Queen of My Immortal Heart

By Darlyne Frederick

Vampire Princess, Nicoleta Morganthe, has been in love with
Luke Sangre for over 300 years. An attack on his pack took him
from her side two centuries ago, but she has never forgotten him.
On the night of her crowning ceremony, she lays eyes on him once
again! However, will he still love her after so much time has passed?

Werewolf, Luke Sangre, is finally back home in Romania after two
centuries of being away fighting rogue werewolves and protecting
his brothers overseas. His heart is still set on his precious Nicoleta.
However, after so much time and no contact, will she still care for him
and be the Queen of his Immortal Heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483613314

Darlyne Frederick

Darlyne is 29 years old, resided in southern California, and spends most of her time with her husband and her three children. She writes in her spare time and this is her second novel. Darlyne has read romance novels since the age of 10 and draws a lot of her inspiration for her stories from life events and personal experiences. She wants to continue her writing career and is grateful to all her fans who have supported her and enjoy her work. When she is not writing, she is baking, cooking, playing with her children, or spending time with friends. Her favorite shows are Bones, Sons of Anarchy, and Walking Dead. She listens to all types of music, but her roots are country.

Book preview

Prologue

1923

This night was intense. Where in the hell had all those vampire Cast Outs come from? Now, it was just Nicoleta and Mortimer, her biggest foe.

Mortimer had always been a pain in her ass. Ever since he’d found out who she was. The future Queen of all Immortals, which everyone knew, just not when it would actually happen.

Once he found out that modern means of killing immortals had no effect on her, he’d become frustrated and went into hiding. That was a hundred years ago.

Now, here she was, facing him once again but with the one weapon in existence that could kill her besides the sun and a wooden stake through the heart; The Immortal Silver Blade.

It was said that the dagger was designed by Satan himself and created by a craftsman to the King of the Cast Outs, Lucard Satan. It’s blade, five inches of solid silver. The hilt was made of human bones and wrapped in dried human skin. The large red ruby in the bottom of the hilt, said to be the eye of Satan watching his enemies fall to return to hell where he could forever torture them, gleamed in the moonlight.

It had been a fierce battle. She felt blood running down the side of her face with her sweat. Her whole body ached and burned from the sun beginning to peak over the horizon. She had to finish this before Mortimer finally succeeded in finishing her.

Time to end this, Nicoleta! You’ve lived long enough. With you gone, I’ll finally be GOD of Immortals! Mortimer let out a laugh filled with evil and hate.

You will never be God, Mortimer! Even if you do kill me, which you won’t! Nicole shouted.

With that, Nicole kicked out with vampire speed to knock the blade from his grip. The look of shock on his face was priceless. With another powerful kick, she sent him flying into a patch of heather flowers. She watched him land hard on his back and heard the air whoosh from his lungs. He laid there dazed for a moment.

I warned you Mortimer, she said calmly. You can’t defeat me. I’m the ultimate Immortal. You may have found the one weapon that can kill me, but you have not the strength nor the intellect to kill me with it.

She walked over to his still limp body, her sword in hand. This ends now, Mortimer, she said lifting the sword above her head.

Just as she was bringing down the sword for the fatal blow, Mortimer closed his eyes and traced away.

NO! Damn it!! she shouted into the air. I had him. She fell to her knees, hot tears streaming from her eyes.

Mortimer’s ultimate goal in life was to see Nicole destroyed, dead, dust. She was so frustrated. It was him or her and this ugly little game of cat and mouse was driving her insane.

Just then she looked up and laying in the grass was the silver dagger. Thank God, she thought aloud.

She retrieved the dagger and tucked it away in her bag. It would have to be destroyed or hidden from ever being found again. It was her only enemy in the world, the one thing that could kill her.

Back to Kalgan’s, she thought. Kalgan would know what to do with it.

Kalgan McCrae was one of her few friends in the world. Only two hundred years her senior, he was one Immortal she could fully trust with her precious life.

Being the only one true Immortal born of two true vampires in a thousand years, she was next in line to rule the Romanian Vampire kingdom. Most children born of two Immortals are born mortal. Mainly because one or both of their parents were mortal at one point. They change over to Immortals after their sixteenth birthday.

Her father, Valtar, was the current ruler, but his time was coming to an end. He had ruled for over a thousand years with his wife and life mate, her mother Queen Ara. Nicole was their only child.

The one problem, Nicole didn’t have her life mate yet. The love of her life, werewolf Luke Sangre, had left her almost one hundred and eleven years ago after his pack’s headquarters was blown up by Cast Outs.

