Vampire's Crucible

by Yvette Bostic

  “It’s really hard to keep something like that secret, Kellen,” I said, closing my laptop. “Gossip is tasty, and that kind of gossip is sinful. Don’t be mad at your friend. He likely made the same threat and promise you did. That person did the same and so on. You’re smart; you get the picture.”

  “I wanted it to be special,” he mumbled.

  “And I didn’t. I hate being the center of attention. It feels awful,” I said.

  He looked up at me, his frown replaced by his impassive stare. Damn.

  “Now we can just be us, without all the expectations and fanfare,” I insisted. “It’s easier for me, which should make it easier for both of us.” Was I being selfish? Absolutely.

  He grunted, then nodded towards my laptop. “What are you looking for?”

  Grateful for the change of subject, I opened it and turned it towards him. “I’d like a desk out here and one of those big fluffy chairs that I can’t get out of.”

  He raised an eyebrow at me and smiled, probably imagining me rolling around like a turtle trying to get out of said chair.

  “We can do that.” He moved around to the space beside me. “I prefer this vendor for furniture,” he said, his fingers dancing across the keyboard. “It’s better quality.”

  We spent the next hour picking out new furniture and talking about design ideas for the expansion of our suite. It felt good to get away from the impending war, even it meant making this space my home. I wanted none of this, but once again, I had no choice. Except my furniture, and I’d take full advantage of that.

  Chapter 25

  Saturday morning, I stood in front of the mirrored wall in Kate’s bedroom, staring at my reflection. I’d changed my clothes five times already, going back to the first one I tried on. A knee-length dress in shimmering material, somewhere between slate gray and sky blue, hugged my torso and fell over my narrow hips. Slender straps draped over my shoulders. It was pretty without being cute. I didn’t want to look like a child, and my chosen dress was just classy enough to pull it off.

  “If you’re done admiring yourself, let’s put some makeup on that cute little face,” Kate said, standing behind me with her hands on her hips. A wide grin softened her comment. “You look great. Quit fussing over it and come here.”

  I sighed and let her guide me onto the small stool in front of her dresser.

  “I think muted shades of pink and pearl is best,” she mumbled. “We don’t want to make your skin look washed out.” She fumbled in her makeup kit pulling out a bunch of different eye shadows. “Maybe a little silver around the edges though to make your eyes pop.”

  Her soft muttering faded, so I let my mind wander as she worked. In less than an hour, I’d be in England. It seemed unreal, even more so because I’d be in a castle in England. The thought made me giddy with excitement.

  “Have you ever been to the castle?” I asked.

  “You weren’t listening to anything I said, were you?” Kate replied with her own question.

  “Sorry. I’m a little nervous.”

  “I’d tell you not to be, but I understand.” She brushed a light powder over my cheeks. “I’m nervous too, but probably for different reasons.”

  “I’m excited for you guys. I know it’s wishful thinking, but I really hope everyone finds their partner today.” I paused while she coated my lashes with mascara. “No one should have to worry about not having one.”

  Kate leaned back, tilting her head back and forth. “I really like the silver eye shadow. Let’s soften it with a little pearl and call it good.” Her eyes met mine, shimmering with tears. “We’ve never been to any of the other regions, AJ. You’ve given us a beautiful gift. Even if I don’t find my partner today, I know the opportunity is there. Something we wouldn’t have without you.”

  “Nonsense.” I waved my hand at her and blinked away my own tears. “Kellen would’ve done the same thing.”

  “Eventually, but his mind is so wrapped up in our security and politics. It might have taken a while.” She dabbed more color on my eyelids and stepped back. “You’ve improved both without even trying.”

  I understood her comment. Eliminating the single mages’ fears also reduced the chances of them betraying us to the vampires. That alone would improve our security. Hopefully, it also improved politics, something I sucked at. Or maybe I didn’t. My conversations with Hettie and Brian had suggested I had at least a little skill with people.

