by Harper Wylde
Digging through my bag, I pulled out my hairbrush and worked it through my locks, stroking until my long hair was silky and laying correctly. I rarely had to do much to it to make it cooperate, but I worked some leave-in conditioner into the layers to keep it soft, hoping the cold weather wouldn’t zap too much of the moisture from it over the winter. With ample time to spare and fear of appearing bare at the Gala and shaming my men and Gaspard, I decided to throw on some eyeliner and mascara—both I rarely used.
Slipping the red silk from the garment bag, I smiled at my dress. I’d never been one to dress up before—not that I’d ever had a reason to before now—but I was excited to wear this tonight if for no other reason than to see the reactions of my guys. I knew Ryder in particular was looking forward to seeing me in something other than jeans and leggings. If he had anything to say about it, we’d all have reasons to dress up and go out regularly—just for the clothes and the fun he’d have shopping for us.
Sliding the dress over my head carefully, I let the cool silk flow over my skin—enjoying the smooth feel of it as it warmed against me. I reached behind me and attempted to tighten the laces, but without help I’d never get the bodice tight enough.
Creeping to the door, I hid behind it as I cracked it open, planning to call for one of my guys. “Hello?” I called out, trying to see which one was nearby.
“Nix? Do you need help, darling?” Celine answered, making her way back down the hallway. She was dressed in an elegant golden gown that hugged her figure before flowing to the floor. The dress shimmered as she walked, and her high heels clicked as she drew closer. Everything about the woman was put together and elegant. I was embarrassed but moved back from the door as she peeked her head around. Exclaiming quietly, she gasped. “Oh, it’s absolutely beautiful and you look gorgeous in it! You need help with the back, don’t you?”
I nodded. Coming into the room, she shut the door with a soft click. My nerves rose but my Phoenix cooed, not feeling any threat from the woman, even though she was married to a Councilman. The whiplash from worrying about being near a member of the Council who may not have my best interests at heart and the entirely separate worry about being around Damien’s parents was wearing me out and putting me more on edge than I already was.
I turned around to let her do up the laces of the corset on the back. Pulling tightly, she laced it perfectly—making sure I could still breathe and move while accentuating my waistline and corresponding figure.
“I’d always wished I’d had a daughter.”
At first, I wanted to gape, thinking she meant she’d wished that Damien had been a girl, but then I saw the wistful look in her eyes reflected back at me in the floor length mirror and noticed the misty expression found there.
“You wanted more children?” I asked the question softly, hoping that I wasn’t intruding on private memories she wasn’t looking to share.
“I did. We tried. It’s rare for me to only have one child, but after a number of miscarriages…” She trailed off, waving hand in front or her as if to explain it all away. Turning, I placed a hand on her forearm carefully.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Oh, dear… it’s quite alright. It’s not something people talk about often. In my case it’s more widely known than usual, given our status and position in the community.” Shaking off the thoughts, she veered directions. “But with you here, it almost feels like I have one.” She gave me a gentle smile, and I wondered if she knew how much her son and I meant to each other. If Damien and I mated in the future, she’d practically be my mother-in-law. My head spun at the idea of having in-laws, but I cared for each one of my men and in kind, I cared for their families as well.
When she was done lacing the dress, she gently placed her hands on my shoulders as we both took in the full effect in the mirror. Tamping down on my anxiety over being touched by people I didn’t know, I tried to ease the tension I had in my shoulders.
“The men tonight won’t know what hit them.” She grinned and then dropped her hands. “When you’re ready, just come on out. The car is warming up already. We’ll probably leave a few minutes early to make sure that Raphael is on time.” With one last soft smile, she disappeared, calling out to organize the others—making sure everything ran seamlessly.
My hands found my stomach as I tried to take a few measured deep breaths. Sitting at the vanity table, I slipped on the heels and secured a bracelet with ruby red stones adorning it onto my wrist. The look was simple but I felt beautiful. Adding a touch of lip gloss, I threw everything back in my bag and headed for the door.
Sounds of the guys’ good-natured teasing from the living room floated down the hallway, and as I walked as silently as I could, I caught a glimpse of them all as they fastened their cuff links, straightened cummerbunds, and buttoned up perfectly tailored waist coats. My heart raced and my pulse skipped as I took them all in. While my men always looked amazing, there was just something heart-stopping about seeing them all perfectly groomed and dressed up.
“Nix.” Killian caught sight of me first, drawing the rest of their attention to me. I walked into the room slowly with a nervous smile. “You look…”
“ … bloody amazing!” Ryder’s grin was the largest I’d ever seen it, splitting his face so wide that it made me give a broad smile of my own.
I stepped further into the room and Ryder moved to my side, took my hand, and twirled me. The dress fanned out and I felt like a princess.
You look like one too. Damien beamed.
You look stunning. Killian’s gaze hadn’t left my body since I’d walked into the room, continually traveling down the flowing dress, then back to my face as he drank in the sight of me.
She looks fucking hot! Ryder grinned, leaning over and kissing me on the cheek.
