Curse Touched: A Paranormal Vampire Romance (A Touch of Vampire Book 2)

by Becky Moynihan

  Troy unapologetically smirked and didn’t even try to get free. “Come on, Loch. You’re obviously banging her. It’s not fair that you get all the fun. Let one of us have a turn.”

  “Troy,” Everett barked, surprising us all. “Enough. We have business to discuss.”

  King Ambrose chose that moment to sweep in. He took in the scene and blew out an exasperated sigh. “Again? What is up with you boys lately?” He snapped his fingers and a pair of servers scurried forward to clean up the mess. “We’ll get to the bottom of this, but at another time. There’s been a change of plans. I’ve invited the council and my most trusted courtiers to attend a ball tonight in Miss Belmont’s honor.”

  “You what?” Everett and Lochlan spoke at the same time, the latter releasing his younger brother to face the king.

  “Somehow, word has gotten out of Kenna’s arrival,” Ambrose said, looking sternly at his sons. “The council is furious that I haven’t consulted them thus far, especially considering that she might be the very last Syphon we’re going to get. To appease them, I’m allowing them to meet her tonight.” He held up a hand when Lochlan opened his mouth to argue. “The invitations have already been sent and preparations are underway. I suggest you take this time to coach Miss Belmont on what to expect. We don’t want any accidents to occur.

  “Oh,” he added, swiveling toward me, “and Clarice doesn’t need to know about this little social event, so we won’t be releasing your warlock friend today. I’m sure you understand.” He turned on his heel before I could reply, not that arguing would change anything. At the door, he paused to glance over his shoulder at me. “And Kenna? Be sure to wear a dress tonight. I’ll be highly displeased if you don’t.”

  * * *

  I spent the day in my room, standing for hours on end while I was measured and poked and prodded. Three maids worked feverishly around me, trying to finish the dress before this evening. I wasn’t allowed any input, but when they began holding up different colored fabrics, I’d asked that my dress be red.

  I wished so badly that Isla wasn’t sequestered in her room. Kade had explained that being around so many humans would cause her to lose control. Until she could rein in her bloodlust, the staff—and me—weren’t allowed to be near her. I ached for her predicament. Ached to know how she was feeling, if she resented me for my part in not saving her in time. I wanted to help her, to distract her mind from thoughts of blood. To tell her about everything I’d been through myself. That Noah was here.

  She must feel so alone, unable to see her family or friends for fear of harming them. At least she had Kade. They’d obviously formed an attachment of some kind through this traumatizing event. It was the only thing keeping me from sneaking across the hall to check on her. I knew Kade would take good care of her.

  It was half past seven before a knock came at the door. I immediately pushed off the wall where I’d been nibbling on grapes and reading a rather steamy historical romance novel that one of the maids had let me borrow. I quickly fanned my flushed cheeks and bent to slip on my shoes. The black, strappy pumps were thankfully a lot more comfortable than the last high-heeled shoes I’d worn.

  When I straightened, Kade’s wide-shouldered frame filled the doorway.

  “Wow, little Kenna,” he said, his low voice filled with open appreciation. “Loch won’t know what hit him.”

  I looked down at my dress in a vain attempt to hide the renewed flush to my cheeks. It really was a beautiful confection. The full, floor-length underskirt was a deep red satin. Over that, a filmy tulle layer embellished with thousands of tiny diamonds twinkled brightly. The neckline plunged to just below my breasts, and the boned, sparkly top was stiff enough to remain upright without the help of straps. Thankfully, that meant my nipples were safely hidden. But the tops and sides of my breasts were on full display, not to mention my cleavage.

  Simple gold jewelry and black satin elbow gloves completed the outfit. My hair was upswept with golden combs, except for a few loose curls cascading down my bare back, and my lips matched the hue of my dress. All-in-all, I’d never felt more like a princess.

  “Thanks,” I murmured, peeking up at him again. “You look pretty great yourself. I bet you didn’t have to stand for the past several hours so your pants wouldn’t wrinkle though.” Not to mention what I was supposed to do if I needed to pee.

