Drop Dead Single (Monstrana Paranormal Romance 1)

“Yes, fall in love.” Miranda gave a sad laugh. “By all accounts, it seems like he’s the least monstrous man you’ve ever fallen for. And believe me, I’ve hated them all. Except, for him.”

She laughed and squinted at her friend. “You’re serious? He’s a vampire and drinks blood.”

“Does he treat you like you deserve?” Miranda placed a soft hand on her arm. “And make you feel like flying? I’ve known you almost my entire life, Cate. And I’ve never seen you like this. It’s the real deal, vampire or not.”

Her shoulders wilted and she felt tears burn at the corner of her eyes. “But Jezebel...”

“Screw Jezebel!” Miranda’s eyes flashed yellow again. “She doesn’t control you. And I have a feeling her bark is worse than her bite. Stay for Prince Viktor. Stay for love, if that’s what you want. I’ll be behind you all the way. You’re my best friend and you deserve happiness, no matter what form that takes.”

“The King and Queen won’t like it.”

“The King and Queen don’t have to know.” She held up Cate’s hand and pointed to the ring. “You’re still protected. Take a chance on him, Cate. Don’t let fear keep you from gaining the world.”

A laugh bubbled from deep within Cate’s chest. She let it loose and fell upon her friend with a lung-crushing hug.

“Have I ever told you that you’re the

world’s best friend?”

Miranda eyed her, a playful frown on her lips. “Not enough.”

“Well, I vow to remind you every day until I die.”

Cate started, realizing exactly what those words meant. She wasn’t ready to become one with the undead — yet. But the possibility was there. A life with Prince Viktor meant several lifetimes. If he felt the same way about her, she’d have to consider it.

“Come on, we’ve got to get you ready for the ball,” Miranda said, tugging on Cate’s hands. She dug her feet into the carpet suddenly and sighed. “I’ve always wanted to say that.”

They both laughed and ran toward the giant suite closet to investigate.

Chapter Twenty

STASIA HAD PULLED OUT all the stops for the final ceremony. She’d filled the castle ballroom with the highest members of Monstrana society, along with a live rock band, an elaborate spread of delicate finger foods, and enough sparkling lights to mimic the sun’s punishing rays. Viktor shielded his eyes as he entered the room dressed in his very best black tux.

It seemed that the number of camera men at Stasia’s disposal had doubled for this evening. People dressed in black and carting around cameras on their shoulders darted through the crowds. He scowled as one pounced on him, shoving the lens into his face.

“Relax, George.” Stasia came bouncing out of the crowd wearing a sparkling white gown that dropped to her knees. Her shoulders were bare and her hair swept up into a complicated twist at the base of her skull. She shooed the cameraman with her hands. “Not yet. The ladies aren’t even here yet. Give the prince some room to breathe.”

The cameraman muttered under his breath, but was gone before Viktor could really snarl at him.

“You look beautiful,” he said, wrapping his arm around Stasia’s back and pecking her on the cheek.

“Thank you, sir.” She curtsied and winked at him. “And you look not half bad yourself. Did Queen Anna pick out your tux?”

“Had it pressed and delivered to my suite this morning,” he said, adjusting the stiff collar. “Guess she wasn’t taking any chances. Did I hear you say the ladies hadn’t arrived yet?” He looked over the crowds, distracted.

Stasia watched him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You mean, has Cate arrived? And no, I haven’t seen her yet.”

He huffed, but could tell she wasn’t buying his nonchalant attitude. She knew him too well.

“But you’re in luck.” She pointed over his shoulder to the large double doors. “Guess who just showed up.”

Turning to follow her finger, his heart stopped when he caught sight of Cate walking through the door. She’d donned a floor length silky dress in the deepest maroon. It hugged her hips and slim waist, revealing her hourglass shape. As she turned to talk to the woman next to her, he could see how the back of the dress plunged to her waist in a revealing cut that showcased her smooth skin. Her hair had been pulled to one side of her shoulders in a soft, curly, vintage style. It left her neck clearly exposed, with only the simple chain that she’d picked out upon it. He had to snap his jaw shut to keep from drooling.

“Go get your girl,” Stasia whispered with a grin, slipping into the crowds.

She didn’t have to tell him twice. He weaved through the crowds, his gaze locked on Cate’s lovely figure. When he was only ten feet away, she turned and spotted him. Their eyes met and he could feel the smoldering fire within his gut flare to life.

“Viktor,” she breathed, her red lips curling into a soft smile.