Page 39 of In Bellamira's Chains

“Did you doubt me, Bram? How foolish of you.”

Bram burst into laughter, drawing the attention of the entire room. “No, never, Bellamira. Never.”

The servant returned with a pavlova free of any toppings and handed me the plate. I took a bite of a strawberry, then one of the pavlova, combining the textures and flavors in my mouth. It was as delicious as he said with an amazing texture.

“Oh! I love it!” After three bites, I had to stop, not wanting to overindulge and become sick before we went upstairs, but maybe I should… I was becoming more at ease with Bram, but there was still something that poked at the back of my mind, telling me something was off.

“Well, I will make sure to have a special one set aside for you whenever you three join me for a party. I want all my guests to feel welcomed and pampered.”

“Spoiled, Bram. You mean spoiled,” the Alpha to Bram’s left said. He was a bit older, with gray around his temples.

“Is that a bad thing, Ellis?” Bram set his elbow on the table and held his head up with his hand, grinning at the Alpha.

“I wouldn’t say so, no.” He had a deep laugh, and I hoped he spilled that joy into every part of his life. “I don’t plan on missing one of your parties for that reason.”

“Glad to hear it. You and Miles always bring a special flair to the party. Even when there aren’t any new things to amuse me, I can always count on you for a show… or two.” Bram winked, and the laughter continued.

The uneasiness from before subsided, and excitement filled the space. I wondered how Bram would be, if he was like Perrin and Mistress Belle in bed, taking what he wants but giving everything he has.

Tea was served, and Bram explained that it was a special blend to help digestion to prevent any upset stomachs or other mishaps that evening. Everyone had to finish their cup before they were allowed to leave the table. No one complained, and apparently, it was a rule he had them agree to before coming.

Mistress Belle told me that a few Alphas were kicked out for not wanting to comply and thinking it was a joke in the invitation. Bram assured them it was not a joke and had his security kick them out without a second thought.

“Well, the night is young, and I believe we should continue on our little journey of trying new things, don’t you think, Bellamira?” Bram pushed back his chair and stood before pulling hers out.

“Very well. I do love a good show, so please impress me tonight.” Mistress Belle winked at me, although she was talking to Bram. “Show the way, Bram. What room shall we be in tonight?” Mistress Belle stumbled slightly as she stood from her chair, glaring at the drinks she had over dinner. “Your bartender has a heavy pour, Bram.”

“My apologies. He has a list of everyone and what they prefer. Do I need to update your card?”

She waved him off. “Oh no, it was a compliment. Everything was perfect as always.”

Bram moved past us, showing us the way out of the room through the library where other servants were directing guests to their designated spaces, keeping it all organized so they knew what spaces were used. I cocked my head at the head servant who was quietly barking orders and making notes in her notebook.

“Thank you as always, Sierra. Never leave me.” Bram kissed her on the cheek as he walked by.

“You own me, Bram.” She rolled her eyes with a smile. That was far more telling than his behavior toward Mistress Belle,Elera, and me. His servants were happy to be owned by him and felt free to banter with him.

I smiled at her as we passed, and more of the nerves fell away.

We made our way upstairs, but it felt like a maze, going down hall after hall of the same decor as the first floor. I wanted to roam around and see everything, but I knew it wasn’t the time for it.

Opening a large mahogany door, Bram let us enter first. A large four poster bed with matching dark wooden furniture filled the room. Dark green heavy drapes covered the windows. A dark flower covered rug laid in the center of the room, taking over most of the floor. The bedding was a dark blue with black trim.

I wanted to burrow myself in the blankets and sleep the rest of the night. The meal was perfect, calm flowed through me, and although the small amount of slick forming between my legs said I was excited to spend the evening with Bram, I’d take sleeping with Elera and Mistress Belle over sex with him.

“Does every room look the same, Bram? I haven’t seen one that goes against your aesthetic.” Mistress Belle grazed her hand against a post of the bed, letting the soft wood slide under her fingertips.

“One. Maybe I will show it to you one day. Care to guess which room it is?” He made eye contact with all of us, one by one.

“Game room?” Elera guessed.

“Nope.”

“A gaudy tea room that reminds me too much of Catalina?”

“You jest, Bellamira.” His face was blank, but his tone was humorous.

“Green house?”