Queen of the Dead (The Dead and Not So Dead Book 1) Read online

  The vampires scattered, friends in tow, as I took a recently vacated seat and sighed. Declan took the one across from me and slid me a bottle of whiskey. New and very expensive.

  “What’s this?” I looked up at him. Declan didn’t give gifts. If the glint in his clover-colored eyes told me anything, it spelled trouble. Unlike what you would expect, our leprechaun was around Dorian’s height. His hair was jet that faded into auburn near the messy tips. It contrasted with his pearly skin and made his extensive neck and shoulder tattoos stand out. The man’s body was a fully-tatted canvas and he sported a black lip ring with a small clover charm on it. He was fucking ridiculous.

  Ridiculous and sexy.

  “A gift,” he smiled. “I heard yer finished high school.”

  I snorted. “I’m surprised you even know what high school is, you old man.”

  “I’m young where it counts.” He winked and stood with a stretch, exposing his lean abs. He wore only a blank tank top today and black leather. The quintessential rock star. And legend in his own mind.

  “But if yer want to test me stamina, Lass, I always 'ave a welcome sign on me door for yer.”

  I rolled my eyes as he walked away with a confident swagger that I was just a wee bit jealous of. I looked up at my boys and found a myriad of expressions on their faces. Alaric kept cool but his fists flexed, clenching and unclenching. Raphi didn’t even try to hide his anger. Dorian scowled. Abel looked at me thoughtfully.

  “You four,” I began as I stood, “are acting super weird.”

  All of them snapped their heads toward me. I waited for a response. When they didn’t say anything, I rolled my eyes and began walking out of the bar. The bottle of whiskey swung in my hand as I began to hum a slight tune. I ignored the whispers of my men behind me. Maybe they were having some weird fit? I really didn’t understand them. Maybe I should call a doctor.

  I checked my watch and realized it was three. Man, how the time flies when you are yelling at people. I should really get some more enforcers. Dominating is a lot of fucking work. I felt a warm hand slide around me and looked up at Raphi. Always physically affectionate, even when riled.

  “What’s up?” I asked as we turned onto our block. I could hear Alaric talking to Dorian. They were being very quiet. I sensed Abel staring at me, which would have been creepy if he wasn’t my sweetie pie.

  Raphi looked down at me with a frown and then shook his head and looked back up. I groaned and slipped away from him, turning to walk backwards while watching all of them. When I stopped at my gate, I barred them from entering.

  “No,” I shook my head. “I can’t deal with this weirdness. You either say what is on your mind or you let me relax in peace. All of this weird tension and thousand-yard stares are making me feel twitchy.”

  When they didn’t say anything, I shook my head and walked through the gate. I was a little disappointed they didn’t follow but they also didn’t leave the front of the house. As I stepped into the hallway, Grandma handed me a cup of freshly-squeezed lemonade and chuckled.

  “What’s wrong with them?” she asked nodding towards the four men holding court outside.

  I shrugged. “Zachariah asked me to dinner tonight and everything got awkward.”

  Grandma snorted. She looked down at me with amusement. “And you don’t know why they are being awkward?”

  I threw up my hands in exasperation. “No fucking idea. They are always protective but this was different. I would say they were jealous but they have never expressed interest in me romantically.”

  Grandma looked down the length of her perfect nose and looked outside. “I would say your assumption is right, Sweetie. I don’t know why those boys haven’t acted on their intentions but it’s as clear as the day is bright that they like you.”

  Well, Grandma, it’s cloudy out...

  I squinted and looked over my shoulder as they continued to whisper intensely. I frowned. “I don’t think so. Plus, I could never choose between them if that was the case. I mean how do you choose the best dessert when all four of them look delicious.”

  See? I can make non-cat analogies.

  Grandma laughed and tossed her head back. “Ah, Yes! You are definitely my granddaughter.”

  “Wasn’t aware there was any doubt,” I quipped as she continued to chuckle.

