by Bailey Dark
Altair clenches his jaw, the muscle throbbing, and nods. “It has.”
Thal turns to me, the grin returning to his face. “And I suppose we have this woman to thank for it.”
“It’s not every day abductees are thanked for their presence,” I say, taking another sip of my wine.
Thal and Altair are silent, their brows arched in surprise. Altair’s lips quirk into a smile just as Thal barks out a laugh. “Careful cousin, I may have to steal her from you. I like this one.” His green eyes rake over me.
“Ignore him,” Altair says, smiling. “He’s a drunk fool.”
“It’s a special occasion.” Thal lifts his glass. “My reclusive cousin has finally emerged into the public eye without the feathers.”
“Verity, a dance?” Altair asks, shoving Thal aside playfully.
Thal chuckles and strides away towards a group of Fae women clustered together in the corner. I cock a brow as he bows charmingly. Altair follows my gaze and purses his lips. He plucks the wine from my hand and passes it off to a servant, ignoring my protests.
“If you like him so much why don’t you drag him away from those women,” Altair snaps.
I scoff and march towards the fountain to get another glass, but Altair stops me, his hand gripping my wrist. He tugs me towards him and into his arms. I squirm, trying to pull away bit his arms are tight around me.
“Verity,” he says, his voice low, seductive.
I still, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. So loud I know he can hear it. The sound of my name slipping so smoothly from his lips has my skin on fire. “What?” I ask, though it doesn’t sound as harsh as I intended.
“I,” he begins before halting. He grinds his teeth in frustration, glowering. “Never mind.”
“What?” I whisper, surprise lilting my voice as his arms fall away. I feel cold now.
He clears his throat. “Dance with me, please.”
I narrow my eyes. “What happened to the blue-eyed Fae from before? You seemed quite taken with her. I’m sure she’ll dance with you again.”
“What woman?” His brows furrow and then recognition sparks in his eyes. “It’s only polite that I dance with several woman throughout the night.”
“Well then you should probably continue your rounds.” I gesture broadly at his guests.
“Perhaps later,” he says, and I recognize the stubborn edge to his voice. “But for now, I would like to dance with you.”
My heart flutters in my chest at his words. “Fine.”
“Don’t sound so elated,” he says teasingly, holding a hand out for me.
I take it, ignoring the way my blood sings when he wraps his fingers around mine. “I never pegged you for the type that needs your ego stroked,” I say, following him through the crowd to the dance floor.
He places a warm hand on the small of my back and pushes me closer to him as we take to the floor. His hazel eyes are lit with some emotion I can’t quite place, a smile tugging at his lips. “Even Kings have weaknesses. Perhaps you’re mine.”
My lips part in surprise at his words. “Oh.”
“No witty remark?” He teases. “What a shock.”
“Just give me a moment, I’m sure I’ll think of something,” I lie.
He chuckles. “I would wait all night.”
“What are you doing?” I ask, looking him squarely in the eyes. “Why are you saying these things? And talking to me like this?”
“What are you talking about?” He sweeps us between two other couples.
“You’re starting to sound like a romantic,” I say.
Altair lowers his face and I almost close my eyes, expecting a kiss. But he presses his cheek to mine, his breath wafting over my ear pleasantly. “What should I sound like?”
I shudder and instinctively lean into him. But then he’s sending me into a twirl, grinning wickedly. I almost stumble on my blue skirts, but he catches me and steadies me in his arms as we continue sweeping over the dance floor.
“Never mind,” I mutter, glowering at him.
Suddenly, the ballroom doors slam open and a chill gust of wind blows powerfully through the room. The music comes to a screeching halt, and the chatter dies down. Altair freezes, his hands on my shoulders protectively as he stares towards the ballroom doors. My hairs stand on end and a shiver trails down my spine. Like a spider crawling over my skin.
“Hello there, old friend,” a woman’s voice echoes over the crowd.
I yelp as Altair shoves me away from him into Navi’s waiting arms. She must have appeared behind us while our attention was on the door. She drags me back into the crowd and away from Altair just as a woman in a blood red cloak saunters towards Altair. I don’t struggle against her, knowing well enough that Altair would never dismiss me so roughly without good reason.
