by Riley Storm
Leonen smiled wider and they walked along in stately steps until they were at the front of the line.
“May I present Leonen and Heather!” the doorman called, gesturing for them to enter.
Leonen strode forward first, almost dragging her along with him, eager to be seen, to be in the spotlight. Heather plastered a fake smile on her face and moved through the crowd at Leonen’s side, trying to do her best to be a dutiful mate as was expected of her by all parties, including Logan.
She noted right away that Leonen rarely introduced her and never gave her an opportunity to speak. It was clear he regarded her as a physical presence, a piece of arm-candy, perhaps, and little more. She was there to make him look good, as if he was a proper shifter.
That was fine because it meant she had to do nothing. Nothing, that was, until they got to the center of the room and Leonen stopped in front of the King.
“My Lord,” he said, bowing his head respectfully while Heather and Logan stared awkwardly at one another. “It is a wonderful celebration. It truly is great to see so many of us back under one roof, is it not?”
“I agree,” Logan said stiffly, averting his gaze as Leonen straightened once more.
Something poked her heart painfully as Logan obediently played his part as King, doing his best to keep his face calm and relaxed without giving away how he was really feeling. It likely fooled everyone there, she thought, watching him. He was getting good at concealing his emotions from the public.
But not from her. Heather could see right through him, see the pain he was shoving aside at the sight of her on Leonen’s arms. It was ridiculous, she decided. Nobody should be forced to mate for political gain. Love should be the one reason why any two people got together. Nothing else.
Yet here was a man as noble as they came—albeit hopeless when it came to understanding women—who deserved to be with the woman he loved, instead giving it all up because others demanded he be unhappy so they might refrain from fighting one another.
It was ludicrous. Absolutely ludicrous. Everyone that wanted to keep Logan from chasing his heart, that approved of her sham of a mating to Leonen, they should all be ashamed of themselves, of what they had become.
Including me. Because I’m here contributing to the charade, pretending I don’t wish I were on the arm of the man across from me. We may have our differences and unresolved issues, but those are infinitely better than what I have with Leonen.
Heather feared for her own safety. There was a large and vocal group within House Canis constantly trying to toss her in a jail cell. They made it out like it was for her own good, to protect her from herself, but really it was because they feared what she might become.
They aren’t the only ones.
She’d never admitted it to anyone, not even Melissa, but a violent fear lived inside her that one day, the virus would turn active and consume her. Heather knew if that happened, there was no coming back, no way to revert her. She would become progressively more violent and filled with rage until there was nothing left but the need to kill and feed.
Shifters would come after her. They would hunt her down and do their very best to kill her as fast as they could. Many would die. The Loup-Garou were bigger, stronger, and faster than their shifter cousins, blessed with increased strength and speed as their bodies literally consumed themselves and their prey to give energy to the super-powered killing machine.
Living a life in constant fear of such an occurrence wasn’t something Heather would wish upon anyone. It was also one of the biggest reasons she didn’t dare act out. She’d hoped against hope that her mother wouldn’t do something like this, that she would wait until Heather turned thirty-one and could decide her own future instead.
But for the next thirteen months, she was stuck. Trapped in a living nightmare, unable to be with someone she could see herself with and forced to be with someone she despised.
I’m sorry, she thought, trying to send the words to Logan telepathically. I should never have come here with him. I screwed up.
Logan didn’t deserve this. He was just doing what he was forced to do. In a weird way, the two of them were the same, victims of duty and obligation, unable to be free. Heather had never really understood it before, but she did now.
Except now, it might be too late. The pain of seeing her on Leonen’s arm may very well be the catalyst Logan needed to get over her, to force himself to move on from something he couldn’t have.
“Come,” Leonen said as he and the King parted ways. “I want to talk to some other people.”
Heather went along dutifully, smiling and nodding politely as Leonen started talking with a group of males around his age, once again not bothering to introduce her. Her gaze wandered the ballroom, searching for a certain shaved head, but it was like Logan had disappeared after seeing her.
What have I done…?
“What? No, of course not,” Leonen was growling. “I wouldn’t dare breed her until she’s clear of the virus, are you stupid?”
It took Heather a moment to realize he was talking about her. Heather stiffened as her soon-to-be mate continued.
“Breed as in, to give her my seed for offspring,” Leonen sighed. “Seriously, how much have you had to drink? Of course, I’m going to mount her. As soon as the mating ceremony is done. I know how much she’s looking forward to that. But no breeding until she’s finally pure.”
Heather pulled her arm free from his grip. “I’m going to use the ladies’ room,” she said politely, turning and heading off into the ballroom before Leonen could respond.
“Yeah, she really looks like she’s excited for that.”
At least one person in the group realized how much of an ass Leonen was. Too bad it would never get through his thick skull. She had almost made her escape when an arm reached out to grab her.
“Heather.”
She followed the hand back to the owner. “Jennifer,” she said politely to the Magi of House Canis. The two had never interacted before but it was impossible not to recognize the face of the first human to ever be appointed to a Council seat at one of the shifter Houses.
