The Monster Ball Year 2

by Heather Hildenbrand

  The dim lighting.

  The slow music.

  The intimacy.

  It all becomes overwhelming, and I tighten my grip on his neck, shaking off the panic.

  “I sense the blood magic in your veins, Kat,” he whispers before pushing me away from him, giving me space and a brief moment to catch my breath from the weight of his statement.

  Then, he turns me in a circle and pulls me back into his arms, not giving me a chance to escape. Because . . . he knows. The force of it causes me to almost trip, and I have to grab his neck again so I don’t stumble. I swallow as he tilts his head to the side, trying to figure me out.

  I go entirely still under his gaze, panicked. He knows. No one knows.

  One of his hands lifts to my cheek, cupping my face as if it is precious to him. “Am I right?”

  Nodding, I try not to let my emotions get the best of me. “Given you have the same magic running in your veins, I’m surprised it took you this long to sense the dark magic in me.”

  Dragneel looks down at me through thick lashes with lust-filled eyes as we move as one.

  “Why did you need saving, Katya?” he asks, leading the dance.

  “Do I look like someone who needed saving?”

  My argument is flimsy. We both know it.

  At some point, we all need saving.

  “The only way to attain blood magic is if your life is in danger of slipping away. Or you’re in jeopardy of losing your magic, which in turn could kill you,” he trails off, staring into my eyes.

  I hate that my body feels like it’s on fire when I barely know him.

  Then again, it’s a lie I keep telling myself—that I barely know him.

  He and I, we’re the same. In more ways than just shared magic.

  I shake off the memories as fast as they come. “Why do you even care?”

  His grip on me tightens. I feel each finger, each press against my body as he whispers in my ear, “Tell me. Tell me why we are the same.” His voice catches in his throat, and I tremble.

  “I was saved by a high priestess who practices dark magic. The blood spell she used was meant as a punishment. She was forced to save my life because I was foolish. And selfish.”

  The tension jumps between us. “How so?”

  “After years of reading auras and fortune-telling through my card magic, I became overcome with sadness that I couldn’t change the bad in our kind’s fates. One day, I did. And it felt incredible and good to be able to save someone who wouldn’t have been saved otherwise,” I admit quietly.

  “So you began changing fates?” he surmises.

  “Yes. It takes a lot of magic to do that. And mine depleted. When the high priestess found me, I was on the brink of death. At the magic council’s orders, she saved me, using blood magic, darkening my own magic as punishment for misuse and mistreatment of my powers,” I finish. “In exchange for her . . . kindness, I agreed to become a guardian of eternal magic.”

  “Yet you still change fates during readings?” he points out.

  “I do.”

  Dragneel licks his lips. “Listen to me very carefully. You didn’t deserve that punishment.”

  “Didn’t I? I mistreated my powers.”

  “You thought you were helping. Even now, with the darkness inside you, you help them.”

  “It doesn’t matter. The stigma that comes with carrying blood magic makes us monsters, even within our own community. Which is why I don’t tell anyone I can wield it.”

  He leans down, whispering in my ear while he moves us slowly. “That’s why the hard exterior?” he mutters, more to himself than to me. “You push people away, and you give off this bitchy attitude so they don’t get close and sense the darkness in you? Sense the dark magic?”

  “Unlike you,” I sigh. “Who embraces it and wears it proudly like a badge of honor.”

  “You alter fates using it,” he points out. “Stop being a hypocrite.”

  At his words, reality kicks back in, and I try to step away from him, but he doesn’t let me.

  What the hell am I allowing to happen? I never talk about this.

  My guard is down. And I don’t fucking like it.

  I push away a bit. “At least I use my magic for good.”

  He pulls me toward him even more. “Are you saying I don’t?”

  “You sell eternal magic on the black market for profit,” I accuse.

  His jaw tightens as he watches me. “I guess that is how you would see it.”

  “Is there another way for me to see it? If so, please, enlighten me.”

  “Yes, Kat,” he growls. “There’s another way.”

  “Which is?”

  “You can save a dying mage or wizard with eternal magic instead of blood magic.”

  “Fucking A,” I sigh.

  “It can bring the mage or wizard back to life. Without the darkness,” he snarls. “Yet, the magic council rules who is worthy, or unworthy, of receiving it versus dark magic.”

  I know this. The priestess who saved my life told me as much. The council chose not to use it on me because I was being punished for mistreating my gifts. A lesson so that I could teach others. And yet, if everyone in our community knew about eternal magic, there wouldn’t be enough to go around. There would be nothing holding them back from using up all of their power.

  “Mages and wizards already squander what little they are born with. Imagine if they knew there were unlimited supplies available to them, at their fingertips? That is why it’s protected.”

  “At their discretion,” he argues.

  The slower music transitions into something even more dark and seductive.

  “Tell me why you sell it,” I demand.

  “You.”

  “What?”

  “You’re the reason I sell it on the black market,” he says so quietly I barely hear him. “So that mages and wizards aren’t punished incorrectly. So they don’t suffer from the darkness.”

  My breath hitches.

  He’s trying to save others from our fate.

  From suffering the way we do with the darkness inside our veins.

