Page 79 of Veiled

“Apologies, decency requires respect to be given so that it is earned. Otherwise, we all stand in a precarious situation.”

“Pray tell, young one,” said a female not unkindly, “what precarious situation would that be.”

I smiled genuinely, knocking everyone back a bit, “Well, the kind that isn’t appropriate for polite conversation. Am I correct to say this is supposed to be a polite conversation and meeting?”

“Indeed, it is, indeed it is. Kalen you failed to mention that she was as quick witted as she was charming.”

I inclined my head. “Many thanks, I’m afraid Kalen likes to keep his protégée’s skills to himself; makes him a tad more mysterious,” I winked, and a few of them laughed.

“I apologize for the slight in manners, let me start with introductions. We are the seven. Here on the right are me, Brighid Alvin and then Dana Alston, and next to us is Kalen Fheall, who you know. On the other end is Radella Oren, Ealdon Warren, Bran Eitri, and in the center is Shea Fheall.”

“It is a pleasure. This is Zane, Hunter, Ryder, Grayson, and I’m sure you are familiar with Scail, and Remi.”

Radella smiled evilly. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what she was going to say, “Oh, we know who they all are, pray tell, we actually know them better than you do,” I frowned, what the fuck did that mean? Kalen glared at her before she laughed, “but those are stories for later! Let’s all enjoy our meal in your honor,” She inclined her head and we turned to sit down at our table. A Fae filled up a few flutes with wine that tasted of cherries and sunshine.

“Holy... this is amazing,” I whispered admiring the drink. Remi laughed, “just wait until you try the food; it will blow you away.” I smiled and looked around the space as dishes were being set out. My eyes kept shifting toward the man now leaning in to talk to Kalen, and his resemblance was setting me on edge.

“So,” Ryder cleared his throat, here we go, “Are we going to just ignore the ele-Fae in the room? Get it?” He cackled; Zane smacked him upside the head. Dinner was placed in front of us and I took a bite, hiding my response.

“I’m not necessarily ignoring it, just not something I want to discuss in this setting. If there is one thing I have learned, is that there are ears everywhere,” I whispered. Scail nodded in my direction and his eyes lingered on my face, before he looked away. He stood out in a way that was just different- he exuded a confidence, yet an air of power, fragility and tenderness. As if all he was waiting for was the opportunity to show the world that he could be more than he was painted to be, but still burn the world down when needed. It was an interesting way to describe him, sure, however, like attracts like. For someone who preaches self-preservation, I have a feeling that for me, he wouldn’t have any, and that could either be dangerous or downright terrifying.

He wore a tailored black suit with a green shirt underneath that stretched across his expansive chest. My men looked good tonight, and Remi was a vision, with her blue hair in an updo, slightly curled around her ears, her pale green dress not clashing. To be honest, as much of an honor this was supposed to be for me, as the “Queen” the honor was mine, to have such an amazing group of people by my side that would do anything for me.

After several moments, we ate in silence, all of us enjoying the food. Soon, the food was taken away and our drinks were refilled, and I felt lighter and more carefree. Couples were standing to get on the dance floor and Kalen approached me and took my hand.

“I know all your men want a turn, but you would do me a great honor to be my partner.” I nodded and blushed as I walked around our table and stepped onto the floor. It looked like a fast waltz, so I basically just followed Kalen’s speed with my knowledge of the dance from all the parties I had to attend with my father.

“I should have known that a girl who fights with so much finesse would dance with it too,” he teased as he spun me around. Suddenly, I was in the arms of another man and smiled when I saw Zane twirling with me instead, the song having slowed down just a tad.

“Oh, who knew you could dance so well?” He stuck out his tongue and I laughed.

“I used to have to go to the same functions as you, you know. I just was better dressed when I went,” He laughed but before I could swat him, and he dipped me and passed me along to Hunter. Goodness, Hunter danced just like he fought, with an intensity that was borderline violent as he turned me faster and brought me up against his body.

“You look beautiful tonight Hudson, it looks like I’m going to have to call in that promise you made,” he growled low and licked his lips.

“You don’t have to call it handsome; it was already in my plans.” He pulled me in for a kiss, biting my lip before stepping aside for Gray to take his place.

“It’s amazing sweetheart,” he murmured, looking deep into my eyes, making my breath catch and heat pool low, “all these people here looking at you, admiring you, and yet you only have eyes for us. It is intoxicating.” I smiled up at him, taking in his dark blonde hair and blue eyes, admiring just how devilish he looked, yet was just so kind. I wrapped my arms around his neck as picked me up and twirled me, making me laugh. “Gray, there is no one else but my mates- nothing will ever change that,” I reached up for a kiss and then giggled when Ryder snatched me up, making Gray growl at him.

“Nope everyone gets five minutes with this beauty,” I don’t think I stopped laughing the entire time he was whispering secrets about the guys and what they used to do when they were younger. He kissed my cheek and winked at me before Scail took me into his arms. A zing of electricity shot up my spine when he tugged me closer, one hand in his and the other firmly pressed against my back. Of course, the song slowed down to a snail’s pace and we danced and stared at each other.

“Staring is rude Scail,” I said, and he smiled.

“Not when you are looking at the most amazing person in this room.”

“Hey, I resent that!” Whisper yelled Ryder, who was dancing with Remi next to us. I rolled my eyes and we moved away from them.

“Mmm, with the compliments, I admit I like them. You look very dapper tonight, Scail. I can’t decide if I enjoy the hood more or not; you look dangerous in both.”

“Dangerous in what way, my queen,” his hoarse whisper drives me insane.

“Well in the hood, you are aloof; the unknown is always a bit dangerous. But this? This is dangerous to just me.”

“Is that so,” he smirked, taking my hands and doing a turn that left my back to his front, while he hugged me. He leaned down and kissed my neck and I shuddered. “Hudson, I don’t think I knew I was waiting for you, but when you ran off today, I wanted to go to you with such an intensity that I felt like I was burning up all over again,” he whispered into my ear and then turned me back around. He cupped my chin and looked into my eyes; I was transfixed, “So the only danger here is you...to me,” At that he grabbed my lips with his and kissed me feverishly until I was dizzy. When he pulled away, he winked at me, “By the way, my name is Oberon, I look forward to hearing it on your lips.” He sauntered away and I was in a slight daze when Remi pressed a flute into my hand. That name sounded familiar; the stupid fae wine was messing with my memory.

“Well, that looked intense,” she teased. I nodded, not being able to speak still, and I watched them all to the side, talking and smiling with each other.

I danced and giggled with Remi between refills of wine, sharing kisses despite the looks of anger from the bitch Radella. Speaking of...

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