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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Julian 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.