by Rebecca Main
Jakob has become quite versed in the manipulation of our bond in the few nights following the masquerade ball. It is unnerving, to say the least.
Fingers drag up my thigh, and I spare Sebastian a raised brow. “Looking for friends?” he drawls.
I smirk. “I can count the number of friends I have on one hand. So, no.”
“Did I make your list?”
I lean down and nip at Sebastian’s lip playfully, putting on a show of it. “No,” I tease. “You’re my lover.”
As I pull back, Sebastian’s icy fingers retreat. The small knot of tension between my shoulder blades slowly releases. I am indeed more comfortable with Sebastian—and more confident and comfortable with myself—yet there is still a part of me that rebels at his touch.
“How could I forget,” he murmurs, reaching up and dragging my hand from the nape of his neck and to his lips. “Tell me, then, who has made your list?”
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth for a moment before I can adequately answer, a sudden shyness interloping on my carefully collected nerves.
“Ruby, obviously.” Sebastian ducks his head in acquiescence, a curious tilt to his brow as he awaits the rest of my answer, no doubt memorizing my list to report back to Jakob. I allow my gaze to drift away before I continue, taking on an unaffected air. “Nova. Jax, though he has only recently made my list. I'm sure he'll do something to get himself kicked off it, sooner or later.”
“Of course.”
I pause a heartbeat. I had delivered Valdora’s message to Jax and his reaction had been queer, to say the least. I expected a smug retort, but the look he wore was contemplative and he had been solemn thanking me for delivering the message. What business did Jax have with all of the sorcerers?
“Claire,” I announce.
“The banshee?” Sebastian’s query is laced with subtle surprise.
“Is there another Claire at court?”
“There are three.”
I turn and receive a wry grin from the vampyré. With a small sniff, I inch my nose toward the ceiling. “Yes, Claire the banshee.”
“And the last?”
Before I can respond, a throb of acknowledgment manages to slip past the tight closure I keep on the bond. My eyes linger on a faraway point as I take in a steadying breath.
“As it happens, the last on my list is only a recent addition,” I say, and pin Sebastian with a knowing look. “But that doesn’t guarantee they’ll stay on my list.”
“I see.” Sebastian’s cheek twitches, the hint of a smile ghosting over his lips as he toys absentmindedly with my hand. “And how did this person make it onto your exclusive list?”
“Their style and charm,” I say dryly. Another twitch, this one paired with a slight wrinkling at the ends of his eyes, as if he is stifling a smile.
I stifle my own. I have not told Sebastian about the depth of my conversation with Briar, let alone that I know of his relationship with her.
“Your criteria for friendship is profound.”
I shrug, tugging my hand from his hold to place it around the length of his shoulders. “We’ll see how long this new ‘friendship’ lasts,” I say, sinking against the back of the chair and shifting my seat on the chair's arm. “For whatever reason, I have the strangest feeling it might be frowned upon.”
Sebastian’s hand goes back to my thigh in what looks like another mindless gesture. We must always be touching—always—to fool the others. These casual graces tell of a deeper connection between the two of us. But we know the truth of our lies. His fingers squeeze the warm skin of my thigh in gentle rebuke.
I open my ears once more to the conversations swirling around us and let the cadence of their chatter fill my mind. I wonder about the fall of the Vrana Household. The hows and whys of their fall elusive to me, except for one truth.
My soulmark has a target on his back—his enemy powerful and unknown, and one who most likely despises my very existence.... If the quest for the rings and the Vrana's mysterious enemy didn’t resonate with me before, it does now.
“… The Vranas have no sense of loyalty.”
“… But I digress. I find the Vranas quite enchanting.”
“… You can’t trust a household that vouches for a sorcerer and a lycan.”
“… They’re misunderstood. The Vranas are only looking for redemption.”
“… They’re an unkindness to the court.”
The commentary draws blood up to my cheeks, even as I hold my head high and peer out among them. Their whispers and stares hit me with both ill and effective hits.
