Dark Alpha's Redemption--A Reaper Novel, page 2
He touched his chest and the amulet beneath his clothes that she’d given him when she took over the business. Leon never took it off. Just one more connection between them, showing their tight bond.
Together, they walked from her office down the stairs to where select individuals had been invited to attend the most coveted party of the Dark Fae.
They stopped outside the large double doors of the ballroom. Maeve stared at them. She loved getting dressed up, but she wished she was doing something she wanted to do instead of mingling with people who conspired against her and planned her death behind her back.
“It’ll be over soon,” Leon assured her.
She shot him a grateful smile and motioned him away. “I’ll see you inside.”
Once he was gone, she snapped her fingers. Four Fae appeared carrying a black and silver velvet litter. She waited until they set it down before she climbed onto it, reclining on her side while her elbow held her up.
Then she was lifted, and the doors opened. Inside the ballroom, the music halted, and all eyes turned to her. Her gaze moved over faces, never lingering on anyone for too long. She bowed her head to a few in greeting, but most, she ignored.
When they reached the dais, the litter was lowered, and two Fae held out their hands for her. She took them as the pair helped her to her feet. Once standing, she looked over the crowd.
Her gaze snapped to the right when she caught sight of someone she hadn’t expected to see—the King of the Dark.
And he wasn’t alone. The man next to him was intensely intoxicating. She wanted to stare at him and take in every detail of him, but she forced herself to look away.
Maeve was curious as to why Balladyn was there—and who his companion was. Not that she could refuse the King.
Oh, she could, but it was a death sentence if she did.
A glass of champagne was held out to her. She took it and softly let the corners of her lips turn up in a slight smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Thank you all for coming to my party, celebrating another successful year. My father began the tradition, and it is something that I’ve enjoyed continuing. What better way to spend time with others than an event celebrating the wonderful year we’ve had?” She lifted the flute high. “Sláinte.”
“Sláinte,” the audience replied in unison.
Maeve drank deeply, savoring the alcohol. While many Dark saw the humans as nothing more than food, she had come to see them as so much more. In many ways, they enriched her life. The champagne, for one. It was her favorite drink.
There was just something about the bubbly brew that made her happy. Whether it was regular or pink champagne, she loved it all.
Intending to savor the rest of the glass—as well as the bottle—in her bedroom, she turned to walk from the dais. There were too many people. She felt vulnerable, exposed. It was time to leave and return to the safety of her room.
As she approached the steps leading down, her gaze landed on Ardal. He’d been attempting to woo her for six centuries. You’d think he’d get the hint that she wasn’t interested.
But he had yet to give up.
Ardal looked impeccable in his tux with his short black and silver hair slicked back. His red gaze locked on her as he gave her a charming smile. There was no doubt he was handsome, and he had a quick mind. He was good at running his export business, as well.
But no matter how much she tried, Maeve wasn’t attracted to him. She’d told him that several times already, but he was like a dog with a bone.
“Maeve,” he said as he took her hand and helped her down the steps. “You get more beautiful every time I see you.”
She forced a smile and looked up at him. “Thank you.”
He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and turned them. To everyone looking, they appeared very much a couple. Maeve planted her feet so he couldn’t move her and deliberately pulled her hand away, all while never taking her eyes from his face.
“I thought I made myself clear,” she stated.
His smile was tighter than before, proof that she’d hit a nerve. “If you would just give me a chance.”
“You don’t love me,” she said. “You love my power, my position, and my company.”
“That’s true, but I also have a fondness for you. Shouldn’t that be enough?”
She raised her chin and took a deep breath. This was a conversation she’d had many times with those trying to win her hand. “Do you know why I’ve never married?”
“You’ve not found the right man,” he said with a wink.
She didn’t so much as grin. “It’s because not a single one of you wants me. You all want what I have. I’ve built all of this,” she said with a wave of her hand. “I took what my father had and transformed it. I didn’t need a man then, nor at any time throughout my life. And I don’t need one now.”
