Page 51 of House of Darkness (The Fallen Star #1)

ROMAN

Anything she offered, I wanted to take. My back was pressed against the headboard, and she was nestled between my legs, my hands roaming her body with tender touches.

As my fingers slipped down her thighs and my lips grazed that perfect neck, she spoke in an accusatory tone. “You still haven’t said it back.”

I frowned against her skin. “Estrella, if you don’t know that I love you by now, you must be blind.”

She pulled away, meeting my gaze, her brows knitting together in that familiar way that warned me she was ready to argue. Gods damn it wasn’t fair that it made me hard. “You still haven’t said it.”

“I love you more than anything,” I purred, planting a kiss on her temple, savoring the smile that bloomed in response. “But that’s not enough, my love. You’re my everything—the light that brings meaning to my darkness. I’m not just in love; I’m fucking obsessed with you.”

The words poured from the depths of my cold, dead heart, finally ignited to life.

“Well, that makes my confession seem insignificant,” she mumbled.

I laughed at that. “I don’t mind. I’ll take everything you give me and cherish it. I don’t deserve your love, but I promise to spend the rest of our lives trying to earn it.”

Her head fell against my collarbone. “I’ll take that.”

When our lips met, I surrendered to her sweetness. I never wanted to lose the taste of her tongue, her blood, or her pussy. I could spend a lifetime devouring her, and if tonight was any indication, she’d love every moment.

We drifted into sleep like that, though at some point, I buried myself in her just to relish the feeling. I held her tight, terrified that now I had the best thing in my life, it would be taken away. Never again. I’d sink my claws in and never let go.

I woke to her stirring in my arms, arching her back against me in a languorous stretch. There were no windows to tell the time, but the soft chirps of birds suggested it was late morning. I pressed a kiss to her cheek before releasing her. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, my love.”

My breath caught. I’d never grow accustomed to that. It would always make me grin like an idiot whenever she said it. She crawled out of my embrace, moving toward our clothes piled nearby. “We need to meet for breakfast, right?”

My eyes locked onto her—those perfect legs, the dimples just above her perky ass I ached to sink my teeth into. I responded, somewhat begrudgingly. “Yes.”

She bent over the suitcase, displaying that perfect pussy. All I could think about was how tight she was. I growled, reveling in how her heartbeat quickened at the sound. “You’d better get dressed quickly, or we aren’t going anywhere.”

She shot upright and glared at me, her face flushed bright red. I grinned. We didn’t have time, but it took every ounce of my self-control to actually care. She clutched her clothes to her front, as if that would deter me from pouncing.

We were quick to get ready, despite my best efforts to derail our plans and get back to being naked.

Outside, snow had covered the pools of blood, and Erik’s body was gone.

I grimaced. His absence meant I would now have to face the consequences of my actions.

Though it jeopardized the alliance, I couldn’t bring myself to regret killing him.

Legally, I was justified. He had threatened me and mine, and by law, that entitled me to kill him in a fair trial. It complicated things, though—especially since he was Ylva’s head lieutenant.

An acolyte servant guided us to Ylva’s private dining chamber, a small room adorned with dark wood and stuffed animal heads. A long table was crowded with Ylva, her sister, and her imposing lieutenants, all embroiled in an argument. Silence fell as we entered.

Ylva stood, fury blazing in her eyes, her ears pinned back. “Care to explain my lieutenant’s dead body on your doorstep this morning?!”

I held a seat for Estrella before answering, making Ylva tremble with rage. “Sounds like he died.”

Her snarl nearly dislodged one of the deer heads from the wall. I braced my arms on the back of Estrella’s chair, ready for a fight if it came. “Don’t play coy, Roman. Answer me or face my wrath.”

I bared my teeth, making it clear I was more than willing to call her bluff.

“He threatened me and my property. Are you going to deny that our laws state if a vampire is threatened, they’re entitled to retaliate?

I didn’t ambush him—we fought, and I won on merit.

Then I ended him because I protect what’s mine. ”

She seethed, but her eyes softened, anger dissipating into caution. “He threatened the acolyte?”

