Free Fated Ties: A Werewolf Paranormal Romance Novel (The Twisted Destiny Saga Book 3) by Franca Storm

being that can break it is me. Today you finally accessed your full potential as joint King of the Dark Realm.” He eyed him with a wry grin and added, “Took you long enough.”
    Ryan managed a laugh. “Denial…is a…powerful…thing.”
    He saw Nathanial studying his chest. He followed his line of sight to see that the black tangle of veins had almost dissipated completely. And then the searing pain started to subside.
    “Ah…yes,” he breathed with relief.
    “The pain is gone?”
    “Yeah. Finally. Christ, Nathanial. What the hell was that potion?”
    Nathanial released him and stepped back. “Its purpose was to burn through the infection Oriana had implanted in you.”
    “Burn? That’s a fucking understatement,” Ryan said as he slipped his shirt and leather jacket back on. “Still not as painful as being forced not to shift during a full moon, though.”
    “I can only imagine. Luca gets his sadism from his mother’s side. And she’s not even a vampire. You’d think it would have come from me.”
    “You’re not like other vampires.”
    “As King, I have to be more .”
    “Yeah, I’m getting that,” Ryan said over his shoulder as he bent down and scooped up Orion. “I’m gonna get some rest before we leave in a few hours.”
    “Would you like me to summon Jada here to relax you after what you just endured?”
    Ryan’s gaze snapped to his. He saw the humor in his eyes. “Hilarious. That would be a ‘no’. But I can ask one of your vampire vixens to pay you a visit if you like.”
    Nathanial laughed. “Marella is the only woman I will take to my bed.”
    Ryan smiled. “Good. Just checking.” With that, he opened the door and left the lab.

 
     
    CHAPTER 9
    Marella waded through the thick, white clouds. They were light and fluffy to the touch.
    She was dreaming.
    The sun shone down brightly, illuminating her long, silver dress. There was a light refreshing breeze that emanated a peaceful serenity.
    “Angel,” his voice came, softer than usual.
    She turned around to see him standing behind her, dressed in white pants and a snug shirt that clung to his broad chest, highlighting the well-defined muscle beneath. His thick, black hair blew in the wind. He was a sight to behold. She could feel her body warming just from looking at him. His piercing, red eyes looked upon her, afire with the depth of his love for her.
    “Nathanial.”
    He smiled. “Marella.”
    “You conjured this for me?” she asked happily.
    “I wanted to look upon you in the daylight. Here that is possible.”
    “It’s beautiful,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding him close. His powerful arms pulled her closer.
    “I have missed you greatly, Marella.”
    “As I have, you.”
    “At nightfall, I will return with Ryan to the White Realm. We will be together again within a few hours, angel.”
    He pulled back from their embrace and then his lips crashed against hers. She tugged at his hair, pulling him closer.
    “I want you now, Nathanial,” she breathed in his ear.
    His hands slid down her dress and he started to bunch it up.
    But then he stopped abruptly and eyed her worriedly. “Something is wrong. I’m sensing—”
    “Me,” a voice came from behind them.
    He released her and spun around, pushing her behind him in a protective gesture.
    “Vazra,” he hissed, seething. “Leave us. You do not belong here. Only black magic could have allowed you to breach our subconscious minds to gain access here without an invitation.”
    “Oriana is an asset in many ways, wouldn’t you agree?”
    “If you’re hinting at having taken her to your bed, I do not care. But your daughter will. She is Ryan’s mother, after all. A bit incestuous of you, Vazra.”
    Vazra looked past him at Marella, a fierce glare dripping with accusation. “You were my right-hand advisor, Marella. And you have betrayed me! Sleeping with the Vampire King?”
    “He is my mate.”
    “I do not care!” Vazra thundered.