The Monster Ball Year 2

by Heather Hildenbrand

  She pulled back slightly and looked up at him. “Is something wrong?”

  A muscle twitched in his jaw before he shook his head to the side. The music around them faded as Nord slid his hands up her sides until they were cupping her face. “Not a damn thing,” he breathed before brushing his lips against hers.

  The metal of his rings was cool against her cheeks, and the soft hairs of his beard tickled her chin. Lina didn’t care. She was utterly lost to the feel of his lips moving over hers. She knew it would be good, but her imagination hadn’t come close to the reality of what it was like to be kissed. Really kissed.

  It had always look so rushed from the outside. A little wet and sloppy, and more of a means to an end than the main event, but with Nord . . . he took his time and there was nothing sloppy about it.

  Lina had no idea that just a touch of his lips would cause this sort of reaction within her. There was a full-on energy storm raging inside of her which greatly surpassed the small flash of electricity she’d experienced when he’d first touched her. Was this normal? This buzzing beneath her skin?

  Each hot press of his mouth over hers hinted at something more. Something that if unleashed would consume her completely. She wanted to know what that something was more fiercely than she could recall wanting anything.

  Nord pulled away first and she whimpered, her lips immediately seeking his again.

  He chuckled, his fingers brushing her cheeks.

  “Come on, let’s find somewhere a little more private.”

  She opened her eyes. It should have been impossible for someone with eyes the color of ice to hold quite so much heat, but Nord could have burned her with a glance given the way he was looking at her.

  Licking her lips, she nodded. “Good idea.”

  Nord dropped his hands from her face and she immediately missed his touch. She wasn’t disappointed for long as one of his hands sought out hers. Lina never knew such pleasure could be derived from something as easy as weaving her fingers through someone else’s. Humans were fools to take sure, simple intimacy for granted.

  Lina knew better. She was going to savor each glorious moment with Nord while she could.

  For all she knew, they were the only ones she would ever get.

  Chapter Six

  Lina

  Nord led her through the warehouse and up a flight of glowing stairs to the second floor. He moved fast, his stride long and purposeful. Lina almost felt like she was running beside him as she attempted to keep pace.

  He looked over his shoulder and grinned apologetically when he realized he was moving a bit faster than he realized.

  Despite overlooking the party below, the loft area was shrouded in shadows. There were lots of dark areas with interesting sounds emanating from them. Seems they weren’t the only pair sneaking away.

  They passed a few occupied white couches before finding one that was free. Nord gestured for her to take a seat.

  Lina glanced around. “Here? I thought you said you wanted to go somewhere private.”

  He raised an amused brow. “How private were you hoping for? If you hadn’t noticed, we’re at a rave. This is as good as it’s going to get.”

  She looked around the loft area, seeing a couple walking out of an illuminated room at the far end. Following her gaze, Nord’s eyes glittered when they met hers.

  “No need to rush things, Kærasta. Just because the Ball only lasts for the night doesn’t mean we have to.”

  Her heart sped up even as her brows puckered at the unfamiliar word. Given the tender way he uttered it, she guessed it was some kind of endearment. “Kærasta?”

  His eyes softened and he ran his knuckles along her cheek. “Its definition got muddied over time, but for the people of my homeland, it would be the same as calling you sweetheart.”

  Lina swallowed, guilt swiftly replacing her other more amorous feelings. If he thought there was the possibility of a future between them, she owed him her honesty. No need to get his hopes up.

  “What if we don’t?” she asked, her voice soft.

  His brows furrowed as he pulled her down to sit beside him. “What do you mean?”

  Sighing, Lina squeezed her hands between her knees. This was not how she imagined things going when he’d led her from the dance floor.

  “Nord,” she started, having to look away from the concern blazing in his eyes. It was easier to talk if she didn’t have to look at him. “Before tonight, I didn’t exist. I mean, not in this form.”

  “What?”

  “I . . . I was a ghost. Or maybe just a spirit. I don’t actually know if I was ever alive. I have no memory of it,” she rambled.

  “A ghost?” he repeated.

  Lina nodded. “Whatever magic brought me here crafted this illusion,” she explained, gesturing to her body.

  “Lina, look at me.”

  She managed to resist for a second before obeying, her eyes slowly lifting back up to his face. Her mouth fell open as she noticed his eyes blazing a bright azure.

  “I see no sign of illusion about you,” he told her as his eyes returned to normal.

  “H-how can you tell?”

  “I’m assuming you aren’t familiar with the Brotherhood of Guardians?” he asked.

  Lina shook her head.

  Taking one of her hands in his, he brushed a piece of hair off her face. “That’s what I am. A Guardian. One of my powers is the ability to see the essence of every living thing. When I look at you, I see nothing to suggest that you are anything but wholly alive.”

  The possibility of it made her head spin. “But how can you tell that it’s not just some kind of spell.”

  “Magic—all magic—leaves a trace. If you were bespelled into this body, I would sense it.”

  “So, this . . . is real? It’s, I mean . . . I’m not, temporary?”

