Hell Fae Prince (Hell Fae #4)

11. Typhos

CHAPTER 11

TYPHOS

D on’t frown so much, my love. You’re going to make Queen Aflora think you don’t want to be here, Melek interjected into my mind.

I don’t want to be here, I informed him.

Really? Or are your feathers ruffled because a certain trio has not yet appeared? His multicolored eyes glittered with mischief, lifting my mood despite my irritation. It’s a party, my king. Have a little fun.

Yes, I was supposed to be having my version of fun.

I should be deep in the verbal sparring of making a deal, but that required a certain little Hellion Bride, my Warden, and my Commander to play.

Alas, they were nowhere to be seen.

Instead, I was subjected to the display of overdressed fae of all heritages dancing on a glassy floor, its otherworldly sheen surface one that reflected the moon. The succulent scents of nightshade and charred burning thwomps in the distance were distinctly different from the aroma of home, but not entirely unpleasant.

Any other night, I would have appreciated Queen Aflora’s invitation and what she had accomplished with the Elemental Fae Queen. The Interrealm Fae Ball was one of the few events I had already planned on attending, given its purpose.

To celebrate those who were otherwise suppressed and ostracized.

Abominations, as the purists among the fae called them, were frolicking about and enjoying themselves. “Abominations” were ironically closer to the original fae kind than any Elemental Fae or Midnight Fae could possibly realize. Still, to see so many out in the open was refreshing indeed.

This level of freedom and acceptance reminded me of my own realm and all that I’d worked to achieve.

This was an echo, though, a blip of peace that wouldn’t last.

Such achievements had been made before, and they always ended the same way—in failure.

Of course, there were little records or history of those uprisings because whenever fae of mixed heritages gained a foothold, some overseeing entity unraveled it and then destroyed all evidence of its existence.

I was surprised that this effort had come as far as it had.

And I feared for its inevitable collapse.

This peace, though, was nice to witness. The ambience around it was suitable as well.

Half-built walls stretched over the room in massive arches, as if the palace itself was about to cradle us all in its dark grip. The main stairway, one I kept checking while waiting for a certain female to appear, remained empty at the top of the walls, with the steps delving deep through cut stone.

Craggy spears formed of woven trees and vines—courtesy of the Midnight Fae Queen with an Earth Fae heritage—sent shadows stretching over the venue with an ominous prophecy only I seemed to be able to see. The structures created a sensation of being both trapped and freed.

Appropriate for tonight’s festivities, and its inevitable failure.

I hoped I was wrong. Only time would tell.

And if I’m right, then these very fae might require the safety of my realm.

Meaning I needed to get a handle on Camillia De la Croix and the threat she served to my Source.

My chest tightened. Camillia was the first entity in several millennia to challenge me and to make me question the future.

And now she’s making me fucking wait for my Warden, my Commander.

With the way that Melek had pined over her, I felt like I was losing him, too.

I was losing everything.

But not for long.

Tonight, the unraveling of everything I held dear ended.

I would do that by doing what I do best.

Bringing chaos under control.

They’d better not be trying to run, I growled inside Melek’s head. Because I have no qualms about leaving this soirée right now and hunting them down myself. I didn’t say the words aloud because they would likely thunder through the ballroom and cause a stir.

I was already tired of the attention. We’d been here much longer than I had intended, which had invited more than a few unwelcome greetings.

They’re not running, at least not away from you, my king, Melek assured me as he grabbed a fizzy drink from one of the wandering gargoyles. He took a delicate sip.

Ask her where they are, I demanded. I would have asked Az, but he hadn’t let me back in yet, his barrier a solid fixture in my mind that I didn’t want to touch.

I can’t, Melek muttered. Az taught her how to block me at some point over the last week, and, well, it’s impressive… and frustrating.

She blocked you? I asked, surprised that this was the first he’d mentioned it.

Melek’s expression fell just for a moment, the blink of time too quick for anyone else to notice. But I’d seen it clearly, and I’d felt how much the knowledge had pained him, too.

I frowned. You’re hurt.

She doesn’t trust me yet, he replied. I need to give her time.

