Page 37 of Curse of the Midnight Dragon (The Moonlight Dragon #2)

Amaya

The ballroom outfit waiting for me in Cullen’s personal library wasn’t the elegant gown I’d expected. No, what he’d left for me was infinitely better—a silky white pantsuit. The top consisted of several strips of shimmery material that wound around my torso, covering my breasts and shoulder and not much else. The loose-fitting pants were made from the same soft material and came with pockets. For my feet, he’d given me the most delicate pair of white slippers that would surely fall apart before the end of the night.

In a small box, I found a delicate filigree necklace studded with a rainbow of gems that made my dragon heart patter. It didn’t matter if this piece of jewelry was a loan, he was not getting it back. While my hoard back at the plateau contained several large stones, nothing in it rivaled this necklace’s artistry. I couldn’t stop looking at it in the mirror as I wove my black hair into a neat topknot.

A gong that rang through the palace halls announced the start of the ball. I emerged from the library to find Cullen leaning against the hallway wall, waiting for me. He looked dashing in a dark blue suit. It was the same intricate fashion I’d seen in drawings in magazines Trace would bring to us from Earst. Cullen had tamed his dark, wavy hair and had changed out his glasses for a pair with dark blue rims that perfectly matched his suit. He was handsome in a way that made my chest ache.

I didn’t like it.

“You look ravishing, my lady Darkness,” he murmured before kissing the back of my hand.

“I know,” I wasn’t too proud to admit. “Thank you for the…pockets in the pants.” I didn’t want to give him too much credit even though I was immensely pleased with the pantsuit he’d selected.

“The pockets do look fantastic.” He held out his arm. “Shall we go and dazzle everyone?”

He led me to a set of double doors that two human men dressed in ridiculous red and white suits opened for us as we approached. “This is the royal entrance to the ballroom,” Cullen explained as he swept us through the doors. “Which means we can avoid the crush of courtiers waiting to enter on the opposite side.”

Gentle strains of music carried through the air from a small stringed quartet set up on a raised platform in the far corner of the massive room. The king and queen’s raised dais and twin brocade chairs (Celestina had destroyed their thrones) were set up near the doors we’d just passed through. The floor, made from polished black onyx, glittered in the soft lights coming from the line of chandeliers that ran down the center of the long space. One side of the room was defined by an impressive glass wall that looked out over the ocean. The glass wall arched up overhead to create a ceiling that provided a view of the night sky. The other side of the ballroom was lined with a series of archways and doorways that led to what I could only assume were secret places where vampire revelers could find a little privacy to feed on their victims.

“Only on consenting victims,” Cullen corrected.

I swatted his arm. “Stay out of my thoughts.”

“Stop projecting them into my head,” he said with a light chuckle.

A hush passed through the crowd as we walked further into the opulent room. Heads turned and murmurs rose.

“Everyone is wondering about the beautiful mystery lady on my arm,” Cullen said.

I scoffed. “They’re looking because they’re curious about having yet another dragon in their presence. We inspire awe wherever we go.”

“Ah, that may be true, but no one in this ballroom knows, save for a select few, who or what you are. Here, you are truly anonymous. Does that bother you?”

Does it? I turned my head away from him to watch a group of dancers—ladies dressed in elaborate gowns and gentlemen dressed in ridiculously elaborate suits—twirl around one of the three dance floors that had been set up in the room. A few of the dancers took notice of us and stopped to stare. “Why aren’t you dressed like those men?” I asked instead of answering his previous question.

“Because I’d rather be comfortable.”

I couldn’t argue with that. “Thank you for not bringing me a dress like one of those monstrosities. Gracious, that gown must weigh a ton.”

“You once told me you never wore dresses.”

I was surprised he’d remembered. “Do you think I’m causing a terrible scandal by showing up in pants? Is that why everyone is staring.”

“I’m sure you’re causing the worst scandal ever to rock the walls of our hallowed palace. I’ve witnessed at least four ladies swoon at the sight of you, and three of the men have collapsed as well.”

I liked his dry humor. It made me smile despite my determination to only show him my snarls.

“Truthfully, though, Lady Darkness, I’ve seen several ladies eyeing you with interest. And the gentlemen…well, I don’t wish to have to punch anyone—my mother would scold me in the worst way if I did—so I’m trying to ignore how they’re looking at you.”

