Blood Ties (Blood Lust Sequel)--COMPLETED

Chapter Four: Memories

Aiden led the way to the throne room, which was located under the statue of Gabriel that stood at the center of the Square. Just like the night Lucius took me underground, Aiden knocked on the statue's base three times.

Knock.

Pause.

Knock.

Pause.

Knock.

And then the statue slid back, grating loudly against the stone around it. Aiden kept me close while Simone brought up the rear as we descended the narrow stairs that led deep underground. I jumped when the statue closed behind us a few seconds later, and Aiden gave my hand a comforting squeeze.

"We'll be there soon." He reassured me in the dark.

I squeezed his hand back, truly grateful for him.

Sure, he was mischievous and rarely serious, but he was dependable and even a little sweet. No matter what, if it was a laugh or back up, I knew I could count on him. And honestly, if he wasn't around, things would seem duller...as if the sun was out but it was too clouded over to see.

I gave his hand another squeeze.

"Thank you." I whispered.

His thumbed brushed against my knuckles, but he didn't break stride. "For what?"

"For being you."

His steps faltered briefly, but he didn't speak. Instead, he brought my hand up and planted a feather-light kiss on my palm. There was a dampness behind the kiss that I chalked up to sweat or saliva; it didn't bother me either way. After all, it wasn't like I hadn't had his saliva on me before.

A minute or two later dim candlelight greeted us as we descended the last step, revealing the throne room--or as I liked to call it, the orgy room. Actually, I really didn't like to think of it as that. But it's the only memory I have of the massive room. Well, that and the time I ran through it looking for Duke after Gabriel set him on fire.

I shuddered as that memory drifted through my mind.

Let it go, my queen. Duke's voice filled my head. That was not your fault.

Even though Dean Lachlan was the one to set Duke on fire, I still blamed myself for it. If I had just sent Duke away that night, if I hadn't let him...

Audrey, look at me.

My eyes jerked up, instantly spotting Duke. He was standing with the clinic physician, Dr. Hadley, and a couple of other vampires I'd recognized as professors. Like Aiden, he was also out of uniform, wearing a wine colored button down shirt and dark jeans. His shirt was untucked, with a couple of buttons at the top undone and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows--just how he wore his uniform shirt.

His caramel-hued gaze delved into mine, and I quivered.

You did not force my hand that night. Nor my tongue. He thought at me. I did all those things of my own accord. And if faced with the opportunity, I would gladly do it again...even if I were met with the same punishment afterwards.

My heartbeat resonated all the way down. Duke...

Flashes of that night danced through my head. Duke asking permission before every move, the feel of his cool hands scorching on my warm thighs. The way his tongue fluttered against my sex. I trembled again, my heart racing with desire.

"No need to fear, my queen." Simone came up from behind to clasp a slender hand on my shoulder. "No harm will befall you."

I glanced back at her, confused. "I'm not afraid."