Blood Oath (#8, the Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  “I’ll try,” I countered, relaxing a little. Dressed in all the clothes befitting a gentleman, I tugged at my cravat, feeling a little claustrophobic. All I wanted to do was get in and get out—find my friend and move on.

  But that part of me who always thought of Darcy smiled. She was another one who would’ve been thrilled to attend. She’d jabber on a million miles an hour, excited because this was just how she imagined her favorite Jane Austen characters spending the evening or how she’d daydreamed over such things when reading her romance novels. Darcy was enamored with all things historical. She would’ve wanted one of these gowns—the grander the better.

  “And so it begins,” Lady Hannah said to the side before opening her arms wide to welcome the approaching party. “My dear Lady Thatcher. How are you?” Niceties were exchanged while the young woman, standing beside a woman I presumed was her mother, curtsied. “And how good to see you, again, Claire. May I present my friend, Mr. Devlin Lockhart.”

  Strong curiosity flared in Lady Thatcher’s eyes and she all but pushed her daughter toward me. The poor thing almost tripped from the force. “Wonderful! Perhaps he could dance with my sweet Claire.”

  I almost cringed over the lack of subtlety. Darcy once asked me if mothers were really as calculating when it came to marrying off their daughters as depicted in Pride and Prejudice. I’d answered with a resounding ‘Yes’! While some held enough tact and manners to pursue matrimony, there were others, like Lady Thatcher, who wouldn’t know the meaning of tact if it slapped her in the face and challenged her to a duel at dawn.

  “Mother,” Claire hissed, clearly embarrassed. Her apologetic look told me everything I needed to know—this wasn’t the first time she been shoved off upon a potential suitor nor would it be the last until her mother was successful. Meanwhile, the young woman bore the humiliation with all the grace she could muster.

  “While the gentleman’s heart is already spoken for, I’m sure he would be honored.” I could’ve kissed Lady Hannah for her intervention. It wasn’t because I couldn’t speak up for myself, but these were her friends—she knew how to handle them.

  “Miss Claire,” I asked, extending my hand out for her to take. “Would you do me the honor?” There were definitely worse ways to spend the evening than dancing with a pretty young woman.

  “Thank you.” Her cheeks flushed again with the softest of pink. As we walked away and entered the area assigned to the evening’s dancing, she quickly added. “You don’t have to do this, you know. Mama is always overstepping herself and forcing me onto unwilling gentlemen. Her heart’s in the right place, but still . . .” Her heavy sigh revealed how weary she was of it.

  “I could never refuse such a lovely dance partner.” Stepping into position, I was grateful for the quadrille lessons I received once I became a vampire. I was always astounded that, after he’d turned me, Balthazar’s tutelage included the many intricacies of dancing. I was to become one of his trained assassins, skilled at hand-to-hand combat and fighting.

  “There are more ways to weaken your enemy, young one,” he’d counseled after I asked him if it was truly necessary to learn the quadrille. “Often, you can charm your way without ever raising a sword or weapon. Remember, what you may find silly, can often provide a more successful outcome. Never underestimate the power you hold over women and their influence they exact over their husbands.”

  We began going through the motions, waiting as the other couples forming our quartet took their turns. I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed this way of life—how sophisticated it appeared. While I enjoyed everything the modern world brought with convenience and technology, I often yearned for this kind of civility.

  “Are you related to Lady Hannah?” Claire asked as I twirled her about in a short waltz. “I’ve never seen you before. That’s why I ask.” She chewed on her bottom lip, nervous.

  “No. We’re newly forged friends.”

  “Oh. One of her clients?” That was murmured softly as though she was reluctant to know the answer.

  “Clients?” I vaguely responded. I didn’t know how many truly knew who Lady Hannah was. She was influential and well known in many societal circles, but that didn’t meant they knew she was a seer.

  She leaned in and briefly locked gazes with me. “Come now, there’s no need for secrecy. I’ve gone to see her many times with queries about my future.” And with that, she whisked off to dance with the neighboring gentleman, leaving me to stand and wait for her return.

  When she finally did, it was time to appease her curiosity a bit. “I guess you would say I am then. I’m here on business and she’s offered to aid me in my quest.” Her eyes sparkled at the mention of quest.

  “So, you are like a knight in shining armor, off to rescue a young princess locked in the tower. How romantic!”

  I barked out a laugh that seemed to amuse her. “The last thing I would ever describe myself is a knight.”

  “So are you a villain then, Mr. Lockhart.”

  I interrupted her. “Call me Devlin.”

  “All right, Devlin. Are you a villain? Should I be careful and lock away my valuables? Perhaps call on another to defend me from whatever nefarious schemes you have planned for me?”

  My, she was feisty. My heart squeezed over how similar she was to Darcy and her quick wit and retorts. “I assure you, your virtue is safe, milady. All I promise to steal from you is perhaps another dance later.” Keeping up with the flirtatious tone, I winked.

  “Whoever holds you heart is a very lucky woman,” Claire confessed, never once skipping a step as our dancing started to slow down. “You don’t by any chance have a brother?” The second it slipped out from her lips, her eyes widened like saucers. “Oh, that was very forward of me.”

