“How can you say that, brother?” Leo leaned forward, grasping his own knees. “She’s perfect for you. And believe me, I’ve been watching you grapple with the opposite sex for centuries. No one has ever compared to Cate.”
He couldn’t argue with that. But Leo didn’t know about the one big thing separating them. It wasn’t that simple.
“What if it’s not meant to be?”
“Why don’t you leave that decision up to her?” Leo asked with an incredulous smile.
“How can you say that when you’ve witnessed our own parents’ heartache?” He sighed and shook his head. “How much it hurt them to put their hearts on the line? Do you truly wish for me to put my happiness in the hands of another person who could crush it fully?”
Their father had never been the same when their mother passed. They’d both witnessed the change. It was undeniable and crushing.
A thoughtful frown crossed Leo’s face. Slowly, his licked his lips and looked up at his brother. “Even at the end, I don’t think our parents would’ve chosen anything else. They were truly in love. Sometimes that happiness is fleeting. But it’s worth all the pain in the world to hold it in your hands, for even a second.”
Viktor considered his brother’s words as the room fell into silence. He’d been so consumed by the pain of his mother’s loss, he’d forgotten the wonderful moments of their life. His parents had been in love. Sturdy, unchangeable love that still permeated his life. A relationship like that didn’t come without the risk of heartache, but he had to admit that it was worth it.
“When did you become so wise?” he asked his brother with a grin.
Leo snatched the TV remote and began flipping through the channels again. A wicked gleam lit up his eyes. “Don’t get used to it. I’m afraid I’ve just about used up my wisdom quota for the next century.”
❖
Cate was stuffing the last of her things into her suitcase when Miranda knocked at the door. Her friend looked weary, as if she’d been out partying all night. Her usually impeccable work clothes were replaced with a soft green t-shirt and yoga pants that clung to her curvy hips. She hadn’t bothered to hide the dark circles under her eyes with concealer.
Cate ushered her in quickly and locked the door behind her. “Where have you been?” she demanded in a hushed whisper. “I left you a message hours ago. What’s the good of lending me a track phone if you’re not going to answer when I call?”
Miranda sighed and sunk into a chair. “Last night was a special initiation event for my pack. I spent the whole night running through the mountains. You’ll have to forgive me for not answering. My werewolf form doesn’t come with pockets.”
Cate ignored her friend’s sass and zipped her suitcase shut. Glancing around the room, she was glad to see she hadn’t missed anything, except for a single blue box laying on the dresser. It had appeared late last night, during her walk in the gardens. The jewelry she’d picked out for the final ceremony tonight. The ceremony she would never attend.
“What’s going on?” Miranda demanded, perking up at the sight of the suitcase. “Did Prince Viktor finally eliminate you?”
“No, I’m being blackmailed,” she shot back bitterly. “Jezebel found out I’m a human. She threatened to reveal the truth to the Queen and King if I don’t leave before the ceremony tonight.”
Her friend ground her teeth and anger flashed in her dark eyes. “She can’t do that! What about Prince Viktor? He’ll stop her.”
“He can’t stop her,” she responded, sinking into the chair next to Miranda. “He’s a crown prince, but he’s not above supernatural law. You said it yourself. If they find out I’m human, you’ll be in trouble.”
“I don’t care.” Miranda lifted her chin and growled. “No one pushes my best friend around.”
Despite herself, a light smile came to Cate’s lips. She was glad to know her old best friend still existed in this messed up place. Miranda wasn’t someone who took things lying down. She was a fighter. She’d go to the ends of the Earth to defend Cate. Unfortunately, they were already there.
“It doesn’t matter.” She placed a hand on Miranda’s knee. “If they find out, I’ll be changed. And worse, I’ll be guilty of lying to the King. They’ll have to punish me.”
The hesitation in Miranda’s eyes told her she was right. There was no way out of this. She had to leave. And that meant leaving Viktor. The thought hurt like a knife to the gut.
