Promise Me

by Tara Fox Hall

  “Bastard,” she hissed. “How dare you—”

  “You dared me.” I saw a flicker of red in his eyes, which let me know he was very annoyed. He leaned in close to her and said coldly, “Get your lover and leave.”

  She turned and walked to her date at the bar, and then both hustled out the nearest door. Danial turned back to me and took my hand again.

  “What was that all about?” I asked.

  “I gave her what she thought she wanted,” he said, shooting me a grin. “I was getting thirsty myself.”

  “There’s one every year,” Theo grumbled. “I’ll head on back.”

  Danial watched me carefully as Theo walked off. Maybe it happened every year, but he’d done what he had to see how I’d react. I wasn’t angry. She’d kissed him, even when he’d made it clear that he didn’t want her to. Barbie had known I was his date and hadn’t cared. I didn’t mind what he’d done under those circumstances.

  “Ready to greet more guests?”

  I vowed to myself not to kiss him until he’d brushed his teeth. “Lead on.”

  * * * *

  The night wore on. We’d greeted most of the human guests early. Then the dynamic of the crowd changed. There were people other than human among the guests. Most of those we’d talked to had left. At least half, if not most, of the remaining guests were vampires. They watched us from the sides and didn’t approach.

  They had the same luster to their skin that Danial had and a touch of the same arrogance. Some with the vampires were human, and I felt a chill that several had necklaces like mine. None of them looked unhappy or afraid, just nervous. Terian had been right. All looked to be made of silver and none had jewels. Maybe it was a mark of wealth. I would ask Danial later.

  He said goodbye to the last human guest then gave an almost imperceptible nod. The couples came forward one by one, each person bowing slightly to him. None of them spoke to us. The human wearing the choker wasn’t always a female with a male vampire. As they came forward, Danial spoke their names to me and mine to them, but I was nervous enough that I remembered only the first two couples.

  “Akira and Chi.” I wasn’t sure which name belonged to whom. They were both Asian and dressed as Samurai or Japanese royalty. I guessed Akira was the male, but they both looked like vampires to me.

  “Van and Erik.” Those were two men, but neither wore a collar. Both had lustrous skin, dark hair and dark eyes. I didn’t know if they gay or brothers. They had on camouflage and belt knives, pretending to be soldiers or hunters.

  This went on until all the couples had been introduced. Everyone was polite and respectful, nodding to me after they’d given Danial a slight bow.

  A woman hissed softly in pain. Danial and I turned to look. The other vampires turned in unison toward a couple coming through the doors.

  “Garrett and Neoline,” Danial muttered under his breath. His next words carried. “Nice of you to be on time, Garrett.”

  A vampire with blue eyes and steel gray hair came to stand before us, an insolent expression on his face. Garrett was dressed as a mountain man. With him was a young blond woman dressed in buckskins. Neoline looked like she’d been treated badly, and I hoped it was just makeup. A deerskin thong about her throat was attached to Garrett’s waist. He didn’t bow or incline his head; he just looked callously at Danial.

  Danial stared down at him, then rolled his eyes. “Do we have to do this again? Last year, you refused to show me respect—until you were on your knees with my sword in your heart. Everyone knows I’m stronger. Just bow and get out.”

  “I’ll not bow to you ever again,” Garrett said stonily. “It’s you who should bow to me. Fight me and win, but that’s the only way I’ll acknowledge you as the stronger one.”

  “I win this year, Garrett, I’ll take your life,” Danial said harshly. “I’m tired of your insolence.”

  Garrett snarled. “Let it be to the death then this time.”

  Danial turned to me and whispered, “Don’t worry; this won’t take long.” He deftly drew his sword from its sheath.

  Garrett let go of Neoline and waited with his sword drawn.

  A deadly beautiful voice like a tiger’s purr rippled across the room. “Enough of this.”

  Garrett sank to his knees, buckling. He fought all the way down, but in seconds, his forehead pressed against the floor, humbling himself before Danial. The guests watched silently, no one looking surprised. I turned to Danial, then cast my eyes to the door we’d first entered through hours ago. That door had everyone’s attention.