  I gave her Declan’s whiskey bottle. As she went to put it away, I continued to look at my boys. Was she accurate? Did the boys like me like that? I frowned because I really didn’t feel like they had ever expressed any interest to merit that assumption. I mean I held hands and let Raphi carry me around half the time because his wolf would complain otherwise. And, sure. Abel and I always attended events together as a couple because it relaxed him to know I was there. And I couldn’t argue that Dorian and I had countless arguments that ended with us rolling around on the floor or bed shouting colorful profanities at one another because, let’s face it, he was a cocky bastard. And Alaric offered me his soft smiles when he wasn’t acting like some god damn Viking…

  Oh, my fucking maker

  I squeaked. They totally like me. So naturally, my gut reaction was to get pissed.

  Healthy, Narc.

  I stomped onto the porch and all four of them looked at me. I crossed my arms against the anger building up inside of me. How dare they not tell me! All this time, I have been thinking my not-so-little crush had been completely unreciprocated. I had been totally in love with them for years! If I found out they have harbored similar feelings and have lied?

  Someone was going to get punched.

  I was still trying to figure out if I was going to call them on it when they walked slowly up the walkway with confused expressions.

  “What?” Alaric asked.

  What?!

  I sucked in a deep breath. “Are we ready to talk yet?”

  None of them said anything. Oh, my fucking maker. All right. Either they needed to grow some balls, or I am completely wrong about my assumption. The latter would hurt my pride and urged me to not bring it up. What if they thought this was too much work? Or knew I wouldn’t be able to pick?

  What a mess, man.

  Oh well, I would just have to push them.

  “Fine. Whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “If you want, you’ll can hang here until I head to dinner. My grandma made lemonade and I’m sure she has gin if you want something stiffer.”

  All of them offered a series of upset expressions before following me inside. I hopped up the stairs and into my bedroom, opening my wardrobe to choose an outfit. I grinned, biting my lip when I saw the savage move my grandma had pulled.

  It goes without saying that I rarely dressed up. Hazards of the job. Besides, it made me look cute instead of badass most of the time. The dress my grandma had put in my closet? Nothing cute about this black halter dress. It was 100% sexy. The cut was a halter tie with a low dip back and tight body. I knew she had bought it because the metal edge would go well with my shoes.

  I pulled it out and went into the bathroom, glad to have some alone time to get ready. I could hear the boys lounging in my room. The television above the fireplace blared the latest video game. Boys. I shook my head. I wasn’t very concerned with impressing Zachariah but it would feel good to make my boys sweat a little. If they did like me, their reactions would be more extreme. If they didn’t, no foul. I smiled as I plugged in my straightener.

  It took a good amount of time to straighten each layer of my thick hair and after nearly an hour it laid flat, silky, and long enough that the crimson ombre hit the top of my fabulous ass. I sprayed it in order to make sure it didn’t turn all poofy from the humidity and began to apply makeup. As I mentioned before, I was pretty low maintenance on the makeup thing but as with the Queen of the Dead job, I was playing a part. I was testing the water as they say. Seeing if the cat would… nope. I don’t have an analogy that would even fit there. I washed my face gently and applied a creamy tan foundation before contouring and highlighting. Oh, yeah. I know how to do all that shit. I usually just don’t.

  My dark brows were filled in and darkened as I put on thin, small fake eyelashes that would be barely noticeable but slightly dramatic. I added a tiny bit of blush before completing a dark gray eye that made my irises look far more gold than amber. As I finished my dark red lip lipstick and slipped on my dress, a knock sounded on the door.

  I began tying my dress behind my neck and yelled. “Come in!”

  I was distracted but realized the silence was odd. I looked up and stumbled back slightly.

  Dorian’s expression was far too intense for how fucking close he was. His eyes blazed, a burning inferno. He leaned against the counter with a tension so tight I was afraid his body would explode.

  “You okay?” I queried as his nostrils flared.