“Men are looking at me?” I knew I wasn’t an ogre. Back at the clan, I had no shortage of bedmates. But to find myself an object to be watched in a sexual way by the enemy was unnerving.

Cullen tightened his grip on my arm. “There are a few of my friends over by the punchbowl. Should we go meet them?”

“You have friends?”

“I am a prince.” He said it in the most arrogant manner that I nearly hated him for it. But then he added, “My parents pay scores of gentlemen to pretend to like me. And over there are some of their highest-paid employees.”

I recognized one man from Celestina’s escape. His hair was slicked back, and he wore a black suit that was as plain as Cullen’s blue one. He raised a single eyebrow as he watched Cullen approach with dangerous-little-me on his arm.

“Crispen, Driscoll, and Bower,” Cullen said once we’d joined the small circle of men. “Let me introduce my date, Miss Amaya…” He looked at me and frowned. “You know, I have never learned your last name.”

“Nor have you ever had reason to know it.”

He continued to stare at me as if I had more to say. The moment should have turned awkward with his friends gawping at us, but I was rather enjoying myself.

Cullen ruined my fun by grinning as if he approved of my stubbornness and had even encouraged it. “Let’s call her Lady Mystery tonight.”

“I wouldn’t expect any other kind of lady to grace your arm,” Crispen said. He was a good-looking vampire with dark blond hair and sparkling blue eyes. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Amaya.”

Bower, who had close-cropped black hair, a round face, and thick neck, was quick to agree. Driscoll, however, crossed his arms and looked about as pleased as my brother would look whenever I went on a rampage, which wasn’t happy at all.

“How are matters faring tonight?” Cullen asked his friends once there was a lull in the conversation.

“Nothing new to report, Your Highness,” Crispen said. “After last night’s fireworks, this ball promises to be a damned dull evening. Well, perhaps not that dull now that Lady Mystery has joined our ranks.” He winked at me.

“Is everything well with you, Prince Cullen?” Driscoll asked as he moved closer to me.

“It’s fine.” Cullen shrugged.

“Is it?” Driscoll pressed. “Do we need to worry that Lady Mystery has the same abilities as another in her ranks?”

“Excuse me? What are you implying?” I demanded.

“There’s more like her?” Crispen cried as his gaze roved over the ballroom.

“Driscoll is worried you’ve used your beauty to ensnare me.” Cullen kissed the back of my hand. “And I don’t mind admitting that you have.”

Crispen and Bower both chuckled.

Driscoll looked like he would run me through with a sword if he could. He started to say more, but Cullen—still clasping my hand—whirled me toward the dance floor.

“This is one of my favorite songs. Do you dance?” he asked.

“Not in such a stiff manner.” The dancing that took place at Ivy and Gregory’s parties came from our emotions. The movements were fun and sometimes erotic.

“Stiff? I suppose the waltz could be described that way.” We arrived at the dance floor. He placed one hand on my lower back and held up his other hand. “Touch your palm to mine. And put your left hand on my back as I’ve done with you.”

“But I don’t know the steps.” The other dancers on the floor had already begun to rotate around us. “Are you trying to make me look like a fool?” If he was, I planned to bite his head off and feed it to the palace rats.

“You might have trouble finding enough rats to devour my head. Vampires are bad for the vermin population,” Cullen answered. “But I appreciate the thought.” He leaned in closer and whispered, “I’m not trying to embarrass you. If you trust me to take the lead, I promise you’ll enjoy dancing with me.” When I didn’t lift my hand to meet his, a thread of tension pulled through his handsome smile. “Please, Amaya. If you trip, I’ll make it look like it was my fault. And if you hate it, we can stop at any time.”

“Very well.” The longer he stood there with his hand in the air staring at me like I was the only person in the room, the more awkward I felt. I placed my hand in his. “Maybe I can find some other disgusting beast within the palace walls that will eat your severed head. Are there ants? I hear a hungry colony of ants can clean bones in a matter of hours.”

He swirled me around so swiftly, the room seemed to tilt to one side. “Careful.” He pulled me in a little closer. “Think less with your head, especially when it comes to my body parts. Instead, feel the movements of my body and try to match them.”

