by Leilani Love
Violca couldn’t help but laugh at that statement. According to them, it was their prophecy that started all this. It put her and her sisters’ lives in danger and also caused a rift between Viktor and Dmitri, ultimately divided the dragons. Thanks to the help of the hunters, it even started to divide the other supernatural communities.
It was a long drive to the location. Violca fell asleep for part of the ride. She offered to drive and wasn’t surprised when Aithne turned her down.
“Lazzaro is going to try and push your buttons when he meets you. He’s going to flirt, he will be inappropriate, but I don’t think he’ll try anything. He needs you to lift the curse. Well, or one of your sisters. He knows that in order for that to happen he will need to have you on his side.”
Aithne reminded her when they got close to the restaurant. Violca nodded. From everything she had learned about him, he liked to keep people off balance. She wondered if he was as cocky as everyone made him out to be, or if it was his way of seeing how people would react. Keeping people on their toes was a great way to get an honest answer.
When they pulled up to the restaurant, Violca got out and looked around. The area was beautiful. With the sun low in the sky, she heard Aithne walk up next to her. She had explained to Violca the advantages of the location and turning in a slow circle, she had to agree with her. They could see for miles. She knew that Viktor and Chase were parked two miles up the road.
“I arranged for us to have a private party room upstairs. The balcony will give the guys a clear view into the room.”
Nodding, Violca followed Aithne inside. The young hostess looked to be in her late teens and the look she gave the two caused Violca to chuckle. The young girl had to look up at Aithne, her brown eyes widening as she looked her over. Dressed as she was, Aithne looked like she belonged in a spy movie.
“Hello, I believe you have a reservation for me. The name is Aithne.”
The girl bobbed her head and smiled politely at her and Violca. “Yes ma’am, we do. I have a note here to verify how many there would be for the room.”
“Three.”
The girl frowned while looking around. “I already worked it out with your manager. I will be paying the fee for the room along with the additional fee for food. I want the items I ordered delivered and then I wish not to be disturbed. The owner assured me that this will not be a problem.” Violca bit her lip to keep from showing her amusement at Aithne’s annoyed tone.
Looking relieved, her shoulders sagged. “Oh, okay,” she said, still not looking sure of herself. “Please follow me.”
Violca walked with Aithne and looked around the restaurant as the hostess led them through to the back stairs. Unlike the wait staff, who were all in black and wearing slacks, the hostess was in a black skirt that went down to her mid-thigh with a white button-down shirt. They followed her up the stairs and into a room that looked to be set up for a private party.
Violca opened the glass door and stood out on the balcony. She heard Aithne giving the hostess instructions while handing her a credit card. Looking up the road, she tried to make out where Chase and Viktor were. Aithne came up behind her and pointed to a clearing. “Chase is watching from over there.”
“I’m sometimes jealous that they have all these enhanced abilities.” Violca squinted and Aithne laughed.
“From what I understand, you banished a demon that was beating Chase and Scott. You aren’t without your own set of skills.” Violca gave her friend a smile at her encouraging words.
Going back into the room, she left the blinds open so they could see inside and closed the door. Walking behind the bar, she was surprised to see that it was stocked with several brands of scotch. By the labels, she would guess they were very expensive, the youngest being twelve years old.
The light in the room changed to different shades of pink as the sun continued to set. The wait staff came in, bringing trays of food and setting them up on warmers. The soft click of the door let Violca know they had left the room. Violca turned her attention outside as she watched the vehicles pull up to the restaurant.
Chapter 10
Chase saw someone walk out onto the balcony. The long dark hair let him know it was Violca. The distance was too far to make out her features, but he knew it was her. Viktor also watched the balcony and they saw Aithne join her. When they went back inside, they left the blinds open for them.
“Aithne tells me Violca has been trying to find a way to incorporate some of the traditions of both the witches and the dragons into the wedding ceremony,” Viktor said, leaning against the SUV.
“She is. It would be almost impossible to do it all. Apparently both our ancestors loved long ceremonies.” Chase shook his head. The simplest and most binding part was already done. They exchanged blood and exchanged the vows that bound them together. This ceremony was for her sister and their friends. It was also for them alone, a ceremony to proclaim to everyone how much he loved her and that she would always be his.
“How long do you think until Lazzaro arrives?” Viktor asked as they watched an SUV drive down the main road.
“My guess, shortly after sundown,” Chase said as he picked up a pair of binoculars. Looking across the lake, he saw several guards they had posted. After checking on them, he scanned the area and noticed movement in the brush, signaling that the wolves that Lazzaro sent were starting to arrive and get into their own positions.
Lazzaro wouldn’t send his human guards here. Most likely it was the clan of werewolves that worked for him. They would keep their distance from the dragons. Werewolves were strong but one on one it would be almost impossible for a werewolf to overpower a dragon.
“I take it Lazzaro’s guards have started to show,” Viktor asked, looking down the hill.
Following his gaze, he saw two figures down below. “Yeah, so I’ve noticed.”
