Dark Summoner (Relic Keeper Series Book 1) (15 page)

When I stumbled a little, Dorian grabbed my arm. “Can you get up?”

“Just a little dizzy,” I said. “I just want go.”

“Of course,” Dorian said, taking me under his arm, a satisfied smirk on his face as he glanced at Kieron.

“Dorian. You know I can’t go with you. I have to go with him.” I nudged my head toward Kieron.

Anger, then hurt, crossed Dorian’s features as he took a step away from me. My eyes pleaded for him to understand. I didn’t want to alienate him.

“That’s right, Ms. Davenport, I’m the only thing standing between you and a most certain death. Believe me when I say I wouldn’t hesitate to end our arrangement. I am the monster, after all.”

His cruel and dangerous behavior revealed the darkness within him, only inches away. For the first time since I’d met him, the burn was gone and I couldn’t sense his heat or our bond. He’d pulled himself away from me.

Our drive back was filled with the heavy silence of anger and betrayal. Tonight he had been playful, almost caring, and now he was far from concerned about me. His callous attitude and tightly fisted hands on the steering wheel only hinted at his residual anger. Dorian’s words stuck in my mind. What if he was right? What if this was all a ploy until he got what he wanted? What then? And what if he was somehow manipulating my desire for him? Amplifying the magic that was
elhun
?

The longer we drove, the angrier I became. How dare he make me feel bad for making out with Dorian, just because he didn’t like him. He was probably fucking Stassi, just a few hours ago, but my behavior was made out to be an act of betrayal so bad, he almost killed Dorian and then threatened to harm me.

It made no sense. No fucking sense at all.

I needed him to ease my concerns. Demand him to justify my guilty conscience by proving he’d lied, too. Betrayed my trust.

“You lied to me.”

He didn’t take his eyes off the road. “I’ve lied about nothing.”

“What about Dorian?”

“What about him?” he said through clenched teeth.

“What about the messages he sent me? Why wasn’t I told? Why weren’t they given to me?

Silence was the only answer he offered.

“You’re not going to answer me?” I asked in disbelief. “So then it’s true. You hid them from me—and his visits, just to control me.”

When he still said nothing in his own defense, I screamed in frustration. “One way or another, why can’t you just say it? Admit what you did!”

“You seem to be so certain of my motives, there really is no need for me to respond, is there?”

“You could say I’m wrong. It would be so easy to explain it to me. Make me understand.”

His tone was flat. “You think you have all the answers, Ms. Davenport, I see no reason to try to convince you otherwise. It would be wise of you to remember that you need my help and not the other way around.”

“You know what? Just forget it, I don’t want to talk anymore.”

“You’re the one who continues on with question after question.”

I glared out the window, my anger bubbling over into rage. He hadn’t even acknowledged what he’d done to me tonight. If he was there to protect me, he had a funny way of showing it.

“You almost killed Dorian tonight.”

“Mr. Cross was never in any danger of dying,” he stated.

“Really? And what about me? Are you even going to recognize what you did?”

“I never meant for you to be harmed. It was unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate.” I sneered.

“Yes. I don’t always have control.” He leaned back against the headrest. “Not when my . . . anger takes over.”

“Well maybe you need to get control of your anger because Dorian didn’t deserve what you did to him tonight. And neither did I.”

He slammed on the brakes, pulling the car off the road and into the shadow of the giant Oak trees.

“You know nothing about me, Ms. Davenport, and you know even less about Dorian. If I were you, I’d keep my mouth shut on this issue going forward. Especially if I valued my life. I don’t need the Relic, and I definitely don’t need you. Do we understand each other?”

I nodded.

“Good.”

We sped off into the night.

“
C
ome on Abby, keep up!” Reagan yelled as she passed the rose garden for the fifteenth time.

Unlike me, her breath was steady and unaffected by our early morning run. By mile ten I was probably close to passing out, taking massive gulps of air to keep myself from collapsing where I stood. She’d convinced me this morning that I needed to push myself, harder than I ever had, in order to be able to handle whatever came my way. We’d done a ten-mile hike, boxing, sprints, and weight training. By the time we started the run, which was supposed to be our cool down, I’d hit my limit.

