Tempted (House of Night #6)(34)

Finally, she did neither, deciding she didn't like the picture she'd be creating in bed. She already felt vulnerable and exposed enough standing there in her T-shirt, panties, and nothing else. She turned to face Darius. What? she snapped. He tilted his head. A sad smile lifted just the corners of his lips. She thought his eyes looked decades older than the rest of his face. Your parents are not in love, Aphrodite. From what you've shared with me about them, they may not be capable of feeling that emotion for anyone, and that includes you. She lifted her chin and met his gaze. So tell me something I don't know. You aren't your mother. He'd said the words gently, but she felt them as if he'd flung knives at her that had buried themselves in her heart. I know that! She spoke through lips that were suddenly cold. Darius moved slowly toward her.

Aphrodite thought how graceful he was--how powerful he always looked. He loved her? How? Why? Didn't he realize what an awful bitch she was? Do you really know that? You are capable of love, even if your mother is not, he told her. But am I capable of being loved? She wanted to scream the question, but she couldn't. Pride, who spoke louder to her than the understanding in Darius's eyes, stopped the words. Instead she did what made her feel safe--she went on the offensive. Of course I know that. But this whole thing between us still sucks. The truth is you're a vampyre. I'm a human. The most I can ever be to you would be your consort, and I can't even be that because I'm already f**king Imprinted with stupid-ass Stevie Bumpkin Rae--an Imprint I can't seem to get rid of even though you've bitten me, too. Aphrodite paused, trying not to remember the tenderness Darius had shown her when he drank from her, even though to him her Imprinted blood was tainted.

She tried, unsuccessfully, not to think about the pleasure and peace she'd found in his arms, all without having sex with him. I don't think you're right about all of that. You're not just a human, and your Imprint with Stevie Rae doesn't affect us. I see it as further evidence of your importance to Nyx. She knows Stevie Rae has need of you. But you don't need me, Aphrodite said bitterly. I do need you, he corrected her firmly. For what? We're not even f**king! Aphrodite, why are you doing this? You know I desire you, but you and I are more than just bodies and lust. We're connected beyond that. I don't see how! Aphrodite was perilously close to tears again, which made her even more pissed off. I do. He closed the rest of the space between them and, taking one of her hands in his, Darius dropped to one knee before her. I need to ask you something.

Oh, Goddess! What? Was he going to do something ridiculous like ask her to marry him? He fisted his right hand over his heart and stared into her eyes. Aphrodite, Beloved Prophetess of Nyx, I ask you to accept my Warrior's Oath. Sworn to you this day I pledge to protect you with my heart, my mind, my body, and my soul. I pledge to belong to you before all others, and to be your Warrior until I draw my last breath on this world, and beyond, if our Goddess so wills it. Do you accept my oath? Aphrodite was filled with an overwhelming tide of joy. Darius wanted to be her Warrior! But that joy was short-lived as she thought about the repercussions of his oath. You can't be my Warrior. Zoey is your High Priestess. If you're going to pledge yourself to someone, it has to be her. Aphrodite hated saying the words--and hated even more thinking about Darius being on his knee in front of Zoey.

Zoey is my High Priestess, just as she is yours, but she already has a Warrior. I have witnessed young Stark's enthusiasm for his oath-sworn position. She will need no other Warrior shadowing her. Also, Zoey already gave me her blessing to pledge to you. She did what? The warrior nodded solemnly. It was only right that I explained to Zoey what I intended. So this isn't just an impulse? You've actually thought this out? Of course. He smiled up at her. I want to protect you forever. Aphrodite was shaking her head from side to side. You can't. Darius's smile faded. My pledge is mine to give, so that is no hindrance. I am young, but my skills are vast. I assure you that I can protect you. I don't mean that! I know you're good--you're too damn good! That's the problem. Silently, Aphrodite began to cry. Aphrodite, I don't understand.

Why would you want to be sworn to me? I'm a total bitch! His smile returned. You are unique. Aphrodite shook her head. I'll hurt you. I always hurt anyone who gets close to me. Then it is a good thing I am a strong warrior. Nyx was wise in giving me to you, and I am more than content with our Goddess's choice for me. Why? Tears were running freely down Aphrodite's cheeks now, dripping from her chin and soaking into the T-shirt. Because you deserve someone who values you beyond wealth and beauty and status. You deserve someone who values you for yourself. Now, I ask you again, do you accept my oath? Aphrodite stared down into his strong, gorgeous face, and something within her broke free as she saw her future in his honest, unflinching gaze. Yes, I do accept your oath, she said. With a joyous shout, Darius stood and took his Prophetess into his arms.

Then he held her gently until sunset as she cried out the knot of sadness and loneliness and anger that had for so long bound her heart.

Chapter Sixteen

Steve Rae usually didn't have problems sleeping. Okay, it was a terrible clich?, but during the daytime she slept like she was, well, dead. But not that day. That day she hadn't been able to shut off her mind--or, maybe it was more truthful to say she hadn't been able to shut off her guilty mind. What was she going to do about Rephaim? She should tell Zoey--that's what she should do. Absolutely no doubt about it. Sure, and then Z would freak out like a long-tailed cat in a room filled with rockin' chairs, she muttered to herself, and continued to pace back and forth in front of the entrance to the root cellar's tunnel. Stevie Rae was alone, but she kept throwing furtive glances around her like she expected to be snuck up on. And so what if someone came down here looking for her? She wasn't doing anything wrong! She just couldn't sleep, that's all. At least she wished that was all.