  I opened my mouth to speak again but he left the room, slamming the door and cursing up a storm. I snickered just slightly because that right there, that had been a funny fucking reaction. I mean don’t get me wrong, I hate to see my friends upset but if they were going to be little boys about admitting their feelings then fine. I’d play ball. I slipped on a pair of designer sneakers. Silver and black. It added a casual and comfortable vibe to the ensemble and I wasn’t worried about being too casual. Zachariah rarely even wore a shirt.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Raphi yelled as Dorian continued to curse.

  I stepped into the bedroom and kept my gaze on some imaginary lint. Someone, bets on Alaric, made a strangled noise as a low growl ripped across the space.

  How did I miss this?

  Phenomenal cosmic power...itty bitty perceptive skills.

  “What the fuck are you wearing?” Raphi snapped through a harsh snarl.

  I looked up and kept my expression neutra
l… barely. “What I’m wearing for my date.”

  That about did it.

  Raphi surged forward into my space as his eyes flashed black. His sugary scent began to overwhelm me, which caused me to step back into the closed bathroom door. I put my hand on his chest and watched him carefully, his growling very loud. Okay. So I maybe hadn’t thought through his wolf’s possible reaction.

  “Raphi,” Alaric whispered. “You need to calm down.”

  Dorian moved closer and Raphi let out a low growl in warning. Dorian’s eyes flashed with actual concern as his French swearing stopped and he tensed. Abel, silent until now, looked slightly red in the face as he pressed his lips together, hard and tight. Whatever he wanted to say wouldn’t be good.

  “Raphi,” I snapped as he continued to growl. My power leaked out as his nostrils flared. “You need to calm your wolf down now.”

  “That’s only half the fucking problem,” Dorian muttered as he shook his head.

  I tried to push Raphi away but his arms wrapped around me tightly in a vise grip. I kept my powers from hurting him as I met Alaric’s icy eyes from across the room. I spoke carefully.

  “If someone wants to enlighten me on what the hell has been going on with you four today, it would be much appreciated.”

  Alaric offered me a cool smile. He chuckled with frustration and moved toward the bed. He flopped down, relaxing back with his arms behind his head. “Anyone want to tell our girl Narc here what’s been on our mind today?”

  Silence.

  I tried to pull away from Raphi again and he squeezed tighter. I licked my lips and spoke carefully. “I’m getting really tired…”

  “Don’t go on your date,” Dorian demanded in his “I am king of the world” voice.

  “Why?” I pierced him with a gaze as Alaric chuckled knowingly.

  “Would you like to answer?” I quipped at the big vampire. He fell quiet.

  Abel spoke in his signature gentle accent. “We don’t like him and don’t feel you are safe with him.”

  I felt my body soften in disappointment as I nodded. Abel must have caught my expression because he winced as the room went quiet. As I detached myself from Raphi offering him a look, I sighed.

  “I get your being protective and thank you but honestly, I need this. It’s not like I’ve ever dated anyone before and your main objection is that they’ve been too weak to be an aid if a situation arises. Zachariah is more than powerful enough and I like spending time with him, so if that is the reason you don’t want me going than I am going to need you to chill out. You know as well as I do that he is perfectly safe.”

  “Fucking shit,” Dorian swore and left the room. Alaric looked tense and not nearly as aloof as before, his eyes swirling with something I didn’t understand. Raphi looked at me but I refused to meet his eyes. Instead, I walked past a disheartened Abel toward my balcony. I didn’t leave my post until they had all left without a word. My chest hurt. My throat...thick.

  Why did this hurt so much?

  Maybe I had been living in a fantasy world this entire time, never admitting to myself how much I liked them. How that like had turned to real love and affection. Then my grandma had given me hope, only to have them crush it by acting like ridiculous “big brother” stereotypes. Raphi’s wolf liked me but I couldn’t exactly have a relationship with half a person now could I? The rest of Raphi, the human Raphi just seemed to want to keep me under safe lock and key. The four of them walked down the pathway, I watched them and Abel looked back at me. I met his eyes and as usual he saw exactly how I was feeling.

