The Naughty Angel and Her Three Very Wise Men: A Christmas Ménage

by Trinity Blacio

  Chapter Sixteen

  Annabelle studied the painting in front of her, but her mind was on Marcus. Something had happened and they were not telling her. Lance slid in behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “It's going to be okay, Annabelle. We'll tell you what's happening as soon as Marcus arranges everything. Hopefully, after tonight, we won't have to worry about any more attacks from demons.” He nibbled her neck. “Mom and Dad are going to love this painting. You've done a wonderful job of capturing them and the house. I can't wait to see their faces when they unwrap it.” She smiled and turned in his arms. “Thanks. Lance, I have this strange feeling like something big is going to happen soon and I don't know if it's going to be for the better. It's scaring me.” She laid her head down on his chest. “I sometimes get these feelings. When I do, something big usually happens.” Chills ran up her spine.

  Her swollen lips had gone down faster than she'd thought they would. Lance believed that because of her change, her allergic reactions should be nonexistent in a couple of months. “Marcus is coming now. He'll tell us what's going on, but we're not going to let anything happen to you, I promise.” He pulled back and held her face in his hands, kissing her nose. “So how many more paintings do you have to finish?” He changed the subject and turned her back to the pictures. She sighed and knew she would have to wait for Marcus. “I have two more to finish. Then I'll have all my Christmas presents done. I'm hoping to finish them tomorrow. That way, it will give them time to dry.” Marcus pushed open the door and shut it behind him, no ice cream in hand. “Come sit, Annabelle. We need to talk.” He nodded to Lance as he sat down on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap. “Lance and I were hoping to introduce you tonight to our family at the dungeon if we have time after the meeting I had to schedule. It seems that Alocer, the demon who has been controlling those here in New York, wants a meeting at the dungeon.” He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tight. She sighed and leaned back against him as Lance paced back and forth in front of them. “I don't like this, Marcus. It could be a trap.”

  Lance stopped and glanced at Annabelle. “We can't take her there with them at the dungeon,” he snapped. Annabelle didn't like the idea either. It scared the shit out of her. She'd her fill of demons to last her a lifetime and then some. “I agree,” Marcus said. “The thought of Annabelle there with them has me on edge, but I'd rather have her at my side knowing she's safe in our arms than to leave her here where they could attack while we're gone.”

  He held up his hand to stop Lance from speaking. “The council has agreed to arbitrate the meeting. I've set it up in the old master's room. There will be plenty of guards and her father and brothers will be there also. Alocer would be committing suicide if he tries anything there with the council and he knows it. He has agreed to all the terms, under one condition. Annabelle, this concerns you too. We won't do it if you're not comfortable with it. We'll find another way to defuse the situation if we have to.” Marcus's grip around her loosened and he turned her to face him. She had been right. Something big was going to happen and her body shook as she waited to hear what Marcus had to say. “Tonight, as I mentioned, we had planned for you to be introduced to our lifestyle. What this means is that you would be on display to the senior masters only for the night. They would be watching everything we did to you. Some might even participate in the event just like we had planned for this afternoon, but with a bigger audience. Alocer wants to be included in your introduction. For some reason, it's very important that he is there. I don't know why, and he won't explain until tonight, when he talks with Lance and me privately after the meeting with the council, but this is up to you. If you can't do it, we won't do it.” “You've got to be kidding me!” Lance fumed. “He thinks we would let him touch her after all they've done to her? The hell with that. We'll think of something else. I'm not risking her for anyone.” Annabelle got up and looked out the window. If she allowed this, the fighting would stop, and so would the killings. There would be peace just in time for the holidays. It would only be for one night. Lance and Marcus would be there to guide and protect her. She turned and looked at them. “If I say yes, I don't want my family there, Marcus. It would be too embarrassing for me for them to see me like that.” She sat down on the window seat. “It would only be for one night and both of you would be there to protect me, right?” Lance kneeled down before her and laid his head on her lap. “Annabelle, you don't have to do this. We can find some other way to peace.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Yes, Annabelle. We'll be there and no one will hurt you. The other masters all know what's going on. They too have pledged to protect you, at all costs.” Marcus strolled over to them and sighed. “I've informed your family they will not be there.” Marcus sat down next to her and picked up her other hand, bringing it to his mouth and nibbling on her fingers. She sighed. She had no choice. “Then let's do it, but he'd better be in human form.” She smiled.

