Fighting Darius- A steamy hot werewolf romance

5

Everyone is looking so sophisticated and flawlessly beautiful.

Of course, most of them are Lycans. Outworldly creatures.

Even my bestie Genesis is a lycan now and she looks just like one of them. She looks like she belonged here.

She is talking quietly to Queen Sophia now, while Constantine’s attention is taken by King Alexandros.

I realize that we’re in the area for the royalties, dignitaries and top ranking officers. I am neither one of those, but nobody seems to be making a fuss about it. Still, I feel uneasy. I try to slip away quietly, but Serena grabs my hand. Then she snatches

a drink from one of the attendants in feathered costumes flitting around with trays of drinks and hors-d’oeuvres. I just wave the man away when he offers me a drink.

“I would start yawning as soon as they start talking politics and militaries and finances,” comments Serena. I could see that Lazarus’s attention is taken by a couple of older gentlemen. I just nod while my eyes roam around in search of a certain lycan. I know he’s not here yet though because I can feel it when he’s around. It’s weird.

“I feel like an outsider here,” I confess quietly to Serena.

“You don’t look like an outsider, sweetie. Trust me. If anybody said otherwise, they would have to deal with me,” she said playfully, but I think she means it.

“But I think this area here is for the royal family and such,” I protest.

“It’s for the royalties and their closest friends and confidantes.

You are that to Genesis and more. You’re our friend too. Don’t sweat it, this is not really a formal occasion. They hold balls like this all the time. They just need the slightest excuse to have one, and now we’re it,” she giggles softly.

“Oh, my…would you look at that,” whispers Serena in

amusement. I twist around to look at what she’s staring at behind me. Caspian just walks in with his date.

So that must be Lady Celeste. She barely comes up to Caspian’s shoulder. Her light brown hair is in an elaborate twist with crystals and feathers. Her deep purple dress covered with shiny

crystals and feathers. Lots of feathers. She’s dressed to impress and fully attract attention. Who could blame her? She’s walking in the arm of the crown prince.

Caspian is dressed in a dark purple velvet jacket with has an elaborate deep purple silk cravat. His top hat also has feathers at the center. He is dressed a little bit more flamboyant than most men in this room, but he carries the look with such confidence and regal bearing that I can’t fault it.

Admittedly they’re looking good together but judging by the cold haughty look on his face, I don’t think Caspian is really liking this arrangement.

“Poor Caspian,” I mutter to Serena and I hear her choke on her drink. I don’t sound at all sincere.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t hate Caspian. Not at all. To be honest, I’m quite fond of him already. Not that I’m going to admit that to him. Caspian is truly an enigma. Despite his drop-dead gorgeous appearance and cocky, obnoxious

immature royal sonofabitch attitude, he’s a complex

personality.

He’s a very good judge of character. He doesn’t trust easily. The rest of the lycans, whether they realize it or not, follow his cue.

Once Caspian accepted somebody, they’d do the same. So do I.

He looks at people he doesn’t know and trust with that haughty worthy of a prince look as if they’re gums stuck beneath his expensive leather shoe. Once he decided that you’re worthy, and accepted within his tight little circle where only a few are allowed in, you’ll know.

I know exactly when he accepted me. It was when he threw his first insult at me. I insulted him right back because…well, because I’m me. He looked at me with a raised eyebrow. I raised an eyebrow right back at him. We both tipped our chin up in understanding almost in unison. I saw his lips lifted up the corners in a little smile and I can’t stop my lips from curving up into an answering smile.

We have an understanding. Caspian and I. We show our

mutual fondness and respect for each other by trading insults and making each others’ lives as unbearable as possible.

I have a feeling that Lady Celeste wouldn’t be winning his trust and affection anytime soon, though.

Suddenly I feel his presence. I feel Serena’s hand tightens around mine. I don’t have to wonder why for very long because my eyes found Darius Ivanovic Rykov and he’s not alone.

Hanging onto his arm is a tall blond. She’s flawlessly beautiful.

A lycan just like him. He’s dressed almost similarly to Lazarus, except that his jacket is black. His vest is royal blue, the same color as the woman’s dress.

I can’t deny it. He’s looking super hot. His top hat is pulled a little low over his forehead, making his sharp perfect jawline looks more prominent and his red lips more sensual. The outline of his tall glorious body cannot be fully concealed by that fine suit. He’s sexy. He’s all man.

His pale blue eyes are slightly hidden underneath the shadow of the hat, but I can feel the heat of his gaze on me blazing even from across the room. My heart speeds up at the sight of him.

