Page 41 of You Will Obey

Donovan gave me a thumbs up and Noel just nodded.

“Good. Go on and tend to your duties, we’ll see each other again,” I said.

Marco and Bruce left after saying their farewells. Eventually, my other sons did the same, leaving me alone with Somchai. I picked him up and took him to my bedroom, then climbed in beside him. This was the other part of bonding, sleeping together. It made the link stronger between sire and child. Somchai snored a little, but he was in a deep sleep and totally relaxed. Tomorrow, I would begin his training, and soon, he would join Noel as General of District Three. It would help free up my time where I could spend more on my dragon duties as a Knight.

Hmmm, I wondered what Tylendel was doing now? I chuckled to myself thinking about my best friend and his predicament. Hell, served him right for laughing at me.

Chapter eight

Ara

“Ahhhhh!”Iscreamed,myback arching from the excruciating pain radiating throughout my entire body. I was paralyzed by it and it was a pain I’d felt only once before when one of my own children had forced me to take his life. It felt as though my heart was being wrung out as one does a piece of wet cloth. It was the kind of pain that reached its way through every blood vessel, and it was blinding. More agony racked my body as I felt others of my line also die by the hundreds. It wasn't as crippling as the pain I felt when my children died, but it still hurt and left an emptiness inside of me. No, no, this cannot be! Tears poured from my eyes as I gritted my teeth. More vampires were dying, but the pain became tolerable, enough for me to rise. The death of my son, Titus, meant my Japanese territory was under siege. Was it the dragons? Had Kendrick made a move against me?

Father! What is happening?Karim was the first to reach out to me telepathically. Then Nolan and Théoden who were then followed by my other sons. All wanting to know what was going on, as they too felt the loss of their brother.

Father, are you all right, what happened?This was Vladamir and Henry reaching out to me, no doubt full of concern. Never had I lost so many vampires at one time. The only time such a devastating loss had come close was when the werewolves had taken my land. Someone wanted my territory now, but I didn't know who, not yet.

We’re under attack, during the day!I told my children telepathically. Then I focused all of my concentration on Théoden, creating a private link between us.Is Kendrick waging a war on me?

Not that I know of, Father,Théoden said.

Would he even tell you?

I am his Knight. I would hope so, Father.

You are his Knight, but also my Prince, my child. If he were trying to take over my Japanese territory, he would not need to inform you.

I will find out right now, Father.

Have Josef gather his army, Deacon too. We need reinforcements.

Yes, Father… is… is it true… Titus?he asked, and I could hear the pain in his telepathic voice.

He is gone from us and his death will not be in vain. Now, do as I say so I don’t lose any more sons,I commanded.

Yes, Father.

I had to struggle a little as I climbed out of bed. My muscles still strained from the pain of losing even more vampires. I opened my telepathic link to all of my children now, save Théoden, who was putting things into motion. Those who could fight must prepare.

My children, someone would see us dead. Right now, Japan's territory is under attack, hundreds are already dead. I don’t know which of my territories will be next, or if Japan was all they wanted. I don’t know how my–Wait. I cut off my connection with them, because a vampire of my line was trying to contact me, Sagi, one of my strongest vampires a little over a thousand years old.

My king, we are being attacked by vampires! They can fly, use fire, and are venomous–wolf and dragon!

Oh, this was indeed extremely alarming. Do you know who?

King Alexander’s army, my Liege.

Alexander, how dare you! What have you done?

Where are you now?I asked the vampire.

I’m injured, my King, and hiding in my cellar, I think it’s strong enough that they cannot get in. But I don’t know. It will be hours before sunset and many will need to feed.

“Fuck!” I cursed. “Alexander,” I growled his name out loud, my fangs poking my lips in my rage. How dare he challenge me! I would make him pay in blood for his foolish decision, pain and blood.

Stay where you are,I told him. There was no shame in retreating when you were outnumbered. I would have those vampires who were lucky enough to survive this attack join my other territories to strengthen their ranks when nightfall comes.

Yes, my King. I’m sorry, Sagi said. He was one of the vampires who was turned when I had to rebuild my army after the werewolf attack. Old enough to rise during the day, and stay awake for some time.