But, it wasn’t an oath to take lightly. It meant an eternity of thirsting for blood — of relying on another creature’s body for support. It also meant fear and danger everywhere a vampire went. Deep-seeded suspicion and hatred for his kind had taken the life of far too many of his friends and family. Agreeing to become a vampire would instantly put a price on Cate’s head, and no matter how much he vowed to protect her, he couldn’t promise her safety. It was part of the vampire life. It was what had brought on the murder of his own father. She didn’t need that kind of trouble. Not someone who clearly had a pure and beautiful soul of her own.
He gazed at her face, realizing that he couldn’t take advantage of her. Not even for a single night of passion. One taste, and he’d be finished. He wanted all of her or none of her. Nothing would satisfy him again if he gave into those urges. His hand slowly fell from her chin and he backed away.
“You should head inside.” He cleared his throat and glanced up at the warm lights of the castle. “It’s getting late.”
Most of the staff were gone by now. Monstrana came alive at night, with the werewolf packs running the island, vampires enjoying the city nightlife, and all other assorted creatures of the dark waking up. He preferred the quiet life of the castle, its empty halls soothing to his aching head.
“Yes, I really should.” She stumbled backwards, crushing the blossom in her palm. Her eyes stared at his chest, not really seeing him. “Goodnight, Viktor.”
“Goodnight, Cate,” he whispered as she walked away. This image of her leaving tugged at his heartstrings.
He stared up at the moon for several minutes, willing for things to be different. If only Cate had come here as a vampire, things might have worked out. But with her mortality standing between them, there was no chance for them to be together. And he’d never ask her to give that up for him. It wasn’t right and it wasn’t his to claim.
The rustling of a hedge nearby caught his attention. He lunged behind a thick tree trunk and peered out from behind it, spotting a dark form stalking the garden. The swing of her curvy hips and lithe form clued him in immediately to the midnight stroller — Duchess Jezebel.
She didn’t pause when she passed by his hiding place. Strutting a direct path toward the castle, he sighed with relief when she was finally out of range. He wasn’t in a mood for another midnight stroll, especially not with the lovesick vampiress. Hopefully, her own midnight stroll had cooled off her lust for his position and wealth and she wouldn’t fight him when he sent her packing at the end of the ceremony. No more dating show. No more secrets. Everything would go back to normal for him and his kingdom.
But, was normal what he still wanted?
Chapter Eighteen
FOR THE SECOND TIME that night, Cate found herself wide awake in her lavish suite. A crushed Moonflower blossom lay cradled in her hands as she paced the room. Her midnight walk hadn’t helped at all. In fact, she was more confused than ever.
Prince Viktor had almost kissed her in the garden. Of that, she was sure. They’d been so in sync, the passion in his eyes matching the desire she felt boiling deep within her own stomach. She’d wanted him to take her into his strong arms and kiss away all the worries. Thirty seconds pressed against his hard body and the rest of the world would melt away. But something had stopped him, made him draw back at the last moment. She’d seen the change in his eyes, like a light switch.
She huffed loudly and stomped her bare foot on the carpet. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. She was supposed to keep her head low and sail through to the end of the show. Save Miranda’s job and her own mortality. Then, head home and forget this place ever existed.
Why, then, was she having second thoughts? Why was the notion of becoming Viktor’s eternal mate sounding so right? They hardly knew each other. She couldn’t lose her head over a man she’d just met a few days ago.
“It’s purely an animalistic urge,” she told herself, flinging her hair over her shoulder. “I mean, who can blame you? The man’s an Adonis. A perfect specimen of masculinity. Any hot-blooded woman would want to jump him.”
She caught a glimpse of herself in the gilded mirror hanging on the wall. Her eyes were wide and sparkling, her cheeks flushed pink. A glow had permeated her skin, leaving her skin dewy and clear.
“Stop it right now,” she said, wagging her finger at her reflection. “You swore yourself off men just days ago. Your good guy radar is broken. Don’t let yourself fall for some guy you just met.”
