by Bonnie Vanak
Aurora listened to the conversation around her, ate the seasoned lamb and vegetables, and tried to be invisible, even though she longed to join the entertainment.
As the sunlight dimmed, the lights draped from the tent ceiling came on. Thousands of tiny blue-white bulbs sparkled like fairy light. It gave the tent a mystical, ethereal touch that enchanted Aurora.
Upon a raised wood dais, a band with a fiddle, harp, flute and guitar played as the guests danced. And the Lupines could dance! The wolves laughed and twirled and stomped upon the wood platform as Aurora clapped her hands. All the cheerful energy filled the air and chased away her morose thoughts. She sipped champagne.
Robert crossed the room, ignoring the slightly bowed heads as he passed, and sat in the empty seat beside her. He wore a well-tailored black silk tuxedo, which looked elegant on him. He was so handsome, whether in evening clothes circulating among the guests, or in dusty blue jeans, working the earth.
“You’re not dancing.”
“I’m not a great dancer.” She set down her flute of bubbly and touched a fragrant petal in the table’s arrangement. “Everything is so lovely, I just want to bask in it.”
“Do you know the meaning of the flowers?” he asked.
Aurora shrugged. “Roses mean love. Everyone knows that.”
Love. A meaningless word.
Others said “I love you” all the time. Her parents had said it to her before they abandoned her to be raised by the elite group of Mages, even as she cried while she was dragged off, her fingers gripping the doorway, desperate to stay.
“Each flower represents something. Honeysuckle for the bonds of love. The hyacinth for fertility.” He touched a sprig. “We are quite traditional here.”
Such a warm smile. She could almost believe he could care about her, did care.
Silly me.
Her heart beat faster as he took her hand and brushed a soft kiss against her knuckles. As Robert talked of the traditions in the ceremony, and what they meant, she found herself smitten by the deepness of his voice. So sexy. Handsome. Strong. He was like the towering mahogany tree outside the tent, sheltering all who stood beneath him.
The pleasure he’d given her in the hot spring promised several nights of erotic bliss. And yet there was more to him than sex, a depth and vulnerability that drew her closer. Being near him chased away the darkness inside her.
But she didn’t know if she wanted the darkness gone. The darkness was all she’d known for many years, an old and familiar friend late at night.
Robert lifted her chin with his fingers, his grip strong but gentle. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”
Aurora gave a little shrug. “I’m having a moment.”
“Ah. I know about those.” He stroked a thumb across her lower lip, making her tremble. “But this is a time for rejoicing, not ‘moments.’ Try this.”
Dropping his hand, he slid a glass over to her. “It’s a delicacy at Lupine weddings.”
Each guest had a reservoir glass, and a slotted sterling silver spoon. A cube of sugar sat on a pretty hand-painted dish next to the glass and a pitcher of icy water rested at the table’s center. Susan and her mate had run some ice water over the sugar cube to dilute the green liquid. Aurora had refrained from drinking the stuff, worried about the effects on her system.
She studied the green liquid in the reservoir glass. “What is that? It smells like licorice.”
He raised his eyebrows and grinned. “Try it. You’ll like it. It’s like salted caramels, with a bit more bite.”
After doing the honors with the sugar cube, he handed the glass to her.
Aurora raised the glass to her mouth and took a tentative swallow. It burned like whiskey as she swallowed and she gasped, watching the room swim before her eyes. Sputtering, she set the glass down. “Holy schnitzel, what is that?”
“Absinthe. The only drink that truly matters at our weddings. Puts hair on the groom’s chest.”
Robert’s charming grin disarmed her. Aurora put a hand on his arm. “Steady,” he murmured. “It’ll wear off in a minute.”
She licked her mouth, as the room slowly steadied. “And what does it do to the bride?”
He gave a mysterious smile. “You’ll see.”
Standing, he held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
Aurora’s heart pounded with both excitement and disquiet. He had not shown her exclusive attention before the entire pack. Now, by dancing with her, he would make a very obvious statement.