Lazzaro’s guards stayed close enough that they both could watch each other. Chase chose to take the fact that they didn’t engage them to be a sign that they were under strict orders from Lazzaro not to. Chase found himself wondering how the vampire king was able to come by such loyal guards.
As the last waves of the sunlight began to fade, he watched as a dark SUV with very dark tinted windows drove up to the restaurant. Chase watched the vehicle. His entire body tense as he waiting to see if he came alone. The driver’s door opened and Lazzaro slowly stepped out. His back to them, Chase knew it was him by his shoulder-length blond hair and his tall build. Lazzaro picked up his hand and waved at them as he headed into the restaurant.
Chase heard Viktor mumble, “Asshole.” Chuckling, his friend’s words mimicked his thoughts.
***
Violca heard the door open and turned to see the hostess from downstairs opening the door. She looked past the girl to the tall man coming in behind her. He was tall, bending down to get in the doorway. Violca took him all in. His suit tailored to his body, Violca had a funny feeling he was deceptively strong. His blond hair was shoulder length, his eyes a light icy blue. He gave the hostess a flirty smile that caused the young girl to blush. The hostess gave him one last look before closing the door behind her.
Turning away from the door, Lazzaro turned and the flirty smile he gave the hostess was replaced by one that can only be described as predatory. His icy eyes looked her over. “Violca, it’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear.”
With one quick step, he was in front of her. Picking up her hand, he bent and brushed his lips against the back of her hand. Violca found herself smiling at him despite herself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lazzaro. I’ve heard so many interesting things about you.”
He winked at her and looked over at Aithne. “I’m sure my feisty one had nothing but nice things to say about me.”
Aithne gave him a big, fake smile. “Oh come on, who doesn’t have nice things to say about the vampire who kidnapped her sister in order to blackmail her into kidnapping a dragon. Just because he didn’t want to do it himself.”
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br /> The smile on Lazzaro’s face told her he took no offense at her words as he walked around the room. “Awe my feisty one, look how well everything worked out for you. After all, you’re mated to the Dragon King, and are best friends with the witches who hold the fate of us all in their hands.”
Lazzaro walked behind the bar and picked out three decanters. He poured them each a drink. He handed one to Aithne before handing one to Violca. “Let us enjoy dinner as we talk. I hate talking business on an empty stomach.”
“I didn’t know vampires ate food,” Violca said curiously.
Lazzaro chuckled, his eyes going to her neck. “It’s not our first choice but I’m going to assume your mate is watching and would be very upset if I were to attempt to see if you taste as good as you smell.”
“If you don’t step back, I will slit your throat before you even get your teeth into her.” Aithne’s voice was hard and Violca saw him smirk as he picked up the lids to the food set out for them. They each made their plates and sat down at the table.
“Violca my dear, I was rather surprised when Aithne called to set up this meeting. I’m even more surprised your mate agreed to let you come without him.”
Violca saw Lazzaro glance toward the glass doors, a small smirk on his face. His eyes narrowed, and she wondered if he was able to see Chase and Viktor. “Viktor said you wanted my help to break the daylight curse that my ancestors supposedly put on your people.”
Lazzaro watched her taking a sip of his scotch and waited for her to continue as he took a bite of his food. Clearing her throat, she continued, “I can’t promise anything. But I’ve been going through my mother’s book and haven’t found anything yet that mentions anything about a daylight curse.”
Leaning back in his chair, he put his fingertips together while his cold blue eyes watched her. Violca fought the urge to keep from fidgeting under his gaze. It was Aithne, calmly sitting next to her, that helped give Violca courage she wouldn’t normally have. “So you brought me here to let me know you are considering helping me and breaking the curse. Should I ask why the beautiful Earth Witch would take the time to help me?”
Violca smiled at him. She knew he would ask her why. “Because I think a truce between our people would help us both. We both have issues with the Orion Hunters, who are becoming a bigger and bigger threat for all of our people.”
“Not to mention the wayward prince, who is trying to get close to you and your beautiful sisters.”
“True, but I also hear that there are those who wish to see you overthrown and revert back to the old ways. That your people have also been suffering and that some of your people think it’s because you are trying to mainstream them,” Violca said, watching his face to gauge his reaction.
“You’ve done your homework,” Lazzaro said with a grin, giving Aithne a glance before looking back at her. “I’m flattered, but I have my people under control.”
Letting out a snort, she rolled her eyes. “I don’t mean to imply that you didn’t. Maybe I’m just wasting your time. Maybe I never learn how to break the daylight curse of your people, but I’m willing to try.”
“So even though you might never be able to give me what I want, you want a truce and my help to keep your family safe?”
Violca knew he was trying to get a response from her. She didn’t detect any actual malice from him. In fact, she got the distinct impression he was trying to see what buttons he could push and get away with. “You’re right. I can’t guarantee you’ll get what you want. But I can guarantee if you don’t agree to the truce, you’ll never get mine or my sisters’ help.”
The sound of his laughter filled the air. Violca took a bite of her food as she watched him. For the first time since he walked into the room, he looked relaxed. Lazzaro picked up his glass and raised it to her. “To my violet-eyed witch, may this be the start of a beautiful friendship.”