  Kade barked a laugh. “True. I’ve been keeping a newbie vampire stocked up on blood instead.”

  My smile slipped. “How is she?”

  “Okay, considering. She misses you.”

  My throat tightened, making it hard to breathe. The dress’s constrictive boning only made it worse. “Thank you for taking care of her. For . . . saving her.”

  He stepped into the room, but stopped just shy of touching me. “What matters to you matters to me, Kenna. You’re my drothen’s soulmate. My life is tied to yours now too. Anything you need, just ask.”

  My heart expanded at his words. I struggled not to cry and ruin my makeup. Sniffling, I said, “Why did you become Lochlan’s drothen?” When he hesitated, I added, “He told me about his past. About Edith and everything that led to the curse.”

  Kade looked beyond shocked. As he scrubbed a hand down his face, a telltale sheen glistened in his eyes. “Wow, I . . . I didn’t think he’d be able to tell you. He’s never gotten this close to someone before.”

  Warmth filled my chest. “He’s close to you too.”

  “Yeah, but . . . not like this. With me, he had no choice. After he was rescued from Edith, Lochlan was forced to make a decision. Either accept a drothen bond or live out the rest of his days on this island. Although not as rare as soulmates, there aren’t a lot of drothen bonds in existence, especially nowadays. The bond is usually forged out of necessity when a Venturi has a need for added protection. Venturi almost never bond in this way with each other, but on occasion will select a strong Feltore to aid them.

  “I was chosen specifically for my virile personality. My strength, humor, and energy—even my healthy sex drive—were meant to lend Loch a boost when he stopped allowing himself to feel. Unfortunately, by the time Ambrose thought to instill our bond, Loch had buried his emotions too deep.

  “But being tied to me has other perks as well. I can sense if he’s being manipulated by a spell, for one. I’m like a built-in alarm system, which Lochie definitely needed after . . . you know. At first, he resented me. Our bond felt too much like a mind invasion, which he’d experienced enough with Edith. I was a necessary evil to him, since he didn’t want to be trapped on the island forever. He tolerates me now, though,” Kade finished with a wink.

  I snorted, despite the urge to cry again. “He more than tolerates you. I can tell that he loves you. You’re good for him.”

  He smiled. “I love him too.” Then, before I could prepare, before I could ever be ready, he said, “Do you?”

  All the air whooshed out of me.

  “D-do I . . . Do I what?” I stammered, feeling my face heat to a million degrees.

  “Do you love him?”

  Oh fates, I so wasn’t expecting this. My palms dampened inside my gloves, which suddenly felt ten sizes too small. “Um . . .”

  Did I? I mean, I definitely cared about him. I lit up whenever he was near. I felt safe and protected in his arms. Cherished, accepted, and wanted. He infuriated me as much as he thrilled me. I couldn’t imagine my life without him anymore. Just the thought sent agony through my soul.

  Holy crap, was I in love with Lochlan D’angelo?

  Kade chuckled softly. “No need to answer. I’ve got a pretty good idea. But since it was unfair of me to put you on the spot, I’ll give you a little insider’s info.” He reached out then and gently touched my cheek, initiating skin contact for the very first time. “I’ve never felt Lochlan so at peace, like he’s finally put his demons to rest and is allowing the light back into his life. And I believe with my whole heart, dear Kenna, that you are that light.”

  32

/>   KENNA

  As Kade and I paused at the top of the grand staircase overlooking the ballroom, my heart felt full. I didn’t think it could get any fuller. But when I peeked over the bannister and spotted Lochlan below, socializing with the guests, I knew that it could.

  I could barely tear my eyes away from him, but I did, quickly familiarizing myself with the elaborate room. It was richly breathtaking, from top to bottom. The soaring ceiling, chandeliers, columns, candelabras, sweeping staircase, and polished floor all shone a burnished gold. There were too many sculptures and intricate details to take in all at once.

  “Mask on, little Kenna. We all must play our part,” Kade crooned in my ear before sliding a silken mask over my eyes.

