“He needs time. Let it go for tonight.” Kirk presses a kiss to my temple.
“Don’t forget we’re in this together.”
Are we?
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Celebrating Alvablot with a black-tie event is ironic. Originally, this was meant to give an offering to the elves to appease them after the harvest. Yet here we are dressed to the nines to eat tiny expensive canapes, drink sparkling wine, and feel important.
My dress is a tiered lavender number that evokes whimsy. Trailing out around me in multiple layers of chiffon the design is sickeningly feminine. Thin straps show off my shoulders and fold down into a ruffled sleeve that kisses my fingertips.
“I look like a cupcake wrapper.” I stick my tongue out at the reflection I don’t recognize in the mirror.
“Come out, Brat. It can’t be that bad.”
Leaving the hot rollers in my hair, I stride to the door of my room, careful not to trip on the excess fabric. I yank it open and the four men go silent.
“You hate it.”
“No.” Cadoc steps forward and runs a calloused finger down my bare shoulder. I shiver.
“You’re beautiful like this. Soft and touchable like a flower petal, but edgy like the Brat I know.”
“Oh.” My tone is hushed.
“I’ll be proud to have you on my arm.” Cadoc tilts my head up and I blink, wondering if I was in a dream. The ritual opened up something between all of us.
“The dress is stunning, but it’s the wearer that matters.” Kirk admired me with a sincere smile that makes my heartrate increase.
My eyes shoot over to him, surprised by his candid answer. Doc likes to hold things close to his chest until the moment is right.
“Thank you, Kirk.”
“I could stroke your ego more, but you have eyes. You’re going to blow everyone away tonight.”
Bo runs a hand over his clean-shaven sharp jaw. His dark eyes rake over me, making me feel indecent. “All the men are going to envy us because we get to come home with you. Do you know what the best part about that is?” Bo asks.
Cadoc turns my head to face him.
“No.” I meet Bo’s heated gaze.
“They can’t because you belong to us.” Bo flashes a sharp toothed smile.
“If they even attempt to do anything more than cast longing looks from across the room, we’re going to have problems.”
Bo wraps his tattooed hand around my throat. “Because I don’t share with anyone other than this clan. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” My panties dampen.
“I never minded making a scene. If I have to prove a point tonight, I will. And you’re going to let me. No protests or lip service.” Bo taps his thumb against my trembling lower lip. “I know how hard that is for you.”
My eyelids flutter to half-mast.
“Tonight is about appearances, and no one plays the game better than me. So, you follow my lead and we’ll be just fine.”
For once, Bo’s cockiness is deserved.
“I’m not a doll.”
“No, you’re too smart for that. You understand better than most what it takes to survive.” Bo’s voice is shaded with an unusual emotion, admiration.
“Are you trying to scare her?” Fell’s voice drips with scorn.
“Princess and I are coming to an important understanding, aren’t we?” His minty breath brushes against my face.
“Yes.”
Bo squeezes my neck tighter and finally releases his hold, stepping back.
Fell holds my gaze. “We’re going to put our bullshit aside for the night, Yl.”
I bite my tongue to keep my caustic response to myself. “Of course.”
“I’m going to hold your hand, touch you, and smile at you, and you’re going to reciprocate.”
Fell's commanding tone weakens my knees.
“Laying it on thick while you have the chance, huh?” Bo asks.
