by K Loraine
I glance out the window at the darkening sky. “Yes. When Lucas Blackthorne arrives, bring him directly to my study. I don’t want a vampire roaming the house unsupervised.”
He nods again. “And the witches?”
“The coven will not be any trouble. They are here to help.”
“As you wish, sir.” He excuses himself and disappears into the depths of the house.
I make my way to my study, desperate to calm my burning heart and settle the beast inside. Shutting the door behind me, I press my palms to the wood and close my eyes as I take long slow breaths.
Feminine giggles fill the hall, accompanied by the murmurs of women’s voices. Aurora is close. Almost at my door. I can feel her as surely as I feel my own heart beating. Because she’s the twin part of my soul. She’s the spark that keeps me alive. She is mine. And I have to stay away for fear of scaring her off and sending her straight to her death. I have to stop the curse from taking her just as it took her mother.
Striding to my desk, I pick up the telephone receiver that connects me directly with Gerry.
“Sir?” he says, answering before the first ring is finished.
“Instruct Miss Westin to meet me in the gallery tomorrow afternoon.”
“Very good, sir.”
I hang up without another word and stare down at the parchment sitting atop my desk. An intricately kept record spanning hundreds of years, linking two bloodlines as bitter rivals. My finger trails from the top, where the curse originated, all the way down to my Aurora’s name. The final name on the list. This will be where the curse stops.
I will make my move and show her what it feels like to be the true mate of a dragon prince. If she runs, I will follow. Nothing will take her from me now.
Aurora
The girls and I decide to spend the next afternoon exploring the castle, wandering the seemingly endless hallways and poking our heads into unlocked rooms. I can hear their giggles behind me as I open a door to find a staircase lit by faint greenish light. It spirals upward, the rush of cool air coming from the passage making me wonder if there’s a secret lookout hidden up there. Glancing behind me, I don’t see any of my friends, but if I leave the door open, surely they’ll know where I’ve gone.
I follow the stairs, my footsteps soft on the dusty stone. But there are footprints in the layer of grime, larger than mine—recent. My heart pounds with each step. Phillip’s butler told us we could explore any unlocked room. He gave permission, but this feels wrong. Like something I shouldn’t be doing. That’s not going to stop me.
I reach the top, and my heart flips at the sight that greets me. I was right, nestled in the middle of the castle, a hidden lookout spot. From where I stand, I can see a three-hundred and sixty degree view of everything surrounding the home, even the jagged rock of the mountain that this castle was built into.
Leaning against the stone wall, I stare out the opening and wonder what it must’ve been like when Ashea really needed this castle for defense. Were archers stationed here day and night?
Footsteps coming up the stairs have me giddy in anticipation of showing my friends what I’d discovered. “You guys, get up here. You’re going to die when you see this.”
“Oh, I’ve seen it. My question is, why are you here?” A low rumble sends apprehension through me. Whoever is at the top of the stairs is not my friends.
A dark-haired gorgeous man steps into the light, and I have to fight a gasp as I back away. His green eyes practically glow when he trains his gaze on me.
“Who are you?” I ask.
He grins, one side of his mouth twisting upward. Oh, I’m a sucker for a crooked smile. I was a diehard Edward Cullen fan from day one. That kind of love never dies.
“My name is Mal. I believe you know my brother, Phillip.”
I frown. “Phillip didn’t mention you’d be joining us.”
“It’s true I wasn’t invited. But this is my property as well, and it would appear you’ve wandered into my territory. A lovely golden ray of sunshine in my lair. How interesting.”
I snort. “Your lair? What are you, a vampire or something?”
Those lips twitch, and a spark of attraction turns into a flame. “No. I’m not a vampire. I’m something much more dangerous.”
He’s teasing me. “Are you?”
I’ve never seen eyes like his in real life. They pull me in and, almost without my knowledge, I step toward him.
