by C. D. Gorri
“Since we’re being honest, why don’t I help? I can be your wingman.”
“And dupe your own brother?” She arched a straw-colored brow. “How scandalous.”
“Valeria could use a good scandal. We haven’t had one in a while. And I think it’s time my brother stopped focusing so much on his council seat and actually spent time outside of his duties. You two would make a nice couple, Celine.”
“He doesn’t even know I exist,” she murmured, clutching his arm. “And I’m not…well, I’m not… Oh, this is so embarrassing…”
“You’re not experienced?” Garridan asked in a supportive tone. “There’s nothing wrong with that. I have it on good authority my brother hasn’t been with anyone in a long time. Let’s knock his socks off tonight. I’ll dance with you, and we’ll try to get him to notice you in that gorgeous dress. If he can stop talking to Governor Camron about the upcoming infrastructure project for more than two seconds, I think he’ll fall under your spell.”
“You have much more confidence than I, General, but I will try.”
Giving her a reassuring nod, he led her to the castle, ready to endure what was sure to be a boring but necessary evening.
Chapter Ten
Siora buckled her strappy flat sandal and straightened, brushing her hands over the smooth fabric that covered her thighs. Donning her favorite pair of silver earrings, she headed into the living room where her father sat by the fireplace.
“You look lovely, dear,” Luthor said, eyes sparkling from the nearby embers. “You even did something to your hair.”
“I sort of, um, spiked it with gel,” she said, circling her hand over her head. “I don’t know, I figured it would go with the theme. I refuse to wear a dress because I detest them, but I bought this jumpsuit from one of the Lynian street vendors a few years ago, and I don’t hate it.”
“It’s perfect for you and still very formal.” Standing, he approached and kissed her on the cheek. “It is an honor for you to attend the fundraiser as Commander Latimus’s special guest. I couldn’t be prouder.”
“I can’t believe he asked me,” she said, still in shock from when Latimus approached her earlier that afternoon. “He wants to introduce me to Queen Miranda and Governor Evie. Says we’re three of a kind. I mean, I’m going to meet the queen. Holy shit.” She lifted her hands, eyes wide as she shook her head.
“And you deserve it. It was nice of Latimus to let you borrow the four-wheeler.”
“It’s the fastest way to get to Valeria.” Trailing over to the table by the front door, she began packing a small purse. “The compounds have been relatively safe from attacks lately, but I’ll have this baby on me.” Lifting her Glock, she ensured the safety was on and stuck it in her bag. “Can’t be too prepared.”
“Or too careful,” he said, walking her to the door. “I’ll be asleep when you get home, but I can’t wait to hear about it tomorrow night when we have dinner.”
“Thanks, Dad. Lock both deadbolts behind me, okay?”
“Stop worrying about your old man,” he said, shooing her out the door. “I’ve survived this long, haven’t I?”
Chuckling, she gave him one last peck and trailed to the four-wheeler. Once inside, she was thankful for the gob of gel she put in her hair. She usually didn’t bother since she kept it short, but it would maintain the style so she looked presentable to all the fancy people who would be at the fundraiser. Of course, that included Garridan, which made her heart tumble in all sorts of directions.
He’d informed her he was attending tonight and had promised to resume their training the following evening. Would he be surprised when she showed up? Latimus’s invitation was last-minute, and she didn’t think Garridan knew she was attending. Would he ask her to dance, or would he rather keep up the pretense of them just being comrades? Perhaps he wouldn’t want to dance with a poor farmer’s daughter in front of the plethora of aristocrats who would be in attendance.
He often spoke of how he’d left the aristocratic life behind, but that was easy to say when you weren’t surrounded by a roomful of peers. Narrowing her eyes, she contemplated as she drove through the grassy fields that separated Lynia and Valeria. Regardless, she wished to keep their relationship secret as well, and there was really no point in pondering things that were pointless.