Violca raised an eyebrow and raised her glass to both of them before taking a sip. “You have my word; I will fight by your side as long as I have your word that you will do everything in your power to help free my people from this curse.”
“I promise I will do anything I can to help your people.”
Lazzaro looked over at Aithne and gave her a predatory grin. “You’ve been quiet, my feisty one. Was this your idea?”
Aithne made a face at him before shaking her head. “Not at all. I told her you weren’t worth it.”
His hand went to his heart and he chuckled. “You wound me, my redheaded temptress. I kept my word and didn’t lay one hand on your dear sister.”
Violca bit her lip to keep from laughing when Aithne shrugged. “You shouldn’t have kidnapped her in the first place.”
Chuckling, he dismissed her words altogether. Getting up from the table, Lazzaro poured himself another drink before leaning against the bar. “I’m assuming both your mates are okay with this or we wouldn’t be here and they wouldn’t be watching us from that lookout point over there.”
“Okay is stretching it, but they both trust my judgment and know that I will put my family and people above everything.”
Raising his glass to her, he smiled. For the first time Violca saw his smile reflected in his eyes. “Your mate is truly lucky to be blessed with a woman who is both smart and beautiful. I’m not sure which will be more fun, spending time with you lovely ladies, or irritating Viktor and Chase.”
Rolling her eyes at him, she heard him chuckle. Lazzaro finished off his scotch before walking over toward her. Taking her hand in his, he bent from the waist and brushed his lips against hers. “I believe your mates have had enough standing outside and watching. I’ll be contacting you soon. In the meantime, feel free to contact me anytime if you need me for anything.”
Straightening up, Lazzaro shot Aithne a flirty grin. “It’s always a pleasure to see you.”
With that, he left Violca and Aithne to stare at the door. Looking at her friend, a smile on her face. Violca said, “Well, that went better than I expected.”
Aithne frowned. “Let’s just hope it stays that way.”
Chapter 11
The wedding just weeks away, Chase wasn’t surprised to find Violca down in the ballroom with the decorators that Kassandra recommended. Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, smiling when she leaned against him. “You’re very sexy when you are giving orders.”
Turning to look up at him with a smile on her lips, she said, “I will have to remember that when I have you alone tonight.”
Grinning down at her, he loved the way her violet-colored eyes darkened with desire. “Can’t wait.”
“What can I do to help?” Chase asked, keeping his arms around her, enjoying just being able to hold her in his arms.
Quietly she turned in his arms. The smile she gave him made him a little wary of what she was about to ask. “I actually only need one tiny favor.”
Narrowing his eyes at her, Chase knew he wasn’t going to like whatever favor she was about to ask of him. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”
Violca flashed him a very sweet, innocent smile. “I don’t know why you would think that, Chase. I just need you to pick up a few items I need to help me with some research.”
Frowning, he knew that there had to be a catch to her request. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. “Lazzaro has two books for me that he thinks might help me break his family curse. Journals that belonged to my ancestor and his. I was hoping you could go get them for me while dropping off an official wedding invitation.”
“I thought you already invited him and that he was going to grace us with his presence during the reception,” Chase said. He saw Violca give him a look telling him that she expected him to behave.
“I did, but he still should receive a formal invite from us. I also wanted you to pick up the books because he thinks someone is trying to sabotage his effort to break the curse in order to ruin his credibility.”
Looking into her e
yes, he smiled down at her and wondered if she knew that he would do anything she asked of him, as long as she always looked at him like that. Holding her a little more tightly, he brushed his lips against hers. “Fine, I will go to Lazzaro’s and personally give him an invitation to the wedding and pick up these books you want.”
She beamed up at him, leaning up to kiss him gently while smiling. “Apparently the vampire that had a run-in with one of my ancestors had kept a journal and had stolen one of hers. He found them both and thought maybe they could help me. He said, if anything, my ancestor’s journal has some spells that I might enjoy.”
“When I am supposed to go get them?” Chase asked, brushing her hair back.
“Would tomorrow be okay?”
He nodded, looking over her shoulder as he saw one of the decorators waiting by a table. “I think someone is patiently waiting for your attention.” Violca looked over her shoulder and sighed. “Do you need my help for any of the wedding stuff?”
She shook her head. “No, but would you mind getting Angyalka and Sari from school today so I can finish here?”
“I can definitely do that. But if you need any help let me know, okay?” She nodded, and he gave her a quick kiss before heading back up the stairs. He had an hour before he had to leave to get the girls from school and he wanted to talk to Viktor before he left.
The house got quiet, since all the girls were in class. Knocking on the office door, he waited until he heard Viktor call out to enter before opening the door, not surprised at all to see him at his desk on his computer. “Emails?”
Viktor sat back in the chair. “Lazzaro sent me an email with some information about some of the artifacts that have been stolen over the past few years. I’ve been trying to figure out if there’s a connection between them.”
“Any luck?” Chase asked, curious about why the hunters and Dmitri had both started stealing from supernaturals.
Shaking his head, Viktor let out a slow breath. “No, most of the pieces don’t seem to have a great deal of value aside from the people themselves.”