I moved when he did, mimicking his steps. Gradually, the dance, though regimented, started to feel indecent. He stepped toward me. I stepped toward him. Our hips would brush, and then we’d whirl around the room. The rest of the dancers seemed to fade away. My body and Cullen’s melded together as we danced as one as the rush of music grew louder and louder. His lips skated over mine several times before he twirled me to another part of the dance floor.

Suddenly, I stopped.

“I-I can’t.”

Cullen and his relentless charm were making me forget myself.

“Are you dizzy?” Cullen pulled me so my body was flush with his.

I pressed my palm against his chest. “You said we could stop if I didn’t like it.” I pressed even harder against his chest. This time he let me go.

“It seemed like you were enjoying yourself.”

“I don’t like it.” I moved away from him. “I didn’t enjoy dancing with you. Not like this. Not here.” Lies. Lies. And more lies.

Not long after, the music came crashing to a halt. Had it stopped because of me? Had I made a social blunder?

A trumpet near the royal entrance blew a sharp note and the ballroom fell silent.

“King Devon and Queen Leona,” a herald announced. As if in unison, all eyes turned to the royal entrance as the doors slowly opened. An older version of Cullen and a lovely older woman held hands as they entered the ballroom. A man dressed in a puffy purple suit shouted for the loyal subjects to make way for their king and queen.

The men bowed and the women curtsied as if part of the choreographed dance. I didn’t bow or curtsy. Those vampires weren’t my monarchs, and dragons didn’t bow to anyone.

No one seemed to notice. The king and queen, as if moving in tandem, walked gracefully to their waiting chairs and sat down. The queen’s gaze searched the ballroom. Whatever she saw made her expression turn sour.

Worry prickled the back of my neck.

“What’s wrong?” I whispered as the king’s booming voice rang out over the ballroom. “Let the festivities continue.”

The music resumed. I made a quick retreat off the dance floor. Cullen chased after me.

“Are you thirsty? Can I fetch a lemonade?” he asked. “Or something stronger?”

I ignored him. My gaze scanned the room, much like the queen’s had, as I tried to puzzle out what was bothering her. Then it hit me. “Where’s Celestina and your brother?”

Cullen rolled his eyes. “Whenever Soren gets in a room with a bed and his Celestina, it’s difficult to lure him back out again. Hell, he doesn’t even need a bed. He’s been known to disappear with her in his chambers for days at a time.”

“But this ball is for them.”

“I know.” He glanced over his shoulder toward his parents. “Look at how tightly my mother’s lips are pressed together. She’s furious.”

“I noticed. Will she take that anger out on Celestina?”

“She would if she could. But Soren would never allow it. He’s super protective. No one can speak ill of his princess without facing his wrath. Not even Mother.”

“Good. Celestina needs to be protected.”

“How about you?” Cullen dipped his head and brushed the question against my neck in a way that made my entire body tingle. “Do you need to be protected?”

I jerked away from him. “Certainly not! I’m the embodiment of destruction. Others need to be protected from me.”

“Do I need to be protected?” His voice dipped lower. And he stepped toward me in a move that resembled the dance steps that had made my heart pound and my body feel needy. “Do I need to be protected from you?”

“You already know what I want to do to you.” Another lie.

Under the sparkly lights of the chandelier, with the music playing in the background, and feeling like I looked as beautiful as the decorations in the ballroom, I wanted to lean into him and press my lips to his. I ached to discover what a vampire tasted like, to lose myself in the web of desire he was weaving all around me.

Was he doing this to me on purpose? Was this a trick? Seduce the dragon and win her favor?

“Don’t!” I snapped at him when he tried to touch my hand. Several heads turned in our direction. “You think you’re so clever.”

“I am clever, but I’m sure that’s not what you’re talking about.”

“Cullen?” The prince’s black-haired sister hurried over to us. She was dressed in an elaborate gown with a huge yellow skirt and tight golden bodice that would have looked ridiculous on me but looked elegant on her. “Crispen told me you’d brought a mystery date?”

She looked at me and smiled. It was the same dazzling smile Cullen had used.

“Now is not the best time, Pris,” Cullen warned.

“Nonsense.” She hugged my arm to her side to avoid the wave of vampires (and a few humans) suddenly crowding all around the refreshments table after the music ended. “I’m Princess Priscilla, Cull’s older sister. And you are?”

