Caressed by Moonlight(5)

Dorian slammed his fist down upon the desk.

“Are you accusing me of running away?” he said, his voice low and menacing.

Raphael took a step back; fear began to creep up his spine.

He swallowed hard and said, “No.”

“Good.” Dorian relaxed back in his throne like chair.

“It's just that the hunters–”

“Are on a mission to destroy the clan,” Dorian finished.

“And they won’t be satisfied until every member of the Mylonas Clan is dead.”

Raphael nodded. “Why are you here in London instead of back home where you are needed?”

11



“Can you think of anything more terrifying to a hunter than a vampire chieftain residing in London, which so happens to be one of the most populated cities in the world?” Raphael's eyes grew wide in understanding. “I am here to draw the attention away from the clan.”

“That is brilliant! You are a genius,” Raphael raved, grinning from ear to ear.

“And a moment ago you were accusing me of being insane.”

“Genius and insanity go hand in hand.”

“I suppose,” he said. “Why did you follow me? You couldn’t have honestly believed that I would abandon my clan.”

“I came to talk you into coming back, but now I understand your motive for leaving.” Raphael paused as he chose his next words carefully. “It’s Kal. I believe he is trying to turn the clan against you.”

Dorian tipped his head in agreement. “There is no doubt in my mind that Kal is up to something. He has always desired the Mylonas crown.”

Dorian had left Kal to rule in his absences, he had given him complete control, he had trusted him, but it was obvious that the vampire did not return his trust. Was he trying to steal his throne? Kal could have hired the hunters to exterminate the clan in hopes of building his own. That sort of treachery, he feared, was not beyond him. He must change his second in command, for the protection of his people.

“I never really liked Kal.”

“Then why on earth would you make him your successor?”

“Viktor had requested that I make Kal my second. It was his last request before the curse had taken him. How could I say no? I kept my word and, upon his death, I accepted the throne and named Kal as my heir. As I have said, I never liked the vampire.”

Dorian leaned back in his chair and glanced at the tall oak clock that stood against the opposite wall. “I have a task for you, Raphael,” Dorian said, yanking off his boots. “You are to be the ruler of the clan during my absences. You are a military man; you have stood by my side in many battles. I know I can trust you and I know your loyalty is to our people. You will do what is best for them.”

“I thank you, Dorian. I will be honored to be your second and your heir.”

12



“I should have given you the job in the first place, but I could not go back on my word,” Dorian said, massaging the nape of his neck. An irritating tingle had begun at the base of his spine and was now spreading throughout his body.

“My clan and I are suffering because of Viktor’s mistake in judgment. It is obvious, from your description of Kal’s actions, that he cannot be trusted and therefore he must be removed from power.”

Raphael nodded in agreement.

“Now no more depressing talk,” Dorian sighed as he stood, rubbing his temples once more. “I must get ready. I have a ball to attend.”

“A ball?” Raphael’s brows rose with surprise.

“Yes. I must be social.” Dorian said as he stepped into his large closet, closing the heavy wood door behind him. “Otherwise I'm not a threat–”

Dorian’s voice failed him as unbearable pain rippled over every inch of his body, causing his muscles to spasm. He silently fell to his knees, his hand gripping his chest. Raw, pure emotion engulfed him and ignited his black soul. Loneliness, despair, and misery consumed him. He gasped for air as sweat broke out across his brow.

The curse dug into his heart with poisonous talons. Dorian prayed his death would be quick but the witches would never allow that. Every king who had come before had suffered, why would he be any different? He had known one day he would join the other chieftains in Hell. He had ruled for almost four hundred years, making him the longest reining monarch in vampire history. It was a miracle he had lived this long. He had failed, just like the previous rulers, in finding his mate and he would die. He only hoped his demise would not come until he had saved his people.

They needed him.

Another wave of burning pain washed over him, he clenched his jaw, his teeth ground together. A need to be loved, to be held, to be cherished ripped at his soul until he thought he would burst into tears.