A low chuckle fills the air and wraps around me. “My brother was right about you. You are quite the catch.” He reaches out and twists a lock of my hair between his fingers. “But which one of us will catch you?”
My heart flutters uncontrollably. I’m a sucker for a bad boy, which is precisely why I should stay away from Mal. “I’m not here to be caught. I’m here for a charity event.”
“If that’s what you believe, you’re more naive than I thought.”
I narrow my eyes and cross my arms over my chest, but all that serves to do is push my tits up higher and widen his wicked grin. “I see why you weren’t invited.”
“I don’t care in the least now that I’ve met you.”
“Why do you say that?”
His gaze settles on my mouth, and I can’t help but bite my lower lip. “Because you’re the only person I’d have been interested in meeting anyway.”
I swear to God, his eyes are glowing as he slides his fingers over my arm and captures my wrist. I should pull away. I’m supposed to meet Phillip for a stroll through the gallery, and here I am, letting his brother touch me.
“Aurora?” Merri’s voice breaks the spell of Mal’s eyes, and I shake my head, pulling my arm away.
“I have to go.”
“Don’t worry, princess, I’ll see you again soon.” He winks, and tingles shoot straight down my spine. I hate that I’m affected by him when I’ve just found Phillip. I feel like I’m cheating, but I haven’t kissed either of them.
Merri calls my name again, and I turn toward the stairs but can’t stop myself from looking back at Mal. He’s leaning against the wall, one dark eyebrow cocked, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
“Go on, love. Can’t keep your handsome prince waiting.”
I head down the stairs, heart racing just as much as it was on my way up, but for an entirely different reason.
Merri meets me at the base of the stairs, eyes wide. “Where does that lead? We were looking everywhere for you.”
“I left the door open so you’d find me.”
She cocks her hip. “Well, it was mostly closed. I only checked it because I stopped and felt the stream of air.”
I shrug. “Sorry.”
“So, what was up there?”
“Nothing much. Just an empty lookout.”
I hate lying to her, but the last thing I need is her knowing about Mal. She’d probably tell me exactly what I already know. He’s the bad boy I always go for. Phillip is the one I should want; he’s the one I do want.
“Come on. Phillip has been asking for you.” She takes my hand and drags me down the hall, away from Mal and toward the man I should see myself with.
The moment I see Phillip, my heart leaps and excitement stirs in my belly. How can I be so attracted to him but also have just had that intense moment with Mal? That’s not who I am. I’m a one man woman. Always have been.
“And how did you enjoy exploring today?” Phillip asks.
“It’s a beautiful place.”
“Made more lovely every moment you’re here.”
Charming. That’s the only word I can think of to describe him. But there’s something missing in him, the playfulness I saw at Chateau Marmont is gone. Something about being here has changed him. Or maybe, that man I met at brunch was just a facade, and this is the truth of who Phillip is. He’s not for me. What I’d thought was a connection isn’t truly there.
“Have I lost you already?” He reaches for me but hesitates.
“Did you think you had me?”
“I had hoped.”
<
br /> He offers his arm and I take it, fighting my sigh. I want him, but I also want passion. “Show me the gallery.”
He looks at me and frowns. “He’s gotten to you already, then?”
My heart lurches. “What?”
“Malachi.”
“Your brother.”
“Stepbrother.”
I can’t look him in the eye. “I met him.”
“I shouldn’t have left you alone. I knew it was a risk to move so slowly with you.”
“What are you talking about?”
A storm crosses his face, wild and dark, before he drags his fingers through his hair. “Fuck it,” he mutters. Then he grabs my face with both of his hands and presses me against the nearest wall as his lips collide with mine.
My head spins at the feel of him, of his tongue insisting I grant him access to my mouth, of his hard body.
My hands slide up his back, his strong, powerful back. God, do they ever know how to make ‘em in Ashea. He breaks the kiss and pulls back, staring hard into my eyes. Fiery gold irises blaze until I blink and they’ve returned to warm brown.