“You’ve got this!” She cheered ahead of me.

I think she believed she could magically increase my stamina with her never-ending encouragement.

“Rea, seriously. I need a break,” I gasped in between my words.

When she didn’t show the slightest signs of stopping, I plopped onto the ground below. The large blades of grass tickled and scratched the back of my thighs.

I regarded the estate with irritation, my mind going back to that one specific night.

It had been almost two weeks since the unveiling. Kieron and I had barely spoken a word to one another. When I’d finally gotten back to the estate, I’d leapt from the car before Kieron had even parked. I had put as much space between us as possible, both emotionally and physically.

He didn’t seem to mind, his time easily preoccupied by his overeager, special guest. Trying my best to avoid any drama, I avoided all the common spaces and stuck strictly to the gardens and my bedroom. A few times, I had been forced to acknowledge them together, making my way either in or out of the house. Each time I saw her, Stassi continued to offer me her polite form of rudeness. She and her friends remained at the estate for a few days after the unveiling, and she spent much of the time with Kieron. The girl fawned all over him like a helpless fool. I think he allowed her overly physical display of affection just to agitate me. I knew in normal circumstances, it wasn’t really his style.

Reagan squatted down beside me on the grass. “Still mad?” she asked, picking up on my train of thought.

“He lied to me, Rea, and then lost his temper and attacked Dorian and me.”

“That’s a yes,” she said, laughing.

“He still hasn’t bothered to apologize.”

“Maybe he doesn’t know how to?” She shrugged her shoulders. “And I’m telling you for the millionth time, he never meant for you to get hurt. That I’m certain of.”

“Did he tell you that himself?”

She didn’t respond.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so.”

Realizing this was a losing battle, she changed the subject. “Are you still smelling the dirty flowers?”

“Dead, not dirty, and no, not for the last two nights, thank god.”

Daegus’s revolting smell had somehow crept its way into my life almost every day since the unveiling. It was as if he’d figured out a way to keep his repulsive presence fresh in my mind. I hadn’t felt clean since that night, and I didn’t think it was a coincidence.

“I still can’t believe he propositioned you.”

“Yeah, tell me about it. He’s old enough to be my dad.”

She giggled. “Maybe he appears that way but in reality he’s probably old enough to be your great-great-great-great-grandfather’s grandfather.

“Gross.”

“Really gross,” she agreed. “By the way, there still hasn’t been any contact from Dorian. But at this point, I think it’s better this way.”

“Hey don’t go acting like the rest of them. As much as I understand how torn you are in your responsibilities to the
Triae
and your loyalty to me, I’m still pissed at you for not saying anything.”

“I told you, I only found out after the fact. Not before.”

“Never mind,” I said as I shook my head. “That whole night was a goddamn mess anyway.”

“I’m sure he’s over it by now,” she said as she nudged my shoulder.

“I hope so.”

She pulled her knees up to her chest. “About Kieron,” she started. “For all of his threats—”

“You know what? Let’s not talk about it. I’m so tired of talking about it.”

She stood and wiped her legs of the remnants of grass and dirt that clung to her pants. “Let’s head back. I’m starving and I think you’ve had enough torture for one day.”

I’d been so preoccupied, I’d didn’t notice the hectic amount of activity on the grounds. Everywhere I glanced, people moved about at a steady pace, decorating, organizing, and moving furniture. As we walked back inside, several workers stood on ladders, placing hooks and hanging lights along the entry way.

“What’s with all the decorations and people?” I asked.

“Well, since you’ve been moping around the last two weeks—”

“I have not been moping around.”

“They’re preparing for the Lumenara Masquerade. Kieron’s estate is the host this year. You would know all this if you’d been paying attention. It’s been happening in plain sight for days now.”

“What’s Lumenara?”

“It’s our celebration to mark the beginning of winter and the rise of Lumena. We basically party all night long until the early dawn. It’s pretty awesome.”

“Kieron’s hosting it?” I said in disbelief.

