Page 4 of Of Flame and Fury
“I take it Aric knows?” I’m not really asking. It explains the self-inflicted target on his back.
“He does.” Gemini clears his throat, not that it erases his resonating growl. “Genevieve confirmed. She called him directly.”
“Mm,” I add. “God forbid she do the same with you.”
His gaze shifts from side to side, a warning to all those still looking at us that it’s a very unwise idea. “She didn’t know,” he rumbles.
“Donotstick up for her,” I fire back. “Not when we were doing what we were doing and how hard we were doing it.”
“And how hard were you doing it?” a vamp in a too-expensive tux asks.
“Almost as hard as your mother,” I reply merrily. He scowls. His scowl deepens when I steal his champagne out of his hand and chug it. I toss it behind me and flounce away, forcing him to dive for the crystal flute before it crashes to the floor.
As you can guess, I’m not Queen of Couth. I have my reasons. The main one is, I don’t have long to live.
I’m not being dramatic, and take a seat if you think I’m whining. Since birth, evil has stalked my family and me. The more years that pass, the harder evil fights to take us. I’ve attended too many funerals and cried thick ugly tears for those I most love. One mistake. One moment of weakness. That’s all it will take for the tears to fall for me.
I’m living on borrowed time. It’s something I know, just as I know how it’ll all go down. Either I’ll die alone, fighting whatever’s on top of me, or die protecting Celia.
The latter is most likely. There’ll be no hesitation, no regrets. I’m prepared to take that killing shot meant for her; however it comes and whoever has the balls to wield it.
I suppose it explains my anger. Every time. No, everysecondGemini and I are alone is precious. I won’t have the luxury of saying goodbye. So, to have someone interrupt those moments when I’m with him, is wrong.
My heels stomp along the gold marble ballroom where the reception is in full swing. Crystal chandeliers illuminate the levitating champagne flutes, and Lesser witches snake their way through the growing crowd hefting silver platters spilling with fancy hors d’oeuvres. I reach for another flute and take a long sip, my gaze bouncing from witch to vamp towere.
Oh, and look who’s there by the doors leading out to the garden: Genevieve.
The perpetual prom princess dazzles in a burgundy gown that brings out her sapphire eyes and flawless ivory skin. Some women suffer with decades of unrelenting acne. But no pimple ever dared flaw that perfect canvas. Heaven forbid.
Genevieve stands as regal as the queen her peers revere her as, her ebony hair swept into an updo that’s both elegant and great-sex disheveled. Vamps,weres, and witches alike swarm her like butterflies desperate for a succulent taste of her delicate nectar. I don’t envy flowers. Not ones capable of sprouting thorns and cursing your ass so it rests where your tits should be.
Vieve and I used to hate each other. Like,hate. While we’ll never be besties, we’ve earned each other’s respect and are usually quite cordial. Except every now and then, the pretty flower needs reminding that fire and lightning can fry her petals.
Vieve laughs, softly and amiably as she speaks to Uri. Uri, the master vampire of all master vampires, makes pleasant conversation while his barely dressed dates for the night flaunt their hot, almost naked bods. You can’t help but notice their packages beneath their super tight speedos, or the stupid bow ties that match Uri’s even stupider red cape.
Vieve smiles at Gemini when she sees him. Her smile dwindles when she seesme.
“Taran. She didn’t know,” Gemini reminds me with a warning growl.
Vieve offers me a stiff nod. “Sister Taran.”
“Don’t youeverwhisper in my mate’s ear while we’re fucking again.” I grin to Gemini. “There. She knows now.”
I wave to Uri as I walk away. “How’s it going, sunshine?”
Uri chuckles. The little diva has always liked drama.
Gemini cuts in front of me, blocking my path. “Was that necessary?” he demands.
I take another sip of my champagne. Hey, this is some primo stuff. “About as necessary as you knocking-out that werecheetah who winked at me.”
“That was different,” Gemini snaps. “He didn’t just wink, he invited you to his bed to show you how a real man fucks.”
I give it some thought after I polish off my drink. “He was an idiot and didn’t know we’re together.”
“I was standing just to your left,” he barks.
“Talking to Vieve if I recall,” I remind him. “Anyway, he didn’t matter, and he didn’t know.”