My fingers tightened around the wooden back of the chair. “He threatened to take her. Twice.”

She leaned over the table, fingers drumming on its surface.

I quickly surveyed the vampires around me.

Her generals watched her like hounds waiting for a signal to attack.

They would do so without hesitation. I could handle them, but Estrella lacked the training to properly defend herself and protecting her would be a challenge.

“Our laws are clear. If you won by merit after being threatened, Erik forfeited his life. But I’ll investigate to ensure that’s the case.

If I find you attacked by surprise or without justification, Roman, this alliance is over.

” Her gaze shifted to Estrella, the vague hunger and interest in her eyes causing me to tense.

She may have accepted my story, but we weren't in the clear.

“Please refrain from murdering any of my people during your stay. One little acolyte is only worth so much vampire blood.”

The warning was clear, but I didn’t give a damn about her threats. “I disagree with that sentiment. Hopefully, your people will agree with you, however, and leave what’s mine alone.”

Ylva’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t press the issue. For the first time, Estrella spoke up. Calm down, love. We’re supposed to be allies, remember?

She was right. “My intention was not to come here and start fights. You know how males can get, but my hope was to remain civil.”

It was one of her lieutenants—the one now seated to her right—who spoke next. “Only arrogant idiots threaten a vampire’s acolyte. Vampires like that are a risk. We’re grateful to have them removed.”

I wondered if he was also grateful for the sudden promotion Erik’s death afforded. Vampires were always savages, and being the tsar made me the biggest brute of all. I dipped my head and murmured my thanks. His words, however cold, seemed to ease the tension in the room.

“Now that’s settled, why don’t we discuss why you’re actually here?” Ylva suggested, her voice still tense.

“Certainly. As you’re aware, the Bursuc House attempted to usurp me, beginning with a failed theft.

” My hand tightened on Estrella’s shoulder.

I hated the word theft, but Catina was right, it was the best way to sell this.

“They’ve holed up in Molvon with the Javali House, halting shipments and threatening our economy.

As my ally, I request your aid in removing the infestation. ”

Ylva shifted, her head resting on her knuckles. “Everyone leave.”

Her people were reluctant but exited without a word. Estrella made to stand as well, but I held her in place with my hand.

You’re staying right where you are. In the time it would take for me to reach the door and open it she could be in shreds, and that wasn’t happening. Besides, she deserved to be involved in this.

“What benefit do I gain by granting you access to my troops?” That wild look that usually glazed her eyes had vanished, replaced by the sharp gaze of a honed predator.

“Outside of protecting our trade route, which would directly affect your House?” Her ear twitched, and I scowled. “We believe Mihal is involved with Codran’s efforts. You know what his return would mean.”

“You know, Mihal visited us just last week.”

Her words fell like lead in my ears.

“His arguments were intriguing,” Ylva admitted. She lifted her stein and took a swig before continuing, “He reminded me that vampires shouldn’t have to live in the shadows, drinking stale blood. We are warriors, Your Highness, yet we’re caged and forced to hunt pigs instead of our true prey.”

“Is that what you want? Because I thought you kept your sights on a bigger picture than that.”

“Honestly, I couldn’t care less about hunting humans or fresh blood. I find the little morsels adorable,” she grinned at Estrella, “but my warriors tire of their leashes.”

“Regardless of your opinions, Your Highness, humans like your cute little snack here are our natural prey. It’s different for you vampires in the city—so detached from our nature that you can hardly tell a bird’s chirp from the swish of a blade.

Out here, it’s far more difficult to ignore one’s instincts. ”

“So that’s it? You want to send an entire species back to the Dark Ages just so you don’t have to fight your primal instincts?”

Instead of answering, Ylva turned her gaze to Estrella. The corners of her lips flicked upward as she leapt onto the tabletop, prancing across to Estrella. She flopped down in front of my love.

My reaction was immediate and intense. I grabbed Ylva’s arm, snarling sharply enough to rattle the mugs across the table. Somehow, she ignored me and placed a finger under Estrella’s chin. I tightened my grip on her wrist, ready to break it. “Don’t fucking touch her.”

“Oh hush,” Ylva snapped, smacking my hand away. I saw red.