Ardal’s face flushed with rage as he became aware of those near them who were now listening intently. Despite Maeve telling him this before, it had always been done in privacy. He was the one who’d pushed her into a corner. And it was time he realized who he was dealing with.
“You’re making a mistake,” he whispered.
She shook her head. “No, Ardal, you are. You need a woman you can control. I’m not it.”
Maeve pivoted and walked away with a glance toward Leon to make sure that Ardal didn’t follow her. She only took a few steps before she was stopped again. This time by a young, female Dark.
“I’m sorry,” the young woman said. “I know its taboo for me to stop you, and my beau is beside himself that I ignored his warning and came over anyway.”
It took balls to do this. Maeve didn’t like being stopped. In fact, anyone who dared was severely punished—though it had been years since she’d last done that. The Dark had long memories. It only took a few times for them to understand what she wanted.
But she also remembered being young and trying to find her way. She held up a hand when Leon sent two guards to take the girl away. Then Maeve looked at the female. “And you are?”
“Leena,” the girl said with a bright smile.
Maeve looked her up and down, noting the slinky red dress and the stylish updo the woman wore. Then she glanced at Leena’s beau, who appeared both shocked and ill as he stared at Leena’s bravery. Maeve didn’t recognize him, but that didn’t mean anything. She did business with a lot of Fae—even a few Light.
“I hope you’re enjoying the party, Leena.”
“Very much so,” the young Dark replied. Then she leaned in close and said in a low voice, “I’ve admired you for so long. I want to be just like you.”
Maeve used to enjoy when people said that to her. Now, all she could think of was that the person would come after her and her business. One day, it would happen. Someone could only hold the top spot for so long before they were overthrown.
“Do you now?” she asked.
Leena bobbed her head. “I have so many ideas.”
“I’m sure you’ll be amazing.”
“Do you have any advice for me?”
Maeve paused as she recalled what her father had told her—never trust anyone. The guidance had helped her succeed, but it had been a solitary existence only broken by Leon.
Maeve glanced to her right where her faithful friend stood. Except this time, his gaze wasn’t on her, it was on a man. They were smiling at each other, the kind of smile that lovers shared. When had Leon taken a new lover? And why hadn’t he told her? She felt deeply wounded that he hadn’t shared such news with her. Especially when they told each other everything.
Maeve swung her attention back to Leena. “Be careful who you trust. You need people who are reliable and devoted, but in turn, you have to be loyal to them. Treat them good and pay them well. Give them no reason to betray you.”
Leena nodded solemnly. “I will do all of it.”
Maeve moved past the Fae before Leena could ask anything else. It felt as if the room were closing in on her. She had to get out of the ballroom and quickly. As she approached the door, she noticed that Leon still had eyes only for his lover.
Not once had he ever let her down, and she didn’t want it to start now. Leon had always been there for her. Even the times when she hadn’t thought she needed him. He had instinctively known what she required. In truth, Leon was indispensable.
No one else stopped her, but that could be because two guards fell into step behind her to make sure that didn’t happen. When Maeve reached the side door to exit, Leon wasn’t there. It was the first time in . . . too many years to count.
She tried not to be hurt by it, but that’s what happened when you counted on someone. Her father had warned her not to do it.
“Depending on others means that you let your guard down. That leaves you weak, because you’ll begin to care for them. And that, my darlin’ girl, is how they’ll betray you and take everything you have.”
Maeve walked through the door, her father’s words ringing in her ears. She had only taken two steps when Leon suddenly fell in step beside her.
“I didn’t see you,” he explained.
She halted and looked at him. It took a great deal of effort not to snap at him, but she buried the emotion and kept her tone even. He was her only friend, and she had to remember that. “Your attention was on someone else. I saw him.”
Leon sighed and briefly lowered his gaze to the floor. “I should’ve told you about him. It’s new. Very new. It won’t happen again.”
