Chapter Four
Voshon stared out at the town of Black Hollows as it passed by. He couldn’t shake the goodbye he had shared with his parents before he had been whisked away. His mother’s tears had almost made him refuse to leave, but it was his father’s firm hand on his shoulder that gave him the strength to follow the royal guard out of the home he had known since he was eight years old.
They had taken his weapons from him but allowed his bag with his measly belongings. Clothing, shoes, personal care items, and a few books. His life was thrown together quickly in a bag in under five minutes.
The guards didn’t speak much, nor did they give him any information about who he was being taken to. The only information they had shared was that he was going to Black Hollows, Oklahoma. They had driven to a small airport before getting on a private jet and flying from Iowa to Oklahoma. Once they had landed, they had escorted him to another black SUV.
He stared at the scenery. It was a cloudy and dreary day, which explained how these vampires were out during the daytime. There was not a hint of the sun that was hidden by the clouds.
Black Hollows appeared to be like any other human town. He did notice that it seemed to be thriving. So many human cities and towns were in the midst of rebuilding still after the war, but Black Hollows was clearly doing well. There were businesses, a school with children playing out on the playground, and even a church on the corner. He was curious about exploring and hoped he would be allowed to discover all there was in Black Hollows.
It was his first time in Oklahoma. Black Hollows was infamously known for being the home to the eldest daughter of the vampire king and queen.
Hegna Riskel was already mated to a human, so he wasn’t being taken to her.
He bit back a chuckle. He doubted his luck would have it where he was mated to a vampire of stature. He was probably going to be given to a lowly vampire who would not be able to help him or his family.
The vehicle turned down a long, winding road. Voshon grew curious about their final destination. The town was now behind them, and all he saw was a dense forest on both sides of the road. If the vampire who he was matched with was not in town, then where the hell were they going?
“We will be there shortly,” the vampire who was behind the wheel stated.
Voshon met his eyes in the rearview mirror.
That didn’t settle the nerves that were starting to reveal themselves. He didn’t know why he was growing nervous. He would meet this vampire and try to strike a deal. Maybe all the vampire would want was his blood. Voshon would be their primary source of nutrition. Wasn’t that one of the reasons the vampires needed their mates? A dependable source of food? He didn’t want to think of what else may have gone on between the human mates and the vampires. He was no innocent and knew that there were other things that went on behind closed doors between vampires and humans.
Nevertheless, the only thing that Voshon truly hoped for out of this pairing was the chance to stay in contact with his parents and that he would be able to send aid. Maybe his vampire didn’t have money and lived off the land. Voshon wouldn’t have a problem with that. He also didn’t have a problem with getting a job, as long as he could send money to his parents. They would need money to make sure they had weapons and ammunition to protect themselves. It tore him apart that he would not be there with them. With the presence of the lycans, he would never stop worrying about his parents. They were getting older and would need protection. As much as his father tried to convince him otherwise, Voshon felt deep down inside they would need him.
“We’re here,” the other guard announced.
Voshon returned his attention to the window and paused. His breath caught in his throat at the magnificent sight of a castle coming into view. He’d never seen something so magical-looking before. He blinked, not believing what he was seeing.
A real fucking castle.
He’d heard word of the wealth the royal vampire family had, but this was beyond anything he could have imagined.
“Who am I matched to?” Voshon asked.
This had to be the fourth time he’d inquired, and again, they didn’t respond. Their vehicle traveled along the driveway and came to a roundabout that circled a stone fountain. Voshon couldn’t take his eyes off the building. The massive structure had to have been here for hundreds of years. Stone arches, pillars, tall windows, and immaculate greenery surrounding the structure. The castle appeared larger than life as if the tops of the building touched the sky.
How the hell did humans not know about vampires before the war?
“Let’s go.”
The two vampires exited the vehicle. Voshon’s door was opened. He inhaled sharply and stepped out. He stood to his full height and swept the grounds with his gaze. There was so much beauty to behold. The vampire guard who had sat in the passenger seat came over to Voshon and held out his duffle bag.
“Thanks,” Voshon murmured. He hefted the strap of the heavy bag onto his shoulder. His life had been denounced to the only belongings he was able to fit in the bag. It wouldn’t make a difference. He eyed the large structure and felt deep in his soul that his life was about to change forever.
