I think back to Kane’s offer to bring me to see the place where my mother’s soul rests. Warmth blossoms in my chest and I scowl at Desona, though she can’t see it. “I call him kind.”
Desona is quiet, her smile slipping away. It’s replaced by a thoughtful, steely frown. She leans her chin on her palm. “You’re foolish to open your heart to him. He’ll only crush it.”
“I would hardly call recognizing his kindness opening my heart.” I look away, dropping my gaze.
Suddenly, Desona is on her feet. She lifts her chin towards Kane and Lilith, still locked deep in conversation. “See that woman? Her name is Lilith Lamia. The Lamia family is one of the strongest in Vampire Court. She is an appropriate match for Kane. One of the best.”
Recognition strikes me like a chill wind. “If that were the case, why did Kane choose me?”
“You insolent little,” Desona snarls, her lips twisted into an angry scowl. I flinch back as she lifts a hand—her pointed nails suddenly resemble claws. “How dare you?”
“I meant only that Kane could make his own choice,” I say quickly, raising an arm in defense.
“He can,” Desona says, lowering her hand and relaxing. She turns away, skirts fluttering. “When he grows bored of you—and he will—I will personally dispose of you.”
“Dispose?” I echo, eyes wide with questions and fear.
Desona slips away, tossing me a smirk over her shoulder. A cold wave of fear sweeps over me when she approaches Kane and Lilith. I can hardly breathe as they fall into conversation. No one wants me here. Kane certainly doesn’t appear to want me, and his mother certainly doesn’t. Desona is an expert at making me feel insignificant. I press my hands to my belly and try to catch my breath. How simple would it be to dispose of a mere mortal—as she put it? Surrounded by demons, vampires, and other unnamed beasts, it would be easy. Anyone of the creatures in the room beyond could do it.
The leaves rustle behind me and I glance over my shoulder. The lights of the city are even brighter, glowing red and yellow with colored lanterns. A shadow blocks the lights from view, and I gasp. I take a single step backwards, towards the ballroom doors, when suddenly the light fades. And I fall into darkness.
Chapter 12
Kane
I narrow my eyes at Lilith as she paws my arm. Her nails are manicured to sharp, deadly points. I know they aren’t just for looks, I’ve seen her tear the esophagus out of a man’s throat and swallow it whole. She bares her fangs in a simpering smile and I force myself to look away from her full, tempting lips. In the red glow of the ballroom, her dark skin gleams as if she’s coated in blood. Heat flits through me before I tamp it down. There’s a reason I always came back to Lilith in the past.
“I saw your new bride for the first time earlier this week,” she purrs. Lilith’s eyes glint mischievously, and she presses her breasts against my arm. “She’s quite the young creature, and she smells delectable. What I wouldn’t give for just one taste. Tell me, Kane, have you tried her yet?”
I close my eyes as Lilith’s sensual words and tone wash over me. She still knows how to play me. “That,” I say stiffly, “Is none of your business.”
“Oh?” She cocks a brow. The playful move makes me want to press her against the nearby column and free her of her skirts.
“Was there anything else?” I say, forcing boredom to my tone despite my raging desire. I glance towards briar on the balcony. Her back is to me, wild hair waving in the light breeze.
Lilith pouts. “When did you get so serious, Kane?”
“I think it was right around the time you tried to have me killed and your cousin put on the throne,” I drawl.
“I didn’t take you for the grudge-holding type.” Lilith scowls, releasing my arm.
“Then you don’t me very well, do you?” I lean over her and grin cruelly. “I remember every offence.”
“Would it help if I apologized?” She crosser her arms, drawing my eyes to her chest again.
I curl my lip, remembering the long days and night I spent with my lips pressed against her breasts. “It’s been one hundred and twenty-seven years,” I say. “So, I doubt it.”
“What a bore,” Lilith sighs. “You used to be fun. Remember when we hunted down that tribe of goblins? You ate their hearts raw. Night, what explosive sex we had after that.”
“I remember perfectly well.” I purse my lips. “I’m bored of this walk down memory lane. Enjoy the evening, Lilith.”
“Wait.” She snatches my arm again. I turn my head a fragment of an inch, eyes slipping over her. She swallows hard and releases her grip on me. “I want to make things right between us, Kane. I really do.”
Slowly, I trail my fingers along Lilith’s round jaw. She eases into my touch, a soft smile playing on her lips. I stroke her neck for an instant before wrapping my hand around it. She gasps, choking as I tighten my grip. Her hands come up to her neck, clawing at me. I smile. “Things have changed, Lilith. I don’t find you quite as captivating as I did before. I have a new toy to entertain me, and she is mouth-watering.”
I toss Lilith aside and she collapses against the column, coughing. She glowers at me through thick lashes but I merely smile. For hundreds of years I was wrapped around her finger, oblivious to her game. But over and over she hurt me when she no longer had a use for me. I smirk at her, relishing in the anger radiating from her perfect figure. Now, it’s my turn to twist the strings.
Footsteps clipping along the marble, I push through the crowds blocking the balcony.
