Crypts and Crimes (Trixie Towers Book 3) Read online

  King Athon’s head snapped up from a ring he was viewing from a haggling merchant who had interrupted their discussion—that man should be removed—the shifter king’s suddenly brutal gaze roaming the ballroom, all civility from before lost on his features, showing the beast he truly was. His nostrils flared wide on his warm russet face, and his angular jaw hardened to rock. Those solid black eyes pegged my person in the next second, his shifter’s sense of smell more accurate than I cared to think about.

  I placed my hand over my mouth and looked away.

  Holy Fairy. Was that how he was jumping our intimate hurdle? Thinking about our sexual experiences instead of what I was? We were many things to each other, none of which were good.

  This was beyond confusing. He was a shifter.

  He was my Fae damned enemy. We killed each other’s people without a second thought when we deemed it necessary for our own kingdom. The death toll in the realm had gone down in recent years, albeit assassinations still occurred with nary a tear shed. We hated one another.

  I slowly straightened my shoulders and lowered my hand, clearing my throat brutally. Once I had myself under control, I hesitantly slid my gaze back in his direction.

  The King of Shifters wore a roguish smirk while he spoke to the two women of his kind—one of Father’s guards now dragging the haggler away by the scruff of his neck. I didn’t even need to cheat to understand what King Athon was feeling. It was blatant in the arrogant tilt of his chin and that self-assured smile he kept flashing the women.

  The fucker was smug as Fairy right now.

  I sniffed. Bastard.

  This wasn’t humorous in the slightest.

  And still…my gaze raked over his muscles underneath his vest, the ties to it bizarrely missing, allowing anyone to view his naked chest. A smidgen of lust heated between my legs again—embarrassingly so when another unwanted memory assaulted my mind. This was rightly strange…and I wondered if I could convince him to put on a cape. There had to be clothing large enough for him here—it was a great castle, after all.

  I toyed with the idea, and then tossed it aside.

  There wasn’t a chance in Fairy he would agree.

  A servant stopped behind my frozen frame, a flash of white hair in my peripheral as I turned my head. A voice I knew well whispered against the back of my head, “Move along, Trix. Others will notice your absence soon.”

  I nodded once. Caspian was right.

  “Guarding me tonight?” I questioned.

  He quietly chuckled. “Of course.”

  Caspian slipped further back into the shadows, vanishing from view completely, as he maneuvered between conversing guests.

  I reverted my attention to the King of Shifters.

  His nose wiggled the barest bit, and a slight sneer formed before he hid it from his companions—the quickest glower flew in my direction and then disappeared.

  I sighed and turned my attention from him—it was much safer this way for now. I drifted back out into the ballroom to continue meeting my people, trusting him to behave and not have any of his kind charred down to ash.

  It would be dreadful if I ruined my parents’ party, after all.

  Burning flesh stinks. Horribly so.

  * * *

  I tipped my head back, laughter tinkling past my lips—my mirth scarcely heard over the musicians’ lively music. I sputtered, “Oh my Fae. That happened during your soul mating?”

  My Fae damned soul mate was still on the dance floor, hoarding all of his dance time to full-bodied shifter women, only dancing twice so far with elves—his kind kept trying to rub their bodies against him, no matter how many times he stealthily maneuvered space between them.

  Fortunately, he was doing an impressive job of it.

  Unfortunately, I kept having flashbacks.

  I was an utterly tangled mess of sentiments.

  Bianca Debay stepped aside, a dancing couple nearly swinging right into her. My new acquaintance nodded her head grandly, as I gently took hold of her elbow and moved us farther away from the dance floor. Her stunning amber eyes rounded large on her face, and she mumbled hastily, “I blame the hay that was all about. We couldn’t see the snake when we woke, and it just slithered out…” Bianca’s cheeks flushed crimson.

  “And bit him on the ass,” I finished for her since she’d already explained it once—no need for her to vocalize that humiliation again. “That’s how the stablehand got involved, right? Probably from all the shouting?”

  “Yes,” she whispered, tilting closer so no one would hear. “But Willam was terribly embarrassed. He had to lean over a table for the stablehand to remove the snake… It had really latched on.”

  I choked so hard on my laughter that I keeled over and placed my hands on my knees, unable to control my hilarity.

  My peals of laughter floated around us while she delicately patted at my back, murmuring, “I know. It’s not one to tell our newborn son about.” She sucked in a large breath, her next words quickly whispered, “Oh, Fairy. He’s finally spotted me. Here he comes.”

  I swiftly wiped at my watering eyes and inhaled a large lungful of calming air, leaning up to my almost five feet of height—not about to make her partner feel uncomfortable when I enjoyed her honest company so very much. I placed a welcoming smile on my face as a fine specimen of an elf stopped next to her, curving his right arm around the back of her waist, holding her close. I bit the inside of my cheek, my eyes pinching in humor, the man not even noticing me, his dove eyes entirely caught on his soul mate.