  Marcus pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. “Alocer, she has agreed, but you are to be in human form for tonight, nothing else.” He shut the phone. “Why don't you go take a hot bath and try to get some rest? It's going to be a long night.” Lance snapped, “So help me God, Marcus, if someone hurts her tonight, I won't forgive you.” He picked her up and carried her out of the room. Laying her head on his chest, she gazed up at him. “Lance, he is trying to save lives here. We have no choice.” She kissed his chest and smiled. “Who knows? Maybe this Alocer is cute in human form and it won't be too bad.” He stopped before they went into the bedroom and glanced down at her, smiling. “You don't need to think anyone is cute, my dear. You're ours and that is all there is to it, but you're right. It just makes me furious he would use your introduction to the family for his own gain. There just has to be something else we're not seeing.” He moved into the bedroom and headed straight to the bathroom. He set her down and started the bath. “Maybe that's why he wanted the private meeting, to explain his reasoning,” Annabelle said. “Have you met him before?” She handed him the bubble bath she wanted to use. “I've met him twice and so has Lance. He's not a full demon. His father was a drinker and comes from a very ancient line of drinkers. I believe this is the only reason Marcus has agreed to this meeting.” “Will I be at the meeting too?” She stepped into the warm water and sank into the bubbles. Marcus walked into the bathroom and smiled at her, handing her a cup of hot cider. “Yes, he wants you at the meeting as well. After the meeting, he will meet with Lance and me while you are prepared for tonight's events, but don't worry. While you are prepared, Doug and your two personal guards will be with you.” He smiled and flipped on the radio. “What exactly is getting prepared?” She eyed him as she sipped her cider. Lance laughed and shook his head. “That, you will have to wait and see.” He turned and looked at his brother. “What about dinner at the club? Are we still going to have time for that?” Marcus nodded and headed for the door. “Yes, I've got everything arranged and Alocer has ordered all under his command to back off for the night. So we are safe for now.” Annabelle laid her cup on the floor near the tub and closed her eyes. The hot water eased some of the tension out of her body, but the thought of what was to come was just so scary. Why was she so important to this meeting? It just didn't make any sense. “Annabelle, can I come in?” Sandy peeked her head in the door and smiled. She waved her in and nodded. “Have a seat on my throne. It's the only place where I can relax, it seems.” She laughed. “So have you heard the news?” Sandy frowned and nodded. “Your father is furious and so are your brothers. They want to be there for you tonight. Aren't you scared? I would be flipping out.” Annabelle studied Sandy and knew she was afraid and nervous for her. “Sandy, I have no choice. I can't let the killings continue if I can stop them. Plus Lance says that Alocer is only part demon, that his father was a drinker.” She shrugged. “Maybe it won't be so bad, but I'm terrified. Who wouldn't be? As for my family, I can't have my brothers and father in the same room as Marcus and Lance…well, you know. You've r
ead the stories about what it's like at a dungeon, all tied up to let your masters do as they please. It would be too embarrassing and creepy for them to be there.” Sandy laughed. “Yep, I guess it would be. Your father would kill anyone who made you scream. He'd think they we're hurting you. Can you see it? There you are, all tied up, and one of the masters comes up and does something that excites you, and you scream. Your enraged father kills him. Oh, that so wouldn't go over well.” Sandy laughed so hard she fell off the toilet seat. Annabelle grabbed her stomach and laughed at her. “You are so bad! I can't believe you said that. Now how am I going to keep a straight face tonight imagining that? Oh, my God. Marcus and Lance are going to kill me if I burst out laughing at them.” Tears slipped down her face. Marcus peeked in the bathroom and glanced at them. “Okay, what's so funny? I heard my name.” Sandy glanced at her and they laughed again. “Oh, I wish I could be a fly on the wall tonight.” She giggled. Annabelle splashed water on her. “You are so bad. Never mind what were laughing at. It's girl stuff.” She smiled and batted her eyes at Marcus. He groaned and smiled at her. “I'm warning you, Annabelle. There will be no little pranks on me or Lance.” She rolled her eyes. “Please, this wasn't even about you. Now, go away and let us talk.”

  * * * *

  Marcus slipped out of the bathroom and smiled. He knew she needed this time with Sandy. Tonight was going to be a rough night for them all. He had an idea what Alocer was going to say, and if it was true, things were going to be more complicated than they all expected. Lance leaned against the dresser and stared at him. “You have an idea what Alocer wants, don't you?” He walked out of the bedroom, leaving the guards in the room. Lance followed him as they made their way down to the office downstairs. “Yes, but I want Dad and Annabelle's father with us before I explain. They should already be in the office waiting for us.” Marcus pushed open the office door and stood off to the side as Lance leaned against the door when he closed it. His father and Adam sat in the room waiting. “Well, what do you think Alocer wants with my daughter? I mean, it has to be personal since he has requested her to be present at the meeting and at your private party.” Adam frowned at him. Marcus ran his hand through his hair and glanced at Lance. “Remember the night we met Annabelle at the bar?” he asked Lance. He nodded and frowned. “There is no way I'd forget that. Go on.” He crossed his arms. “Alocer was also there that night. He and I were chatting before you came into the café. He was trying to get his men under control and wanted me to know he hadn't ordered those killings earlier and that he had ordered the ones responsible back to their planet. He wants peace and he will only let certain demons here in New York.”