  As he tied the strings, I muttered, “Isn’t it kind of obvious who I am though? I’ll be the only one wearing a black mask. Oh, and the only one not sporting dark as midnight skin and ruby red eyes.”

  “But that’s the whole point. You’re honoring us by wearing a black mask, and we’re honoring you by hiding our hideous appearances behind shiny, golden suns.”

  I whacked his chest. “Stop it. You’re not hideous. What do the gold masks really represent?”

  “Hope,” he said seriously, tying his own mask on. “That you’ll save our world from falling into darkness.”

  I swallowed hard. Fates. No pressure or anything.

  “You ready for this?”

  No. Not in a thousand years.

  Tilting my chin up, I inhaled a fortifying breath and nodded.

  “Then go show them what you’re made of,” he said, stepping back so that I was on my own.

  I wasn’t alone, though, I reminded myself as I took a wobbly step forward, then another. I had Lochlan and Kade. And somewhere in this castle were Isla and Noah. I actually had people in my life who cared about me. Enough to be honest and no longer keep me in the dark. Sure, none of them were human. And they were all dangerous. But that didn’t bother me in the least.

  Because so was I.

  I reminded myself of that as I reached the top stair and stared out at a sea of unfamiliar faces. There were at least fifty vampires below, a lot more than I’d been anticipating. They turned en masse and raised their blood red eyes to mine. Fangs flashed and noses lifted to catch a whiff of my scent.

  But I wasn’t their prey. I wasn’t anyone’s prey.

  I was a one-of-a-kind apex predator. I could kill with a single touch. I could steal magic and use it as a weapon. I could transform into dangerous creatures of the night.

  I lifted my chin higher and glided down the stairs. I wasn’t afraid. Not of them. They were the ones who should be afraid of me. I let my thoughts pierce the gazes of all who looked upon me. Some lowered their eyes. Some openly hissed. But I didn’t falter. Didn’t look away. Didn’t let them find a single weakness.

  Because I was the Syphon witch who could free them all.

  They needed me. And I wouldn’t let them forget it.

  When I reached the bottom of the stairs, King Ambrose was there to greet me, right on cue. I recognized him by the confident way he carried himself—plus the gold and ruby ring flashing on his pinkie finger as he held out his unprotected hand toward me. I was the only one here wearing gloves. They represented my commitment to do no ill will toward any vampire I touched. Of course, no such assurance was given to me should anyone here wish to do me harm.

  This was a political event just as much as a social one. The dozens of vampires in attendance were either advisers to the king or lords and ladies of his court. Most were Venturi, but there were a few respected Feltore and even a couple of drothen like Kade. That was about all Lochlan had been able to tell me before I’d been whisked away for dress fittings.

  All I knew was that these vampires would consume me—literally—if I screwed up tonight. They still wanted the curse broken, of course. But their distrust of witches, especially Syphons, was strong. If I did anything even remotely threatening, I was toast.

  I accepted the king’s hand with a gracious smile and small curtsy, to which he nodded approvingly. That wasn’t the only thing he “approved” of though. He made a show of twirling me this way and that, making my full skirt flare out.

  “This dress is striking, Miss Belmont. All the more with you in it. If you weren’t a witch, I’d consider making you an offer of marriage.”

  I nearly died on the spot when several vampires within hearing distance—which were a lot, since they had excellent hearing—started to chuckle.

  Okay. I was going to say it. The king was creepy. I mean, he was five hundred years old, for fate’s sake. Sure, he looked great for his age, but still!

  I smiled demurely and dipped my chin. “You’re too kind, Your Grace.” Yeah, yeah, I was leaning heavily on the historical romance novel I’d just read. Hopefully it was accurate.

  “Let us dance and get this celebration underway, shall we?” he said, sweeping his arm toward the room’s center.

  My show of confidence faltered. Uh, I had no clue how to waltz—which I assumed we were about to do, judging by the string quartet gathered in the corner. Crap, I was so screwed. That didn’t stop me from following him though, from lightly placing my hand on his shoulder and allowing him to grasp my waist. When the music started, he leaned into me and my eyes flew wide.

