Skin of a Goddess (Goddess Ascension Book 1) (18 page)

“No, I have some in my treasure collection,” Hunter says quickly.

I stop protesting. “Oh. What kind of dresses do you have there? Are they all old and bejeweled?”

Hunter sighs. “Yes, some of them have gems on. They have also been spelled to stay clean. Most of my treasure has been.”

“By yourself or by a magic user?”

“I hired a wizard to spell my treasure,” Hunter explains.

I feel a little uncomfortable, like he’s taking a big step, or that I don’t know the true significance here. I’m not naive enough to think a dragon takes everyone to see his treasure, let alone is willing to part with some of it to them. Do I feel like taking him up on this, or doing the more prudent thing?

“Lead the way! I want to see the sparklies!” I say with a grin.

Hunter gives a little grunt, and I think he may actually be nervous at showing me his pile of treasure. At least, the stash he keeps here. I know that between dragons, it’s a great show of honor and worth, so I can kind of understand that. On the other hand, I’m happy with anything sparkly.

“The room is past the water spring,” Hunter says, starting to lead in that direction.

After a few turns and passageways, we walk into a large archway and into a chamber. It’s oddly organized from what I’ve come to expect from his home. To the right is armor and weapons. The middle appears to be art and artifacts. On the left there seems to be jewelry and chests full of who knows what. There are rows of tables with the treasure carefully set upon each of them.

“Nice digs,” I compliment him when I realize he’s been silent.

“It’s not my entire collection, but it is my largest,” he says, looking around critically.

“I can’t imagine that there’s even more. Enyo would die at those daggers, and Apate would lose it at those huge gems adorning the hilts. I myself like all the crowns,” I say with a grin, looking at a table filled with crowns from the most elaborate and jewel-encrusted to more understated, elegant ones.

He smiles at me. “Yeah, I do have a lot of crowns.”

I turn back to him, pulling my eyes from the visual treats with reluctance. “As the youngest male son of the reigning royal dragons, you’ll want to look good but not too above yourself. I suggest a nice suit and fancy weapons. Don’t worry, they’ll expect you to be well armed, especially since you’re taking me with you under your protection. They respect such bonds.”

“What do you have to wear?”

“If I want them to respect my social status and acknowledge my power, I have to show that in my appearance,” I explain.

“Much more than the shifters, I’m assuming,” he says.

I nod. “They won’t mind that I have a gift that mortals or shifters seem to look down on. Since they can feed off of emotions such as lust, as well as blood, that earns me some added respect.”

“I can understand that. I don’t think it makes you any less to have control over seduction or persuasion,” Hunter protests.

“Thanks,” I say simply, appreciating the acceptance.

“You’ll also have to wear a crown,” Hunter points out.

I turn to him in surprise. “We don’t have crowns.”

“Right now, you’re my consort and I’m royal, so that makes you a princess. You have to wear a small tiara, at least.”

I feel a shiver go up my spine. “You mean, I can wear a crown and be justified in wearing it?”

“Yes, totally justified,” he agrees and grins.

Hunter shows me his treasure with obvious pride, and I couldn’t be a more admiring audience. I pick a long Grecian goddess-style dress that’s strapless and deep, royal blue. The necklace we choose is a choker with strands of diamonds and sapphires falling down in neat rows.

“It brings out the red in your hair,” Hunter comments when he sees me in the dress, eyes a bit hungry.

“Thanks.” I grin at him, but think back to earlier, when he was more concerned about me calling Dolos than me being naked. I’m not just here to let him have his wicked way whenever he wants it.

“Peitho?” he asks, watching me carefully.

I quickly paste a smile on my face. No need to confront him about things now, when we’re getting along and just about to do something that’s much more important than us and our rather pathetic excuse for a relationship.

“I’m thinking a silver-colored tiara. Nothing too big and flashy,” I say, walking away from him to look at the selection.

I pick up a white gold number that’s delicate and has diamonds to add sparkle.

Hunter nods at my choice. “I have a crown to match it, which I will wear. I also have weapons with diamond and sapphire accents. I’m thinking a gray suit?”

“Sounds good.” I move away to change back into my other clothes.

