“Yes, he will find us.” Viktor scanned the room and exchanged a knowing look with both his brother and the wolf. “Stay together.”
“You know it,” Greyson nodded.
“Let’s dance,” Viktor told her.
“Dance? Yes.” Her heart pounded in her chest as Viktor led her out onto the dance floor.
As they walked through a sea of people, Waverly stilled as a tall, lithe woman, dressed in black latex, leaned toward her and sniffed her hair. “Hmm…delicious toy you’ve brought.”
“She’s mine.” Viktor released a low growl, his fangs dropping. The vampire bared her teeth at him, and slowly disappeared into the crowd.
Stay calm. Stay calm. You can do this. What in the ever-loving fuck?
“Dance with me.” Viktor smiled at Waverly as he pulled her into his embrace.
The warmth of his body on hers calmed her soul. The music, eerily rhythmic, grew louder as they danced. As she looked to the others, she caught sight of them staring.
“Look at me,” Viktor commanded.
Waverly’s eyes locked on his, her pulse racing. With his fangs still visible, he leaned in, and brushed his lips to hers. As if they were the only two people in the room, she kissed him. His tongue swept into her mouth, and her body flared with desire.
As they danced, Waverly lost all sense of time and place. She gasped as his fingers tugged her dress upward and teased her bottom. With a sudden crescendo of violins, the music abruptly ended. He tore his mouth from hers, leaving her breathless, craving his touch.
“Tonight, I will have you,” he promised.
“Viktor,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“Viktor, indeed,” a male voice exclaimed from behind her. Startled, she spun around but Viktor held a firm hand around her waist.
“Thorn,” he greeted. “Lovely party.”
“Your home is stunning,” Waverly managed as the mysterious demon came into view.
“You brought a human,” Thorn mused. “Interesting choice.”
“Can we move to somewhere more private?” Viktor asked.
Thorn laughed. “Why, of course, my old friend. Come. I have just the place for us.”
Waverly struggled to compose herself. Flushed and palms damp, she took a cleansing breath, ignoring the stares. Jesus, she’d almost dragged Viktor back to the limo. Her body still on fire from his touch, she hadn’t cared who’d seen them, obsessed with his all-consuming kiss.
Viktor’s arm dropped from her waist, finding her hand. As he leaned toward her, his lips grazing her ear, she dug her nails into her palm in an attempt to distract herself from the ache between her legs. “We shall finish this later, pet.”
This? The desire to taste her ancient vampire would go unsated for now. But indeed, this, they would finish.
Aside from the occasional glance to Viktor, Waverly kept her eyes forward as he led her through the crowd. Without showing an iota of fear, she walked beside him. She could feel the eyes on her, hear the whispers in the shadows. None of it would faze her in the moment. She embodied queen energy, drawing on her instinct to survive and the confidence that her vampire would protect her at all costs.
Waverly lifted her dress as they ascended an enormous wooden spiral staircase that led upward to a balcony. Once they reached the second level, she followed Viktor along an illuminated path. Inlaid twinkling red lights danced within the flooring, leading them to a cozy seating area.
“Come sit. We have a bit of time until the show begins,” Thorn told them.
Show? What show? Her pulse raced.
You’re doing fine, mo chroí. Waverly’s eyes widened, shocked she’d heard his voice. Easy, now.
“Here we are. I like to think of this as my private viewing area. At this point in the evening, I need a break from the riff raff. I’ve grown tired of the bland conversation and recycled stories. Please have a seat.” Thorn gestured to a set of eight intricately carved wooden chairs, each adorned with black leather cushions. He looked to Waverly. “Don’t be shy, dear. Come sit next to me.”
No fear. Waverly managed a smile and gracefully sat down, never taking her eyes off the good-looking half demon. “Thank you.”