Navi stops beside one of the pillars, her sword drawn in her hand. Thal appears beside me, his green eyes locked onto the woman’s confrontation with Altair. The woman is tall and lithe, just as graceful as the Fae. Her icy blonde hair is loose and long, hanging past her waist. And her pale blue eyes never move from Altair. Blue eyes like mine.
The woman unties her red cloak, revealing a sparkling silver gown beneath with a drastic neckline that reaches her navel. She sways towards Altair and he stiffens. The woman reaches him and rests a thin hand on his cheek, gesturing towards the crowd.
“You throw a party and don’t invite me?” She croons. “How cold.”
“Get out of here, Maaz,” Altair growls.
Maaz. My jaw drops, eyes wide as I take in the witch that ruined Altair’s life. The Fae surrounding them watch anxiously, fear glittering in their eyes. They’re afraid of Maaz. I furrow my brows in confusion. How could an entire room of powerful Fae be frightened of a single Bloodbane? From the corner of my eye, I see Thal draw a dagger from his waist.
“Come, Altair, there’s no need for such poor manners,” Maaz pouts. “I’m a guest. Offer me refreshments.”
He shakes free of her, slapping her hand away. “You’re no guest. Now leave, before I cut you down.”
She tuts like he’s a disobedient child. “You always were stubborn, weren’t you? It’s one of the things I love about you.”
“Get. Out,” he says through gritted teeth.
Nausea hits me as she speaks, as she so casually mentions her love for him. Navi hisses, enraged.
“No wine then? No little desserts on those delicate papers you Fae love so much? No? None of that?” Maaz looks expectantly at Altair before shrugging. “Let’s get down to business then.”
“Speak.” Altair glowers at her.
“Two little birdies told me you had the Key,” Maaz says lightly. “I was so curious, I had to come see for myself. It only took you nine hundred and ninety-nine years. Now, where is she?”
I shrink back against the pillar and Navi steps defensively in front of me. Dread coils in my chest and I know that if Maaz finds me, she’ll likely kill me. Altair steps towards her, crowding her and driving her back a step.
“Leave. By the accords of the curse I can’t kill you, but I can torture you. And you’ve waltzed right in to my palace. Surrounded by my people,” Altair says, his voice low and dangerous. “Get out.”
“So testy,” Maaz quips. “I’ll go. But you keep an eye on your precious Key, darling. Because you’re running out of time, and I’m only just getting started.”
Maaz rakes her eyes over the crowd before settling on me. She grins sinisterly and draws up her hood. My heart stops for an instant when our eyes meet. We watch as she melts back into the crowd, and the doors creak shut behind her. The Fae in the ballroom collectively let out a sigh of relief when she’s gone, and Navi sheaths her sword.
Altair is beside us in an instant. “Let’s go, Verity.”
“What?” I ask as he takes my hand, pulling me away from the pillar.
Behind us, the music never picks up again, and Fae mutter amongst themselves as they leave the ballroom. Maaz’s presence ha
s brought the celebration to a halt. Altair doesn’t say goodbye to his guests before ushering me up the grand staircases towards my room. I hold my skirts high so I can keep up with him, his long legs carrying him quickly through the halls.
There are guards all around us, hurrying to different posts throughout the castle. Twice as many as there were before. Altair’s back is stiff with anger, and I can feel it washing off of him in waves. He stops outside my door and I stare up at him, brows furrowed with concern.
I’ve never seen Altair this furious, or this afraid. I lay a hand on his arm, squeezing gently. He looks up, dragging his hand away from his eyes. “That was her,” I say.
He nods stiffly. “It’s too dangerous for you now that she knows you’re here.”
“I’m trying,” I murmur. “And I won’t wander away.”
Altair presses his lips into a thin, anxious line. “I don’t want to restrict you anymore than I already have, but please stay close. Please.”
His pleading sends a pang of sorrow through my chest. “I will, I promise.”
