

  Zander felt his expression tighten when Lux called the girl worthless. His brother had no sense of self-preservation, he thought, as he watched Lux’s smile widen further.

  He knew that Lux hadn’t a prejudiced bone in his body. He had always argued against the Unborn restrictions. He still corresponded with Elizabeth on a regular basis, hardly the actions of a prejudiced Trueblood. But Zander wasn’t feeling rational. He felt restless, needy. And Lux’s attempts to bait him weren’t helping.

  The younger man moved out of the way without another word as Zander replaced Lux’s arm with his own. He slid completely onto the bed, taking the petite bundle fully into his embrace.

  So fragile. So heartrendingly beautiful that she stole his breath. He moved them into a position where Lux could keep an eye on her wound.

  As his brother gathered his supply of healing herbs from his apartment down the hall, Zander examined every curve of her face. She was frowning, the space between her elegant brows crinkled up as if in confusion. Or pain.

  He sent up a little prayer that he would be up to the challenge, that his blood and Lux’s gift for healing would be enough to save her.

  Lux handed him a vial of amber liquid. “I want you to take this tincture. It should ensure that you suffer nothing more than something resembling a bad hangover…if Glynn was right about the rest.”

  Zander downed the foul-tasting medicine. He grimaced, lifting his forearm to his mouth and biting down with his sharp incisors to open the vein there. He placed it against the prone girl’s lips.

  When she didn’t immediately take his offering, Lux laid his hand on her head, mentally compelling her to drink. Zander’s fingers gently caressed her throat, attempting to induce her to swallow. It took both of them to force her compliance. The sheer strength of her mind was astounding.

  Her open mouth firmed on Zander’s arm as she began to down the life-giving liquid with needy gulps. An unexpected side effect took Zander by surprise.

  Though Vampires always considered the sharing of blood a sensual if not outright sexual act, never before had he experienced the fire now shooting through his veins. The erection he’d been trying to tame hardened to a painful degree, his eyes closing with the force of his desire as he concentrated on the feel of her full lips greedily wrapped around his flesh.

  He forgot Lux’s presence, the girl’s illness, even his own name for a moment. All he knew was that he had to touch her, had to taste her in return. It was an instinct he couldn’t deny. Pushing her hair to the side and lifting her higher against his chest, Zander sunk his fangs into her neck. It was too late for Lux to stop him as he gorged himself on her taste.

  The dark magick attacked immediately. An evil sentience that was even now trying to maintain its grip on her soul reached for him with an angry roar.

  He pushed it aside, focusing his entire being on the woman beneath him. Just below the darkness lay the richest, sweetest flavor he’d ever known. Like starlight and summer and wildflowers. Like peace and laughter. The essence that was…Regina.

  Zander felt doorways beginning to click open in his mind, his muscles going rigid as a flood of information washed over his consciousness.

  Where he had been alone he now felt a quiet presence. He reached out to touch it, to touch her. His grathita. His blood-bound mate. Now the reason for his instantaneous lust, for his sudden possessiveness, was clear.

  Regina was his…in the most elemental way possible. She was the other half of his soul. That was the only explanation for the new knowledge and awareness in his mind. Why he could hear her thoughts as well as his own, sense her spirit strengthening with the gift of his blood. He was overcome by the discovery. At last, he thought.

  At last.

  He began to weaken and he lifted his head from her neck with a last lingering lick. She moaned, protesting his absence, even in her unconscious state. His body was shaking by the time she released his arm and slipped into a deep and healing sleep. Zander closed the wound himself, taking another drink of his brother’s tonic and listenin
g to Lux’s low chants before lying back in exhaustion, his woman securely wrapped in his arms. He felt a hand on his brow and he smiled.

  “Regina. Her name is Regina.”

  Chapter Two

  Reggie had a hangover. At least, that’s what it felt like. Either that or two irate and frustrated little gnomes were taking turns using her head as a ping-pong ball. She lay as still as possible, trying to get her bearings while praying for the gnomes to get bored with her and decide to pester someone else.

  The last thing she remembered was…Haven. She’d made it. She’d actually gotten there and, if she was remembering correctly, she’d spoken to Lux.

  Her shoulders relaxed and the banging began to fade as relief rushed in. Elizabeth and the others would be safe now. She just knew it. And she could continue with her plans without regret or guilt at knowing she’d almost been responsible for a catastrophe.

  “I think a slight change in plans might be in order.”

  She froze at the sound of the voice. It was close. A little too close. Almost as if it was coming from—she groaned in silent mortification as a large, masculine arm slid around her bare waist. What did she do last night?

  A male chuckle washed over her. The arm, already causing a tingling heat to spread across her skin, squeezed her gently. “You didn’t do anything, Regina. You were hurt and we took you upstairs to tend to your wounds.”

  The gnomes were renewing their efforts with gusto. He knew her name. And what she’d been thinking. He shouldn’t be able to read her thoughts so clearly. He shouldn’t be able to read her at all.

  She tried to block him, a gift she’d always taken for granted and rarely had to use, but she could sense his amused patience at her attempt. She didn’t stop to think that she might be able to read him in return, her fear turning to anger as she raised up on her elbow, whipping around to confront him.

  Her brain registered several facts at once. The first being the pain in her side that, while it still stung, was dramatically less than it had been only yesterday. Secondly, she was lying naked beside quite possibly the sexiest man she’d ever seen. Her eyes glazed and her mouth watered with desire as she slowly looked him over.