I twisted free from her grasp and stepped further away from the refreshments and the crowd. “I’m the shadow in the night that is about to murder your brother.”

Princess Priscilla’s smile gentled. She turned to Cullen. “What have you done this time?” she asked, but before he could answer, his overly friendly sister slipped her arm through mine again and went with me a few more steps away from the crowd. “You’ll have to forgive my younger brother. He’s hopeless when it comes to courting eligible ladies. He keeps telling them that he has no desire to take a partner. That’s why it’s so surprising to find him here with you. I haven’t seen you around the palace before. Are you from the city? Or is your family part of the visiting gentry hailing from the Southern Hibrides?” She patted my arm. “You’ll have to forgive my brother for not introducing you. He can forget his manners sometimes. Not that manners weren’t drilled into that thick head of his from the moment he was born. But his research and dusty books can make him forget himself. I hope you’re from the city. I would love to find out who made your ballroom suit, is that what it’s called? A suit? It looks amazing on you. I bet my brother didn’t even tell you that you look amazing, did he?”

“He did,” I admitted. These vampires were good. I bet he’d telepathically sent for his sister to come over and told her to be nice to me. Compulsion didn’t work on me. But their niceness was chipping away at my defenses. “You’re charming and beautiful, I’ll give you that,” I told his sister. “But it’s not going to work.”

The princess’ smile faltered. “What’s not going to work?”

“Your brother has been trying to seduce me so I’ll turn against my own. Chains didn’t work. Compulsion doesn’t work on me. So, he clearly decided to try flirting. Like I’d believe someone like him would fall hard for me.” I snorted.

“Cull, no.” Her pretty brown eyes widened. She grabbed her throat. “Chains? You put this delicate creature in chains?”

“I’m not delicate,” I said at the same time Princess Priscilla said, “Is that what you do when you go away on your missions? You torture women? ”

“What? No! I would nev—” Cullen, who’d followed behind us, protested.

“And now you’re practicing your spy craft in the palace? During Princess Celestina’s ball? Does Dad know about this?”

“No! No. I’m not…” He turned to me. His voice softened. “Amaya, I’m not attempting to do anything other than hope you enjoy this evening.”

“Don’t lie to me,” I growled while keeping my attention on his sister. “Your brother is a monster!” I shouted that last bit. Even though we’d walked away from the crowded refreshments table, we hadn’t gone far enough. At least two dozen fussily dressed vampires (and humans) turned to watch the unfolding drama.

Cullen grabbed my arm. “Excuse us,” he said tightly as he marched me away from his sister. He headed directly toward one of the many shadowy archways.

“What are you doing?” I had to run in the thin-soled slippers to keep up with him.

“I’m taking you somewhere private so we can shout at each other without causing a scandal.” He slowed down when we entered a darkened corridor that appeared empty. He opened a door and peeked inside before deciding to go somewhere else. We walked in silence and passed several closed doors until he stopped in front of a door left partially ajar. He pushed it open and ushered me inside a spacious parlor with soft lights and a small fire blazing in the fireplace. There were several seating areas, each with sets of cushioned chairs, loveseats, and chaise lounges.

Cullen closed the door behind us and turned the key in the lock. His breathing was faster than normal. His eyes glittered in the candlelight with fury.

He had every right to be angry. I’d embarrassed and insulted him in front of his sister and half the court.

I should have felt nervous locked in a room with him. But, honestly, he didn’t pose a threat. Not to a dragon. I could roast him with my fire, lop his head off with my talons, or simply turn to air and float away.

“Don’t turn to air.” The words came slowly like a threat, or a seduction. “Stay with me, Amaya. Shout at me. Fight me.” He peeled off his suit’s coat and tossed it over the back of one of the chairs. He then spread his arms wide. “Do what you want to me.”

I hated how quickly my body responded to that taunt.

I shouldn’t want to kiss him. I shouldn’t want to rub against him like an overheated cat. But I do.

Instead of following any of my body’s instincts— stupid instincts —I fisted my hands to keep from reaching out to him. I should have killed the stupidly handsome prince when we were alone together in his library. He deserved to be cut from this land like a cancer. There had never been anyone with a blacker heart than his. No one was more deserving of the title of the villain of this story.