  All I could do was laugh and hold her tighter so she wouldn’t run off and hide. “It’s not the worst I’ve ever heard, I promise. And it’s me who’s lucky.”

  “You didn’t bring her?” Claire glanced over to where Lady Hannah and her mother stood watching us, their lips moving as they quietly talked . . . or gossiped.

  “She remained at home. Although, she would’ve loved to have met you.” As the final notes of the music died away, I bowed low, thanking Claire for the quadrille. “Unless you wish to return to your mother’s side, maybe you’d join me for a refreshment?”

  She then did one of the most unladylike things that would’ve killed her mother dead on the spot—Claire snorted so loud that those around us turned and threw her a disapproving glance.

  “Am I that easy to read, Devlin?” Threading her arm through the crook of mine, I led her over to one of the footmen carrying drink filled trays. She thanked me after I handed her a crystal glass filled with punch.

  “No, but I have some experience with pushy mothers. Let’s just say I’m sympathetic to your cause.” Taking a sip from the glass, I remembered something she’d said earlier. “So you know Lady Hannah’s a seer.”

  Claire nodded, holding her glass carefully so it didn’t spill down her beautiful dress. The fabric reminded me of the warmest summer sun—the jewels sewed into the bodice twinkled like stars in the sky. It was the perfect color that not only complimented her fair skin and blonde hair, but revealed the sweetness of her personality. Something told me it wouldn’t be too long before someone came along and swept her off her feet.

  “She’s a voice of authority within the Supernatural community.”

  This caused me to choke a little on my mouthful. I knew that London was home to a host of paranormal creatures, but hadn’t realized we’d be spending the evening with many of them.

  “You didn’t know?” Her stare sharpened as she studied me. “Are you not . . .?” Claire took a step back, doubt crossed her features.

  “I’m human,” I answered, catching myself before I announced I was a vampire. My humanity may be fleeting, the moments until my conversion ticking away, but it still felt strange to say. “But I know about the others—that there’s more than . .
. meets the eye.”

  Her relief was practically palpable. “Thank goodness. Mother is always harping on about being careful and thinking before I speak. For a moment there, I thought I’d revealed an enormous secret. We’re not supposed to tell people we exist.”

  “We?” It was my turn to examine my newest friend. I was usually able to sense the paranormal in others— an innate radar of sorts and another thing I lost becoming human again.

  A proud grin plastered across her face. “My family and I come from a long line of witches. It’s ironic because you’d think I’d be able to cast a spell and summon myself a husband . . . or in the very least my mother could.” She reached out and electricity tingled beneath her touch, signaling the presence of magic. “See?”

  “My sister was a witch,” I offered, sudden tears prickling at my lashes from just mentioning Elynor. The pain of missing her never faded. It was constantly there.

  “Was?” Claire was one of the most expressive people I’d ever met—her every emotion displayed on her face for the world to see. Right now, sympathy and concern flowed from her. I wanted to warn her about becoming more guarded. There were many who would take advantage of her innocence and openness and I felt duty bound.

  “My family recently lost her. She died during childbirth.” My words came out just above a whisper. I didn’t know what it was about Claire but she was easy to talk to. I hadn’t imagined talking about Elynor tonight at all, focused instead on Sullivan and the conversation we were meant to have. I’d danced the first time I’d attended this ball, but Claire was new.

  “I’m so sorry, Devlin. So that’s why your sweetheart remained home? To help while you were gone.” When I nodded, her features softened and her mouth parted as if to ask additional questions. She must’ve thought better of it and instead changed the topic. “If you look closely, you’ll notice that not everyone here is human.”

  The oppressive weight of grief lifted from my chest. “I wondered,” I answered, looking about. I had a good idea who was who here, but I was curious to see what Claire would disclose.

  Couple after couple, she subtly pointed to those she knew hid their supernatural natures from the world. There were werewolves, witches, the occasional fae, and surprisingly, a mermaid couple.

  “They don’t often attend, but when they do, they dance and dance. I guess having legs is a novelty and something they appreciate when on land. They reside along the Thames River, slipping onto land from the water.”

  I couldn’t seem to drag my gaze away from the breathtaking couple. They gracefully danced around while onlookers marveled at how striking and captivating they were.

  “So,” I finally said after looking about, “have you met Sullivan Kilgrave?”

  I was surprised Claire didn’t swoon on the spot. “Not personally, but I’ve seen him at gatherings like this. He’s very popular.”

  I wanted to add that he hated the attention he received, content to fly under the radar. While he knew the benefits of playing “the game” and smooth talking the aristocracy, Sullivan had once confided that all he wanted was to govern his Pack in peace, find someone to love, have a house full of babies, and grow old with. Family was everything to him, one of the traits that made us fast friends.

  “Perhaps you’ll meet him tonight,” I ventured, still not seeing him.

  “Well, if ever there was a chance, it’s this evening. He’s just arrived.” Sure enough, my old friend was just entering the large and spacious ballroom. The sight of him set off a flood of memories—both good and extremely painful—stealing my breath.

  I knew I needed to go introduce myself, but my feet refused to budge.