It hurt her to think of ruling the kingdom alone, without her own life mate to share eternity with. Her parents were so happy together and love just flowed from them. Why couldn’t she have that too?

She slumped her shoulders as more hot tears stung her eyes. She slowly stood and noticed that the sky was beginning to brighten, signaling the coming dawn. She’d be falling into her death sleep soon and needed to return to the safety of her room at Kalgan’s house.

She traced away as her tears began to flow.

Chapter 1

Present Day

Nicoleta! Why in God’s name aren’t you ready? The ceremony will be starting in 30 minutes! Tawny shouted as she entered Nicole’s bedroom.

Nicole was sitting on her bed in her underwear hugging her favorite blue velvet pillow her father had given her when she was five. It was stained from the many tears she’d cried on it.

Nicoleta, what’s wrong my pet? Tawny asked as she sat next to her on the bed and wrapped her chubby arm around Nicole’s slumped shoulders.

Tawny K Ulrich had been her nurse since birth and had stayed on as her maid and personal assistant as she’d gotten older.

She was a heavy set older woman. She had been changed over by Nicole’s father, King Valtar, after he’d found her bleeding and dying outside her burning cottage that laid just outside the city of Bacӑu. Her husband, Hamish, had been murdered inside and they’d been robbed by a band of gypsies.

She’d been sixty three at the time, so her hair was a silver-gray and always in a very tight bun on the back of her head. Her brown eyes still held a twinkle of laughter, even when she was cross. She had been in the family for centuries now and Nicole loved her dearly. Tawny was like a second mother to her.

Nicoleta, you must get ready my pet. Your parents and the whole Kingdom are out there waiting for you. Tawny said softly as she rubbed Nicole’s back.

Today was her big day. The day she, Nicoleta Ara Maria Morganthe, would be crowned Queen of the Romanian Vampire Kingdom and her father and mother would step down as rulers. That also meant that in a week’s time, her parents, who had lived for two thousand years, would take their Death Walk. They would walk hand and hand into the sunrise and be turned to dust, thus ending their lives.

Nicole began to cry all over again. At three hundred and twenty five years old, Nicole was prime age to take her parents throne and rule, but in her heart, she felt unsure, scared, and depressed. She didn’t want to lose her parents. They were the only good thing in her life besides Tawny. How could she bear eternity without them? More hot tears fell from her eyes.

Nicoleta! Tawny shouted as she shook Nicole by the shoulders.

Sorry, Tawny. I was thinking. I’m just so upset. I don’t want to do this. I can’t lose mom and dad now. Nicole said in a strained voice as she wiped her face with the tissue Tawny handed her.

I know this is scary and hard, my pet, Tawny said as she stood and walked to the closet. but your parents and the whole kingdom are counting on you. You’re ready for this, dear. It’s just one big step and can be very scary. Tawny explained as she pulled out Nicole’s beautiful new ceremonial gown.

Made by her cousin, Tessa, the gown truly was fit for a Queen. It’s corset style bodice was blood red with black beading. The full, flowing red silk skirt was smooth and felt like butter, with thin black lace on top. It was gorgeous and fit Nicole perfectly.

Tessa had also made a beautiful red velvet cape to go with the dress. It was a work of art with her family’s crest carefully embroidered in 24kt gold string on the back. It was a little heavy and dragged the floor a foot behind Nicole. Good thing her parents made sure the maids kept the marble floors spotless.

Nicoleta! Tawny said again, a touch of annoyance in her voice.

Sorry again, Tawny. I’m getting up. Nicole said. She stood and stretched her cramped muscles. She’d been in that position on the bed for hours.

She walked to the bathroom and brushed her teeth as Tawny ran the water for her shower.

Nicole sighed as the cool water ran down her back and through her long hair. She’d never liked hot showers. They always made her feel sweaty when she stepped out instead of clean.

Hurry up, my pet. Gandmir just came to the door to announce that we have fifteen minutes before the ceremony.

Gandmir Sokolov. Now there was a strange character, Nicole mused as she scrubbed shampoo into her long hair.

He had been her father’s right hand man and most trusted body guard for the last century. An honor given to him after he saved her father’s life by sacrificing his own.

Her father had been battling Mortimer’s father, Lucard, and was badly injured when a young Gandmir jumped from a bush and tackled him to the ground just as Lucard swung his death blow. Instead of staking her father through the heart, Lucard had stabbed Gandmir in the back and straight through his heart for his insolence.

