“No. I’ve participated in our theater productions once or twice. Your movies sound like fun. You’ll have to show me sometime.”
I was stunned. My mouth fell open. Holy frack. I hadn’t seen a theater or a TV when I’d been in Polonias. It was funny; I just realized that. I guess I hadn’t missed the technology or my horror movies as much as I thought I would.
“It’ll be like a date.” He rubbed his thumb against my palm and I shivered.
“I’d love that. We’ll go, for sure.”
Leo seemed to understand what I was trying to do; I wanted to get to know him. “What’s your favorite spell?”
“Hmmmmm.” I thought about it. “Probably the one that cleans up my room. When I was little I loved this movie called Mary Poppins. She could make the toys put themselves away. I always wanted to do that. It’s cool now that I can.”
He smiled. I noticed the Vampires helping us smiled discreetly too.
“Movies were a big part of your life,” he said, smiling.
“Yes, they are,” I corrected, thinking I didn’t want to live my life without them. Maybe we could create something similar in Polonias—not right away, but someday. “What’s your favorite color?” I went on.
“The color of your eyes,” he said, looking at me intently.
I would’ve responded with something sarcastic, but he seemed to be sincere.
“What’s yours?” he asked.
I couldn’t very well say the color of his eyes. That would’ve been sappy. “Well, I’ve always loved the color blue. All shades.” I turned away, trying not to look like an idiot.
“Then we have that in common.” He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. A delicious burn radiated from the spot his lips touched. It felt like the electricity between us was getting stronger, more powerful.
“The two of you are gorgeous,” Zenny said, clapping excitedly. “If I could leave this mirror I would kiss you both.”
I leaned into the mirror and planted a kiss on the place where he stood, covering his whole face. Zenny sighed. I leaned away. I’d left red lipstick lips on the glass. He moved to the right of the lip mark and I noticed he was blushing.
Leo came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist then snuggled his face against my neck. “You’re a flirt,” he whispered in my ear.
I turned in his arms. “Ya think?” My voice caught in my throat. Being so near, surrounded by him... I could barely stand. “What’s happening to me?”
He pulled me close. “It’s the way of all creatures from Polonias. Once we’ve been sealed together, the sexual tension…” he paused as the Vampires milling around our room giggled. “Do you still need to be here?” he asked, only a little irritated.
“No sir,” one of them answered. They continued to snicker as they left, closing the door behind them.
When they were gone, I sighed in relief. It wasn’t that I thought they would try to drink my blood, though it was a possibility. They were Vampires. Drinking blood was in their nature. But I knew if they tried Snow would have them destroyed, so, while I was almost sure we were safe, I couldn’t relax around them.
Leo kissed my forehead and I leaned into him, feeling the kiss all the way down to the tips of my toes. My whole body trembled.
“Where were we?” he asked, smiling against my skin.
I swallowed hard. “You were talking about sexual tension.” My words almost sounded like a purr.
“Right. I didn’t realize you weren’t familiar with our ways, but I should have known since humans in the human world raised you. For me…” He paused and stroked my cheek. “I’ve never felt the draw, the electric force within me like I do with you. But at least I’ve had some practice and can deal with it. I’m sure it’s really intense with you.”
What was he saying? I knew he was being sweet, but I was also a little annoyed. “I’ve felt…” I stopped. For the first time in my life I was embarrassed about the fact that I’d had sex before. A jolt of regret filled my heart and I wished I’d saved myself for Leo. That didn’t change the fact that I did feel physical pleasure with the guys I’d been with. With Gabe I’d experienced physical and emotional pleasure. He was probably the closest I’d come to what I was feeling with Leo—yet in comparison to Leo, what I felt with Gabe was a two, where Leo was a ten.
Mortification buried my irritation. What would Leo do if he knew I’d had sex with other guys? Would he feel differently about me?
“Leo, I’ve been—”
Someone knocked softly on the door.
“Come in,” Leo said, moving slightly away.
