I Do Not Own Vampire Knight Nor Do I Make Any Profits for My Story
A/N Sorry It Took So Long To Update! Technical Difficulties Stopped Me From Getting on The Net
Thank You to My Lovely Beta LovelessRaine! Muah!Muah!Muah!
Let's Go!
Chapter Three:
Dangerous Night
Zero stalked out of the room, his shoulders like aged oak trees, stiff and upright.
Kaname watched him go, his eyes studying the slim curve of hips and the symmetry of the long legs that were currently widening the gulf between them. Regret filtered through him, but then it too was suppressed as he forcibly tamped down the beast inside of him. It was an intense struggle of forbearance as the beast watched Zero leave with his eyes.. His fingers twitched as he resisted the urge to snatch his pissed off mate up, drag him back into the room and show him where his wants really lay. Over and over, again and again until his little hunter was limp and satisfied beneath him, shivering in amorous delight. His little hunter was gaining an aura of his own and contrary to its' owners state of being, it caressed him as his mate swept out of the door, trying the enormous restraints of his control.
He wanted to say 'Fuck this idiotic tribute' and spend the night wallowing in his mate's sweet scent until they were both insensible. The need was so palpable he was surprised that Zero couldn't sense it.
Damn! His nose flared as he breathed in the lingering scent of his beloved. Like strawberry short cake. Sweet and luscious. And totally eatable.
He cursed as he had to tame his beast yet again. It was a battle when all the both of them wanted to do was push Zero down and subject him to the sweetest tortures imaginable. Until he knew exactly to who and where he belonged.
Soon. Very, very soon, he promised the dark entity that shared his skin. He wiped a lone bead of sweat, the product of his battle, and caught up with his angry mate.
Zero stood before the monolithic double doors that led into an equally humongous ball room, still conscious, in his anger, of the public image they wanted to convey to the masses. He sauntered up behind him, all svelte grace, slipping a hand under his elbow. He felt his hunter tense when a stray finger caressed the sensitive flesh underneath the suit material. That inevitable glare focused in his direction. Dared him to let it go any further. It urged him to show just who was in charge. Though it occurred to him that it was his little hunter that held all the winning cards. Four weeks without making love to him and he and his beast walked a razor edged cliff of frustration. His hand tightened around Zero's elbow and he pulled the silverette into the heat of his body, fascinated as Zero's smell heated, morphed from honeyed sweetness to an irresistible temptation that clouded his head.
To distract himself, he let his eyes weigh down on the large, graceful doors before them, focusing on the crowd on the other side.
"Shall we?" He didn't understand how he was able to pull off the bland tone when all he wanted to do was roar, throw Zero over his shoulder and make for the nearest bed. He flexed and the inexorable force of his will swelled, pushing against the humongous doors. He didn't give Zero time to answer as he swept them forward and onto the high platform that proceeded the stairs into the ballroom proper.
"His Grace Kuran Kaname and his Royal Consort, Kuran Zero!"
They paused with the announcement, taking in the room of orderly chaos. Huge pillars of gold threaded marble supported the large room, two at every corner. Gold mosaic whirled in almost sickening patterns on the floor, matching the shimmering gold wallpaper. In the center of the room, a gold five tiered fountain spouted blood wine, the color, dark and rich against the cream and gold color scheme of the room.
Kaname watched with detached disenchantment as the crowd took one knee before them. He imagined it was Zero, on two knees, his red, swollen mouth stretched wide around his…..
Zero's eyes narrowed like a scythe hungry for blood as he caught the tail end of that very private thought. Careful. He cautioned angrily. I doubt your guests are prepared to see a very irate mate.
With that being said, Zero returned his focus back to the multitude of people paying them homage, the image of Kaname's imagination burning in his mind. He remembered attending such parties when he was a fledgling hunter, showing blatant disrespect by not bowing before vampire royalty, staring Kaname Kuran squarely in the eye. Who would have thought that I would be completely opposite that now? In the past five years he had gotten used to the irony, but it was moments such as these that returned the feeling with hammering intensity.
