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From my perch at the railing overlooking the dance floor, I recognized the semicircle of witches loitering around the bar. Jade’s sister Ember, with her warm hair a few shades lighter than Jade's, and with blue eyes that lit up her entire face, sat next to Fleur Harlow, another party witch from the Coven.
A raucous cheer went through the club as the night’s performance began and the lights dimmed.
Though my golden throne at the center of the club beckoned, I waltzed down the staircase, forging ahead towards my uptight mate, whose spine had stiffened at the emergence of scantily clad performers.
Over Jade’s shoulder, Ember gave me a slanted look of interest.
Rakish smile in place, I leaned against the mirrored bar top, allowing my half-unbuttoned shirt to fall loosely around my muscled chest. “How are you lovely ladies doing tonight? Everything squared away with our mystical guide?”
Ember’s eyebrows darted up. “Jade told us all about the woes of the Boudreaux pack. Gambling skirmishes, an undercover drug ring, and let’s not forget piping hot misogyny. Goddess, I don’t know what I ever saw in them.”
“Their dicks, Ember. That’s what you saw,” Fleur snorted over the rim of her glass. “Though, did you hear about Callum, who took over as mystical guide for the Fae? Apparently, he hexed a nymph he used to date.”
As Ember and Fleur winced, Jade turned to me with a glare. “We’re leaving. I no longer require your assistance tonight.”
“Speak for yourself, Jade!” Fleur yelled over the sound of the show behind us. “I don’t know who your costumer is, vampire, but I need their details immediately. Look at that pink leather bustier!”
Jade’s jaw clenched, but the young witch ignored her.
“I’ll have to get you in touch with my designer. She’s Fae but resides within my Court with other creatures who work for me.” I trailed off as my gaze followed the scarlet blush creeping up Jade’s face when the sounds of dancing turning downright dirty. “If you plan to stay, might I interest you in one of our private booths?”
Clearly having had enough of my sly flirtations, Jade stood, hefting her bag onto her shoulder. “No, we don’t need anything of yours, vamp. Now go and find someone willing to stomach your attentions for the remainder of the evening. Perhaps the gaggle of nymphs who have been salivating in the corner for the past hour.”
My smile was instant, gleaming white under the low lights. I reveled in Jade’s fiery jealousy, pleased that she cared enough to spit her uncharitable words.
Ember and Fleur seemed to catch onto Jade’s mood and quickly settled their tab.
“Alright, you win,” Ember groaned. “Let’s get out of here before traffic gets too bad. Unless you want Killian to come portal us home?”
Jade turned a sickly shade of green. “No, thank you. I’m parked around the block anyway.”
The witches turned to leave without sparing me another glance, and I bristled.
“What about the masquerade?” I called after them. “You all are coming tomorrow evening, right?”
Jade shot an accusatory look my way. “As if we have a choice.”
Like the witches’ annual Samhain festival, there were several events throughout the year the Council required all creatures to attend to force some semblance of comradery.
“Come on, Jade, don’t be so dour.” Fleur bounced on her toes with a girlish laugh. “Any excuse to dress up and party should be celebrated to the fullest.”
Ember snickered. “My dearest sister hasn’t even bought a dress yet. Let alone a mask.”
“Don’t worry.” I pretended to inspect my nails. “I know your sister quite well and have already taken care of everything.” Wicked delight filled my veins when Jade’s eyes narrowed to thin slits. “Your dress arrived at your home an hour ago, along with some new shoes which, considering the state of those, you will need.” I nodded towards her current pair.
She shook her head, cheeks flushed prettily as she tucked her shoes from view. “You can send whatever you want to my house. Doesn’t mean I’m going to wear it to your ridiculous party.”
My smile turned sharp. “It’s Carnival themed. You can’t simply turn up in any of the dresses I’ve seen you wear in my Court. We vampires may be good for only a few things, but an extravaganza to never forget is surely one of them. Now,”—I gestured my hand towards the exit—“after you ladies.”
Jade trailed behind Ember and Fleur as they bounded towards the door. She seethed over her shoulder, “We don’t need an escort.”
I opened my mouth to offer another jape, when I saw him.
Trystan Dubois looked exactly as he had when he watched me leave the Vasyliev castle in disgrace. An affluent, well-groomed man, every inch of him screamed wealth and power. His bronze skin blended seamlessly with his finely tailored suit, adorned with a single rose stem at his front pocket.
That night a decade ago, his garnet eyes had gleamed with malicious glee at my fall in esteem, while he reaped the rewards. Now those same eyes flicked between me and Jade with that same unconcealed amusement.
“My, my, Alexei. I doubted the rumors were true, but with the damning evidence before me, I can’t help but feel appalled at your lack of sense.” His hand lifted to his chest in mock disappointment. “A witch? Truly? After everything their kind has put your father through? After everything you did in Slovenia?” He tsked. “For shame, my prince.”
