My thoughts realigned and I finally asked my first question. “Did you kill him yourself?”
The vampires were cold, undead creatures anyway so I wasn't sure if it mattered. Although the foundations of that belief were getting thoroughly shaken by Erik.
He released a breath of laughter. “Of course not. I have men for that. Women, too.”
A stretch of silence dominated the space. I decided it was best to move on from how many people he may have killed in his lifetime. “Was this because of Faulkner? Did you find out who killed him?”
“Yes. And no I haven’t. Not specifically anyway,” Erik growled, darkness invading his eyes, revealing the deadly creature who lived there. “I am certain my brother was behind it, though. I sired Faulkner. He was loyal to me and no one else.” He ground his jaw, surveying me as if considering whether to continue. “Faulkner had been doing some work for me, gathering intel on Fabian’s men. I suspect Fabian found out and decided to send me a message. Of course, I at least had the courtesy to end Torin’s life quickly. The way Faulkner was killed… it’s clear Fabian wanted him to suffer.”
My throat grew dry as I absorbed his words. Fabian’s boyish manner didn’t add up with someone who could be so heartless. But then again, I’d learned not to trust the ways of a vampire long ago. Dad had once said, ‘a man who trusts a vampire is a fool. And a fool in this world will eventually be a dead fool’.
If he could see me now, laying on a bed with one of them he’d be appalled.
My stomach prickled with guilt, but I didn’t move. I didn’t want to move. Erik was different. Or at least, maybe that’s what I hoped...
“How was your date with Paige?” I asked, wanting to move on from the subject of murder. “I thought you didn't want any of the girls to pick you.” Not that it bothered me. Except it definitely did.
Erik gave me one of his famous smirks. “Jealous, Rebel?”
I spluttered a non-response, shaking my head. “Of course not,” I insisted, filling my voice with as much strength as I could muster.
His grin widened, his eyes glittering with amusement. “Then why were you skulking in the trees watching Paige and I earlier?”
Burning humiliation engulfed me. I didn't have an answer to that, even for myself. Why the hell had I gone sneaking after them like a creep?
“I wasn't skulking,” I insisted, composing myself. “I got lost looking for the castle.”
“Did you think staring at me for a while would help you find your way back?”
“I did not stare at you,” I growled, shame seeping through every inch of me.
You idiot, Montana!
“I was checking to make sure you weren't feasting on Paige,” I said airily, trying to cover for my ass.
“Really? I thought you said you were looking for the castle.” Erik's taunting smile was puncturing holes in my chest. Hell, why did he have to be so confounding? I couldn’t think straight around him. It was leaving me exposed and I despised being vulnerable.
I didn't have an answer so I just remained silent, knowing I'd never dig myself out of this cavernous hole.
Erik cupped his hands behind his head, finally releasing me from his punishing gaze. My eyes travelled to his biceps as they strained against the inside of his shirt and I immediately forced myself to look at his face again.
A devilish look captured his features. “Perhaps a wife could be a good idea after all. Her kisses tasted much sweeter than yours...maybe she's the one.”
My lungs stopped allowing in air. He was such an asshole. How could I have thought for a second that our kiss had meant anything at all to this beast?
I was hot all over from his words, embarrassed and angry, hurt and furious with myself.
My cheeks were betraying me, turning scarlet by the second.
Erik started laughing.
My teeth ground together and I cursed myself for reacting the way I was.
I sat up, tucking my legs beneath me. “Why did you kiss me?” The question left my lips before I had time to filter it.
He tilted his head to look at me, mirth gripping his features. “Why did you kiss me back?”
I gaped at him, having no answer and despising myself for it. Maybe I’d been drunk on some vampire pheromones he’d given off. But I knew that was just a lie I was trying to convince myself of. The truth was, I’d kissed him back because it had felt so right. Like all the chaos in the world had suddenly felt a little easier to bear. Because kissing one of the monsters who’d haunted me my entire life had felt like the clouds parting and letting in the sunshine.