Our eyes meet, hazel and blue. And suddenly his lips are on mine, kissing me as if we’ll never embrace again. I wrap my arms around his neck as our lips move together. He eases my lips apart with his tongue and I moan as he deepens the kiss. I nip at his bottom lip and he growls, pressing me closer to him. His arms around my waist, a hand on my ass. I arch into him, gasping as his fierce kisses drown me in desire.
I give into him and tangle my fingers in his hair. My body is on fire, lava trickling over me slowly. I’ve never wanted anyone this badly. Altair sucks my bottom lip, tugging on it, and I press myself against him in response. Waves of pleasure crash into me as he kisses me. My fingers graze the tips of his ears as I rake them through his hair and suddenly Altair is trembling violently. He groans and bites sensually on my lip.
His hands trail over my back, cupping my ass and pushing me against him. I gasp, clutching at him. No one has ever lit me on fire like this before, not even Henry. Henry. I freeze and push away from Altair, breathing heavily. Henry.
Panting, Altair adjusts his jacket and gives me a hesitant smile. “No slap?” He asks teasingly.
I bite my lip, staring into his beautiful hazel eyes. My words are lodged in my throat. The pleasure fades, but my desire for Altair is strong, tugging me towards him. But I can’t. I’m still engaged.
Chapter 13
Altair
Verity is warm in my arms, pliable and soft. She moans against my lips and the sound sends a thrill coursing through me. For the past week while I’ve been resting from my wounds, all I’ve been able to think about is Verity. When I’m not thinking of her, I’m obsessed with finding ways to keep her safe. Today’s incursion from Maaz has only made it even clearer that verity can never be safe until she breaks my curse.
Her fingers tangle in my hair, drawing me from my thoughts and back to the woman in my arms. I take a ragged breath and sweep my tongue through her mouth, tasting her. A shock of pleasure hits me as her fingers gently trail the curve of my pointed ear. I shudder uncontrollably and a groan escapes my lips. Fae ears are intense erogenous zones, and Verity has stumbled upon it to my pleasure.
I need her desperately. A week of keeping my distance and quelling my attraction for her was annihilated tonight when I saw her in this gown. I squeeze her ass tightly, pushing her against my pelvis. She gasps softly and curls her body into me, as if she needs me as much as I need her. But she couldn’t possible crave me to the same extent; every cell in my body is crying out for her.
Suddenly, she lurches away, panting. I drop my arms from around her, letting her create distance between us. My breath is coming in short, loud gasps as I reel from the kiss. It was heavenly being so close to her, being able to express how I truly feel for her. She stares up at me, eyes wide and impossibly blue. I offer her a smile, my heart soaring.
“No slap?” I tease.
She bites her lip and opens her mouth to speak before closing it hesitantly. I grow wary, watching her process the kiss. Her brows are furrowed and she’s biting down her lip so hard I worry she may draw blood. I reach for her, my fingers skimming the soft skin of her arm. She shivers but doesn’t relax the way I expected.
I frown. I may have pushed her too far, but I felt closer to her this last week than ever before. But perhaps the feelings between us haven’t progressed as quickly as I thought. I smooth back my hair and drag a hand over my jaw.
“Goodnight, Verity,” I say reluctantly.
I know she needs to rest; she’s kept strange hours for me this past week. But I don’t want to leave her tonight. A small corner of my heart desperately hopes that she’ll invite me in, that she’ll ask me to stay with her. But the inexplicable expression on her face tells me otherwise. Her forehead creases even deeper at my words, and she smooths her hands over her skirts nervously.
“What is it?” I ask, reaching for her.
She takes a smooth step back, her skirts rustling. “You shouldn’t touch me,” she murmurs.
A cold chill spreads through my chest and any shred of hope I had is torn. I realize as I stare into her sorrowful eyes that she isn’t thinking of me at all. Her thoughts are on the mortal man she unwillingly left behind. The cold spreads from my heart to my limbs, an icy rage.
I turn, back stiff. I can’t be with her while she thinks of him. Not after sharing such passion. Dawn isn’t far off, and when it comes, I’ll throw myself into the sky and patrol the borders to take my mind off of Verity. Though I know nothing could truly push her from my mind.
