by Bianca Cole
He slips past us and rushes away from Vlad.
I glare at him. “Why were you so rude to that man?” I ask, shaking my head.
Vlad pushes me into the room, grabbing my throat hard. “I gave you a simple instruction not to speak to anyone. Why the fuck did you tell him your name?”
I shrug. “I won’t be silent the entire duration of this trip.” I hold his gaze, challenging him to take this further.
In the end, he grunts and lets go of my throat, walking toward the bathroom. I feel victorious as I watch him skulk away. I won’t be told what to do constantly, and it’s not who I am.
19
Vladimir
A servant shows us to our room, and once the door is shut, Rosie runs to the bed and flops into it.
I can’t help but smile—everything she does makes me smile except when she’s defying me. Despite my clear instructions, she spoke to the servant, who looked surprised.
Vampires are renowned for controlling their blood givers, and they wouldn’t allow that kind of outburst, but I can’t bring it in myself to punish her. At least, not in a way she won’t fucking love.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger.
I step forward, feeling the desire rise inside of me even though we need to dress and get down to the ball in the next twenty minutes. “Why did you speak to the guy who showed us up here?” I narrow my eyes, holding her gaze.
She shrugs. “I thought you said not to speak to anyone at the ball.”
I crawl onto the bed toward her, pinning her hands down over her head. “You know what I meant. You were just testing my patience.” I move my lips down her neck, scenting the warm, sweet blood running through her veins faster. “
“I’ve got two things I need to punish you for later, don’t make it three.” I grip her hips hard, but careful. Ever since I bruised her, I’ve been able to work out what she can stand. The human body is so fragile but so beautiful.
I drag my fangs across the skin of her neck, making her shiver. “Shall I give you a taste of that punishment?” I ask.
“Yes, sir,” she moans, arching her back.
I can’t help but smile against her skin at how needy she is for me—every single time. I sink my fangs into her neck, drawing enough blood to give me a rush.
Rosie moans, loving every second as I pump her full of the pleasure toxin. Her toes curl, and I wonder how long it would take me to push her to orgasm.
I retract my fangs from her neck and lick the wound, before moving away. We don’t have time, and tonight is important.
I never ask anyone for help, so approaching Flynn tonight and asking for assistance will tear me apart. I hate the thought, but I’d rather ask him than any other fucker in this place. A faerie is certainly better than a dragon of wolf shifter.
I hear Rosie approach, wrapping her arms around my stomach. “Why are you so uptight?” she asks.
I grab her arm and turn around, wrapping her up in my arms. “I hate asking anyone for help.”
She chuckles. “That’s silly. Everyone needs help.”
I raise a brow. “Why were you so worried about coming to America?” I ask, knowing we didn’t get a chance to discuss it back at the penthouse.
She shakes her head. “It’s nothing.” She bites her bottom lip, and I know she’s lying.
“Tell me, Rosie.”
She sighs heavily. “Because I got in some trouble when I was last here, trouble that doesn’t go away.”
“Tell me what happened.”
She looks at me, uncertainly. “Not sure that’s a good idea.” She knows I hate her refusing me, so I spank her ass hard.
“Are you trying to add to the punishment you are due later?”
Her eyes flash with desire, but she shakes her head. “Please, Vlad. It’s too—”
I grip her throat hard enough for it to be a warning. “I won’t be defied, Rosie. I want to know everything about you.”
She puts a hand over mine, trying to pry my fingers from her throat. “Fine, take a seat.”
I clench my jaw at her telling me what to do but sit in an armchair nearby.
She sits on the edge of the bed, keeping distance between us.
I watch her carefully, noticing how withdrawn she looks as she stares down at her hands.
“When I was seventeen years old, I got caught up with a wolf pack in Alabama.”
I grit my teeth, thinking about her anywhere near a load of alpha wolf assholes. “What did they do?”
She shakes her head. “A shifter called Neil was alpha, and he tried to take advantage of me, not caring that I was underage.”