He spotted Yuki, Ichijo beside her supporting her with graceful poise. He saw where Ichiru knelt, Aidou's sunshine hair shining not too far behind him. If he were in a more humorous mood, he would have laughed at that. His small knot of hunters stood towards the back also kneeling, though he knew that it was more on the account of him than any polite vampire protocol. He smirked ruefully. He would have to have a talk with them about it later. Kain was among the horde, head bowed, but eyes scanning the room surreptitiously, Ruka pale and perfect at his side. Seiren, Cross, and Toga he did not see, but that didn't surprise him in the least.
And then the moment passed, the throng rousing in a sinuous wave of royal dignitaries and their families which was composed of several Pureblood families. All towing their daughters as they threw them into the hodge podge like bait.
Oh, how he hated these parties.
His mate's tantalizing fragrance only made it worse, like a dark, piquant seasoning that flavored the air around them. When he would have pulled away and left Kaname to his own devices, his mate's hand tightened around his elbow as he began to glide down the steps, giving Zero no choice but to follow or fall on his ass. He almost growled when Kaname led him to the first circle of admirers. The South American Consular and his curveous wife with hair, the color of midnight silk flowing over her back to her waist. She smiled brilliantly at Zero as she always did, the couple having spent a lot of time in their home. They were supporters of Kaname's radical thoughts and it showed in their enthusiastic greetings.
"Senor Quinta, Señora," Kaname opened respectfully.
"Come now!" Mariela crowed in her deep lilting voice. "Don't be so formal Señor Kuran! Zero, you're looking positively radiant! Don't tell me that this brute is finally making you happy!" She teased cheerfully.
Zero grinned back at her, snatching a quick glance at Kaname to witness the flinching beneath his bland visage, like deep currents in a still lake. "Well, as much as this brute can." He responded easily. Of all the politicians, Javier Quinta was by far his favorite and he wondered if Kaname had led him to him first for a reason because he never did anything without reason. They were opened minded trendsetters in an age of antiquated beliefs.
Señor Quinta shook his head with wry humor. "I apologize for my wife's frankness." But the way his eyes settled lovingly on Mariela let them know he was used to it and loved it as they knew he did. "It is good to see you both again. You've been quite busy. I'm glad to see that your alliance is working smoothly."
"Ah, yes." Kaname returned jovially. "Allying myself with the Hunter's Association was one of the best ideas that I ever had." His black eyes slanted to Zero. "Not that I had much choice."
Understanding completely, Javier lowered his voice covertly. "Though I hear that level E activity has in increased. It has worried me."
"As it should." Kaname agreed. "It seems that some purebloods are taking it upon themselves to further their own personal goals. I will not stand for it and the one committing these acts of treason will answer."
Mariela rolled her eyes, intersecting to grab Zero's hand. "And we get into the boring talk. Come walk with me Zero and you can tell me how you've been while we rescue other bored socialites."
Zero agreed readily, though he did take exception to being called a bored socialite. It gave him a chance to get away from Kaname's clutches, which were currently digging into the soft skin of his elbow as if he would never let go. His mate gave him a warning look that he ignored as Mariela led him away.
Don't be away too long, that look said plainly.
Zero ignored it, happy to be away, Kaname's aura suffocating.
"So what is going on?" Mariela questions seriously as they separated from the two politicians, predictably heading in Yuki's direction. "Kaname seems a bit tense and I must tell you the look on your face was not happy at all though you glow."
"I honestly don't know Mari. He seems very nervous lately. But he won't tell me why." He answered easily as they quickly overtook Yuki's group.
"But you should be able to tell through the bond." Mariela looked truly confused and hated to explain that he wasn't comfortable walking Kaname's mind.
"It's more complicated then it seems." He sighed and then they were in the midst of Yuki's group. A trio of simpering virgins that twittered every time Ichijo made a statement. Yuki was a portrait of health and vitality, the scarlet of her gown bringing out the highlights of her chestnut hair and the warm sherry of her eyes. She smiled as the two walked up. Ichijo gave a look of question.
