Chapter Twenty-five
I hadn’t been too keen on Leo and Damien’s plans for my entrance, but they talked me into it by telling me it would be good to show off a bit, and hopefully make people think I was at full power. I knew that Leo just wanted to try out what he had been practicing, and Damien wanted to make an entrance that no one would ever forget, but I caved and let them have their fun.
However, when I saw the women undressing my mates’ with their eyes, and the smell of their arousal slapped me in the face, I was extremely happy I had agreed. I wanted to make it clear that these men were mine, and that you didn’t want to test me. My instincts brushed uncomfortably against my skin. I shouldn’t even be able to feel them while on Ivleek. It just needed to last a few more hours.
The next two hours were a mind-numbing blur of meaningless conversations. The women would find reasons to stand near my mates, accidently bumping into them and petting them. My teeth ached from grinding them together. I had learned enough about the supernatural world to know that this was extreme disrespect. Soulmates were considered sacred and touching another’s claimed mate in desire was unacceptable. My instincts wanted me to take my mates on the floor in front of everyone, but the logical part of my brain knew I needed to keep my cool. I wanted to be respected, not thought of as a feral animal.
I spotted a familiar face coming my way and I squealed excitedly. I threw my arms around his neck. “Ernie!”
“Well, hello to you too, precious one.” Ernie laughed into my hair and patted my back. “I’ve been seeing some interesting things in my dreams - you have certainly been busy.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” Turning, I motioned toward Leo and Ivo. “Ernie, you’ve already met my wolves and vampire; meet my dragon and warlock.”
Ernie eyed Ivo with wonder. “Is it truly you old friend?”
Ivo let out a rumbling laugh. “You were a newborn warlock when I last saw you!” he said with a smile. “I see you have grown back your hair and eyebrows.”
“Laugh it up - the hair grew back and I learned to control my magic.”
Ivo clapped him on the back. Ernie turned toward Leo, his face freezing.
“Hi, I’m Leo! I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!” Leo eagerly held out his hand.
Ernie still didn’t move. Leo glanced back at me. “Is this normal for him?”
“How should I know? I’ve only met him once!”
Ernie held out a trembling hand. Leo reached out and grasped it. His purple magic crackled and popped like electricity as it circled around their clasped hands. Ernie watched it with amazement and slowly lifted his watery eyes to Leo’s face.
“My son.”
I choked on my champagne - Luke thumped me on the back. Leo tried to pull back his hand, but Ernie hung onto him. “I thought you were dead. That I would never see you again. Yet here you are, a grown man.”
“I, uh, really don’t know what to say,” stammered Leo. Ever a sweetheart, he was trying to be polite but he was clearly uncomfortable.
“Please, can we speak privately?” Ernie asked. “I never attend these events, but my visions kept pushing me to come. I was sure I needed to be here. And now I understand! Please, let me explain things.”
Leo, darling. Ernie is eccentric, but he isn’t crazy. Maybe he can help answer some of the questions I know you’ve been obsessing over since the battle.
Leo nodded his head, and then looked around.
“Where should we go?” he asked.
“Come, the gardens are well lit, we can speak privately there,” replied Ernie. “Plus I need fresh air. Between your mate’s heat, and the disgusting lust of the female guests panting after your circle, I can barely breathe in here.”
My skin felt tight, my sluggish instincts trying to press forward at Ernie’s words. But then he fake gagged and I gave a weak laugh, some of my tension easing. I watched as he and leo walked off. Ernie had a little bounce in his step, and I hoped they could figure out this unexpected relationship. I smiled at the thought of Leo having a dad, one that had the same wacky sense of humor.
The sound of a throat clearing had me snapping my head back around. Three men stood in front of me. I took a discrete sniff. Ah, werewolves.
“Good evening, Dragoness,” said one. “It is our pleasure to meet you.” They all bowed deeply. I studied their eyes, searching for a sign of insincerity or deceit. I was still raw over the betrayal by the wizards; I couldn’t help thinking that I should have realized their intentions. The wolves straightened and smiled.
“We are beyond pleased that you have taken two wolves as your mates. It is a great honor,” continued the werewolf. They all turned toward Luke and Levi. “You two have done our species proud.”
Luke winked at me. “It was our pleasure,” said Levi.
I gave an unladylike snort, and the werewolves smiled. “We’re hoping to speak with you about the possibility of setting up an ambassador to relay messages between your mate and the werewolves. We are eager to have an alliance with the goddess.”