The great wooden doors of the castle opened. An older gentleman with graying hair and dressed in a suit stepped out onto the landing. He held a regal air to him, but Voshon’s attention landed on the beautiful Black woman who came to stand beside him. She was dressed in a thick, dark wool cloak, her hair pulled away from her face in a high ponytail. This woman needed no introduction. He would recognize her anywhere.
Stormey Jaymes.
“Come.” The guard motioned for him to walk toward the house.
Voshon grew nervous to think that he was meeting the woman who was mated to the future queen of vampires. This woman would help mankind. Already the women mated to the vampire princesses were making waves. It was an honor just to be in her presence. Even though she was a turned vampire, she had never forgotten her people.
Again, he had to wonder. Who the hell was he here for?
“Mr. Rogers, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Stormey jogged down the few steps and met him with her hand outstretched.
He took it in a firm shake and was unsure what he was supposed to do. Did he bow? Kneel at her feet? He felt in awe as he stared into her warm brown eyes. Her smile widened, revealing fangs.
“Miss Jaymes… Your Highness,” he stuttered. He withdrew his hand and tightened his grip on his bag’s strap that rested on his shoulder. Meeting Stormey was like meeting a celebrity.
“Pfft, you don’t need to use any formal titles. Stormey will do.” Her gaze landed on the two guards behind Voshon. Her smile disappeared. “I take it he doesn’t know anything?”
“No, my lady,” one of the guards replied.
Stormey gave an unladylike snort and rolled her eyes. “Of course not. Why did I even bother to ask? You know this can be very taxing on a person to be uprooted from where they live and shipped off to God only knows where and you don’t tell them anything.” She narrowed her eyes on them.
“We are instructed to—”
“I didn’t ask you what you were instructed. The kind thing to do would be to at least give the vampire’s name who he will be mated to,” she cut the guard off. She turned to the older man who had remained silent on the stairs. “Edward, is he here?”
Voshon’s interest was piqued. So his mate was a male? He had no problem with that. He was just curious to know who it was and why he was at the castle of one of the most deadliest vampires in the world.
“No, my lady. He’s away on business on behalf of the princess. He is scheduled to return before nightfall,” Edward said dryly. There were no emotions on his face. He might as well have been made of stone.
“Nevertheless, we shall take care of Mr. Rogers—”
“Voshon,” Voshon interrupted. If she approved of him calling her by her first name, then she should do the same for him. He was just a regular guy. He didn’t need the formality. Plus, Mr. Rogers was his father. “Please. Call me Voshon.”
Stormey turned her attention back to him. Her smile reappeared.
“Voshon. Edward here is in charge of the running of the castle. He will see that you are comfortable and settled. I’m sure it’s been a long journey and you’re tired. I expect you would like to shower and get into some clean clothes. Are you hungry? I just finished helping in the kitchen preparing lunch.”
The woman was speaking a mile a minute. He had yet to wrap his head around the fact that he was at the castle of Hegna Riskel. Tales of her stretched far and wide. She was a vicious warrior for the vampires. Her and the other two sisters were legendary when it came to war stories that were spread.
Voshon’s stomach chose that moment to growl. It had been a while since he’d eaten. He was starving.
“I could do with a meal,” he admitted.
“Good. Lunch is being served now. You will not starve here,” she said softly.
Voshon felt comforted by her words. Not that he was in danger of starving at home, but for some reason, he felt safe knowing she was here. She’d been through the draft, and look at her now. “Come. Edward will see to your lodgings. Your mate hasn’t been notified yet of your arrival. We will take care of you until he returns.”
She spun on her heel and went up the stairs. She paused next to Edward and glanced over her shoulder at him. She raised an eyebrow. Voshon’s face warmed, and he got to moving. He had been frozen in place. He followed her up the stairs and paused in the doorway. He looked behind him and saw the guards heading back to their vehicle. He was a long way from home. It didn’t take much for him to realize that his life had officially changed forever.
“It’s all right, Voshon.” A hand rested on his forearm.
He turned and took in Stormey staring at him with clear understanding of the emotions he was feeling. Was this the last time he’d be free? Was his mate as understanding as hers apparently was? What was going to happen to him? “No one is going to hurt you. It’s safe here.”
He jerked his head in a nod. He swallowed hard and had to ask again. “Who am I here for?”
“You have been matched to Lord Corbin Apostu. The royal advisor and close friend of my mate,” Stormey replied. She took his hand in hers and guided him inside the castle.
He blinked a few times. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place the face to go with it.
The royal advisor of the future queen of the vampires was who he was matched with.
Maybe luck was on his side.