"He's over there in the sea of flesh eating politicians." He waved in Kaname's direction where he'd been accosted by several dignitaries. "I'm going to make the rounds. I just wanted to deliver this lovely lady."
He made a quick exit, ignoring Mari's slightly betrayed expression, his destination Ichiru who was currently swimming in his own sea of lovelies. He didn't particularly want to discuss he and Kaname's relationship now that the two of them were practically at each other's throats. It was because he really didn't understand it. Not to say that Kaname couldn't be cruel, but he was usually cruel to others besides Zero. That he'd voiced those terrible words tonight, coupled with his obvious avoidance of the situation angered him and worried him in turns. His mate only acted this way when he was hiding secrets and it was driving Zero crazy to know what secrets he was hiding. Not to mention it was driving him crazy that his wasn't taking up his husbandly duties. That had never happened no matter how stressed Kaname was. In fact it was the only stress reliever that really worked for his pureblood so why wasn't he partaking now?
He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't notice the lovely young woman approach so that she caught him totally off guard when she spoke.
"Your Grace?"
He looked, startled, into eyes as blue as water encrusted diamonds. Her patrician features were framed by a wealth of hair that resembled undiscovered gold. She stood his height and her eyes gleamed coldly as they always did when she spoke to him. He stifled the urge to frown as she stopped his progress through the crowd with swanlike nod of her head.
"I was wondering if you would walk with me for a moment. There are things I would discuss with you."
"Miss Shibuki," He replied graciously, though he felt anything but at the moment. "But I don't know how much I can help you. I am here in an unofficial capacity."
"That is fine. In fact I would just like an appointment to come and speak with you. At your office."
That surprised him. Though he and Kaname had made it clear that the previously warring factions were now alliances, vampires rarely came to him for help. If any at all. Suddenly he felt prickles, like a thousand tiny knives digging into his spine and knew that Kaname's eyes were on him. He readjusted his coat uncomfortably and nodded at the Sara. "Of course. I will be in the office the night after tomorrow night. Would that be sufficient for you?"
A small, cold smile graced her smooth, pink lips. "That would suffice. I thank you, Your Grace." She nodded, taking her leave, leaving him staring after her in bafflement.
Just what in the hell would pureblood royalty have to discuss with him? They were usually very discreet, keeping matters among themselves.
Having fun?
His head jerked up and to the side and Kaname was there across the ballroom. He was surrounded by several nobles and purebloods, a glass of bloodwine in his hands. His expression was dark, his eyes secured on him as if he could pull Zero to his side just with a look. Looking at him, Zero swallowed roughly, imagining what it would be like when they were alone. He didn't relish spending the night in Kaname's presence and wondered if he should just stay in Ichiru's rooms tonight. Speaking of which…
He turned away from Kaname, leaving his sarcastic question unanswered, heading towards his original destination once again.
If you think I will let you spend the night away from me, you're mistaken.
Damn it! Stay out of my head! The scowl he directed in Kaname's direction could be taken as dirty play. I can do what the hell I like!
The blackest chuckle sounded in his head. We'll see….
He didn't look back at the King of Vampires as he stomped his way over to Ichiru, wondering why in the hell he'd ever succumbed to Kaname's wiles in the first place.
It wasn't as if you had a choice.
And now that was his own voice of conscience.
He entered Ichiru's atmosphere like a speeding comet, anger propelling him, running from that glaring fact. He really hadn't. His body and mind had responded to Kaname, sealing his fate with the pureblood and now here he was subject to his whims. The ladies looked at him in surprise as he entered their sphere, then cowered back at the fierce scowl that transformed his face. Seeing their reaction, he smoothed his expression as best he could and smiled affably.
"Sorry ladies, but can I steal my brother for a moment?"
Ichiru was looking at him with curiosity and concern. He excused himself politely, waiting until they well away before addressing his brother. "Was there a reason you dragged me out of the middle of that gorgeous group of women?"
"Oh let it go," Zero huffed gesturing into the crowd. "Like he's ever going to let you."