  “And you are why we guard it,” I counter. “You don’t have the right to change fates.”

  He stops us from moving, looking into my eyes with a hard edge to his expression.

  “And you do?”

  Chapter Eight

  A Sinful Moment

  Dragneel

  Silence falls between us. Even the seductive song the band is playing has somehow managed to fade away. I stare down into Katya’s dark gaze and guide her in my arms. She gives me a look that’s half confused, half hate-filled, and I find it endearing. It makes me lose my breath for a second.

  In a different world, she and I would probably be something amazing.

  But that isn’t this world.

  And in this world, we both want to bring life back to the dead.

  Just in different ways.

  “You’re right,” she concedes.

  I hold my breath.

  “I hate that I have so much weakness and darkness in my soul, my blood,” she admits.

  “Everyone has darkness in them. Some are just better at wielding it than others.”

  “Like you?” A small smile graces her lips, and my heart stops at the sight.

  “Like me.”

  “I admire that you want to save others using eternal magic, Dragneel. I do. I wish to fuck that someone had saved me with it. But the reality is they didn’t. I owe the priestess who saved me a great deal. I gave her my word that I would protect the dagger. I can’t go back on my word.”

  I nod. I know how important it is for mages to keep their word.

  I respect it.

  That doesn’t mean I won’t get her to bend to my will.

  “Her blood stains your soul,” I whisper. “That doesn’t mean she owns it.”

  Katya’s grip on me tightens as she searches my gaze. “It’s complicated.”

  I’m used to
harsh realities.

  To darkness.

  Concepts I live with, daily.

  My hands release her waist and slide up the sides of her body to her arms. They run along each of the delicate limbs before I cling to her wrists, my thumbs caressing the soft skin beneath my fingertips. Katya relaxes under my touch, and I grip her a little tighter.

  When she closes her eyes and presses closer, I inhale.

  For the first time in years, I want to be the guy who steals the light, the good, and keeps it.

  Just for once.

  Then, maybe I’d have some peace.

  I pull her closer to my chest and inhale the air around her hair. She smells sweet like plums and wine. Releasing one of her wrists, I wrap her hair around my hand, exposing her collarbone.

  Gently, I press my lips against the warmth of her skin and over the steady beat of her pulse. The even beat makes me feel like I can breathe without the darkness. I know it will only last for so long before it creeps back in, demanding to retake control. But I like this feeling.

  Without thinking, I lift my head and slam my mouth against hers.

  Katya clings to me, her fingers pressing into the back of my neck as she slowly parts her lips. I take advantage of the opening and push my tongue into her mouth. My reaction to her kiss is violent as she kisses me with an unnerving gentleness. Her tongue is smooth against mine, subtle as she takes her time exploring my mouth. I moan when she digs her fingers into my hair and grabs ahold of it. This woman tastes like the best mistake of my fucking life.

  This kiss is endless.

  Nothing will compare.

  I ravage her like I’m trying to destroy her.

  And who knows... maybe I am.

  The taste of her fills my mouth, and I walk her backward. The moment the wall hits the back of her body, I press her into it. When our lips finally slip away from each other, both of our breathing is labored. My lungs are on fire, and I can’t seem to stay away from her. I want more.

  Every time we touch, it’s intense and blazing.

  Like someone lit a match and poured gasoline on it.

  And every time, I give in, unable to help myself.

  I look down into her smoldering eyes, which are locked onto mine. I recognize something in them, in the way she kisses me as if she’s afraid it will be the last time. At the thought, my heart flutters, so I grab her face in my hands and lay a kiss on her that steals both our breaths again.

  With a faint whimper, she wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me to her. I use my body to pin her against the wall and kiss her with deep desperation. This kiss doesn’t feel like our other kisses; this is full of want. And need. And everything in between. Whatever that is.

  Katya isn’t what I was expecting tonight, but she’s without a doubt what I want and need.

  Craving air, I slow my lips as they dance over hers and then painfully pull back.

  We stare at each other breathlessly.

  Without thinking about what I’m doing, I move my thumb across her lips.

  “Do you want me to stop?” I ask.

  For a moment, I think she’s going to say yes, which would gut me.

  Instead, she pulls my lips back to hers and plunges her tongue into my mouth, devouring me, sucking all the air from my lungs. I dig my fingertips into her waist, grinding my hips into hers, igniting the desire between us. I lift her with ease as she wraps her legs around me and rubs against me boldly. Katya’s hands fall on my shoulders, and her thighs tighten as I move my lips to her neck. My teeth nip and bite at her soft skin, my tongue following to soothe the hurt.

  I pin her securely to the wall while she unbuttons my shirt and takes me in. Rushed, she pushes the black material over my shoulders and down my arms until it falls to the floor, all but forgotten. Her eyes widen at the sight of my muscular shoulders and hard abs.

  But Katya is more fascinated with the colorful ink that is all over my chest, shoulders, stomach, back, arms, neck, and fingers. My body is a canvas of memories and meaningful creations. She trails her fingers over the tattoos. They pull her in like a moth to a flame.

  “These are . . . beautiful,” she blows out. “You’re beautiful, Dragneel.”

