by Неизвестный
“Hey, you almost ready?” Lydia called out from the bedroom.
“Give me five more minutes.” She pulled the satin dress off the hanger and stepped into it. Tamara reached up to take the rollers out of her hair and drop them into the sink as Lydia opened the bathroom door behind her.
“Hot damn, woman, you’re going to sizzle…” Lydia said as she stepped into the room.
“And you don’t? Wait till Maxim sees you, he’s not going to take his eyes off of you.” Tamara took the last roller out and ran her brush through her hair.
“Are you scared?” Tamara asked Lydia as she grabbed her lipstick. Blood Red it was called.
“Of course I’m scared. We’d be fools if we weren’t. I still can’t believe I’ve worked with this man and never even suspected who he was. But you know what scares me more? That spider woman.”
Taking one last look into the mirror, Tamara met Lydia’s gaze. “Whatever happens, thank you for being my friend and being there for me.” She held out her manicured red nails which contrasted with Lydia's black ones as they held hands.
“Don’t get me started or we’ll never get out of here.” Lydia squeezed her hand. They both placed their masks on and nodded.
“Let’s go. First reaction, your mate,” Tamara teased her friend all the while her stomach knotted as Tamara tried not to break her neck on the three inch fuck-me pumps she wore. Both of them were quiet as they made their way down the stairs.
They stepped off the stairs and moved to the family room where Maxim waited. But Tamara should have known Lars and Gage would be there too. Both of them were dressed in black tuxes with red dress shirts.
She fanned herself. “Damn, you guys are hot,” Tamara said as they both circled her when Lydia stepped aside.
“You should have shown us the dress beforehand,” Gage snarled and ran his finger down her exposed skin in the front.
“Why? I am covered.” Tamara pouted and looked to the ground. “You don’t like my dress?”
With a tug on her hair, Tamara lifted her head to stare into Lars’ eyes. “You know we love the dress, but it will draw too many eyes to you.”
“It was meant to. The more my father is watching me, he won’t notice the others moving around him.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. “Let’s get this done.”
Tamara glanced over at Lydia who was backed into a corner, Maxim whispered something in her ear and she snarled at him. “Back off, ancient one,” Lydia stomped down on his foot and he flinched, giving her the time she needed to escape his arms.
“Let’s go,” Lydia said and held out her hand as Tamara reached to her, but Lars stepped between them, taking one of her hands, while Gage took the other.
She shook her head and smiled. “I love you two, never forget that.” With those parting words. Tamara thought of the dome as she closed her eyes.
“Stupid man.” Lydia’s words had her opening her eyes to see her friend yank her hand away from Maxim.
Herick, Lana, Ishka, Bane, Orlando and the rest of Gage’s family all stood around waiting. Lana stepped up to her and hugged her. “You look fabulous.”
“As do you. Love the green, and I never knew you could make a corset out of silk.” Tamara smiled. “We’ll have to make one for me next. I love corsets.”
“Only if you plan to wear them in the house,” Gage mumbled and everyone laughed.
She turned to Orlando. “Please don’t stay too close to me when I’m on stage. I don’t want to hurt you. Now, has anyone showed up yet?”
“Only those with that band, catering and a few of your siblings,” Alton announced coming around the corner with Lars‘s mother and father, Trevor. Angeline stepped away from her husband and hugged her tight.
“You look amazing. Lana you have out done yourself with this dress.” She stepped back and looked at her husband.
Trevor held out his hand and Tamara looked up at him. Taking a deep breath, Tamara placed her small hand into his. He pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head. “You look divine my daughter, but I expect you to take precautions tonight. I will not lose my grandchildren.”
“I’ll do my best,” she stepped back, but before Tamara could move into her husband’s arms, Alton placed his hand on her arm, stopping her.
“I owe you an apology. I spoke with grief in my heart and my wife would have clocked me a good one for my behavior if she were here. I want to also thank you for your willingness to help with this.” He waved his hand to their surroundings. “None of this would have been possible without you.”
