Travis is holding down the fort while I’m away, with Aiden and Noel as his right-hand men.
I set off yesterday with Mason. We had been inseparable leading up to our departure, much to the chagrin of some coven and pack women. It seems Mason had caught quite a few eyes.
We were together almost every day, and he was always there to lend a hand with the coven. Aiden seemed a bit miffed about my new relationship, but Travis was thrilled to see Mason rising in the coven ranks, earning their respect.
We’ve been driving through the night, and we should arrive at Midnight Sun Coven by mid-morning.
As we pull up to the coven house, Mason is the first to jump out. He opens my door and helps me out. We quickly mask our scent, not wanting to stir up trouble since we’re both hybrids.
Mason stands protectively behind me, arms crossed, as a man approaches us.
“You must be Queen Adira. I must say, you’re even more stunning than the rumors suggest—though they all claim you’re a sight to behold,” he says, taking my hand and bowing. “Is this your second?”
“Yes, this is Mason Draco,” I reply, pulling the man back to his feet.
His gaze flickers to Mason before returning to me. He forces a smile.
“You must be Eric,” I say, giving a slight nod. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope our visit isn’t an inconvenience, considering we know so little about each other.”
“Not at all. The king will be joining us for dinner tonight, so I hope you brought formal attire. We’re hosting a small ball in honor of our guests.” His voice carries a hint of distaste.
It’s clear they know what we are and aren’t thrilled about it, but they can’t risk offending me given my standing with the other covens.
“Yes, we both brought suitable clothing.”
He gives a nervous smile. “Let me show you to your rooms. I hope you don’t mind that they’re a few rooms apart,” he says, leading us into the house.
The house is stunning. White marble floors, high ceilings, and dark red walls adorned with paintings. A small table in the back offers a view of the territory lines, and plants are tastefully placed in the corners and on the table.
He guides us up a grand staircase, two other men trailing behind with our luggage. When we reach the third floor, he shows Mason to his room, conveniently located near the stairs.
Then we continue down the hall to my room, the last one on the opposite side. He opens the door for me and directs the men to set my bags on a table by the door, then departs.
The room is enormous. White walls, black granite floors, and gold accents—with flower-filled containers hanging on the walls. All the furniture is black with gold trim, and the bed is a princess style with a mesh canopy.
A large window wall overlooks the water, with a couch positioned to take in the view.
I unzip my bags and take out my makeup and hair supplies. I hang my dress—it’s in its own bag to prevent damage—on a rack by the closet door and place my heels beneath it.
I take a deep breath. I haven’t worn formal attire since the masquerade ball where I met Leo.
I used to keep my eyes solely purple to avoid startling people, but lately, I’ve been letting them be natural, not forcing them to one color. Now they’re a blend of purple and red.
I take a shower, then sit in the vanity chair wrapped in a towel and dry my hair. I leave it down but curl it entirely, pinning two braids back and leaving two curly strands framing my face.
I apply gold shimmery eyeshadow, dramatic winged eyeliner, and mascara, accentuating my long lashes, then finish with a red matte lipstick.
I approach my dress and pull it over my head. It’s a fiery red, strapless number with intricate black lace detailing and a scalloped neckline. The dress flares out at my knees, trailing behind me in a modest train.
I step into black stilettos and pull on black gloves that reach past my elbows. I adorn myself with a snug diamond bracelet, diamond stud earrings, and a diamond-encrusted choker with additional diamonds cascading down.
The preparation took hours, but as I approach the full-length mirror, I can’t help but admire the glamorous reflection staring back at me.
A knock interrupts my admiration and I stride over to the door. Opening it, I find Mason, looking dapper in a black three-piece suit and gold cuff links, his hair neatly tied in a bun.
“You look breathtaking,” he compliments, planting a kiss on my cheek. “You’re almost unrecognizable, no offense intended.”
“You scrub up well yourself,” I retort, adjusting his red tie. Our outfits are a perfect match in both style and color. “Is it really so shocking that I can pull off elegance?” I tease, catching his admiring gaze.
“Not at all, it’s just that I’ve always seen you as this laid-back woman. You’re usually in streetwear or something tight and revealing,” he admits, rubbing his neck awkwardly.
It’s true, I don’t conform to the typical royal dress code. I prefer to be hands-on with my men and I want everyone to know I’m not one to be messed with.
“I’ve never felt the need to flaunt my wealth. I’ve always had money, but I’m a relaxed person and I prefer to dress comfortably,” I explain, chuckling.
He offers his arm and we make our way out of my room and towards the stairs. A man is waiting to escort us to the ball. As we exit the main house, the man scoops me up, ignoring my protests.
He sets me down gently as we reach a grand banquet hall. Mason takes my arm again and as the doors swing open, the sound of music and chatter fills the air.
The man leads us into the main hall and up the stairs for our introduction. A woman greets Mason with a flirtatious smile and I release his arm so he can be announced.
“Mason Draco, Second of Lunar Sun!” she proclaims to the crowd.