I’ve got this. Estrella’s soft voice seeped through my mind like liquid. Her heart raced, but her eyes remained fixed on Ylva’s, her expression calm and determined. Reluctantly, I let go of the countess. I might not trust her, but I trusted Estrella.

Ylva threw a taunting glance my way before turning back to Estrella. “So, little acolyte, tell me: Why are you worth protecting?”

“What?” Estrella choked out.

“Your master—” Ylva shot me an analyzing look that turned into a knowing smirk, “—I mean, your lover, is asking me to go to war for you. Why should I?”

My lips parted, ready to give Ylva a piece of my mind for her offensive question, but Estrella beat me to it. She looked at me with calm clarity in her eyes. “Roman, can you help me?”

I tilted my head in questioning. She clarified, “I need your powers.”

I hid my grimace. Few outside my inner circle knew about my abilities. But this was war, and my allies needed to know, especially since the enemy somehow already knew. I nodded. Estrella took my hand, and I focused on calming my thoughts to be the conduit between her mind and Ylva’s.

The images hit me like a tsunami. I had seen what she endured in Codran’s mind.

Living those terrors as the perpetrator had been a special kind of torture.

Yet living them through her eyes was worse.

I felt every emotion—the unending pain and darkness, the fear and panic not just for herself but for the girls trapped with her, the helplessness.

Even—I flinched—the hopelessness that help wouldn’t come.

The resolve that she would die before allowing it to continue if it meant even a chance of saving the others.

The images faded, and I took a ragged breath. Droplets of sweat trickled down my forehead. Vaguely, I felt her hand rubbing up my arm. I’m sorry you had to see that, she said gently.

I remained silent. She was apologizing—to me—for my failing her and the trauma it left her with. I closed my eyes, counting backward from ten over and over again to stave off the self-loathing before it destroyed me. I squeezed her hand reassuringly, hoping it conveyed what my words couldn’t.

“You’re telepathic,” Ylva said coolly, as if that revelation was the most significant thing she’d just learned. That fact alone made me seethe.

“If that’s what you want to call it,” I muttered through gritted teeth.

“I don’t appreciate being lied to,” she snapped before turning back to Estrella. “Why show me this, little snack?”

“There are thousands of girls living through that same nightmare right now. I am fortunate that Roman hasn’t forced me to endure it.

Others aren’t so lucky. I hear their cries every time I fall asleep, and as a fellow woman, you should too.

My life isn’t worth going to war over, but theirs are.

The millions who will live in unending fear and helplessness if Mihal rises to power are worth it.

You’d have to be a monster not to care about all those innocents suffering.

” Estrella’s voice commanded the room, even making Ylva tilt her head back in admiration.

“And what if I am a monster?” Ylva challenged.

Estrella shrugged. “Maybe you are—I don’t know you well enough to say. But my lover and master trusts you, which means you must have goodness in you.”

Ylva brushed her fingers thoughtfully across her lips, then looked at me. “I see why you like her, little Tsarling. She’s an idealist like you.”

I shrugged. “I don’t deserve her.”

Ylva grinned at that, then refocused on Estrella. “What he doesn’t know, little morsel, is that I’m an idealist too.”

“Do you know why my sister, Emma, doesn’t have my same ears and tail?” Ylva continued.

“She was turned, not born,” Estrella replied cautiously.

“Correct. I found her in a snowdrift while leading a hunt. She was an acolyte, left to freeze by her master because she was infertile and therefore deemed useless.” Ylva smiled gently, knowingly.

“I saved her and killed that asshole. Sisterly love is one of the strongest loves one can have—you’re fortunate to have it. ”

Her words sank into my gut like lead, making me think of my own sister. I hadn’t seen her since my coronation. It would be strange to have a love like that with her, but for a moment, I wondered if, had things been different, we could have tried. Unfortunately, things weren’t different.

“Are you with us, then?” Estrella asked.

“Of course. Let’s get these bastards,” Ylva replied with a wink. She tilted her head toward me. “But you’d better have a hell of a pep talk ready to convince my soldiers to go die so they can’t hunt.”