He leaned over and kissed each of her cheeks. “I’m just sorry my family hurt yours.”
“Enough of this mushy stuff. You two keep your hands off our woman,” Lars mumbled while squeezing her ass cheek.
“Stop, Lars. I need to see the hall before everyone gets here. Also is…” Her words stopped as Jander appeared in front of them.
“I will not be able to help with your father, but I will with the woman, but she is not alone. We must not forget the one that loves to carve people up.” Jander’s form seemed to fade in and out. “I’ll be around watching.” With that he vanished again.
“Alright, he really needs to give notice before appearing like that,” Tamara rubbed her bare arms and moved through the hall
Valentine’s decorations were hung all throughout the halls. Pillars with red or white candles every two feet would be lit when it was time. “Lana, did the team put up the old pictures from the last Blood Ball?”
“Yes and we’ve placed them around the opening where we believe she’ll come in, in the main ballroom, and a few around certain halls where we know the humans won’t visit. I also had the bar load up on negative A and O blood. Let’s just hope this woman shows up in human form. We don’t need everyone running from the building before we even get started.: Lana put her arm on her looking behind them. “You’ve fed right?”
She stopped and frowned as Tamara tried to remember the last time she fed. “I can’t remember. I’ve eaten I know that. Matter of fact, I can’t stop eating.”
“Daughter, you should know better, especially in your condition. Even Lars should have been paying attention,” Angeline said.
“What didn’t I do?” Lars asked sliding in next to her, his arm going around her waist.
“When was the last time your woman fed? You should be helping her remember. With her carrying your children, it’s more important now that she keeps up with her feedings.” His mother scolded him. “I know the three of you are under a lot of stress, but there is no excuse.”
It had been a long time since Tamara had been scolded and she couldn’t help the smile that formed on her lips. “Thank you. I’m very lucky to have you in my life.” She reached over and squeezed her arm.
“If you excuse us, I’ll take care of the problem right now and believe me, it won’t happen again mother,” Lars swept her away from everyone. Gage followed covering their backs with Orlando.
He found a little nook where a water fountain was and cornered her up against the wall. His hand around her neck, Lars stared into her face. “I’m sorry, this should have never happened. I promise you I will never neglect you again.” With his shirt now open, Lars urged her head down. “Feed, my love, and give sustenance to our children.”
Placing a kiss on his chest, she peeked up at Lars. His emotions were strong, guilt and anger at himself poured off him.
“Lars, we were both guilty and we’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.” She sank her teeth into his skin and drank what was essence to her. “I love you. We make mistakes. No one is perfect, Lars.” She slid her arms up around his neck and sealed the holes after feeding.
“It’s our job to protect and care for you and so far we aren’t doing such a great job. You shouldn’t even be here risking your life…” His forehead touched hers. “If we lost you, there would be no Lars or Gage, just an empty shell.”
She swallowed as a lump grew in her throat. Lars could have
his moments and now was one of them. “I can do this Lars. Believe in me.” She kissed his nose, then his lips softly before slipping out of his arms and going into Gage’s.
“Both of you please watch your backs. He’s going to go after someone who’s close to me. I’m just hoping…” She looked away and closed her thoughts to her men.
“You’re hoping what? What are you planning Tamara? Because so help me if you put yourself in more harm’s way…” Gage shook her before covering her mouth with his in a brutal hard punishing kiss. His tongue dueled and cornered hers dominating it like everything else her men did to her.
He slipped his hand in under the silk and cupped her breast, squeezing almost to pain before Gage released both her mouth and breast. “Mine!” he snarled his eyes taking on a glowing red. The wolf was close to the surface.
“Yours always,” she whispered and moved away from them before the tears could come. Tonight, Tamara was also bringing back one tradition she had researched over the last two days. Only one person knew what she was going to do tonight and that was Lydia.