I snorted. You’ve given her everything. She’s a fool if she doesn’t see how lucky she is to have earned your affections.

Melek had chosen Camillia as his mate months ago, blessed her with his gifts and his guidance, his protection , but she continued to reject him in favor of the two other fae.

And now she was putting up walls?

Melek didn’t deserve rejection, but to mend this situation required me to mate Ajax so that I could bring all of the danger that was wrapped up in a pretty little package named Camillia De la Croix under control.

This will be settled soon, I promised him.

“Hmm,” Melek replied aloud as he sipped his bubbly beverage again, now winking at a certain Selkie Shifter who was clearly checking him out.

I rolled my eyes. Norden. A fucking Winter Fae Prince, thanks to his recent mating with Lark, the Winter Fae King.

The Selkie was sinful, sensuous, and downright flirtatious.

Just like Melek.

Which made it no mystery as to why the two had crafted a friendship.

Norden plucked a blue stick of crystal-like candy from a container and gave it a generous lick, keeping eye contact with my prince the whole time.

Bristling, I clasped Melek’s nape in a clear demonstration of my claim.

Jealous, my love? Melek chimed in my head, clearly delighted to be the center of attention.

Why doesn’t he flirt with his own mate-circle? I ground out.

Because he knows I like your possessive side, Melek purred back. He’s goading you as a favor to me. And he’s taunting me with his candy. I want the recipe, yet he refuses to share it.

I didn’t ask him why he wanted the recipe because I already knew. Selkie candy caused orgasmic dreams, and I could only imagine who Melek wanted to give a piece to.

He asked me recently if I would give him a rope demonstration, Melek went on. Apparently, he wants to tie Artica up as a Christmas present for Lark and Kalt. I told him I’d do it in exchange for the recipe. He refused. He paused as Norden popped the candy into his mouth and closed his eyes. Maybe he’s reconsidering.

I was about to issue a retort—something along the lines of Maybe the Selkie has a death wish— when the hairs along the back of my neck stood on end.

My attention snapped in the direction of the electric wave, my lips parting at finding the source of static.

Camillia De la Croix.

She stood at the top of the winding staircase, her golden appearance reminiscent of an angel.

Fuck. She was absolutely stunning.

The anger that had been simmering inside my chest twisted into a sensation I dared not name. Perhaps it was the way her dirty-blonde hair curled over her pert breasts, or the way the slit in her glittering dress ran all the way up her thigh.

She was the embodiment of desire—of a queen —and her smoldering anger as she flexed her fists at her sides made my mouth water.

I had expected her fury, craved it even. Mmm, let the game begin, I thought as my Warden and my Commander stepped up behind her, their symbolism not lost on me.

A united trio.

Soon to become a circle , I mused.

The golden goddess glided down the stairs with lethal thunderstorms brewing in her gray eyes. But it wasn’t me she was glaring at.

That look was for Melek.

What did you do, little prince? I asked him, not able to hide my amusement. Because the furious female practically oozed sex appeal, her heels clicking with tumultuous resolve with each step she took.

I have no idea, Melek said, a hint of unease in his tone. Yet he appeared to be just as enamored with the sight of her. I’m not sure if I should be frightened or turned on. The latter seems to be winning.

Hmm, I hummed, forbidden images playing through my mind.

Images Melek had implanted, thanks to his sinful thoughts over the last week.

Every time we’d fucked, he’d whispered words and scenarios about Camillia.

Typically involving her being helpless and at our mercy. Begging to be fucked. Whimpering with need .

All I could see was Melek tying her wrists with matching golden ribbons that glittered over her skin, her bent over as I slid the dress aside to indulge in what waited underneath.

“ Melek ,” Camillia hissed as she approached. Fiery energy practically licked off of her skin, and I couldn’t help but entertain the fantasy of taming it.

Of taming her .

Just like Melek wanted me to do.

But that will never happen, because the last thing I need is for this vixen to unravel me like she’s unraveled the others. If I couldn’t keep a level head around this tempting female, then we were all doomed.

“Hello, little angel,” Melek murmured, ignoring the venomous way she’d uttered his name. “You are positively radiant, love.”