“… It’s like she has poor Sebastian under a spell!”
“… He was a perfect gentleman at the masquerade. Believe me, I tried ruffling his feathers.”
“… Do you think once the Vranas tire of her, they’ll let the rest of us have a go at her? What I wouldn’t give for a taste of her blood.”
My eyes shutter closed, and when they reopen, they are as cold and distant as an iceberg on the horizon. Confidence is one thing to have while among this vicious vampyré kind, but it’s all for naught without a heart of steel to protect yourself.
++
I skim the dinner table with veiled interest. How different my two families are, yet oddly similar.
Sebastian holds Zoelle’s quiet air and Keenan’s equally silent resolve. Ruby’s wicked humor could give Ryatt and Quinn a run for their money. Atticus’s good humor resides in Jax. Callie and Nova… well, the two are warriors through and through. And as for my older brother, my alpha, Xander… his love for our pack, family, might be the only redeeming quality mirrored in Jakob.
Back home in Branson Falls, dinner conversation would never delve into strategies and defensive planning. Those talks are left behind in the office or in the field. But here, in the sanctuary of our quarters, the dining room table is always set to discuss war.
“I’m losing favor in the Pits,” Nova states, eyeing her empty glass of blood with red-stained eyes, her hunger hardly abated. “Ever since you and Sebastian got it on in front of everyone—”
“We did no such thing!” I scold, my eyes as wide as saucers at her choice of words. They quickly narrow upon her. “And I’d like to remind you we were forced into that situation.”
“I know, I know—and rumors are going around to that extent. They're saying you didn’t want to do it, and they’re doubting the strength of your relationship.” My growl rips through the room, and Nova raises her hands in surrender. “I’m just saying. If the talk in the Pits is anything to go by, the court has become pretty split on your relationship. And in return, they’re questioning the legitimacy of our household.”
“Perfect,” Ruby says. She heaves a sigh fit for a telenovela. “As if we don’t have enough on our plate. I cannot wait to find these rings and be done with this court.”
My head snaps in Ruby’s direction, an exclamation of shock and surprise tumbling past my lips before it is interrupted by Nova’s blasé commentary.
“Who needs rings when I could win us new ones in the Pit? If we used Vogart’s blade, nobody would question our position in court.”
The focus turns to Jakob.
“No.”
The one syllable word is crisp, a clear dismissal of Nova’s continued perusal of the subject. I try and count the times I’ve overheard her rant to Ruby about the knife in Jakob’s possession in passing. Or the casual remark made to Jakob himself about the whereabouts of the dagger. But the venture is pointless, as she has done so too many times to count.
A pregnant pause follows his declaration.
“Why?” Nova asks, the strain in her voice both pained and angered, not to mention stretched thin like Venetian glass.
“To play that card now would be a waste,” he says. His explanation is patient, and not so much condescending as it is unhurried, as if he is a teacher belaying another important lesson onto his student. I blink and avert my gaze, realizi
ng that is exactly what Jakob is doing. “Timing is everything. And your position in the Pits would be better cemented with your fists than the aid of some weapon. You are the weapon. Let them come to fear you, not the blade.”
Nova catches my half-lowered gaze with one of her own. The crimson bleeds from her eyes slowly, revealing her dark chocolate eyes in its wake. She has never looked so human as she does now. Defeated—no, reprimanded.
“Let me further be clear. The blade will remain in my possession. And I shall be the one who decides when to use it.”
Our heads bob in unison at the subtle danger in his voice. All, except for Nova.
“You don’t even know if it works,” she says under her breath. Her arms fold under her black T-shirt, her hands balled into fists.
“I do,” Jakob says.
“Really?” Jax’s reply intones his interest. I give him a once-over. Tonight he wears a plum velvet suit jacket lined in black silk. His hair is slicked back with an oiled sheen. His inching smile cuts the tension of Nova’s minor outburst. “Do tell.”
