17. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

J ulian watched Daemon communing. The Vampire King was completely naked so he had quite the view. Julian had Daemon's robe in his hands. It was silk, slick and cool. It reminded him of Daemon's skin, which he really wanted to be touching right now.

His fingers flexed in the silk as he imagined them running along the hills and valleys of Daemon's stomach muscles to the treasure trail of hair that surrounded the Vampire King's cock. Daemon was erect as the act of communing was incredibly intimate as Julian had discovered. Julian was aroused as well. How could one not be with a naked, erect Daemon?

They were in a part of the garden that was relatively private. It was cut off from the rest by high hedgerows. It was a rectangular square of grass with a stone path, a bench--where Julian was sitting--and a fountain that tinkled in the background. It was quiet and private.

Daemon was on his knees, hands resting palms up on his thighs, eyes closed. Tendrils rose up from the earth and slid underneath his skin and wound around his naked body in an intimate embrace. Buds had appeared on the tendrils, deep red ones, that when they bloomed, the communing would be done and Julian could touch his Master again. Julian's fangs were out, though he wasn't hungry exactly, but more peckish. He could always take a mouthful. But he didn't want to distract the Vampire King. Well, not yet anyways.

A smile graced Daemon's lips even as his eyelids remained closed. You can touch me. You can always touch me, Julian. You are the one person who has that right without question or permission.

No, no, you need to commune in peace, Julian reminded Daemon even as his hands stroked the silk robe as they wanted to do to all those acres of skin.

Daemon pouted. But I want you to.

A pouting Daemon was adorable. It was so unlike Daemon's usual kingly presence and cool badassery. Julian was glad that he could bring out the more playful side of the Vampire King.

I want you, too, but you need to be at your best. I'm doing a public service by not touching you, Julian said.

Daemon pouted harder. You are too dutiful. The public does not need me at the moment.

Really? Because Rajani is haunting us. She's been pacing just outside of the hedgerows. I don't think she hovers normally, Julian replied with a grin.

The House Wynter Vampire had begun by sauntering--hands crossed at the wrists behind her back--in front of the opening to this private garden. She was now pacing and glancing in meaningfully every few minutes.

I think she wants you to tell her what to do , Julian said. You know, take up those kingly duties and reveal your plans for the world? I can only imagine what questions she's getting from everyone.

Daemon chuckled and hummed contentedly. She is merely nervous. This is something new.

And momentous! You haven't listened to the news reports. Julian had been scrolling through the news coverage about the incident the night before. Let me read you some of the headlines. He cleared his throat even though they were speaking mind to mind, ‘ The Dead Walk!' That one is legit as there were zombies everywhere last night and some people classify Vampires as the undead. Oh, here's a favorite one of mine: ‘Is the End Nigh?'

Daemon smiled, but didn't laugh as he said, The end of what the humans supposedly know is over. So, in a way, it is the end of an era of humans generally believing that they are alone.

Julian thought that some of the reporters agreed with Daemon, but many did not. The "serious" reporters from the traditional publications were trying to poke holes in what had happened the night before. They were reporting in sobering tones about the possibilities of special effects, hallucinogenic gas, and how the whole incident at the museum could have been an art piece gone wrong or a terrorist attack gone terribly right. Though they were having trouble thinking that any terrorist group would think the mass deaths of the rich and powerful would aid their cause in believing imaginary Vampires were real .

Julian continued, Oh, here's a good one. ‘Hoax! Vampire King Fake News!'

Daemon frowned. Was everything else real and only me fake?

Julian shook his head. No, they just can't believe--no matter what evidence is put in front of them, including forensic evidence showing corpses really were walking on the museum's campus--that Vampires are real. They are simply denying everything.

I see. Yes, that is expected, Daemon replied with equanimity. But, soon enough, there will be some who will seek out Vampires to try and be turned. Right now they are simply reacting to the power structure they know, and are a part of, being threatened.

One of the buds on Daemon's shoulder slowly bloomed. It was a blood red rose. The sweet scent of its perfume wafted over to Julian then and his nostrils flared. One down, just a few dozen more to go.

Julian scrolled further on his phone. Oh, here's one you'll like. It's very sober and takes what we did last night seriously. It's ‘Religious Implication of the Existence of Vampires.'

Ah! Daemon's eyes were still closed but his whole face lit up. What does that say?

Julian read through it quickly. Basically, it says that the existence of Vampires threatens every religion, because the basis of most religions is being rewarded in an afterlife. But if you can be rich, powerful, and eternally youthful in this life, why wait for the next that might not even be there?

Even knowing what he did about there being souls and seemingly someplace for them to go, Julian couldn't see giving up this Second Life that was so incredible for the unknown. But, then again, he had Daemon, Christian, Balthazar and the others. He might even get his parents back. But people who weren't that lucky might want to see what was next.

