Heading downstairs, he couldn't suppress his eagerness to see what Maddox would look like in her gown, despite knowing it wouldn't matter in the end. The woman could put on a trash bag and still turn heads, a natural talent she possessed that drove him insane.
No matter where they went, Maddox was ogled, and though Stephan knew she was simply trying to make an impression by smiling and laughing at even the lamest jokes, it made him more jealous than he'd ever been.
Such a reaction spoke volumes of his true feelings for her. But he didn't dare admit them, even to himself, otherwise the emptiness he felt every time he denied a chance to get closer to her would only worsen.
Yet those thoughts soon came to a stop as he entered the basement and heard sniffling coming from the dressing room.
“Maddox?”
There was no answer, and leaving his clothes on the sofa, he headed in that direction to find the vampire sitting at her vanity. She was already dressed for the masquerade in a scarlet gown with her black hair swept up at her crown, but she was hunched over with her head buried in her arms, nearly sobbing.
The sight of it was both upsetting, and strange. Maddox wasn't the type who easily gave into tears, though he wouldn't have been surprised to learn that she was just extremely frustrated by the lack of news on Mathias.
Walking over, he placed a hand on her bare shoulder and asked, “What's wrong?”
As if she hadn't heard him enter, Maddox sat up quickly, her mascara running in black lines down her cheeks.
“Nothing,” she whispered as Stephan grabbed a tissue from the box on the vanity, then gently wiped the lines away—and somehow, the motions only seemed to make her tears worse.
Kneeling before her, Stephan mentioned, “Doesn't look like nothing. I've never seen you like this, and I don't like it.”
“I just … ,” she trailed, then hiccuped, a sound that was entirely too cute for the heart wrenching expression on her face. “I just miss Mathias. It feels like I've failed him.”
“You haven't failed him,” he reassured with as much confidence as he could muster. “Just because we haven't heard anything doesn't mean we're not about to discover what happened, or a piece of it.”
Maddox nodded in agreement, but the gesture lacked conviction. Furthermore, she wasn't looking at him, perhaps out of shame over her tears, and he couldn't stand seeing her this way.
Standing from his crouch, he scooped her up from the stool to sit there with her in his lap. Immediately, she wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek against his shoulder, and he tightened his grip, knowing deep down that he would've held her this way forever if he could.
And forever wasn't just a fancy word.
But he pushed the thought away in favor of offering the comfort she so obviously needed. “We're gonna find Mathias. I don't give a damn how powerful Eradin is, I'll take his elven ass for a ride he won't forget.”
She stifled a snicker. “Don't make me laugh.”
Grinning, he tilted his head to better see her face. “Why not? I like it better when you smile.”
Inexplicably, his comment seemed to erase all traces of the one she'd found, and Stephan couldn't understand why, particularly when he thought he'd find her eager to go mingle at an extravagant ball.
“Aren't you anxious for tonight?”
Grumbling, Maddox stood from his lap, shrugging her bare shoulders as she took a few steps away. “I just have a lot on my mind, and as much as I'd love to spend time dancing and mingling, I'd rather go, find Eradin, and … just come back.”
Standing behind her, he resisted the urge to pull her into an embrace, but his concern was getting stronger by the minute. She was actually sounding like him, all business and no pleasure, as if beyond the point of hope.
Still, she faced him before he could comment on it, and flashed a small smile. “Foxy had some good news, at least. She said Eradin's already at the Spire, so we'll definitely have our chance.”
Hearing this, Stephan felt a definite measure of relief, muttering, “Good. It's about damned time something went our way. But … are you sure you're alright?”
“I'm fine,” she confirmed, reaching up to smooth out his tie, “and you look particularly handsome.”
That was more like the Maddox he knew, though Stephan wondered if her moment of despair had truly passed, or if she was simply masking it. But he decided not to ask at that moment, reminding her, “You picked the tux.”
Grinning, she mentioned, “I also picked out a mask that I see you've conveniently forgotten.”
Quirking a brow at her accuracy over his ploy, he retorted, “Yeah? And where's your mask?”
“I've decided my face is just too beautiful to hide,” she joked—but he couldn't have agreed more, finally taking the time to look her over.
Stephan knew she'd be beautiful, but damned if she hadn't knocked his expectations out of the water. Her strapless gown was dark red with shimmering black patterns printed across the lower half of the skirt, gloving her figure from the thighs up, and the bodice gave her just enough cleavage to tease his imagination.
Tendrils of black hair hung from her crown to trace along her bare shoulders, and he wanted to sweep his fingers over them—and his lips.
“Stephan?”
Realizing he was staring, he snapped himself out of it and asked, “What?”
She smiled over his distraction, relating, “I wanted to thank you for the pearl necklace. They're absolutely gorgeous.”
With everything going on, he'd forgotten all about the gift. Stephan had purchased them a week ago in the hopes of cheering her up, but also because he knew there wouldn't be many chances to buy her such things, and wanted to experience it at least once.
“Oh yeah, it's no trouble,” he drew out casually, masking the fact that her comment pleased him, though he was a little disappointed that she wasn't wearing them now.