Forty-five minutes later, she pulled up to Valeria’s main gate. After stating her name, which Latimus had put on the list, the guards ushered her inside, and she drove toward the governor’s castle that sat in the middle of the compound. The mansion was brightly lit, and she could hear music wafting from the ballroom inside. Parking her vehicle, she slung her purse over her shoulder and headed inside.
Nerves tingled within as she grabbed one of the champagne flutes from a server who passed by with a tray. Taking a large gulp, she reminded herself that she was the guest of Commander Latimus, the esteemed brother of King Sathan. Siora had always possessed an inner self-confidence, and she clutched onto it as she searched the room.
“Siora!” Latimus called, grinning as he trailed toward her. He looked handsome in a tuxedo with his slicked back hair and ice-blue eyes. A stunning blond woman accompanied him, and Siora knew it was his bonded mate, Lila.
“You must be Siora,” she said with a tilt of her head. “I’m so honored to meet you. Latimus and Jack speak so highly of you.”
“Thank you…” She trailed off, not knowing how to address the woman who was a respected diplomat in their kingdom.
“Just Lila is fine,” she said, grinning. “Although I was born a stuffy aristocrat, my bonded mate is trying to break me of my formality. I think he’s done a pretty good job so far.”
“You still made me wear this monkey suit,” Latimus muttered, sticking his finger in between his collar and neck and tugging. “I hate these things.”
“You look very handsome,” she said, tone stern as she smoothed his jacket. “If your son and Garridan can tolerate the tuxedo, you can too.”
“Jack wore a tuxedo to make you happy, and so did I. You’ll owe me later,” he murmured, giving her a sultry look.
Lila’s cheeks turned seven shades of red as she swatted his arm. “Latimus! We’re in public. Please excuse my bonded’s rudeness.”
He scrunched his features at her as Siora held back a chuckle.
“Anyway, I’m so thrilled to meet the first woman battalion leader. How exciting. I can’t wield a weapon to save my life.”
“She just wields my balls instead—”
“Hush,” Lila scolded, glancing around the room. “Camron will have a fit.”
“Governor Camron can suck it, but I’ll let it go,” he said when she opened her mouth to argue. “Let me call over Miranda and Evie,” Latimus said, turning and waving to them. They trailed over as Siora’s heart leaped into her throat.
“We finally meet the magnificent Siora,” Queen Miranda said, grinning from ear to ear beneath her olive green eyes and black, shoulder-length hair. “I’m honored.”
“It is me who is honored to meet you, Queen Miranda,” she said, dropping into a curtsy she hoped didn’t look idiotic. “And you as well, Governor Evie. Thank you so much for having me.”
The half-sisters gave each other a look before grimacing.
“Good lord, Siora, please don’t bow to me. I hate all this formal crap. Why didn’t you tell her I hate the formal crap?” Miranda asked Latimus, slapping him on the arm.
“Hey!” he said, swatting away her hand. “My wife has already landed a blow there, Miranda. Ease up.”
“I tried like hell to get this caveman to let women into the army for years,” Evie said, pointing to Latimus with her thumb. Her green eyes mirrored Miranda’s, although she had fire-red hair atop her stunning face. “Thank you for proving me right.”
“About what?” Siora asked, eyebrows lifting.
“That we’re just as capable as men. More so, if you ask me. Welcome to the kick-ass females club, honey. Dear ol’ sis and I saved you a se
at,” she said, jerking her head toward Miranda. “It’s a super-fun club, and we’re glad to have you.”
Miranda and Evie were both fierce warriors who’d fought in battles decades ago, before women could formally join the army. They were legends in Siora’s mind, and Evie’s words spurred intense pride deep within.
“Thank you, Governor Evie and Queen Miranda. I’m so honored to fight in our army and protect our people.”
“Just Miranda is fine,” she said with a nod. “Thank you for coming tonight, by the way. I’d like to introduce you to some of the aristocrats if you don’t mind. There are some rich widows I think support females in the army even if they’re silent about it. I think you’ll help me garner some extra donations. These wars are expensive, and we need the aristocrats’ money to fund them. Believe me, we all pretty much detest the formality, but it’s a necessary evil.”
