Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 59151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
“Would they get involved if it did?” I ask
“I don’t know.” Lucas rests his arm along the back of the couch. He soon frowns when he realizes he can’t play with my hair because it’s tied back in a bun. But he settles for toying with the zip on the back of my dress. Because of course, he does. “And I don’t enjoy not knowing.”
“I hate waiting,” I say to no one in particular.
“It’s the worst part of politics,” agrees Samuel.
“You’re a man of action.” Rose plays with her ruby pendant. “But you know I reward your patience.”
“That you do, my love.”
“Oh, God,” sighs Henry dramatically. “Is this what I have to look forward to? Watching Father and Skye be all cutesy and making kissy faces at each other for centuries?”
“Shut up, Henry,” says Lucas without any heat.
“I heard a rumor that a faction of the wolves has expressed an interest in settling in the canyons,” reports Samuel.
“Is that so?” asks Lucas.
All of a sudden, Henry’s eyes widen, and he announces loudly, “Zofia, what a surprise!”
Nothing less than a goddess emerges from the crowd. Though, not an actual goddess. Long brown hair, white skin, pale blue eyes, and bone structure like a sculptor had a hand in her creation.
And Rose, Samuel, and Henry are suddenly behaving decidedly odd. Looking between me, Lucas, and the new arrival with a bit too much interest. I have such a bad feeling about all of this suddenly.
“Luca,” says Zofia in a husky voice. “It’s been a minute.”
“Indeed, it has been. How are you?”
“I’d be just perfect if you’d dance with me?” Her smile is both sensual and inviting. Even I want to dance with her. Dammit.
“Of course.” Lucas turns to me and says, “Back soon.”
My answering smile is as weak as can be. But it doesn’t matter, because he’s already gone. He holds up a hand to signal to someone, and immediately the music is changed. They hold each other close and sway on the spot to a song by Ella Fitzgerald. The whispered conversation they have is interspersed with affectionate looks and ready smiles. It’s obvious they know each other very well indeed.
I knew he had a history. And a long one at that. Guess I didn’t quite consider what it would be like to come face to face with the same. Zofia appears to be about a decade older than me, gorgeous and graceful. Anyone would forgive me for having a moment. He did, however, say he’d be back soon.
“Zofia and Lucas are old friends,” explains Rose with a sympathetic expression.
Henry, however, is not happy. “The truth, little sister, is that they were fuckbuddies from around the time we arrived in California to when Father decided to take his nap. Not quite a century.”
“Huh. That’s a long time.” My smile is small. “And to think he told me he was a virgin. I can’t believe he’d lie to me about something like that.”
Samuel’s laughter is soft and low. “Skye, did I ever tell you about the first time I took my lovely wife here out on a date? There I am, trying desperately to impress her, and we run into her ex. No less than a crown prince destined for the throne.”
“Only of a very small country. It hardly mattered at all.” Rose winks at me.
“I asked her why she didn’t want to be a queen, and she told me…”
Rose’s gaze is full of warmth. “Crowns are uncomfortable as fuck.”
“That’s true, actually.” Henry smiles despite himself. “Father has collected a couple over the years. A tiara isn’t too bad; though, they can pinch. But a full-on, gold-and-gemstone-laden crown…ugh. Such a headache, and the strain it puts on one’s neck.”
“I’m sure you looked stunning just the same.”
“Thank you, Rose. I did.” Henry turns back to watch the only couple dancing in the club. “Last I heard, Zofia had settled in Poland. I wonder what she’s doing here.”
Samuel shakes his head. “I don’t know.”
Henry gives me a long look. “Try not to worry, sweetie. Father might be a monster, but he is not a cheater.”
“We don’t have that sort of relationship, Henry.”
He doesn’t bother to reply.
“How are you all doing over here?” asks Leilah, sweeping in and sitting by my side. She watches Lucas and Zofia dancing for a minute. Then gives me a reassuring smile.
“Appease my curiosity, Leilah,” says Rose. “Why haven’t you broken off and become head of your own family?”
“Why spend my own money when I can use the old man’s?”
Henry laughs.
“This place, for instance.” She waves her hand at the room. “It will take many millions to renovate it to my exacting standards. And while Lucas will be paying the bill, I’ll be the one in charge and reaping much of the rewards. Of course, I share this information with you so honestly and openly because not only are you a dear friend to our family, but doubtless your mate has already been whispering in your ear about it.”