  A man had shoved them open, and they swung as he walked toward us. He walked like a great cat, with a swagger masking tightly coiled strength ready to unleash in an instant. We all waited, unmoving.

  There was no doubt who this was. He had to be the Ruler with a capital R, the unnamed vampire king. He radiated power and strength, and carried himself with absolute authority. But he wasn’t what I’d expected. I’d watched too many Dracula movies. I’d expected an older Christopher Lee-type, dressed all in black or a period costume with a long cape. He was nothing like that.

  He looked to be about thirty-five, though if he was king, he was likely as old in human years as Danial, if not older. His hair was gold. Not really blond, but a dark rich gold, with none of the brassy shine. It had more of a shimmer. It was shorter than I expected, the loose curls not even reaching his shoulders. He had a slight stubble of that same gold on his face, along with a rakish smile; but I noticed as he came closer that the smile didn’t reach his eyes. He wasn’t so much handsome as he was rugged, yet there was a grace and sensuality to his features. His eyebrows arched expressively, and his face, while masculine, was more heart-shaped than oval. He was dressed in jeans, a white T-shirt, and a denim jacket, with low-heeled boots.

  I did a double take when I saw his eyes. I’d never seen eyes that color before. They were gold as well, lighter than his hair, more metallic. They were so unusual, I found myself staring at him. He took no notice of me, however. He stopped before Danial.

  “My apologies, Danial, for being later than I expected.”

  “Glad you could make it, sir,” Danial replied courteously. “We just finished the niceties, so you didn’t miss much. You’re just in time for the fight.”

  “How utterly enthralling. Carry on.”

  “Let him up and I shall.”

  I couldn’t tell if this was a well-rehearsed act and they disliked each other, or if they really got along. Another thing to ask him.

  “You should just kill him while you have him at your feet,” the vampire king said casually. “Then we could get to what I really came here for—”

  “Do I have your permission for that?” Danial said frigidly.

  “No,” the vampire king said regretfully. “By law, I need to give him a fighting chance.”

  Garrett was suddenly free, and he bolted to his feet, rushing at Danial with his sword. Danial countered his thrust. Garrett quickly backed up, and the two circled, a second later, clashing again. Steel rang off steel as Danial and Garrett grunted with every powerful thrust and block. I felt a nudge and noticed Theo by my side. He looked anxious, as did the other vampires watching the fight. I snuck a glance at the vampire king. He alone enjoyed it.

  Danial was easily the better man with a sword. After a few more parries, he went on the attack. He ran his sword into Garrett’s chest with a snarl, the edge going through his back. Garrett dropped his blade, groaning. He sank to his knees as Danial lowered his sword, keeping him on the blade. When Garrett was down, Danial wrenched the blade out. Garrett convulsed, letting out a painful cry. Danial raised his sword again, and with a sweeping motion, separated Garrett’s head from his body. Both parts didn’t explode into dust or combust into flames. Instead, they lay there oozing blood. I averted my eyes, giving thanks that my dress was still clean.

  Danial wiped off his blade on a pocket-handkerchief and resheathed the sword. Tatiana directed her staff in with a cart and bag.
They took away Garrett’s remains while Tatiana guided Neoline away. The girl went willingly, her eyes unseeing. Her expression hadn’t changed since I’d first seen her. What had Garrett done to her while she’d been under his power?

  “You know, he’d coated his sword with poison,” the vampire king said with relish. “The same poison you had a taste of a few weeks ago.”

  Danial froze, then turned and faced the Ruler, looking annoyed. “Thank you for warning me.”

  “You were in no real danger.” He sounded jovial. “All your compatriots are about, aren’t they? Someone would have saved you, I’m sure—”

  “And just who are you supposed to be dressed as?” Danial said mockingly. “A chicken rancher?”

  “Hardly. I forgot you don’t watch much television. I’m the Devil from Stephen King’s The Stand.”

  I knew I’d recognized his getup. He even had a crow feather tucked behind his ear, what Danial had taken for a chicken’s feather. I’d picked up enough crow feathers to know the difference.