“Oh, you mean this?” Camillia asked as she plucked at the strap of her dress. It snapped back into place as if it had a mind of its own, causing me to raise a brow. “What did you do to it, Melek? Why can’t I take it off?” An adorable growl accompanied her questions, making me wonder what that sound would feel like against my cock.

She crossed her arms, which only pushed her cleavage upward and drew my gaze down to the glittering golden necklace hanging from her neck.

The orb at the bottom settled nicely like a puddle between her breasts, the waterfall effect rather enticing. It made me picture Melek’s cum dripping down those mounds in a similar fashion. I didn’t try to dispel the pleasant imagery. My prince would have his fun with her, when she came to her senses.

And I would watch. I would allow that small indulgence, at least.

“Let me guess,” she fumed, not giving Melek a chance to respond. “I’m going to spontaneously orgasm in the middle of the dance floor and shoot glitter jizz over everyone?”

Melek’s multicolored eyes brightened with delight. “Well, that would be a sight to behold.”

“I’m serious, Melek,” she snapped, leaning in as she practically shoved me out of the way.

Did she not notice that I was right here?

“What did you do to it?” she demanded, her cheeks turning a crimson shade that complemented her pink lips. “The last time you gave me jewelry, it earned me the wrath of the fucking Hell Fae King.”

A chuckle practically purred out of me. “ Wrath is a rather strong term, isn’t it?”

Her sea-gray eyes finally shifted to me, and she went completely rigid, her violent summer storm turning to ice in an instant.

“I-I… I didn’t see you there,” she admitted.

I had not been overlooked by anyone in, well, ever. And the sensation that gave me made my entire mood shift to something lighter, something ready to play with this enticing female who clearly didn’t fear me like she should.

Melek summoned over one of the gargoyles and took another one of the drinks, then glanced at the Selkie candy on the tray and snatched it up, too. “You’re looking parched, little angel. May I suggest a fizzy drink and a little sugar to dip in it?”

I could practically feel Norden’s approval from across the ballroom.

Camillia waved the beverage and treat away. “N-no, thank you. I just want to know what you did to this dress and why I can’t take it off.” She swallowed, her focus returning to me again. “Or is this… another punishment?”

I stared at her, a myriad of punishments spilling through my mind.

But then I caught the edge of Az’s ire, the wall between us beating with a hint of barely restrained fury.

I glanced at him. What is it? I asked him, aware that he could hear me now since I could feel him.

The chain dress. The anger underscoring his tone caught me by surprise.

What about it?

It left an impression, he told me. Look at her, Typhos. She’s angry, but she’s also terrified. You obviously traumatized her with that damn spectacle, and now she’s anticipating another one.

I frowned. “I’ve never seen this dress before in my life,” I informed him—and Cami—out loud. “Melek?”

“I selected it, but I didn’t bespell it.” His brow furrowed as he reached for the fabric, but Cami took a quick step back like she was terrified of his touch. His arm fell to his side, his hurt at her rejection whipping through my mind and heart.

I barely suppressed a growl in response.

This female was a menace.

Melek hid his pain behind an apologetic look. “I went shopping with Zakkai for your dress, but I promise, I didn’t enchant it.”

“Then who did?” Cami demanded.

Melek and I shared a look.

Is Melek telling the truth? Az asked me, his tone a little less irritated.

Yes. I didn’t elaborate because it wasn’t needed. Az knew Melek and I didn’t lie . Melek liked to play, yes, but he wouldn’t outright deny something in this manner. He would be coy and maybe counter with a Would I do that?

“Maybe the figments did?” Melek suggested. “I asked Zakkai to give you the dress, as I knew you wouldn’t wear it if it was from me. The figments heard me. Perhaps they did something to prevent you from removing it before the ball ends?”

Cami gaped at him. “That’s your story? That a figment did it?”

Melek’s lips curled downward into an uncharacteristic frown. “If I bespelled it, I would tell you.”

“As would I,” I added. “It seems plausible that the figments enchanted the dress. They’re meddling little creatures. Which explains their love for my prince.”

That comment chased away Melek’s frown, causing him to glance at me. “Thank you, my love.”

