Lucy
The Rolls slips through the traffic in a way such a huge car should not be able to do.
“Ferenc won’t be at this reception, will he?” I ask, fiddling with the clasp on the bejeweled clutch bag which matches the dress I’m wearing.
“Werewolves do not participate in anything cultural,” Dominik says sniffily. “He and his pack will not be attending.”
There’s a sense of relief I don’t have to explain myself to Grace just yet.
“In any event, I have made a large donation to the gallery for the renovated wing which is being opened tonight, so I had the final say in the guest list,” he adds. “And I can’t stand the stench of werewolves.”
I roll my eyes at his pomposity, which potentially I thought had mellowed in the last few weeks but then I haven’t encountered him around anyone other than a few thralls and the occasional vampire he allows anywhere near me.
“And yet, it would appear Ferenc is your only friend,” I say, just to annoy him.
Dominik growls. “I have many acquaintances,” he says. “Many I do business with. Along with my progeny and thralls, it is all I need.”
“Is that true?” I look out the window as we glide onto the Chain Bridge, brightly lit to enhance the beauty of the structure.
A hand grasps my chin, and I’m turned back to Dominik. He presses a kiss to my lips which makes my toes curl.
“Not all,” he rasps. “Because I also have you.”
“Can we dial back on the threats to kill tonight?” I ask as we sweep up the hill to the castle district. “I’d prefer to spend the evening in calm and serenity.” I place my hand over my stomach.
Dominik releases a feral pant as I do.
“You look beautiful in this dress, but the fact you have to hide your pregnancy irritates me,” he growls, placing his hand over mine possessively.
“It won’t be for long, as you well know,” I remind him. “I’m going to be the size of a space hopper soon enough.”
Dominik nuzzles into my hair, his fangs grazing my skin and sending shockwaves through my system. He’s only actually fed from me the time in Pécs and when he marked me, but it still nearly gives me an orgasm when I think about it.
It would appear, once you’ve had vamp, there ain’t no going back…
Not that I’m ever going to play to Dominik’s ego and let him know it.
“I can’t wait,” he breathes into my ear.
Dear lord! I’m far too strapped into corsetry for this sort of heat to be rolling from me.
The car pulls up outside the National Gallery. The huge, imposing building is lit up to showcase its splendor.
Dominik groans, shifting his position so I can see how much I’m affecting him. “Not yet.”
“Too late!” I laugh as the door is opened for me, and I climb out.
The place is thronging with vampires exiting their vehicles in a similar manner. It would appear no one wants to arrive by bat when they can put on a show. Dominik is at my elbow as I hesitate.
“You are covered in my scent, little dove. No one is going to risk coming close enough to you to determine if you are human or not.”
“I’m glad you have such confidence,” I respond. “I feel like I’m about to walk into the lion’s den.”
“Pretend you’re doing Van Helsing work,” Dominik says. “You’re used to walking into vampire nests, after all.”
“I had a stake or two up my sleeve in those situations,” I murmur back as he guides me onto the red carpet and the vampires around us part to allow our progress. “I couldn’t fit one in this dress, and believe me, I tried.”
Is that a snort of laughter I hear from my stoic vamp?
His arm winds around my waist, and I find myself pulled against his hard, muscular body, the scent of his cologne filling my nostrils, spice and leather.
“I think everyone would know what you are if you attempted to hide a stake in this dress,” he murmurs, brushing his lips over mine, his finger and thumb holding my chin, tilting my face up to his.
“I think you like it more than you want to let on.” I press myself closer, feeling the hardness in his pants.
“You have no fucking idea, little dove. I want to do things to you, here and now. Terrible things,” he says, his voice hoarse.
“Oh dear, and we have a reception to go to as well.” I put my finger on my cheek. “What a shame.”
“You do know you’re going to pay for all your sass, Mistress Lucy,” Dominik says, his eyes sparkling like the crystals on my dress.
“I’m counting on it.” I pull away from him, keeping hold of his hand, maintaining the connection I know he craves. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be the king, and I wouldn’t be the consort.”
Despite the onlookers who are thoroughly enjoying the show, Dominik makes a deal of adjusting himself and pulls me to his side.
“Are you ready to enter the monster’s den?” he asks.
“Won’t be the first and it certainly won’t be the last,” I say as he links his arm in mine, and we make our way up the red carpet, through the impressive doorway, and into the gallery.
The beauty of the place takes away any further cheeky asides I might have made.
It is incredible inside, and the place is filled with not just vampires, but other monsters too.
I spot the gargoyle who was a part of Ferenc’s party and instantly want to hide, but he’s not looking my way, thankfully, as Dominik guides me through the crowd into another beautiful room filled with artwork.
A waiter walks past with a tray filled with golden goblets. He offers one to Dominik who shakes his head, and I follow suit, attempting to appear as haughty about it as possible.
I mean, after all, what vampire consort would drink just any blood?
And deep in my soul, I am glad Dominik refused too. As much as him feeding from me is still an interesting personal conflict, I’d hardly like him to be taking his sustenance elsewhere.
For as much as Dominik thinks I belong to him, the more time goes on, the more I’m starting to believe he belongs to me too.
Providing my uncle and Monster Force don’t find me, maybe, just maybe, this is going to work out.