Except, this wasn’t some guy. He was a man who made her quiver with just one glance and touched her with a gentleness she’d never experienced before. His kiss set off fireworks in her stomach and flames across her skin. He had a laugh that made her thrill and a passion for his country that made her respect him. He was honest, kind, and fun. And when they spoke, he treated her as an intellectual equal. He was everything she was looking for in a partner. With two minor additions — immortality and razor sharp fangs.
“Dang it, girl. There’s no point in arguing anymore.” She shrugged at the mirror, her lips pouting. “It’s too late. You’re a goner. Might as well pack it in now.”
She rushed to the bed to slide her feet back into the sandals she’d kicked off. The royal rooms were just down the hall. If she was lucky, she’d find the right one on her first try. But regardless, she was going to knock on every single door until Prince Viktor stood before her and she could jump into his arms. No more holding back. No more worrying about the differences between them. She’d be crazy not to take a chance on such a man.
Even an undead one.
Throwing open her bedroom door, she squealed in fright when a slender figure darted inside and slammed her against the bed. The door swung shut and Cate struggled to catch her breath as she pushed herself up on the mattress. Jezebel stood in front of her, a triumphant ugly smile on her perfect face. She popped a hip and placed a hand on it, her eyes flashing dangerously.
“Well, well, well.” Her brilliant white teeth gnashed like a great white shark getting ready to bite into a seal. “Have we got a situation.”
Great, not what she had in mind for tonight. She didn’t have time to deal with Jezebel’s insecurities.
“I’m not sure what you’re hoping to accomplish here,” Cate said, scowling. She’d dealt with mean girls like Jezebel all throughout her school years. All it took was a little courage to make the cowardly bullies stand down. “But, nothing is resolved with violence. I’ll thank you not to touch me again.”
“Violence.” She snickered. “Darling, you don’t know the meaning of the word.”
“I know the meaning of rude. Now, please leave.”
Jezebel paced in front of her, scowling. Cate stared her down, refusing to be frightened. At the same time, she couldn’t help but notice that the very mirror she’d just been staring into didn’t reflect Jezebel’s achingly beautiful portrait. It figured. At least some of the myths about vampires were true.
With a disgusted sigh, Jezebel threw her hands up and barked with laughter. “This is ridiculous. It’s like threatening a puppy or a kitten. You’re so weak, so fragile. One little flick of my wrist and I could crush every bone in your body. It’s hilarious.”
The blood drained from Cate’s face. Her hands trembled as she grasped the comforter beneath her. Jezebel knew. Somehow, she’d discovered her secret. Cate had to play it cool. There was no telling what Jezebel would do. Maybe, she could fool her just long enough to get to safety.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Her voice sounded weak, despite the bravado.
She tossed her head back. “Your humanity, of course. Don’t think you can hide it from me any longer.”
“Humanity?” She was losing her confidence, her voice becoming smaller.
“Yes, your humanity.” Jezebel pinned her with an intense gaze. And then, in a flash, she was sitting beside her and stripping off her ring.
Cate tried to scream, but her throat had gone dry. Jezebel dragged her s
harp nails across Cate’s neck, pausing at the jugular vein pulsing rapidly. Her attention zeroed in on that point, her eyes like an eagle on its prey. She leaned in slowly, her mouth opening to reveal a set of long white fangs.
This was it. This was the moment Cate was going to die.
She squeezed her eyes shut, ashamed that she didn’t have the strength to fight back. Killed over a stupid dating show. It was quite pathetic.
She’d always imagined a much more splendid death for herself. Maybe a sabbatical trip to Egypt where she discovers an ancient tomb and comes down with a mysterious illness. That would be more fitting. But instead, she was going to be sucked dry by a jealous beauty queen with a manicure worth more than her entire wardrobe. It didn’t seem fair.
“Is that all?” Jezebel demanded, pulling back from her neck with an incredulous scowl. “You’re not even going to scream? Beg? Cry for mercy?”