  “Alright, shoes and a pocket book and we’re ready,” Kate said, dumping her stuff back in her makeup kit. “Do you even own a purse?” She hesitated and turned to me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with one.”

  “No, not really,” I replied, hoping the layers of blush and powder covered my embarrassment. “I always carried a backpack before.”

  She abandoned her task and opened one of the dresser drawers. Dozens of small purses filled the drawer in every color imaginable.

  “Wow,” I whispered.

  Kate pulled two out of her stash and held them up to my dress. A silver one and an off-white one. “I’m torn. Your sandals are off-white, but I really like the silver,” she said, biting her lip. “I think we have to go with white, though.”

  She handed me the tiny bag, and I gave her a confused look. “What am I supposed to put in it?”

  “Your phone, lipstick and a change purse,” she replied, digging through her drawer of purses again. A small silver bag hanging from a delicate chain emerged. “For the cash you must carry with you, just in case.”

  “Thank you, Kate, for all your help,” I said, rising from the stool and going in search of my blue jeans. The phone from Logan and my debit card were still in my pockets. Being with Kellen meant I didn’t need the other phone, but I wasn’t about to miss a text from my vampire. I hadn’t heard from him since the day before, and I tried not to think about it. He knew the party was today, and I hoped to at least get a ‘break your leg.’ But I hadn’t.

  I transferred the items to my new purse and glanced in the mirror one more time. Memories of my first visit to Kate’s room six or seven weeks ago resurfaced. A time when I was still covered by the magical veil someone placed over me, a veil I’d endured my entire life until Kellen removed it. The only thing that remained of that woman was my scrawny body and icy blue eyes.

  “Let’s go. I bet Kellen was ready an hour ago. I’m surprised he hasn’t started banging on the door.” Kate opened her door and disappeared down the hall, not waiting for me.

  “Pull your shit together girl,” I mumbled. “It’s just a party.”

  “One I’ll truly hate missing.”

  I jumped and spun towards the sliding glass doors leading to the patio garden. Tears welled in my eyes, and I ran to my vampire. He caught me as I jumped into his arms, with total disregard for my dress.

  “Stop crying,” he whispered. “You’ll smear your makeup.”

  “You can’t leave me again, Logan.” The words tumbled from my mouth before I could stop them. “I can’t pretend to be someone I’m not, and everyone expects me to be happy with the situation I’m forced into.” I hadn’t realized my insecurities and doubts until I saw him, and now they poured out in waves.

  “You’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for, princess,” he said. “You’ve got this.” He loosened his hold and looked down at me, giving me that silly grin I loved so much. “I’ll be waiting for you at the palace when you get back.”

  “There are guards at the bottom of the stairs,” I sniffed.

  “Let me worry about that.” He kissed my forehead and drew in a deep breath. “Have fun and be careful. I assume you and Kellen have already established a plan of escape?”

  “Yes, Kellen is leaving before me,” I replied. “When the king’s guards try to take me, I’ll easily evade them with my new vampire speed.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Kellen agreed to leave without you?”

  “No, I made him promise he would after a thirty-minute argument.” I ran my
fingers along his jaw and down his neck. “I’m still not sure he’ll do what he’s supposed to.” I traced the hem of his button-down shirt all the way to the bottom where it hung open just below his waist.

  Logan trapped my wandering hand in his. “Save that for later.”

  I smiled and stood on my tiptoes, brushing his lips with mine. “You better be there.”

  “How could I refuse?” He looked past me and his smile faltered. “Your partner’s ready.”

  I didn’t turn away, needing to memorize every part of his face for just a second longer. “See you tonight,” I whispered so only he could hear.

  “Be careful.”

  “Never.”

  He grinned, turned on his heel and disappeared into the garden. I followed my connection to him until he was too far away, then shook my head, trying to focus on the day ahead. Thoughts of Logan would have to wait until tonight.

  I slowly turned around to face my partner. His emotional shield must’ve been tightly bound; I didn’t feel a thing coming from him. The impassive expression I hated rested easily on his face.

