She paused.
“What?”
When she seductively looked up at him, sliding her hands under his pinstriped jacket and to his guns, he froze. Jolie smiled. Of course he was going to have his weapons on him. Flynn wasn’t going to go into a room full of the undead without them.
“Clever, my love, very clever.”
“I thought so. Did you think I was going to dress like one of the seven dwarfs?”
That made her laugh. “Hardly,” she admitted.
Turning, she did the same to Jacques. “A Roman warrior. How fitting. I do believe I’ve seen you dressed like this before,” Jolie stated.
He grinned. “You know I do like leather.”
Flynn snorted, but before he could make a comment, Jacques was staring at him, almost daring Flynn to go there.
She ignored their teasing. It did her heart good to see that they weren’t being weighed down by the stress of Vanth.
“So, General, raid any villages?” she asked, sending him pictures of herself laid out as an offering to the conquering Roman general.
The whisper light touch of his mind reached and sought hers.
‘Keep showing me things like that, and you’ll kill me.’
‘I doubt that, General, but we’ll have fun trying, no?’
Her laughter caressed him, tormenting him further.
‘Jolie, please. I’m ready to toss you over my shoulder and take you back to our room, just to see what’s under that costume.’
She didn't doubt that he would.
“How about we head out and go have some fun?” she asked, allowing herself to be led to the garage and the waiting vehicle. “I’m in the mood to dance and have some fun. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays,” Jolie admitted.
Both men said nothing.
They knew what she was doing, and that was fine. In the process, she was distracting herself too.
That’s all they could really ask for after the earlier mess. Tonight, they’d let it all go.
Or at least try.
They drove the two black Mercedes through the very dark night until they arrived at the site of the ball. It was being held at a convention center that was owned by one of the societies in Paris. Jacques pulled up to the valet service and exited the SUV, moving around to help his mate from the vehicle. When she stepped out, she captivated the poor men working the door. He, too, couldn’t help but admire her as they waited for Flynn to emerge from the second SUV with Mathew, Trina and Clariel.
He was a very lucky man. Not only did he have Jolie in his life, but he also had Flynn. Their human was unique.
For the longest time, he loathed their species. While they had to use donors, few were ever trusted. Flynn was the first human he actually found himself loving.
He’d become an integral part of their lives.
“Shall we get our party on?” Flynn asked, crossing to their side.
“I can’t wait,” stated Jolie.
When the entire family was ready, they entered into the ballroom. Jolie was tucked between her two handsome mates, each one holding her hand possessively through their arm.
There was something magical about the looks on the younger vampyres’ faces as they took in the music, scents, and the magical decorations. They were immediately enthralled and wrapped up in the sensation of Halloween.
“This is crazy,” stated Trina. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” she admitted.
The place was filled with elegantly dressed vampyres and their mates, dancing and drinking. The laughter trickled through the room and everyone felt energetic and ready to party.
Jolie looked at the women. “Go have fun, but please don’t mention Chloe to anyone.” She doubted it was necessary, but it was better safe than sorry.
Off they went.
“You too, Mathew. Go have fun, mingle, and make sure those two stay out of trouble,” said Jolie, patting him gently on the cheek. “Maybe the mate you’re meant to find is somewhere in here.”
He doubted that. He didn't think he could ever love the way Flynn and Jacques did. There was no doubt that he was broken inside.
“Yes, Mistress,” he answered, as he wandered away. Instead of thinking about love, he stared in awe, looking at the cobwebs hanging from the elegant chandeliers.
Jacques leaned down and whispered in Jolie’s ear.
She blushed. “Jacques!” she said, slapping his shoulder. “That’s something Flynn would say! I’ll dance with you though, and the rest you two can do later at home.”
He smiled at her, his fangs peeking from behind his lip. “Come, mon amour, I want to hold you in my arms.” Jacques nodded regally to Flynn, right before he swept Jolie off and onto the ballroom floor to awe everyone with his amazingly intricate dancing.
Flynn was lost in thought until something caught his eye. Across the room was Mathew, and he was standing there watching him. As soon as their eyes met, he looked away.
Flynn needed to handle this.
Now.
It was going too far.
After grabbing some dry ice laden punch for two, he crossed the area to stand beside Mathew before handing him a cup. Since everyone was drinking it, it had to be undead friendly.
“Thank you, Master,” he said, taking the glass but keeping his eyes adverted.
“About today.”
Mathew tensed.
“Do you really think I’d hurt you?”
He nodded. “Yes. In a heartbeat.”
One of the good things about being the ‘master’ was that the vamps they took care of never lied to them. It made interrogations so much easier. Yet, the young vampyre’s answer left him unsettled.
“Why?”
“You’re not human anymore. I can’t take you if you attacked me.”
“Uh, yes, I am, and if it makes you feel any better, you couldn’t take me before. I’m a cop, not man meat on the undead buffet.”
Mathew laughed at his description. “No, you’re not human, Master. When I scan for vampyres, you’re there. You don’t feel alive to me.”
Oddly, he was okay with that. “So, why do I scare you?”