I avoid the way he’s looking at me as I change, and the sudden heat that flares in his eyes. Just because I’m staying here and willing to accept—no, borrow—his treasure doesn’t mean that I’m his to do with as he pleases any time he so wishes.

Hunter comes over to me. “Anything wrong?”

“No, just tired. I used a decent amount of power today,” I lie. It didn’t take a lot of power for me to befuddle the people earlier in order to question them. “I’m going to bed. We have a big day tomorrow.”

He looks a little puzzled. “All right, is there anything you need?”

“I’m fine. Don’t forget to set the alarm. We want to make sure we get there early.”

“How do you know so much about vampires? Dated one of them too?” he asks.

I try to ignore the dig, and the fact that it oddly hurts. People say lots of things to me. They rarely actually make me feel bad. I know that my girls are only joking, and everyone else just doesn’t matter. When did his opinion start to matter to me?

“No, I have never dated or slept with a vampire. We studied various supernaturals in school.”

“I didn’t realize you had such a well-rounded education.”

I turn to him with irritation. “Haven’t you figured it out yet? Everything about me is well-rounded.”

I’m gone before he has a chance to retort.

Chapter 14

I glare at the back of Hunter’s head when he’s turned away from me. First he was completely irritating and borderline insulting last night. Then he had to invade my dreams. I was restless with images of him, me, us—naked, and doing things that I haven’t been persuaded to do in near centuries. If I didn’t know the limitations of his mind magic, I’d think he did it purposefully. Sadly, I know such things are beyond his powers. Which means it was all me.

We’re dressed and ready to make our appearance at the vampire coven. I know I look nice in my royal blue gown, even if I do feel a little odd sashaying around in it at ten in the morning. I get some curious looks from the innocent bystanders, but the people mostly assume that I’m coming back from a walk of shame. If I concentrate, I can pick up on the lusty thoughts of others. Sometimes a good gift, sometimes a bad one.

“This is it,” Hunter says, and we stop before a large and rather foreboding home. “Somehow, I pictured it differently.”

“As in a big spooky castle in Transylvania?”

“Something like that.” He seems slightly embarrassed at the stereotype. “I thought there would at least be some gargoyles.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Welcome to the modern supernatural world.”

I step forward and knock.

“Hello, what may I do for you?” a woman rocking the flapper look with a sleek black bob says as she opens the door.

“I am Peitho, the daimon of persuasion and seduction, and consort to Prince Hunter of the Green Dragons. I would like to request a meeting with your coven leader,” I state firmly.

She looks at me with interest, only an inch or so shorter than myself, but with a thin, graceful body. “You both may enter.”

The woman moves away from the door slightly, just enough that I can get past her, but I have to brush across her body in order to do so. The lighting in the foyer is dim, and the styling is classic. There’s a staircase leading upstairs in the middle of the room and two hallways.

“Do you have an appointment with Loren, or were you sent by another?” she asks.

I shake my head. “We are both here on our own accord and don’t have an appointment. I know it is rude of us to show up unexpectedly, but this is a matter that requires our immediate attention.”

“Indeed. I’ll check the schedule.”

“I appreciate that,” I agree.

The woman pulls out a schedule book, and it makes me feel more comfortable to know that she isn’t completely electronic either. “He’s busy now, but I’ll check with him later to see if you can be squeezed in. Would you like to wait here or give me a contact number by which I can reach you?”

“We’ll wait,” I say firmly.

“You may follow me. I am Vivien, Loren’s second-in-command. I will tell him that you’re here and request some of his time. May I ask what you specifically wish to talk with him about?” she asks as she leads us down the left hall to a cozy little sitting room.

Vivien motions at a couch, and Hunter and I both sit while she takes the chair across from us. Her manner is coldly polite. I don’t get an obviously predatory gleam off of her, which is more telling about her age. The young ones cannot help but want to dominate all around them. Their auras are not nearly so well hidden.

“I would like to ask him questions about a ward of his,” I say.

“This is a pressing matter?” she asks with a raised brow, probably wondering why we didn’t go through the proper channels and contact them before showing up.

“Yes, it is rather urgent,” I say.

Hunter is silent, as we had a talk before coming here. I told him that it would be best if he let me take the lead and do most of the talking, since I’m the higher ranking of the two of us. He didn’t fight for the power at all, which tells me that he really isn’t comfortable being the diplomat. Luckily for both of us, I’m used to it.