Kaly's experience with humans who learned about our existence, not to mention the Kaly gift, showed a different outcome, Daemon said with a slight frown.

What do you mean? Julian kept scrolling.

Some of them committed suicide as they wished to see the other side, Daemon intoned sorrowfully.

Julian stopped scrolling. He lifted his head up as he contemplated this. If humans could get past the Vampires were real bit then accept that the Vampires have gifts bit then believing that Kaly Vampires really could control souls and see gates to another world… Well, yes, some people would kill themselves. A lot of people might.

He swallowed as he considered people taking pills and lying down to never wake up. Of others slitting their wrists in bathtubs, staining the water red. A few simply might jump off bridges into the water or simply walk into the sea until they drowned from exhaustion.

Daemon… Daemon, that will really happen! Alarm colored Julian's voice.

His Master nodded sadly. Yes, and there is nothing we can do to save them all. Not even I can.

Julian wasn't sure how to take this. By choosing to reveal Vampires were real was ensuring that some people would die before their time. If there was a time to die. And what if the other world that lay beyond was spectacular? Was it then wrong for him to want to "save them"? Would he really be saving them after all?

I see. Julian scrolled down some more, slower now. Ah, here's an eternal one: ‘What Do Vampires Want?'

This particular Vampire wants his Childe in his lap. Daemon was pouting again.

Julian grinned. I see that a few more roses have bloomed but not all. So you, my king, must wait.

Tcha! As king I should be able to command you to love me when I wish you to, which is always, Daemon complained teasingly.

Good things come to those who wait! Julian though had to shift on his seat as his own cock hardened at the thought of embracing Daemon. Oooh! This headline's positive: ‘If Vampires Exist, Can I Join Them?'

Daemon snorted. But of course! There will be so many who want to join our ranks. We shall have to put into place some kind of formalized structure. Otherwise, we will be overrun with Vampires. Perhaps… Perhaps a test? A series of tests? Or even a school? A Vampire Academy!

It was Julian's turn to snort. And who would be the headmaster there? Let me guess? Caemorn?

Daemon was silent.

Julian blinked as he repeated, Caemorn?! Are you kidding? He hates people!

No, he just believes that people hate him so he hates them before they have a chance, Daemon corrected. What he did to your parents--

It's okay. I mean… it's not okay, but I know why he did it. He didn't have much choice. Still Julian's hand tightened on his phone causing it to creak. If he can bring them back, I'll forgive him.

He will be forever in your debt, Daemon replied softly.

You think that's good? Julian studied Daemon's beautiful face. It was serene. His thoughts were somewhat open to Julian, but Julian felt that this was one of those moments when Daemon was seeing something ahead of them that he didn't want to know quite yet. You do. I suppose having a person like Caemorn owe me one is good. Maybe I'll need to use it some day.

It'll be more than that. Every single moment he has going forward--which will be far better than his past moments--will be because of you, Daemon told him. He will owe everything to you. He will never forget it.

Julian drew in a deep breath. The past sixteen years of his life had been a bonfire caused by his parents' deaths. Every waking moment he had been focused on one goal: avenging them. Now things were far more complicated. Caemorn wasn't the villain that he wanted to slay. Kaly was closer to that, but they seemed almost mentally ill. Someone that simply had to be stopped regardless of a personal vendetta. In fact, going after Kaly for something personal cheapened the overwhelming need to stop them.

He continued to read headlines to distract himself, We've got dueling headlines here! First one: ‘Who Wants to Live Forever?' Second one: ‘Who Doesn't Want to Live Forever?'

Julian sighed. The reports were breathless and the stories were spiraling further out into every part of human existence from the everyday of looking for Vampires among one's friends to whether or not God existed because Vampires did.

Places of religious worship were packed as people were afraid of the dead rising and coming to take the living down with them. Kaly was undoubtedly enjoying that greatly. It was the kind of terror that they wanted to sew, though it had backfired when Daemon put a kibosh on it and saved everyone.

There were many, of course, who saw Vampires as simply evil, the same as demons really. Others thought it was the end of the world. The dead rising was one of the signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Daemon had sent those dead back to their coffins and mausoleums. Had he put the kibosh on God's plans? Not to mention the fact that Daemon looked like an angel convinced some he was one while others spoke of how the Devil was the fairest of all angel kind.

You know using the name Daemon has gotten a lot of people excited in a bad way, Julian informed him.

Daemon hummed happily. Yes, I know.

Julian shifted on the bench. What other names do you have?

So many.

You aren't going to tell me, are you? Julian narrowed his eyes.

Daemon grinned, his eyes still closed though. It'll be more fun for you to figure it out than for me to tell you.