  “You clean up well,” I said. “I might have to carry a stick to beat back the women who’ll be falling over themselves to get to you.”

  His lips twitched and his eyes softened, but only for a moment. He did look good in the charcoal gray suit that was obviously tailored to fit him. A silver tie shimmered against his white shirt. Kate must have suggested it to match my dress.

  “Flattery doesn’t work on me,” he said. “We both know you wouldn’t defend me against them.”

  I strolled across the room, picking up my small purse along the way. His comment hurt, but his current status was his fault, not mine. “Flattery works on everyone,” I replied. “A few weeks ago, I would’ve stabbed anyone who even looked at you, if I thought you’d return the favor. But now….” I shrugged. “You’ll have to work really hard to convince me that you care.”

  “I am working really hard,” he hissed, grabbing my arm as I tried to push past him. “And I do care. I thought spilling my heart to you the other night would mean something.”

  I glared at him. His confession the other night had meant a lot to me, but I couldn’t just forget. What happened the next time I pissed him off? Would he react the same way?

  “It meant the world to me,” I said, hoping he could sense my honesty. “But why don’t you put the shoe on the other foot? Would you forgive me if I stabbed you in the stomach and left you to die?”

  He seethed at me, his lips drawing into a thin line.

  “That’s what I thought,” I snapped. “And if I came back five minutes later and completely healed your wound, would it all of a sudden make everything better?”

  The fingers around my arm loosened, and his head drooped with his shoulders.

  “I’m sorry, AJ,” he whispered.

  “And I’m trying to forgive you,” I responded. “But it doesn’t happen overnight or even three or four nights. I need to know that I’m not a target the next time I piss you off or ruin your plans.”

  “They weren’t supposed to hurt you, dammit!” he yelled, his eyes darkening with each word. “They had strict orders to subdue you and bring you back to the palace. I planned to keep you in my old room until my mind was rational enough to make a decision.”

  I wanted to believe him. I really did. Maybe I could talk to Marshall or Stewart and verify the story. Stewart! I’d saved his life, so he owed me one. I made a mental note to talk to him once we got back from the party.

  “I’ll try harder not to antagonize you,” I conceded.

  “I’ll do my best to make you feel loved and appreciated,” he said.

  I wanted to tell him not to bother if it wasn’t real, but that would fall in the ‘antagonizing’ bucket, so I let it go.

  “Shall we try this again?” I asked holding my hand out to him. “I need an escort through the portal, and I’d appreciate if you did the honors.”

  He accepted my hand, some of his tension fading. “I’d love to.”

  We made our way to the portal room, hand-in-hand. Kate waited at the shimmering black hole, smiling as we entered. She winked at me and stepped into the darkness. Kellen pulled me to the portal’s edge and drew me into a hug.

  “I can’t tell you how much I want this to work between us,” he said softly.

  I didn’t respond. My heart belonged to Logan, not Kellen. My partner said he knew that, but did he? Would he try to separate me from my vampire? I hoped not. He’d even promised to let Logan into the palace anytime. If he broke that promise, I’d be leaving. Or would I? Not through the portal.

  “I’m ready,” I mumbled into his chest, trying to keep my makeup from smearing on his suit.

  He stepped in, and my world lurched. Pinpricks of pain raced across my skin, and my heart stuttered in my chest. I gripped the lapels of Kellen’s jacket, sucking my breath through my teeth. His arms tightened around me, and I found myself not wanting to let go. What was that? I’d felt it the last time, but assumed it was my heart breaking for Logan. This time was stronger.

  “You okay?” he whispered.

  I nodded, knowing he wouldn’t believe me, but it was the only acceptable answer. I released my grip on him and took a step back, looking around at my new surroundings. Two guards dressed in navy blue suits flanked the portal, one on each side. I caught one glancing at me, but it was the only movement from either of them. What did they think of our arrival? An intimate moment or did they notice my pain? Hopefully the former and not the latter.