I feel eyes on me and scan the crowd.
Once Mason reaches the bottom of the stairs, he’s greeted by Eric and led to a group of high-ranking men. I step forward and suddenly, all eyes are on me. The crowd bows their heads in respect.
“Queen and Luna Adira Crest of Lunar Sun,” the woman announces with grace.
Before I leave her side, I lean in and whisper, “Go for it. You’re stunning, and he’d be lucky to have you.”
She blushes and nods. Mason and I aren’t exclusive, so it doesn’t bother me that other women find him attractive.
I descend the stairs and am greeted by Eric. He guides me through the crowd to a group of men who continue their conversation, seemingly oblivious to our arrival.
I recognize King Dominic among them and smile—these must be the other kings and their seconds. Eric gives me a nod and I release my scent. Almost instantly, Dominic looks up and pulls me into a warm embrace.
He plants a gentle kiss on me, causing a stir among the men and drawing attention our way.
“Hello to you too, Dominic,” I respond, laughing. After a moment, he releases me and wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. I smirk, recognizing his territorial behavior.
“I see you and Queen Adira are already familiar. How do you two know each other?” Eric asks, puzzled.
“I’ve known her since she was born. Before she was a queen, she was just an alpha wolf and the head tracker of her pack. Her mother was my mate before she ran off with my former second and gave birth to Adira.”
His tone is a mix of pride and slight annoyance.
“Her mother was your mate?” one of the men inquires.
“Yes,” I interject. “But they weren’t true mates. It was a case of a wolf’s misguided instincts forcing a mate bond.”
I love my mother, but we are different. She yearned for a mate, and her wolf forced the issue. My wolf and I, however, are one. We don’t need to communicate because we are the same.
The men look taken aback at first, but then they study me with thoughtful expressions.
“This place is a disaster,” Dominic comments, addressing one man specifically. “Queen Adira was once my nephew’s mate, the same nephew you all know was murdered.”
“You’re saying this tiny hybrid was his killer?” The man’s voice drips with anger.
I study him, my face a mask of indifference. Dominic, however, is visibly shaken.
I offer a sweet smile. “I did kill him and I’d do it again if necessary. I bow to no one and I’m too lethal to play nice when others won’t.”
Dominic tightens his grip on my hip. “Damn, you’re sexy when you put people in their place,” he communicates through our link.
“Let’s get introductions out of the way,” Eric suggests, as I feel Dominic slide behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I roll my eyes at his possessiveness.
“This is King Deryn Fay of Midnight Sun.” Eric gestures to a man as tall as Mason, clad in a white suit with red trim.
He’s pale with flowing dark green hair that cascades past his shoulders, red eyes, full blush lips, and a chiseled jawline and high cheekbones.
I extend my hand in greeting and as he takes it, I notice his fingernails are painted black. He grins and plants a light kiss on my hand.
“I can see why you’re so taken with her,” he remarks, glancing at Dominic, who pulls me back towards him.
“You’re even more breathtaking than my second described,” King Deryn flirts.
I dip my head slightly. “I’d like to think so. Although, I doubt many would agree if they saw me in my usual attire,” I retort, causing Dominic to chuckle.
“What do you mean?” Deryn inquires as the seconds engage in their own conversation.
“I’m not exactly the epitome of grace,” I admit, maintaining my manners.
“She’s saying she prefers to be ready to fight—and kill—if necessary. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how formidable she is in combat. And incredibly intelligent, too,” Dominic boasts.
“Is that so?” Deryn muses, studying me intently.
Dominic starts discussing some new vampires in the coven with the seconds, and I stand there, utterly bored. It’s all politics and which women they find most attractive.
King Deryn seems to share my sentiment. He remains silent, rolling his eyes occasionally when the conversation turns to women.
“Care to dance?” he proposes, extending his hand to me.
I place my hand in his and allow him to guide me to the dance floor. He encircles my waist with his arms and I drape mine around his neck. We sway to the slow rhythm of the music under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
“What do you think of this place?” he whispers in my ear.
“It’s stunning. But it seems most of your coven isn’t too fond of me or my second.”
He chuckles and we continue our dance. “A lot of them are stuck in their old ways. We’re a pretty ancient coven—I’ve been king for two hundred and fifty years now—and they still believe our blood should remain pure.
“But I believe it’s advantageous for two species to mate. It makes us stronger and more adaptable.” He keeps his voice low so only I can hear him.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say stronger. Just more privileged from what I’ve observed.” I glance at the vacant dance floor next to us and spot Eric and Dominic approaching us, their eyes dark.
“King, we have intruders at our border again,” Eric reports.
Deryn steps away from me, his eyes turning black, and I look over at Mason. He’s heading towards me.
“Which pack?” I inquire as the men scramble off the floor.
“Blood Moon,” Dominic reveals as they all dash out.
“Stay here,” I instruct Mason as panic ensues. “I’ll handle this. I’ll link if I need you. Enjoy your evening.”
