A Deadly Masquerade: A Vampire’s Thirst

by Michaels, A K

  He heard her heart skip a beat and her skin flushed a rosy red while her head whipped up and her eyes locked with his. “Victor! Shh, someone might hear.”

  “So?” He looked around and back at Kimber, her heart was still thudding wildly in her chest and he couldn’t help himself, he stopped, pulled her into his arms and kissed her right there in the hall.

  His mouth covered hers in a quick but passion-filled joining of their lips; his tongue briefly danced with hers before he retreated to leave her breathless, panting, and languid in his arms. “That’s just a taste.” He winked at her, wrapping an arm around her waist and carrying on the few yards to the Grand Ball Room.

  They were just about to go inside…in fact, Amaya was there waiting on them, but Kimber stumbled at his words and he had to catch her before she fell flat on her face. He turned her in his arms, holding her tight against him, smiling down at her flushed cheeks.

  She didn’t get a chance to respond as Amaya rushed toward them, a vision in red with a lavish silver silk mask of her own in place. Her dress was high on the front but when she drew nearer Victor caught a glimpse of lots of skin and saw her gown was backless with a long fishtail that swished behind her as she sashayed up to them.

  “Kimber, I’ve been waiting on you. Can you come and check everything with me? I’d appreciate a second set of eyes to make sure all is as it should be. Please?”

  Kimber tugged herself free, turning to her friend. “Of course. Victor, I won’t be long.”

  “Don’t be, baby. I’ll be waiting for you to join me in welcoming our guests. They’ll be arriving soon.”

  She turned to wave at him then sped away into the Grand Ball Room which had been set up into three distinct areas. The first was a meeting space with a bar, comfy chairs and sofas where they could, as Amaya and Kimber had told him, ‘mingle’ and relax. After that there were tables set out around the edge of the room with food and drink. Far too many to count and laden down with a bevy of different appetizers and cocktails that would put any top-class venue to shame. At the other end of the room was another bar, a dance-floor, and a band was setting themselves up.

  Kimber said they would play throughout the evening with background music to begin with, and after the drinks had started to flow, they’d get more energetic…whatever the hell that meant…to get people into the mood to dance. Hopefully. And he did indeed hope that worked because she’d told him if not that they’d be the first to take to the floor.

  He didn’t mind a slow dance where he could take her in his arms and hold her close, but energetic definitely didn’t sound like his kind of thing. No. He wasn’t particularly looking forward to that part at all. With that thought ringing in his mind he headed straight for the bar nearest to him where Quinn and Flint were already standing drinking.

  Although both wore their masks, Flint’s was plain black, like his own, with Quinn’s a more elaborate silver affair, he could tell the men apart easily. Flint was his best friend after all, but even if he weren’t, the way he held himself set him apart from most men. He was a bodyguard first and everything else came second to that. His eyes scanned the room even while he was talking to Quinn, always on the lookout for any threat, and the way he held his body…as if he were about to launch himself into a fight at a moment’s notice. Yes, Victor would know Flint anywhere no matter what he wore or if his face was completely hidden from view.

  The staff were also dressed in keeping with the Ball, masks in place and dressed in smart suits…the men anyway. There were only a few women present behind the tables laden with food and they were decked out in simple, but elegant, evening gowns. At the moment the staff outnumbered them by about five-to-one.

  “Not long now.” Quinn lifted his glass as Victor arrived, tossing the contents back in one go.

  As soon as he placed the empty crystal glass back on the bar another one magically appeared. “I’ll have the same, thanks.”

  In seconds, Victor was served, and Flint sipped his own, humming like a contented pussycat. “This is good.”

  “Thought I’d show our guests the best we Scots can do,” Quinn quipped, raising his glass and swirling it around before taking a sip.

  “Everything going to plan?” Victor looked around at the well-laid out areas. “This looks great, by the way.”

  “All down to the girls, of course. I just pay for it.” Quinn chuckled, tipping his head to Victor. “Isn’t that what we do?”

  “Of course,” Victor agreed. “I heard that Alaric and Ashlyn left. I’m sorry they decided to do that, but I understand.”