“Parade me to whomever you like,” Siora said, smiling as she lifted her arms. “I’m happy to help the cause.”
“Good. Let me grab some booze before we start the rounds,” Miranda said, giving a playful grimace. “Need to dull the senses before I start to schmooze aristocrats.”
“Me too,” Evie said. “Nice to meet you, Siora.”
After they left in search of a drink, Lila asked Latimus to dance, causing the commander to give an annoyed eye roll. Still, he led his bonded mate onto the floor, showcasing how much he loved her even though Siora could tell he’d rather be stabbed by a thousand Deamons than dance.
Sipping her champagne, Siora studied the room, refusing to admit she was searching for Garridan. Finally, she saw his broad shoulders where he stood across the large ballroom next to a willowy, golden-haired woman. Celine. Bristling, Siora watched as he slid his arm around Celine’s shoulders, tugging her to his side. Smiling down at her, he whispered something in her ear before she tilted her head back and laughed.
The pale line of her throat glistened in the light of the chandelier beneath her perfect fangs, and Siora felt tears sting her eyes. Goddess, she was so pretty. Draped in her formal gown with long, flowing fabric, she looked like a statue of a beautiful goddess. Glancing down at her black jumpsuit and flat sandals, Siora realized how stupid she must look. She would never be in the same league as Celine when it came to appearance.
A small kernel of anger began to well in her gut, growing to a ball of full-on fury as she observed them together. He’d had ample time to tell her he was escorting Celine to the fundraiser. Hell, he’d been inside her every night for two fucking weeks. But he hadn’t thought to mention it. He hadn’t even thought to ask her if she might want to accompany him.
“Why would he?” Siora muttered to herself. “What aristocrat would ask a farmer’s daughter to a fundraiser? Stop being ridiculous, Siora.”
It was irrefutable proof she was right about their circumstances. Two people as different as she and Garridan would never be able to forge a life together. She would never fit into his world of wealth and privilege, and he certainly wouldn’t be happy as the bonded mate of a female warrior on a rural compound.
And still…even though she knew it was futile, Siora longed for it anyway. Goddammit, she’d begun to yearn for things that were all but impossible.
Annoyed at herself and angry at him for not telling her he was bringing Celine, she clenched the glass. Reminding herself not to shatter the damn thing, she chugged the rest of the contents and set it on one of the trays that lined the wall.
Why in the hell hadn’t he told her? She wouldn’t have been upset he was bringing a date—that was standard at these events—but the fact he omitted the information, especially since they’d been spending so much time together, pissed her off. And, honestly, it just fucking hurt. After all the times they’d been intimate…and he’d stared deep into her eyes as he claimed her…didn’t that matter enough for him to tell her he was choosing to bring someone else to a public event?
“You told him you didn’t want anything serious, Siora. No labels. He’s just following your directive.”
As she stood in the corner murmuring to herself like a dolt, she realized she wished he hadn’t listened to her. That he’d tossed her insistence aside and reassured her they could make it work somehow. Stupid fucking daydreams. She was really getting aggravated at the asinine musings that became more imprinted in her mind every damn day. Sighing, she straightened as Miranda approached from the corner of the room.
“Okay, I’m pleasantly buzzed and ready to dazzle some old rich dudes,” Miranda said, eyes slightly glazed. “You with me? We’re in this together now.”
Brushing away her doubts, Siora nodded, ready to help her queen. She would deal with Garridan another time, when her heart didn’t feel like a jumbled mess of scattered glass inside her chest.
Chapter Eleven
Garridan spotted Siora out of the corner of his eye, surprised she was at the event. Wondering why, he approached Latimus as he exited the dance floor with Lila.
“You invited Siora?”
“It was last-minute,” Latimus said, nodding. “Miranda thought she could help raise some money as one of our preeminent female soldiers. And I think she just wanted to meet her.”
“Right,” Garridan said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Makes sense.”