I stand, fists clenched as I pace the length of the room. “I’ll kill the bastard,” I growl.
Rosie’s voice is small. “He’s dead.”
I glance at her. “Good, but why are you worried about coming back to American then?”
She swallows. “Because I killed Neil. I had a knife and stabbed him in the throat before he could rape me.”
So many emotions hit me all at once for one, pride. Rosie can fend for herself, and it’s something I’ve been sure of ever since I met her. However, Rhys Verne, the outright alpha of all the North American packs, is here. I can see why she was worried about coming. Wolves have an odd bond to their alpha, and that pack will want my queen dead.
“Shit.” I move to sit next to her, taking her hand. “Would Rhys recognize you?”
She shakes her head. “I never met him, and this was years ago before he took an active role in the running of the packs.”
I nod. “Well, we shouldn’t have anything to worry about.” I shake my head. “No wolf shifter has any cause to come after you, as it was self-defense.”
Rosie laughs. “I’m not sure they will see it that way, Vlad.”
“I know, but if Rhys somehow knows who you are, I’ll reason with him.” I narrow my eyes. “If Flynn is serious about this council, then you will be under his protection here.” I shake my head. “There’s no way in hell they will let anyone harm you at a council event.”
Rosie visibly relaxes, shifting to sit in my lap. “Good, and I’ve got you to protect me too.” She kisses me, making me instantly hard.
I groan. “Rosie, we’ve got to be at the ball in less than half an hour.” I lift her off my lap and set her on the bed. “Later, baby girl.” Her eyes flash, and I know she isn’t going to give up easily.
I shake my head. “There’s no breaking my resolve. Delayed gratification can be the best thing ever, but...” I pause, glancing at the bag I packed. “I have got you a gift.”
“A gift?” she asks, watching me.
I smile and rummage in my bag, finding the parcel. “Yes, open it.” I chuck it to her, and she rips open the packaging.
Rosie gasps as she reveals the pair of vibrating panties, glancing up at me. “You are joking, right?”
I shake my head. “I never joke when it comes to panties.” I step toward her and grab her chin. “It will make sure you are completely under my control.”
Her cheeks turn red as she pulls out the accompanying remote control.
I snatch it from her. “That’s for me, thank you.” Her eyes widen as she glances between me and the pair of black panties, shaking her head. “This is insane.”
I grin at her. “You love it really, now go and get showered and put those panties on for me.”
Rosie stands and starts to strip in front of me, trying to goad me.
I watch, feeling my cock react as she dumps all her clothes on the floor. Her eyes are willing me to follow her as she steps past.
“Nice try, but I’ve got steel fucking willpower.”
She sighs. “I guess I’ll just have to get myself off in the shower then.”
Fuck.
I turn to face her, the thought of anyone but me bringing her to climax makes me insane, even herself. “No fucking way.”
She shuts the door, and I hear the sho
wer turn on.
If we’re not careful, we’ll be late for the ball, but I don’t give a shit.
The intention was to be early to ensure I got a chance to talk to Flynn without the others hanging around.
I open the door, flinging my clothes to the side, and step into the shower. “Don’t you dare touch yourself, that pussy is mine.”
She giggles, shaking her head. “Damn, that was easy.”
I growl and launch toward her, kissing her hard. “Wrong, baby girl, I’m going to get you so wound up, but I won’t let you come.” I shake my head. “Not until later.” I drag my lips across her neck, slowly moving my fingers through her pussy. “You’ll be soaking wet and needy for me all night.”
She shudders, eyes flickering shut as I push my fingers inside of her. “Vlad, please, I need to come.”
I shake my head. “Patience, you’ll see how good it is later.” I kiss her softly. “I promise you. You will thank me for it.”
She bites her bottom lip, blowing out a deep breath. “I hate that I love the way you control me.”
I laugh, pulling my finger from her.
“Does that make any sense?” she asks.
