Ryker stopped at the landing and walked with her toward the railing, the edge waist-high, and stared down over the throng of guests like a king addressing his court.
“Thank you all for coming this evening. I know many of you are curious about the beautiful woman by my side. I assure you, you will have a chance to meet her after the ceremony. For now…” He lifted his hand toward the orchestra at the far end of the courtyard. “Play something slow. I wish to dance with Mia Regina.”
Multiple gasps reached Katy’s ears before the music grew in volume to overtake them. Ryker ignored them all and turned to look at her. “Dance with me?”
Just as he had the first night, he held out his hand. She slipped her fingers into his hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor, her smile as shaky as her knees.
This time they danced alone, the other guests leaving the dance floor empty as they stared.
“Why are they staring at us?”
“Not us, you. Your beauty dazzles them all.”
She felt a blush warm her cheeks, but she was no fool. The women here were gorgeous. Every single one of them. She found herself extremely grateful for the stunning gown and jewelry Ryker had provided. Without them, she would feel naked in this crowd. Even with the glittering gown and priceless jewels, many women here were much more beautiful than she.
Still, who was she to argue with the man of her dreams? Especially when he was looking at her like he wanted to devour her.
“You’re crazy, you know that?”
Ryker threw back his head and laughed again, the sound causing a ripple of shocked looks to pass from person to person in the room.
“I take it you don’t laugh much.”
Ryker looked away from her to glance at the crowd. Less than a second later, his gaze was once more focused on her. Their gazes locked, and she could not look away from the pain she saw in his eyes. “I have not laughed in years.”
“Why not?”
“Because I had not found you.”
Katy gasped as pain, sharp and deep, stabbed her heart. She had to tell him the truth. Bracing herself, she took a slow breath. Perhaps if she asked him to go back up to her room for a moment, she could find the courage to tell him.
“Ryker.”
“The rest of the world can wait. You are mine tonight, remember?” he whispered. “You promised.”
Katy shuddered. Nodded. Ryker was right. She would give them this happy night. I bet this is what Cinderella felt like when she went to the royal ball. She went knowing it was just for one night, too. I can do the same for my very own prince.
With a grin, he swung her around, twirled her until her head spun, and she collapsed against his chest, trusting him to catch her.
After the first song, more couples joined them on the dance floor, but Katy was oblivious to them all. Ryker’s gaze rarely left her face, and the warmth in her body spread with every step, every moment she belonged to him.
“It’s time, Brother.” Vector’s hand appeared from nowhere to rest on Ryker’s shoulder.
“Of course.” Ryker slowed his steps and lifted a gentle hand to her cheek. “Are you ready to formally meet our guests, Mia Regina?”
She wanted to stay in his arms and dance all night, but she knew he was important to these people. Why, she wasn’t sure, but he was rich. Maybe even nobility of some kind? She had no idea, but she would stand next to him, smile and shake hands. She could do that. “Lead the way.”
Ryker placed her hand in his and led her toward the stage where the orchestra played. There was an open space between the violins and the front edge of the raised platform that had been erected for the event.
Ryker led her to the center, Vector on their heels carrying the black velvet box. From either side, the group that had picked her up from the airport fanned out and stood at attention. They’d been intimidating at the airport. Tonight, dressed to kill in suits and gowns, they looked like deadly assassins straight out of a movie…too pretty to be real.
Ryker held her hand gently as he raised the opposite above his head. Immediately, the room fell silent.
“My people, I am Ryker of the Draquonir.”
A low rumbling noise came from the crowd, and Katy would have sworn the temperature in the courtyard jumped ten degrees. But that had to be nerves. Right? What was going on here? Why was she standing in front of a crowd of people with Ryker at her side and Guardians lined up around them like ancient warriors ready to kill to protect them?
Worried, she looked at Mist for a hint about what was happening. Mist caught her look, winked, and grinned back at her.
Katy did feel better, but not much as Ryker continued.
“Tonight I introduce Mia Regina and place the sacred Dragon Eye upon her head.”
Vector stepped forward and knelt before her. Lifting the black velvet box toward Katy’s waist, he held it steady as Ryker opened the box to reveal a crown. A real freaking crown that Katy realized perfectly matched the rest of the jewelry she was already wearing. In the center of the crown was a gigantic black diamond surrounded by sparkling white. The pattern repeated in a full circle with the black diamonds decreasing in size from front to back. The crown sparkled like it had stars inside each gem. Or fire. She’d never seen anything more beautiful.
“Ryker. I—”
He paused, crown in both hands, his gaze lifting to meet hers. “You promised me tonight.”
“I know, but—”
He leaned forward and kissed her in front of everyone. When he ended the kiss, the crown was on her head, clinging there as if by magic. She’d felt nothing. No pins, no poking or prodding. In fact, the thing felt light as air.
The crowd erupted with a sound she’d never heard before. Not clapping or shouting.
Are they roaring? Mia Regina. Mia Regina. Dear God. They think I’m going to be their…their what? Their queen?!
Frantic, about to be sick with her new level of betrayal, she grabbed Ryker by the hand and dragged him off the side of the stage and into a side corridor. Once they were alone, she lifted the crown from her head and placed it in his hands. “Ryker, I can’t. I can’t accept this. You don’t understand.”