Lucard had traced away laughing and her father, feeling very grateful, had promised Gandmir a second chance at life. When Gandmir, then a young warrior in Peru, had nodded in agreement, her father had transformed him and nursed him back to health, then trained him.

They had become like father and son and Gandmir had gladly taken the position as her father’s right hand man when Nicholai Hayes, who’d been her father’s guard and friend for centuries, had married and stepped down.

Nicole heard Tawny clear her throat and quickly rinsed the remaining conditioner from her hair and soap from her body. Like a robot, she had washed her hair and body while her mind had wandered.

I’m done, Tawny. Do you have a towel? Nicole asked as she shut off the water, which had grown icy in her musing.

I should let you freeze for being so slow, Tawny said as she handed Nicole the towel and pulled out the hair dryer and brush and set them on the vanity.

Nicole knew there was an annoyed look on Tawny’s face, she could see in reflected in the mirror above the vanity. Humans believed vampires didn’t cast a reflection. That was just a myth and Nicole thanked God for it. Like any girl, she loved checking herself in the mirror to ensure she didn’t have lipstick, or in her case blood, on her teeth.

Nicole, come here now and let me dry your hair. Tawny said tapping her white heal against the floor impatiently.

Yes, Tawny, Nicole said in a little child’s voice as she stepped up to the vanity.

Don’t even play that game with me, young lady. I can tell when your being smart with me and now is not the time for it. she said as she stepped behind Nicole and flipped on the hair dryer. Nicole did the best she could to hide her smirk and giggle.

She didn’t mean to tease the older woman so much, but life over three centuries got boring sometimes and keeping Tawny on her toes was fun.

Stop fidgeting, Tawny said as she turned off the dryer and put it on the vanity top and grabbed the brush. I swear it’s like you’re barely over one hundred all over again.

If only she could go back to those carefree days of running across the meadows and chasing Luke around.

Luke! Nicole felt a sudden warmth in her belly at the thought of him. She’d been so busy lately preparing for this ceremony, she’d almost forgotten about him. She missed him so much.

Luke Sangre and her had always had a special connection to each other. He had been a gorgeous man as a teenager when they’d first met.

His father, Ulrik Sangre, was moving their headquarters and he had come to ask her father’s permission to move it to the far northern corner of his property. It was all thick forest up there and her father had heartedly agreed if Ulrik agreed to have part of his pack patrol the forest for Cast Outs. Ulrik had quickly agreed and a long standing permanent alliance had been formed, even though the two had been friends long before then.

Luke and her had been close from the first night they’d met. Love at first sight, but then one night, their headquarter had been attacked by a rogue pack of Cast Outs. Luke had come to see her instead of guarding the place like his father had ordered. She’d never seen him again after that night, but she remembered his last words to her like it was yesterday, even though it had been a little over two centuries now.

I’ll always love you, my precious Nicole. Queen of my Immortal heart. He had kissed her cheek and left in a full sprint, changing into a werewolf mid stride, and disappeared into the forest.

There, I think that’s perfect, Tawny said, pulling Nicole from her thoughts. We’ll just pull your bangs back and put in your diamond barrette. She stepped back to admire her work.

Nicole’s long wavy platinum blond hair was so thick, it took a few minutes for Tawny to get it under control. Tawny had done the same pretty style she’d done for Nicole’s last birthday, long and flowing down her back with her bangs and sides pulled back. The diamond barrette had been a gift for her from an unknown person. After carefully checking it for poisons and silver, Gandmir had declared it safe and her parents had allowed her to keep it. All the card had said was, ‘A gift fitting a Queen. Queen of beauty.’

Everyone had assumed it came from one of her many admirers, but she didn’t know who. None of them were exactly shy. As a matter of fact, most of them were very up front and made it well known to her that they wanted to be King and have her pregnant right after the wedding night! Ugh. Men were such pigs sometimes.

Come on, Nicoleta. You need to get dressed and we have to do your make-up before we finish your hair. Tawny said walking out of the bathroom without turning to look at her. She felt like a five year old sometimes.

Nicole allowed Tawny to help her dress in the beautiful gown and heavy cape. Next, Tawny painted her eyelids in her favorite red eye shadow with midnight black liner, thick like Cleopatra’s and gold sparkles added for effect.

Her cheeks were dusted a light rose so not to look over done on her pale white skin. Then a little red lipstick with black lip liner and clear lip gloss to finish and keep her lips moist.

Tawny brushed back her bangs and sides and clipped them in her diamond barrette. She put Nicole’s stunning red, strapy, high heeled sandals in front of her and helped her step into them, then fastened the ankle buckle for her.