“Listen, I heard what he said and—”
“Then you know he’s right,” Heather said, cutting her off with a fierce whisper, pulling her arm away. “But what would you know? You’re human.”
Maybe it was rude, but Heather didn’t want to talk about it. She all but fled the ballroom, heading back for her rooms, trying not to let the tears fall.
Pure, he said. He wants to wait until I’m pure.
She’d never felt more disgusting and worthless in her life.
19
He smiled and nodded, exchanging empty pleasantries with the rest of the guests as they made their way into the ballroom. As King, he couldn’t beg off the further festivities until he’d greeted every last person. It was impossible, not without drawing a scene.
The instant the doorman nodded that there were no more people coming, Logan leapt up onto the stage. One last piece of business to attend to, and then he could retreat to his quarters and drop the mask he’d been struggling to keep in place ever since Heather had shown up on the arm of someone else.
“House Canis!” he boomed, not needing a microphone.
The acoustics of the ballroom carried his voice to the farthest corners, ensuring everyone could hear. A polite smattering of applause and vocal shouts greeted him.
“Thank you all for attending. Today…” he paused. “Today marks a great day. The numbers under our roof are swelling once more. We all come here tonight to celebrate in peace. Together as one, once again. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am to see that. How proud I am to have all of you here.”
He brought a hand up, tapping his chin in false thought. It was all part of the act. “But enough about me. Tonight is about you. Let’s party!”
This time, he got a roar of approval. Hopping down from the stage, he waited as those shifters assigned to cater for the party emerged from s
ide rooms with tables of food and drink, forming a perimeter on three sides.
Moments later, music spun up and lights dimmed everywhere except for the dance floor. The crowd began to sway and break up, heading for their destination of choice.
Logan watched it all go down. He stared at one shifter in particular, one who had entered the room with someone else on his arm but was now alone, his gaze wandering over the other single women in the room, human and shifter alike.
“Where did she go?” he asked.
Lucien, standing at his side, hesitated. Shooting him a dark look, Logan growled. He needed to know.
“I overheard him saying he was going to wait to breed her until she was finally pure, but that wouldn’t stop him from mounting her as soon as possible.”
Logan’s face froze solid. “Your words or his?” he asked icily.
“His.”
Fingers clamped around Logan’s upper arm, squeezing hard enough to gather his attention and stop the forward step he’d been about to take.
“You can’t. Not here. Not now. You know that. Don’t screw up.”
As if he knew what was happening, Leonen looked over his shoulder at Logan, their eyes meeting. The other shifter grinned, tossing the King a wink and then giving him his back once more.
“Thirty seconds,” Logan snarled. “Gimme thirty seconds alone with him, and he won’t bother anyone again.”
“You’re not thinking this over properly,” Lucien said firmly.
“I’m not?”
“Where’s your focus?” Lucien asked, exchanging a look with his mate who was tugging on his arm. “Just a minute, Alison, darling. I’m educating our witless friend here.”
Alison giggled. “I don’t have all night.”
Logan stared openly at the two of them. “What is going on here? Both of you ganging up on me?”
“Yes,” Alison said tartly. “Because you’re stupid.”
“I…what?”
“Yes. You’re fixated on Leonen because of what he said to Heather. Instead, you should be fixated—”
“On Heather, because of what Leonen said to her. This isn’t about him, it’s about her,” Logan finished. “You’re right, I am an idiot.” He turned to Lucien. “You need to get me out of here. I have to go. Now.”
Lucien grinned. “Finally.” He frowned, holding up his suit cufflinks and speaking into them, putting one finger in his ear.
Off to their right, Linden perked up, not even looking at the pair. He nodded, then he too spoke into his cufflinks. A handful of seconds later, a harried looking guard came in through the front door and rushed over to them.
“My King,” the guard said. “New intelligence has come in regarding the location of the Tyrant King.” He handed the paper over to Logan.
Taking the paper with one hand, Logan keenly observed that neither Lucien nor Linden would meet his eyes.
“Why do I get the feeling that…”
His voice trailed off as he read the message on the paper.
Go find her already, you idiot. – Lucien/Linden/everyone with a brain
“I have to take this,” Logan said loud enough that several of the partygoers nearby would overhear. “Whoever is responsible will be made to pay.”
There were a few covered snickers from his group of friends, but otherwise, they nodded understandingly.
“Of course, my King,” Lucien said. “Duty before pleasure.”
Logan winced.
“Sorry,” Lucien added. “Now go. Sir.”
Logan nodded and headed for the exit, doing his best to keep his pace down. He didn’t want the shifters of the House to see him running. That would call too much attention to him. Instead, he needed them to see a King willing to put the duties of running a House before pleasure.
When in fact I’m doing the exact opposite. I’m avoiding my duties to go seek out that which makes me personally happy.
Less than thirty feet remained between him and freedom when a familiar figure slipped into his path, hair done up and a dress that showed just a bit too much skin for his liking. At least, on this person.