  Her eyes meet mine, her aura exuding strength and truth.

  I’ve always laughed when others said souls recognize each other.

  For once, I might believe it. Because mine seems to recognize hers.

  With one hand, I pull down the side of her dress that hangs off her shoulder, tug down her bra, and take her bare breast into my mouth while sliding my other hand underneath the hem, between her legs. When my fingers run over her clit and wet lips, I groan deep in my throat. She arches her back against the wall, thrusting her body into my mouth and hand, clutching my shoulders.

  Reaching between us, she undoes the belt and button on my dress pants and shoves them down, along with my boxers. I lift her dress so she’s bare to me, and with a few quiet Latin words, a condom wrapper appears in my hand—sometimes being a wizard is fucking brilliant. I rip it open and roll it on before thrusting the full length of my cock into her with an animalistic growl.

  I didn’t think it possible, but Katya becomes even wetter at my assault. She gasps and digs her nails into my shoulders as she struggles to spread herself around me. Cupping her ass in my hands, I lift her to give her a better angle and then lower her down onto my hard shaft.

  “Fuck, Dragneel,” she pants against my lips, kissing me ferociously.

  I hammer into her hard and fast as her back pushes against the cube’s wall, showing no mercy.

  “You’re right,” she groans, closing her eyes. “About eternal magic.”

  I still inside her, watching her. “What?” I pant, confused.

  When her eyelids flutter open, and her gaze meets mine, I see it.

  And I don’t fucking like it.

  I thought that I wanted this, wanted her to tell me where the card is.

  But I don’t. I just want her at this moment. Fuck everything else.

  “Don’t,” I whisper and take her lips, sliding in and out of her body at a slower, calmer pace.

  Savoring every inch, every breath.

  Because when this sinful moment dissolves, we’ll both be left with regret.

  And I still won’t have what I want.

  Or will I?

  Chapter Nine

  Back To Reality

  Katya

  My orgasm is never-ending. I feel my body let go of every ounce of darkness and anger inside of it. I let him fuck it all away. And it disappears, releasing with our own waves of pleasure. My body slides roughly against the wall as he attacks my mouth with his. I’ve never been kissed like this before. Or felt so much want and need coming off of another being who just made me see stars.

  I sigh against his mouth, ending the kiss, but he doesn’t stop.

  He kisses down my neck, alternating between biting and kissing—it’s like he can’t stop.

  “Dragneel,” I whisper, and he stills.

  Our eyes meet again.

  His chest heaves. “You okay?”

  I nod. “I just need to breathe.”

  Our foreheads touch, and with one hand, he pushes some of my hair back.

  I shiver at the intimate touch.

  If he keeps this up, I might not survive my time with him.

  He sets me on my feet and exhales. Quickly getting dressed, he says, “I’ll get us something to drink. Be back.”

  Without a backward glance, he walks out of the room.

  I slowly sink to the floor. What the fuck am I doing? I can’t tell the difference between my attraction for him and my need for someone to just accept me. I don’t know what’s real.

  Someone pokes her head in and asks if I’m still doing readings.

  Quickly, I pull myself together and nod. “Yeah, sorry. Just give me one second.”

  I grab my bag and freshen up as best I can, looking at my own reflection in the tiny pocket mirror. Three hours, and
I was already doubting myself because of a stupid kiss?

  Because of sex?

  Or is it Dragneel?

  “Ready?” the same girl asks, and I nod, motioning to the couch.

  “Let’s see what fate has in store for you, shall we?”

  A short time later, I take in the night sky from the rooftop and just breathe. I promised myself I wouldn’t get distracted tonight, and look how that worked out for me. When the high priestess saved me, I swore to help others. Even with the darkness of blood magic running through my veins. It’s why, as a card mage, I not only read but twist fates in the seeker’s favor. To help them.

  The low hum of laughter and chatter swirls around me.

  The Ball is almost over.

  Dragneel has yet to find the card on his own. The night will soon be coming to an end.

  I was prepared to tell him where it was, to end this stupid game of cat and mouse, and yet, he stopped me. Frowning, I allow my eyes to slide closed. I don’t feel like a proper eternal magic guardian at all. How long am I going to punish myself for my misguided mistake? Until my last breath?

  The cool night breeze brings a strong masculine scent with it. One that assaults my senses. It’s him. I have no idea why, but my nerves are set on fire every time he comes near me. Damn him for making me question who I am and why he has this hold on me. After our wallbang, I ended up reading more fates for the ball’s guests. Now, here we are again. Doing this awkward dance that we’ve been doing all evening—an evening that is going to be over soon.

  As will we.

  Something thick lodges in my throat.

  It’s been a long time since I have felt this way.

  I take in a ragged breath when I feel Dragneel’s fingertips brush my hair to one side. His touch fills me with desire and something else that is scary and impossible. His fingers leave my back, and I feel his warm lips press against my exposed shoulder. It’s too much. My heart feels like it’s going to burst as my pulse quickens. Turning, I face him and place a hand on his cheek. He turns his head, brushing his lips against my palm. The intimate gesture causes my expression to soften and my stomach to flutter uncontrollably. Why him? Why tonight?