Black Magic Shadows (13 page)

"A bunch of people impressed with themselves" is how I interpreted that. "I didn't think you counted shifters as important."

"We all have to live together, regardless of our preferences."

"Prejudices, you mean."

Thorandryll frowned. "I thought we'd agreed to be on friendly terms this evening."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I'm suddenly blind and deaf to some things. Besides, we're not in public yet." In fact, we were just turning out of the drive. "Seriously, what is your problem with shifters?"

"They're animals. Animals that believe themselves equals of true people."

"Funny. You like animals, and treat them like people. I've seen you do that. But people who can turn themselves into animals..."

He interrupted. "You don't understand. The first to shift their shapes weren't humans. They were animals. Animals who loved their human masters, and wished to emulate them."

I had no idea what expression was on my face, because I didn't know what to think about his statement. "Oh. But that was a really long time ago."

"Time doesn't change what they are."

"Shifters."

"Perversions of the natural order."

I sniffed. "Maybe to you, but not to me."

"You strongly remind me of those you're descended from. They thought the shifters' evolution a miracle."

"Isn't it? Sounds like one to me."

"Animals aren't people," he insisted. "They are companions, pets, useful tools, and food, but they are not people."

"Shifters aren't just," I did air quotes for "just", "animals, and haven't been since the first one changed. We're in a new millennium here, one of a few that have passed since then. You need to get with the times."

Thorandryll glared for a few seconds before reluctantly smiling. "My brother has said the same, though less bluntly."

"I like Kethyrdryll. He has common sense." I shrugged. "Anyway, it was nice that you decided to include the shifter leaders."

"You believe I lack common sense?"

"I think you're so used to being important, you have a hard time relating to anyone else, except those you believe are important too."

Instead of glaring, he looked thoughtful. "Kethyrdryll has expressed a similar opinion."

As though I needed more reasons to like his brother. I changed the subject. "Who else is going to be there?"

"The Mayor, city council members, wealthy citizens, and of course, leaders of all the various groups. Many of the vampire council will be present."

I hoped Derrick was one of them. "Why'd you invite the coven?"

"Your friends may be young, but they're becoming known among those who matter. They'll eventually take a place among the elite."

"They may not want to."

He chuckled. "People with power seldom have a choice."

"I have power, and I'm not one of the elite."

"Of course you are, and this will be your debut among your equals."

I stared at him. "Yeah, right."

"You doubt me. I suggest you pay attention tonight, to how others react to you."

Crap, what had I gotten myself into? "Wait a minute. You freaking planned this. Showing up to a big deal dinner party with me as your date...son of a...that's going to send some messages, isn't it?"

"Of course."

"Ooh, you'd better be glad I promised to play nice."

"I'm grateful you have the habit of keeping promises. Though it would've been more favorable if we were lovers."

"I'm two seconds away from throwing my shoe at your face." God, he was unbelievable.

He laughed. "I'm merely pointing out that certain people would feel more comfortable knowing that you're less of a, what's the phrase? Ah, a wild card."

"Because if we were a couple they'd think you were in charge? Right." I drawled out the last word. "Like that would ever happen, you being the boss of me."

"Sometimes it's a useful illusion for others to have," he said. "Since you feel so strongly about the matter, I'm settling for the illusion of friendship between us."

I still wanted to smack him between his pretty blue eyes with the heel of my shoe. "If we're ever going to be friends, you have to stop playing games. I'm not a chess piece."

"You're not friends with the Rex, but you are allied with his Pride."

"I'm friends with his son, Connor."

Thorandryll lifted his glass. "You're friends with my brother and my healer."

"Well, yeah." The limo was slowing, and I glanced out the window. We were in a line, heading toward his sidhe. "But unless you stop playing games, I'm not going to be your friend."

"We don't have to be friends to be allies."

"It helps, a lot."

"But it's not absolutely necessary."

I sighed. "How's your mom?"

He blinked. "Queen Maeve is well. Why?"

"Subject. I changed it before the urge to dent your skull overwhelmed me." Butterflies had come to life in my stomach. The thought of having to mingle with the rich and powerful for hours was too much. I hoped I didn't trip and face plant in front of everyone. Wait, if I did, I could duck out early.

A glance at Thorandryll changed my mind. He wouldn't let me leave because of a little embarrassment.

"She'll be pleased to see you again."

"Who?"

"Queen Maeve." He frowned. "You seem unusually scatterbrained tonight."

"Yeah, sorry."

"Are you nervous?"

"Nope." Hell yes. "I'm good."

Up went his left eyebrow. "You're lying."

"Okay, maybe a little nervous. This isn't my usual scene." And he was so not the guy I wanted to go to a party with. Not that I often wanted to go to parties. Especially not this one.

"You're welcome to spend the evening mostly silent and gazing in adoration at me."

My eyes tried to roll right out of their sockets. "Keep dreaming, elf boy."

"This may be a shock for you, but there are several women who'd love to be on my arm tonight."

"Too bad I'm not one of them, huh?"

"Yes, it is. We'd both be more comfortable." He smiled, and drained his glass. Perfect timing, because the limo stopped, and someone opened the door.

Thorandryll slid out like a greased eel, bending to look at me while holding out his hand. Come along, Discordia."

Vaguely aware there were a lot of people outside, I concentrated on not having a wardrobe malfunction while leaving the car.

"Smile," he murmured while pulling me upright. I did, and he stepped aside and turned, tucking my hand over his forearm.

Roughly a dozen flashes blinded me, and my smile froze.

The press was here.

I was going to kill him. Very, very soon.

S
omehow, I made it through the walk to his mansion, and the frequent stops for photos, without losing my smile. A servant took my coat just inside the doors, and I let the smile go, shooting Thorandryll the dirtiest look in my arsenal. "You're dead."