“No,” Jakob replies, a note of exasperation in his tone. Even if the note weren’t present in his voice, I’d feel the ripple of his emotions through the bond. This close to him, and my carefully practiced control slips from my fingers like water. Jakob is exasperated at their questioning, but also vaguely amused. Though he doesn’t express it in his body language or words, these family dinners bring him a certain amount of contentment. One that offers him more humanity than I am comfortable with.
“Not even a crumb?” Jax tries again, smile turning smarmy.
“No,” Jakob reiterates. “Do you have anything else to report from the Pits?”
Nova shrugs and pushes her empty glass an arm’s length away from her. “The demons are seriously starting to get on my nerves.”
“They like to make a habit of it, I’m afraid,” Sebastian says. His shoulders sink along with the line of his brow over his eyes. “We’re lucky that so few inhabit the Dark Court. Let us hope the Celestial Court will see sense and continue to deny their request for representation on their court.”
“Can you imagine?” Ruby asks, sounding every bit scandalized. “I for one cannot stand the hideous beasts. Always meddling in other people’s business. They thrive on the chaos they create, never contemplating the consequences of their action.”
“I think of them more as opportunists,” Jax drawls, leaning back in his seat, his drink of choice cradled near his chest. “They’re not all that bad.”
Ruby lets out a little humph. “How unsurprising.”
Her cavalier words hold an unmistakable arrogance to them, one I’ve never heard before from the spirited and cheeky vampyré. A muscle ticks in Jax’s jaw, his smile kicking up another notch as his eyes narrow.
“Enough,” Jakob says.
Sebastian gives a small shake of his head, massaging two fingers against his temple. “The Mubarks are proving too difficult to infiltrate,” Sebastian says, brown eyes wary as he drops his hand to his blood-spiked wine.
“If I recall correctly, I instructed you to infiltrate the Roux Household the other night. They have six rings, all of which are distributed among their highest ranking. And,” Jakob continues, his silky and smooth voice drawing goose bumps down my arms and back. “You told me you have, and I quote, ‘an in’ with the Roux. So why is it you are wasting your time on the Mubarks when it is Ruby who is meant to be dealing with them?”
Sebastian stills—we all do, waiting for his response. The breath in my throat stops short as I watch Sebastian’s cool facade drop into something unreadable. He tilts his chin and locks eyes with Jakob across the table.
“An opportunity presented itself yesterday. Victor of the Mubarks approached me to discuss the finer points of the fall of the Ottoman Empire, when in reality he wished to make a closer observation of Irina.”
“Tell me, have you made any progress on the Rouxs since we last spoke?”
Sebastian waits for a beat and then answers. “No. I had trouble securing an invitation through my… contact.”
“Make it work. Play off the rumors of infidelity if you have to. Whatever it takes to get close to them. We all know of the history our household has with the Rouxs”—I send a glare Jakob’s way, not Nova or I, I think bitterly—“and I am placing my trust in you alone to complete this task.”
Jakob ignores my glare, which is fine by me, for I can’t help resisting looking back toward Sebastian. Am I the only one who knows of his relationship with Briar? From the varying facial expressions I see among the others, they don’t know. Sebastian shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
“And how would you have me play off those rumors?” he asks.
I catch Sebastian's eye. The silver in his eyes is a stark contrast to the russet brown of his natural coloring. Heat singes through my veins, but it is not in response to Sebastian’s regard.
“They’re sirens. I’m sure they will find your devotion to Irina a great challenge. Lead them on a chase, and, if necessary, find yourself caught in their web.”
Jakob's order leaves nothing to the imagination. My heart pounds against the inside of my chest in response to Jakob’s reply, and Sebastian turns his eyes from me to his sire.
“Of course,” Sebastian replies. I force myself to take in a long breath and plant my shoulder blades against the back of the chair to calm the attack of my heart. “And what of Irina?”
“What of her?”