Hiro was silent, standing in the room with his hand deep in his pockets, his eyes burning fire behind his glasses. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful, he purred through the connection, making me squirm.
I missed my Theo, but I was so happy that the guys approved of my gown. It made the whole night worthwhile, even though I was dreading what came next.
You going to be alright, sweetheart? Damien asked me privately.
No, but I don’t have much of a choice. I looked down and made sure I had all my things together. I could hear Damien’s parents heading our way, and I wasn’t sure how to keep my feelings hidden from the guys. Even if they weren’t projecting through our link, I knew my face wouldn’t be able to hide how I felt. I didn’t want to go to the Gala. Meeting other males held no appeal, and I was more than happy to ditch the whole thing and go out to some nice restaurant to put our fancy clothes to better use. However, I knew that doing that was not an option, and I wasn’t going to complain about having to play the part until we could figure out a way to be together. The most important thing to me was that my family stayed safe, and this was my part to play in that.
So fucking strong, Damien murmured in my head as he moved closer, brushing a kiss over my hair.
When his parents stepped into the room, he took a step back and I missed his presence immediately.
“Darling, you look radiant!” Celine cooed. “Doesn’t she look beautiful, Raphael?” She preened, much like my Phoenix occasionally did.
“That she does.” He smiled kindly at her and then at me.
Clapping her hands, Celine got everyone moving. “Everyone out to the cars! Let’s get this show on the road!”
Ever the gentleman, Killian grabbed my things and carried them to the car while Hiro offered me an arm and escorted me to the waiting vehicle.
Just a few hours and it will all be over. Then we can take you home, Hiro pressed into my mind.
Nothing had ever sounded better.
Thirty-Six
Nix
The sound of music wafted through the heavy wooden door as I stood fidgeting.
“Relax, girl. You’re going to ruin your nails,” Gaspard chastised quietl
y with a gentle smile from where he stood at my side.
The line of girls being presented this evening was long, and as the eldest and highest ranked, I was to be announced last. The pomp and circumstance of the Gala—and the classism—bothered me already. Dread weighed down my stomach as I thought about all the eyes within the throne room sizing me up as the Council practically tried to auction me off to the highest bidder. Especially after the last time I’d stepped foot in the room beyond. Memories of the execution and they way the Council had spilled my entire life story to shifters who were supposed to be my peers threatened to rise up, but I worked to suppress them. My Phoenix cooed softly and reassuringly in my head, remaining close.
Anxiety swirled through me as I stood on heels I was unaccustomed to wearing. The red satin shoes were beautiful, but my ankles already ached and the straps rubbed uncomfortably against my feet. I’d had to practice walking in them across my room before I even dared to wear them out of the house. Breaking the heels in had helped marginally, and I was grateful that I didn’t feel as if I’d fall straight off of them and embarrass myself. Drawing more attention to myself was the very last thing I needed. However, the thought of the guys’ reactions when they’d seen me all dressed up warmed my heart and heated my cheeks. At the end of the day, the heels had been worth it.
As the line grew shorter, I tried to focus on each of my men, letting their presence reflecting through the mental line calm me. While it wasn’t fully open, I could feel each one of them with me mentally if not physically. Their promise that no matter what happened we’d find a way to be together was the only thing that would truly get me through this evening.
Glancing up, I saw Theo’s eyes searching for me among the crowd of debutantes. Tonight his focus needed to be on his sister, so I tried to make sure I didn’t look as nervous as I felt when I offered him a smile. His logical, assessing eyes, however, didn’t miss a thing.
Remember what we said. He pressed the thoughts toward me and Damien opened the connection wider, letting them flow. I knew my Gargoyle was working hard to keep our mental connection open while shielding our conversation from others. Still, we needed to be careful what we allowed through our link while we were so close to the Council and other powerful mythologicals.
I do. I kept my eyes locked on Theo’s, drawing from his strength, until it was Molly’s time to be presented.
You look stunning. We’ll be right inside. I felt beautiful as Theo let his gaze drop down the sweeping lines of my scarlet red dress once more before giving me a grin, straightening his glasses and his tie before turning to offer his sister his arm.
Molly squealed as the door opened and glanced over her shoulder, giving me a wave and a thumbs up before facing forward and allowing her brother to lead her into the room. Her teal gown cascaded down her body, hugging her from her chest to her waist before gently flowing to the floor. Swoops of gold and silver decorated the dress, creating an effect that looked like ocean waves. The fabric grew opaque in an ombre like effect as it swept past her knees to kiss the floor. It was perfect for her. Her golden hair was elaborately styled on her head, with a cascade of curls hanging down her back. She looked gorgeous and my heart constricted as I thought about her finding her mates tonight. She was so young—only sixteen.
Don’t let any assholes near her. My voice came through the link protectively—nearly a snarl. I’d seen too much of the world, and I didn’t trust many people. In fact, my inner circle was preciously small, but Theo was family and that made Molly like a sister. Emotion clogged my throat at the thought.