She stood and took a step back to admire her work. Her brown eyes quickly misted over with unshed tears. You look gorgeous, my pet. I couldn’t have done better if I tried. You truly look like a que… . que… . Tawny sniffed and pulled out a tissue from the box and dabbed her eyes, careful of her own makeup.

Please don’t cry, Tawn Tawn, Nicole said, using her favorite nickname for her beloved nurse and friend. I’ll start crying too and we’ll be a mess and have to start all over again.

We don’t have time for that, dear, Tawny said with a small chuckle and finished dabbing her eyes dry. We’re a little late already.

Tawny sniffed loud, took Nicole by the hand, and took a deep breathe to steady her nerves. My pet, My dear beautiful Nicoleta Ara Maria Morganthe. I hope I have served you well as your nurse and maid and as this day I see my precious girl become a Queen, I can only hope you will allow me to continue to serve you and the future children you will have someday.

Tawny stop it, Nicole said, her own eyes beginning to mist. You know damn well I will keep you around forever and working hard as ever if you’re nagging old ass will let me. Nicole laughed as Tawny got that annoyed look on her face, but it was quickly replaced with a smile and laughter of her own.

Come, my Queen. We must get downstairs to the ceremony before Gandmir comes back and starts shouting. Nicole stuck out her tongue and scrunched up her face. They both let out a loud laugh as Tawny opened the door and after one last look in the mirror, they both walked out of Nicole’s room together.

Chapter 2

Dad, what in the bloody hell are we doing here? Luke asked as they stepped out of the woods overlooking Dragon Castle, home to the King and Queen of the Romanian Vampires and headquarters for IAKM (Immortals Against Killing Mortals); an order of all Immortals who drank synthetic blood and refused to kill humans. Those Immortals who didn’t and believed in being true to mythology by killing mortals for food and pleasure were Cast Outs. IAKM had been created by his father and King Valtar to fight and stop the Cast Outs. Unfortunately, success came in strides.

We are here for the ceremony. Nicoleta is being crowned Queen tonight and I wish to see it and pay my respects to Valtar and Ara, Ulrik Sangre said as he began to descend the hill toward the main courtyard.

Nicole was being crowned Queen today? Had it been that long already? The last time he’d seen his beloved Nicole, she was a skinny teen but beautiful. He had had to leave her quickly the night he was about to ask her to marry him and had never returned. He could still remember her response to his last words to her, though.

I love you, my dear Luke. Werewolf beast of my Immortal heart. Come back to me and I’ll be with you forever.

She had put a gold chain around his neck, which he still wore to this night, and like his memories and love for her, it had never tarnished or faded.

That had been over two centuries ago. Surely she had met and married someone else by now. Some handsome young Vampire to rule by her side. He made a face. What did a Vampire have that he didn’t?

Luke’s father had finally returned to Romania from the US early last year and he himself had returned late last year. After that night, when their headquarters were attacked, leaders from western packs had flooded his father with several messages and telegraphs reporting more attacks and requesting aid.

Hard to believe it had taken nearly two centuries to track down the rogue Cast Outs responsible and kill them. Then another six years to rebuild all the lost headquarters and recruit more werewolves for added protection to each pack.

When they had returned, they had had to rebuild their own headquarters and recruit. His father had returned to the castle late last year to inquire of his friend, Valtar, and announce his return to duty as guardian of the forest. He had been celebrated and welcomed back with open arms.

Luke had been away in Peru with his cousins tracking down some werewolf Cast Outs, but had found a gorgeous diamond barrette fit for a queen, His Queen. He had sent it to his father to take to her as a birthday gift with strict instructions NOT to put his name on it. Thankfully, his Father had respected his wishes, but had told him she had been overjoyed to have it.

Luke’s heart swelled with joy. He had made his Queen happy. If only she knew it was him.

Come Luke, Ulrik ordered as he reached the front steps. We can’t be late for this ceremony. It’s very important for all members of IAKM and the kingdom to attend.

Luke jumped over a low bush and jogged up next to his father. His thick black hair was tied back with a black ponytail holder, but now a stray lock fell over his forehead into his eyes. He threw his head back to push the hair back, but it just kept falling back over his forehead.

You have thick, stubborn hair like your mother, Ulrik said as he pushed the hair back and smoothed it down with one lick of his wide tongue.

Yuck! Father, come on. I’m three hundred and twenty eight years old! A little old for Fatherly wolf grooming! Luke said, taking out the elastic and smoothing his hair back into a ponytail again.