“Yup.”

“And when is this masquerade?”

“Saturday night. We’re supposed to be getting some gowns to choose from today.”

“That’s in two days.”

“Yes, it is.”

I spun around. “And where are they having this ball? I don’t think the rec room is large enough.”

“The ballroom, obviously.” She said it like it was common knowledge. “Follow me.”

She led me down the same path toward the lounge and farther along until we reached what was definitely the grandest room on the estate. The elegant room was colossal, at least twice the size of the garage, making it easy to fit at least two hundred guests. Staff shuffled in and out, carrying decorations, chairs, and tables as they prepared for the masquerade.

“I can’t believe you didn’t know this existed, Abby.” She did a quick twirl in the middle of the room. “I found this place the second day I moved into the
Triae
’s quarters. You’ve been here for over a month.”

The center had been cleared and a beautiful chandelier hung over a dance floor. Several dozen tables bordered the room in a circular shape.

The opulent room was like something out of a fairy tale. Long silk drapes hung in rows from the ceiling, creating a luxurious, intimate ambiance. A small part of me got excited at the prospect of a fun evening without all the incessant drama of the last several weeks. Posh cloths covered the round tables and expensive china had been polished and placed.

“Doesn’t it seem a little strange to you?” I asked Reagan.

“What do you mean?”

“There’s all this talk of war and destruction and they’re having a party right in the middle of it?”

“It happens every year. Rain or shine.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. The Mortal Realm isn’t so different. Does Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a birthday disappear when you’re facing bad odds? No. You celebrate the good that you have. That’s what Luminara is for us.”

“Why haven’t I been trained on a sword yet?”

“Whoa, where did that come from?” She laughed but I could tell she was genuinely taken aback.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. Don’t you think it’s time? It’s not like we have all the time in the world here. What’s Kieron waiting for?”

“Maybe you should just ask him. Oh wait, that’s right. You can’t because you’re too busy slapping him with silence.”

I stopped in my tracks. “We are both choosing the silence, not just me. Besides, it’s better from my perspective this way.”

“Oh, yeah? Why is that?”

I knew what she was getting at, but I chose to ignore the implication. A sexual attraction does not mean you like someone. You can certainly have desire for someone you hate.

No, this was the right plan going forward. I would go through the motions and do my best to stay out of trouble, but I was definitely going to keep my space until I figured out how to take back control of my life.

E
rotic.

The word encompassed the raw sensuality in the ballroom. I peeked out through my black lace mask. The delicate material grazed my eyelashes. Unlike the other choices we had been offered, this one was lightweight and matched the sleeveless, black lace gown I’d chosen. It wrapped tightly around the base of my neck, covering my legs and trailed the floor several inches behind me.

All colors, sizes, and shapes of masks adorned every person in the spectacular ballroom, making it easier for someone like me, an outsider, to blend in. Yesterday, this space was like the start of an elegant fairy tale, but now in the dark of night, it had been transformed into a naughty X-rated fantasy. Everything about this room was decadent, indulgent. It embodied Kieron’s essence. The room oozed everything about him, and my body burned and tingled with desire. Women and men dressed as nymphs danced on raised platforms, paint and leaves strategically placed on their bodies in an attempt to cover their most intimate parts. Daegus and the rest of the Council stood around a large table near the center of the room. For a society filled with propriety and rules, this night was the opposite. Perhaps it was the freedom of the masks, the anonymity they offered.

Aside from the eye candy, the hypnotizing music provided a unique arousal and tribal combination. Huge flame bursts popped and roared to life with the beat, elevating the heat of the entire space.

“Is that excitement or apprehension, Ms. Davenport?” Kieron asked from behind me.

“A little of both.”

He wore a black tuxedo with a blood-red bow tie. I’d never really been a fan of bow ties. I’d always found them to look silly on most men, but Kieron was about to give them a comeback in my book. His transparent mask almost had me laughing out loud.

“An obvious choice, don’t you think?” I asked him.

“What is?”

“Your mask. An iron devil? Not hiding anything tonight, are we?”

“I never hide anything, Ms. Davenport.”