Everyone else would be furious, but it had to be done, to draw them closer to her for this spell to work. The thought of spider lady drinking from her did have her stomach clenching and she knew after this was over with, she’d be visiting the porcelain crown.
Standing before the two steel doors to the stadium, Tamara looked around at the hall. Red carpet had been placed down the hall where everyone would come. Plaques with Bane’s mother name riddled the wall honoring her as if it was in the old days.
A shadow fell across her and Tamara looked behind her to see Alton and his father looking around. “It’s just as I remembered the last one, but more so. You have added the words of honor and other traditions long thought of as dead.” Alton looked down at her as the others moved around them gazing upon the decorations and symbols.
“When I plan something, I don’t do it half ass. Even though this party was thrown together under duress, there is no reason not to bring back some traditions that have been forgotten.” Tamara waved her hand and the two steel doors opened.
“I always believed we should treasure our past and make sure our children never forget what was. Tonight will be an accumulation of what was old and forgotten mixed with a few new thoughts,” she grinned and stepped into the doorway, but Alton placed his hands on her shoulders, stopping her.
He stepped in front of her and scanned the ballroom. “You have outdone yourself, granddaughter. It brings back so many wonderful days with my wife…” He stopped and stared at the pictures hanging on the walls to the right.
“One of the traditions I loved while researching past parties was the wall of those lost to us over the year. Since I am the one throwing the party, it’s only right I put those I am honoring.” Six pictures hung on the wall above them, Alton’s wife, her mother, and the four of Lars’ and Gage’s team. All of whom had been killed because of the psycho bitch and her father.
“Don’t you think that will make them angry?” Alton asked and she shrugged.
“No. My father should know about traditions. He is the one who set all this into motion., the one who suggested the party and I really don’t give a shit if she doesn’t like it. Spider or not, the bitch can suck on my left big toe for all I care. It’s enough I’m giving this thing, I’ll be damned if I honor her ever.” Tamara hissed, anger like she never knew spilled out from every pore.
Her men were beside her in a moment, running their hands up and down her, trying to calm her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. If you’ll excuse me, I need to check on the band and the food.” Tamara couldn’t look at any of them as she made her way down the stairs and towards the band that was setting up.
She would have to thank Angeline later on for the band. Each member was serious eye candy. One of them stepped forward with his hand out when Tamara stepped onto the stage.
“You must be Tamara. Angeline told me so much about you and she was right. You are absolutely stunning.” She blushed and nodded.
“Thank you. Do you have everything you need? Did you get the list of songs and the times that I need you to play them?”
“Yes, all is well here. I smell their mark on you. Your men are very lucky indeed.” He stepped back and bowed.
Rolling her eyes, Tamara turned to see Lars and Gage behind her, glaring at the man behind her. “You two need to stop. No one is going to advance on what belongs to you. You’ve marked me quite well, if I remember right.” She stepped in between them and looked out at the dance floor. Tables lined all around the ballroom. They had enough tables to accommodate well over the last total Baal had given her.
Her gaze fell on the small raised platform where her father and the bitch, Benita, would dance before the shit hit the fan. “What are you thinking?” Lars kissed the side of her cheek.
“That this night would be perfect if it wasn’t for my father and his psycho bitch mate. I mean look around. It’s beautiful, the smell of roses and orchids, soon candles will be lit all around so we can dim the lights and music meant for lovers will be playing.” She looked to the door, where Maxim entered with some woman she’d never seen.
“That is so not a way to get Lydia’s attention,” she snapped and moved off the stage toward them.
“Wait!” Gage wrapped his arm around her. “That is the queen of the Fae. She’s agreed to come here tonight to help.” He laughed and bit down on the side of her neck. “I just love when you get all riled up. I can’t wait till tonight. We have our own little Valentine’s Day celebration planned for you.”
