Viktor smiled as he surveyed his homeland through her window. He couldn’t think of anything more beautiful than the country of Monstrana. Although, he also couldn’t help glancing at Cate’s captivating face once in a while.
“Is that where we’re going?” She pointed to a coastal city just coming into view. It was alive with pastel colors and large seaside resorts.
“Yes, that’s Murdo.” He cleared his throat. “It’s a relatively new city. We’ve been working on increasing site-seeing tourism in Monstrana. The Bering Sea is home to many interesting and rare creatures, including the blue whale, the humpback whale, and the rarest in the world, the North Pacific Right Whale. Of course, you’ll also occasionally spot a few Steller Sea Lions, Orcas, and polar bears.”
&
nbsp; He wasn’t sure why he sounded like a walking Wikipedia page, but he couldn’t stop himself. His brain had gone on auto-drive.
“They’ve also got some fantastic restaurants and the hottest clubs,” Leo yelled over his shoulder, saving him from further humiliation. “It’s a brilliant party destination. That’s why I came along. Vik wouldn’t know fun if it bit him on the neck.”
Viktor’s ears burned. He certainly did know how to have fun. Maybe it wasn’t always Leo’s idea of a good time, but he had his moments.
“I happen to love humpback whales,” Cate said, turning to him with a sweet smile.
Despite the fact that it hadn’t beat in almost a millennium, his heart did a flip and landed in his stomach. He grimaced and stared resolutely out the window, fighting to regain control of his emotions. Vampires had a nasty reputation for letting their feelings get the better of them. He’d spent his whole life proving the story wrong. It wouldn’t do good to start now.
As the helicopter turned, the sun’s rays streamed through the windows and onto his face. He closed his eyes, soaking in the delicious warmth. There had been a time when his kind had hidden in the shadows, prowling the dark like monsters. The sun had been their adversary. A way for the humans to overcome the bloodsuckers. A death sentence.
The day vampires learned how to combine ancient magic with the power of gold, that had all changed. Thanks to their rings, once again, they walked in the sunlight, unafraid of the light. He never wanted to take that for granted.
“We’re here,” Stasia yelled. The helicopter began to descend, the propellers slowing with every revolution. They landed smoothly. “Everybody out. We’ve got an entire day ahead of us.”
Viktor sighed. He had a million other things he needed to accomplish at that moment. Frolicking around the country wasn’t high on his list of priorities.
“We’ve got a carriage tour of Murdo, an hour to spend on the strip shopping and then dinner at the seaside cafe,” Stasia called, as if she’d been guiding tours her entire life. “Ladies will attend the salon with me and then we’ll head to the club. Men, I trust I won’t need to hold your hands.”
Viktor smirked at her. Same old Stasia, even behind a camera lens. Someday, he’d find a way to pay her back for all of this.
Until then, he’d just have to steer clear of the women. Certainly, easier said than done.
Chapter Six
JEZEBEL HADN’T STOPPED throwing daggers her way the entire day. They’d made it through the tour, mindless shopping, dinner, and eventually landed at what was supposedly the best salon in the entire country. At various moments throughout the day, Cate had found herself stuck next to Prince Viktor, drawn into reluctant conversation. If this hadn’t all been such a big mistake, she would’ve enjoyed chatting with him.
He had a pleasant voice and a way of listening to her without making her feel like she was just another pair of legs. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a guy actually pay attention to what she was saying. Charlie certainly hadn’t been good at it. She had eventually marked it down as a flaw in the entire male species. But Prince Viktor was different. Still, she couldn’t get too attached.
They’d left the salon ten minutes ago and finally arrived at the club Leo had been spewing about. Despite the new setting, Jezebel was still glaring at her. Cate had enough. She was going to confront her. There was no reason to be so rude.
“Well, you and the prince did look pretty cozy on that helicopter ride,” Joy told her with a shrug.
She had donned a sparkly pink tank top that clung to her small chest and revealed her entire back. The salon had teased her ringlets into an updo that would withstand the sweatiest of club dance floors.
“I wasn’t trying to cozy up to him,” Cate exclaimed, a stubborn frown on her face. She’d refused to change into any of the slinky outfits presented to her at the salon. Her bikini she’d left in her suitcase covered more than those pieces of cloth. “He sat next to me. I can’t help it if he wanted to get away from her.”
“She thinks you faked your panic attack on purpose.” A sad smile tugged at the corner of Joy’s lips. “That you stole him away from us.”
She gritted her teeth and glared right back at Jezebel. At the salon, she’d shimmied into the tightest pair of black leather pants and cropped leather halter Cate had ever seen. That woman knew how to sow discord. Not only did she have her sights set on the prince, but she was going to ruin her new friendship with Joy. Well, not if she had anything to say about it.
“That’s a big, fat lie.” She leaned down to whisper in Joy’s ear. “And, to tell you the truth, I don’t even want to be here. This is a complete mix-up. I’m not after Prince Viktor. My name isn’t even Lady Larisa. It’s Cate Mahoney. Plain, old, Cate.”
Joy’s jaw dropped as the music began to pump around them. The club was one of those new modern types, with the neon blue lights streaming up the walls and the posh glass tables. Waitresses swerved through the crowds wearing black corsets and carrying massive trays of drinks. At least fifty college-aged people already crowded the dance floor, their bodies pulsating with the music.
“Are you telling me that you’re not supposed to be in the competition?” Her eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her face.
“Bingo.” Cate smirked. “I’m only here to visit my best friend who works at the castle. Before I realized what was going on, it was too late to say anything. The cameras were rolling. And I didn’t want to get my friend in trouble.”
“Good thinking.” She whistled through her teeth. “And to think, Jezebel is furious that you’re moving in on her territory.”