“I’m sure you don’t.”

It was obvious from his tone that we were picking up right where we had left off before the unveiling. I could pretend like him.

We stood side by side, not speaking as we observed the crowd. Kieron surveyed his guests, and I got the distinct impression he searched for someone. The thought of it being Stassi irritated the hell out of me, but outwardly I remained cool and collected.

I spied Reagan across the room, her gorgeous auburn hair standing out radiantly against her sapphire blue gown. I lifted my mask to give her a wink. She smiled back and nudged her head forward to the man standing opposite her. Luca looked almost as delicious as Kieron dressed in a suit of his own with a loosened tie. I wondered if his interest grew further than it should. Were they even allowed to be together? I hadn’t asked because I didn’t want to breach the issue, but I worried that Reagan would end up getting hurt.

Stassi appeared with her gorgeous black hair contrasted in the best way against the fire-red dress she’d chosen. Seeing Kieron next to me, she immediately shifted her path and headed to us.

“Your girlfriend is on her way over to rescue you,” I said.

Kieron leaned in closer. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”

“I’m not jealous.”

He gave me a doubtful look.

“I’m not,” I repeated.

“You don’t even sound convinced of that.”

I stepped back and examined him. “What’s with you tonight? You seem different.”

“Perhaps, you’re actually seeing me as I am and not as you want me to be.”

“I think you need another drink.”

He pressed his mouth just above my ear. “I’m not thirsty, Ms. Davenport, but I am rather hungry, and you look absolutely delicious.”

The sensation of his mouth against my skin, so warm and exquisite, sent my pulse wild with nervous anticipation. I bit down on the inside of my lip as I tried to stop the flush of treacherous heat building inside of me. My body begged to be touched by him and him alone. I squeezed my thighs tight in hopes of satisfying my lust. I couldn’t believe how ready and willing I was to betray everything I’d declared only days ago and give in to him. Right here, right now.

I instantly swallowed my desire as Stassi joined us.

“
Drahá
, Jeremiah wishes for you to join him for a drink. Would you be so kind?” she asked, her lips pouty.

“Certainly.” he replied, his deep, smoky stare full of all the things he didn’t say. “Ms. Davenport,” he said, excusing himself from my side.

As they headed across the room, Stassi glanced back over her shoulder. Everything about her screamed of pure hostility. This woman despised me and every second I spent with what she assumed was her man.

Still reeling from Kieron’s words and desperate for relief, I stopped by the bar and grabbed a tall glass of champagne, gulping it down in less than ten seconds.

“I wasn’t sure I was ever going to get you alone,” Dorian said, as his hand slipped around my waist and pulled me into a hug. Being in the warmth of his arms again was both pleasant and awkward, especially after Kieron’s last reaction. I didn’t want his actions to lead down the same path as last time and end with him tortured on the floor.

When I pulled away, he held me tight. “It’s all right, Abby. Tonight, none of the rules matter. It’s free rein on Luminara. No one can stop you from doing anything you want. Including Kieron.”

He held me steady in his strong arms, his gorgeous indigo eyes a stark contrast to the masculine, black metal mask he wore. Two winged horses and a crown symbol embellished the rim.

“Dance with me,” he said, as he gently tugged my hand to the dance floor and guided me through the throngs of people rubbing and grinding to the music. When he finally stopped, he wrapped us tightly against each other. Pulling my hips against him with his firm hands around my waist, we danced and pulsed our bodies to the hypnotic beat, easily finding our way until we moved as one.

The music consumed all rational thought as we intertwined. This close up, he felt so good. If tonight nothing was off-limits, a world of possibilities was open. Perhaps this was the only chance I’d have to take advantage of the things I desired without consequence.

Dorian was an incredible dancer, and together we stayed on the center floor for two hours. For the first time in weeks, I let go and relaxed, seduced by the easy pleasure offered from the masks.

It had been several hours before I finally caught a glimpse of Kieron. He stood between several people, near some kind of elaborate drink station connected to vaporous pipes, similar to a hookah. Stassi pressed against his back and leaned her head on his shoulder as she played with the edge of his jacket.