They look like they belong together. My heart squeezed in jealousy. I have no right to be jealous though. He’s not mine. I feel betrayed nonetheless. I want to go and rip off her arms that are holding him close by the socket.

“Karla, one of Lady Celeste close friends,” mutters Serena. She gives my arm a gentle reassuring squeeze.

I try to look away, but I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from the approaching couple.His eyes locked on mine immediately.

I don’t miss the way his icy blue eyes rake my form from head to toe. I don’t miss the look of want and hunger in his eyes or the sizzle of energy between us.

Chapter 4 – Just a Door Closing

I talk and I smile. Fake smile. I laugh too, and I can hear how fake my laughter is. I dance, mainly with Lazarus or

Constantine. I suspect they are forced to do so by their mates who take pity on me. I pretend not to notice him and his date.

He has another woman hanging onto his arm, yet his eyes are constantly following my every movement. Jealousy is eating at me and I hate how my body is responding to his heated gaze.

I don’t understand this. I’m his erasthai. Why is he doing this to me?

After a while, it gets too much. I escape outside to one of the balconies. I need to breathe. I need fresh air. I need answers.

Banehallow Palace is on top of a hill. The lights from distant houses dotting the landscape below look like stars in a clear night sky. Cool night breeze touches my exposed arms and shoulders.

I’m aware of his presence behind me without even hearing his footsteps. He moves so stealthily and quietly. Like a shadow.

Well, I knew he was going to follow me here. Isn’t it why I am here on the balcony all by myself now?

“Mr. Rykov,” I say quietly without turning to look at him.

“Persephone,” he returns and moves to stand beside me.

The sound of my name rolling off his tongue send shivers down my spine. I feel the sizzle of warmth and electricity from the close proximity of our bodies.

“I think it’s better that you stay away from me.” His deep voice melts my inside like butter, but his words chill me. I turn to stare at his perfect profile as he stares out into the distance. In this light, his chiseled features seem more prominent, like he’s carved from the marble. Cold and hard and unyielding yet so achingly beautiful.

“But I’m your erasthai…I know I am,” I protest.

“Yes, you are,” he reluctantly admitted, still staring out into the distance. I got the feeling he’s trying hard not to look at me.

“However, I don’t need a mate. I have never wanted a mate, nor will I ever want one. Don’t waste your time on me.”

For a minute I just stand there staring at him, unable to fully comprehend what he just said. Then he turns his face to look at me. The intensity of those icy blue eyes hit me right in the chest. It almost knocks the breath out of my body.

“Why?” I whisper, truly confused yet mesmerized.

“Nobody should know about us either.” He takes a step closer to me as if he can’t help himself. He’s so close, I could feel his body heat in the cool night air. I could smell his wonderful heady scent. I could feel the buzz of electricity in the air between us. My heartbeat and my body temperature rise. I could see hunger and longing in his captivating eyes as he stares down at me.

He lifts a hand to touch my face. It’s just a ghost of a touch and I almost swayed into it.

He is gone before I fully grasp what he meant. He left me staring at empty doors of the balcony.

Oh no…did he just said that to me? Really? Did I just get rejected by my non-mate???

He rejected me, but I want him. Oh, I so want him. He might’ve decided that we’re not going to be together, but I decided otherwise. I look at the door where he disappeared through and smile. I’m Persephone Aspen Ruiz, will make him want me. I know he wants me. I saw the way he can’t keep his eyes off of me. I won’t give up until I get what I want, and what I want is that dangerous beautiful lycan. He won’t be able to resist me.

I walk back inside more determined than ever that I’m going to make him want me. As much as he doesn’t want anything to do with me, I can still feel his eyes on me. Our eyes still locked on each other from time to time. I think it doesn’t escape his date.

I think it infuriates her. At some point during the night, his date Karla turns and touches my shoulder.

“Penny, right? Isn’t that what your name is? I’m sorry, but I find it amazing…if not a bit ridiculous that a werewolf is allowed to mingle freely here. You’re aware that this area here is for the royalties and high ranking lycans right?”

“Karla!” snaps Darius before I get the chance to get over my shock at the insult. “You’re aware that you wouldn’t even be at this party tonight if I didn’t invite you as my plus one.” He says this through gritted teeth. His jaw clenching and eyes narrowing. Genesis, Constantine, and Caspian who happen to hear her remark are staring at her with cold, narrowed eyes as well. I doubt she’s getting an invite back to the palace any time soon. Darius pretty much ignores her after that incident.