I nod. “Yes, I think it does.” I grab a bottle of shampoo and lather it between my fingers. “Let me wash your hair.”
She turns around, and I carefully spread the shampoo through her hair, massaging her scalp. Until Rosie, I’d never felt the need to take care of someone before, but I want to take care of her. I want to make her feel like the queen she is.
She moans as though I’m fucking her with every stroke of my fingers against her scalp. My cock is hard and aching, but I won’t break.
Rosie will wait until later—we both will. Then, I’ll show her just how good it can be when she obeys her king.
20
Rosie
I feel on edge as I walk behind Vlad into the ballroom. His rules are bullshit, but I know if I break them, he really will make me pay.
I’m painfully aware of the control he has on me right now. These panties could go off at any moment he wants, and I have no control over it at all. Around total strangers, it seems unfair, particularly considering I’m so wound up anyway. Vlad can be fucking evil at times but in the best way.
Every step I take is excruciating as my panties create friction.
Vlad advances toward a tall, handsome man with dark hair and a beard. “Flynn, good to see you,” he says, holding out a hand to the king of the faeries.
Flynn narrows his eyes but takes his hand and shakes. “Likewise. You had a pretty swift exit from the first meeting.” He raises a brow. “I hope you will try to participate more actively.”
Vlad’s jaw clenches as I stand by his side, silent as he told me to be. “Of course, I have something I need to speak with you about tonight.” Vlad runs a hand across the back of his neck. “It’s rather urgent.”
Flynn claps him on the arm. “Of course, find me after dinner.” With that, he walks away, leaving Vlad and me alone.
Vlad holds his arm out to me. “Take my arm, Rosie.”
I raise a brow, but don’t argue and allow Vlad to lead me through the crowd. “Who are these people?” I whisper.
Vlad shoots me a warning glare. “No talking, don’t make me use it already.”
I lick my bottom lip. “I thought you meant in front of people. Am I not supposed to talk to you all night?”
Vlad grits his teeth and moves through the crowd toward the bar. “A glass of scotch, please, and...” He looks at me, and my eyes widen.
“A glass of Chardonnay, please.”
The bartender nods and goes to get our drinks.
Vlad leans toward me, whispering in my ear. “I don’t want you to talk unless I allow you to. If I look at you, then you can talk.”
I swallow hard, wondering what I got myself into. I’m not exactly accustomed to doing as I’m told. Being alone since I was seventeen and fending for myself, means I’ve never had to rely on anyone else.
“Vlad, how are you?” Another tall man with dirty blonde hair approaches, with a beautiful woman on his arm.
“Rhys, I’m well, thanks, mate. How are you?” I notice the way his jaw clenches.
Rhys.
My heart leaps into my throat as I stare at the king of the wolf shifters, knowing he might have seen the posters the Alabama pack distributed.
Would he recognize me?
I hold my breath, feeling thankful he hasn’t glanced at me yet.
“As well as can be, the wolf shifters aren’t exactly making the changes easy for me at the moment.” His brow furrows, and then he glances at me. “Sorry, who is this?”
Vlad glances at me and shakes his head. “She is no one.”
I can’t help the tinge of pain in my chest, hearing Vlad call me no one.
Rhys’s eyes linger on me, narrowing slightly. “I recognize you. Have we met?”
I shake my head and open my mouth.
Vlad cuts me off. “She doesn’t speak, please don’t directly address her.” Tension heightens between the four of us, and I bow my head, gripping Vlad’s arm harder.
He’s an asshole. While I’m thankful he’s found a way not to tell Rhys my name, it seems silly to create tension amongst people who could prove our allies.
Rhys rubs a hand across his chin. “I feel I’ve seen her before, Vlad.” He shakes his head. “I just don’t know where.”
I bite the inside of my mouth, hoping that he doesn’t twig where he has seen me. It’s a sure sign he has seen my wanted poster before.
Vlad clears his throat. “It seems unlikely. She lives in London.”