“I may be able to help you if you tell me which ward it is and what you want to know about the individual,” Vivien suggests. “Is it one of the coven members? We haven’t heard of any concerns.”

I shake my head. “I’m unsure if the problem is with a coven member or not, at this point. It’s something that I must speak to Loren about. I’m sure you can appreciate the discretion. I’m hoping this matter will be easily cleared up after I gain some more knowledge.”

She nods slightly, obviously wondering if her leader is in trouble and what sort it could possibly be. Or which ward could be the one responsible for it. “He has a rather full day, as I’m sure you understand. I will tell him of your presence, but I’m not certain he’ll be able to meet with you right now, or anytime soon.”

“That’s fine. We’re willing to wait,” I tell her.

“I’m certain he wouldn’t normally keep one such as yourself waiting, but your visit is a surprise,” she says, a light scolding.

“I do not expect more than the consideration of his time.”

Vivien looks serious as she lightly says, “You claim to be the daimon Peitho and this is Prince Hunter of the Green Dragons. Can you confirm this or show us, in some way, your trustworthiness? Do you have any vampire contacts who could recommend you to us?”

“I do not currently have any vampire contacts, and neither does my consort,” I tell her evenly, wondering what she’s playing at.

A small smile curves around her mouth. “Human identifications do not hold much weight behind them here, you understand.”

“Yes—” I begin to say, but another vampire walks into the room.

This one is of medium size with lush dark brown hair in a side ponytail, light blue eyes, and dressed in a black dress with jewelry not as large or fine as Vivien’s. This means she’s of a lower rank. Not surprising, since Vivien is Loren’s second. To be above her would mean this woman would have to be related or married to Loren.

“Yum. I sensed you from the other room, and had to see who was giving off such a delectable scent,” she says with eyes closed and face dreamy.

“Fleur, they are not food, but guests for the coven leader,” Vivien snaps. “I’ll ask you to treat them as such.”

The woman, Fleur, gives a little pout. “Do the two have to be mutually exclusive?”

I can’t help but give a grin at that, and seeing it, Fleur smiles back. “I’m Peitho, daimon of persuasion and seduction, and consort to Prince Hunter of the Green Dragons. I’ve come here to talk to your coven leader.”

“I am Fleur, a member of the European Coven. It’s no wonder I smelled the scent of sex, if you’re the daimon of seduction. You smell simply divine, like nights full of lovemaking and all kinds of pleasures. I’m drunk off you without even taking a true taste,” Fleur tells me happily, sitting down close to me on the couch. “Would you enjoy spending a night with me?”

Vivien frowns and is about to scold, but I hold a hand up to her.

“I’m glad that my aura gives you such pleasure. It is my greatest joy to feel and give others happiness,” I tell her. “Unfortunately, I am currently in a monogamous relationship with Hunter, Prince of the Green Dragons. If not, I’d surely take you up on your most generous offer.”

Fleur pouts lightly but says, “Your aura speaks to us. I hope you look me up when you’re not otherwise engaged.”

“Is that enough proof as to who I am?” I ask Vivien.

She frowns a little. “Yes, I will consider it enough proof that you are who you say you are. That still doesn’t prove that you and your consort are trustworthy. Since we have not met you before, you must expect us to be uneasy in your presence.”

The lovely vampire paranoia.

“I can give you references,” I tell her. “Perhaps one of the gods or goddesses whom you’re familiar with? Will that be satisfactory?”

Vivien shakes her head. “No good. If they are not vampires then their word means less than nothing in this instance.”

I narrow my eyes slightly. “I am unsure how to prove this to you, then.”

“I must tell Celeste that you’re here, Peitho. She has traveled more than most of us and spent time in the Siren and Merman Kingdom. I believe she’s heard your name there, though it was many centuries ago that she last visited,” Fleur interrupts abruptly.

“I would be very pleased to meet your companion,” I tell her.

“I hope I’m not being too forward, but let me tell you that Celeste will not be disappointed at all once she meets you. I’ll go get her,” Fleur says, standing up from the couch and walking quickly from the room, stopping at the door to wink at Vivien and say, “Don’t do anything without me.”

