Page 26 of Wolf Queen Ruin
“Just enough.”He executed a perfect turn that sent my dress swirling around both of our legs.“Your honesty is refreshing.”
“Yeah, yeah.It’s all part of my ‘zero fucks given’ charm.”
His expression changed subtly, his eyes focusing on something over my shoulder.
“We have company,” he murmured.“Marcel, approaching from your six o’clock.And he’s not alone.”
I resisted the urge to look, instead waiting until our next turn brought the approaching figures into my line of sight.Marcel was indeed heading our way, accompanied by a tall, striking woman who couldn’t keep her eyes off of Damien.
Her platinum blonde hair was styled in an elegant updo that emphasized her sculpted cheekbones and luminous violet eyes.Her gown—a creation of silver-white fabric that seemed to flow like liquid mercury—made my own dress look mundane by comparison.
The dance ended before Marcel and the woman reached us, the musicians transitioning to a different melody.Damien kept his hand at the small of my back as we moved to the edge of the dance floor, presenting a united front as the pair approached.
“Damien,” the woman purred, extending her hand in greeting.“What an unexpected pleasure to see you in society again.You’ve been positively reclusive these past months.”
Damien took her hand briefly.“Vivienne.Marcel.I trust you’re both enjoying the festivities?”
“Immensely,” Marcel said in his French accent, his attention fixed on me rather than Damien.“Especially now that we’ve found the most interesting couple in attendance.”
I smiled politely, maintaining my role.“You flatter us, Mr.Deveraux.”
“Marcel, please.”He took my free hand and brought it to his lips, making me cringe on the inside.“Anyone in my line of work is practically family.”
As Marcel dropped my hand, my glinting engagement ring caught Vivienne’s attention.Emotions stormed across her masked face as her eyes widened, but she quickly schooled her expression.
“Speaking of family,” Vivienne said stiffly, settling a hand on Damien’s shoulder.“How is dear Elliot?I’ve heard concerning rumors about his health.”
A palpable tension radiated from Damien.“As well as can be expected.Thank you for your concern.”
“Such a pity,” she continued, her sharp eyes watching him behind her delicate mask.“Illnesses in vampires are so rare these days.Almost…archaic.”
Damien stiffened beside me.
Questions warred inside my head.Who was Elliot?A vampire surely, but who was he to Damien?And why had Vivienne decided to mention his illness so publicly?
“Maybe we should discuss more pleasant topics,” I said, squeezing Damien’s arm.“I’ve been excited to see Madame Selene’s new acquisitions.I understand she’s gotten some great historical pieces recently.”
Marcel nodded.“Her collection has grown.Anything in particular you’re interested in?”
Nice.Way to be subtle, Marcel.
“We’re particularly interested in pre-Bronze Age crafting techniques,” Damien said smoothly.“Luna’s research focuses on that era.”
One of Vivienne’s perfect eyebrows arched above her mask as she turned to me.“Does it?How fascinating for someone like you.”
She delivered that comment with poisonous sweetness.
“Someone like me has to get my kicks from somewhere,” I said with equal sugar.
“Clearly.”Vivienne’s gaze lingered on my engagement ring.“That’s a family heirloom, isn’t it, Damien?I’m surprised you parted with it, given its significance, for someone so…scandalous.”
I smiled at Vivienne, tilting my head.“How observant of you to recognize it.Treasures should bring life to a family, not gather dust.But then again, understanding the difference between possession and appreciation requires depth, something which you obviously don’t—“
I yelped as Damien pinched my ass.Hard.
At my sudden outburst, awkward tension coiled between the four of us.
Not knowing what else to do, I grabbed the nearest glass of champagne from a waiter and chugged it.