I didn’t let any of that show on my face. And considering his mocking tone, I let a cold front drip over me and offered the words I hoped might scold him in the way he’d scolded me. “I was sad and you were there. I suppose it helped take my mind off of things for five seconds. You said we should pretend it never happened so let’s continue with that.”
His jaw hardened. “Fine by me. I only wanted to tick an item off my bucket list anyway.”
“What's a bucket list?” My eyes narrowed.
“Something for people who have hopes and dreams. You know, like item number one on your list would be pissing off a royal vampire. You can put a big tick next to that one by the way.”
I glowered at him. “Let’s move back to the real issue here.”
“Which is?” he asked coolly.
“That you can never kiss me again, Erik.”
He chuckled, annoying me further. “Can I add an escape clause to that verbal contract?”
I frowned. “Like?”
“Well...I'll promise not to kiss you again unless you ask me to.”
“Ha,” I spat. “Agreed, because that's never gonna happen.”
His lips pursed. “If I actually tried to court you properly, Rebel, you'd be begging me to kiss you in a matter of minutes.”
I released a hollow laugh. “You are so arrogant.”
“No, I'm simply stating facts.” He grinned keenly and I rolled my eyes. “So,” he changed the subject. “Are you going to stay in here all night? Fabian's been waiting for you in the dining hall for nearly an hour now.”
“Erik!” I gasped, springing to my feet. “Why didn't you tell me?” The last thing I wanted to do was piss off Fabian, the vampire responsible for a hundred atrocities. Who knew how he might react if I stepped out of line too much?
Erik shrugged. “I just did.”
“I thought I was supposed to be spying on him for you.” I hurried to the mirror, checking my make-up which thankfully wasn't smeared down my cheeks.
“You are. Keeping Fabian waiting will only serve to turn him on. And as much as I'm kind of disgusted with myself for being involved in that, I also know it is essential for him to fall for you.”
“Erik...” I frowned, turning to him as my heart took a dive. “Do you expect me to marry Fabian? Because I...I'm not sure I can do that.”
He was at my side in a flash, taking my arm and guiding me toward the door. “Don't worry about that, just focus on tonight.”
I went to protest but my right forearm suddenly seared with pain and I gasped, rubbing it.
Erik followed my gaze and I quickly dropped my hand, biting down on my tongue.
“What's wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I lied quickly. “Just static shock.”
He raised his brows, but didn't question me further. I didn't know what the hell was up with my arm, but telling Erik about it was a bad idea. That could lead to me mentioning Wolfe and if I did that, the General would make sure Callie didn't arrive at the castle in one piece.
We took the stairs down to the dining hall where I'd eaten on the first night. Instead of leaving me to it, Erik opened the door and followed me inside. The large table had been removed from the room and four tables were set up around the space instead. Clarice sat at one opposite Frank, his dark eyes flicking to me as I arrived. Across from them was Miles looking radiant in a white shirt and his blonde loc
ks swept perfectly over the crest of his head. He was sat with Brianna who looked stunning in a sky blue dress which hugged her curves. Beyond them, Paige waited at a table alone, threading her fingers through her golden hair. Sitting at the final table was Fabian. He didn’t look angry as I’d expected, but there was a definite tension in his expression.
Soft music filled the air, the tinkling notes creating a strangely romantic atmosphere. Erik squeezed me tight, his eyes on Fabian as he pressed a kiss to my hair.
I fought the urge to cringe away, still angry with him but knowing we had to play this game. Erik released me and made a beeline for Paige, filling the room with his dominating aura.
Lifting my chin, I strode toward Fabian and he rose from his seat as I arrived. “I thought you weren't coming,” he growled, seeming offended.
“Sorry, I fell asleep,” I said quickly, moving to his side and gripping his arm. Figuring I needed to make up for leaving him waiting, I tip-toed up and brushed a feather-light kiss to his lips.