Silently, he continued to hold out his hand while she hesitated.
She took it and he led her to the dance floor. The band ceased playing and she could feel the collective stares of the pack, but didn’t care. Robert gave a slight nod to the band and they struck up a waltz.
Robert clasped her waist, his heat like a burning coal through the fabric of her gown as they began the steps.
She felt giddy to be in his arms again, this time in full view of the pack, if fully clothed. Her hand tightened on his broad shoulder, encased in black silk. Though nervous, she found dancing with him easy. Aurora glided along to his expert lead, and arched her neck to glance up at him.
He cut a very smooth turn and she followed effortlessly. They matched each other well. Would they do so in the bedroom? A furious flush ignited her skin as she thought of their wedding night. She hoped he would not notice.
“You’re very becoming when you blush,” he remarked. “Pink as your lovely gown.”
Aurora raised her gaze.
“Such a delicious rose pink. Pink as other, more intimate, areas of your body,” he murmured, pulling her closer.
Now her flush deepened.
“Pink after drinking that foul beverage you like? I fear my skin is more green than pink after the absinthe. But I match the foliage.”
His lips twitched with amusement. “You’re a most becoming decoration, no matter what the color. But don’t fear. I won’t plant you in a pot, stick you in a corner and string ribbon all over you.”
Aurora laughed. Heads turned, stared. Her mirth died as soon as it began—she could not risk drawing attention to herself. She needed to remain invisible so that she could complete her mission without anyone catching on.
She looked away from Robert, away from the man who would soon take her virginity. It was best they remained strangers, even once the deed was done.
“Everyone is staring at us,” she murmured, resisting the temptation to lay her head upon his broad shoulder.
“Of course. You are the loveliest woman here.”
Aurora shook her head. “Please, you don’t need to seduce me with pretty lies. I’ll be yours soon, and the falsehoods don’t flatter me or yourself.”
Robert shook his head. “I don’t lie. You are quite lovely, especially when you drop that guard you maintain. You disguise yourself, but I sense you long to show the world who you truly are.”
Startled, she looked up at him. “But aren’t we all in disguise, in some form or another? You’re a wolf in Skin clothing.”
“And what are you, Aurora Seville? A Mage with muted powers? Or a woman who wishes to free herself from slavery?”
“A woman who enjoys dancing with a handsome wolf.”
A mysterious smile curved his lips. “A woman who enjoyed my attentions in the hot springs.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Had I known what you wanted to do to me…” she began.
“You’d have turned and walked away?”
Aurora compressed her trembling lips. She looked directly into his eyes. “No,” she admitted. “I would not have.”
Satisfaction filled his gaze. She did not stiffen as he pulled her closer. The air between their bodies grew warm from their combined heat.
“And you? Had you a choice, if I were not the Mage destined to lift your curse, would you have walked away from me?”
She needed to know. His scent, mixed with the smell of clean skin, filled her nostrils. Aurora awaited his answer.<
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Some unknown emotion flickered in his eyes. Then his gaze darkened.
“No,” he admitted quietly. “I could not have.”
His gaze softened as they regarded each other. For a magical moment, she felt they were the only two people in the tent, as filled with joy about their future as the bride and groom. Filled with the wonder of discovering each other.
She smiled, fresh courage filling her. “Why would you not have walked away?”
He made no reply. A distant look came over his face, as if he had shuttered himself off from her.
Aurora was surprised and hurt, but she resigned herself to finishing the dance in silence. Their steps became more halted and less relaxed.
When the dance ended, she curtseyed and Robert executed an elegant bow. She sensed impossible layers to this man, hidden by cool indifference. He might be friendly and emotionally intimate with his people, but not with her. With her, he withheld himself.
She would soon become physically intimate with this wolf, and he would know every part of her body. Yet she did not know him at all. They remained strangers.
Robert escorted Aurora back to her table and sat. With her long brown hair cascading down her bare back, Aurora looked breathtaking in her bright pink gown, her skin glowing with health. How much she’d changed over the past four weeks.