“This is what you wanted, though, right?” Miranda grabbed her hand. “To go home? Surely, no one will suspect you now. You’ve been in the competition long enough.”
“Yes, it’s what I wanted.”
She sighed, unable to contain the disappointment. This was what she wanted just days ago. How quickly things changed.
Miranda watched her closely, squeezing her hand. “Why do I sense that’s not true anymore?”
Pushing up from the chair, Cate went to stare out the window. The sun had just begun to rise on the horizon. Yellow and orange streaks burst across the sky, building anticipation for the beautiful day to come. The sea blinked in the distance, the calmest she’d seen it since arriving. It was a deceitful scene, so unlike the emotions rolling through her at that moment.
“If someone would’ve told you five years ago that you would become a werewolf, what would you have said?” Cate asked, turning toward her best friend.
Miranda laughed and waved her hand. “I would’ve said they’d lost their mind. That monsters didn’t exist.”
“Monsters don’t exist.” She shook her head solemnly, little lines forming between her eyebrows. “But they do. Werewolves, and vampires, and according to you, all other sorts of paranormal creatures.”
People who turned into wolves. Creatures who survived on blood to exist. That was the very epitome of monsters. She should be running away from this place, grateful to be rid of it. Still, she lingered next to her suitcase, not quite ready to run. The few days she’d spent here had been amazing. After a year of feeling lost, she’d finally begun to find herself. Her old passions were resurfacing, along with a confidence she thought had perished with her mother.
And it was all because of one monster in particular. A monster with a gentle smile and a soft touch. She was attached to him, in some way. Like a string extending from her chest. If she left now, she was afraid it would snap and leave her paralyzed. But, what choice did she have?
“You know, it’s not such a bad thing to fall in love with a monster,” Miranda said in a hushed tone, coming to stand next to her.
Cate closed her eyes against a rush of emotion. “Fall in love?”
“Yes, fall in love.” Miranda gave a sad laugh. “By all accounts, it seems like he’s the least monstrous man you’ve ever fallen for. And believe me, I’ve hated them all. Except, for him.”
She laughed and squinted at her friend. “You’re serious? He’s a vampire and drinks blood.”
“Does he treat you like you deserve?” Miranda placed a soft hand on her arm. “And make you feel like flying? I’ve known you almost my entire life, Cate. And I’ve never seen you like this. It’s the real deal, vampire or not.”
Her shoulders wilted and she felt tears burn at the corner of her eyes. “But Jezebel...”
“Screw Jezebel!” Miranda’s eyes flashed yellow again. “She doesn’t control you. And I have a feeling her bark is worse than her bite. Stay for Prince Viktor. Stay for love, if that’s what you want. I’ll be behind you all the way. You’re my best friend and you deserve happiness, no matter what form that takes.”
“The King and Queen won’t like it.”
“The King and Queen don’t have to know.” She held up Cate’s hand and pointed to the ring. “You’re still protected. Take a chance on him, Cate. Don’t let fear keep you from gaining the world.”
A laugh bubbled from deep within Cate’s chest. She let it loose and fell upon her friend with a lung-crushing hug.
“Have I ever told you that you’re the
world’s best friend?”
Miranda eyed her, a playful frown on her lips. “Not enough.”
“Well, I vow to remind you every day until I die.”
Cate started, realizing exactly what those words meant. She wasn’t ready to become one with the undead — yet. But the possibility was there. A life with Prince Viktor meant several lifetimes. If he felt the same way about her, she’d have to consider it.
“Come on, we’ve got to get you ready for the ball,” Miranda said, tugging on Cate’s hands. She dug her feet into the carpet suddenly and sighed. “I’ve always wanted to say that.”
They both laughed and ran toward the giant suite closet to investigate.
Chapter Twenty
STASIA HAD PULLED OUT all the stops for the final ceremony. She’d filled the castle ballroom with the highest members of Monstrana society, along with a live rock band, an elaborate spread of delicate finger foods, and enough sparkling lights to mimic the sun’s punishing rays. Viktor shielded his eyes as he entered the room dressed in his very best black tux.