  Kellen laced his fingers with mine and led me from the small, darkened room. We emerged into a similarly lit hall, meaning not very well. Sconces hung from the stone walls every ten feet or so, casting a soft light across the gray floors. I tried to act like I wasn’t enthralled by the uniformed guards spaced evenly between the lights or the high arching ceiling with its dark wooden joists.

  The ache in my chest ebbed away with my excitement. I was in a fricking castle, complete with castle guards and stone walls. It took every bit of self-control to cage my giddiness. I refused to look like a fan girl, no matter how true it might’ve been.

  My shoes tapped along the stone, echoing in the silence. I’d expected more people. It’s not like we were early, and where was Kate? Why didn’t she wait for us? Two more guards eye-balled us as we passed by. How many did that make between the portal and our destination? I resisted the urge the turn around and count. It might make a difference in my mad dash to escape the king’s plans. I should’ve paid better attention. There had to be at least eight, possibly ten. As long as none of them saw me, I’d be okay. How did I go from excitement to paranoia in one breath? Focus on the excitement and enjoy the evening, I told myself. You’ll still be able to escape.

  A large wooden door to our right slid open. Loud music preceded another guard, almost spitting the man out with the burst of noise. The man and the music startled me after the unusual silence in the hallway. The sound proofing in the rooms was astonishing. As soon as the door closed, the music disappeared again. They could be torturing people and no one would know. I drew in a sharp breath.

  That would be another snag in my plans.

  I’d have to take off my shoes to avoid anyone hearing me sprinting down the stupid hall. Damn. This was getting more complicated by the second.

  “I guess we found the party,” I mumbled, my enthusiasm waning quickly.

  Kellen didn’t reply to my meaningless observation. He nodded at the guard recently expelled from the noisy room, then gently squeezed my fingers and opened the door.

  Chapter 26

  Once I forced myself past the loud music, a smile spread across my face. Hettie and her crew did a marvelous job on the decorations, and I hoped our mages were proud of the beautifully adorned tables. Clusters of multi-colored candles centered each table, surrounded by a thin bed of tiny white flowers. Tall, metal abstract art rose from the middle of each centerpiece, providing the groups with something to
talk about if their conversations got awkward or just died out. The long tables covered with food had the same beds of flowers between each serving dish and tiny lights edging the dark table cloths.

  Too many tables to count covered each side of the room, leaving the center open. Groups of men and women already filled the dance floor, making me smile. I’d never been part of that crowd, the one that danced and partied then went home with their favorite treat of the night. I’d always dreamed of one day receiving that invitation to be part of the ‘fun crowd.’ It never happened. Even now, the invitation was obligatory. I was the Magister. They had to invite me.

  I let Kellen pull me along the edge of the dancefloor towards the back of the room. As we passed by the long row of food tables, my stomach rumbled. Thank goodness no one could hear it past the music. It seemed weird to have dinner for breakfast, but I didn’t really care. Everything looked and smelled marvelous. I couldn’t distinguish one scent from the others; they mingled together perfectly. Diced potatoes and fancy carrots wrapped around whole roasts, thinly sliced and dripping with perfection. Every salad imaginable stared back at me, calling my name. My stomach growled again in return. I licked my lips, remembering my lipstick at the last second and hoping I hadn’t smeared it.

  Kellen stopped in front of me, and I nearly bumped into him. He squeezed my hand and I slid to his side. My appetite vanished immediately. Standing next to Thomas was the one man I couldn’t see, not tonight. Braden. I’d expected him to be here in hiding, not as a guest. His straight blond hair hung loose over his collar, framing his chiseled features. The dark suit framed his shoulders and narrow waist, outlining his muscular form perfectly. He winked at me and I pulled my gaze from him, trying to school my features.

  “It’s good to see you, Princess,” King William said with a smile, extending his hand to me.

  “And you as well, Your Highness,” I replied, giving him my hand. He lightly kissed my fingers. “Thank you for hosting our mages in your beautiful castle.”