“I’m not sure that meddling is a compliment,” I replied dryly, fully aware that he could hear the teasing in my mind.

Because while Melek’s meddling created certain annoyances, his devious nature was what initially drew me to him.

Cami plucked at her dress, that hint of fear still lurking in her eyes.

Fear of what? I wondered.

Or maybe fear wasn’t the right term.

Haunted seemed more accurate, like she was reliving some memory that deeply upset her.

The chains , I thought, recalling what Az had said about me traumatizing her with that punishment. Hmm .

That knowledge twisted something in my heart, making me feel a bit ill at ease. Most of my sensual games were appreciated in the end.

But Cami’s punishment hadn’t reached that sort of climax.

Because the portal had opened in the Marsh Lands, dragging my focus away.

Then she’d come along and touched my Source.

To close the vortex-like portal , I thought, my gaze running up and down her goddess-esque form.

“I think you and I need to have a conversation, little temptress,” I informed her softly.

Her eyes widened as she looked up at me, then she quickly schooled her expression into one that reminded me of a queen. Calm, cool, collected, and confident.

Very alluring.

“Ajax has a counter?—”

I tsked and shook my head. “Not yet,” I murmured, extending my hand. “Let’s dance first.”

The deal could be discussed in a bit. First, I wanted to… talk to Camillia. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to say, but it was a need I couldn’t deny.

An invitation to dance was not what Melek’s betrothed had expected. Her gaze lingered on my hand, then slowly returned to my face.

It should have bothered me how I could see the power of my own Source burning within her, see how she had tampered with my very soul already, but there was an innocence there, one that Melek had been trying to help me to recognize.

Perhaps she didn’t mean any harm.

That still didn’t mean she wasn’t a threat, though.

“Dance?” she parroted back at me.

Melek seemed to make the decision for her as he took her hand and placed it in mine. Heat stirred in my lower belly at the simple action, one that was a precursor of all the fantasies Melek wished to make reality.

I wouldn’t give in to his desires on this one, but it would be one of my greatest challenges of control yet.

“Yes,” I told her. “A dance.”

She swallowed, and I prepared for her to reject me.

However, some part of her bowed.

Not her soul, exactly, but perhaps the female inside her.

I witnessed it in the glazing of her eyes, a subtle hint of submission. The type I would enjoy coaxing out of her in bed.

“Okay,” she agreed quietly, the single word stirring elation deep inside me.

Elation that quickly died as Az whispered, She thinks she has no choice.

She has a choice, I informed him. But I’ll make that clearer while we talk.

No deals, he told me, causing me to meet his burning gaze. She’s mine, Typhos. And my Phoenix is fucking possessive. Don’t make me choose between the two of you.

I arched a brow. I believe that choice has already been made, hasn’t it?

With that, I tugged her away from the bristling males at her back.

“Wait—”

“I won’t hurt her,” I told Ajax before he could finish his protest. “And I’ll hear your counter when I’m done speaking with Camillia.”

“Let them talk,” Az said, his hand on Ajax’s shoulder. “There’s nothing he can do here. Besides, you’re the one who said we have to let Cami do what she wants.”

Ajax shot him a look. “That was in the Marsh Lands when she was trying to fix that portal. This is different and you know it.”

“I’ll be fine,” Camillia promised him, her confidence returning. “The Hell Fae King and I are just going to talk .”

My formal title on her lips reminded me of how I’d once commented on her use of informalities with my prince.

“Lucifer,” I told her, as I pulled her away from the others and toward the dance floor.

“What?”

“Or Typhos, if you prefer,” I added.

She gaped at me. “I don’t understand.”

“I think the time for titles between us is over, Camillia.” I leaned down to press my lips to her ear. “The only situation where that may change is in the bedroom. But here, you can call me Typhos or Lucifer. Your choice.”

The word was intentional, a play on what Az had said about Camillia not having a choice but to dance with me.

Perhaps we could use it as a launching point for conversation.

Because where Camillia De la Croix was concerned, I no longer wished to remove her options.

I simply wanted to strike a deal in the end that protected us all.

And gave me back control of my Source.