“Where have you been hiding this version of Phillip?” I ask, breathless.
“I thought you needed a gallant prince rather than one who’d ravish you the first chance he got.”
I can’t stop my sigh. “I’m sure I should want that. I should love that you were trying to be a gentleman. But I don’t. I love what you just did. Ravish me. Make me yours. Make me forget Mal even exits.”
The sound of a throat clearing behind him has Phillip tensing. He backs away and turns toward the source of our interruption. His butler stands in the doorway. “I beg your pardon, your highness.”
“What is it?”
“I’m afraid you have a rather pressing phone call. It can’t wait.”
Phillip hangs his head and mutters, “Damn,” before bringing an apologetic gaze to meet mine. “Until tonight.”
3
Aurora
I don’t see Phillip for the next few hours, and as I stand in my elegant rooms, staring at the beautifully decorated walls complete with oil paintings depicting lush scenery and fairy-tale stories, I wonder if this was how he had lived his entire life. Now, I wish I could ask him. I really thought he would spend more time with me, but he seemed like he was in such a rush to get away from me when I arrived. Maybe that will change.
I trail my fingers over the intricately-carved dresser, the wood gleaming as though it has been freshly polished. And truth be told, it probably has. Preparation for guests is something the royals all seem to thrive on. A knock on my door has my heart leaping, wondering if perhaps it's Phillip come to collect me.
"Come in." The door creaks open, and I'm greeted with the two maids who had led my friends and me up the stairs and to our rooms. Surprisingly, my friends have to share a space, but I’m at the other end of this wing with my own large chambers. Honestly, it's a suite.
"Ma'am, I've been sent to help you dress," says one of them. Hilda, I think.
The other offers a slow curtsy and looks at me with poorly-disguised interest. They knew I was coming. And they're excited for some reason.
"Does it take two of you?" My family might be Hollywood royalty, but I’m not used to treatment like this. I can dress myself.
"I'm here to assist with your makeup and hair styles." The other one, who had been silent, smiles, and I can see excitement in her eyes. Yes, they had been prepared for me. Phillip had prepared them.
"Well, I brought a few things, and they’re still in my suitcase."
"Oh, ma'am, that's not necessary. Have you not seen the closet?"
They both enter my room and stride to the large French doors decorated in ornately carved woodwork.
"What do you mean?"
"The prince had all of your clothing selected and placed in your closet. He wanted to ensure you were properly dressed and wanting for nothing while you're staying here."
I swallow back the shocked gasp that wants to escape my mouth. "That...is surprising."
They both stare at me as though I am a very strange person. And I wonder how normal this is for them. "Is this something his royal highness does frequently?" They look at each other and then back to me. "Does he have women come to his castle regularly?"
Surprise races across their features, and the one sent to do my hair and makeup opens her mouth. "Oh, no. In fact, he has never had a woman here, specifically one he is as interested in as you."
The other woman elbows her roughly.
Obviously she said something she wasn't supposed to.
Well, this is interesting. "I suppose you'll have to teach me how all this works. We don't do things like this in California.” They both smile and offer low curtsies.
"First, we'll pick out your gown."
Hilda throws open the closet doors, and lights immediately turn on inside, revealing a space almost as large as my bedroom back home. It's lined with shelves of designer shoes, dresses, regular clothes for lazy days, jeans, everything I could want. "Wow. He's thorough."
The two maids giggle.
Together we select a beautiful gown of black lace, sheer, but reaching my collar, with long sleeves. It gives the illusion of skin but truly doesn't display anything. It's perfect.
After an hour of primping and polishing, I am more done up than I was when I attended the Oscars with my parents. I feel like a princess. A princess in a castle, attending a dinner with a handsome prince. How did I get here?