She blinked at her, confused. Surely, she should be dead by now. Her blood drained from her body.
“Can you at least look scared?” Jezebel huffed. “I’ll have you know, I get these fangs bleached and sharpened every year. My dentist is very expensive. He’d be horrified to hear about this.”
Cate swallowed, unsure what to say. “Well...they’re very...scary.”
“Good.” Jezebel tossed her long mane. “Let’s get one thing straight. As a vampire, I could kill you here and now.”
Not one to push her luck, she tilted her head at her, her eyebrows raising. “Understood...”
“Right.” Jezebel pushed herself off the bed and perched herself on the edge of a lounge nearby. She brushed off the length of her tight t-shirt and designer pants. “But I’m not a monster, despite what Hollywood might have you believe. My father has taught me all too well that there are other ways to get people to do what you want. And you will do exactly as I want.”
Dread filled her head. What kind of things would a desperate vampire like the Duchess Jezebel demand from her? This couldn’t be good.
“I can hear your heart racing faster,” Jezebel smirked. “Splendid. Now listen up. We both know that you’re here illegally. No human would be allowed within these walls, even under Prince Viktor’s orders. The moment King Borwin discovers your true identity, you’ll be punished. The Romanov’s are not known for their lenient hand and they hate deceit most of all. I’ll let you imagine the possibilities of that delightful little piece of information.”
Cate grasped the comforter until her knuckles turned white. She knew what Jezebel’s thinly veiled threat meant. It meant the loss of her mortality and the possibility of an eternity of punishment. Despite her feelings for Viktor, she wasn’t ready to embrace the vampire life. Not yet.
And even so, that didn’t mean they could be together. Her lies would be like an insult to the King and Queen. For all she knew, the moment they found out, she’d be tossed into the dungeon. All big stone castles had them, right? Probably with torture wheels and clanging skeletons in the cellars. She didn’t relish the idea of rotting away in a dingy basement and becoming one with the history she so loved to study.
“What do you want from me?” she asked, licking her dry lips.
“To drop out of the competition,” Jezebel answered, settling back into the lounge chair with a triumphant grin. “Leaving me to woo Prince Viktor. Without you in the way, he’ll see all the charms I have to offer.”
She swallowed hard. Sure, Jezebel was a serious work of art. She belonged on a magazine cover. But that pretty face was a mask for something twisted and wrong underneath.
“Why are you so intent on having him?” she asked, despite the warning tones in her head. The woman had just threatened to break every bone in her body. She shouldn’t prod her.
“Why are you so intent on getting in my way?” Jezebel snarled, once again flashing her fangs. “My adopted father has spent centuries preparing me for this role. It’s my birthright. The reason I was changed into the creature that I am. I cannot fail him now. He’ll never forgive me.”
As she watched Jezebel pant in distress, Cate had the feeling there was more to the mean girl sitting in front of her. For a moment, she could see a little child who so badly craved a father’s love. A daughter manipulated and molded into a women bent on getting her way, no matter who she crushed along the way. A woman afraid of losing the affection of a cold and calculating father.
And in those few seconds, an overwhelming sorrow filled her. Jezebel had never known the unconditional love of a parent like her own. Cate’s mom and dad might have lived tiny lives in comparison, but at least they left this Earth with a daughter knowing just exactly how much they loved her. It was the most beautiful, precious gift she’d never realized she owned. Her heart swelled, treasuring that knowledge.
“Why are you smiling?” Jezebel snapped, thrusting Cate back into her current predicament with dizzying speed. “Are you going to drop out of the competition, or am I going to have to drag your sorry rear to the King and Queen myself?”
She sighed, biting the inside of her cheek. Saying yes meant she’d certainly lose Viktor. If she ran now, he’d never know how she felt about him. He’d think that she’d abandoned him. Ran scared in the middle of the night.