“I walked through a doorway, not into battle. It’s fine.” And it was okay. She shouldn’t be jealous of her friend finding comfort in someone’s arms just because she couldn’t. No, she should be happy for Leon.
Yes. She would be happy for him and shove aside any jealousy she had of the time Leon spent with his new lover. None ever lasted long anyway. Though she’d never seen Leon look at someone as he had the man in the ballroom earlier.
“But . . .” Leon said with a frown. “We always leave together.”
She smiled sadly. “What is it you’re always telling me? The only constant thing in life is change?”
“Maeve,” he murmured, his brow furrowing deeper. “I’ve hurt you. I’m sorry.”
She waved her hand between them, cutting off his words. She was upset, but she hated that she felt that way. She wouldn’t give in to the emotion or let her friend know of it. “Return to the party as you always do and have a nice night.”
But Leon didn’t move. He rubbed a hand over his chin. “Ardal will retaliate for what you did to him.”
“You mean what he did to himself?” She shrugged, uncaring. “Let him. And we’ll see who comes out the victor.”
Leon chuckled. “He’s not the first, and I daresay he won’t be the last to try and win you.”
“Don’t you know, old friend? I don’t have a heart for anyone to steal.”
Chapter Three
Fek.
It was the only word on repeat in Bradach’s head from the moment Maeve arrived in the ballroom. The moment his eyes landed on her, he hadn’t been able to look anywhere else. She was so stunning that she took his breath away. Literally.
She had a face so flawless that he couldn’t look away. Kohl-lined, almond-shaped eyes lifted in the outer corners to give her a seductive look. High cheekbones and full lips outfitted in blood red made his cock twitch.
And hunger rush through his veins so hot it scalded him.
Then she stood from the litter. Her voluptuous curves molded by silver fabric made his balls tighten. It was a primitive response, unadulterated and utterly primal.
She moved forward, and his eyes lowered to the impossibly high slit that went up her right leg. He heard a chuckle beside him, but he didn’t pay attention. No, Bradach was listening to her sexy voice that made his heart race.
There was no denying the attraction he felt.
And he hated her for it.
He hated Dark—all Dark. Never, in all his thousands of years, had he ever felt so . . . out of control, so hungry . . . for a Dark female. The possibility that he might be attracted to one had never entered his mind. But now that he was faced with it, he had to get himself together.
Somehow.
His eyes focused on her cleavage thanks to the dip in the front of her gown. His hands itched to grab the fabric and yank the dress apart so he could see all of her. He forgot where he was, why he was there, and that there were others in the room—right up until he felt the elbow in his ribs.
“Lift your damn glass,” came the whispered demand in a voice laced with irritation.
Bradach blinked, his control back in place as he pulled his gaze from Maeve. He cut a glance to Balladyn to see if the King of the Dark had noticed. The two hadn’t said very much to each other once Bradach had gotten to the Dark Palace, but if Balladyn had seen him ogling Maeve, he kept it to himself, only giving Bradach a stern frown. Bradach swallowed, inwardly shaking himself, and noticed the rest of the room toasting Maeve. Bradach hurried and lifted his glass, completely at a loss as to what had come over him.
Balladyn drank down his champagne in one gulp.
Bradach twisted his lips, stopping just short of rolling his eyes. “Oh, that was nice. Very kingly.”
The King of the Dark raised a brow as he turned to Bradach. “You’ve made it abundantly clear that you don’t care for me, and I hate to break it to you, gobshite, but I’m not fond of you either. I gave my word to Erith that I’d do this, so I will. That doesn’t mean I have to be pleasant.”
Bradach looked down at the glass in his hand when he heard the crystal crack. He forced his fingers to relax one at a time. Then he lifted his gaze to Balladyn. “It’s not you personally.”
“Well, that makes me feel so much better,” the king stated acerbically while rolling his eyes.
