“Yes, my lady.”
The female with the face and the scent was descending now. Coming toward him. But why was everyone else staring? Why was everyone else captivated? Did they not know to whom she belonged? He sneered. They were in his castle, after all. Everything that stepped foot inside these walls was his to take, consume, fuck, feed from…
His demon was emerging with each breath he took—each step closer. That scent. Bloody hell. That strange, erotic, addictive scent that belonged under him, inside him, on his tongue.
But what of the agreement? something ancient whispered into his brain.
The Trevanion tradition?
Your mate is waiting, Casworon.
“Fuck them all,” his demon growled as he neared the staircase, neared her.
And then. Green eyes lifted. Locked on him.
Those eyes. They were strong and deep and alive. So alive it made every cell in his body quake with longing. He reached for her— Just in time to watch her being swept away onto the dance floor by one of his cousins.
~
What was that?
God in Heaven, what was that?
Lia forced a smile and tipped her face up to the Incubus male who gently moved and circled and turned her around the dance floor. He was good-looking, thick dark blond hair with eyes the color of the sea at night. And he most certainly carried that Incubus aura of pleasure and desire within his blood.
And yet he did nothing for her.
Her mind, her entire focus, was on the…she couldn’t call him a male or the Master, Lord Trevanion or even an Incubus, because that…thing that had come stalking toward her was not of this world. That thing was a fire-breathing demon with eyes that both warned and promised sex with him would be the best she’d ever had.
Don’t look, Lia.
Just don’t.
If you look, you’ll lose your breath first and then your footing, and once again you’ll be that limping, scarred servant who cleans these floors, not dances on them.
And tonight you will dance.
Tonight you may even answer that demon’s silent call.
The music wrapped around her and she gave in to it, letting her very capable partner lead her around the floor and in and out of the other couples. It was incredible. Thanks to Pennice, she felt no pain, only strength and excitement and wonder. She was here. She was admired. She was that fearsome Temple Blade once again. No…she was better, harder, sexier. And though she didn’t dare look, she knew the eyes of Casworon Trevanion and his demon were on her.
“What is your name?” the male asked, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Lady Elia,” she answered with absolute confidence.
“And where do you come from, Lady Elia?” His eyes moved over her face. “I have never seen you before. And I would have remembered if I had.”
She smiled. “I believe that is what all males say when they are making polite ballroom conversation.”
His brows lifted. “You are sharp-tongued.”
“I am.”
His grin widened. “I like it.”
She laughed. But her laughter didn’t rest on the blond male for long. Halfway through the waltz another male cut in, his eyes Incubus-bright and hungry, his hand wrapping her waist possessively. Lia had seen him at the castle before. Some type of business titan who’d once worked with the late Master Trevanion and wanted to court the new one. She wanted to inquire about his work now with Casworon, but before she was able, yet another male broke into their dance and swept her away. It was strange and wonderful and breathless, and she wondered what was coming next. Or who.
She really should’ve known it would be the demon of all demons.
The song ended with a flourish and the crowd parted. Where Lia’s partner had only moments before been confident and domineering, it took only one look from Master Casworon Trevanion and his death stare, to have the male backing off and returning to the crowd.
Lia held her breath as the demon in black tie strode toward her like he owned the room. Which of course, he did.
He looked gorgeous. Tall, muscular and intimidating. His thick black hair a little mussed, his hard jaw shaven smooth. And those eyes, amethyst in color, were locked to hers.
When he reached her he bowed. “My lady.”
She inclined her head. “My lord.”
“It is time,” he said, his tone threaded with lust.
It made her shiver. “For what?”
His eyes flashed fire. “You have had your fill of males on the dance floor.” He reached for her and eased her into his arms. “Now you will only dance with me.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Her scent was his drug.
And he wanted to smoke it all night long.
As the music began again and the couples started to dance around them, Cas stared down into the eyes of the female who captivated him.
“Are we to dance, my lord?” she asked boldly, though Cas saw her pulse beating furiously against the pale skin of her throat.