A quiet little voice inside my head told me I was doing it to make Erik jealous. And I immediately regretted it.
Fabian tried to snare me in his arms, but I twisted away and dropped into my seat with a playful smile. Inside, my emotions tangled into an intricate web. I was rolling the dice every day with these devils. I had to keep a clear head.
Fabian eyed me like a wolf, then slowly sank back into his seat. “That was a nice surprise,” he purred.
I blushed, glancing over at Erik as Fabian snapped his fingers at a guard. “The Courtier will have her meal now.”
Erik's eyes bored into mine and he promptly took Paige's hand in his, shifting his gaze to her. My gut squeezed at the sight and ignited a fire in me I couldn't stamp out.
A waiter arrived, placing a plate of steaming food under my nose. Pasta and some red sauce stared back at me, looking utterly mouthwatering. I happily seized the distraction from my overheated body and started eating.
The waiter returned with chalices of blood for the vampires and I fought hard not to wrinkle my nose as Fabian sipped on his.
A giggle from Paige caught my ear and I refused to look over at their table. “Did you have a nice trip to the city?” I asked Fabian.
“Not particularly,” he muttered. “Let's talk about something else. It's been a stressful day.”
“How come?” I asked.
“More murders in the city. Rebels probably, but maybe not.” He ground his jaw and I wondered if he suspected Erik was involved. “But like I said, I don’t want to talk about it.”
Damn, how was I supposed to spy on a guy who was clearly never going to tell me anything? I guessed I had to try and build a bridge of trust between us first, but doing so made me uncomfortable.
For the people of the Realms. For Callie, for Dad. You have to do this.
“Okay...so tell me about you. What do you like to do when you're not running the country?”
Fabian relaxed back into his seat, seeming to enjoy having the spotlight on him. “Mostly, I train. I am adept with many weapons.”
“Like?”
“Swords, bows, guns. You name it, I am an expert at it.”
“I'd like to see that sometime,” I said, fluttering my lashes as if I was impressed. If anything it had only served to remind me of how powerful these royals were. They could rip off my head with their bare hands, let alone what they could do to me with a weapon.
“If you choose me at the ceremony, there will be plenty of time for that.”
“Noted.” I grinned.
“What do you do in your spare time?” Fabian asked and I realised I should have been prepared for this question. I tried to think of a hobby I might have enjoyed back in the Realm if I hadn't had duties and the general worry of seeing through a day there. I supposed there was one thing I'd done regularly...
“I like walking,” I said. More like pacing. “And um...reading.” The few books Dad had managed to stow in our house had been read so many times they'd been falling apart. And I'd still struggled with deciphering some of the words.
A prickling feeling in my gut told me Erik was giving us his attention and I battled away the urge to look over at him.
“Uhuh.” Fabian sipped on his blood and red stained his lips before he licked it away. A pang of nausea made my nose wrinkle, but he didn’t seem to notice. He started telling me more about his training and my eyes drifted around the room as I tuned him out.
Clarice had moved into Frank’s lap and he didn't seem to mind, his hand stroking her thigh. What the hell? He looked thoroughly under her spell and I wondered if this was how I’d looked last night in Erik’s arms. I shifted my gaze to Miles who was laughing about something with Brianna. Both of them seemed at ease and I wondered if I was the only one left in this place who was still trying to hate these royals. I let my eyes drift to Erik and my heart clenched.
He’d pulled Paige up to dance and she giggled as he taught her the steps, seeming enthralled by him. They held each other close as Erik guided her and his eyes flickered with light.
My throat tightened. I couldn't seem to get in any air as I watched, transfixed.
“-broadswords, daggers, I can almost wield a slayer's blade if I wear a leather glove. But they still manage to devour my gear eventually...”
My eyes snapped back to Fabian, his words suddenly interesting me. “Slayer's blade? What's that?”
His earthy eyes sparkled as he leant in closer. “The slayers were a species who tried to oppose us.”
