All in all both parent doted on their children, loving them, spoiling them, nurturing them, and dreaming the idyllic dreams of new parents, putting Sabina and her words of warning from their minds. Neither thought Mikhalen capable of harming Katia. He simply couldn’t. It wasn’t possible, not their sweet baby boy.
The night of the grand ball finally arrived and Mikhal made his way to Alliana’s old chambers where she had insisted on preparing. She’d told him she had a new gown and wanted to get ready alone so he could see her only when she thought she was ready. Tucked into a pocket of his coat was a small box, he toyed with it one last time before he knocked, knowing the surprise inside would make his wife so very happy, and thrilled that the artist had been able to finish everything on time. Mikhal was also beyond gleeful because tonight was the night he would finally properly bed his wife once more. He had every intention of whisking her away after a decent amount of time had passed, and taking her to his chambers where his massive bed awaited. They had been denied a completion of their lovemaking for far too long, and tonight he would put an end to both of their longing.
Alliana bade him to enter, and when he did the sight that greeted him caused him to draw in a hiss of unneeded breath. She was a vision of loveliness, adorned in green brocade that had been embroidered in tiny light gold flowers to enhance the glistening effect. Her hair was piled upon her head with two long ringlets trailing down one side of her neck, drawing attention to his mark of claim, and making it almost impossible for him to resist taking her in his arms then and there.
He could smell her sweet scent, jasmine mixed with an earthy female scent that called to his baser animalistic core and made him swell with lust. Her heartbeat was audible, the pulse flickering in her throat, her eyes shimmering with delight at the knowledge that he approved of what he saw.
She smiled at him in her best coquettish way, eyes dancing. “Is something amiss, Mikhal? You’re staring.”
“You have bewitched me, my sweet. You are truly a vision and every man present tonight had better watch their gazes or they shall find themselves facing me instead.”
“You do not wish for others to admire your wife?”
“I wish for them to look from afar, and to control their desires. Tis not befitting to lust after one’s Lord’s wife.”
“Then perhaps I should put on my old Gypsy clothes.” The teasing in her voice was unmistakable but he took the bait anyway.
“And perhaps I should bend you over my lap and let your sweet bottom know what I think of that idea.”
“Mikhal!”
“Don’t sound shocked sweet. You know I would disapprove. Come here now, I have something for you.”
Alliana waltzed over to him with a sway of her hip, back held straight, breasts showing prominently against the tight material of her bodice. She knew very well that it was safe for them to resume relations, and she had her own plans for the evening.
“You are being a vixen, my love. You know we must go below.”
“But you said you had something for me, Mikhal. I thought perhaps...”
“Alliana.” The sound of her name was low, mixed with a small growl born of need. He pulled her to him, tilting her head to the side, pressing his mouth to the mark upon her neck, nipping as he gave another small growl. “Behave.”
As he knew it would, the tending of the mark and his small sound of disapproval made her melt in his arms. He held her briefly; savoring the feel of her warmth pressed into him, but the reluctantly put her from him.
“Close your eyes.” Alliana did as he asked, her body still tingling from his previous actions. As she did, Mikhal pulled the small box from his jacket pocket and opened the lid, revealing a locket inside. “Open.”
Alliana did and she gazed at the locket, her eyes widening in pleasure. “Oh Mikhal, it’s lovely.”
“Open it.”
Alliana took the locket from the box and held it carefully, examining it, running her fingers over the intricate gold scrolling that adorned the lid; then she opened it and gave a cry of surprise. Inside the locket were two tiny portraits. Miniatures of what the artist had been working on. One was of her and the babes, and the other was of Mikhal. Both were lovely and the sight of her beloved family, immortalized forever in the beautiful locket brought tears to her eyes.
“Oh, Mikhal. It’s beautiful. It truly is. I shall cherish always. My babes and my love.”
“Turn.” he took the locket from her, closing it and then fastening it around her neck. He then turned her back around and toyed with the golden oval, placing in just so above her breasts. “Perfect.”
Alliana smiled at him once more, eyes twinkling. “It or me?”
“Tis a lovely bit of a bauble but nothing is as lovely as you. Are you ready to go, love?”
Alliana stood on her toes, drawing Mikhal close and pressing herself to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck, peppering small kisses upon his face then claiming his lips with her own for a deeper, more sensual expression of gratitude.
Mikhal moaned and let himself become enraptured with the headiness that was his wife, and then finally put her from him, knowing he couldn’t withstand much more without abandoning their guests in favor of more pleasurable pursuits.
“Vixen.”
Alliana gave him a look of mock hurt, then winked at him, gone was the shy maiden, she had been replaced by a woman long denied.
“Now I’m ready. I simply wanted to thank you properly.”
“And that you have, love. Come, our guests await.” Mikhal held out his arm and Alliana took it, more than ready to go below. She had full faith in her husband that this would be completely unlike the ball that was held upon her arrival at the castle. Those horror filled days were over forever.
As the handsome couple reached the top of the stairs, the music in the great room below ceased and they descended slowly to the oohs and ahs of those gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. Both humans and vampires alike graced the hall, some in finery, others in the best they had, all looking relaxed and happy. Lord Arcos was a changed man and it was clear to all who had dealings with him. Tonight was special, no killing would happen, no debauchery, no crimes. The union of vampire and human had been fruitful and all were there to celebrate.