With a grin she now found more infuriating than adorable, he lifted the crown back to her head and then cupped her face in his palms, gently, his thumbs stroking her cheeks, as if she might break. Which wasn’t far off the mark. She was about to shatter into a thousand tiny pieces.
“Tell me then. Why can you not be my queen?”
Katy closed her eyes. “Stop touching me. I can’t think when you touch me.”
“Then I shall never stop.” He chuckled but let her go. “My attention is yours. Tell me what bothers you.”
She closed her eyes and sucked in air, hoping courage would come with it. “I’m not Emily Toure. I’m Katy Toure, her twin sister. I’ve been lying to you the entire time.”
12
Royal Ball:
* * *
Ryker could not bear to see his mate in tears and lifted a hand to gently wipe her cheek. “I know exactly who you are, Katy. I have known from the moment we met.”
Katy stilled, certain she’d misheard. “What did you just say?”
Ryker tensed. The sorrow he’d seen in her eyes flashed to anger faster than a lightning strike. “I know you came here pretending to be Emily. I have always known. We belong together. There is no one for me but you. Of course I knew. I could never mistake you for another. Not even an identical twin.”
Katy shook with suppressed rage. Hurt. “I’ve been worried this entire time, feeling like the very worst person on the planet, and you knew?”
The fire in her eyes made him ache to shove her against the wall, lift her dress, and take her here. Now. His cock swelled with eagerness. Unfortunately the Draquonir had excellent hearing and her cries of pleasure were for no one’s ears but his own. “I waited for you to trust me enough to tell me.”
“I don’t trust you!” she yelled, her heart broke
n. Aching.
“Do you not?” His dragon raged at her denial, clawing to break free and prove himself worthy of their female.
“No. Well, if I did, I don’t anymore. You lied to me!”
Moving slowly, giving her every chance to escape him, he stepped forward, slowly backed her against the wall. When she had nowhere else to go, he lowered his head until his lips hovered over hers, the lightest of touches, his breath synced to hers. “You do not run from me, even now. You come apart in my arms. You gave me your body and your heart. You are mine, Katy, and I will not give you up.”
Lips tingling, Katy’s shoulders loosened just a little. She wanted to sink into him. Wanted to trust him. Wanted to believe they could be together forever. She was so confused. “What about Emily? And your contract?”
“Null and void.”
She moaned. “I’ve ruined everything then.”
“You saved me, Katy. Gave our people hope. How is this a bad thing?”
“My mom. You don’t understand.” She turned her head to the side, breaking the contact between them.
He took advantage by lowering his lips to her bare shoulder. The side of her neck. Seeing her in his colors, the black gown sparkling around her like black fire, the royal jewels wrapped around her throat brought him more pleasure than he’d ever imagined. He’d expected to find a mate and make his claim. Have children. Continue the family line.
He had not expected to be obsessed with every expression and sound she made. To crave her presence like a drug. To need her touch, her happiness more than he needed his own.
He had not expected to fall in love.
A single tear full of pent-up emotion, of heartache, tracked down her cheek. “Ryker. Stop. I can’t. I can’t do this. It will ruin everything.”
“Tell me,” he whispered soothingly as he wrapped his arms protectively around her, grateful she didn’t resist the comfort he offered. He needed to comfort her. Protect her. He did not understand why she was so upset, had expected her to be happy that she didn’t have to pretend anymore. Had they really expected to fool him? Fool his people? He had completed extensive background checks on Katy and Emily both. He knew where they worked. How they lived. He did not see a problem.
“My mother needs this really expensive rehab facility, and we used the money you gave Emily to pay for half of it. If the deal doesn’t go through, my mom will be kicked out, and I can’t take care of her in my little apartment. Emily is always gone, flying here and there, and I never know when she’s going to be around to help. And my boss is a serious bitch—I mean, she’s horrible. I’m already working two jobs, and I just can’t do this. You have to take Emily back.”
Ryker wanted to throw back his head and laugh at his mate’s groundless fears, but he didn’t dare. She did not trust him. Not yet. Had no idea the lengths he would go to ensure her happiness. She was clearly upset and very worried about her family. One more reason he had fallen for her. She would make an excellent queen for his people. For him. And she would learn what it meant to be his. To be cared for and protected.
Rocking her gently in his arms, he held her until she relaxed against him, her cheek pressed above his heart. “You are mine, Katy. My mate. My queen. You do not need to worry about such things. I am wealthy beyond what you could possibly imagine. And what I have, Mia Regina, is yours. I would never leave you to deal with such troubles on your own. I will take care of you and your family. Do you understand?”
“No.” She pulled back to look up at him but did not resist his embrace. Thank all that was holy, because he could not let her go when she so clearly needed him. “I don’t understand this at all. You’ve only known me for a few days. And now I’m in this dress, and I have a crown on my head, which makes no sense at all. And you keep calling me your queen, but queen of what? I’m not the queen of anything. And why would you even want to take care of me? My life is a mess. My job stinks. My mom is sick, and the medical bills are crazy. My sister lied to you. I lied to you…”
Her voice trailed off as he lowered his head to kiss her forehead. Her temple. The side of her face. Her jaw. “I have not been completely honest with you, either, my love.”