“Miriam,” he said politely, knowing he would have to converse with her, at least for a short while, before making his escape. “Are you enjoying the ball?”
“I am. It’s so nice to be back here.”
Logan smiled, hearing the double-entendre behind her words. Miriam wasn’t just referring to the House slowly coming back together, but also to her presence being allowed in Moonshadow Manor once more. He was well aware the Tyrant King had sent her to Australia because she was becoming too powerful.
“It is, isn’t it?” he agreed. “I’m so glad all the fighting and backstabbing is over with.”
Her gaze tightened at the thinly-veiled reference to her political maneuverings. Both of them knew he couldn’t do anything about it, but he wasn’t about to act like a naïve fool either.
“So many familiar faces back as well,” Miriam said with a smile as if nothing had just happened.
“Yes, it’s quite nice.” Logan felt like he was repeating himself. “Hopefully, it is a sign of the unity and prosperity of House Canis going forward as well.”
“Oh, I agree. A great many things will help with the unity going forward. We need to bring together the various factions, strengthen their bonds with one another.”
“I fully agree,” he said, knowing where she was going and not having any way to avoid it.
“So, you still agree to give your blessings to the mating of Leonen and my Heather?” Miriam asked, only a brief hint of triumph coloring her eyes.
Logan set his jaw, keeping his own anger in check. Here she was, at a public function, with dozens of witnesses within hearing range, asking him to re-affirm what he'd already said once before. All in the name of power.
“I do,” he ground out. “As King, that’s part of my job.”
Hopefully, the slight jab at her that he was the one on the throne, not her, would at least help even the score. Judging by the look in her eyes, it didn’t.
“Good,” Miriam said with a broad smile that was clearly fake. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to think Heather was available. That would be very bad for the unity of the factions that her mating will bring together.”
Another thinly veiled threat, this time aimed at him.
“I understand, of course,” he said sympathetically. “It’s a shame that the factions need a mating to bring them together, and that they can’t find a single person worthy to lead them.” He smiled broadly. “Sorry, I do have to go.”
Leaving Miriam behind, content that he’d gotten the final word in—this time at least, it was far from over—he exited the ballroom, then slipped into the first secret passage he could access without being seen and ran for it. Everyone who was everyone should be at the party, so he didn’t fear being intercepted. His feet guided him to his destination.
It had been many years since he’d gone this route, but he still knew the way. He’d never forgotten how to find Heather’s quarters.
20
The tears wouldn’t fall.
They were right there, she could feel them at the corners of her eyes, the sobs ready to well up in her chest. All the signs pointed to it and Heather knew she was in need of a good cry. Yet nothing came. It was like her emotions had been put on hold the second she closed the door to her bed chambers behind her.
“Just cry already,” she moaned, flopping down on the bed, nearly ripping her dress. Not that it matters anymore.
She felt stupid, like a clown in a monkey suit. Why had she ever thought it would be a good idea to go as Leonen’s arm candy? Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid. All she was doing was causing more grief and angst for both her and Logan. There had to be a better way to handle this.
But what?
Anger pushed up to replace some of her sorrow. “This sucks,” she snarled at the empty air.
“I know. I’m sorry.”
Heather shrieked and flailed about i
n an attempt to sit up without ripping her dress. When she finally got to a seated position, she saw Logan standing tensely in an opening where a wall had once been.
“Do you often take the secret hallways into women’s rooms?” she asked once her heart slowed enough that she could speak.
“Not in about three years,” he replied softly, amber eyes fixated on her, unwavering and steady. He always had possessed an unnaturally powerful stare.
“That was a good line,” she admitted after a moment. “But you shouldn’t be here. You can’t be here.”
“I’m here,” he stated, not moving. “I know I shouldn’t be, but I am.”
Heather looked up at the tiled ceiling. “Why, Logan?”
“Is it not obvious?” he asked, leaning against the stone, still not having entered the room proper. He stood tucked back just into the passageway.
“No, I mean right now, Logan. Why are you here right now? This moment?” she challenged.
He thought over his words for several seconds, which surprised her. “I saw the way you were treated tonight, and I couldn’t stand it.”
“So, you came to me because of what Leonen was saying?”
“Saying, doing. His body language said as much about his respect for you as his words did.”
She stiffened, and Logan nodded. “I heard about what he said at the end, yes.”
“Why did you come to me then?”
Logan shrugged. “I wanted to haul him outside and teach him a lesson on how to be polite to a woman, but I was told it wouldn’t be appropriate as King.” He frowned. “And since Lucien won’t accept the title yet, and nobody in their right mind would hand it over to Leonen or your mother, I was forced to ensure I didn’t do anything that would see me ousted from the throne.”
Despite herself, Heather quirked a tiny smile. She could just imagine the conversation between Logan and Lucien and how it would go down.
“You showed up on his arm,” Logan said, and her smile faded as she nodded.
“I did.”
“You didn’t have to do that. You aren’t officially mated yet. You could have come alone. Why did you go with him?”