  Danial abruptly squeezed my hand. I looked up to see the vampire king directly in front of me, studying me.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Devlin, may I present my lover, Sarelle. Sarelle, this is Devlin Dalcon, Vampire Ruler of the United States—”

  “The States, Danial. That was all they were when I first landed on these shores. Introduce me correctly, or allow me to do it myself.”

  Danial wasn’t ruffled by Devlin’s sharp tone. “Ruler of the States.”

  “Enchante,” Devlin said and kissed my hand. “So this is the woman you have taken up with.” He walked around me, examining me like a coyote circling a rabbit. I stayed very still but kept my chin up, unwilling to look scared. “I don’t see anything that remarkable about her.” His voice was rich but cruel. “Except that she doesn’t look as I’d expected.” He stopped in front of me. “But that alone is interesting.”

  Danial didn’t reply. The tension was thick, everyone waiting for something to happen. Even the music had ceased. Minutes passed. Devlin didn’t move as he studied me with his golden eyes, his expression thoughtful. I stared right back at him, getting annoyed. Had he said I wasn’t pretty enough?

  “Has she been Oathed to you?”

  I felt the first stirrings of real danger in a chill that went down my spine. I bit on the wound in my mouth from the night before. The pain distracted me enough from my fear to keep me still.

  “No,” Danial said casually. “We met only a—”

  “May I taste her then? It’s custom.”

  I started to back away involuntarily, but Danial squeezed my hand. “I’d prefer you not. Sarelle isn’t yet used to being tasted,” he said slowly. “Though by law, it is your right.”

  “There is no time like the present for learning,” Devlin said with an eager smile. “And I would love to instruct her in this particular art.” His eyes flicked from mine to Danial. “Are you going to give me permission?” he taunted.

  “You may taste her,” Danial said dispassionately. “So long as she gives you her consent.”

  I licked my lips, the wound throbbing. Devlin took a step closer until there wasn’t an inch between us. He gazed down at me through half lidded eyes. Very slowly, the tip of his tongue ran over his upper fangs, and he gave me a rakish grin.

  “Will you consent to a little kiss?” he asked mockingly. “Or are you afraid of me?”

  I didn’t reply, furiously trying to choose what to say. Several questions went through my mind. Was this some sort of test? Would Danial lose face if I refused? Moreover, would refusing Devlin piss him off? Danial had said no one could harm me in any way when I was wearing the choker. No vampire could. What could he do other than kiss me?

  “Spineless,” Devlin said. He gave me a look of reproval, then moved back as if he might catch something from standing too close. “And a bad hostess to boot.”

  “I’m not spineless,” I grated. “You can’t hurt me.”

  “Yes, that’d be obvious to anyone with intelligence. But as you’re still grasping that concept, I’m happy to abstain. I’ve no wish to sample the flavor of cowardice.”

  Arrogant prick. “You have my permission for one kiss.”

  Devlin grinned widely, baring both his upper and lower fangs. “Lovely. Come to me, Sar.” He inclined his head. “That is what your friends call you, isn’t it?”

  Danial inhaled sharply, grasping both my hands. I squeezed his, and he squeezed back. Together, we took a step toward Devlin. He put one hand on my waist and the other on my neck. When he brought his face closer to mine, I closed my eyes as he leaned in and kissed me. He was a good kisser, and if I hadn’t been so self-conscious of Danial and everyone watching us, I might have enjoyed it. But the threat in his last words had me trembling, even as I fought to stand still.

  He deepened the kiss, opening my mouth with a caress of his tongue, and when he tasted a hint of blood from my cut, he jerked his head. It was the same move Danial had made last night, though I’d mistaken it for an accident then. Devlin put more force behind his technique, opening the wound deeper, wider. My mouth filled with the taste of blood yet there was no pain. The kiss continued, Devlin’s tongue licking my blood as he swallowed, letting out pleasure-filled sounds.

  He took his time, but my fear probably stretched thirty seconds into two minutes. Finally, I couldn’t stand it and tried to draw back. His hand on my neck tightened, keeping my head from moving. I tasted something sweet but a coppery tang told me it had to be blood. Devlin’s blood. The wound in my mouth healed almost instantly. He gave me an extra light peck and drew back. I didn’t see any of my blood on his lips, and for that, I was grateful.

