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He embodied dark desires, with bursts of emerald and gold accents embezzled into his mask like twinkling stars.I realized, with annoyance, that his costume was a mirrored version of my own.
“Jade, darling,” he crooned, “you look absolutely divine in that gown. If I were a weaker male, I would bow at your feet and beg for your favor. Or simply become your willing servant and fulfill your every fantasy.”
My hands settled onto my hips to keep them from slapping that smug grin off his beautiful face. Or pulling him down for a kiss. “Well, considering you bought the dress, I would hope it fits your tastes.”
My attempt to inject as much poison into my voice fell flat.
I would never dare admit how long I had sat on my bed, simply feeling the fabric of the dress before admiring it on my body. As much as I despised him, his style could not be understated. Like everything else in his wardrobe, our costumes looked impeccablyexquisite and unique.A king and queen imperiously ruling over their court of fearful admirers.
Prickles along the back of my neck alerted me to the attention we were garnering from nearby guests. Cowardly, I spun away from him and fled up the stairs that led to the back entrance, determined to avoid my Coven at all costs.
To my irritation, Alexei followed, our steps silent along the rich carpet floors of the second story—a mere jaunt away from Alexei’s bedroom.
My cheeks flamed at the humiliating memory from early this year. One where a stupid miscommunication led me into that very room, only to find myself sprawled in Alexei's bed atop the naked prince. Since that moment, I couldn’t get the fantasy out of my head, wondering what would have happened if I simplystayed.
I knew he would be a generous lover; why else would an entire horde of females obsess over him, vying for a repeat that never came?
“You never answered me,” Alexei muttered, pulling me to a halt at the curtained balcony that overlooked the ballroom below. He leaned his elbows on the railing next to me, so close his lips nearly brushed my ear. “Where do you think you’re going? Surely even elders enjoy a dance every now and again.”
“Says the vampire who’s been tormenting Gaia for nearly a century,” I bit back with annoyance. “And though it’s none of your business, I’m going home. I’ve done my duty for the Council as promised.”
He raised a brow and shook his head once. “Typical Jade. One day, you will learn to live a little and admit your true desires. You bury all of your needs, just like your grandmother. And look at how her life has unfolded.”
“Your psychoanalysis of my family is unwanted, as usual,” I bit out, not in the mood for this discussion tonight. “What are you doing here? Hiding from your audience? Surely, the Prince of Pleasure has grand plans for his adoring fans. I believe I saw the group of nymphs from the last night who would love to stroke your ego.”
“Among other things, no doubt,” he snapped back with a flash of fangs. “But alas, I have no such overtures planned for this evening. In fact, I've been waiting for you.”
“Lucky me,” I sneered.
No, it would do me no favors toeing that line with him. My reputation would be forever tarnished, stained with the memory of succumbing to Alexei’s charms and being one among many to fall prey to him.
Eyes suddenly dark and foreboding, he leaned closer. “I apologize for how I acted last night. Trystan Dubois is a rat, burrowing into my Court and searching for any weakness to exploit.”
“And I’m a weakness?” I watched his face closely, noting that the purple shadows under his eyes were more pronounced than usual.
He shrugged nonchalantly. “You heard Trystan. My father despises witches and my continued participation with the Council. I didn’t want to flaunt my more progressive ways any more than necessary.”
Seemingly distracted by the jewels encrusted at my shoulder, his finger trailed along the edge of my skin, not quite touching. I tried not to react to the close proximity between us but couldn’t hold back a shiver.
“Alexei Vasyliev a progressive vampire? Surely not,” I whispered.
A barked laugh escaped his soft lips. “Oh, yes. I’m afraid you haven’t seen the worst of my people, Jade Belle. I’m a panting puppy compared to other vampires. Slovenia would utterly repulse you should you ever find yourself in my homelands.”
I didn’t doubt it. Though my experiences with vampires had multiplied this past year working within the Court, I found their ways to be far less grotesque than my imaginings. After a single night at Bite, one simply had to observe the militant use of guards and cameras intent on monitoring consent for both sexual acts and blood drinking to confirm their restraint. But vampires outside of Alexei’s jurisdiction didn’t play by his rules.
“Is Trystan still in the city?” I asked.
He inhaled sharply. “Yes. Though he wouldn’t dare make any violent outbursts to anyone amongst my company. He may hate witches, but he’s not idiotic enough to take on a united manor full of creatures who would eagerly tear him limb from limb.”
“I shudder to imagine any vampire at the receiving end of my Coven’s wrath.” A perverse smile threatened.
“Feisty thing, aren’t you?” he purred with delight. “Claws extended and ready to lash out at a moment’s notice.”
I didn’t bother denying it. For my family, I would do anything.
His eyes flickered to my lips and lingered. Much as they had in similar moments of banter between us these past few months.
Feeling hot and embarrassed, I bit my tongue to keep from saying something stupid and took a step away from his temptation.“Was there something else you needed? Because if not, I’m going to sneak out through your courtyard and head home.”