That's when she frowned and mentioned, “I'd considered wearing them, but wasn't sure I should until … ”
Narrowing his gaze, Stephan prompted, “Until what?
As if he'd just asked a million-dollar question, the vampire released a heavy sigh. It made him think she was contemplating some major change in their situation, such as sending him away once things were concluded with Eradin. Why that would have any impact on her decision to wear his gift that evening, he had no clue, but the implication of her next statement was exactly that.
“There's something important we need to discuss, but I think it would be best to wait until after the masquerade.”
His heart sank into the pit of his stomach. Whatever it was, it sounded dire, and he had to fight to suppress the urge to ask right then and there. According to the clock next to the door, the masquerade had started ten minutes ago, and Maddox was already fetching their invitations and a Spire Shard she'd acquired a week ago from her vanity, handing him one of the tickets while he agreed as nonchalantly as possible.
“Sure, we can talk later. Should I brace for bad news?”
At that, she hesitated, giving him a considerate look before admitting, “It's not inherently bad news, it just depends on how you look at it.”
Masking his concern with a simple nod, Stephan prepared for any possibility. If she was about to send him packing, he'd probably brought it on himself by remaining so distant with her, and took her hand with regret weighing heavily in his heart.
Once they were linked, the shard began glowing, and only a moment later, the scenery around them changed to the indoor gardens of the New York City Spire. Fountains, plants, and marble travel spheres were set up around them like decorative statues—and they weren't the only people there. A small group was gathered at the reception desk, all dressed in elegant finery, handing over invitations to gain entrance.
With a deep breath, he left the arrival platform with Maddox to join them, unable to shake the feeling that this night was about to change everything.
29
♦ ♦ ♦
Maddox would've called the masquerade impressive, but the word wasn't strong enough.
She arrived in the ballroom with an arm laced through Stephan's, and even though her mood wasn't suited for a party, she marveled over the sight.
At the center of the large, circular ballroom was a dance floor by a stage set up for the band, and probably the magic auction taking place later. Surrounding it were columns rising up for two levels as pillars supporting the upper balconies overlooking the party, and the dome ceiling sported several decorative light fixtures slowly alternating colors from blue to red, and then gold, casting intricate patterns on the dance floor.
Everyone in attendance was looking their best, from elves to demons, and even a few gnomes, some dancing to the live music playing while others mingled. A number of people glanced in Maddox and Stephan's direction as well—including a werewolf who sneered the moment he caught her scent.
It was a sentiment she returned, yet they left each other alone as the first rule of the Spire was no violence on pain of death. So even natural enemies were on their best behavior.
But for all of the people gathered, there was no sign of Eradin anywhere.
“Do you see the elf?” Stephan inquired as they drew toward a short set of steps leading down to the dance floor.
“Not yet, but he may be up in the balconies.”
Stephan grumbled impatiently, and Maddox couldn't agree more. All she wanted to do was speak with the wizard and leave, declining a passing servant carrying a tray of champagne while Stephan mentioned, “If so, we'll need to be on the dance floor for a full view of the place, unless you wanna walk a full circle around.”
“Knowing our luck, he'd move and we'd miss him anyway,” she pointed out.
Nodding, he qualified, “Dancing it is.”
As he spoke, the music ended on a high note, and the dancers applauded the performers onstage. Some then abandoned the activity in favor of enjoying food and socializing, leaving plenty of room for newcomers.
Maddox watched them, then eyed Stephan considerately.
Seeing the look, he asked, “What?”
“I don't mean to sound presumptuous, but do you even know how to dance?”
Stephan was far from the type she could envision doing anything more than just standing on a dance floor, but he actually smirked over the question, relating, “I don't know, us humans aren't much into the ballroom scene, but I guess I could figure it out.”
His sarcastic tone pricked her curiosity enough to make her forget her disinterest in enjoying the party. “You can't say that and not offer a demonstration.”
“Oh? Well, if you won't be embarrassed when I bump into other couples and step on your feet, then … ”
Stephan trailed, taking a few steps down toward the dance floor where he turned and gentlemanly offered his hand, adding, “I'd be happy to do just that.”
Maddox couldn't help her surprised stare, realizing after a moment that her jaw was hanging open, and Stephan actually looked amused. It gave her the undeniable feeling that she had no idea what she was getting herself into—and she immediately reached for his hand in eagerness to learn.
On the floor, they navigated around the other dancers who started moving in time with the new song playing. It was a moderately paced jazz piece with a rich, soulful sound, and Stephan chose the moment ladies were being spun to turn his arm over Maddox's head and come about, pulling her in until her body was pressed firmly to his.
Maddox grasped his hand and laid the other on his shoulder, learning from the first few steps alone that Stephan had a secret talent she never would've guessed at. Their bodies moved in time as if they'd practiced for weeks, and after only a few moments, she had to offer praise.
“Consider me impressed. Where did you learn to dance?”
Stephan spun her under an arm before answering, “My mother was a dancer, and when Ellen found out, I couldn't sign her up for classes fast enough.”