She stiffened. “What does that mean? You’re married, aren’t you? Or engaged?”
“No. Nothing so simple.”
Katy swallowed nervously. “Worse than you’re already married?”
“No. Yes. There are many things I must tell you. But first, I need you to know that marrying me will mean so much more than living in this palazzo. I want your full commitment. Here. Now. Tonight.”
Ryker kissed her, only Draquonir law keeping him from baring his soul and admitting that he was not entirely human. That she would be revered and respected by Draquonir all over the world, and hunted by others.
That when he made her fully his, the black dragonfire would engulf them both and change her body chemistry. Magically tie her life force to his. Make her more than human.
Desire burned through him as she sighed, her hands exploring beneath his suit jacket, fingers tugging at his body as if she would never get enough.
“My king!” Vector slid into the hallway, the words a shout on his lips. “There is trouble. You must come at once.”
Slowly, with a reverence he knew he would feel with no other, he lifted his head, never breaking eye contact with his mate. “Stay here? Wait for me? We have much to discuss.”
She nodded, her gaze darting to Vector.
Ryker straightened, his attention zeroing in on Vector. Only something truly serious would faze him. Vector was clearly enraged, his hands clenched into fists, dragon magic lit the back of his eyes.
Mist and Fury appeared behind him, grim expressions on both of their faces.
“Who has dared disturb us this night?” Ryker had made it known to all the Draquonir, his clan and all the others spread across the continents, that he had found his mate and would present her to his people tonight. He had invited the elder elves and high-ranking members of his allied Draquonir clans. Only a rival would be foolish enough to cause trouble on such a sacred night.
Or someone who wished to start a war.
“They wear no clan colors,” Mist offered.
“Drifters, then.” The Drifters were those without loyalty or allegiance. Exiles and troublemakers. Thieves and mercenaries. And very, very dangerous.
Facing Katy, he lowered his forehead and pressed it to hers. Their gazes locked. “I am in love with you, Katy Toure. Not your sister. You. Please, stay here and wait for me while I deal with this.”
He nearly lost control when she placed a small hand on his cheek, leaned in, and whispered into his ear. “Go, then. I’ll be here when you get back. And I’ll expect you to tell me everything.”
Turning his head, he placed a kiss in the center of her palm and tore himself away from her. He hated leaving her behind. Hated walking away from her. His dragon screamed in rage, cried out for blood, demanded justice for the Drifters who dared threaten their mate.
“You two, do not leave her side. Protect your queen with your lives. Understand?”
“Of course.” Mist and Fury spoke in unison.
Satisfied that Katy would be protected, Ryker followed Vector to the tallest rooftop on the estate, and they shifted, one black dragon and one red, surveying the chaos below as his people, some in dragon form, some still appearing human, engaged with the Drifters and protected their queen.
His roar was answered by his clan, and he took to the air, eager to be done with this and return to his mate.
Katy was sure her sigh could be heard through the entire palazzo. She turned to Mist, whom she knew and trusted. Fury was fine, no doubt, or Ryker would not have left him behind. But Katy didn’t know him that well, whereas Mist was familiar. A friend. “What is a Drifter? And what is he talking about? I don’t understand any of this.”
Mist tilted her head to the side, her look sympathetic, but gave nothing away. “He will explain everything to you later, Kat
y. Why don’t we get you somewhere more secure than this hallway?”
Fury scowled. “Too late. Someone comes.”
Mist crouched into a fighting stance. Balanced. Ready. “Friend?”
“No.” Fury’s face turned grim. “We cannot shift here.”
“No. We cannot.”
He sighed and pulled two daggers from leather sheaths strapped to his back, well concealed beneath his dinner jacket. “The hard way then.”
Mist reached between her breasts and pulled out a bodice dagger with a two-and-a-half-inch blade of heat-purpled steel, the leather sheath sewn into the bodice for concealment. Bending down, she used one of the blades to cut off most of her skirt as Fury watched with a grin.
“Not one word, Fury.”
“I didn’t say anything.” He did glance down at her shoes. “You’re leaving the heels on?”
Mist smiled and the expression would have frightened Katy if she didn’t know the other woman was on her side.
As one, they turned to face the far end of the hallway, clearly hearing something Katy could not.
“Get behind me and stay there,” Mist ordered.
Katy wasn’t going to argue. She had no idea what was going on and was still trying to process the fact that Ryker knew who she was. All this time, he knew, and Katy wasn’t sure whether she should be relieved or furious with him for stringing her along. But she’d been lying to him, too. If he knew, why didn’t he speak to her earlier? Why not confront her with the truth? What was he trying to achieve? Surely seducing the twin sister of the woman he’d already agreed to marry hadn’t been part of his plan.
Before she could put any kind of logical thought process together, four strangers sauntered around the corner, walked confidently and with purpose toward them.
“You are not welcome here.” Fury did not yell or seem to be surprised. He didn’t raise his voice at all. Did he know these people?
Dragon Chains Page 8