Chapter 6 The interesting Lucian Sokolov 

My cheeks reddened when I realized that Lucian was aware of the image I had of the two of us in a compromising position.

"I am happy that you are so responsive to those images. That is a great sign," he growled happily. Being oblivious to what he meant I took the glass of what I thought was red wine and brought it to my lips. The scent of rich blood tickled my nose and I tipped the flute back and made a surprising sound of approval. Savoring the unique taste of blood I eyed Lucian over the glass to see him watching me closely. I licked my ever-present fangs and lips.

"That is amazing blood," I said softly and his grin widened to a big smile taking a sip of his glass.

"Only those of high standing and royalty flowing within their veins can consume this without perishing…another check mark on my list that you have passed," he smirked and I growled.

"And if I weren't who you think I am?" I inquired bitterly.

"You would be convulsing and foaming from the mouth…and then dead," he mumbled matter-of-factly and I grunted and kicked his shin under the table. I stood and was about to stomp away from the arrogant asshole when I was grabbed around my waist and lifted into the sky. I turned back to see Lucian as his bat-like creature with blood-red eyes and long white hair. I cursed as I clung to his arms seeing the shrinking ground below.

"What are you doing?" I shrieked and heard him growling.

"I'm going to present you to your father and tell him that you are mine," he replied in a low timber that caused my heart to thump erratically.

"This is kidnapping, sir. I don't think my family…," I closed my mouth as my heart dropped.

"You aren't family with anyone within this realm but you are where I am taking you," he growled roughly and swooped down into a different portal that neither Galen nor had known about. He flew into the dark world and I saw a huge stone structure bathed in moonlight perched on a rugged mountaintop. Lucian landed on a balcony of the stone home and I jerked myself from his embrace.

"Take me back,'' I snapped, causing his eyes to narrow at me. He shifted back into his normal self and adjusted his suit jacket.

"Let me take you to your father first. Perhaps afterward you will wish to remain within this realm," he said calmly but firmly. I crossed my arms over my chest defiantly and gestured with a nod of my head for us to go then. Lucian held out his hand for me. I glanced at it and up at his face.

"Come on, princess, I am hardly a threat," he grinned slightly, exposing a frightening long fang.

"Do you think this is wise?" I questioned Eva with a thought. My wolf growled softly and told me I should go along and find out if what he was spouting was the truth. I placed my hand into his cold one and he wrapped his fingers around mine.

"How sure are you that I am this man's daughter?" I asked curiously and he chuckled as we went through the stunning bedroom and stopped atop an ornate staircase. Standing on the landing Lucian yelled out, "Micah, I have brought the queen's heir." Looking below my knees went weak at the tall man that came into view. His black wavy hair and stunning blue eyes looked identical to my own. I felt an enormous rush of emotions and fell to my knees. He might not be my father but was certainly a relation, I thought as our eyes met through the wooden railings. I was leery of vampires but at the moment I was feeling an overwhelming connection to this home and the people within. My skin was covered in goosebumps as my soul awakened within me. This was my place of origin and my cells felt the connection.

"Well carry her down here, Lucian," the man ordered and Lucian grunted.

"I hate it when he orders me around," he muttered, coming to lift me.

"I can walk, just give me a moment," I growled sternly and he backed up with both her hands raised.

"Was that gentleman my father?" I questioned him and Lucian laughed.

"No dear, that was Micah, your eldest brother," he said staunchly. My eyes widened in surprise.

"I never imagined that I also would have other siblings," I muttered in shock. Lucian chuckled and helped me to my feet.

"There are four in total, Micah is the eldest and next in line for the crown, then Ilya, Stephan, and the last girl named Sasha. You are the youngest," he mumbled casually.

"Do we all have the same parents?" I asked and he nodded.

"Why did my mom leave me with the moon Goddess then? Did they not want me?" I muttered sadly. Lucian sighed and rubbed my back.

"It was for your safety," a deep voice growled roughly and I turned to see a tall stunning older gentleman standing on the top of the stairs.

