“Alright, that’s enough.” He pointed at the cameraman. “You. Leave.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Jezebel purred, “I don’t mind if the camera stays.”
“And that means you, too,” he responded. She hissed and flashed her fangs as he pulled her off the bed. Despite her protests, he maintained his composure and directed her back to the hallway. “Have a pleasant night.”
The glower she sent him could’ve burned him up like the sun without his ring. But he stood strong, his hand ready to close the door to this embarrassment.
“You’ll regret turning me down,” she said with a toss of her long hair over her shoulders. He thought he saw hurt flash in her brown eyes, but just as quickly, it was replaced by a condescending sneer. “When you come crawling back to my door, I’ll remember this moment.”
He raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips into a thin line before shutting the door. Her prediction was highly unlikely. Someone would have to poison his blood supply with some heavy drugs before he’d find himself knocking on her door. She was no different than the other vampires he had dated over the centuries.
Focused on everything he stood for, except for him.
Chapter Thirteen
STASIA WOKE CATE UP bright and early for the next date with a twinkle in her eye. She rushed her through breakfast with the hint that today’s date with the prince was a special treat for the ladies. Despite the perky attitude of her host, Cate couldn’t shake the hangover effect of yesterday’s date. Part of her still thrilled at the thought of Viktor’s lips on hers and his hands roaming over her body. It had been the most perfect kiss. Sweet and seductive all at the same time.
But another huge part of her felt guilt-ridden. She’d failed miserably on conducting the plan and now, her life was in more danger than ever. Every step closer she got to the prince was another step closer to being caught and joining the ranks of the undead. And of course, there was Miranda to think about. She couldn’t destroy her life. Not when everything was finally perfect for her best friend.
Why was Viktor being so impossible? She’d done everything she could to make him think she was crazy. He wouldn’t take the hint. Instead, he’d been kind, charming, and attentive. Exactly everything he shouldn’t have been. Why was he so irresistible?
Cate moped as Stasia shuffled her and Jezebel into a heavily tinted limousine and drove them off to another surprise destination. Rather than watch Jezebel glare at her, she stared out the window at the passing shops. It was her first up close view of Monstrana. The quaint cobblestone streets were narrow and lined on both sides by generous sidewalks that gave room for outside cafes and street vendors.
Now that she knew the secrets of the mysterious country, she could see the signs of paranormal life everywhere. They passed a Witchy Potions shop, a Paranormal Investigations office, a dentist who specialized in canine teeth, and a sweets shop that sold a Bloody Mary Chocolate bar that was to die for. Still, the citizens of Monstrana didn’t appear to be any different than the people of her hometown. They strolled down the sidewalks in modern clothing, no fangs or claws in sight. Cate would be hard pressed to point out which were supernatural and which were humans.
Surprisingly, the thought calmed her. She was learning more and more that the paranormal creatures of this place were kind and caring, not the monsters she’d imagined. Stasia, Joy, and Prince Viktor — all had treated her well. Of course, the skinny vamp staring at her right now was the exception. But there had to be one in every crowd, she supposed.
“How are you doing it?” Jezebel finally spoke, spooking Cate.
She shook off her surprise and pursed her lips. “Doing what?”
“Controlling Prince Viktor.” She sucked in her cheeks and glowered. “I don’t understand what spell you have him under. Is it a love potion?”
Cate sighed and folded her hands in her lap. She could feel an argument coming on. “I don’t control anyone. People are free to make their own decisions. You should learn that.”
Jezebel bit her lower lip. Her eyes shone with angry tears and she wiped them hastily away before turning to look out the window again. In a voice so quiet, Cate could barely hear, she whispered, “Not all of us are free.”
She didn’t get a chance to consider Jezebel’s surprising admission. They pulled over to a modern looking building with white washed walls and warm pine accents. The limo driver shuffled them inside where the lobby opened up into a large room filled with sweet floral scents and calming music. A woman stood behind a large countertop, a serene smile on her face. Next to her, stood the camera crew and an overly excited Stasia.
“It’s a spa date!” she yelled as if she couldn’t take the anticipation any longer. “You’ll each be getting a separate spa treatment with Vik. Today is all about the ladies. Cate, you’re up first.”
She did her best to return Stasia’s smile and followed the serene lobby worker to a locker room filled with wooden cubbyholes and a private sauna. Left with just a fluffy white towel and a pair of sandals, she was instructed to disrobe completely and come to the adjoining room when she was ready.
“Not happening today, Prince Viktor,” Cate swore beneath her breath. No way was she going in there nude. Taking off her shirt and pants, she left on her undergarments and wrapped the towel tightly around her waist.
Pacing the room, she wrung her hands and thought about her current predicament. The last time she’d been face to face with Viktor, they’d had an Earth-shattering kiss. But that kiss was a mistake. They had no possible future together. She wasn’t ready to give up her mortal life and he certainly wouldn’t want someone who could hurt him like his mother. If she let this go on, she would be guilty of leading him on. And Cate wasn’t that type of girl.
She had to tell him it was all a mistake. Right now. Before she chickened out.
Heading toward the appointed door, Cate paused when she heard the rumble of voices on the other side. Someone was having an argument. Pressing her ear against the wood grain, she recognized the speakers. The higher one was Stasia’s. She sounded distressed. And the second, much lower voice made her heart jump. Prince Viktor.
“I can’t believe you would sanction yesterday’s activities,” he was saying. “I thought better of you, Stasia.”
“I already told you, I didn’t know anything about it. I never would’ve allowed her to trespass upon your privacy and get so close to you.”
Cate strained her ear to hear better. Viktor was clearly upset about something. Was he also regretting their date yesterday? Part of her bristled at the idea. He hadn’t been upset when he’d kissed her soundly in that mud puddle.
“This has gotten out of control,” he continued. His tone was sharp. “I will not indulge that woman any longer. I can’t stand the sight of her. Send her home.”