Ichiru's eyes followed the direction of his brother's hand and tangled with Aidou's. The glittering blue orbs were intent on him, whatever his companion was saying not being paid attention to in the slightest. Realizing that he now had the silverette's regard, he winked, his smile broader at the edges. Ichiru made a noise of irritation and turned his gaze away. His cheeks were the color of ripe cherries. "Fuck you," He muttered. "It's your fault I'm in this position anyway." He grumbled.
"Well, would you prefer dead?" Zero sniped.
"No," Ichiru answered with exaggerated calmness. "I would have preferred alive with someone who isn't constantly eluding that he'll fuck my brains out!" He stopped abruptly. "Did you come all the way over here just to fuck with me?"
"Of course. I was bored." They were now at the glorious fountain of blood wine and Zero snagged an ornate goblet that matched it and held it under the spout of wine until it was almost full. "Besides all you were doing was pissing Aidou off. And believe me you don't want to piss your mate off."
Ichiru was speechless for a full minute. "And just when did everyone decide that it was a forgone conclusion that I would mate Aidou?"
"Oh, I'd say about two years ago when you told us you'd find a new donor and then Aidou informed us that he'd rip the head off of anyone that we found who wasn't him."
"W-w-w-what?" Ichiru spluttered. "Is that why-"
"Yep. You know that Kaname likes to keep his lieutenants happy," Zero chortled, then sobered at the comical look of surprise on Ichiru's face. "No, really. No one comes between a mating couple. Not even the King."
"But who in the hell decides they're going to mate someone without their knowledge and approval?"
Zero turned to Ichiru, all amusement gone, the drink in his hand partially forgotten. "Answer me seriously. Do you get turned on when you drink from him?"
Ichiru turned his head away and moments passed before he gave a response. When he did, his voice was subdued. "Yes."
Zero chose his words carefully. "That's how it was in the beginning for me. I was aroused and shaky as hell every time Kaname came near me. If you think Aidou hasn't noticed your mistaken. He'll take his cue from you, but make no mistake when he's pushed, he'll do what it takes to claim you especially if he thinks that someone else is close. It's really surprising that he's waited this long. But, then again, Kaname first took notice of me when I was just a child so maybe not so surprising."
"Damn it! You speak so casually of it!" Ichiru grabbed his own goblet. "How can you accept being owned?"
Zero chuckled, deeply amused now. "It depends on who's doing the owning. Kaname can never deny anything I ask for. Or couldn't until about three months ago." Zero frowned down at his cup. "You should read Vampire Mannerisms, it will help you."
"Well, maybe you should read about it. Maybe it will help you with your condition."
Zero glared at his mirror image, gaze like a sharpened battle knife. "I don't have a condition. I'm just tired and when this damn tribute and politics are over I'm going to take a long vacation." He tipped the goblet to his mouth and blinked at his suddenly empty hand, and then at Aaron who stood at his side his glass firmly in his possession.
When had the American hunter entered their sphere?
"President." Aaron's deep voice rumbled over them like a velvet earthquake. "Kaname humbly requests you presence for his toast."
Okay, something was definitely up between his mate and his hunter! He gave Aaron a level look as he felt Kaname approach. It was full of questions. "We are definitely going to have a talk you and I," He threatened quietly, as Kaname's aura swept over them. He held Aaron's unflinching gaze as Kaname inserted himself between them, his hand returning to its former position at his elbow. All at once, he felt chains entwining him as his mate pulled him closer. Kaname studiously ignored his eyes as he accepted the goblet from Aaron's hand. He raised it to the crowd, looking as if he'd planned the entire encounter. His scarred voice filled the room to bursting and Zero winced as he remembered why his voice and eyes were like they were.
"Thank you for joining me tonight! It is a testament to how many of us yearn for a different future. I and my council are more determined to see that you get it! Enjoy the festivities tonight for tomorrow we work towards a better future and it will be hard work!"
