* * * *
Yes, she’d entirely lost her mind. Dessie hid how hard her knees were shaking as she slipped her arm through Garrett’s and entered the main area of the lodge. She’d just yelled at a king and Garrett’s dad. Deadly immortals who could probably break her in two with a pinkie. She swallowed but kept her head high as they walked away.
Then she gasped at the opulent decorations. The main area had been cleared of furniture, leaving a dance floor and many tables arranged around it. Sparkling streamers hung from the far rafters, sending glittering lights in every direction. The males wore tuxes, several looking like they wanted to jump out of them no matter how sexy they were. And the dresses. She could only stare. So many colors and cuts, and so many sparkles. It was the prettiest array of silk she’d ever seen.
Garrett led her to the dance floor and turned her around to face him, his touch gentle. “Sorry about all the tests yesterday.”
She was sorry they didn’t have a cure. “I know. You can’t torture yourself about this. I’ve made peace with my fate, and I’m okay.” While he had some sort of crazy plan to get more of Ulric’s blood, she didn’t see how. Also, even if a miracle happened and they acquired the blood, there was no guarantee Emma or Faith would be able to create an antidote to the tumor. Especially in the week she had left. “Let’s just enjoy our time together. Okay?” It was all she had to offer. They moved, and a slight pain wandered up her back. “And no more spankings.” She could still feel his handprint.
He grinned. “You didn’t mind the aftermath.”
Nobody minded great sex. “Seriously.” She stepped on his toe to make a point, but he didn’t seem to notice.
He lifted her chin with two knuckles and placed a kiss on her mouth. The touch was gentle and his lips firm. “Don’t put your life in danger again, Mate.”
Bossy male.
She leaned into him and enjoyed the music, loving the feel of his body all around her. The band in the corner moved into a ballad, and she closed her eyes, just feeling as much as she could.
This night was a dream. No, better than any dream.
Her feet started to ache after several dances, so Garrett settled her at a table with the birthday girl, who was chatting happily with friends, while texting with one hand beneath the table. Hope’s smile was genuine, but her gaze missed nothing.
The friends moved on to the cake table.
Dessie leaned against Garrett’s niece. “Tell me you’re texting a boy.”
Hope’s lips curved into a smile. “I am, but not like you think.” She finished and set the phone to the side. “I have a contact in one of the Kurjan holdings, and he’s working on finding any record of where Ulric’s blood is kept. Their holdings have increased across the world, so it could be anywhere. It’s significant that the Kurjans have spread out so far.”
“How?” Dessie looked out at the dancers, her gaze automatically seeking Garrett.
“I don’t know, but they’re positioning themselves in odd places. Not great tactical locations, so there has to be another reason.” Hope waved at her father, who was dancing with her mother. Zane and Janie were an incredible-looking couple. “I’m thinking the Kurjans are preparing for Ulric to return and don’t know where the dumbass will land.”
Dessie looked at the young woman. She had to be brilliant to have risen to such a high level in the Intelligence branch of the Realm. “You’re impressive.”
“You, too.” Hope rested her chin on her hand. “Sorry the marking hasn’t taken, but it will. Trust me.”
Bear and Nessa danced by, seeming to be having a nice night out without the triplets.
Dessie finally caught sight of Garrett. He was casually walking around the outer tables. Taking a champagne glass off a tray, he turned his head and gave his father a barely perceptible nod. Talen was on the other side of the room, also casually walking.
“They’re scouting for threats,” Hope said, yawning.
Yeah, they were. Even while having fun at such a lovely event, they were on alert. It was impressive how in tune the two were, scouting in almost the same formation but looking as if they were just enjoying the party. “I bet they could launch into motion before anybody had a clue.”
Hope chuckled. “Without question.” She straightened as a handsome guy who looked like a badass warrior approached the table. There was no question he was anything but a demon soldier. “Dessie, this is Paxton. He’s my best friend.”
“Hi.” Dessie nudged Hope. “You said you wanted to dance.” She hadn’t, but somebody should take that hard-bodied immortal for a spin.
Paxton held out a hand, and Hope took it, following him to the dance floor. They looked good together.
Garrett showed up at her side and tugged her from the chair. “More dancing? I can carry you if your feet hurt.”
That was an offer she’d never refuse. The rest of the evening passed too quickly, and it was after midnight when she finally fell into the warm bed, too much champagne floating in her head. She barely felt Garrett remove her dress and pull over her head a T-shirt that smelled like him. She dove right in, sure she could keep the portals closed for the night.
She was wrong.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