Julian was going to object, but then he realized that Daemon was right. Investigating mysteries was his and Christian's thing. It was his parents' thing too. Which brought him back to a subject that had him ready to get up and start pacing like Rajani.

Kaly won't destroy the soul gems containing my parents' souls, right? Julian had asked this a dozen times already. He was fully expecting Daemon to get sick of answering it. But each time he assured Julian some of the worry eased. I mean, Kaly knows that things have gone badly beyond just what happened at the museum. Won't they be desperate?

Daemon showed no sign of impatience with him though as he answered again, No, they are the only thing Kaly has left of any consequence. Destroying them would be most unwise. In fact…

This "in fact" was new. Julian sat up straighter.

In fact? Julian prodded.

A larger smile appeared on Daemon's face. Just that all will be well. I know it is hard for you to trust me or anyone on this, but… try.

I trust you with everything, Daemon, Julian assured him with earnestness.

At that moment, all of the remaining buds bloomed. Red and rich and ripe. The sweet scent rolled throughout the garden. Intoxicating. And it also meant that Julian could finally touch his Master.

Julian jumped up from the bench and barreled over to Daemon. He wrapped his arms around the Vampire King's neck. The tendrils seemed to let out a sigh and he felt them pulse as his hands ran up and down Daemon's broad back.

You know I was starved to touch you. My hands were hungry. How can hands get hungry? Julian asked.

Because they are meant to be on me at all times, Daemon told him with a chuckle.

Julian felt Daemon's lips trail along his cheek and a shiver of pleasure went through him. He looked at the tendrils and saw that even more flowers had bloomed. More roses. He grinned. He had done that. Daemon's mood had lifted even further with his touch. He looked up at Daemon's face. The Vampire King's eyes were open and they were the color of embers.

You look very refreshed, Julian said.

Do I not always? Daemon asked as the tendrils retreated from his body and began to sink into the earth. Rose petals scattered and drifted on the wind before settling down around them both.

This morning you looked a little tired, Julian replied.

Daemon had teleported them directly into their rooms at House Ravenscroft from the museum. They hadn't joined any of their friends to discuss what had happened or to exchange ideas. The door had been locked and the two of them had bathed languidly, not even speaking, but simply brushing minds. Their touches had been erotic, but neither of them had the strength to make love. Daemon had curled around him in bed and both of them had fallen into dreamless sleep.

When they awoke, there had been leisurely feeding even as they both sensed Rajani and other Vampires of House Wynter--not to mention House Ravenscroft--wandering just outside the doors of their suite, ready for the moment they exited to pounce. Daemon had called Arcius and informed him of his will.

I must commune tonight, Arcius. I ask that you calm our people while I do so. I will have more to say afterwards, Daemon had said to the Confessor.

Of course, my king. It shall be done , Arcius had responded. Uhm…

What is it? Ah, Balthazar. He has returned and is worried about his performance with Kaly, Daemon guessed, or more likely, knew.

Yes, my king. He is very angry with himself. For all of Balthazar's seeming jadedness, he really does take his duties seriously, Arcius explained. And disappointing you is something that he takes with the greatest seriousness.

I know. But he did not fail me. I will assure him of that fact, Daemon told Arcius.

And he had. In great detail as he prepared to commune. But Balthazar was still upset and wouldn't accept he hadn't messed everything up. Even when Daemon sent Seeyr to him, Balthazar had, evidently, listened and nodded, but still looked like a "squashed puppy" according to Sophia's thoughts. Not even Christian or Meffy could lift his spirits.

When they had left their suite, the Vampires had already cleared out. They'd even kept their distance until Rajani had showed up to pace and look. But considering the pressure on her to keep everything together, Julian thought she was demonstrating great restraint. It was also clear that Arcius had a lot of sway that he was keeping everyone else back. But Julian knew that they were truly pushing things. Tension was thick even in their little area of the garden. Julian sensed it from every Vampire and even the human world beyond this slice of paradise.

So… time to go speak to the troops? The communing is over, Julian said, half sad to lose Daemon to leadership things while at the same time curious himself as to what the Vampire King intended the next steps to be.

Not quite yet.

Daemon grasped the robe that Julian had been about to hold out for him to slip into and tossed it to the side. He was then reaching for the hoodie that Julian had on. That went up and over Julian's head. His hair stood on end with static electricity.

What are you doing? You have to do king stuff! Julian exclaimed even as he wasn't exactly fighting Daemon off.

I need to love my fledgling, Daemon told him as he sought out Julian's mouth with his own as his hands slid underneath the sweatpants and cupped his ass. Julian let out a low moan into their kiss as he immediately hardened.

Rajani is right outside! She can see us! Julian protested weakly as Daemon stripped off his sweatpants altogether.

We already made love in the garden before everyone. Why are you still shy? Daemon chuckled as he tossed Julian's sweatpants somewhere.