  “It was unfortunate they left but I understand too.” Quinn lowered his voice to barely a whisper. “Let’s be honest here, if we were on someone else’s land and there were attacks going on and our Bloodmate’s were in danger, what would we do? I have to say I would have second thoughts of staying if Amaya’s life were in danger in that situation.”

  “I would be out of there on the first fucking flight.” Flint snorted. “If Kenzie was in danger and I didn’t know the guy from Adam? You bet your ass I wouldn’t stay, hell, they wouldn’t see us for dust.”

  Quinn laughed and patted Flint on the shoulder, motioning to the bartender. “Get my friend another drink. Flint, you’re as eloquent as always but I have to agree. I’m going to personally thank the people who’ve stayed and placed their trust in us and not only that. I think we should tell them what Jana has told us too. I think these people deserve to know.”

  Victor thought about what Jana had told him and wondered how their guests would react. Would they be as furious as he’d been? How full of fury as Flint had been? Probably. But Quinn was right. They deserved the truth. They’d placed their safety in their hands. Their very lives depended on them and they’d stayed. They’d not run.

  “I agree. But we need to be prepared for them to be angry. And if that happens we have to remain calm. All of us. And take it in stride. We let it run off our backs and suck it up.”

  “Hey,” Flint looked over at him, eyes full of fake wide-eyed innocence. “I can do calm and I can suck stuff up.”

  Victor and Quinn both looked at him, stared at him for a few seconds and then burst out laughing. Flint didn’t look happy. Even though he wore a mask they could see his eyes screwing up and his lips pursed together while they carried on chuckling until Flint finally threw his arms up. “Fine, have fun at my expense. Pair of old fuckers.”

  Flint turned away, leaning one arm on the bar as Quinn quietened down first. It took Victor another few moments before he could say anything and when he did it was to compliment Kenzie who was sweeping toward them like an ethereal beauty straight out of a movie. Her gown was floating around her in sheets of organza in different shades of dark reds and brown that matched her hair perfectly, which was loose, curled and flowing down her back and pinned up at the sides. The mask she wore was decorated in the same colors, with soft flowing feathers at the sides and ribbons disappearing into her long locks. She looked dazzling and didn’t appear as frail as she had the previous night.

  “Kenzie, wow, you look absolutely stunning. Flint better keep an eye on you or you’ll be whisked away by a handsome man tonight,” Victor teased as she joined them. “I, for one, will be looking for a dance later.”

  Flint swept forward, his face dark as thunder as he wrapped an arm around Kenzie’s waist to draw her to his side. His jaw ticked agitatedly and the vein in his neck throbbed while he glowered over at Victor with a look that was cold as arctic ice. One that most men would have turned and ran from.

  “The only man she’s dancing with is me.”

  Victor wasn’t sure how Flint managed to get the words out with his teeth clenched together. That was some feat.

  Kenzie merely smiled indulgently up at Flint, patting the hand that was at her waist. “Calm down, baby. I promise you’ll get as many dances as you want.”

  “You’re staying right here with me. You’re not fully recovered yet and you shouldn’t be overdoing thing
s.” Flint leaned down to peck her cheek before scowling back at Victor again. “Please remember that.”

  “I will, sorry, Kenzie. Flint’s right, you should take things easy.” Victor turned when he heard footsteps approaching along the hallway. “Looks like our first guests are arriving early. Where’s Kimber and Amaya?”

  “We’re here.”

  They arrived breathless but otherwise looking okay as Kimber took his offered arm. “Everything okay?”

  “Perfect. Things are exactly as we’d planned so I think tonight will go well. Hopefully.”

  “I believe it will.” Victor led her to the door and waited at the side as Quinn and Amaya joined them, leaving Flint and Kenzie at the bar.

  Chapter 13

  The first couple to appear was Grey and Mila. The Professor looked a little nervous, but Mila held herself with confidence at his side and both of them were dressed to the nines. Grey wore a tux with a plain black mask. His partner was in a blood red, figure hugging velvet gown, her mask matching it perfectly. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head with crystal decorations scattered throughout, but it was her striking green eyes which caught Victor’s attention.

