A handsome man appeared out of the darkness. Barefoot and shirtless, he wore only well-fitted tuxedo pants. He nodded at Thorn and took a seat next to him. The light from above reflected off the sheen of his dark muscled chest.
“Who the hell is this, Thorn?” Viktor asked, anger washing over his expression.
“This is Winsor. Isn’t he absolutely handsome?”
Waverly watched in fascination as iridescent scales appeared on his chest and quickly disappeared.
“He’s a dragon,” Thorn continued. “Quite rare, aren’t you darling?”
“I don’t care who he is, this knowledge isn’t for his ears.” Viktor glared at Thorn, his patience worn thin.
“This conversation is over. Get the piece to Ilsbeth. I’ll do research and make myself available. It’s time for the show. Microphone please.” Thorn snapped his fingers.
The topless servant reemerged from the shadows and handed an embellished crystal mic to Thorn. “Ladies and gentlemen, all creatures of the Goddess, and those below, welcome to the playhouse. It’s been a pleasure having you all here tonight. Please stand back and enjoy the show.”
Panic spiked through Waverly as darkness fell. She couldn’t see a soul in the pitch-black room. As Viktor’s hand clasped hers, she flinched. His power flowed through her, yet her adrenaline was too far gone to remain calm.
Waverly’s attention was drawn to the floor, her pulse racing. The translucent circle below her feet retreated, leaving a clear view down to the first floor. Her stomach flipped and she wiggled back further into her seat, her feet dangling in the air.
“What the…" Her jaw dropped open as the music began to reverberate in the room.
I’m here with you. It’s okay. Waverly glanced at Viktor, his face illuminated by the black lights below.
What’s happening? Adrenaline pumped through her veins as five creatures walked into the ballroom. With human facial features and scaled bodies, they began to dance.
Hell boy shit and hot girl summer. Viktor gave a small smile.
She shot him a stern look. How can you joke at a time like this?
If I don’t attempt to see humor in this shitty situation, I’m likely to kill Thorn or Ilsbeth. Maybe both.
As the creatures danced, their bodies ignited on fire. The music slowed, and the sea of dancers fell to crumpled heaps on the floor. A kaleidoscope of colors flashed throughout the smoky arena. A scaled creature emerged, growing nearly seven feet high, baring its fangs. Flames danced over its body, and it gave a mighty roar as wings materialized from its back.
The potent scent of sulphur spilled into the air, and Waverly choked back a cough. As the wild beast took flight, she dug her fingers into Viktor’s arm. The whoosh of its billowing wings echoed in her ears. The pounding beat grew louder as the creature flew faster and faster, circling the sea of undulating bodies below. As the crescendo peaked, the dragon ascended straight through the exposed floor, blasting waves of smoke.
Waverly screamed in terror as it swiveled its head towards her and roared. Flames shot from its mouth, licking the bottom of her shoes.
“Enough!” Viktor yelled.
Before Waverly had a chance to move, he’d swept her up in his arms. Through the smoke, she caught a glimpse of Greyson who reached for Rafe and nodded. She curled her face against Viktor’s chest, coughing the burning sulfur from her lungs.
“The show is over,” she heard him say as they dematerialized from the mansion.
9
“Can you hear me?” Viktor asked, still cradling Waverly in his arms. “You’re okay. It’s safe.”
She released a deep breath, sensing the floor beneath her feet. She coughed and the smoke dissipated from her lungs. Viktor’s energy flowed through her, guiding a calming sensation through her body.
“Is it gone?” she asked in panic. Her heart pounded in her chest. She blinked her eyes, taking in the sight of the living room, the cityscape sparkling through the wall of windows.
“You’re safe now,” he repeated. “We’re at my place.”
“Where’s Greyson?” She swiveled her head around, searching for him. “Where’s Rafe? Are they okay?”
“They’ll be fine. They’ll probably go to Quintus’ blood club and blow off some steam. Greyson may be sweet on the High Priestess, but he hates demons. He only went tonight because I asked him.”
“That monster with the fire. What was that thing?”
“Seems as though Thorn has become friends with a herd of dragons.”
“His boyfriend. He was a dragon. His eyes—”
“Yeah. Dragon eyes flicker. It’s creepy. Some of them wear contact lenses to remain discreet among humans. But these guys were letting it all hang loose.”
“That dragon scared the shit out of me. I can’t believe what I saw tonight.”
“Thorn’s an asshole for allowing them to throw fire inside the house like that, but I would never have let them hurt you.” He gave a tight smile. “They’re usually only aggressive when they are protecting something. I’m sorry about tonight.”
“I’ve never been around so many paranormals. Those dragons. I mean, come on, they were flying. No one would ever believe it.” Waverly’s head spun, trying to comprehend what she’d experienced. “Do you think Thorn and Ilsbeth will really be able to tell us more about the fleam? It didn’t seem like you trusted them.”
“I don’t trust either of them. But I’m confident I can see the truth from a lie. It’s a talent of mine.” He winked at her.
“Did you sleep with her?” Waverly regretted the words as soon as they left her lips. She inwardly cringed at the seed of jealousy that had been planted.
“Ilsbeth?” he laughed.
She nodded but didn’t say a word, afraid she’d say something else stupid.
“No way. Now don’t get me wrong, she’s always been attractive, but she’s like Lily of the Valley. Beautiful. Fragrant. But deadly as fuck.”
“Greyson seems smitten,” she observed.
“He’s a fool.” Viktor shook his head. “They had a thing once. She must be good in bed, because my brother’s ancient and still pining over the witch’s kitty.”
“He loves her?” she asked.
“Aw, hell no. He doesn’t even know her anymore. But I do. I’ve seen her in Hell, and I know how she got there. Rafe is not too far off with what he says about her. She’s a piece of work. But,” he held up a finger, “she did help me out in Hell. Fed me. And she helped me with Rafe. And it’s not the first time over the years. So yeah, she’s what you’d call a paradox.”
“It’s hard to believe she’s Rafe’s mother.”
“Yeah, it is. But Rafe was too far gone. I needed help. I had to make a quick decision.”
“Why did you really do it?”
“I don’t know. I was helping a friend, and you know, I just thought I could save him right there. But I miscalculated, so I had to bounce. Try something else. I brought Ilsbeth over to my island, and she gave him her blood too. Now he’s hybrid. It’s not the best situation but it is what it is.”