Maybe it was becauseIwas different. And now I had my husband at my side.
Well, not really. I looked over to see my new husband at the far corner of the room, two vampires leaning over him and a human in his lap, his fangs sunk deep into his neck.
He was enjoying himself while I was stuck watching Dalia and Fredrick suck face, drinking a glass of blood laced with some magical drugs.
I may as well live a little while I still have the chance.
I didn’t normally dabble in it, preferring to keep my wits about me, but this very well could be the last time I could have this freedom. After this, we were putting our plan into action, and for better or worse… I was going to end it.
Just as I was running through my plans in my head, my chest started aching. An annoying feeling that only got more persistent as the seconds went on.
I looked at Caspian to see if it had anything to do with our bond, but he was still fangs-deep in the human.
When it got more intense, I sat up. A prickle at the back of my neck told me something was off. Like the calm before the storm. My internal warning system was telling me to prepare for a fight.
Is something happening?
Then I heard it. The light murmurs of vampires in the house as new guests were welcomed.
Intruder.
But instead of evacuating, which was protocol, there was the sound of shuffling, like whoever it was was being let through.
Next, I smelled them.
The comforting smell of sage and a slightly newer—sharper—amber smell.
Vesper and Cedar.Atlas had to be with them, or they would have been turned around at the door.
Shit.
I had only a few seconds before meeting them and risking ruining this whole thing.
Caspian met my eyes, and with one look, I told him to stay put. I left the small room I was in and headed to the one upstairs, the same one I found Caspian in when I proposed.
It would promise us the tiniest bit of privacy, and it had to be enough.
“Come find me, Little Mouse.”
I knew she’d hear me, but her small growl was a good confirmation.
Excitement zapped up my spine as I hurried up the stairs. I looked back over my shoulder, taking in the debauchery happening in the main foyer. Vampires with their fangs sunk into necks, most of them wearing next to nothing, many with their faces twisted in pleasure even as a vampire hunter and a witch stood at the door.
Cedar and Vesper stood side by side, both looking up at me. Vesper’s eyes were narrowed and red. Cedar’s jaw was clenched.
In their gazes were promises of a punishment.
And I want to take it.
Everyone watched as they came in. Atlas was somewhere near the entrance. I couldn’t see her, but I could feel the heaviness of her gaze. Turning, I finished climbing the stairs and ducked into the room, which had nothing but a few chairs around the edges and a chaise lounge.
I sat right in the middle of it, trying to look nonchalant, even though the bond was stirring to life in my chest. Mere moments later, they burst through the door, their eyes finding me immediately.
“Can’t stay away now, can you?” I said, trying my best to sound like the spoiled princess they once knew. I even leaned slightly, letting my dress fall to the side.
My body was aching for them, and I knew with one look they were yearning for it too.
They were breathing heavily. Vesper was puffed up, looking like she was ready to attack.