  “She tastes like summer. I see now why you’re so taken with her.”

  Devlin’s eyes were hot with lust as they looked into mine. Before I could say anything, he leaned in fast, pulling me closer. I felt the press of his fangs at my throat. I went utterly still, afraid to move.

  “Take care,” Danial said evocatively. “You’ve had your taste, and one’s all you’re allowed.”

  Devlin ignored him. “Shall I kiss you again?” he whispered seductively. “I think you want me to.”

  I felt my face flush. Part of me thought that exact thing.

  Devlin sucked gently at my unbroken skin, then pricked me again. “Or do you want me to sink my fangs in instead?”

  My heart raced. I forced myself to remain calm, pushing away my desire. “No.”

  “Bullshit,” he said, drawing away so fast I staggered. “You’re awash with desire for me. All you’re thinking about is me inside you.” He raised his brows. “And I don’t mean only my fangs.”

  My mouth fell open, even as I flushed darker.

  “Back off,” Danial said harshly. “Right now. Or I’ll throw you out of this party, Ruler or not.”

  Devlin produced a card, and with a jaunty smile, slid it between my breasts. “Feel free to call me,” he purred. “But don’t bother unless you’re willing to give me everything I ask for. I’d be delighted to be the first to plunge into your virgin throat—”

  Danial stepped in front of me, blocking Devlin. “I said now, Dalcon.”

  Tatiana snatched my hand. “I’ll take her to the ladies room if you don’t mind. Sarelle seems to have a rip in her dress.”

  “Yes, take her now,” Danial grated, his eyes still on Devlin.

  She hustled me away while appearing to walk leisurely. Tears of rage and shame were in my eyes, and as casually as I could, I wiped them away. I did have a rip in my gown, a rather large one in the neckline. I was lucky the gown hadn’t fallen down and exposed my undergarments. Devlin had done it as another way to embarrass me.

  We entered the bathroom, where Tatiana locked the door. She turned to me with a sympathetic look. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

  “No.” My shock faded, fast replaced by fury. Bad enough to do that to me at all, but in front of everyone...God, what a bastard!

  S
he grabbed Devlin’s card out of my cleavage, tossed it in the nearest toilet, and flushed. “But did he drink some of your blood? He looked like he did.”

  “He opened up a cut. But he healed it, too. With his blood,” I added with mounting fury. “It tasted sweet—”

  Tatiana made a sour face. “He’s not supposed to do that, not without permission.”

  “Danial gave him permission. I heard him.” I wiped a few more tears away in frustration. “And so did I. But I didn’t think he’d—”

  “Stop crying,” Tatiana hissed. “Danial had no choice. He did everything he could to prevent this. You were the one who stupidly gave Dalcon permission. Or do you think your dress ripped on accident?”

  She whipped out a needle and thread, and began stitching the tear in clear thread. The edges of the rip were ragged, but there were the smallest remnants of tiny threads.

  “You ripped this ahead of time and basted it closed?” I asked. “In case you needed a reason to get me away?”

  “Smart girl.” She finished her work within a few minutes. “There. That should hold for the rest of the night. We can return now.” She held out her hand.

  I didn’t want to go back out there. I wanted to go home and forget how nasty Devlin had been. Screw him and this party. Everyone else could go to hell, too. Who cared if Danial had tried to protect me. He could have fucking warned me not to give permission for anything.

  “Sar, we must return. Come on.”

  “No. I’m staying in here until that prick leaves.”

  “Oh, please.” She gave me a look. “He’ll stay out there until you come out.”

  “The sun will rise and he’ll have to leave. They all will.”

  “Then he’ll come in here before he leaves. You can’t hide from him. Yes, he is a prick, but don’t think it’s personal. He’d feuding with Danial. He’s already done all that Danial will stand for tonight, though I wouldn’t advise any more discourse with him.” She fingered my choker. “You don’t have to speak to him or answer when he addresses you. And he can do nothing to you until you tell him he can. Remember that.”