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Itsuki turned to Lucian. “Shall we get the ladies something to drink?”
Lucian looked reluctant to leave, but I nodded encouragingly. I didn't expect him to stay by my side the entire night, nor did I want him to. I'd been serious when I’d told him I wanted him to enjoy himself as well.
I watched him leave with Itsuki, then turned to Rehema, who was grinning from ear to ear.
"What?" I laughed.
She cocked her head in the direction the men went. “You two look amazing together.”
“Thanks.” I watched Lucian with pride. He and Itsuki were at a hovering table that looked like a hologram, but there was food and beverages on top of it. Both men were talking about something, but from time to time, Lucian looked across the room at me. “He's a great listener.”
Even if we were taking things slow and getting to know each other, our bond was strong. I was managing to resist the moments my wolf howled with the need, but it wasn’t easy. Still, we didn’t need to rush. It was better that we got to know each other first.
Tonight, I was going to do nothing but eat, drink, and have some fun—something I was in desperate need of. I was still trying to find my footing in this realm, and a night to unwind without being weighed down by my troubles was something I planned to make the most of.
I took Rehema's arm, and we walked onto a balcony overlooking the rest of the party. Hundreds of humans, supernaturals, and gods were gathered in a large hall encircled by glass windows. The dark sky came alive through the glass ceiling, as everyone watched the blue fireworks that cast a bright glow over everything.
Loud cheers erupted as the soft, slow music that had been playing became more upbeat, and Rehema's name was bellowed from somewhere down below. A goddess with white hair waved at Rehema, and as she smiled up at us, I could tell she was Rehema's mother. They had the same smile, though that was all they had in common.
Rehema groaned with annoyance. “That’s my mom. I’m about to get an earful about not wearing the green dress she picked out for me. I like plants, but I'd rather not look like a giant vegetable.”
"Good luck," I whispered back, and Rehema descended the stairs, catching the eye of many.
"Natalie? I thought that was you! Gods, you look amazing!"
Elinor, my ancestor and the one who had been by my side when I’d woken up, waved at me from the stairs. Moving past Rehema, she rushed to pull me into a hug. Her white hair was in curls and piled high atop her head, and I gushed at her royal blue dress. Behind her, a pale man with blue eyes appeared and handed her a glass of wine.
"Oh, Natalie, this is Will, my husband. And the only vampire in the God Realm," she added proudly. "Well, our son is as well, but he's considered a hybrid."
I placed my fist over my heart, and he did the same. During the last vampire war on Earth, a book, The History of the Damned—a book protected by Axel's family for centuries—had been found. The volume offered information and insight into the vampire race and how to destroy them. Inside, I’d seen a picture of Elinor, who’d taken on the Vampire Queen so long ago, and one of Will, her beloved.
Will was the son of the Vampire Queen, Amythia. But more importantly, he was a vampire who'd fallen in love with a werewolf. I’d also learned after arriving here that he was the only vampire in existence who had blue eyes instead of red and could walk in the sun. He was a wonder unto himself.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Natalie." He placed his fist over his heart and bowed, his long black hair framing his face. "I would have joined the war on Earth against my mother if the Goddess hadn't sent me and Elinor elsewhere."
“There’s no need to apologize. You might have angered the Goddess by interfering, and we ultimately won the war anyway.”
His head jerked once in agreement, and for a second, his eyes flashed red. "That we’re all thankful for. And we’re grateful for the part you played in that. Thank you.” He looked at something over my head and whispered to Elinor, who nodded. "It was nice meeting you, Natalie. Please excuse me."
He kissed Elinor’s temple before leaving, and she stared after him with such raw love in her eyes, it was painful to see. They'd lived here for centuries, and still, she looked at him as if he was the only thing that mattered to her. He wasn't her mate and there were no spiritual ties between them, but their love was just as powerful as any werewolf mate bond.
I wanted that.
And I was going to have that with Lucian.
Which reminded me . . . “Oh,” I said when she turned back to me. “I wanted to tell you I found him, my mate.”
Elinor’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? Where is he?”
I searched through the crowd, and sure enough, Lucian was looking at me, even though he was talking with Itsuki and another man. He held two drinks up, one no doubt being mine, and mouthed 'Sorry.'
I noticed a few women staring at him, but not once did he look at anyone but me.
“That’s him,” I told Elinor. As she stared at Lucian with recognition, I added, “By the way, I should have taken your warning more seriously. The native creatures here are no joke. I was attacked in the forest. But he saved me."
“Were you hurt?”
I waved my hand. “I was handling it until I wasn't. He came at the right moment.”