  “Just follow my lead, Miss Belmont,” he said quietly with a note of amusement in his voice. He moved again and I followed this time, desperately trying to memorize the steps. “Chin up. Let your body find the rhythm.”

  Yeah. Sure. No problem. Now I just had to look into the face of the man who’d ordered the genocide of my people. And in the process, not step on his toes.

  “What do you want with my son?”

  I nearly swallowed my tongue, completely missing a step at his abrupt question. Scrambling to recover, I stammered, “I-I want to help him break the curse.”

  “Yes, you’ve said that, but what do you want with him? I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and the way you look at him. If not for his drothen’s insistence that he’s under no spell, I would have assumed you bewitched Loch’s mind. It’s not the first time this has happened to him, which is why the stipulations of the prophecy are so repugnant. My sons don’t deserve to be cursed, not after everything they went through at the hands of witches.”

  I could barely concentrate on my footing as I racked my brain for how to reply. This was an opportunity to speak my mind, to make him see things in a new light. But I couldn’t forget the fact that he was set in his ways. Even if I told him the entire truth and laid my heart out before him, I doubted he’d see things my way. Still, I had to try, for the sake of both our people.

  “I promise that I’m not manipulating Lochlan with a spell. I wouldn’t even know how to if I wanted to, which I don’t. We’ve . . . grown to respect each other. I know that’s hard to believe, considering what happened in the past, but . . . I want him to be happy. I care for him, enough to remind him that not all witches are the same, and neither are vampires. We don’t all want to destroy each other. We aren’t all filled with blind hatred.

  “And although I don’t think it’s fair that I was chosen to break this curse simply because I’m a Syphon, I’ve come to realize that I’m glad it happened. It’s allowed me to meet some incredible people—both vampires and witches alike, even a few werewolves. I even consider some of them my family now. And I never would have made these connections if it wasn’t for the curse, so . . . I’m glad it happened. I’m glad, and I fully believe that fate brought me here. This is my destiny, and I have no desire to run away from it.”

  It wasn’t until I’d finished speaking that I realized the music had stopped. And so had we. So had everyone who had been dancing, turning to eavesdrop on our conversation. Then it hit me. This had been a setup. The king had wanted everyone to listen in, to know what kind of person I was.

  Problem was, I didn’t know if I’d passed the test or not.

  The king suddenly smiled, so wid
e that his fangs peeked out from beneath his golden mask. “Good answer. I’m not sure if I believe you just yet, but I’m beginning to like you. Can’t say that I’ve ever liked a witch before. You’re just so . . . refreshing. No Syphon has ever dared look me in the eye and speak as if they were my equal.” Before I could figure out if his words were a compliment or not, he stepped back and tipped his head at me, saying, “I look forward to working with you, Miss Belmont. I expect our future findings will be . . . interesting.”

  He swiveled on his heel and snapped his fingers for the music to resume. The crowd parted for him, but they didn’t continue dancing. No, they continued to stare at me like I was a strange exotic animal they couldn’t decide whether to pet or kill. I suddenly felt alone. Alone and terrified. Any second now, they’d scent my fear and realize that I was nothing more than a little girl playing pretend. And when that happened, I’d become just one more casualty. One more dead Syphon in their desperate race to break the curse.

  But if that happened, there wouldn’t be time to find another Syphon. The curse would become permanent. Vampires and humans would wage a war. And this world would never be the same again.

  Fates, I couldn’t let that happen. I needed to pull myself together. I needed to stay strong, to remain in control, or everything was going to fall apart. But I couldn’t suppress my fear. And the crowd was closing in. And I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t . . . I couldn’t . . .

  A murmur rose up and the crowd suddenly parted again.

  And there he was. Tall, dark, and imposing. Silhouetted in wisps of shadow. A black, three-piece suit accentuated his lithe frame, a single red rose pinned to his lapel. His pitch black hair was artfully wild as usual, falling against his forehead and golden mask.