She groaned. “You just had to bring that up. Damn it, Gage, I have to concentrate on tonight. Now I’m going to be wondering what the hell you two have planned for me.” Tamara kissed his cheek and patted his arm. “Now release me so I can go pay my respects.
“There is no need, here they come.” Gage nodded and she turned to see Maxim and the Queen of Fae in front of her. She curtsied the best she could with Gage behind her.
“You honor us by coming, thank you,” Tamara said.
“No, you honor me and all of society for what you are planning tonight.” She took her hand and turned it so it was palm side up. The Queen Mother drew a magic symbol over her hand and at once energy like surges went up her arm and through her body. “This will protect you from your endeavor later. She won’t be able to take too much.”
“Thank you, but we all have to do what can to stop this. He’s my father and my responsibility to take care of. I won’t let him hurt another innocent, if I can help it.” Tamara knew both of her men were pushing to get into her head to see what the queen was talking about, but she kept the wall around that little part of information buried deep so they couldn’t find it.
The queen pulled her into her arms, hugging her. “You can walk in the sun, child. It is my gift to you all for what you have suffered,” she whispered to her and turned to leave.
For a minute she stood there stunned. “Wait you mean all three of us can?” She asked and the woman smiled over her shoulder and nodded.
“Wow, thank you.” Tamara looked at Gage then at Lars,. Both men were stunned to say the least. Now would be a great time to slip into the kitchen.
She took three steps towards the kitchen, before both men were once more at her side with her guards following. “Why do I get the feeling you are going to do something else other than the spell? What did she mean it would protect you from her taking too much?” Lars demanded and stepped in front of her.
“He’s here,” Lydia interrupted and nodded to the entrance of the room.
Her father stood at the top of the stairs in a tux looking like a million bucks. Even she would have fallen for him if she didn’t know what he was.
Taking a deep breath, Tamara placed her hand on Lars’ arm and squeezed before she stepped around him.
Chapter Seventeen
Inside Lars was shaking as he watched Tamara make her way to the entrance of the ballroom. Her father
watched every step she took. Both he and Lars were right behind her. Orlando and Lydia were following behind them off to each side.
He scanned the hall and noticed the pictures on the right side. “You have done your homework, I’m impressed Tamara. For that I will give you this boon. No one will die here tonight. I will keep Benita under check.” Baal cocked his head to the side and his eyes grew large.
“You honor me tonight?” Her father almost sounded lost for a minute, before he pulled himself together.
“It was part of the old ways. I do things right, not half-baked. You asked for a party like that of the old days. That is what you will have. You are early, is your mate here also?” she asked, looking behind him.
“No, she will come later and Benita is not my mate, even though she believes herself to be. Soon your brothers will be coming. I’ve informed them they will be on their best behaviors if they are not.” He shrugged his shoulders. “You have my permission to dispose of them as you see fit. Some of them are a bit difficult to deal with.” Baal’s focus drifted to Lars.
“I am sorry about your grandmother. I tried to stop Benita’s vendetta against her, but she does have her own agenda. I’d kill her, but she does serve a purpose.” There was no emotion in the words. He acted like it was nothing. Stepping down the stairs, Lars turned to face her father.
“I do congratulate all of you on your pending bundle of joy.” Baal reached to place a hand on Tamara’s stomach, but she latched onto his wrist before he could touch her.
“Don’t. I am doing as you asked, but no one will hurt my child,” Tamara said stepping away from him. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see how the food is coming alone. Oh and father…” Tamara looked over her shoulder and moved off the last step. “I won’t hesitate to kill them.”
Lars turned to leave, but not before Baal said to him and Gage. “I know she carries two infants and if my daughter is brave and strong enough, I will not retaliate against her plans tonight. But if Tamara is not able to pull this off, many will die tonight.” Her father started back up the stairs and at the top he added. “For the past six months I knew what it was to have a family, a real one. For that alone I made sure the three of you were not touched, but tonight just watch your back.”