Latimus’s eyes narrowed. “Should I have…told you? I know you’ve become friendly during the training, but I also didn’t think it was a big deal.”
“I…” He worked his jaw, realizing he should’ve told Siora he was escorting Celine. “No, it’s fine.”
“Look, Garridan,” he said, placing his hand on his shoulder, “I don’t want to get involved in your personal business. All I care about is that you two will be able to lead the battalions against Bakari. Is this going to jeopardize that somehow?”
“You know me better than that, Latimus,” he said as annoyance flared. “I just wish I’d known, but it’s no big deal.”
“Sorry, brother. I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”
“It’s fine. By the way, nice job on the dance floor.”
Grimacing, Latimus ran a hand over his face. “If I didn’t love my bonded so much, I’d never set foot near a dance floor. The things we do for our women. She’s turned me into a fucking sap.”
“It looks good on you, man. May we all be so lucky to find our one true mate.”
“Truer words.” Craning his neck, he gave a short nod. “Speaking of, she’s summoning me. Let me know if you need me to smooth anything out with Siora.”
Garridan nodded before Latimus walked away, and he glanced toward Siora. Miranda was leading her around the room, introducing her to various aristocrats as she reaffirmed they needed donations to fight the war against Bakari. He was viscerally aware of Siora, as he always was, and knew she felt his gaze. The muscle in her jaw clenched several times, and he understood she was pissed, which in turn spurred frustrated anger in his own gut.
He would’ve loved nothing more than to escort Siora as his date for all to see, but she’d been very clear their relationship was casual and she wished for it to remain secret. Compound that with the fact his father had bribed him into escorting Celine, and he was left with his current clusterfuck. Garridan hadn’t mentioned he was bringing Celine because he didn’t think it mattered. Damn it. Now, it looked as if he were hiding something, which wasn’t true.
Sighing, he resumed his place at Celine’s side, vowing to keep his promise to be her wingman. There would be time to deal with the situation with Siora later. For now, he had a vested interest in seeing his brother find happiness, and the more time he spent with Celine, he felt they would make a fantastic match. His brother was a self-proclaimed bachelor who spent way too much time on his aristocratic duties. Garridan knew life was short and wished for his brother to find a companion, someone who made him laugh and held him when he needed affection.
Someone who made him feel what Siora inspired every time Garridan was in her presence. By the goddess, he loved spending time wi
th her and had no idea what he would do when their one-on-one sessions ended. Thinking about it generated a feeling of intense melancholy, so he just let it simmer as he rejoined Celine.
The fundraiser dragged long into the night, Siora avoiding him the entire time. She barely made eye contact with him for the few minutes they spoke when Miranda introduced her to Celine and Sebastian. And finally, when he was ready to walk Celine home, Garridan searched the entire ballroom for Siora, realizing she’d already left without saying goodbye.
*.*.*.*
Siora sat on Garridan’s darkened porch, thankful for the plushy outdoor chairs that lined the expansive structure. She guessed the home to be five or six bedrooms minimum. Not as large as his parents’ mansion, which bordered his property, but still sizable. Aristocrats flaunted their wealth, and Astaroth had his family’s crest emblazoned atop the large black gate that surrounded his property, which meant Garridan’s home was easy to find.
She’d debated confronting him tonight. After all, she was angry, and that never led to a productive discussion. But she felt it was best to tell him she wished to end their sexual relationship. After tonight, there would be no more one-on-one training. They would fight together in the final battle, and she would build her life at Lynia. A life without the handsome soldier who’d become the focus of her every damn thought.
He walked into her line of view, his broad shoulders visible in the moonlight as he strode on the sidewalk. Unlocking the gate, he stepped through and closed it behind him. He didn’t acknowledge her as his shoes clacked on the pavement of the walkway that led to the porch, but she knew he was aware of her presence.
Finally, he stopped before the porch steps and lifted his eyes to hers. “Hello, Siora.”
“Hello,” she said, lifting her brow. “Wasn’t sure you’d be home tonight, but I figured I’d wait for a while before I went back to Lynia.”