  I stated warmly, “Hello, Willam. It’s very nice to meet you.”

  Willam glanced in my direction and then back to his lovely soul mate. His bright blue eyes—the shade of a dazzling sky—widened on his handsome face, and his regard slammed back to my person. He hastily bowed before me—flawlessly performed—stating in a refined tongue, “My apologies, Your Highness. It is very nice to meet you, too.”

  “No apology is needed. You have an exquisite soul mate. I can see why she captures your eye.”

  Willam rose from his bow, easily embracing his love back within his arms. His smile could rival the sun while the sprightly melody quieted around us, the musicians giving the dancers a moment to catch their breath. Satisfaction laced his words, as he admitted, “Yes, Bianca tends to steal my attention. She is quite the little bandit.”

  Bianca snorted hard, content in his arms. “Don’t let him fool you, Your Highness. He is the thief. He pinches the covers on a nightly basis.”

  I chuckled softly. “The Fae chose well for you two.”

  “Thank you, Your Highness.” Willam winked.

  Heat suddenly warmed my back, as honeysuckle tickled my nose. I stiffened, just as my companions did, their alarmed eyes high above my head.

  King Athon rumbled in his hard-edged shifter tone, “Good evening.”

  Willam and Bianca instantly lowered into a proper bow and curtsey, their form immaculate—although a little stiff. Together, they rushed to say, “Good evening, Your Royal Highness.”

  I ground my teeth together and turned.

  Do not look at his half-naked body.

  I performed the perfect curtsey. I told the ground, “And good evening to you, too, Your Royal Highness.” There was a smidge of dirt below my nose. I supposed that was acceptable with all of the foot traffic inside the ballroom.

  And why in the Fairy couldn’t he have left me alone?

  I wasn’t positive I could look him in the eye right now.

  The King of Shifters tapped the top of my head lightly, stating evenly, “You three may rise.”

  I sighed on a grand exhale, and grudgingly stood straight as my new acquaintances did. I tilted my chin high and stepped to the side to properly allow the dastardly intruder into our small circle. I managed to meet his solid black gaze, and I stated pleasantly, “How are you faring tonight, Your Royal Highness? I hope that you have been having a splendid time.”

  “I have, Your Highness.” He dipped
his head regally, the mask of civility firmly in place. “Your mother is a marvelous host.”

  “And the music?” I questioned conversationally, my mouth curving into a sugar-sweet grin. Stay off the fucking dance floor before I fry a shifter bitch. “You seem to be enjoying that.”

  King Athon smiled—all his gleaming white teeth showing. “Yes, the musicians here are extremely talented.”

  I tipped my head and hummed aloud, my sweet smile still in place—and only growing. I turned and indicated my companions. “Your Royal Highness, allow me to introduce Willam and Bianca. They were soul mated recently and have already had their first child. It is quite impressive, don’t you think?”

  I can show my fangs in all ways, asshole.

  The King of Shifters didn’t flinch at my words, though—his royal upbringing just as strong as mine. “That is very impressive. Congratulations on your soul mating and the birth of your child.”

  Willam smirked. “Thank you, Your Royal Highness. We couldn’t be happier.”

  Bianca touched her soul mate’s chest, her amber eyes on mine. She said proudly, “Our son looks just like Willam. He will grow up to be just as strong as he is, I am sure. Did you know, Your Highness, that Willam competed in our town trials…and won!”

  “Oh my.” My grin turned true. “That is superb, Willam. I once watched one in Sugar Cove. Town trials can be trying even for the strongest of us. You must be very happy with the outcome.”

  He remarked, “I am, Your Highness. I trained for five years for it. It was rough going for a stretch, but I somehow managed to prevail. I could show you my training regime one day if it truly interests you. Feel free to call upon me at any time. I am at your disposal.” Willam’s smile dazzled for a second, and then he turned his attention to the King of Shifters. He bravely started a polite conversation, “Your Royal Highness, do you have any activities like elven trials in the Shifter Kingdom?”

  King Athon lifted one black eyebrow. “My kingdom has challenges. I’ve been in many where I rip the heads off any who face me. Does that compare to an elven trial?”

  I blinked slowly. Good Fae, he just couldn’t behave.

  Willam’s eyes narrowed slightly at the vulgarity.

  Bianca’s face paled.

  In the resulting awkwardness, I cleared my throat and looked far, far up at my terrible soul mate. I stated serenely, “I believe a challenge and town trials are vastly different, Your Royal Highness.”

  King Athon’s solid black eyes traveled up and down Willam’s frame in a blatant evaluation. He murmured drolly, “I never would have guessed.”

  He had ways of showing his fangs, too. Shifter prick.

  The King of Shifters stepped to face me fully—situating his body between the other two and me—and held out his hand calmly. “Princess Trixie, would you care to dance?” His mouth curved up on one side, a snark-filled smile. “I do so love the music.”