"And this is your father, King of the Vampire Realm, Nicolai Petrova," Lucian said with a wide grin at the man. I stood there uncertain about how to behave but Nicolai opened his arms and I went into his embrace. I was sobbing all over the king's shirt and apologizing for getting him all wet.

"It's quite alright, Niamh. I'm very glad that you are back home where you belong," he said solemnly. I looked up at him in confusion.

"Niamh?" I questioned curiously and he chuckled.

"Your full name, sweetie, is Niamh Maria Petrova, named after your dear grandmother, but your mother called you Nia, a shortened version. I will call you that if it feels more comfortable for you," he said firmly and I nodded.

"I grew up being called Nia so yes please," I replied.

"Your mother was a hybrid, I am not and as you know you are a hybrid. A group of rogue vampires was sacrificing any hybrids found within this realm and your late mother thought it better to take you to Selene and her realm because the tolerance for hybrids there was more accepted. I hope you understand that the decision was based solely on your survival," Nikolai said sincerely and I nodded.

"I suppose I should be grateful. Are my siblings hybrid?" I asked curiously and he shook his head.

"Nope, you were the only one born with the gene. A rarity for sure. The vampire DNA normally takes over completely," he explained and I nodded having heard the same from the vampires mated to my former family. I thought about Galen and felt a sense of loss suddenly.

"What's wrong?" Lucian asked me. I glanced at him and shook my head.

"Nothing, just thinking. Does the sun ever rise here? Oh, and when Galen and I came through the portal…you warned us both about the rogues. Thank you," I told him sincerely. My father looked between us and grunted.

"Who is this Galen you speak of?" He questioned sourly. Lucian gave him a look that suggested they would discuss it without my presence.

"I hate to sound rude but would it be possible for me to go…nevermind," I sighed and glanced around chewing on my bottom lip.

"Take her to the full moon festival Lucian, her Lycan needs that connection," Nikolai said firmly and I smiled seeing his blue eyes crinkle at the outer corners.

"Thank you, I am so glad you understand its importance," I sighed in gratitude as I held both of his hands. Lucian was groaning behind me.

"The moon Goddess wishes to wed your daughter and the boy who was mentioned earlier," he growled roughly and Nikolai's brow rose.

"Is this Galen fellow your mate, daughter?" He questioned curiously. I shook my head as my mind filled with images of Galen.

"You love him," my wolf whined and I glanced over at my father and Lucian.

"But you feel that Lucian is your mate, wish I could help honey but vampire issues are beyond me," Eva whimpered. I exhaled deeply.

"Does the sun ever rise here?" I asked once again and Lucian grinned.

"Yes, our days are nights in the Lycan Realm and vice versa," he explained. I nodded and noticed more had gathered on the stairs. Nikolai waved them forward and introduced me to all of my siblings minus Sasha who was off with her mate. I greeted each of them kindly and was pleasantly surprised that we all shared a similar appearance. There was no doubt that we were all related and I understood how Lucian was so certain about his claim.

"Escort the princess, Lucian. Take her to Sasha's room for clothing and return here when the celebration is over," Nikolai said firmly and Lucian grunted.

"Come along sweetheart, I will take you to your sister's room for proper attire of your status," he said through a clenched jaw. I waved farewell to my family and followed a sour Lucian around the landing to a hall.

"Why are you so bitter? Is it because of your old age?" I questioned teasingly. He side-eyed me with a frown and huffed.

"That Galen boy desires you and wants you for himself," he spat.

"He isn't my mate," I mumbled. Lucian stopped suddenly and turned to me.

"Are you certain? Do you smell a scent in his presence? Does your heartbeat increase?" He asked curiously at that moment my heart was thumping erratically and I was certain that he noticed as his eyes glanced down at my chest. I looked at him sheepishly when his hand cupped my cheek.

"I desire you as well, Nia," he growled low and pressed his lips gently on my own. It was a chaste kiss but it caused my insides to flip. My eyes were glowing brightly when I opened them and his eyes were just as bright.