Page 36 of Beneath the Watching

I watched as he laid the bag over the comforter on the bed and then I crossed the room to pick up the dress.

The blanket was less a fluffy bed covering and more of a swath of thick, deep black velvet. The walls were layered with textured muted gold paper and a bank of windows to the right of the bed were framed with curtains matching the bed set. The view outside was majestic, providing the perfect view of the scarily tall peaks in the distance. Frozen in place, I remained staring until he gently lifted the package from my arms.

11

STEFAN

“Get dressed,”I instructed her. I gestured toward the bathroom as she stood transfixed, her face pale. She’d gone somewhere in her head and was oblivious to my having relieved her of the gown. “Mabel.”

Slowly, she swiveled her head. She looked like a startled deer. “Get dressed. We're leaving shortly,” I repeated.

She nodded. “You’ll find everything you need in there,” I said, pointing toward the bathroom.

It occurred to me I hadn’t had either of my men secure any make-up or other artifices, but she didn’t need them. She’d still stand out amongst all the painted women; a natural beauty. I had the feeling she’d feel insecure when there was no cause for such a response. She’d never say a word, but I’d feel it. I tried to tell myself I didn’t care about every little thing when it came to her, but the lie was futile.

The more time I spent around her, the deeper I fell into her trap.

After what happened last time, I didn’t dare use the tunnels to reach the other side of the castle. I cast a spell over Mabel to disguise her appearance. I’d informed her what I was going to do—and why, and she’d waited, a look of fascination in her eyes until she’d asked, “That’s it?”

I laughed. “Yes. What were you expecting? A fairy godmother?” All it’d taken was a flick of my wrist and anyone I’d want to hide her from would both not recognize her and never have seen her if they somehow did.

Rather than use the tunnels, I guided her through the extensive halls of the fortress, the train of her dress trailing behind her, her arm in mine while she peered curiously at everything we passed.

“Are those the vampires you mentioned?” Her steps faltered as we came into the entrance hall.

I followed her gaze to the front entrance doors and a small group of immaculately black-clad men and a couple women lurked around the edges. “Yes.”

“Will they try to eat me?” She whispered, her fingers tightening around my forearm.

“Perhaps the one.” I watched as she examined the bunch, trying to determine which man posed the threat. My eyes lit on one posturing and puffing out his chest. I recognized him but couldn’t remember his name until someone called him Kyle. “Relax. You should know by now I won’t let anyone get near you.” Her nails were digging into my skin and marring my sleeve.

Her hand slid away, and I snatched it, taking her palm in mine and smoothing my fingers across her soft knuckles. Imeant to comfort her but found myself receiving that same gift. If she had this effect on me, I could only wonder what it was like for her. Did she feel the same for me? A frisson of anger bloomed in my chest. Why could I still not read her as I should?

“They look stereotypical.” She swayed against me. “Their hair and their clothes. They look like a movie cast or fancy rock band. They’re beautiful.”

I couldn’t help it, I found myself letting out a short growl. “Avert your eyes.”

She gasped softly. “Does that instigate them?”

Inwardly, I found her question hysterical. It was all I could do not to use her fear against her; the temptation to fuck with her and assure her attention and affection remain solely on me was powerful. Sighing, I answered, “No. They have more self-control than us demons.”

Her gaze flicked up to meet mine. “I keep forgetting you’re supposed to be evil.”

My hand traveled to the dip of her waist as I leaned down to her ear. “I’ll remind you later.”

Eagerly I awaited her reaction. She shivered and flushed, her eyelashes fluttering for a moment before she glanced down. Pleased, I guided her up the staircase and through a hall with a ceiling lined with glittering quartz crystals. The gems contained a natural and artificial means of rendering magic useless or transforming it into a weakened state. It was a security measure meant to prevent attacks, as this was intended to be a neutral zone for all besides Lucian and Victor. They both had the liberty to use magic when and as needed.

While the crowd gathered, I kept Mabel firmly tucked by my side, just inside the doors of the Great Hall.

“Ilya,” I nodded to him as he approached. He lifted his chin and then looked at Mabel, who gave him a little smile. “Are you all set?” I asked him.

He fidgeted with his tie. “She thinks we want her blood.”

“What?”

“And she’s got that fucking necklace back on,” he sneered. “She’s dressed for a funeral.”

I let go of Mabel’s hand and shoved my own through my hair. “For your funeral, I’m sure.”

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