Mathew didn't say a word.
“Is it because you’ve got the hots for our girl?”
He looked horrified, but didn't deny it.
That said it all.
“So, the reason I scare you is because you think I’ll kill you if you touch her.”
Mathew sipped his drink.
“Well, I will if you even try.”
He began choking. There was no way he thought Flynn would say it out loud.
He patted him on the back before continuing, “Listen, she loves you. I get that. You’re allowed to love her too, just not in a mate kind of way.” Flynn didn't want to freak the vampyre out, but someone had to be honest. “If you cross the line, it’ll be Jacques who kills you, not me. I know you think I’m scary, but at least I was human. I get where you’re coming from.”
Mathew stared up at him.
“If you just want to admire from afar, get your look on. She’s gorgeous, kind, and a good person. ”
“I wanted to…” He shut up. This was a really bad idea.
“What?”
He shook his head.
“Tell me. I promise that I won’t hurt you.”
Mathew weighed his options. “Master, can I really tell you without making you mad?”
“Yes.”
The nervous energy flickered through his voice, making it shake. “I was wondering. Well, I thought…”
Brogan waited. “It’s okay, Mathew.”
“I know what you just said, but is dancing with her a bad thing? I don’t want to upset you, but I really like dancing. I’d ask Trina and Clariel, but,” he began, pointing across the room. The two women were making out under a giant spider web covered fake tree.
Flynn nearly laughed. “Are you going to touch her inappropriately?”
He shook his head. “I swear. I just want to dance.” He
felt himself flush to his ears as he stared down at his buckled boots.
Flynn felt his frustration, so he reached for his friend and touched his mind.
‘Jacques, we have a problem.’
‘You have one. I’m currently making out with Jolie. I know you can see that from where you stand,’ he teased.
‘Yeah, I noticed as has everyone else in the room, but that isn’t our problem. Mathew wants to dance with Jolie and is afraid you’ll kill him.”
There was silence. Obviously, that was a distinct possibility.
‘How do you feel about it?’
‘I’m not sure. He swears it’s just to dance. You vamps are weird when it comes to shit like this.’
‘It’s Halloween. We should throw him a bone, but you better warn him.’
‘I already did.’
‘Then he may.’
Flynn noticed that some of the primuses and their mates had stopped to watch Jolie and Jacques as he twirled her around the dance floor. They had completely mesmerized the crowd with their seductive dancing.
Well, it was that or the steamy lip lock.
Everyone in there was ancient, but you could tell that they had held court a few times. They were truly a sight to behold.
“Mathew, I just asked Jacques, and he’s fine with you dancing with Jolie.”
For some reason, the vampyre didn’t look any less worried. It must have occurred to Mathew that he would have to approach Jolie to ask her, and that could be daunting for the bravest of souls.
“You’re up, Mathew,” whispered Flynn, nodding to the couple approaching them as the song ended.
Jolie returned with Jacques, laughter filling her eyes. “That was fun. Thank you for the dance, Jacques.”
He nodded regally. “It was my pleasure. I got to cop a feel.”
Flynn laughed, but before he could make a comment, Jolie was focused on him.
“Laugh it up, Al Capone. Before tonight’s over, you’re going to be dancing with me too, Flynn.”
“Don’t bet your skimpy sheet on it,” he stated, grinning at her. Flynn knew she was going to try and get him out on the floor.
He was ready for it.
“I love a challenge.”
“Let’s think back to the last time I tried dancing, and what a disaster that was for everyone involved.” He pointed at himself. “Me. It was a hot mess for this guy.”
Jolie ignored his protests. Instead, she kissed him.
The top of Flynn’s head nearly blew off. Jolie was going to torment him all night until he caved.
Yeah, he couldn’t wait.
Breaking away, she stared into his eyes. “Then who will dance with me?” she asked loud enough that some of the male vampyres around them actually looked over.
They earned a growl from Jacques and Flynn.
“Not happening, baby,” Flynn admitted, “but I think Mathew would love a chance to dance, wouldn’t you, Mathew?” asked Flynn, stepping back and giving the young vampyre a shove toward Jolie.
He looked scared shitless.
“Sorry, Mathew, but all’s fair in war and dancing,” he teased, earning a sweet smile from Jolie for being kind to the young man.
She knew what he was doing. There was a tension in their family since the Chloe incident. Mathew was skittish around the men to begin with, but now he looked petrified.
“That sounds delightful. I’ve always wanted to dance with a pirate. I did meet a few in my lifetime,” she admitted, breaking the ice for him.
He led her out to the dance floor. “Really?” asked Mathew, so intrigued that he almost forgot about his nerves. He put his arms around her to begin their dance.
“Absolutely. If you want, I’ll tell you about them sometime.”
Mathew relaxed as he began their dance. This was a night he’d never forget.
“Well, I know how he feels,” Flynn admitted to his friend, as they watched the young vampyre getting ready to dance.
“Don’t we all? I just hope he doesn’t try anything stupid,” stated Jacques. “I like Mathew. I don’t want to kill him.”