“Wait, Altair,” she says. I feel her finger trips graze my back and I shudder.
“What?” I ask hoarsely.
“I need to see Henry, please, can I go?” Her voice is laced with nerves, as if she’s afraid of what I might say. “I’ll come back.”
I chuckle humorlessly. “You want to see your mortal fiancé? Your lover?”
“I-,” she begins, but I cut her off.
“Do whatever you want, Verity Chastain,” I say coldly.
“Altair.” She reaches for my elbow, but I glide to the side, just out of reach.
I look over my shoulder at her, my eyes dark and furious. “I don’t care what you do.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re being childish.”
“Childish?” I arch a brow. “I thought you would be pleased; I’m releasing you to return to your lover and your family.”
“It’s your fault,” she hisses. “I wouldn’t ask to go back if it weren’t for you.”
I bristle, shoulders stiffening. “I’m so repulsive you simply can’t stand my presence any longer? Then I’ll free you.” I turn and shout down the hall, “Navi!” fury lacing my voice.
She strides around the corner, her face carefully blank. “Yes, Altair?”
“Escort Verity to the nearest portal,” I say, waving lazily towards Verity’s irate figure.
Navi’s lips part in surprise. “Altair, surely--”
“Now,” I whisper forcefully. “Do it now.”
“Come with me,” Navi commands, turning to Verity. As they stride away, Navi’s bright green eyes slip towards me.
I avoid Verity’s gaze. She stares at me as she passes, but I gaze resolutely at the wall behind her. When they’ve disappeared around the corner, my shoulders sag in defeat. Verity still insisted on leaving, even after we grew closer. I laugh mirthlessly, what could I have expected, anyway? I brought her here against her will, befriending her doesn’t change that.
I stalk to my room, anger boiling in my gut. Heat washes over me as I replay my time with Verity in my mind. Her initial obstinance. Her charm. The moments she told me of her family. Her lilting voice as she read to me each night. All of it meant nothing to her.
The walls shake as I slam the door behind me. I move to the balcony and peer over it, towards the cliff face below. At the bottom of this cliff is the nearest portal to the human world. I had my scholars create it nearby and within view of my room pur
posefully. I regret it now. I can’t resist watching knowing that I have a clear view of the portal from my room.
I watch as Navi appears around the bottom of the cliff, Verity in tow. She’s still dressed in her elegant gown. A dress I had specially commissioned for her, to match her eyes. A soft, blue light flares in the darkness below as Navi opens the portal. She gestures for Verity to enter. But Verity hesitates, her head tilting up towards me.
She may be able to make out my figure in the night, but her mortal eyes are too weak to see my expression, or the way my hands grip the railing so tightly my knuckles are white. I can see her face perfectly with my Fae eyes. I can see her forehead creased, with worry or regret or fear—I don’t know. She runs her tongue over her lips, a nervous habit.
And then she’s gone.
The portal flares once more before it closes. and I know Verity has made it safely to the mortal realm. Navi glances up and I can see the concern written clearly over her face. In her eyes, she just released the only woman who could save us from doom.
I clench my fists, imagining Verity reuniting with her lover. They’ll make love and she might tell him about her experience. But she won’t tell him everything. She won’t tell him about the way she kissed me or that we need her. She’ll conveniently leave out the little details. And we’ll be gone by the time she forgets about us many years later.
The rage hits me like a boulder. I roar; a fearsome, sorrowful, and furious cry that echoes through the night. Birds burst from the trees below, disturbed from their nesting. I whirl away from the balcony and plunge into my room, striking anything within reach. I lash out at the mirror, shattering it completely. I catch my reflection in the shreds. A man with a face so twisted with anger and fear I don’t recognize him.
Pain lances through my chest and I go still. I stand in the center of my room, torn apart, breathing raggedly. Verity is gone. It’s likely she’ll never return. How can I trust a mortal? How can I trust a woman with the Bloodbane oath in her veins? I close my eyes as the rage fades. It’s my fault for trusting her. My fault for allowing her to get close to me.