  Once.

  Pause.

  Twice.

  Okay, perhaps sexy was too weak of a word. But he wasn’t beautiful. She wouldn’t even say he was exceptionally handsome. He looked too hard for that. Too raw and elemental and male.

  He lay above the covers in unbuttoned black dress pants and nothing else. His thighs bulged as if trying to escape their cloth prison, and she knew instinctively that this man had to have clothes created just to fit him.

  A fine line of hair disappeared beneath the lowered zipper, where another growing and rather impressive bulge looked as if it might be planning its escape. Her gaze flew upward swiftly, past the enviable six-pack, up to the smooth, hairless pecs and along the tightly corded neck before working up her courage to face her mysterious bed partner.

  Short, sandy hair looking a bit tousled from sleep framed a strong jaw, sharp cheekbones and a regal nose. It was a face that was saved from being too harsh by the hint of dimples, which appeared when his firm lips tilted slightly at her scrutiny.

  Eyes the color of blazing sapphires narrowed with desire and obvious intent. She suddenly recalled that this man had been able to read her thoughts. That was why she’d turned in the first place. She tilted her chin, ignoring the blush heating her cheeks, determined to retain her righteous indignation even in the face of such edible eye candy.

  His blue eyes widened in shock before he rolled onto his back with a surprised shout of laughter. “Edible eye candy?”

  His rude guffawing was cut short with an “Oomph!” as she whacked him with the nearest pillow. She started to get up, determined to escape the gorgeous mind-reading lunatic, only to find herself trapped beneath him while he grinned in amusement, utterly ignoring her warning glare.

  “Regina,” he murmured as he focused his attention on her full lower lip. “If you’re saying you find me attractive, then let me just tell you that the feeling is entirely mutual.”

  His head lowered slowly, giving her ample time to reject his advance. On any other day, she would have been stunned by her own inaction. She couldn’t seem to move. Not even when she felt the first touch of his lips on hers.

  Their fingers laced together above her head, the gentle restraint adding to her arousal. He took his time, torturing her with featherlight kisses and gentle nips.

  The strange, sweet intimacy of the moment stretched out until she found herself straining her neck to get closer, her mouth opening in invitation. Greedy for more of the delicious stranger’s kiss.

  He sucked her lower lip between his teeth, biting gently before soothing the sting away with his tongue. She gasped with arousal and he pulled back to look into her eyes for a heartbeat. Angling his head, he took her mouth in a soul-consuming kiss that had her moaning wantonly into his mouth. The sound encouraged him to taste her more fully, their tongues sparring for control in her mouth as he shifted his hardening erection into the apex of her thighs.

  She wrapped her lips around his tongue, sucking him deeper into her mouth. He jerked against her, and then he was reciprocating in a way that made her entire body tremble. On and on, lips and fangs and tongues warred for supremacy in a sensual battle that neither wanted to end.

  Never had she experienced anything like the need that flooded through her from the first touch of his lips. He was like a narcotic, drugging her limbs and causing her heart to beat a panicked tattoo against her breast. His taste was both darkly mysterious and achingly familiar. His lips burned against hers with a blaze like the noonday sun, so hot she was sure she’d melt beneath him.

  He thrust his hips gently against her sex and even through the sheet that separated them she felt an answering rush of arousal dampen her thighs. She’d never imagined she could be so close to coming from a kiss. A hot, unbearably sexy kiss, but a kiss nonetheless.

  He groaned as she arched against him in return and she reveled in the knowledge that his desire was just as strong as hers. That he wanted her, his grathita, more than he’d ever wanted another. She was his and he would—

  She must be sensing his thoughts. Picking up on them as if they were her own. At the same moment the realization struck her, he pressed his body fully against hers, causing her to cry out in pain at the forgotten injury.

  He leapt off her as if he were on fire, the lust in his eyes turning quickly to worry. Kneeling on the bed, he bent to check her mending wound, ignoring the hand that tried to slap him away.

  “I’m really going to have to work on my timing.”

  The wry voice caused the two to jump apart, startled. Reggie felt her cheeks heat as the man she’d just been groping leaned his back against the bed frame with a sigh, subtly trying to cover Regina’s naked frame with the blanket, hiding her from the other man’s view.

  Without a word she jerked the fabric from his hands, pulling the cover up to her neck defensively. She looked towards the glorious creature standing at the edge of the bed, the memory of being carried from the dance floor surfacing in her mind. This was Lux.

  He held up the overflowing bag in his hand, which showed the name of a well-known clothing store. “I brought you something to wear. Your other clothing was, well, unsalvageable.”

  He waited for her to accept his offering, but she merely nodded her thanks and looked at him pointedly until he turned his head and shut his eyes.

  She reached out with her mind and gasped at the amusement hiding in Lux’s thoughts, as well as the memory of undressing her after she’d collapsed. At her sound of outrage, Lux spun his head back around, looking towards her in shock before glancing at the other man—his brother, Reggie suddenly realized—for an explanation.

  “I don’t know why you’re looking at him. Just ask me.” She crossed her arms over the blanket that she had wrapped around her, realizing her breasts were plumping over the edge when Lux couldn’t seem to tear his gaze away from the view. Her golden eyes rolled and she shook her head. “After all the stories Liz told me, I thought you’d be a bit more, well, genteel.”