It seemed that the number of camera men at Stasia’s disposal had doubled for this evening. People dressed in black and carting around cameras on their shoulders darted through the crowds. He scowled as one pounced on him, shoving the lens into his face.
“Relax, George.” Stasia came bouncing out of the crowd wearing a sparkling white gown that dropped to her knees. Her shoulders were bare and her hair swept up into a complicated twist at the base of her skull. She shooed the cameraman with her hands. “Not yet. The ladies aren’t even here yet. Give the prince some room to breathe.”
The cameraman muttered under his breath, but was gone before Viktor could really snarl at him.
“You look beautiful,” he said, wrapping his arm around Stasia’s back and pecking her on the cheek.
“Thank you, sir.” She curtsied and winked at him. “And you look not half bad yourself. Did Queen Anna pick out your tux?”
“Had it pressed and delivered to my suite this morning,” he said, adjusting the stiff collar. “Guess she wasn’t taking any chances. Did I hear you say the ladies hadn’t arrived yet?” He looked over the crowds, distracted.
Stasia watched him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You mean, has Cate arrived? And no, I haven’t seen her yet.”
He huffed, but could tell she wasn’t buying his nonchalant attitude. She knew him too well.
“But you’re in luck.” She pointed over his shoulder to the large double doors. “Guess who just showed up.”
Turning to follow her finger, his heart stopped when he caught sight of Cate walking through the door. She’d donned a floor length silky dress in the deepest maroon. It hugged her hips and slim waist, revealing her hourglass shape. As she turned to talk to the woman next to her, he could see how the back of the dress plunged to her waist in a revealing cut that showcased her smooth skin. Her hair had been pulled to one side of her shoulders in a soft, curly, vintage style. It left her neck clearly exposed, with only the simple chain that she’d picked out upon it. He had to snap his jaw shut to keep from drooling.
“Go get your girl,” Stasia whispered with a grin, slipping into the crowds.
She didn’t have to tell him twice. He weaved through the crowds, his gaze locked on Cate’s lovely figure. When he was only ten feet away, she turned and spotted him. Their eyes met and he could feel the smoldering fire within his gut flare to life.
“Viktor,” she breathed, her red lips curling into a soft smile.
He tried to say something. To tell her that he’d never seen anyone look so beautiful. But his vocal chords weren’t working. Instead, he grabbed her hand and kissed it, feeling her warm skin underneath his lips. She blinked up at him, her long black lashes brushing against her cheeks. Their gaze locked and it seemed like the whole room dissolved around them. It wasn’t until someone softly cleared their throat did either of them look away.
“Oh, sorry,” Cate said. She didn’t let go of his hand. “This is my friend I was telling you about, Miranda Nelssen. Miranda, this is Prince Viktor.”
He turned to the woman standing beside her. She wore a lovely purple gown that fell to her knees. Around her neck hung a thick strand of black pearls. Right away, he could tell she was a werewolf. Her scent gave her away. She smiled at him, her dark eyes searching him over. This was the best friend. The person he needed to impress if he had any chance with Cate.
He smiled and held out a hand to her. “Miranda, I’ve heard much about you. It’s great to finally make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise, Prince Viktor.” She tilted her head at him, but he could tell she was still studying him.
“Please, call me Viktor. Any friend of Cate’s is a friend of mine.”
An amused grin tugged at the left side of her mouth. She nodded in agreement and then glanced at Cate. “I need a drink. I think I’ll mosey my way over toward the bar. Hopefully, they’ll be serving something other than the vampire variety tonight. You two have fun.”
And just like that, she was gone. Viktor didn’t waste any more time. He held Cate’s hand tight in his and leaned close to whisper in her ear. “Are you aware that you look gorgeous tonight?”
A blush reddened her cheeks and she smiled at him in a maddeningly sexy way, her eyes sparkling. “Maybe, but I don’t mind being reminded.”