  Kimber also had emerald eyes, but Mila’s was a shade he’d never seen before, and he was certain he never would again. Maybe it was a color that was only typical in Blood Fairies. Whatever, they were remarkable and beautiful.

  Victor held his hand out and plastered a huge smile on. “Welcome, Grey, and this must be Mila. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m very pleased you could join us. This is Kimber, my Bloodmate.”

  Grey shook his hand, but Mila did not. Not because she didn’t want to. Her hand had moved automatically to do so, but Grey had blocked it. He didn’t blame him. Not at all. They weren’t that long bonded, and he’d be feeling…possessive.

  “Thank you,” she said instead.

  But he saw her give Grey a quick pinch as if to tell him she wasn’t happy at what he’d done.

  Mila turned to Kimber, looking her over before her nostrils flared and she stepped forward. “You’re a Dragon? A real Dragon. Dang, I didn’t know that. That’s cool.”

  “Thank you.” Kimber gave her one of her full-on dazzling smiles. “And you’re a Blood Fairy. I’ve never met one before. I’d love to hear more about you if you could spare a few moments later.”

  “Sure, I’d like that.” Mila raised her head, looking back at Grey. “I’ll come find you and we can have a chat.”

  “Thank you,” Kimber said as the couple moved on to greet Quinn and Amaya.

  Kimber turned up to him and she looked about to say something to him, but she didn’t get the chance when another couple appeared. This time Victor had to think twice to remember the names as he’d only met them when they’d arrived, and he and Quinn had welcomed them and shown them to their cottage. It took him a second or two but then it came to him. The lovebirds; Markus and Rachel and damn, how could he forget…the first couple to be targeted. How on earth had that slipped his mind?

  They were extremely new Bloodmates and hadn’t come up for air since they’d arrived. Which was to be expected. He remembered how he and Kimber had been, so he didn’t blame them one damn bit for staying locked away, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to offer his hand to Rachel either. That would not go down well with Markus, and he didn’t want to start off the evening on the wrong foot with the man.

  “Markus, Rachel, so nice to see you again. I hope you’re both well?” Victor smiled at them both but as Markus was gripping Rachel’s hands in his, he did the same, holding Kimber’s.

  “Yes, we’ve been well provided for.” Markus looked around then back at him. “Apart from that unfortunate incident that one night, everything has been fine.”

  “Quinn told me about that and I can only apologize and assure you that steps have been taken.” Victor leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Jana Noskova is involved, and we’ll be talking to everyone when we’re all here. We don’t want you to think we’re keeping you in the dark.”

  “I see.” Markus looked down at Rachel then back at him. “The Directive is helping in this?”

  “Of course.” Victor tipped his head to the side, noticing the man looked uncomfortable. “Jana is a friend and she’s on our side. I assure you she’s done her utmost to help us in this.”

  “If you say so, then I trust your word.” Markus turned to Kimber, giving her a dazzling smile.

  “This is Kimber, my Bloodmate.”

  “Lovely to meet you, Kimber.”

  “You too, Markus, and you, Rachel. That is a stunning dress and those shoes! I just love them.”

  Rachel blushed, holding out her left ankle to show off a pair of silver stilettos which coordinated with her evening dress perfectly. “Thank you. Markus and I went shopping and he treated me for the trip. I’m not sure my feet will last the night though.”

  “I know what you mean. I’m certain I’ll be losing my shoes before the evening is out,” Kimber whispered conspiratorially.

  “Yes. Me too.” Rachel giggled before Markus led her away to Quinn and Amaya.

  Then the next couples arrived all at once, one after the other so they didn’t have much time to chat. Brief welcomes were given, and they swept into the room to join everyone who were now congregated around the bar where Flint had suddenly become the focus of attention. What Victor hadn’t expected was that his friend had turned on the charm, with Kenzie now sitting on a bar stool and watching him while sipping from a champagne flute.