  “How about another dance?” I invited, feeling cowardly.

  I whisked Claire back out onto the dance floor and braced myself for the conversation to come.

  He was here and he was crucial to my future.

  Quit worrying, I chastised myself, all while smiling down at Claire and surreptitiously glancing over at the Alpha. You know how this ends. Breathe.

  That was the problem, however. I did know how this ended.

  In blood.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  So far, every attempt I made to approach Mr. Kilgrave resulted in being blocked by his many admiring acquaintances or being stopped by Lady Hannah’s friends who were interested in why I’d come to London. Judging from the amount of inquiring minds, I seemed to be the talk of the Ball. That, or they wondered whether I was somehow a secret lover she’d brought out to meet society.

  The gossip was rife throughout the evening—ladies whispering behind their fans, their gazes darted back and forth. Quite a few times I narrowly missed being cornered by the Duchess, which I was sure would only increase the talk being exchanged.

  It was hours later, tired from all the dodging and dances I’d engaged in, that I found Lady Hannah sitting quietly observing.

  “Have you managed to talk to him?” she asked, accepting the cool cup of punch I offered. The last time I’d seen Sullivan was on the dance floor, twirling his partner around like they were performing for the gathered crowd. Being a wolf made Sullivan agile on his feet, nimbly executing each step with perfection.

  “No, but I’m not going to concern myself about it. I won’t leave until we’ve had an introduction. It’s what happened before and it’ll happen again.” It was nice to sound so sure.

  “It must be nice to have such knowledge of your future. You don’t by any chance—?” She pursed her lips only to have them curl into a smile when I threw her a stern look. Now that she understood a little about my journey, Lady Hannah had taken it upon herself to try and get me to divulge information about her future self. She wouldn’t take no for an answer, insistent I should at least repay her kindness with a small tidbit of truth.

  I did know things about her future but that wasn’t why I was here. She was the seer and if the Fates saw fit to give her the glimpses she wanted, they alone would provide it.

  “You’re incorrigible,” I laughed, shaking my head. “No amount of bullying will tempt me. You will just have to wait like everyone else.”

  She let out a disgruntled harrumph. “Has anyone ever told you ingratitude is an ugly quality to possess?”

  “And yet, you still keep me around, my friend.” I would miss our banter once I left. She always managed to keep me on my toes. “I think I might take a walk outside in the gardens. Clear my head.”

  She winked. “Don’t be gone long. I know Claire enjoyed having you as a partner.” She gestured to the dance area.

  The moment the cool air hit me, I took a deep breath and filled my lungs. Despite how large the ballroom was—the entire estate, in fact—I’d felt like the walls were closing in around me. It was a testament to the atmosphere as the wealthiest in society mingled, everyone displaying their finest manners while an undercurrent of relentless judgment lurked beneath the surface. Veiled insults and passive aggressive comments bandied between rivals all while they wore genteel smiles. It was a minefield to navigate where one wrong move made you the object of their snobbery.

  Whoever designed the landscaping of the Duke and Duchess’ home should be commended for their artistry. Everything was immaculately maintained with large topiaries dotting the magnificent gardens. One of the features that had impressed me before was their miniature maze located in the center of the spacious lawn. At first, I’d thought it was there to provide fun and games if they ever entertained during the day, but I’d soon discovered differently.

  For all the prim and properness of these people, they did enjoy the forbidden and indulged in carnal pleasures. The maze was nothing more than a place for secret lovers to hide, its shadows and nooks perfect for dangerous liaisons. Again, those who entered believed they did so without any prying eyes to catch them. Whether it was out of naiveté or arrogance, they failed to realize that nothing remained secret for long. The truth—and in most cases, scandals—always came out.

  Walking past the maze’s entrance
, I wondered what Verity would think if I stole away with her in there and whether she’d complain too much before I kissed her senseless. There was no doubt in my mind she’d have a dozen opinions about the proceedings so far tonight—from the richness of the food served to the beautiful clothes people wore. Part of me knew, however, that the maze would be her favorite. The thrill of it would be too intoxicating for her to resist.

  Instead, I continued on until I reached the shore of a massive lake the estate bordered. Right now, its surface was still with only the occasional ripple as a fish bobbed to the top. Many of the ball’s attendees kept closer to the house, but the distance suited me just fine.

  It was quiet and peaceful, but most of all, I was away from the prying eyes of those wanting me to dance with their daughters.

  “You too, huh?” A voice asked, momentarily startling me. Before I could see who it was, the familiar sound continued. “I don’t know why I attend these things. Before long, I’m looking for the best possible escape route.”

  The throaty chuckle belonged to the very person I’d been looking for—Sullivan Kilgrave. Habit dictated that I welcome him as we used to with a bear hug followed by a healthy slap on the back, but we had yet to be introduced.

  I wonder if he would be so friendly if he knew what our friendship would cost him?

  “So, you also feel like cattle being paraded about for sale?” I countered, slipping back into that comfortable familiarity we once shared. “I’m surprised a few didn’t ask to see my teeth!”

  That caused a loud chuckle to erupt from Sullivan and it disturbed a nearby bird, its wings flapping hard as it flew away.