My right arm tingled at his words and I nodded, hoping he'd go on, wanting to know more about the slayers after Erik had briefly mentioned their existence. Valentina had once been one of them so what had made her join the vampires?
“We wiped them off the face of the earth.” He grinned maliciously.
“Erik mentioned that Valentina was one of them,” I said boldly, hoping he might shed some light on that snippet of information.
“Did he now?” Fabian growled. He took another sip of his drink and I kept my eyes trained on him, willing him to go on. “She has made up for her crimes as a slayer. She came to us many hundreds of years ago and offered to help us defeat her kind.”
“Why?” I gasped and Fabian’s gaze narrowed.
“I suppose you’d have to ask her that.”
Maybe I will…
“So the slayers...they could kill a vampire?” I asked, knowing I was on dangerous ground, but desperate to learn more. A species who could kill vampires sounded like my kind of people.
“Yes, they had many defenses against us. Their strength for one. And their blades were designed to hurt us. We couldn’t even hold them without being burned by their runes. But none of that mattered in the end. Now the slayers are all dead.” He grinned triumphantly.
My mouth parted. That had to be the type of blade Wolfe had given to me. But why?
As I recalled the feel of its warm hilt and the way it had seemed to whisper to me, a longing grew in me again. A dreamy feeling floated over me and I rose to my feet.
“What are you doing?” Fabian asked and I jolted out of the strange sensation, shaking my head. What was I doing? For a moment, I’d been snared by the desire to find that blade. Like it possessed me in some way.
I eyed Erik as he swept Paige around the room. “I thought we could dance,” I said quickly to cover my tracks.
Fabian stood, moving promptly to my side and pulling me into his arms. “Place your hands like this,” he instructed, resting one of my hands on his shoulder and keeping the other in his palm. He tugged me closer, resting his free hand on my waist. My skin crawled from his touch, but I needed to play along.
“Follow my feet,” he instructed, moving slowly as I got the hang of it.
I was clumsy and continually stepped on his toes, but he corrected me every time without anger and soon we were moving around the room at a slightly faster speed. I had to concentrate so much on the dancing that I was able to forget about the blade for a while.
Erik twirled Paige past us by one hand, his eyes wheeling to me. “Perfect,” he told her. “You're clearly a natural. Unlike some.”
I stepped on Fabian's foot again, cursing myself. I tried to mimic Paige's grace, but felt even more like a clumsy idiot as I tried to keep up with Fabian.
“You're a terrible instructor, Fabian.” Clarice appeared beside him with her hand around Frank’s. “Here.” She pulled me from Fabian's arms, pushing me into the hands of Frank.
He raised his brows in alarm. “I don't really dance, your highness,” he told Clarice.
“You will when I'm through with you,” she teased. “Now take her waist.”
Frank slid his arms around me and the warmth of his skin was so nice in comparison to the vampires' icy touch. It reminded me of home. Of living amongst my own kind. And it stoked a warmth in me I hadn’t felt for a long time.
“Hi,” I breathed and he beamed.
“Hey.” His soft eyes sparkled and I gazed over his cheeks which were naturally flushed with human blood. He was so unlike the royals with their pearly skin and cold touch.
Clarice arranged our hands, moving around us at high speed. She took hold of my waist, stepping close behind me. “Relax, honey.”
I did, able to concentrate a bit more in the hands of Frank.
“That's it, now follow us.” Clarice took hold of Fabian's arms, yanking him closer and they started dancing at a slow but incredibly fluent pace.
Frank guided me after them and I finally got the hang of the rhythm. He caught on quickly too and even spun me in a circle like I'd seen Erik do with Paige.
As Fabian danced his sister around the room and they began talking in hushed voices, I grabbed onto the private moment with another human.
“How's she treating you?” I whispered.
“Fine,” Frank admitted and I gazed up at his dark features and deep green eyes. “I thought this place would be hell, but it's not so bad here once you get used to it.”
Age of Vampires- The Complete Series Page 30