But even if she knew the truth, there was nothing he could do about their predicament, even if he wanted to. She’d broken the law and deceived everyone and for that, she would be punished. Not to mention, she wasn’t even sure if he cared. He’d been so adamant about returning to normal life. He didn’t want a wife. And he certainly didn’t want a mortal companion. Maybe this was all for nothing.
“I’ll leave in the morning,” Cate said with a determined nod of her head. “As soon as the airport opens. I’ll be gone before you can even pop out of your casket.”
Jezebel scoffed and waved a hand. “Vampires never slept in coffins. Too stuffy.”
“Whatever. Just leave me alone.” She felt tears burning in the corners of her eyes. It would kill her to cry in front of Jezebel. “I need time to collect my things and pack.”
“Wonderful.” She strutted toward the door, pausing as she pulled it open. In the first display of kindness, she glanced back at Cate with a sorrowful frown. “Not that it’s worth much, but I’m sorry it came to this.”
That was rich, coming from the woman who’d barged into her room and threatened her. Still, Cate managed to stand up straight and throw back her shoulders in a last display of bravery. “Goodnight, Jezebel. I’d tell you to sleep well, but I think we both know you will.”
A smirk crossed her lips and then she was gone, the door shut behind her. Every bit of strength fled from Cate’s body and she fell on the bed, trembling. Cradling her head in her hands, she let the tears fall, hot and heavy on her pajama pants, and whispered Viktor’s name.
She wouldn’t even get to say goodbye.
Chapter Nineteen
VIKTOR WALKED INTO the royal living room, his thoughts a million miles away. He wished he could turn back time an hour and be back in the garden with Cate. He would’ve kissed her, instead of holding back. He needed to feel her skin against his and inhale the sweet citrus scent of her chocolate brown hair. Taste her lips and listen to the soft inhale of her breath as she kissed him back. He wished he hadn’t let her go without telling her how he felt.
But the proper side of him knew that he’d done the right thing. In a few days, Cate would go home, alive and well. She’d eventually forget him, as she should, and maybe build a family of her own. He could picture her forty years from now, graying and beautiful, wisdom painted into the lines on her face. She would grow old and die, as mortals did. The proper circle of life. Not the twisted result of a parasitic curse that created a thirst for blood and granted immortality.
For the first time in a long time, he wished things were different.
“How’s lover-boy doing tonight?” Leo was sprawled across a couch, a glass of red liquid in his hand. He held a TV remote in his other hand and flicked casually through the channels.
Victor growled and threw himself in a stiff backed chair. “Don’t call me that.”
“Yikes, someone’s in a mood.” Shutting the TV off, he fixed all his attention on his brother. “Want to vent?”
“Not particularly.”
“I thought a night snog with the alluring Cate would’ve left you in a better mood.” Leo laughed heartily and sipped at his drink. “What’s wrong? Did she turn you down?”
He looked away, the muscles in his jaw tensing.
His brother groaned. “Don’t tell me you turned her down. What is it going to take to get my big brother to loosen up? Live a little. Kiss the girl. Better yet, invite her to your bed for the night.”
Viktor stiffened in his chair. Rage coursed through him and he could feel his self-control slipping. “You have no idea of the things you speak of,” he snapped. “You go through life as if it’s one big party. But there are consequences for your actions. Life or death consequences. Love isn’t a game. Neither is intimacy. I would think after seven hundred years, you’d have learned one of these lessons.”
Leo blinked at him, his blue eyes wide. Carefully setting his drink on a nearby table, he pursed his lips and pinned his brother with a serious expression. “You’re in love with her.”
It wasn’t a question. Viktor chewed the inside of his cheek, unsure how to respond. He hadn’t considered love up until now. Still, the word lingered in the air like a truth whispered by a celestial being. Was that what he was feeling? A hope so bright it stung and a simultaneous anguish that crushed his vital organs. It felt like flying high and plunging to his death at the same time.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said, his voice quieting. “We aren’t meant to be together.”
Drop Dead Single: Vampire Romance (A Monstrana Paranormal Romance Book 1) Page 12