Her cheeks had plumped out, and her skin was no longer sallow. When they mated in a few nights, she would be ready to accept his seed.
Robert poured a glass of absinthe and drank it as Aurora stared.
“Are you mad? That stuff is lethal!”
He wiped his mouth with the back of one hand. “Lethally good.”
Never the sugar for him, nor the ice water. He was alpha, and alphas were expected to drink the liquor straight.
She looked at the couple at the head table. “They look so much in love.”
Love yes. And lust. Robert glanced at Guy, who stared at his bride as if he were more than ready for tonight. Forget the absinthe and how it put fuel in a groom’s tank so he could perform. Guy wouldn’t need it.
Melancholy washed over Robert as he remembered staring at Caroline with equal lust, his excitement rising as the night wore on and the time for bedding drew near. He had hardly been able to contain his desire.
But Caroline had refused to commit to their relationship and only wanted to be his lover. He had not known she’d used him to leech power from the land. He’d been so damn naïve and foolish…and by the time he discovered her true purpose, it was too late.
The sex hadn’t even been memorable. For all her beauty, Caroline lacked the passion of Lupine females. When she had finally lain beneath him, her legs spread wide for him to take her, she had uttered a small sigh and stroked his back.
He noticed Aurora had moved her chair away and regretted how distant he’d been with her earlier. He wanted a willing mate, and he wasn’t doing his best to court her.
The hour grew late. He plucked a rose from the vase on the table and handed it to her. “For you.”
She took the rose, her silky brows raised in apparent suspicion. “Why are you giving me this? Do you want me to plant it?”
He laughed. “You’re a beautiful woman, and deserve a flower as lovely as you are.”
Aurora inhaled the bloom, and smiled. Such a simple gift, and yet it brought a sweet blush to her cheeks.
I cannot give her more.
A throat cleared behind them. With some impatience, Robert glanced up. “What is it?”
Louis, Susan’s mate, hovered nearby, with several other males. “Rob, it’s time. The moon…”
“Of course.” He kissed Aurora’s hand. “Forgive me. Duty calls.”
“Can I join you?”
“No.”
The answer was more brusque than intended. But he grazed his fingertips along her smooth cheek. “Stay, enjoy yourself.”
Robert snapped his fingers and Susan scurried over. He cast Louis a meaningful glance. “My future mate shouldn’t be alone while I attend to my responsibilities. Susan, Louis, please ensure she is cared for.”
“Where are you going?” Aurora asked.
He gave Aurora a stern look. “It is a private matter. Aurora, you will stay with Susan and Louis at the wedding. I’m giving you a direct order.”
With little bows of their heads, his sister and brother-in-law sat. They were obedient, perfect Lupines who always did as he asked.
Seeing the stubborn jut of Aurora’s lower lip, he sensed she would not be so docile. Such a strong will, especially for a slave. He would enjoy sparring with her in the future and showing her his dominant side in the bedroom. Robert sensed she would not be meek nor frigid, but fiery as dragon’s breath.
The thought amused him as he walked off with the other males. After several minutes of walking, they arrived at the curved archway covered in thick vines, with thick bamboo stalks and trees flanking it. He walked up to the archway and touched a vine. The vines rustled and parted, admitting him into the clearing.
Silently he led them into a grotto filled with thick bamboo and ferns. In the center was the stone dragon Aurora had found earlier.
It sat upon a squat pedestal of smooth, white, polished quartz. Its tail was curled up like a sleeping dog’s, its wings were outstretched, and its upper lip curled away to show two long fangs and a hint of a red forked tongue.
The sacred dragon, where the rite would take place.
He went to a wood chest hidden among the bamboo and thick greenery and opened it. One of his men knelt down and began to sort out the contents.
The alpha glanced upward at the nearly full moon. He took the carved mask offered by his pack member and dangled it from one hand.
“Yes,” he murmured. “It is time.”