Snow walked in wearing a blood red dress. It looked magnificent against her pale skin. Her long hair was up. Her makeup was dark, but not overly done. A large jeweled crown sat on her head.
“Wow,” I said. “You look awesome.”
“Thanks, Cin. So do you. I love your hair up off your face.” She touched my bangs. “The way your bangs swoop to the side.”
I hugged her. “I’m so glad I’m here with you.” Somehow during the hours spent primping the exhaustion had worn off. I hadn’t thought about being tied to a stake and nearly burned to a crisp once.
“Me too,” Snow said.
Party
I’d seen the enormous ballroom within Snow’s castle before, but never decorated like this—not even for her own wedding.
It was, in a word, wondrous!
The Winter Pixilettes had created a wonderland. Real snow fell from the ceiling, dissolving before it reached the ground. Giant white trees stretched up and across the ceiling, their bare branches reaching out and almost touching the icicle chandelier hanging from the center. Sheer white curtains covered the windows. There were circular tables covered in white linens. The centerpieces were large silver vases filled with downy white roses. Light music tinkled and swirled with the snowflakes.
“This is beautiful,” I said, breathing in softly.
“I’m glad you like it. The pixilettes have definitely outdone themselves.”
“It’s crazy because there’s all this snow and ice, but it isn’t cold,” Leo said, taking my hand.
Snow waved a hand. “Surely you’ve used magic to change the elements?”
“Maybe, a long time ago,” Leo said wistfully.
“Leo was in Limbo for seven years. He didn’t get to see, do, or say much of anything,” I explained, hoping Snow would cut him some slack.
Snow was more than appropriately humbled. “Oh, Leo. I’m so sorry. I keep forgetting you aren’t the brother I met those many months ago. I hope you don’t mind if I say your brother is a complete and total ass.”
Leo smiled. “I don’t mind at all.”
“Who’s an ass?” Dorian asked, standing beside Snow. As soon as he arrived Snow’s body naturally leaned toward him. I thought I understood a little how that worked. I felt the same need with Leo.
“Jasmine asleep?” she whispered to Dorian, wrapping her hand around Dorian’s arm.
He nodded. “It only took three extra stories tonight. She was so wound up about us not letting her see Cindy and then not allowing her to come to the party.”
“I’m sure. Thanks for helping. She’s always goes down easier for you.” Snow squeezed his arm.
Dorian patted her hand. He wore black pants, matching boots, a white shirt, and a red coat that perfectly matched Snow’s dress. I wondered what we must look like—chess pieces or carbon cutouts of similar couples. Snow and I didn’t look the same, but Dorian and Leo had the same hair coloring and eyes. Leo was slightly taller than Dorian, but Dorian was thicker, more muscled. They were both handsome but, of course, my heart was completely and totally wrapped up in Leo’s. He meant everything to me.
At the thought, I froze.
It was true. The feelings I held for Leo were utterly different than any I’d felt for another guy.
Including Gabe.
Again I wondered what Leo would do if he found out I’d had sex with other men. Would he hate me? Lo
sing him would be like losing my soul. He was so completely part of me, I knew it would be devastating.
A pang of fear shot through my body. Telling him was out of the question.
I was momentarily distracted from my thoughts as Vampires began to enter the room. Lights—green, golden, blue, red and violet—hidden within the tree branches, changed color with each step the Vampires took. As soon as they were all inside, other creatures began filing in. There were elves, trolls, unicorns, hundreds of pixilettes, and more. It was quite the sight. Somehow everyone fit, though.
Magic, I thought, and turned to Leo.
“What do you think of this?”
He kissed my cheek. “It’s amazing. More so since I’m here with you.”
“You’re so sappy,” I said, but nudged his shoulder so he’d know I was joking. I was happy to be here with him as well.
“Perhaps. I can’t help but tell you the truth. I’m sure you can sense it. I can feel, to an extent, what you’re feeling. I know, for example, that you’re nervous about something.”
I gasped. “It-It’s nothing.”
