The Vampire King's Mate

Chapter 16

Ivory POV

The first thing I did when I got home was collapse. I didn't even take off my shoes; I just let the darkness of my bedroom swallow me whole.

I slept as if my life depended on it as if by closing my eyes, I could delete Daniel, Zeke, and the haunting image of Alicia against that shed from existence.

Fortunately, the house was silent. My mom wasn't around, likely running errands or handling whatever mystery business she kept from me.

I was ripped out of a dream about silver wolves by a buzzing sound that felt like a drill against my skull. My phone was vibrating across the nightstand. I swiped it onto the floor in a fit of half-asleep rage, but the caller was persistent.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

I groaned, leaning over the edge of the bed to fish it out. An unknown number. My first instinct was to ignore it, but then the panic set in. What if it’s Mom? What if she’s in trouble? I swiped 'accept' and pressed the phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Come downstairs. Immediately."

The voice was husky, low, and vibrated with a command that made my skin prickle. I recognized it instantly. Daniel. My eyes rolled so hard it actually hurt.

"Who in their right mind opens the door for a damn beast?" I retorted, my voice thick with sleep. "Not a chance."

"Mrs. Walter, I told you, didn't I? Ivory is just this obstinate at school. It’s a miracle she makes it to class on time."

My heart did a violent somersault. That wasn't his "Kitten" voice. That was his "Sweetest Boy in the World" voice and I could hear my mother’s melodic laughter in the background.

"What the hell..." I whispered.

I sprinted downstairs, my heart hammering against my ribs, and ripped the front door open.

There he was. Daniel Connor, looking like a literal saint in a casual designer sweater, helping my mother carry heavy bags of groceries. He had a sleek, black box tucked under one arm, and he was smiling at my mom as if she were his favorite aunt.

"Ma! Why are you waiting outside? You could have come in easily!" I panted, glaring at Daniel.

"Well, yes, I could have, Ivory," Mom said, huffing as she set a bag on the porch. "But someone apparently removed their key from the hidden spot or locked the deadbolt from the inside."

My face heated up. I realized what I’d done in my desperate rush to hide from the world I had locked my own mother out.

"Daniel was so nice to keep me company while I waited," Mom continued, shooting me a stern look.

"I have been trying to call you since forever. With the rate you’re sleeping, you wouldn’t even know if the house was on fire."

"I will just drop these on the kitchen counter, shall I?" Daniel’s voice whispered through the air, smooth and deceptive. He walked past me, his shoulder brushing mine just enough to send that cursed electric jolt through my body. He was acting like a total "green tea b***h" playing the innocent, helpful boy while secretly plotting my demise.

I followed them into the kitchen, fuming.

"By the way, Ivory," Mom said, unpacking the eggs.

"Daniel already told me about the party tonight. He said he had be happy to drop you back home afterward. You should know you are free to discuss these things with me, honey. You don't have to be scared to ask for a night out."

I felt like I was trapped in a twilight zone. What exactly did he tell her?

"And Daniel says this is the dress you asked him to pick up for you," Mom added, gesturing to the black box. "Ivory, why are you so lazy? Making poor Daniel do your shopping for you... honestly. Daniel, would you like some apple juice?"

"Yes, please," I said automatically, reaching for a glass.

Mom rolled her eyes at me. "Not you, Ivory. I was talking to Daniel."

I stood there, flabbergasted. Since when had these two become a comedy duo? Daniel took the glass from her with a charming nod, his eyes flicking to mine for a split second filled with a triumphant, wicked glee.

He left shortly after, promising to return at nine to pick me up. I watched his car disappear, feeling like a lamb who had just watched the wolf convince the shepherd to leave the gate open.

"Get upstairs and get ready," Mom commanded. "I will help you with your hair."

An hour later, I was standing in front of my full length mirror, staring at a stranger.

The dress was... terrifying. It was a deep, midnight emerald silk that seemed to change color when I moved. It had a high neckline but was completely backless, the fabric hugging my curves so tightly it felt like a second skin.

"How could he be so accurate?" I whispered, tracing the hemline. It fit me perfectly. Not a centimeter too loose, not a thread too tight. It was as if he had measured me with his own hands... which, I realized with a flush of heat, he basically had this morning.

Mom worked wonders on my hair, highlighting the rich brown waves and pinning them up so a few tendrils framed my face, making my blue eyes pop against the dark green fabric. I didn't look like the "broken kitten" from the diner. I looked like something expensive. Something dangerous.

"You look beautiful, Ivy," Mom said, kissing my cheek.

The doorbell rang. 9:00 PM.

My stomach dropped. I grabbed my clutch, took a deep breath, and headed down to meet the beast.