  That was the dynamic. He saw everything. Alaric kept everyone’s heads on straight with his rationale. Raphi was protective of our little tribe. Dorian was the flame that kept us all engaged and passionate about what we did. We worked as a family and as a team. I knew we didn’t work as anything else though, or it would have already happened. I groaned, shook my head, and back into my bedroom.

  “Motherfucker,” I jumped looking directly at Zachariah.

  “Little Rose.” He grinned like a predator as he sat on my couch. I had no idea how he managed to move so silently, but I had figured something like this would happen. He never did anything planned.

  “How much did you hear?” I asked, feeling disheartened.

  “Everything,” he admitted unashamed and patted the couch for me to sit down. I did and faced him, feeling rather petite in the all-encompassing shadow of this Voodoo priest. He tilted my jaw up and offered me a pensive look.

  “They love you,” he murmured softly and smoothed over my skin with his thumb. I tried to not be distracted because at the end of the day this guy was one of the most dangerous men in America.

  Wow. That did absolutely nothing to cure my need to jump his bones. Good god. What was wrong with me?

  “Like a sister,” I responded with frustration.

  He chuckled softly. “No. Nothing like a sister. However, I think that they were doing their best to hold back for a time and now they don’t know how to proceed.”

  “Hold back?”

  “You met your vampires and demon around seventeen correct?”

  I nodded and he smiled. “While a relationship between any of you may have been appropriate a century ago, now it would be frowned upon. I know at seventeen you had the responsibility and maturity of an adult, but romantic relationships take their own kind of time.”

  “And Raphi?”

  “Well, that wouldn’t be very fair since the four of them plan to pursue a relationship with you together,” he chuckled flashing stunning white teeth.

  “What?” I frowned.

  He grinned. “Nothing, Little Rose. Just trust they will admit to it eventually. I wouldn’t be afraid to show your feelings either.”

  I frowned. “Not that I disagree, but didn’t you ask me on a date? Why are you encouraging this?”

  His silver eyes swirled. “Dating is such a funny concept, Narcissa. We are so much bigger than that little human term. As much as I would love to attempt to keep you to myself, I know that isn’t possible. With the upcoming war you will need as many loyal soldiers as possible. Although, as I said the concept is very entertaining.”

  I stiffened ignoring his possessive words. “War?”

  His eyes darkened as he grasped my hips and lifted me onto his lap, so that I was looking slightly down at him as he leaned back into the couch. I should have felt annoyed at his rough handling but honestly, it felt sort of nice. He felt nice. My dress was tight against my thighs as I straddled him, my back arching just slightly. Fuck. I was way too horny to be sitting on his lap like this. I didn’t even bother to stop my hand from resting on his chest for “stability.”

  He spoke softly, “It was my reasoning for dinner, originally. I have had a vision.”

  My eyes widened knowing the rarity of that.

  “A vision of the demonic realm gates being thrown open. A vision of blood saturating the streets of New Orleans. A vision of the Prince of Hell returning.”

  I swallowed knowing exactly who he was talking about. “I killed him.”

  “And now he is alive,” he whispered. He ran his hands over my exposed arms making me shiver. “So, believe me, Little Rose. You need many soldiers for the coming times.”

  “And you want to be one of these soldiers?” I asked softly not understanding him fully.

  He grinned and cupped my chin. “It has been centuries since I have served a Queen of the Dead. The last being a personal friend of mine. Let me make myself very clear. I do not feel friendship toward you, Narcissa. I feel much more than that and I plan on pursuing it…. enthusiatically. However, I will also be by your side throughout this. Not only do you have potential to be one of the strongest necromancers of the century but you are a good ruler. A fair ruler.”

  I preened under his approval, a blush staining my cheeks. Shit. This fucking guy made me feel like a teenager with a crush. With my boys, I felt like we were on an even playing field but Zachariah made me feel all giddy and stupid. He also made me feel really hot. My nipples tightened as a small knowing smile grew on his beautiful fucking face. How do we think he would react if I started rubbing his perfect chest? That’s weird, right?

  “How long do you think we have?” I asked quietly trying to distract myself.

  He frowned slightly and looked out the window. “Not long at all...“