Leo wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Obviously it isn’t nothing or you wouldn’t be worried. Don’t worry, I don’t know what it is—at least not yet.” He smiled genially. “The longer we’re together that’ll change for us both.”
“We’ll even be able to tell what the other person is thinking?” I was shocked. That seemed freaky and cool.
“Yes.” He nodded solemnly.
I realized I knew very little about what I’d gotten myself into by marrying him. Not only did I know very little about him, but I knew very little of the world I’d just agreed to rule. It seemed likely Leo was probably just as terrified by that prospect as I was. He knew next to nothing about me either.
“Does that worry you?” I asked, sensing that it did.
“A little. We can discuss it more later.” He massaged the muscles at the back of my neck and I melted like putty into his fingers. “Let’s just say those seven years in limbo weren’t easy. I’m worried you’ll come to hate me the more you learn of me.” He visibly shuddered.
I wrapped my arms around his waist. “That won’t happen,” I said ferociously. “No matter what, I’m here for you.”
He smiled, but I got the feeling he struggled to believe me.
“Come on, you said you can feel my emotions. You must be able to tell I’m serious.”
Leo kissed the top of my head. “Yes, I do sense that.” He trailed kisses down the side of my face. “And what about you? Now that you know you can feel my emotions, are you sensing them?”
I quieted myself and took inventory, searching for feelings that weren’t mine. I sensed sorrow, anger, and fear, but there was also joy, love, and need—for me. Those emotions sent excited butterflies dancing low in my belly. Each emotion he was experiencing could’ve just as easily been mine. “You’re feeling a lot of the same emotions I am.”
He nodded. “You’re amazing, Cinderella.”
“Hey, you two.” Dorian walked over and flicked one of my curls. “Let’s eat.”
I laughed. “Please tell me it isn’t blood.”
“How’d you know?” Snow asked, revealing her fangs.
We laughed and allowed Dorian to lead us over to the table.
Surprise
As soon as we were seated the other guests took their seats. Waiters dressed in white tuxedos served us a cleansing mint sorbet. I took a couple of bites and then a sip of icy water. The waiters also filled our wine glasses with something deep red and sparkling.
“Blood champagne,” Dorian said with a wink.
Leo cringed.
I patted his hand. “I’m sure it isn’t blood.”
He smiled, but I could sense he was uneasy and so was I. Snow had changed and, while I still adored her, she’d also become the Vampire Queen. I didn’t know what she’d planned.
I’d find out soon enough though.
When all the drinks were poured, Snow stood and turned so she faced the crowd as well as Leo and me. “It’s an honor to have my dearest friend, Cindy, and her new husband, Leo, join us tonight. This celebration is in their honor, so please raise your glasses.” She paused while the entire room lifted their glasses. “A toast, to the—”
The room trembled. A deep rumbling came from above. The enormous chandelier groaned and began to fall. If it hit the ground it would shatter and send icy shards everywhere.
Leo stuck out a hand and spoke a single word. It happened quickly. I heard his voice but didn’t understand what he said. As soon as the word was uttered the chandelier disintegrated into millions of particles of snowy dust. . My best friend and Dorian turned, their eyes wide.
Leo grinned.
It looked like Snow and Dorian wanted to comment, but there wasn’t time. Icicles from the tree branches still showered down. Pixilettes were flying around dodging them… mostly.
The room was in utter pandemonium.
I wanted to help, but all I could do was watch the dark shadow come through the hole in the ceiling. I didn’t know what I expected, but what I saw was far from anything I could’ve imagined.
It wasn’t even an “it.” It was a he, and he was Gabe—the leader of the chayot and my ex-boyfriend—in all his bright glory, including the wisp of what looked like black wings.
Wings!
Gabe hadn’t noticed me. His eyes were trained on Snow. “Vampire Queen,” he started, his voice reverberating off the walls, causing the room to quake. “I’m tired of cleaning up after the messes your magical creatures keep making. Either call them back to Sharra or I’ll have no choice—”
I didn’t mean to catch his attention, but I was in shock at seeing him and I took a step forward. Leo put a hand on my arm. Our movements caused Gabe to take his eyes from Snow. He glared, and I swear for the briefest second I thought he’d strike me down with his heavenly fury. But a flash of recognition seared through his features.