I couldn’t stop my grin. I didn’t enjoy the attention, but I knew that my wolves had sometimes questioned their position in our circle. Leo and Ivo were both supernaturals that were nearly extinct and ones that possessed unique powers. Mithraheal was the leader of the blood driven and had an absurd amount of wealth. My wolves gave the best cuddles, made me laugh, and had been with me from the moment I stumbled into this insane paranormal world. I loved my mates equally and wanted the twins to understand their value.
“I would be honored to have an official alliance with the packs,” I said. “I trust my mates to work out the details.” I leaned forward, catching Luke’s lips in a passionate kiss. I pulled back as I felt the heat begin to brush against my burning skin. I turned and kissed Levi as well. I wanted it to be clear to all who watched that the twins were adored by me. Mine.
“Go. I am eager to hear more about the details once you two have worked out a suitable agreement,” I said.
I saw their hesitation; they didn’t want to leave my side. “Go, so you can hurry back,” I added.
They must have recovered some of their stamina over the past few hours because their eyes glowed with lust. Nodding, they turned and motioned for the werewolves to follow them. Pride warmed my chest, and my heat warmed other parts of my anatomy.
I grabbed some snacks off a waiter’s tray; my hunger was growing. I really hoped we didn’t have to stay much longer. Another waiter walked by and this time I snatched the entire tray of tiny sandwiches. I cackled with glee and stuffed several into my mouth.
“Incoming,” said Damien with a hiss.
I looked up, my cheeks packed with food, and I looked straight into the eyes of the former reigning monarchs of the blood driven court, and the parents of my vampire mate. I swallowed as quickly as possible and stood straight to greet them. They were a handsome pair; elegant and tall, crystal blue eyes and creamy pale skin.
“Greetings, dear,” said the woman. “I am Elise, and this grumpy male is my husband.” She clasped my offered hand and then pulled me close and kissed my cheek.
“I wouldn’t be so grumpy if there was decent food around this place,” said the man. “They tease you with tiny bits of food. Look! She has the correct idea, just take the whole tray.”
I blushed and looked at Mithraheal. He was tense but seemed happy to see them.
“Father, Mother, it is wonderful to see you,” he said.
Mithraheal pulled me against him. I wanted to laugh as I realized my big scary vampire was nervous about seeing his mom and dad. I relaxed into his side, letting our bond calm him.
“Yo! Pops!” Damien tried to fist bump the former vampire king.
“Damien! Manners! You aren’t too old for me to spank you!” Elise’s tone was horrified.
Damien winked at me. The idiot was goading them for fun. His future mate was going to have her hands full.
My anxiety eased over the next half hour. I laughed at the stories Elise told about young Damien and Mithraheal. It was such a pleasure getting to know them.
“Tia, you must bring your mates and join us at our summer home in a few months!” Elise said. “It would be such fun and the scenery is beautiful!” She gushed on about their summer home, and I found myself longing to see the ocean. I was raised in the mountains; I had never dipped my toes in saltwater or listened to the thunderous waves as they crashed against the shore.
“I would love that! Mithraheal, do you think we could work it out?”I asked.
“If that would make you happy, we will certainly make time. Whatever pleases you, Dragostea mea,” he replied.
I couldn’t stop the little purr that escaped.
“Oh! She’s adorable! I am so happy for you, Myth!”Elise smiled.
“Myth?” I asked.
“Yes, Damien struggled to pronounce ‘Mithraheal’, so he called him Myth,” said Elise. “It was cute, and in our family that’s what he was called.”
“I hate to bother you, Mithraheal, but we have had a couple of the blood driven mayors come to us with issues,” Mithraheal’s father interjected. “I’ve told them that they need to speak with you, but I would like to relay the information they gave me. Do you and Damien have a moment?” The former king looked apologetic, and Elise gave an annoyed huff.
“I’m going to go visit with the other ladies, don’t keep the boys long!” She kissed his cheek, wrapped me in a tight hug, and then walked into the sea of bodies.
“Fine, but it can only be for a few minutes,” said Mithraheal. “It’s getting late, and I want to get my mate well fed and cozied up in bed.” He kissed the top of my head and led both Damien and their father toward the private blood driven chambers.
I sat down on Ivo’s lap and yawned.
“You have done so well, hang in there a bit longer, little one.”