“I’m a villain?” he spat.

“You’re a vampire, aren’t you?” I wasn’t shielding my thoughts from him. At. All. While I didn’t want him to know how I wanted to rip off that shirt and lick his bare chest, I did want him to know that I thought he was the most repulsive, vile, villainous—

“Do you want to see how villainous I can be?” Cullen shouted a moment before he launched himself at me. His hard body knocked me back onto the nearest chaise. His weight pinned me in place. Before I had a chance to react, he grabbed my wrists and trapped them between our bodies.

“Mia kaida, I am not a nice man,” he growled a moment before his fangs sank into my neck.

I hissed at the piercing pain and thrashed my head from side to side, desperate to escape from what could easily turn into a fatal bite.

I could have escaped. I should have escaped. I could have turned to air before his teeth had touched me. But my traitorous body had kept me there and allowed this vile vampire to bite me. Because I was feeling curious. And needy.

Dragons and vampires were mortal enemies for a reason—when the two creatures came together, one of them killed the other. I didn’t want to die here. On this human sofa. In the middle of a vampire ball. Goddess, no. I wanted to be the one killing him.

But with his teeth buried in my neck, he had complete control here. His fingers pressed against my temples, trapping my head in place, stretching my neck so he could deepen the bite. A sound rumbled deep in his throat.

I suddenly realized his bite no longer hurt. He licked the twin wounds with his hot tongue. That felt…that felt…good. His warm lips closed over my skin, and he started to suck. Surely, he was pulling, pulling the blood from my body. And…it felt… “ uhhnnn” …. Heat puddled in my core. I stopped struggling and settled into that heat like one of those strange green lizards bathing in the sunlight.

Ohh…I should fight him. Instead, I was acting like a deer that had given up as it faced a predator. I hated that. But at the same time, I wanted to let him take as much of me as he wanted. My legs were wrapped around his middle. When did that happen? I bucked my hips against the hardness pressing against my core.

“That’s right, kaida, ” he murmured. “Ride me.”

I rubbed shamelessly against him. But it didn’t bring me any satisfaction. The friction between our bodies only made me feel more desperate.

He was going to drink me dry, and I was loving every minute of it.

I pumped wildly against him, crying out in frustration, as he continued to hold my head in place. Not that he needed to. I didn’t want him to stop.

“I’ve got you, my pretty menace,” his deep voice rumbled, sending shudders all the way through my body and to my core. “I’m going to take care of you.”

He put his lips back on my neck and resumed feeding. But he released my temples. That wicked hand of his trailed down my torso and then wedged its way between our bodies. He eased his hand past my silky pants’ waistband and worked his fingers into the heat of my panties.

“So wet for me,” he purred softly. I stilled my frantic bucking and let my legs drop open wider. “That’s my good girl. Let me do this for you. Let me give you everything you deserve.”

With his mouth back in motion, feeding on my neck, he pressed past my folds, easing a finger into my slick opening. He hummed with satisfaction as he pressed another finger inside me. He pumped slowly, in and out.

“Let’s see if you can take three,” he whispered before going back to what felt like his feasting on my blood.

Yes, let’s do that .

“How does that feel?” he asked after he’d buried three thick fingers into me. He paused his feeding to search my eyes.

What was he looking for in my expression? Consent? A feeling of superiority? Reasons to torment me?

His eyes widened, and he smiled before his hand started to move. He hooked his three fingers, pumping them roughly. His lips sank back onto what must now have been a gushing wound on the side of my neck. I bucked and twisted and rode his hand.

“ Ahhh, Amaya ,” he whispered against my skin.

My body was tightening, and I was getting close to exploding. Instinct took over as I continued to buck, his hand rubbing against my tight bundle of nerves.

Goddess.

If this was what it was like to have a vampire drink me dry, I was all there for it. More than willing to give everything up for him. The mating instinct clawed at me. My teeth transformed. I lurched up and dug my mouthful of sharp, pointy dragon teeth into his neck.

He hissed a breath, and his muscles grew taut. But he didn’t let up. He kept working my body until my muscles tightened. My eyes rolled back. A voice in my head screamed. Out of fear or pleasure or both. All I knew was that I was on the cusp of what was going to be the best orgasm of my entire life.