Page 37 of I Am the Storm

"This is the first time I've set my bed on fire," he says, holding me in his arms, my head on his chest.

"Or I set it on fire," I say.

"I have a feeling it was both of us." He kisses my forehead, sighing deeply. "I've never met anyone like you, Eve. No one has ever made me feel this way before."

"Not even Mary?" I ask. I instantly regret bringing up her name, and all the joy I felt a moment before crashes into regret as I consider the awful secret I'm keeping from him. My stomach twists as I fight with myself over what I should do about Adam and Liam.

"Not even Mary," he says. "I've had other lovers. I've lived a long life. But I've never had this." He tilts my head up so I'm looking into his eyes. "I've never had you."

The Ball

How much can come And much can go, And yet abide the world! ~Emily Dickinson

"She hasa right to make her own decisions!" Cole's voice carries through the halls and I pause outside the library door, my flash tingling through my body.

They're talking about me.

"It's not worth the risk," Liam shouts back, and I can picture the two of them—Liam and Cole—staring each other down. Liam with his fiery temper and ginger good looks, Cole with his almost eerie calmness and dark, mysterious sexiness. Cole will keep his voice level, his emotions in check, which will just further infuriate Liam.

"The egg could be there," Cole says, his voice firm but level. "And she's the only one who got an invite. Of course, she should go. If she's willing. Either way, it should be her choice, not yours."

"Liam's right," Sebastian says, undoubtedly folding his arms over his muscular chest. "She'd be surrounded by the powerful but shady elite of our society. It's dangerous."

Cole snickers. "I think she's proven she can take care of herself. You underestimate her. You all do."

I sigh and push the door open. "What's too dangerous for me?" I ask the five Night brothers, who all pause their argument to stare at me.

"Well? Anyone want to explain?"

Cole smiles, turning the full weight of his natural seductiveness towards me and causing my knees to turn to jelly. He grabs something from Liam's hand and walks over, his gaze locked on mine. "You have been invited to a ball, mon cher," he says with a flourish, holding out a golden ticket.

I take it from him and study it.

At first, the ticket is blank save for the shiny gold finish. Then words begin to appear.

Miss Eve Oliveris cordially invited to the Annual Winter Masquerade Ball hosted by Lord Nicholas Vanderbilt who looks forward to making your acquaintance.

On the backis a date and time but no location. "What's the significance of this ball?" I ask.

"Nothing," Liam says.

"Everything," Cole says at the same time. "It's the who's who of the Otherworld, and anybody who's anybody will be there. Lord Nicholas Vanderbilt is the Collector, and he will be having a secret auction that night where only a select view will be invited." Cole smiles at me. "If you attend, you could charm your way into that auction and see if he's got the egg."

"Why am I the only one who got an invitation?" I ask.

Derek shrugs. "You're a novelty, despite working for us. Meeting you is too enticing for him to pass up."

"Obviously I have to go, if there's a chance we could solve the case and save Liam," I say, glancing at the fire Druid, who doesn't make eye contact with me. Men are so mercurial, it's maddening.

"That's out of the question," Sebastian says. "We wouldn't be there to protect you, and anything could happen. The Collector is not one to mess with."

"I can escort her," Cole says. "If you're so worried about her safety."

Liam scoffs. "She's no safer with you. And besides, you didn't get a ticket."

Cole shrugs. "Very well, I'll keep my distance, but she should still go."

Before they can continue this argument, I clear my throat. "You all must be confused. I'm not asking for permission. I'm going to the ball. Alone. It's our biggest lead yet. And Cole is right. I can take care of myself."