Hunter and I turn to one another in suspicion. I’m not sure what Vivien is trying to angle for, but I’m not pleased by this turn of events at all. I know vampires are a suspicious and closely held group of individuals, but credentials like ours don’t come along every day. I guess something should be said for a species that doesn’t fall over themselves and make special allowances for royalty, but in this instance, I really wish they would.

“You’ll have to forgive Fleur, she’s young, but from one of our oldest families,” Vivien tells us.

This is a polite way for her to tell us that Fleur is a spoiled vampire heiress. I can’t say I’m overly surprised by this revelation. Even though she is wearing more understated jewelry, it is still of good quality.

I nod at her easily. “No offense was taken by her enthusiasm. After spending days at the nearby shifter convention, you can imagine it would take much to insult me at this point.”

Vivien and I share a completely superior smile, even though I’m just trying to connect with her and don’t actually believe my words. “I completely understand you, Peitho. I’ve never spent extensive time with any of the shifters, but I’ve heard enough about their savagery and lack of manners to expect someone like you can’t have enjoyed their company.”

“Indeed, I’m so happy to be around civilized individuals again.” I sniff daintily.

Hunter, next to me, stiffens slightly. When I peek at him from the corner of my eye, I see that he’s fighting a little grin. I can’t help but feel a little satisfied that he knows I’m not being truthful. Couples, even fake ones, should really show others a united front.

“How did you find the company, Dragon, since I’m sure you’re used to less sophisticated gatherings?” Vivien finally turns to Hunter, but looks at him from down her nose.

Hunter answers, “It was like being around a weaker version of dragons. They do enjoy some of the same pastimes of fighting, burping, and eating that we do, though.”

I wonder if she’ll hear the sarcasm in his voice, but when she nods disdainfully, I realize she’s taking his words truthfully. Only an idiot who hasn’t been around other supernatural species would think that he’s being serious.

“Loren has little patience for the less sophisticated supernatural species. He may request that your dragon stay outside for your meeting with him,” Vivien explains.

I frown a little. “That may not work well for us. The questions we have to ask him are from both of us. It is something that concerns my consort as well as myself.”

Vivien gives me a level stare that I’m sure she supposes I must find intimidating. It’s unfortunate for her that I’ve been given that look for all of my life. No one makes me back down. Some say it’s because I’m brave, while most believe I’m stupid. Either way, when you get the glare from Ares after sleeping with one of his soldiers and making him useless in battle, it’s much more frightening than Vivien’s rather weak copy.

“I’ll see what can be done about that. Of course, you won’t want to anger Master Loren,” Vivien says with a sniff.

“No, of course we don’t want to insult him in any way, but this is a very important matter that both of us must address. I’m sure once it’s explained to him, he’ll understand. Hunter will do his utmost to present proper manners. He is a royal dragon, and therefore better than most you’ve probably seen or heard of,” I tell her, and send a silent apology to Hunter at the condescending words.

Her eyes flick to him. “Indeed, he does appear to be well groomed and well versed in our traditions. As long as he continues to behave well, I’m sure there will be few problems. It all depends on how accommodating a mood Loren is in.”

“I completely understand; you can’t control how your coven leader is feeling at any given time.”

Vivien’s eyes narrow at me slightly. “You should also know that our master makes no allowances for outsiders and doesn’t change his behavior for them. If you show that you’re uncomfortable, it will be an insult to him.”

“I’m aware of this, but thank you for telling me. I can assure you that any way we see him will be appreciated, no matter the circumstances. We all have our particular natures, after all,” I say.

“Then you are both mostly prepared to see him.”

Before I can ask how we’re unprepared, Fleur reenters the room with two new companions. There’s one who’s obviously human, as he looks around forty, and a woman who is clearly a vampire. The woman has long, wavy blonde hair and large brown eyes. They seem to light up when she sees me. She’s dressed in a green gown that’s chic and timeless. She has an elaborate necklace of emeralds, pearls, and diamonds. There are matching earrings to go with it, as well as a ring and bracelet.

“Hello, Peitho! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m Celeste.” The woman steps forward and places her hand in mine to be kissed, which I comply with. “This is my human, Owen.”