Don’t worry. That will never happen. She’ll be lucky if I let anyone bid on her. Theo tightened his grip on Molly as they continued into the room. His fierce protectiveness made me smile. Theo had been dreading this night for more reasons than my being presented. His sister was one of the most important people in the world to him, and since his father wasn’t here to usher Molly through this extremely important event in her life, Theo took his responsibility to the extreme end of serious. It was one of the things I loved about him. I strained on my heels to catch the last glimpse of my Kraken’s sharp, cut tuxedo as the two of them disappeared into the crowd and the engraved wooden doors closed, blocking my view.
Since the line was divided by status and power, and Molly was considered a powerful yet common mythological, there were six other girls between she and I. Each time the doors opened and closed, my heart raced faster until, at last, it was my turn.
Just walk into the room like you own it, mikró pouláki. Ryder’s excitement bounced through the line, his desire to lay eyes on me again ringing clear in my mind. My lips curved up into a genuine smile as I read his feelings about me. He wasn’t blocking them in the least and my heart swelled at the love I felt being sent in my direction.
Slow and steady, let Gaspard lead you, Theo offered, having just gone through this very thing. It’s one lap around the room to show you off, and then you can relax some and let Gaspard do the work.
They’re all going to be looking at her. Killian nearly cursed, upset about the ogling that was about to happen. I knew I was the hot ticket item tonight, and that made me as uncomfortable as my stupid heels.
Hey… Ryder countered. You look bloody fantastic in those heels.
Simultaneously, Theo chastised Killian, You can’t stop people from looking at her, Kill.
I know, but I don’t have to freakin’ like it, my Puca grumbled.
I took a deep breath, realizing that I needed to calm him down.
It’s alright, Abra. If we have to do this thing… if we have to put on a show… then we’ll do it. Just know that I’m going home with you tonight. All of you. Resounding growls and roars of agreement surged into my mind.
“Tell those boys of yours to be quiet.” Gaspard shot me a knowing grin and stepped up to my side, offering me his tuxedo clad arm in a galant move. I arched an eyebrow at him, but slid my hand around his arm, letting him tuck me close to his side. “Don’t think I don’t know that they’re all chatting you up inside that pretty head of yours. But now it’s time to focus. We have a job to do. They know that. You know that. Trust me and let me lead you through tonight, and you’ll be just fine.”
I wasn’t sure that his words were true, but he was the best hope I had in this precarious and strange situation. If anyone knew and understood my relationship with the guys, it was Gaspard. In his own way, I knew he wanted us together as well. Yet, he was much better at playing politics than I was, and for now, that seemed like a necessary skill.
I straightened and double checked my dress just before the doors pulled open, revealing the crowd beyond. If it was possible, there seemed to be a larger mass of people pressing to see me than there had been for the other girls. I tried not to flinch at the crush of mythologicals.
“Easy.” Gaspard patted my hand. There was a quiet confidence and a gleam in his eyes as he straightened his posture and led me through the double doors, tall and proud. “Don’t let them see your fear. Otherwise they’ll be like sharks with blood in the water.”
I side-eyed him just as the announcer began his spiel, not given time to make a reply.
“And now, the lady we’ve all been waiting to lay eyes on, Annika Coxx escorted by her Elder Gaspard Lacroix.”
Gaspard swept me into the room, and I gritted my teeth together to try and keep my face neutral at the sound of my full name and the last name that linked me to Michael—Henri… whoever. That last name haunted me and suddenly didn’t feel like mine. I wanted nothing more than to be rid of it and made a note to ask the guys if mating meant you took a different last name like was typical with marriage, but now wasn’t the time.
Gaspard’s sure footsteps guided me through my loop as the announcer continued. “Annika is the only one of her kind, an extremely rare mythological phoenix shifter. With an affinity for fire, she shows great strength and promise. Growing up outside of our society, Annika currently does not belong to any one shifter group.”
I found him in one of the back corners with Ciarán at his side. Killian’s brother had a tight grip on him, keeping my Puca firmly planted to his spot. When my gaze met theirs through the throngs of people, Ciar threw me a wink and whispered to Killian, for once seeming to try and calm him instead of attempting to elicit a reaction. It was in moments like this that I knew Ciar truly did love his brother.
As the announcer droned on about my breeding potential, I tried not to gag.
Well he’s not wrong, Ryder teased. You do have lots of breeding potential that may or may not require lots of practice.
Ryder… Hiro warned, but I didn’t mind. My Ceraptor’s lightheartedness helped, and I smiled to myself, which caused Damien to groan.
What? I asked him, lifting my gaze and scanning the crowd, working to locate his whereabouts.
You don’t want to know what’s being thought about you. He sounded strained.
You can hear others thoughts? I was flabbergasted, concerned more with this new development than the thoughts of others. As far as I knew, Damien could only hear the minds of those he was close to. People like his family and friends. I thought we were done with secrets, batman. When did this development happen?
Amusement shot through our connection. You’re not the only one who’s been practicing, sweetheart.
I shook my head, my lips curved into a smile as I held a private conversation with my men.