“Yes.”
“What did you think of him?”
We turn down the corridor, and I brace myself for Vince’s response.
“I don’t think he’s the only one to blame—I believe monsters are made, not born. Colin was powerful, but his feeling of being powerless did him in. His behaviors, regardless of how horrific, are indicative of an unmet need.”
“A need to belong,” I add.
“That is my guess. I think if given that, he might not have turned out to be who he was.”
I nod.
“You cared for Colin. I can feel it.”
“I did. But... I know I shouldn’t care for someone like that.”
“You cared for him before you knew of the things he did. You can still care for someone and not like their actions. You are entitled and valid in your feelings. Just because someone else had a different experience doesn’t invalidate the one you have. Even the mothers of murderers still love their child.”
Just like that, a weight is lifted off my shoulders. I needed to hear that. “Are you manipulating me?”
He laughs.
Vince opens a bedroom door and ushers me in. “Get some rest. The festivities begin tomorrow.”
Chapter FIFTY-FIVE
Jay
This is the puffiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen. I’m trying on dresses for the party tonight. The entire Crescent pack will be there, as well as some vampire supporters from nearby clans.
I’m all for celebrating the night before the Hunt, but this pink monstrosity is a no for me. “I look like a bubblegum princess threw up on me,” I say over my shoulder.
“You do not!” Taya says. I turn away from the mirror to face Taya and Alaina, who are sitting on the bed. “I think it looks nice.” Taya looks at Alaina who is cringing as she eyes the dress up and down.
Alaina, being kind, says, “It’s not what I would have picked for you.”Translation: you do look like the vomit of a bubblegum princess.“May I suggest something else?”
“Please,” I say, exasperated.
Anything would be better than this. A garbage bag, perhaps?
Alaina leaves the room and returns moments later with a garment bag. She unzips it, and my jaw drops. “Here we go. What do you think?”
The queen holds up a form-fitting boned corset top bodysuit with a strapless plunging V-neck structured with a cinched waist to give it that hourglass effect. It’s made of leather, regal and black. There are three small ornate gold buttons starting from the cleavage that go down to the waist. Its cape—although probably a little hot for the summer—makes the entire outfit.Its high collar clips at the neck with gold embellishment and drapes down to the floor. At the waist, the size of a belt buckle is a sideways oval of the Crescent’s pack’s emblem and is clasped together.
In Alaina’s other hand are matching leather boots with the same gold embellished swirls down the front. Draped over the shoulder are black leather gloves. Again, it might be too hot for them, but beauty is pain, right? And luckily, I like a little bit of pain.
“Do you like it? All my warriors wear them. And you, my dear, would kill it in this.”
“It’s perfect.”
***
The castle’s ballroom entrances are draped with sheer curtains, creating a sultry setting. However, once you enter, the only word to describe it is magical. The spacious room is illuminated by French bronze candelabras and crystal chandeliers.
The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a pleasant view to the starry night sky over the kingdom. Violins play among the chatter. Everyone is dressed to the nines—women flaunt floor-length gowns and men’s sport tuxedos. Among all these handsome beings, there isn’t a single person I’m interested in.
I’ve spoken to several wolves tonight, but none of my conversations have sparked any real connection.