Sebastian licks his bottom lip—a quick dart of his tongue the only tell to his nerves. “We’ve spent all of these weeks proving our relationship to the court—”
“Have you?” Jakob counters in a low purr. “Nova is not the only one hearing speculations about your relationship. Therefore, I’ve come to the conclusion that your relationship may be expendable. Do whatever it takes to retrieve the Roux amethysts and inspect them. That is your priority.”
“Understood,” Sebastian says after a short exhalation. I don’t have to look at Jakob to know victory lies in his eyes. It storms through our bond, the sudden seizure of his triumph like an urgent pull on my blood. “Regardless, I would find myself reassured knowing Irina will not face repercussions in the court for my potential infidelity.”
I swallow thickly as I catch Sebastian's concern. It is... unexpected, but no less appreciated. The crazed pace of my heart calms with his mild insistence.
“Do not concern yourself with the matter. I will take care of Irina.”
Anticipation thickens the air, and I dare not look Jakob's way.
Goose bumps crawl up my arm, and an acute desire scratches and stretches the inside of my skin through the bond, slowly simmering my blood. Jakob’s want is apparent, but the soulmark’s drive to complete the next stage of our soul binding is almost painful.
You fail to grasp the concept of pain and pleasure. Of the freedom found in submission.
Briar's words ring in my ears, and ever so slowly—my head held high—I look to Jakob. Jakob who sits with the regal air of a king, his hungry eyes branding me. A traitorous shiver skims my flesh.
“Gross,” Nova mutters. The scraping sound of her chair against the floor cracks the tension-filled air. “I’m going to bed.” She stands, her previously scrunched nose and pursed lips smoothing into something more tired and relaxed.
“Sit,” Jakob orders.
Nova stops, features rearranging to a scowl as she does as she’s commanded.
“I’ve one last piece of news to share. While among the echelon of the Royal Households, I overheard a conversation regarding our family. While not an uncommon occurrence, the subject matter of the conversation was indeed different. Someone made mention of our family rings.”
“Truly, Jakob?” Ruby asks with hushed excitement.
A smile dares his lips to turn upward, but Jakob suppresses the urge. He inclines his head to Ruby. “Truly. Through their veiled speech, I discovered their potential location.”
“Where?” Sebastian asks, voice calm and steady, but a quick glance at the greed in his eyes belays his excitement.
“The old Pits.” Jakob holds up a hand before the pair can peel off anymore question. “I have reason to doubt the information, even with the history our family has with the Pits.”
“What did they say?” Jax asks, his hazel eyes trained on Jakob.
“They said time could not change what was true at the time of my… dismissal. That I am a disgrace to our family credo.” There is a silent understanding that passes between Jax, Sebastian, and Ruby at Jakob’s words. Even Nova’s brow furrows at the insult. My own forehead draws together as well, confusion and frustration filling me.
“What exactly did they mean? How could you be a disgrace to the credo ‘Patience Conquers?’” A strand of long, dark hair falls into my vision, and I hastily tuck it back behind my ear. Scanning the table, all eyes remain averted to my questioning.
“I wouldn’t mind knowing too,” Nova offers after seconds of silence pass. I let out a grateful sigh.
Sebastian clears his throat. “If I may?”
Jakob works his jaw, the action defining his sharp jawline and cheekbones even more than usual. With a jerk of his head, he gives his permission, then stands to refill his glass with cognac and blood. I spot the far-off look to his eyes that tells of sorrow and anger, and a grave sense of nostalgia trickles through our bond.
“When the original Vrana family was killed, and their rings were stolen, the blame fell on Jakob. He was taken into custody and brought before the Royal Households for a trial in front of the Dark Court. It was all for show, of course. There was never any intention of giving Jakob a fair trial.” Sebastian’s gaze darts to Jakob with a touch of uncertainty. “He was not… cooperative,” Sebastian continues, swallowing convulsively for a stilted moment. “The official documentation of the case shows the extent of Jakob’s contempt within the courtroom.”
“I didn’t realize there was a courtroom somewhere in the palace,” I say.