“Did your mother teach you?”
“Some, but I learned more at Ellen's classes. Since I was usually the only guy there, I was a popular practice partner.”
Maddox's grin couldn't have gotten any bigger as she tried to imagine such a scenario, and it was hard to do. She also found it difficult to remember to watch the balconies for Eradin, particularly when Stephan turned and deftly dipped her back with the music, their faces close as they slowly stood upright.
And her heart was pounding the whole time.
“Did you have fun learning?” she asked breathlessly.
“It was fun watching Ellen have a good time.”
With his confession, the look on his face had grown more solemn, and Maddox quickly suggested, “Let's just look for Eradin.”
Realizing she was changing the subject, he shrugged. “It's okay, I don't mind telling you about her.”
“You don't?”
“No, why?”
“I just thought it would be painful.”
Stephan scoffed, winding her around with a dramatic change in the tone of music, then mentioned, “It's always gonna be painful, but … ”
As he trailed, Maddox shook her head. “But what?”
“It just doesn't hurt as much talking to you about her,” he confessed. “I think I've shared more of my life with you than anyone else I've met in the past five years, anyway.”
The comment was touching—and painful. If he was so comfortable sharing stories of his life with her, then why did he always push her away?
Maddox was dying to ask, but feared he'd stop their dance if she brought it up, deciding to simply admit, “That makes me happy, Stephan.”
“It does?”
She nodded. “I worry you're still uncomfortable with what I am.”
As they danced, Stephan held her gaze intently, and something in his look stole her breath. It was intense, and though he seemed reluctant, his tone matched the expression when he stated, “I have no problems with what you are anymore, Maddox. I was completely wrong in the beginning, and I wouldn't change anything about you now.”
Her heartbeat accelerated in response to the declaration. His grip had tightened around her, and there was a noticeable amount of sadness, even regret in his eyes, drawing Foxy's comment to mind. She'd said some mortals didn't want to die and leave their lovers behind, so could that truly be the reason for his distance these past few weeks?
Was this the sign she'd become so desperate to have?
Either way, the urge to tell him everything had grown by leaps and bounds, and as the music came to an end and they spun around to a dramatic stop, Maddox couldn't tear her gaze away from him. The other dancers began applauding the performers, and amidst their cacophony, she heard herself asking his name.
“Hmm?”
He gave a curious look, and her lips parted, but she paused while trying to decide on just how direct she should be with her confession.
It was a pause that seemed to worry Stephan because he suddenly pointed out, “You've been acting strange, so what's wrong? Do you want me to leave when we're done talking to Eradin?”
“Leave?”
“Yeah, pack up and go.”
“What? No!” she rushed out.
Stephan's shoulders slumped with relief before he insisted, “Then what is it?”
“It's … ,” she started, trailing as a figure standing in one of the balconies behind Stephan caught her gaze, prompting her to answer, “It's Eradin.”
Narrowing his brows, Stephan looked back and asked, “Where?”
“The blond in the balcony with the red drape.”
After a moment, he confirmed, “I see him,” then returned his attention to her and stated, “Guess this is our chance. Ready to go have that talk?”
Maddox exhaled low. It looked like her confession would have to wait after all, as lingering would only give Eradin a chance to move on before they could confront him.
So she answered without pause, “Definitely.”
Stephan could tell Maddo
x wanted to finish their conversation, and likewise, he was highly curious to know what she was about to say. But Eradin was just a short walk away, and if they didn't act, they'd lose their chance.
So the two moved quickly, ascending the stairs to the second level, and rounded the corner to the balcony where they found the elf bidding farewell to another guest. His deep blue tux was as expensive as they came, and for all intents and purposes, he looked mostly human. Only his ears jutting up through his long, blond hair in tapering points that were much less rounded than a fae's indicated otherwise.
He was also shorter than Stephan expected, but it soon became clear that what the elf lacked in height, he more than made up for in arrogance.
Though his back was facing them during their approach, he didn't turn around before stating in greeting, “I can't say I'm surprised to see you here, Maddox.”
There was an air of propriety to his voice, one she easily matched. “Why is that?”
Finally, the elf turned to pin them both with a set of pale yellow eyes before remarking, “One of my secretaries informed me of your attempt to get my attention. Marla Granger is your pseudonym, correct?”
“It is,” she confirmed, “and I was disappointed to learn you were unavailable as I have an urgent matter I need to discuss.”
“Oh?” Eradin offered a facetious smile as he suggested, “Have another factory you'd like to sell to me?”
Stephan quirked a brow. Apparently, Maddox was right—he hadn't let that go. But despite his grudge, Maddox's smile couldn't have been any bigger.
Shaking her head, she cut right to the chase. “I wanted to ask about your apprentice, Wesley.”
Hearing the name, Eradin tilted his head curiously, though it was hard to tell what he may have been thinking from his impassive expression. “Wesley?”
“Yes. I'm searching for someone very dear to me, and the last time anyone saw him—”
She stopped when Eradin lifted a hand, then quietly suggested, “Mathias?”
Fallen Hearts Page 24