  Nord’s smile was transformative. His eyes crinkling as he moved closer to her. “As far as I can tell.”

  It was too good to be true. Lina was struggling to wrap her head around the implication of truly being alive. She let out a joyful whoop and threw her arms around his neck.

  He laughed, wrapping his arms around her. “I take it that’s good news.”

  “You have no idea,” she said. “There are so many things I’ve wanted to do.”

  “What’s at the top of your list?” he asked, tilting his head as he studied her.

  Lina gave him a wicked grin. “Getting in your pants.”

  Nord laughed. “I’m not one for putting on a show, Kærasta. But let’s see if we can’t reach a compromise.”

  “I guess I can work with that,” she whispered as his lips met hers.

  The energy storm was still there, but it was less frantic now. Contained, at least for the moment. She shifted her body until she was straddling his lap, wanting to be as close to Nord as she could.

  He let out a low groan as she slid over his legs and she smiled, distantly thinking she might still be able to get him to change his mind about letting her get inside his pants.

  Lina practically melted when one of his hands worked its way into her hair, tugging her head back so his lips had access to her neck.

  “Yes,” she hissed as he worked his way down and over the top of her breasts.

  Arching into him, Lina was aware of every part of her body that pressed into his; the places she was soft where he was hard.

  No amount of voyeurism prepared her for the truth of being with someone. She’d had no way to know about or expect the sheer number of overwhelming sensations racing along her skin and causing heat to pool low in her belly.

  She squirmed, a nameless need begging to be answered.

  Nord’s hands flexed over her ass, holding her still. “You keep doing that and I’m going to forget my compromise,” he groaned.

  “Good,” she whispered, gently biting his bottom lip.

  “Lina . . .”

  She loved the way her name sounded when he said it. “I’ll take whatever you’r
e willing to give me,” she said against his lips. “Just please, don’t stop touching me.”

  One of his arms banded about her waist, anchoring her body to his while the other moved to her leg, sliding up the exposed skin until his fingers brushed the bottom of her dress, and then further still.

  All she was aware of was the pounding of her heart and the progress of his hand until the backs of his fingers brushed along her center. She had no words to describe the sound that came out of her mouth at his featherlike stroke.

  Looking pained, Nord moved his hand so that it was clenching her thigh.

  “You don’t have to stop.” Please, don’t stop.

  Expression clearing, he brushed the hair off of her face, lingering to cup her cheek. “I wish there were a way to ensure no one could see us,” Nord murmured against her ear. “I don’t want to risk exposing your body or your pleasure to the eyes of others.”

  As if the magic swirling through the warehouse had been waiting for his request, the area around their couch darkened, blocking out all but the faintest of pulsing rainbow lights.

  Lina hadn’t realized it was possible for the hint of possession in his words to make her burn even hotter.

  “Is that what you’re a Guardian of?” she teased. “My virtue?”

  She’d been joking, but his eyes were serious as they bore into hers, the azure flecks in the center seeming to swell in size. “I’ve lived many lifetimes, Kærasta. I know better than most the power of fate. There’s no doubt in my mind that you are what brought me here tonight. A Guardian is nothing without a charge. So yes, Lina. Your virtue, your body, your life . . . they are all mine to protect.”

  The intensity of his words and what they implied should have shocked her. They barely knew each other, but there was no mistaking the sincerity of his vow. Nord meant every word.

  She ran her hand along his beard, loving how the soft blond hairs curled around her fingers. “Even from yourself?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

  “Especially from me,” he grinned, nipping her fingers as she moved them over his bottom lip.

  Lina expected to feel disappointed, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If what he said earlier was true, they had time to discover each other properly. Whatever was growing between them was too important to rush and she had to admit the possibility of countless days—and nights—appealed to her.

  One night with Nord would never be enough.

  “Alright then, Guardian,” she sighed. “I guess we should probably get back to the party.”

  He nodded, holding her tighter when she shifted to stand up. “But first, just one more kiss,” he growled, pulling her lips back to his.

  Chapter Seven

  Nord

  One kiss turned to hundreds and it was hours later before they finally pulled away from each other and made their way up to the roof to cool off.

  It was all he could do not to drag her off to one of those damn cubes and finish what they’d started on the couch, but she deserved better. He would wait and satisfy himself by learning everything he could about the woman who, after a single glance, had captivated him completely.

  “So, you really don’t have any memories of who you might have been?” he asked, memorizing the way Lina looked surrounded by moonlight. She had an ethereal quality that made it easy to believe she was not truly of this world.

  Lina turned away from the moon to look at him. “None,” she answered, her eyes luminous.

  “Do you think it’s important?” she asked, sounding worried.

  Nord shrugged. “I don’t believe in coincidence.”

  “So, my being here, this time, this place—”

  “That body,” Nord cut in, running a hand along the tattoo on her upper arm.

  “—it serves a purpose,” she finished.

  Nord nodded. “I believe it does. Why else go through the effort of creating meaningless details?” he asked, gesturing once more to her tattoos. “Memory or not, I believe they are clues about who you are, or were.”

