Page 81 of Forever Touched

“Then I’ll die happy,” I sighed, still grinning.

Until he said in a dead serious voice, “But I wouldn’t.”

My high faded as the reality of our situation crowded in. My days on this earth were numbered. Knowing that a billion different things could kill me in an instant was pretty sobering.

“Sorry. Lame joke,” I said. “I know I’m fragile compared to you.”

“You are, and I don’t take that lightly.”

“I don’t either. I’d just rather laugh at my situation than cry all the time. Staying positive is the only reason I’ve survived this long.”

He paused. Then said, “Will you go back? To Dreamscape?”

“I don’t want to,” I admitted.

“Do you have a choice?”

“I was never forced, Everett. Ichoseto work there because—” My throat sealed shut before I could get the words out.

“It’s okay. Don’t try to fight it,” he said, kissing me again.

Sighing my frustration, I stopped trying to speak.

When my body relaxed once more, he added, “I’m guessing you agreed to work at Dreamscape because of the debt you owe the Faircrofts. But I don’t think that’s the only reason. My father heard rumors that some of the Venturi have been complaining about his leadership. Not to his face, but he has a few trusted sources among the Venturi who spy for him.

“Since the curse broke, many have been discontent with the newly-enforced rules. The kingdom’s laws are stricter now because of our SCA alliance, and not everyone is on board with these changes. We expected this, but not from the Venturi. They’ve always been afforded privileges, so it came as a shock to learn that some might be secretly meeting at Dreamscape Lounge and discussing ways to dethrone the king. My father has been challenged many times, but now that he has two young grandchildren, he’s determined not to let the problem escalate beyond what we can handle.

“After meeting you and learning about what you’re dealing with, I think these rumors have merit. I think Dreamscape is being used for darker purposes than blood and sex. You were the first clue that something wasn’t right, and I think you’re tied to whatever secrets the club is hiding. I know you can’t tell me, but I think you’re well aware of what’s going on. Problem is, I don’t have evidence to back up my suspicions. And since you can’t tell me what you know, I can’t confront anyone at the club. They need to all be in the same place at the same time where I can better control the outcome. So I’ve decided to host an event at the castle. A Masquerade Ball. It’ll take place in two days’ time.”

Everything in me went cold. My mind screamed at me to tell him what a terrible idea that was, but no words came out.

When the silence stretched, Everett said, “You don’t approve. I can feel how opposed you are to the idea. But I can’t just sit back anddo nothing anymore, Adalyn. I’ve felt useless these past few days.Powerlessto help you. And I can’t feel that way anymore. My job is to protect my family, and that includes you. As your soulmate, I have little power, but as the crown prince who will someday be king, no one would dare ignore my summons. It’s too late anyway. I’ve already had the invitations sent out.”

I lifted my head to look at him. At the hard resolve I found in his gaze, my heart sank. “You invited the Faircrofts.”

“The entire household, to be precise.”

“Me? You invitedme?”

“Yes. I left explicit instructions to include you in the festivities. They think I’m obsessed with you, right? Well, let them think I’m still obsessed. It’s the truth, anyway.”

I could tell he was trying to lighten the mood, but I frowned and said, “This is dangerous, Everett. More dangerous than you can know. Trust me on this.”

His eyes glittered with determination. “I do trust you, but I’d rather face danger head on than allow it to stab me in the back. This isn’t the first time my family and I have dealt with disgruntled vampires, nor will it be the last. We need to turn the tables in our favor, and I need you at the ball to make that happen. And if Deloris Faircroft knows that I’ll be expecting you there, she wouldn’t dare harm you. This is our best chance to address the court’s malcontent and free you from the pactum.”

My bottom lip quivered. When he reached up to touch it, I almost broke. Shaking my head, I whispered, “You’re a fool, Everett D’angelo. But you’re going to make a wonderful king someday.”

I only hoped he survived long enough to become one, and I was alive to see it happen.

I knew he was pleased by my words, but I couldn’t share inthe emotion. So many things could go wrong at that ball. So many terrible things. I was surprised by how much he’d learned, but he’d only discovered the tip of the iceberg and I was helpless to tell him more.

He trusted me.Me. And that’s what terrified me the most.

He was inviting vipers into his nest, but the viper with the deadliest bite . . .

Was me.

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