  He poured himself a brandy. “It seems he has been put in charge of those allowed to roam the human world since he was born into it. Anyway, he was leaving when he ran into Annabelle as she was entering the café. If I'm right, she might have another mate, the third.” Marcus turned to see Adam jump up, slamming his chair to the ground behind him. “There is no way my daughter is a mate to a demon. For God's sake, Marcus, that would kill her. Look at what Dave did to her,” he yelled and paced back and forth. “I was wrong once and she'd never forgive me.” Lance glared at him. “If you're right, you know this will be rough on her.” “Don't you think I've already thought of that? The only thing that would help is that he is a drinker and not a full demon, but with him being in charge of all the demons here on the surface, it's going to be rough. On the other hand, it could be what we need to bring peace between our races. Maybe Annabelle's the key for this.” He gulped down his brandy. “But we won't know anything until tonight. Adam, I want you to ask one of the council members to be with Lance and me when we talk to Alocer after the meeting. He'll be able to tell if Alocer is lying or not. I won't even mention this to Annabelle before we know for sure. I won't scare her like that if there is no reason to.” His father got up and patted him on the back. “You know this is going to take a lot of sharing and work, but if it's true, you two are the ones who can do it. This house is big enough for you four, but he will have to have an office outside this home. It would be too much for your mother and sister.” Marcus nodded to his father as he and Adam left the room. He turned to stare at his brother. “So, I know you have something to say.” Lance moved away from the door and sat on the chair Adam had been sitting on. “You know Alocer's father is still a member of the elders, right? If this is true, we're also going to have to deal with the elders. His father is going to be thrilled that Alocer's mate is a drinker and not a demon. From what I've heard, his father had hoped Alocer wouldn't show any signs of his mother's heritage. From what I understand, his demon form is mild compared to full-blooded, but he also has more power than most demons since his blood is from our oldest line. All three of us will be in the spotlight more then we have been before.” Marcus sat down behind the desk and put his feet up on the desk. “Yep, already thought of that, but there is something else to consider. He might be the third dragon if the Legend is right.” Marcus released the spell that hid the mark on their bodies. The dragon on his body roared to life and looked at Lance. Lance smiled and released the dragon he kept hidden inside. “You know the council knows of this. They didn't say anything that morning in the dining room, which surprised me. Only father knows of this, but once this happens, others will know.” Marcus smiled and stretched as the dragon moved along his neck. “Yes, I know. It's time the others know the dragon line hasn't died off. I also believe the elders will soon ask Father to join them once they realize he is one also.” He moved to the door. “We'd better get our mate ready for tonight.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Annabelle glanced in the mirror one more time. The long black leather dress was beautiful, sexy, and erotic. She wore black thigh-high stockings, which could be seen through the slits on both sides of the dress, which came up to her hips. Her midriff was bare and only part of her breasts were covered with a fine black mesh. Sandy had done her hair, which now curled down her back. She had never felt so beautiful. Tonight was going to be amazing. Both of her men were dressed in black leather pants, and black leather vests with nothing underneath. If the outline in their pants was any indication, she was going to have one hell of a night. Even with the meeting, she knew her mates wouldn't let anything happen to her. She turned and smiled. “Thank you for the dress. It's beautiful.” Marcus stepped up and kissed her lips. “I knew you would be breathtaking in it. Now, let's go and get this meeting over with. I had hoped we would be able to go to dinner first but we don't have time. We'll have to have a late dinner tonight.” Both of them escorted her down the staircase. Her family and his waited below. Sandy whistled as they stepped off the last step. “Okay, I so want a dress like that. Marcus, I've decided you can tell Santa I want one like that for Christmas, maybe in purple. Just imagine the heads that would turn at the Café LaRue on New Year's Eve.” She laughed and hugged Annabelle, whispering in her ear. “Remember what we were talking about in the bathroom.” She giggled. Annabelle punched her in the arm and burst out laughing. “Will you stop? I'm so going to tell them it was your fault I burst out laughing.” Lance raised his eyebrows. “Do we need to worry about something here?” Annabelle glanced at Sandy and they both burst out laughing. “Nope, hopefully not.”

  Eden stepped forward and hugged Annabelle. “I want to hear about this secret. I have something for you. It was my mother's and I want you to have it.” She handed her a small jewelry box. Her hand shaking, Annabelle popped open the box. Inside was a small red leather choker. In the middle was a black diamond with small red sapphires surrounding it. “My God, it's beautiful. Are you sure you don't want Trish to have this?” Eden patted her hand. “No, dear, she has something else. Marcus, please put it on her. It will look great on her tonight.” Marcus took the box out of her hand and handed the empty box to his mother as he clasped the choker around her neck. “Now, that is perfect. It's said that the diamond has certain powers when worn by the right person. So, who knows? Maybe it will help with
added protection tonight. Be careful, Annabelle. You've already become an important part of our family.” She stepped back as Nicholas stepped up and hugged her. “We'll be right behind you, so don't worry.” He smiled.