  Lina bit her bottom lip, still painted a deep scarlet despite the kisses they’d shared. “I don’t even know how to go about deciphering them.”

  Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips. “Lina, you don’t have to do it alone. I will help you.”

  Her face was soft; her expression unguarded as she lifted her free hand up to his face. “What if it takes years? I can’t ask this of you.”

  Nord shrugged. “I find myself with a lot of free time on my hands as of late. I could use a hobby.”

  Lina snickered. “You want me to be your hobby?”

  “Definitely.”

  She shook her head, still laughing. “But what about your other responsibilities? Doesn’t the Brotherhood keep you busy?”

  “I just finished an extended assignment. I’ve earned some time away from the Brotherhood. It won’t be an issue. Besides,” he said, turning his face to kiss the palm of her hand, “you are my new assignment. I already told you, Lina. A Guardian knows when they’ve found their charge. My place is here now, with you.”

  It was true. He’d been drawn to her the second she’d stepped into the warehouse, all the noise and chaos of the party raging around him was drowned out by her presence. He’d heard of such things happening to other Guardians when they found their true charge, but had yet to experience it himself. Even so, there was no doubt in his mind that he was supposed to find her here. The feeling of relentless ennui that had plagued him for the better part of the last century had dissipated entirely as soon as she was in his arms.

  Guardians were gifted with immortality and the ability to traverse worlds, all in the search of their divine purpose. He’d served with others across countless lifetimes and realms with the hope that one day he’d know the peace of finding out where he belonged.

  Tonight, in the middle of a ball he hadn’t wanted to come to, she finally walked into his life.

  He’d be eternally grateful that Finley had pushed him into going—and had helped him look presentable. From the way Lina was staring at him, she appreciated the effort as well.

  “Well that’s convenient, then,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest. “Because I don’t think I could let you go.”

  He kissed the top of her forehead. You’ll never have to.

  He may not have spoken the words out loud, but he had a feeling she understood all the same. He’d already said more than he should have about being her Guardian. Nord would scare her away with too much talk of lifetimes and eternal service. Better to focus on getting to know each other and helping her uncover her past and deal with the rest of it later.

  “Lina,” he said, a thought occurring to him.

  “Hmm?”

  “What abilities do you think you have?”

  She pulled away to look at him. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you must hold some kind of power, otherwise you never would have been invited here.”

  Eyes wide, she shrugged. “I have no clue.”

  “That might be a good place for us to start. Once we can figure out what power you possess, we might be closer to learning who you are.”

  She looked excited. “Do you think I could fly? Or maybe turn myself into something else—like a bird or a wolf or something?”

  Nord grasped the back of her dress, the image of Lina hurling herself off the roof to test the theory sending him into a momentary panic. “Let’s not start with that.”

  She must have picked up on his concern because she laughed and agreed. “Probably a good idea to start small.”

  “I don’t think you’re a shifter,” he said, once his heart returned to a normal tempo.

  “You don’t? How can you tell?” she asked, her eyebrows lifted in surprise.

  “I would have sensed it when I looked at you.”

  “Magic leaves a trace,” she repeated, recalling his earlier words.

  Nord nodded. “That and there’s
something in their essence; a duality that would be impossible to hide from one of my kind.”

  “Okay,” she sighed, sounding a little wistful. “Not a shifter, then.”

  “You sound disappointed,” he said, studying her.

  Lina shrugged. “After spending so long trapped in that building, the thought of being free like that . . . it was appealing.”

  When she said that she’d been a ghost, he never imagined she’d been confined. He’d always thought ghosts were wanderers, capable of traveling wherever they wished. The thought of Lina being caged in any capacity made Nord want to punch something. Hard. Repeatedly.

  “Do you think I was being punished?” she asked, her voice small.

  His answer was swift and fierce. “No. I have trouble envisioning you doing anything worthy of such a cruel punishment.”

  Her voice was playful, but her eyes were earnest as she asked, “How can you be so sure? Maybe I was one of the bad guys.”

  Nord laughed.

  Lina pulled away, her hands on her hips. “Hey. It wasn’t that funny. A snake and dagger tattoo hardly seems like something a sweet girl should have.”

  “Kærasta, your heart is pure. There is far too much light in you for you to ever be truly cruel or evil.”

  “You sensed all that with just one look, huh?” she asked, not sounding convinced.

  “I’ve spent my life around monsters. It doesn’t take long to learn the difference between a warrior that fights to protect, and one that fights to destroy.”

  “You think I could have been a warrior?”

  Nord tried to picture Lina with her waves of blonde hair and bright blue eyes wielding a sword. The image didn’t quite fit, although he had no doubt she was the type of woman to fight tooth and nail to defend someone she loved.

  “If you’re a fighter, I don’t think you use weapons in the traditional sense.”

  She glanced down at her hands, turning them over in the pale moonlight. “These don’t look like the hands of a fighter, but I hate the thought of just standing on the sidelines and letting someone else fight my battles for me.”