That was it. He wanted to pick her up right there, rush through the crowds, and take her straight up the stairs to his bed chambers. From the way she was looking at him, she probably wouldn’t protest. Still, the cameras had closed in and the sight of them made him twitchy. So he tugged gently on her arm and led her to a quieter spot in the corner of the ballroom so they could be alone.
They managed to discuss everything about the ceremony, including the witches who showed up with crazy hats, the other paranormal guests, the circling cameras, and the look on Jezebel’s face when she saw them together. Viktor couldn’t keep his eyes off of Cate, the fire in his stomach burning just as bright as the first moment they’d kissed. He longed to kiss her again, to pull her into his arms. But that would be improper and the cameras were circling. So he settled for brushing his arm against hers and leaning down to whisper in her ear as often as he could.
“My mother’s necklace suits you,” he told her, glancing at the simple pearl drop jewelry adorning her chest. His gaze lingered on her neck a second longer, admiring the soft curve of her delicate throat.
“Your mother’s necklace?” She swallowed and clasped a hand to the pearl. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize...”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s lovely on you. My mother would’ve been honored to know that out of all the pieces in the vault, you chose her favorite. It was a gift from her father on her wedding day.”
For nearly six hundred years, it’d languished in that vault, a silent reminder of his loss. A shadow of that pain had gone through him when Cate picked it out. He hadn’t expected anyone to give the necklace a second glance. Still, looking at her now, with the piece around her neck, he felt like it was a sign from his mother. Physical proof of her approval. Of course, Cate picked it. She wasn’t here for the fame and fortune. And she wasn’t there to trap a prince. She was good and honest, not to mention incredibly beautiful. He could never remember being this attracted to anyone. She had his heart in her hand. He had to let her know.
“What was it like?” Cate asked suddenly, still clasping the pearl in her hand.
The band struck up a song with a slower tempo. He watched the guests pair up and take their partners into their arms. Instinctively, he placed an arm around her waist.
“What?”
“Becoming a vampire?” She sucked in her cheeks and shifted back and forth in her heels. “Did it hurt?”
He laughed, soft and low, at the innocence of her question. Pain had been the least of worries when he went through the change. Survival of a harsh genocidal war had been the driving factor behind his change.
“There was no p
ain,” he said, stroking his thumb in small circles along the bare skin of her back. “It’s like going to sleep. But when you awake, the world is clearer. Sharper. Emotions are stronger. You feel everything with incredible weight. And suddenly, you’re stronger than ten men and faster than the eye can see.”
Her eyes grew wide. “So, you just bite me and then...?”
“No, it’s more than a bite.” He brushed his fingertips along her neck and she shivered. “Vampire fangs contain a special venom. If I drink from your neck and choose to change you, the venom releases and a piece of my soul breaks off and attaches to yours.”
She drew a sharp intake of breath and clutched the necklace tighter. “That sounds intense.”
“It is. A part of me would reside in you forever. It’s not a deal to make lightly. For either party.”
He wished he could read her thoughts. To know her take on the whole issue. But she’d furrowed her brow in thought and turned her head away to gaze at the dancers. Curiosity got the better of him and he cleared his throat.
“Would you ever...consider it?”
She looked up at him through her lashes. “Consider what?”
He coughed into his hand. No way to dance around it. “Becoming a vampire.”
There was a torturous moment of silence when she sucked in her cheeks and tucked a rogue curl behind her ear. With a twist of her lips, she glanced at him again and sighed. “I’ve definitely thought about it.”
He wanted so badly to ask her how she felt about the prospect. If she could see herself becoming a vampire. Had she asked him right there for him to change her, he would’ve complied. He couldn’t stand the idea of her slipping out of his fingers — now or at the end of her mortal lifetime. Still, he didn’t press her. She needed time to think it over.
Her nose wrinkled and she squinted up at him, confusion in her eyes. “If changing someone is such a big deal, then why do you have a law that any mortals who discover you have to be changed? I wouldn’t want to split my soul just because someone broke the law.”
Drop Dead Single: Vampire Romance (A Monstrana Paranormal Romance Book 1) Page 13