He felt it. An aberration in the air as Kaname spoke, a void of nothingness where something should be. He felt Kaname tense beside him. He turned sharply to his right, towards Kaname even as his mate leaned into him, covering his body. He felt a piece of the void detach itself, heading towards them at collision speed. He jerked, upsetting Kaname's balance so that the unseen projectile clipped Kaname's neck instead of taking him full in the throat as it intended. Several ladies cried out in alarm as a thin line of blood decorated Kaname's neck. More screams followed as he felt several more projectiles scatter the room. He turned unconsciously, following the obscured assailant, knowing instinctively where they were headed.
He collided with Kaname's hands in the middle of his turn, his pureblood's eyes shining molten red as he pushed Zero back into Aaron's waiting hands. "Stay here. Keep him out of harm's way."
For a moment of sheer disbelief and then riotous fury, Zero watched the blur of his mate as he followed the invisible assassin. Toga, Cross and Seiren bounded after him with Ichiru, Aidou, Ichijo and Kain hot on their heels. It wasn't until several of Kaname's enforcers went after him that he broke out of his stupor. He jammed his elbow into Aaron's sternum, caught the man's chin with his shoulder, using the blow to propel himself into motion. He felt Aaron's finger scrabble at the collar of his jacket and shed it as he ran, knowing Aaron wouldn't be able to keep up.
He ran the corridors more from memory than by sight, too focused on Kaname's mental voice. He let his link to Kaname guide him. After several hallways he turned a corner and burst into the most obscene fight he'd ever witnessed. It looked as if Kaname and his collection were fighting a parody of a battle. His circle of friends and family ranged in a loosely formed circle all sporting various degrees of blood.
Kaname's shirt was rent from shoulder to abdomen, blood oozing sluggishly from a shallow wound. Or he hoped it was shallow. He was moving too fast to take stock at the moment. Even know he could discern the smell of his mate and he felt a sense of shame as his fangs tingled with hunger.
His mate was on the defensive, his face a mask of ferocious concentration. That awful sense of nothingness flickered before him like a flame, there one minute, in other place the next. Kaname slide back, hands seeming to warp reality as he blocked a flurry of blows so fast that even a regular vampire wouldn't have been able to follow. He hesitated for the barest instant it took to recognize his mate's smell in the hallway and respond accordingly. It was enough to give their unseen assailant the upper hand.
Zero felt it come, felt the swishing wind behind the deadly blow, felt the deadly resolve behind it.
The world slowed down.
He'd never employed his speed so fast before. The figures of his comrades resembled flesh statues as he whipped around them, the current of his speed impacting the gale of the blow. He sensed the assailant's surprise as the blow was pulled, felt Kaname's hand bear down on his shoulder as the tip of a blade barely penetrated just below his breastbone. His finger compressed on Rose's trigger and she responded with a soft cough. He felt their assailant's astonishment right before Kaname's aura blasted sound and life back into the world around him. Everyone in the hallway was flattened by it, Rose almost whipped away from his fingers by the furor. When it died down, the twelve of them were alone in the hallway. Zero stared at the emptiness in front of him. A normal emptiness. He let Rose melt back into his bones.
"JUST WHAT IN THE HELL DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?"
Kaname's voice roared over him, a storm in its own right.
He turned, weary, small pain sinking into his small wound. "Saving your ass."
"BY GETTING KILLED?" Kaname hissed, his voice like a thunderstorm in the quiet, dimly lit hall, his body seeming to grow the length of it. Everyone in the hall trembled as his tone fell on them in a crashing wave.
His angry retort was silenced as Kaname's hands jerked him forward, damn near suffocating him as his face was pressed into his mate's chest.
"One of these days Zero. One of these days, you're going to find yourself locked away."
"And one of these days Kaname," Zero responded, relaxing into his one and only, relieved that he was still alive, reveling in the strength of his arms. The hallway swam dizzily around him. "You're going to learn how not to keep secrets."
KxZ
Thank you so much for your REVIEWS, Faves and Follows! Sorry I had to cut that party short but it was becoming boring and you know how I hate boring!
Until Next Time…