“Cindy.” The word came out shaky.
“Uh, hi.” I waved without thinking about it. When I noticed my hand, I quickly put it back down at my side.
A whole mess of concerns shot through my body. I hadn’t had a chance to tell Gabe I’d married Leo. Not that it was any of his business, but still, I probably owed him that. And Leo. What would he think about meeting Gabe? My ex-boyfriend. The man I thought I’d be with forever. Gabe had been… not a mistake, but a forced accident. I knew that now, but at the time I’d done what I thought was right. Would Leo understand? Would he resent me?
Leo sensed my feelings. “It’s okay, Cinderella.”
His voice calmed me, but only for a moment.
Gabe had the strangest look on his face. He kept shifting his gaze from Snow and Dorian to Leo and me. Then his eyes fixated on my left hand.
I realized he was looking at my ring.
Gabe landed with a slight thud on the ballroom floor. “What the hell is going on?”
Chayot
Snow went over to Gabe. “We’re having a party to celebrate the marriage of Cindy and…” she paused and glanced over.
“Merde,” I swore faintly. This was going to end badly.
“You’re married?” he asked, a look of complete shock storming across his face.
Leo took my hand and I pulled him close. I tried to force a smile to my lips. “Gabe, I’d like to introduce you to Leo Loyalor, son of King Loyalor of Polonias. He has a brother named Lawson and…” While I spoke, Gabe’s emotions changed from surprise to utter rage. I swear he was shaking.
“I don’t give a damn who he is, only that he’s holding your hand.”
That sent my hackles up. I dropped Leo’s hand and moved toward Gabe. Leo followed, resting his fingers on my shoulder.
“What do you care whether I’m married or not? You broke up with me, remember? You told me you didn’t love me, that you never loved me, then you left.” My heart pounded with ferocity against my chest.
Gabe took a step forwa
rd.
Dorian was standing beside Snow, but he stepped in front of Gabe, placing a hand on his brother’s chest. “Easy, bro.”
Leo wrapped an arm around my waist. “An ex?” he whispered sexily against my ear. “This could be interesting.” He didn’t even seem upset. Instead he was amused.
My heart slowed slightly. We were a team, he and I. Maybe this exchange wouldn’t be as bad as I first believed.
“Everyone, the party’s over,” Snow shouted, clapping her hands to get their attention.
There was a collective sigh from the crowd. Some slowly milled out the different exits. Many stayed to witness what would surely be an interesting exchange between an angel on Earth and a… me. I completely understood. If the tables were turned I’d stay to see what happened.
I walked around the table, Leo in tow, and went over to Gabe. He took a step backward.
“I can’t believe this. Why?” He seemed to choke out the words. “Why would you do this to me?” He took to the air. His anger was over the top and out of control.
“Everyone out. Now!” Snow yelled.
The stragglers obviously could tell she was serious and quickly left.
When the doors were all closed, Snow turned back to us. “Gabe, I get you must be upset, but that doesn’t give you the right to break down my house.” She crossed her arms.
Gabe started pacing. He muttered to himself. I caught chunks of words like “…deal with this…” “…it’s impossible…” and “… should just destroy…”
“Why don’t you tell me what the problem is?” Snow said. She seemed calm, much calmer than I was.
Gabe let out a heavy breath and I suddenly felt really sorry for him. I knew he’d broken up with me because his boss told him to. He felt an obligation to his leadership position. I couldn’t blame him for the choices he made, but that didn’t mean I needed to wait around for him to figure out if he wanted me.
Besides, it didn’t matter. Even if he hadn’t broken up with me, I’d still have married Leo. It was the right thing to do. I knew it with my heart as well as my mind.
The Cindy Chronicles: The Complete Set Page 15