Chapter Sixteen
As they stood two steps above the crowded great hall, taking in the sight of such a grand celebration once more before joining the festivities, Alliana saw only happiness, beauty and contentment, but Mikhal saw small signs of how things really were within his realm.
True, humans and vampires were mingling, not a hand was being laid upon the souls normally considered to be cattle, but the feral look in many a minion’s eyes was unmistakable. They were doing as they had been ordered so as not to displease their Master, but the avoidance of punishment was what kept them in line.
They weren’t pleased. There was an aura of dissent in his ranks. Mikhal could feel it keenly and knew he would have to keep a sharp eye out to be certain Alliana’s night remained the memorable fairytale he intended.
He glanced at several minions, his eyes bold, piercing, full of warning, and they gave slight nods, lowering their heads, hiding their displeasure, but some dared to stare, if for only a moment. Their gazes spoke a silent challenge and Mikhal was well aware of what their thoughts held.
They felt their leader; the Master of evil, the king of torture and terror was slipping. Only one who had developed feelings and sickening compassion, one who in fact held love for these creatures who should be feasted upon, would allow such a gathering as this. It was a disgusting show of weakness. What was happening to their once merciless Master?
Mikhal sensed their displeasure and knew he would have to make things right come morn, but now, now he had to make certain Alliana had the night of her dreams.
After making his feelings clear with quick looks that promised pain, and emitting a growl so low only vampire ears could hear it, Mikhal once again turned to his unsuspecting hum
an wife and gave her a kiss.
T’was a bold action in the eyes of the humans present, public affection was simply not displayed, and in the eyes of the minions, it was a sickeningly sweet gesture, but Mikhal did it to make a point. He loved his wife, and those who were wise wouldn’t dare to dampen her joy.
Alliana beamed up at him, never having heard his warning growl or seen his looks of anger, she was wrapped up in the magic of the evening. The sights, the sounds, the colors, the flowers, the music, and of course the feel of her husband’s arm encircling her waist, letting her know that she was safe and loved. Gone were the days of terror. He was a changed man, a loving husband and doting father, evil no more. Her eyes saw a happy, inviting home, nothing more, and certainly nothing sinister.
Natalya and Lucian came forward through the crowd. The two men’s eyes meeting, his first in command letting it be known that he was well aware of the dissent in the room. Mikhal nodded; confident they would be able to keep things under control.
Mikhal took Natalya’s hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it as Lucian did the same to Alliana. Neither vampire liking the custom, which called for another to touch their mates, but wanting to conform to the human customs their women were to be accorded. After the formalities, Natalya and Alliana hugged briefly, a genuine smile gracing the redhead’s face even though her keen intuition had sensed the undertone of displeasure in the room. Natalya had the utmost faith in her man and in Lord Arcos to handle any situation that arose.
“You look lovely, Alliana. That gown was a perfect choice, and that locket, is it new?”
Beaming, Alliana nodded and opened it quickly to show Natalya the miniature portraits held within. Natalya ooh’ed her appreciation, her reaction making Mikhal fill with pride.
“T’was a present from my most generous husband. Isn’t it perfect?”
“I know you shall cherish it always. Tis so very tiny but the details are exquisite.”
“Wait until the real portrait is unveiled. Then you shall truly be astounded. The artist did an excellent job in capturing my wife’s beauty.”
“With no help from you I might add. You nearly scared him to death with all your growling as he was painting the babes and I.”
“Twas a bit of a warning to be certain he knew that what he gazed upon wasn’t to be pondered.”
Alliana shook her head and smiled, and Natalya held a hand to her mouth to stifle her own amusement. She and Alliana certainly did have a jealous pair to contend with. As they stood there, the orchestra began once again, welcoming the Lord and Lady of the castle.
Everyone in the great hall moved to the edge, circling the area that had been cleared to make way for dancing, and then began to applaud as Lord Arcos led his wife to the center of the room. He took her hand, bowed deeply as she curtsied, and then they began to dance. He a dashing figure, tall and imposing in sleek black waistcoat and breeches with a fitted jacket, she is a swirl of green brocade, eyes locked, smiles of delight upon their faces, tuning out the world as they felt the magic created between their hearts.
Everyone watched the happy couple, some with pleasure, some with relief, for the if the merciless lord was indeed in love then the terror would continue to be put on hold, but some watched with thinly veiled disgust.
Lucian took quick note of those who dared to show their displeasure before taking his own mate into his arms. Come tomorrow the niceties of the ball would end and those who dared to question the Master would pay for their disloyalty, but for now, t’was time to romance his lady.
Much dancing, romancing and feasting went on throughout the evening. To Alliana it was a night full of magic, just as Mikhal intended it to be. At the stroke of midnight, the portrait of the royal family was unveiled with much pomp and circumstance to the thunderous applause of the crowd.