Ulrik chuckled as he straightened his tie and stepped up the three long stone stairs to the huge double front doors of the castle, which were open to allow in the guests for the ceremony, but guarded heavily by eight guards.

Good evening, Gandmir, Ulrik said as they stepped inside and stopped before Valtar’s head guard. You remember my son, Luke, right?

Evening Ulrik. So glad you could make it, Gandmir beamed and shook his hand firmly. Luke. he said sternly and nodded.

Gandmir. Luke said just as sternly. He didn’t even bother to nod back. Gandmir wasn’t worth the waste of energy. Gandmir hated Luke. He had loved Nicole and tried desperately many times to woo her, but she’d always turned him down. She loved Luke. Or, at least, she had loved him. Whether she still did or not, he wasn’t sure. He still loved her with all his heart and only prayed she still felt the same.

I apologize for my son, Gandmir, Ulrik said, whacking Luke upside the back of his head. He’s been away for quite sometime and has obviously forgotten how to act at court.

It’s fine, Ulrik, because he’s your son. If he weren’t, he’d be ripped in half.

Oh, scary coming from a vampire pussy, Luke said with a laugh, earning him a elbow to the ribs from his father.

Watch it wolf! I’ll have your hide for dinner! Gandmir said angrily.

Oh, not good for you, Gandmir. My fur is thick and my blood is infected from all the fleas, and worse, you’d be kicked out of IAKM for killing one of your own. Luke said in a smart tone with a wicked gleam in his eye.

"How dare you! I’ll bet my bullocks I could kill you before you could say Wolf!" Gandmir shouted.

That would be a bad bet for me, Gandmir, considering you have no bullocks to speak of according to your mother. Luke said calmly, polishing his knuckles on his suit jacket.

Why I oughta, Gandmir raised his fist and aimed a punch for Luke’s nose.

ENOUGH! came a loud booming voice from behind Gandmir. Gandmir, how dare you raise a hand to my dear friend and his son. Valtar said as he stepped around Gandmir to embrace Ulrik.

The little runt pup started it, my King, Gandmir said under his breath, but quickly lowered his fist.

I don’t care, you never raise a hand to either of them. Go be sure the guests are all being seated. The ceremony will be starting soon.

Yes, my King, Gandmir said, bowing before Valtar. We’ll settle this later Wolf. You win, I’ll eat my own waste like you do.

"Aw, gross, Gandmir. That was a total over share! You eat your own waste?" Luke said twisting his face in disgust then laughed as Gandmir flushed beat red when everyone turned to look at him.

Luke Jaymes Sangre! That is enough! Ulrik said sternly. Show your King some respect!

Forgive me, my King. I have let my mouth run away with me and I beg you forgiveness. Luke said sincerely, bowing at the waist.

Valtar looked Luke up and down, then smiled. No need to apologize, lad. Someone needs to teach Gandmir a lesson every once in a while and my poor Nicoleta has been too busy to torment him lately, Valtar said with a laugh and hugged Luke.

So, now that you are finally home and settled, when should I expect you to marry my lovely girl? Valtar asked as he released Luke.

Luke swallowed audibly. He had not expected that. He had thought the King would be angry at him for leaving Nicole all those years ago and never returning to her.

He wanted nothing more then to have Nicole as his wife, but he had not seen her in two centuries!

It’ll take time, my friend. The two love birds will need to get reacquainted and such first. It would have already been done had we not had to go protect our brothers to the west. Ulrik said, a small wink at his son.

Of course. Let us not think of that now. Tonight, my beloved daughter becomes Queen! Valtar said, his arm around Ulrik’s shoulders as he led them to the Throne room.

—

Luke followed his father and Valtar until they reached their seats at the head of the right row, aisle side.

I must go see my daughter before the ceremony. We will catch up after at the reception. You two will be next to me at my table. Valtar said before walking through the side doors to the private hall leading to the Royal Family’s private quarters.

Isn’t that great, Luke? We’ll be sitting at the King’s table. You’ll have time to catch up with Nicoleta, Ulrik said, playfully punching Luke in the arm and winking at him as they sat down.

If she even wants to catch up with me. Luke thought to himself but he smiled for his father.

They sat and talked as more and more Immortals filed into the huge Throne Room. His father greeted old friends and allies from all the Immortal factions. Dameon Fresher, the leader of the Romanian Demons and his general, Cameron Cullen; Halgar McCrae, King of the Scottish vampires and his son, Kalgan; Vanessa Snowlin, Queen of the Fairies and her slut of a daughter, Chelsea.

Chelsea had always been jealous of Luke’s love for Nicole and had tried many times as a teen to lure