Chapter 9
Something was going on, something mysterious and secret. And Aurora was determined to find out exactly what.
Did it have to do with the dragon’s hiding place?
But she could not shake her babysitters. Susan and Louis stuck to her. Each time she rose from the table, on the pretext of selecting another treat from the dessert tray, or stepping outside the tent to gaze at the moon, they followed.
And then an idea struck her. Louis drank very little absinthe. As Louis and Susan turned to talk with another couple, Aurora poured out the ice water. It was cold and touching the handle made her shiver.
When the couple came back to the table, Aurora picked up her absinthe glass. “A toast to the bride and groom.”
Susan hesitated, then went to dilute the mixture. No ice water. Before the Lupine could fetch another pitcher, Aurora smiled brightly and raised her glass. “Just a taste. No need to dilute it. I’m sure you, a powerful Lupine, can handle this better than I can.”
Oh yeah, challenge that pride.
Susan bristled. She and her mate picked up their glasses and sipped. This time as Aurora drank, the room did not spin. Instead, a feeling of tremendous power overcame her. She felt sexy, wanton.
Supremely confident, as if she could run for miles and leave the pack behind her, panting and exhausted. But Louis and his mate barely sipped theirs.
“Oh come on,” she coaxed. “A little more.”
The male gave the drink a dubious look. “I don’t know…”
Hmmm. Time to prick the ego. She’d seen the flicker of envy in his eyes when he glanced at Robert, so handsome in his black tuxedo, his silver hair making him look distinguished.
So virile.
“Robert drinks it straight,” she said. “Then again, he’s Robert. Strong, handsome, so virile, and alpha.”
Her admiring sigh added a bit more push. Determination came over the male. Louis drained his glass and set it down. He looked at his mate as a man looks at a woman he desires, and then tugged her upright. Susan giggled like a girl.
They vanished in the direction of the lodge.
“Have a good time, you two,” she murmured, watching them.
It had worked. S
he didn’t know how, but wasted no time pondering.
Aurora’s ears pricked up. She glanced at the bridal table. Guy had vanished with Robert and six other males. Now six women approached Helen. The bride left with the women, their long gowns trailing behind them.
Silent as mist, she followed them into the lodge. They vanished into one of the downstairs bedrooms. Murmurs of “dragon” and “sacred circle to honor” and “the ceremony” drifted through the door as clothing rustled within.
Excitement filled her. Something important was about to take place, something to honor the silver dragon. The lodge’s kitchen door opened. Aurora hid behind a bookcase and saw Robert enter, along with six other men and Guy.
She left the lodge, heading quietly for the grove she’d found last week.
At the grove’s edge, she found a place to sit while hidden by the thick bamboo stalks.
The stone dragon sat upon a low pedestal made from smooth stone, about three feet off the ground. As she remembered, it had a red mouth and outstretched wings. The back of the dragon was level, smooth stone that curved around into a tail tucked beneath the dragon’s body.
Aurora hid in the bamboo and steadied her breathing. She did not have to wait long.
Six couples, clad in the traditional black ceremonial robes of Lupines, entered the clearing, each holding hands. They wore silver dragon masks that fully disguised their faces, leaving only their mouths showing.
The six couples were followed by Guy and Helen, accompanied by a tall, silver-haired man—Robert. His mask was silver, with twisted cobalt horns emerging from the top, the mask tapering into a triangle shape at the bottom. Silver scales and intricate curls of flame covered the mask. The eyeholes were large and triangular.
Guy and Helen were masked as well. Guy held a small jar, which he set uncapped and set down on the ground near the dragon.
Aurora settled down to watch.
Six white stone pedestals holding candles surrounded the outside of the circle. Among the thick bamboo stalks, palms and gumbo limbo trees sat a tall mango tree, its trunk wider in diameter than a truck tire. Its gray branches stretched over the grove like ghostly arms. Obviously the tree had died, yet it remained standing. Robert went to the tree and touched it.