Flynn laughed and grabbed two goblets of red wine from a passing waiter before handing one to Jacques. He toasted his mate, lifting his glass and clinking it against his friend’s goblet in celebration. “Amen. If he crosses a line, he’s done.”
Jacques grinned. “That wasn’t really a toast. You better practice.”
Flynn could fix that. This time, he didn't hold back. “To vacations and our stunning mistress,” he said jovially, “and may we both get lucky later tonight--me more so than you.”
Jacques choked on his wine and earned a pat to the back of his breast plate from his friend. “Flynn, there are days when you’re too much.”
“You don’t say?”
Both men drank their entire glass, and then put the goblets down at the same time as if it was a competition between brothers.
“I do say.”
Wickedly, he grinned. “You’re probably right.”
Mathew cautiously moved Jolie around the floor. He knew that her mates were watching, but he still felt compelled to be near her.
He obviously had a death wish.
Jolie was spectacular, and when his hand touched the bare flesh of her back, he pulled it away and jumped like he was burnt.
“Mathew, I won’t hurt you,” she promised, laughing as she patted his cheek. “It’s merely a dance. It’s not like you’re trying to get in my costume.”
Mathew hissed nervously. “Mistress, don’t even say that out loud. The masters might think you’re serious, hunt me down, and then kill me.”
He quickly glanced over his shoulder at the other men. Yeah, he could see that happening. They would kill for her.
There was no doubt.
Jolie touched his cheek. “Mathew, try and pretend that I’m not your mistress, but another woman you want to dance with.”
“I’m trying, but you’re...”
Jolie stared into his aqua eyes. “I’m what?”
“Amazing,” he said, as he released the pent up breath. “No one is like you, and your mates will kill to keep you. I don’t want to lose the family I’ve just found.”
Jolie gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. In her head, she could hear both men protesting. She chose to ignore them. “Thank you, Mathew. That’s a wonderful compliment, considering the women in this room.”
“There are more women in here?” he asked, grinning devilishly. The kiss made him feel a bit braver.
“How about we dance?” she asked.
Mathew swung her around the dance floor, savoring the moment. It was beyond a doubt, the most memorable moment of his life. He would never forget it as long as he lived.
Belladonna and Morden stood across the dance floor, observing Jolie as she swung gracefully in the arms of the young vampyre.
They couldn’t help but watch her.
She had something they wanted.
“Who’s that?” asked Master Morden.
Belladonna had done her research. “That’s one of her family. He’s one of the lesser vampyres. He couldn’t hurt a fly. Our best bet is to take out her human, use him as our sacrifice, and then get what she has.”
He agreed.
“We should move soon. I don’t know how long they’re staying in Paris. We’ve asked around, but no one really knows. They keep to themselves,” she stated.
“Oui, I agree. When shall we take him?”
Belladonna tapped a sharp nail on her cheek. “When the time is right, but we’ll have to be careful.”
They watched Jolie kiss him on the cheek. Then, they stared at the mates, and there was no response.
“We might be able to use that vampyre as leverage. Taking the mate will be far more dangerous. I have no doubt that they’d come for him.”
Morden laughed. “Then we can grab him too.”
She agreed. “We’ll have to work during the daylight. There’s no way we can make it in and out during the even
ing hours, or at dusk. It’ll be too risky for us.”
“Do you have a plan?”
She nodded. “We’ll need humans to get into the house. If we can get access to one of her family, we’ll be golden.”
“You’re evil.’
She laughed. “Yes, I know. I’m also desperate to have our gift back. I’ll do anything to get it.”
“I knew I mated with you for a reason.”
She laughed. That was funny, since she’d chosen him for a specific purpose too.
He just didn't know it.
CHAPTER fourteen
They spent the evening socializing and dancing. For the first time in a long time, Jolie was able to relax. She had her family around her and everyone else was having a really good time at the ball. Deciding to attend had been a wise choice.
For once, no one had to worry about killing a vampyre, or being killed themselves. Mathew had danced with her, Trina, and Clariel with ease and frequency. Jolie relaxed, grateful that he was letting go of the fear.
On their last dance, he had spun Jolie around, making her laugh so hard that she actually forgot that they were in Paris, and being hunted by humans. When he brought her back to her mates, Jolie knew it was time.
Immediately, she crossed to her gangster. When he opened his arms for her, Jolie leaned into his body. While dancing with Mathew was nice, being against her mates was heaven.
“Forget it, baby. It’s not going to happen.” He shut her right down. What Jolie didn't know wouldn’t hurt him. Flynn was setting her up.
“This makes me sad. I really need to feel your arms around me as we dance, Flynn.”
He tried hard not to grin.
“Nope.” If he caved too soon, she’d know the truth. Flynn had been preparing for this. When he and Jacques had time, the man was teaching him how to dazzle their mate.
It was their big secret.
Jacques said nothing at first. When Jolie looked to him for help, he went along with the plan. “I say do it. You’re not as bad as you think.”
Flynn shook his head. “No. There is nothing you can say to get me out there dancing. Not even at gunpoint.”
Dangerous Misery (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 3) Page 24