Naked and hard and already leaking, Julian straddled Daemon's thighs. There was high color in his cheeks. He carded his hands through Daemon's thick black hair as he kissed his Master thoroughly and deeply.

Because I don't want Rajani to think I'm a bad influence on you… oh, God, that feels incredible! Keep doing that! Julian moaned as Daemon's fingers quested between his ass cheeks.

There will always be some kind of crisis going on, Julian. She will learn that soon enough if she doesn't already.

Daemon kissed down the column of Julian's throat. His mouth opened and his fangs lightly dragged over Julian's skin. Julian swallowed hard as his cock throbbed.

But this is going to change all of human history! Julian pointed out even as he clutched at Daemon's back, his fingernails raking that olive toned skin. People are huddled in churches waiting for the end!

Nothing I can say right now will change that. Fear is something everyone must face, Daemon told him as he sucked on Julian's pulsepoint. Unfortunately, there will be upheaval. Change is hard. Even for mortals.

Julian threw his head back to give Daemon more access to his throat that had somehow turned into a completely erogenous zone. Daemon chuckled as he allowed his fangs to sink into the flesh between Julian's neck and right shoulder. There was a zing of pleasure as Daemon took the smallest sip from him.

I need to be inside of you, my one , Daemon murmured as he eased his fangs from Julian's throat.

Yes, yes, I need that too!

Julian gasped as he felt two tendrils rise up from the ground and enter him. They felt warm and slick. He arched as they pierce deeply inside of him. They stretched him wide and left him wet so that Daemon's cock could enter easily. He shivered as Daemon positioned his cock at his entrance. Just as he did so, Daemon sliced a thin line across his right pectoral muscle. Crimson appeared and Julian's mouth filled with saliva. He lowered his head and lapped up Daemon's eternal life-giving blood as the head of Daemon's cock pushed through the tight ring of muscle of his anus.

Daemon's hands ran over his back, ass and then settled on his hips. He eased himself more fully inside of Julian. He was thick and long and Julian felt every inch of him. But any pain was momentary as the pleasure of being connected physically came over them both. Once seated fully inside, Daemon paused. Julian suckled at the wound he'd created. The blood coated his tongue. It tingled going down his throat and warmed his belly. With one final lap, he left that wound and went for Daemon's mouth.

In their kiss Daemon sought the taste of himself on Julian's tongue. He sucked and nipped Julian as the kiss went on. Julian clenched his back passage around Daemon's cock to "repay" him for this teasing. Daemon laughed into their kiss, but he began to lift Julian's hips up before thrusting them down. Julian completely let Daemon control the meeting of their bodies. His blood thrummed and heat built in his core as Daemon drove his cock into Juilan's body. The pace was almost brutal as they both raced to completion.

Julian opened himself full to Daemon, allowing his body to be used, to be a vessel. Daemon growled into their kiss. Julian grinned. Daemon's tongue was then in his mouth and he realized the Vampire King had bit it so that his blood ran over Juilan's. He sucked hard on that tensile length. He bit his own tongue and shared his blood with Daemon in return.

Their bodies moved like two pistons--coming together and racing apart--until they came together for the last time. Julian ground down on Daemon's cock. He felt it go even deeper and gasped. Daemon swallowed that gasp and their mouths seemed to fuse together. Daemon's cock plumped just before he came inside of Julian. Hot and thick and filling. Julian's own cock jerked between them. Untouched, he came. His cream covered Daemon's torso in pearlescent streams.

Julian sagged against the Vampire King as their bodies settled. Aftershocks rocked them both. Julian's fingers stroked Daemon's shoulders and arms. Slick with sweat, they both were relaxed and at peace.

Then they heard a mew.

And Balthazar.

"Oh, dear, well, I should have sensed this!" Balthazar was laughing. Not repentant at all. "But it is important. Yes, yes, Rajani, I know you tried to tell me. But they'll really want to know this."

There was another mew.

"Meffy, everything is fine, but I don't think Daemon wants to pet you right now," Balthazar said.

Julian, whose eyes had closed, and whose cheek was resting on Daemon's shoulder said, "This seriously better be like world-ending stuff, Balthazar."

"Oh, yes, well--"

"It is, my one," Daemon said as he carded his fingers through Julian's damp hair. "They've found out where your parents are."

Julian's eyelids flew open and he twisted around to look at Balthazar.

"And I've done other things as well! Arranged things!" Balthazar said from the entrance to the private area of the garden. "I'm on top of things!"

"Balthazar, are you serious? You know where my parents' soul gems are?" Julian asked.

Balthazar gave out a little laugh. "Yes, well, it turns out that it was good that I failed against that bastard, Artemis. Seems he might be the only one of the Kaly souls pieces that knows where they are. Caemorn and Christian have tracked them down. We know exactly where to find them."