Rhys shakes his head. “I did hear about the run-in with my kind in London.” Rhys shakes his head. “I’m sorry my reach doesn’t stretch over the Atlantic, they should never have stolen that chalice.”
Vlad smiles. “No, they shouldn’t have, but unfortunately, the packs in Britain aren’t exactly as open-minded as over here.”
Rhys sighs. “Give it time. Things will change. Have you considered moving to the states?”
Vlad shrugs. “No, I haven’t, but maybe I should.”
The woman on Rhys’s arm nods. “It would make sense, considering our alliance will give you strength here.”
Rhys clears his throat. “So sorry, whoever you are, where are my manners. This is my mate, Anastasia.” He smiles at her with adoration.
Anastasia takes my hand and shakes it. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
Vlad growls at her for touching my hand.
She glances at Vlad. “Who is she to you?” She tilts her head.
Vlad narrows his eyes. “She is my date for the night.”
Suddenly people fall into silence, and that’s when I notice the stunning couple coming down the steps into the ballroom.
They are holding hands as they walk into the room, and the woman is wearing the most stunning red dress embellished with lace.
It must be the king of the dragon shifters, the hosts of this party. All of us turn out attention to the happy couple. Aiden meets Vlad’s gaze and his jaw clenches. Something tells me that most people here aren’t exactly at ease with Vlad. Even Flynn didn’t seem at ease around him.
Aiden’s attention goes to me, and the look in his eyes is one of pity—perhaps he thinks I’m here unwillingly.
“Thank you all for coming to our party. I hope you have a good time,” Aiden says, and they start to mingle.
Aiden moves straight for Flynn, who is now joined by his mate and children. I watch them as they start to talk.
Rhys clears his throat. “Well, enjoy the party. I’m sure we will catch up with you later.”
Vlad nods, and I smile as they both walk away, leaving us alone again. He leans toward me. “He recognized you, how?”
I shrug. “There are wanted posters in circulation for me because I killed Neil.”
Vlad tightens his grip on my arm. “I’m going to get him to put an end to that,” he growls.
I shake my head. “You said you couldn’t let them know what I am to you.”
Aiden and his mate approach us. I can tell Aiden doesn’t want to.
“Aiden,” Vlad says, before turning his attention to the woman. “Ilsa, how are you?” He smiles kindly at her, seemingly more at ease with her than anyone else here.
“I’m well, thank you, Vlad.” Her attention lingers on me with concern. “Who is this?” she asks.
Vlad shakes his head. “No one.”
It doesn’t hurt any less hearing it again.
Ilsa shakes her head. “I feel that it is a lie.” She raises her brow. “Vlad, you of all people should know not to lie to a witch.”
His jaw clenches, and he pulls me closer to him, wrapping an around me. “A date, that’s all.” He glares at Ilsa, challenging her to push him further.
She sighs heavily. “Fine, Vlad, keep your secrets.” She shakes her head and meets his gaze. “In time, you will need to understand that we are your allies, not your enemies.”
Aiden nods. “We must greet the rest of our guests.”
Vlad nods but doesn’t say a word. With that, Aiden and Ilsa move away. I glance up at the man I’ve become so attached to, wondering why he can’t trust these people.
“Why don’t you tell them my name?”
Vlad glares at me. “Did I say you could speak?”
I set my hands on my hips, my patience finally being tested. “I’m not a fucking puppet, Vlad. I’m getting fed up with this.” I walk away, heading for the bathroom without a word.
Vlad appears in front of me out of nowhere, gripping my throat hard. “Where the fuck are you going?”
I can hardly breathe, let alone talk.
He realizes suddenly, easing his grip on me.
“I’m going to the bathroom, now get out of my way.”
He glances around to see if anyone has noticed our encounter, before nodding and stepping aside. Rage coils through me as I head for the bathroom, feeling so wound up.
It’s one thing telling me to keep quiet, but he’s acting like I’m nothing to him. It hurts more than I can put into words. Seeing the other couples here, it’s hard not to be envious.