How could he let her touch him like that? The thought flashed through my mind for a second but it unnerved me. It was like a voice within me spoke out loud for the first time. Dorian asked me a question, but I hadn’t heard him.

“What was that?” I asked, pretending like the crowd made it difficult to hear and not the irrationally jealous thoughts storming through my mind.

“I said, why don’t we take a breather and grab another drink?”

“Great idea,” I replied, still watching Kieron and Stassi every so often from the corner of my eye. I wanted—no, I needed—to go over there.

How dare he flirt with me openly and then let her fawn all over him again. Two could play that game.

I leaned in to Dorian’s ear. “What’s that stuff I’ve seen people drinking and smoking? It has some kind of vapor?”

He glanced in that direction and turned to me. “It’s an elixir of seduction for the senses. A vapor called Pèrina. It’s a popular party drink among the people of our world.”

“Like an expensive wine or something?”

“Yes, except it has a rather interesting side effect, much stronger than any alcohol in your world.”

“What’s that?” I asked, intrigued.

“It releases inhibitions, heightens your desires, and allows you the freedom to do what you want.”

“So you’re not in control, like being drunk?”

“No, you’re in control. It just doesn’t allow you to hide your emotions.” As if he was getting the gist of where I was headed, he added, “I’m fairly certain you can’t handle it.”

I gave him a wicked smile. “I’d like to try it, anyway.” I tugged on the lapels of his jacket. “Please,” I pleaded sweetly.

That was all it took before he grabbed my hand and led us to the vapor bar.

Several groups hung around as they waited for their chance at the vapors. I scanned the U-shaped bar to see Stassi and Kieron on the opposite side and in full view of Dorian and me.

Kieron spoke to Roman when he noticed me, his expression stern. I offered him a curt smile and gave him my back, placing my full attention on Dorian.

When the barkeep finally came to us, Dorian ordered us two of the P drinks with vapor. Not a minute later, two shot glasses appeared in front of us, each containing a rich pink liquid with white vapors smoking off the top.

“Is it hot?” I asked Dorian.

“No. It’s actually cool and best to down the whole thing at once.”

I nodded my head and lifted the cool glass to my lips when a scorching hand gripped my wrist.

“I would strongly suggest against you drinking that.”

Dorian stepped forward. “You know the rules, Kieron. If she wants it, she can have it.”

I got the impression he talked about more than my drink, but my jealousy had me too wound up to argue logic.

Kieron said, “Do you even know what you’re about to consume?”

“Yes, I do.” I pulled my arm out of his grip.

He turned his back on me and walked away.

When I said I knew what I was about to consume, I’d been mistaken. Every sensation, every movement had magnified ten-fold. My blood coursed through my body with vibrant energy. Each time I licked my lips or Dorian’s body brushed against mine, I burned in ecstasy. The best part was that I remained coherent.

Dorian and I danced for another hour before I asked for a refill. He complied easily this time, reveling in the effects of the vapor as well.

I danced by myself on the floor, dropping my head as I closed my eyes and let my hands rub and caress the flesh of my skin. I was deep into the music when I sensed the distinct heat of someone admiring my figure. When I raised my head, there stood Kieron, appreciating my body.

This time, when Dorian returned he brought back two shots filled with a rich red liquid and a pink vapor. I examined the glass in my hand, curious as to how many different colors it came in and if they offered anything unique based on that. I lifted the glass to my mouth and once again found my hand in Kieron’s grip.

“I allowed you the one. You’re not taking another.”

“I’m not your property or your servant. Don’t act like you can tell me what to do,” I said, trying to tug my arm free again.

“I said you’re done. Don’t make me stop you because I will.”

Dorian pushed forward. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Don’t press your luck tonight, Dorian. Stay the hell out of my way.”

A couple behind us bumped into me, and I spilled the deep red liquid onto Kieron’s crisp white shirt.

“Dammit. Now I’ll need another one.” I turned on my heel to head back to the vapor bar when Kieron’s voice roared behind me.

“That’s it,” he said and threw me over his shoulder.