  Flint cracked jokes about…wait? What was he talking about? Victor thought he’d misheard but no. Flint was indeed relaying the story of his fight with the Wolves on the shore of the lake…but of course he would. It was Flint after all. Only he was lacing it with laughter as he talked about his own stupidity and how he allowed the damn dirty dogs to get the better of him.

  “I mean, come on guys…how stupid was I? I needed my head banging for that fiasco.” Flint lifted his glass and downed it in one, motioning to the bartender for another. “If it weren’t for Victor I’d still be lying at the bottom of that damn lake wilting away and wondering what the fuck was going on. And you know something? That water is cold enough to freeze your…”

  Kenzie’s hand shot out to swipe Flint across the back of his head. “Don’t you dare, Flint. There’s ladies present.”

  Mila stepped forward, laughing and looking around. “Don’t count me as one…carry on, Flint.”

  “I hate to break this up,” Quinn looked over at him and Kimber, “but as they’re already in a good mood then maybe this is the best time to tell them what Jana told us. What do you think?”

  The small group around the bar appeared jovial and indeed happy but they did have to speak to them. Victor looked once again as Flint eyed Mila and Grey’s arms tightened protectively around her.

  “Now, Miss Mila, you are definitely a lady tonight,” Flint said with his most polite voice, but added a bow at the end which pulled a frown onto Grey’s forehead but a hearty laugh from his Bloodmate.

  “Just for tonight, Flint. I’ve scrubbed up for my Professor here, that’s all. But you better watch out…you don’t want to annoy him. Or me. I’m a Blood Fairy and we rule the Underworld, than means you don’t want to piss me off…and I managed to break free from there. So you see, I’m definitely not a lady. Not one bit.”

  She landed a hand on her hip, jutting it out and tilting her head up as she gave him a wink. The slit in her dress showed Flint, and all present, that she had on a black leather garter that wasn’t just for the benefit of Grey…it held a long ornately carved silver dagger.

  Flint tipped two fingers to his forehead, gave her a bow and guffawed loudly. “I apologize sincerely and I take note not to piss you off, Mila. Not if you promise to show me that beauty later? I’ve a reputation for being a bit of an expert with all things to do with blades and that one intrigues me.”

  Grey huffed out a great sigh, scowling at Mila then Flint and back again as she sh
rugged over at Flint. “I’ve heard of your expertise and I’ll think about it. This is one of my favorites and I tend not to share.”

  “I don’t either,” Kenzie added quietly, but everyone heard her clear as day, including Flint who spun around and kissed her soundly on the lips.

  “I guess now is as good a time as any.” Victor waved Quinn on. “After you.”

  “Thank you, not.” Quinn grumbled as he led Amaya over, whispering, “I need a drink first, Victor…get me a large one.”

  “Can I have some champagne please?” Amaya asked as he made his way to the end of the bar and snagged a barman’s attention. “Kimber?”

  “Nothing, not now. I’ll wait until the talk’s over. I’m too nervous. What if they all get upset and decide to leave? This will all have been for nothing.”

  Victor saw her tremble with nerves, her face whitened, and her heart stampeded in her chest again. Only this time it wasn’t with passion and he hated that. Her eyes flitted to the side nervously, watching as Flint carried on with inane jokes and Mila was harassing him with comebacks with the rest of the group either laughing or watching and waiting to see if things would get out of hand.

  He knew they wouldn’t though. Flint was playing around, and Victor knew that. And as for Mila? Well, he was certain she was too. Her body language and everything else about her told him that. From the calm heart rate to the way Grey was acting. Grey wasn’t in the least concerned, so if he wasn’t then Victor wasn’t either.

  But would their guests remain in such good spirits once they learned the truth about what was going on?

  Quinn stepped forward. Victor heard him inhaling and saw him straightening his back as he clapped his hands. “Can I have your attention, please? Just for a few minutes, then we can continue with our evening.”

  “Stay here, darling.” Victor left Kimber to go over and stand beside Quinn. His presence, hopefully, giving him moral support and if needs be he’d be able to help with any questions or angry outbursts that came their way.