Mikhal was so wrapped up in the smile on his wife’s face that he almost missed the small pack of minions standing in the corner glaring at the portrait of his wife and children, but a hiss from one of them pulled his eyes their way. As he stared at them, one spat upon the floor, showing his disgust for the humans Mikhal held dear, and it was all Lord Arcos could do not to rush across the hall and tear the fool’s head off.
Standing next to his Master, observing what had taken place with a scowl of displeasure, Lucian made a bold move and placed a calming hand on his Master’s arm. Mikhal turned, eyes flashing, and then took a deep calming breath, nodding his thanks and understanding, both of their gazes holding the promise of retribution on the morrow.
Mikhal turned back to his wife, the love of his life, and gazed at her happy face. She was radiant, perfect, her face full of love, and her reaction mellowed him considerably. “Do you like it, sweet?”
“Oh, Mikhal, tis perfect. The babes are just right. He truly did well.”
“And you, love, he captured your beauty and grace flawlessly. I think perhaps it is time we retire for the evening.”
Alliana looked at her husband, desire making her flush. “As you wish, my husband.”
“Lucian, I trust you shall see the night progresses as planned. I shall send for you in the early evening. Natalya, enjoy the rest of the night. Tis truly magical is it not?”
“That it is, My Lord. You outdid yourself. Twas perfect.”
“And tis not done yet. Come, my sweet Gypsy, we shall dance the night away.” Lucian nodded once again, a small signal to his Lordship that all would be well, then escorted Natalya back to the center of the great hall and motioned for the orchestra to begin once more. As he did so, Mikhal slipped an arm around his wife’s tiny waist and led her through the crowd towards the staircase. There was no time for formal goodnights; he had other more pressing matters on his mind.
Alliana leaned into her husband’s strong arms as they made their way up the grand staircase, her knees suddenly feeling weak, as the slow burn that had been smoldering inside her for so long spread throughout, causing tingles in the most delicious places. Mikhal, feeling her tremble, hearing her heart quicken, tightened his hold, feeling as she did, impatient to get his wife away from the crowd.
They reached the top of the landing, Mikhal hurrying Alliana along, and finally made it down the hall to his chambers, both filled with anticipation for what was to come. Mikhal swung the door wide then scooped her up into his arms carrying her over the threshold and kicking the door shut behind him with a resounding boom, not bothering to lock it. No one would disturb the Master that night.
He set Alliana upon her feet and made quick work of her gown, his practiced fingers making haste despite the multitude of hooks and ties, until his wife was bare before him. Stopping for a moment to gaze at her beauty, he drew in a breath as a tight knot of pleasure burned deep in his loins. How he wanted her, and tonight, finally tonight, his desire would be fulfilled.
He pulled her close, her body unresisting as it melted against him, tilting her head to the side welcoming his kiss upon the mark that told the entire world she was his.
Mikhal obliged and placed a small nip upon it, causing shivers to race through Alliana’s blood and heat to pool deep in her belly. He licked and nibbled and kissed her neck until she was weak, liquid gold pleasure burning through her veins, and then lifted her up once more into his powerful arms and strode to the massive bed, lowering her gently upon it.
Mikhal took a step back and Alliana gazed up at him, a smile upon her face. The furs were soft, tickling her skin even as the heat from the hearth warmed her, painting her ivory skin with a touch of golden light and making her hair glisten. Mikhal again took a moment to admire her, reaching out to stroke her cheek even as Alliana grasped his hand and turned it, kissing his palm and then his wrist seeking the place where she had drunk from him on the night they had been made one.
The gesture touch him deeply, for he knew that she had been revolted by that act so long ago, that and so many others he had forced her to engage in, but no more. Tonight would be the true joining of their bodies for the first time, the complete co
ming together of two people deeply in love. Tonight there was no coercion, no pain, no tears. Alliana was willing. More than that, she wanted him as much as he desired her.
“I love you, Alliana, and I shall love you to the end of our days.”
“Then show me, Mikhal.”
Her bold words thrilled him, made him desire her even more, and he responded by quickly divesting himself of his clothing. Soon he stood bare before her, alabaster chest gleaming in the firelight, stomach rippling as his need coursed through him, desire smoldering in his eyes, and this time it was Alliana’s turn to gasp out loud.
He was perfection, hard and lean, each limb; each feature of his face so perfect as if sculpted by the finest of artists. She held her arms open needing to feel him, needing to love him, craving what had been denied them for so long.
Mikhal knelt on the bed, one hand trailing slowly down her side, fingers grazing her breast, sliding over her hip and down her thigh, then lay beside her gathering her close. They both held still for a moment, taking in the feeling of just being together, his hardness to her softness, her heat to his cool skin, so different yet so completely one.
He stroked her back, fingers dancing across the satiny cheeks of her bottom as he pressed her forward against the evidence of his desire, her nipples hard, crushed against his chest as their lips sought each other. The kiss when it came was full of longing and fire, tongues dancing then almost dueling, lips hard and demanding as hands explored, teased and sought to give pleasure.
Stroking, touching, teasing over every inch, Alliana’s hands went. She was no shy maiden, and knew what she wanted. What he wanted. He was hers and she wished to pleasure him, to bring him joy, to see the fire of passion in his eyes.
Beneath the Shadows of Evil... Treasured Page 23