The two leave me alone as I slip into my shoes and put on the one piece of jewelry I brought with me. My mother's diamond earrings. Another knock on my door has me wondering what they forgot. "Come on in." I turn to face the two women, but my jaw drops when I see Phillip standing in the doorway. He's dressed in a tuxedo, a royal sash across his chest. His chocolate brown waves, almost tawny in the light, are slicked back away from his handsome face, displaying his widow's peak and sharp cheekbones. I have to fight the urge to sigh at the sight of him. "Hi there."
He grins. "Hi, yourself." He holds out a hand and I am dying to touch him. "Are you ready?"
I swallow then take his offered palm. "As I'll ever be."
As we walk down the hall, he looks at me, a smile spreading his lips, but heat in his eyes. "You clean up nice." I shouldn't tease him but I can't help it. I need some sort of tension breaker.
"I could say the same for you." His lips twist up in a smirk. "But then again, you look lovely no matter what you're wearing."
"You're quite dashing.”
"Only when I need to be."
We descend the stairs, and two footmen are waiting for us. They escort us to the dining room, sliding open the pocket doors and revealing a table that must be at least thirty feet long. Everyone in the room stands as we approach, and I feel a little like Cinderella being watched as she enters the ball. Phillip leads me to the place that's set for both of us. Him at the head of the table and me at the seat to his left. He holds out my chair, and I take a seat followed by him and then everyone else in the room turns to their places.
As we're settling at our meal, the doors open, this time, revealing the very man I never wanted to see again because I couldn't keep him out of my thoughts. Malachi stands at the entrance to the room, dressed in black, casual, kind of like a rock star showing up at a wedding. He grins and walks toward me. My heart is racing for fear that he's going to say something about our encounter. But he doesn't. Instead he nods to Phillip before saying, "Brother."
Phillip doesn't answer. Instead he takes a drink of his wine and simply ignores the man who takes a seat next to me. Mal leans close and whispers, "I see they sat us together. I wonder if they could feel it just as I can."
My stomach twists. "Feel what?"
I don't want him to answer but he does. "The attraction between us. It's all I've been thinking about."
I laugh and reach for my wine. "You can't be serious. I just met you."
He chuckles. "Then it must be love
at first sight."
Phillip tenses in his spot next to me. "That's enough, Mal. You're here. There's no point monopolizing the conversation with our guests."
Phillip lifts his glass and says, "Welcome, everyone. Tonight marks the beginning of our week-long event. I do hope you find yourselves comfortable. Feel free to explore any rooms that I left unlocked in the castle. But do stay away from the east wing. Those are private quarters."
A handsome man with dark hair and pale skin raises his glass and says, "Thank you, Phillip, for your hospitality. The Blackthornes will remember this."
I frown, not knowing that name, but, from the way everyone is watching the man, he seems to be someone important. Phillip isn’t looking at me. I wonder if his brother's appearance has upset him more than I gather. But when we make eye contact, he reaches for me and takes my hand. "Who is that?" I ask. Needing to know so I don't make a serious gaffe.
Phillip shakes his head and doesn't answer me.
I feel Mal's stare before I turn to look at him. He grins. "That is Lucas Blackthorne.”
"Should I know him?"
"No. But I'm sure you will. Don't find yourself alone with him. He bites."
"I feel like I should be most concerned about being alone with you."
He chuckles, the dark sound rolling over me and making things low in my belly tight. "Oh, princess. That is a very wise thing indeed. But I promise you'll enjoy it."
I try to ignore him for the remainder of the meal, but I feel his gaze on me at every possible moment. It's intense and heated. And Phillip is ignoring me, which makes me very frustrated.
Merri, Aspen, and Fleur all watch me with confusion and concern in their gazes. As we finish dessert, Merri mouths, “Are you okay?” My response is a simple shrug. I wish we were closer together so we could have a conversation that wouldn’t be heard across the table. As soon as the plates are cleared, I stand, the rest of the table following suit. Phillip looks at me with concern and confusion in his eyes. "Are you all right?"
I nod, swallowing before saying, "I just need some air. All that rich food." He holds out a hand but I don't take it.