“It should.”
Red eyes cut his way. “It doesn’t. So, suck it up, buttercup. We’re both stuck.”
When Balladyn walked away, Bradach quickly followed despite wanting to go the other way. “What are you doing?”
“She never stays,” the king threw over his shoulder.
Bradach glanced toward Maeve to see a man talking to her. By the look on her face, she was none too pleased. And within moments, it became clear to the entire room that she was putting the Dark in his place.
Balladyn backtracked and stood beside Bradach. “She’s a ballbuster, but Ardal deserves it. Trust me.”
Bradach glanced at Balladyn. “I don’t exactly have a choice.”
“Remember that,” Balladyn stated icily.
Bradach fisted his hands. He was always the cool-headed one. But there was something about Balladyn that made him want to put his fist through the king’s face.
With no other choice, Bradach followed Balladyn out of the ballroom when all he wanted to do was continue watching Maeve. While some might throw their power and might around, she wore it like a crown—majestically and regally.
She said nothing, just gave someone a look that would stop them in their tracks. The Dark Fae guards shifted as if expecting her every move, which he assumed they did. That meant they had been with her long enough to know what to anticipate without her having to issue a word or even cast a look in their direction.
But the real trick was watching how everyone in the room stared at her. Most lusted after Maeve—both men and women. There were a few whose jealousy shone brightly in their eyes, and he’d bet his favorite dagger that Maeve was aware of each one.
A woman like Maeve didn’t get into such a position without knowing little details like that. It was the envious types that made a bid for whatever they wanted. A few might try to win her over, like Ardal, but most would simply attempt to dispose of her any way they could.
The problem was, Maeve was too dominant. She was influential and held sway with others just as formidable as she. The only way Maeve would be removed from her position was if she gave it up herself. That’s how powerful she was.
Bradach and Balladyn moved as silently as ghosts as they walked down the rug-lined corridor. The castle was beautiful. Bradach hated to admit it, but the various shades of silver and black rugs and furniture went well with the gray stone. He particularly liked the carpet lining the hallways. It had just enough metallic sheen to it so that you didn’t mistake it for something other than what it was—silver.
“You walk this place as if it’s yours,” Bradach said.
Balladyn chuckled softly. “I’m King of the Dark. That affords me many things.”
“I’m not sure Maeve would agree.”
“She saw us.”
Bradach’s gut clenched at the reminder. Maeve’s red gaze had skimmed over him during the toast, but she had lingered on Balladyn for a heartbeat. Why did that anger him so?
He didn’t care about Maeve.
No, it was all lust—the hot, all-consuming kind—that he felt.
For fek’s sake, he really had to get his body under control. He was disgusted that he was attracted to a Dark. A Dark! He swallowed the bitterness that filled his mouth as he recalled a couple of moments from the past to remind himself why he hated the Dark so.
And just like that, the lust ebbed away into nothing. He was grateful because he never wanted to think about it again. And he would never tell a soul about it.
“How do you even know where she’s going?” Bradach asked.
Balladyn quirked an eyebrow as he glanced at him. “Where else but her chamber?”
Bradach couldn’t stop his eye roll.
They said nothing as they continued down the long corridor, but Bradach wasn’t fooled. The King of the Dark might look as if he were at ease, but he was anything but.
When they approached a set of double doors, Bradach’s steps slowed. “You don’t actually plan to go inside.”
“I do.” Balladyn halted before the doors and turned to look at Bradach. “I can’t tell you how many times the Dragon Kings, as well as the Reapers, have shown up in my chambers unannounced.”
With that, the king used his magic to open the doors. Bradach didn’t feel right going inside. Not because it was rude, but because it was Maeve’s chambers, and he had just gotten his desire in check. He wasn’t ready to test it just yet. Instead, he stood against one of the doors and folded his arms across his chest to wait. He glanced inside to find that Balladyn had taken one of the chairs in the middle of the room.
