Blood & Honey (Race Games 1)

Chapter Twenty-Three

They left bright and early the next morning in a pitch black town car from the compound. It looked like something that should be bullet proof, and knowing the two vampires she travelled with, it probably was. The Porsche was following behind the town car in a trailer pulled by some of the staff. When Danica had asked why they weren’t able to drive themselves, Phi had replied they had an image to upkeep. A prince didn’t drive anywhere; he was driven. She hadn’t realized how stifling being royal could be until she saw Phi switch from the vampire she was falling for to the aloof prince. He looked down at his tablet for the ride and didn’t say anything more.

Arden, on the hand, wore a mask much more his style. He became the suave asshole, his phone pressed against his ear as he barked out orders worthy of a business mogul. Both seemed intent on ignoring her for the ride, so Danica looked out the window and watched the scenery pass them by.

It only took three hours to reach the gates of what looked like a literal palace. They were waved through the gates quickly, the guards not even pausing to look inside, and the monstrosity that felt luxurious but poisonous rose before them.

“Jesus,” Danica murmured, pressing her hand against the window.

“Horrid, isn’t it?” Phi stared at the palace before them with eyes that flickered with distaste, but he slipped it away just as quickly as he’d revealed it. “My father had it built, of course. The shining jewel of the Northern Sect. It’ll feel as cold inside as it does outside.”

Danica blinked. It did feel cold, and she wasn’t sure how the outside of a house could feel cold. It was disgustingly bougie, far more opulent than anything she’d ever dare to live in herself. The shrubbery and landscaping were all done in designs, like something from a storybook, but somehow, it still all felt sterile and she couldn’t figure out why.

“It’s because of the people who are inside,” Arden answered quietly. “And the fear that permeates the air.”

Never having realized fear could have such an effect on a place, Danica stared at the house as they pulled up to the front. The truck with the trailer rolled past and continued along the winding driveway until it was out of sight. A footman rushed forward to open their door and Arden stepped out first.

“Mr. Ryker. Prince Yophiel. It’s a pleasure to welcome you back to the Sect.”

“Likewise, Hollard.” Phi reached inside the car and offered his hand to Danica when she didn’t immediately follow. She took it without complaint and the moment she stepped free, the footman’s eyes widened. “This is Ms. Dyers, my driver. Please, be sure to address her with respect and pass along the information.

“Yes, sire. Of course. Should I put a no touching policy in place?”

Danica frowned and glanced at Phi.

“Yes,” he replied, not meeting her eyes. “She belongs to me. If anyone touches her, they’ll deal with me personally.”

Tensing at the claim, Danica went to open her mouth but Arden’s fingers at her hip, slightly pinching, stopped her. She’d forgotten for a moment they had roles to play here, and despite being a racer, she held no true power. In order to protect her, Phi and Arden had to claim her in that way. If she rebuffed that claim, it left her open to other vampires in the vicinity, and there were already at least three eying her like the was a piece of steak. Instead of glaring at them like she normally would have, she forced her face to go blank and straightened her shoulders. Arden’s fingers brushed gently along the skin between her tank top and jeans in appreciation before slipping away.

“Allow me to lead you to your room before I take the others to—”

“No,” Phi interrupted. “Both Arden and Danica will be staying in my chambers. See that things are arranged.”

“Right away, sire. Come this way.”

Phi glanced at Danica, saw her mask, and nodded just barely. She understood that they’d talk once they were somewhere free of prying eyes.

It didn’t take them long to be led to a large set of ornate double doors. Hollard opened the doors and allowed them inside. He reassured Phi that there would be others in to arrange extra beds for two others and excused himself. Only then did they all relax.

Arden eyed her as she rolled her shoulders and looked around them. “Are you nervous?” he asked.

Danica shook her head. “No. I’m winning this race. Nerves have nothing to do with it.”

Phi scowled at the room around them. She was willing to bet it didn’t bring back great memories if he despised this place so much. “The banquet is tonight for the racers. And the race won’t start until tomorrow morning, but the track will most likely be charmed to appear like night. Since this will be televised, don’t be surprised if people come up during the banquet and put a camera in your face. Since you’re human, you’ll be the odd one out for the race, and many will be curious about why we chose you.”

“Don’t wander off without at least one of us with you,” Arden ordered and set down a bag. He popped it open and began pulling out harnesses and weapons, including a large wrench that Danica raised her brow at. He only grinned at her and continued what he was doing. “You’re going to be a target for a lot of people, little racer. If you get killed before we ever get on the track, then we obviously won’t stand a chance of winning.”

“Anything else I should know?” Danica murmured, reaching over and plucking the wrench off the table. It was an inch and three quarters, easily ten pounds of metal, but the metal itself was engraved with a filigree pattern, making it ornate despite its functionality.

“Accept nothing from anyone but the two of us,” Phi added. “Drinks, food, any sort of magical items. The Fae like curses. The elves like potions. And some of the others are just assholes who could be in my father’s pocketbook.”

Nodding, Danica set the wrench back down. “So, the chances of dying at this party are just as high as the race. Got it.” She looked down at her outfit. “I can’t wear this to a banquet. I assume you’ve arranged something?”

“The more dressed up you are, the more they’ll underestimate you,” Phi nodded, pulling out his tablet. “I’ll have something here within the hour—”

Arden held up his hand, his head suddenly tilted to the side.

“What is it?” Danica whispered but Arden didn’t answer. His eyes were on something along the wall but when Danica looked, she didn’t see anything.

Arden grabbed one of the knives from the table and took a few steps toward the wall, his eyes trained on something Danica couldn’t see. Suddenly, before she could ask again what was going on, Arden struck, embedding the knife into the wall. The moment it struck, what had been invisible a moment before came into view.