"Come along." He was still smiling, with a definite smugness.

"His Highness, Prince Thorandryll, and Lady Discordia Jones," a booming voice announced the second we reached the ballroom entrance.

I had no choice about the halt to let everyone see us, because Thorandryll stopped to scan the crowd inside. Every pair of eyes in the huge room turned our way. I whispered through my hastily donned smile and clenched teeth, "We can move now."

He ignored me, continuing to look about the huge room. I wondered what it felt like, to throw a party that brought everyone who was anyone running.

I spotted Mr. Whitehaven, my fake smile turning genuine at the stern expression my boss wore. His eyes were faintly glowing, just enough that I knew they were more red than brown at the moment.

"You're in so much trouble with my boss," I whispered.

"I'm hardly at fault for his failure to realize this would be a newsworthy event."

"Keep telling yourself that, buddy." Maybe Whitehaven would strangle the prince for me.

Thorandryll decided to stop playing lord of all he surveyed, and down the steps we went. A surge of people met us at the bottom, all of them eager to greet the host.

I stood there like a bump on a log, smiling and nodding as he introduced me to people whose names I forgot a few seconds after hearing them. My grip on Thorandryll's arm slowly tightened, due to a growing feeling of suffocation.

Apparently, Thorandryll noticed, or maybe I'd clamped down hard enough to inhibit his circulation, because he began to walk forward. People who'd been greeted fell away, replaced with new faces.

I gave silent thanks to Sal for his advice on improving my mental shield. Without it, the giddy excitement of those around us would've dropped me to the floor in a hysterically laughing heap.

We came face to face with the Rex, Ryan O'Meara. A lovely, statuesque woman with warm, dark brown skin was on his arm, and his sons flanked them. The atmosphere changed, as though people were holding their breath, waiting to see what would happen.

Me, I grinned, happy to see familiar faces, even if Tanner's face wasn't a friendly one. "Hello, Mr. O'Meara. Hi, Connor."

"Miss Jones, so very good to see you. My wife, Hadiya."

She extended her fine-boned hand, her golden-brown eyes warm. "At last we meet."

I remembered not to man-shake her hand. "Very pleased. I love your name."

Hadiya smiled. "I quite like yours, as well."

"Thank you."

Connor edged forward, sticking his hand out, so I switched to him. His gentle tug made me lean toward him, and he kissed my cheek.

Thorandryll suddenly remembered his manners, and greeted the Rex, while extending his hand. They shook, and the elf executed a sort of half bow over Hadiya's hand as he pretended to kiss her fingers.

He didn't make contact, but we were the only ones close enough to know. The appearance was enough, one of Thorandyll's "useful illusions" he seemed so fond of.

The atmosphere lightened, and I almost looked around to see if his gesture had lit fire to gossiping. But the lions were taking their leave, and my clan members were right behind them.

Terra looked positively radiant in her golden gown, a bright spark of life next Dane's somber black tie. At only eighteen, she was handling the situation like a pro, her expression serene as she extended her hand to Thorandryll. "Your Highness."

"Welcome, your Majesty." He repeated his faux hand kiss—dude really was all about the illusions—while I winked at Dane before looking at Logan.

My future dating partner smiled, and I shivered. He looked fabulously dashing in black tie. Caught up in staring at him, it took me a full two seconds to realize Moira wasn't on his arm.

Instead, Danielle stood beside him, looking sophisticated and dangerous in a sleek black dress. She offered a toothy smile framed with blood red lips.

Surprised, I 'pathed Logan.
Where's Moira?

She decided the crowd would be too much
, he sent back.
Danielle was the only other one who had a fancy dress.

I nearly missed my cue as Terra turned to me, but managed to catch her hand, and we traded air kisses to keep from leaving lip prints on each other's cheeks. The contact informed me that her assured mask was also all about appearances.

She was vibrating with excitement. I squeezed her hand before letting go. With a rustle of gauze and silk, Terra moved to the side, allowing Logan and Danielle to step forward. "You've met my Protector."

"Yes," Thorandryll replied. His arm bumped mine as he prepared to shake hands with Logan.

Logan ignored him, reaching forward for my hand, and neatly executed a bow before pressing his warm lips to my knuckles.

He smiled while straightening, catching Thorandryll off guard by immediately offering to shake, and a casual, "Thanks for the invitation."

"You're quite welcome," Thorandryll coolly replied as they finished their handshake. He seemed ready to walk off, but I stuck my hand out to Danielle.

"Love your dress, it really suits you."

Surprise slackened her face, but she quickly rallied. "Thank you. Yours is lovely as well."

"Thanks." We skipped the air kisses, which was okay by me.

Then Thorandryll excused us, sweeping me across the floor. A servant offered a tray of glasses, from which the prince selected two. Our grand entrance was over. I celebrated surviving it with a sip of champagne, its bubbles tickling my tongue.

Mr. Whitehaven appeared beside me, silent and tall. He'd chosen white tie, his long hair nearly invisible against the white tux jacket.

Thorandryll turned when I did, but stayed behind me. "Lord Whitehaven. Such an honor to have you here."

His redly glowing eyes matched the low growl of his reply. "It's proving to be an evening of surprises."

"Someone's in trouble," I softly sang before having another sip. The champagne was fantastic, its bubbles revealing different fruit flavors as they burst. This one strawberry, that one peach. One left a hint of blackberry.

My boss glanced down at me, and I grinned back, happy to know he was ready to jump down Thorandryll's throat. Mr. Whitehaven's stern expression melted into a fond smile. He bent enough to bestow a grandfatherly kiss on my forehead. "You look lovely, Discordia."