Page 96 of Fangs for the Memories
“Nandór?” I query with Ferenc.
“Dragon mafia,” he says, unconcerned. “They’re all flame and no burn.” He lifts a lip to reveal a fang. “We do business, Elek, but thank you for your offer. I’m sure Viktor can deal with the hot head.”
I check around for my friends, taking comfort from Ferenc’s lack of reaction. While I can’t see all of them, no one is reacting to the fuss at the far end of the ballroom.
“Now,” Ferenc says, “I believe it is time for our first dance.”
“Our first dance? Do werewolves do such a thing?” I query as he stands and holds out his hand for me.
“No, but I was informed it is a human custom and one you have always enjoyed.”
This time I really look around for my so-called friends. Because if I catch any of them, I will have to end them.
“Not exactly,” I say through gritted teeth. “I have two left feet, so I don’t know who told you…”
I catch sight of Eliza’s grinning face. The naughty little minx has obviously managed to get to Ferenc at some point and convince him of my desire to dance.
“You don’t want to dance?” He furrows his brow, as a five-piece band walks into the ballroom, instruments in hand.
He still has his hand outstretched and now everyone has stopped to watch us. All save Eliza who has made herself scarce.
The band strikes up, a slow swirling music which seems to be curling back on itself, an ancient, partly mournful, partly joyous tune which I can’t help but want to swing my hips to.
“Everyone can dance to Hungarian music,” Ferenc says, his eyes glittering with wickedness, “even those with ‘two left feet’.”
He takes my hand and pulls me to him, swirling us around in a dizzying set of steps.
“See, you can dance,” he says in my ear.
“You can dance. I’m just along for the ride.”
“Never, kedves. You are my equal in everything, and I would move the moon from its orbit if you wanted it.”
He spins me around again in a room filled with light, with friends, with my new family, with music and laughter.
A new life, a new start, and a wicked, wicked wolf at my every beck and call.
“I love you, Ferenc Kóbor.” I press my lips to his. “And I haven’t ever been happier than I am in this moment.”
“Then let’s make the moment last forever, my beautiful mate. Let the music take us to wherever we want to go.”
Epilogue
Grace
“Whoops!”
The scarf floats to the floor in the liquid way silk moves. I clutch at my pregnant belly as I attempt to bend down to pick it up.
“Don’t you dare!” Katya growls at me, swooping in to snatch it off the floor before she folds it expertly and places it on the shelf I was aiming for.
“Thank you.” I sigh. “I feel so pregnant.”
“You are so pregnant.” She laughs. “Will you please sit down before Ferenc has my hide?”
The bell on the door tinkles, and she goes to serve the next customer. The bell onmydoor, ofmyboutique just off Vaci Ucta.
The one I bought after I sold what I had in the UK. The little shop which Ferenc found for me, and helped me stock, all while insisting what was his was mine.