  I gnashed my teeth together, unable to deny his request—which he well knew. I placed my small hand on his large, warm palm, stating courteously, “I would be delighted, Your Royal Highness.”

  And, as awful as that, everyone nearby watched as we took the floor, poorly veiled expressions on their faces—none agreeable.

  “This was not a great idea,” I hissed through my smile.

  King Athon peered down at me, a small, gracious grin touching his lips. He whispered, “It was better than the alternative.”

  The two lines of waiting dancers that faced each other made room for us quickly, those individuals on either side of us leaning and whispering to one another while they glared at the shifter king.

  “Which was?” I muttered under my breath, turning to face him as he released my hand,

  The King of Shifters’ honeyed smile grew. “Me killing the besotted elf who stared at your ass all night long until his innocent soul mate, Bianca, arrived at the party.”

  My jaw closed with an audible snap. What?

  Right before he stepped back from me, into the line facing the females, he snarled in his throat. His voice was too deep and low for anyone else to hear—thank the Fae. “And you wanted to play with the tiger back there.” Cruelty curved his lips. “So we’re playing.”

  My lips pinched into a thin line.

  We were now “playing” in front of my kingdom.

  The King of Shifters had positively trumped me. Again.

  I smiled with my fangs flashing as we stared at one another from our opposing dance lines. King Athon was truly a malicious bastard when I provoked him, to be sure. I needed to tread carefully where my surreptitious plan was concerned.

  But my cruel smirk died a quick death on my face.

  The King of Shifters tensed, his hands curling into fists.

  The musicians played the warning chords to the dance “Deliverance”—the most wicked romp known to the five kingdoms. It was a sexual love story told through tantalizing movement and erotic music. Father had barely allowed my instructor to teach me the Fae damned dance years ago. It was indecent to the extreme!

  A dance King Athon and I should not be doing together.

  My nostrils flared as I scowled hard at my soul mate.

  Wonderful fucking idea, asshole.

  His gaze turned stony, staring pointedly.

  What? I didn’t cause this… Oh!

  Fairy, I was the only one who could fix this politely.

  I tilted to the side and searched behind me for King Traevon. He could give the nod that I could leave the dance floor since I was the heir, still reigned by my king. Father had to be somewhere nearby. I scanned each of the guests as swiftly as I could, the beat beginning to get faster—almost dance time.

  The King of Elves was nowhere to be found…

  My attention halted on Uncle Marlon. He could do it!

  His head of silver, lengthy braids tipped in my direction as if he could feel someone staring at him, his gaze honing in on my face.

  I widened my eyes and cocked my head slightly—covert panic shining in my eyes. Give the Fae damned order!

  Uncle Marlon’s eyebrows pinched together, as he halted his conversation with a guard, and his violet eyes journeyed over my shoulder to see what the issue was. He gradually shut his mouth and blinked oh, so slowly, understanding the situation. He rubbed at his chin softly, his attention traveling back to me, holding my gaze solidly, not looking away.

  After a moment, Uncle Marlon subtly shook his head.

  I froze in place. Oh Fae.

  He deemed it too problematic for the party.

  A long, shuddering breath flew out of my mouth.

  I sluggishly turned back around with stiff shoulders, my eyes now hidden under my lashes. This wasn’t good. Not good at all.

  King Athon glared wrath over my head at my uncle.

  There was no way to stop this civilly now.

  His solid black gaze resentfully dropped to mine.

  We had to do this. We both knew it.

  Absently, I wondered if he could even do this dance.

  It was gentle…and nothing he did sensually was gentle.

  As the crescendo arrived for the first move, the shifter king and I ignored the shocked hush that fell over the entire fucking crowd when they noticed us. We paid no mind to the flushed, excited dancers to our far left and right—at least they were eager for this dance. We focused on each other, “Deliverance,” a complex and intricate dance, two souls meeting and moving as one in harmony.

  I lifted my hands high as he lowered his.

  Clap, clap.

  And I was twirling to my right. He looped to his left.

  Twirling and twirling. My skirt fluttered out around me.

  Clap, clap.

  I spun back to my left while he twisted to his right. Closer, we drew together until we stopped directly in front of each other.

  King Athon looked down at my left hand and softly lifted it between us with his right hand. Our fingertips touched and stopped, pressed together gently.

&n
bsp; The melody softened, and I peered up into his solid black eyes as I slid the pads of my fingers down his palm, making soft circles against his warm skin.

  His fingers curled down around mine, and he pulled me smoothly toward him…flush against his hard muscles.

  Oh Fae. We should not be doing this.

  Uncle Marlon should have said no.

  I exhaled a shaky breath and peered back up at his face.

  King Athon’s white hair cascaded down on either side of his face as he watched me. His nostrils flared, and his long eyelashes hid his eyes from onlookers. King Athon let go of my hand to touch my neck delicately, the softest touch. He slid his palm to my nape, holding me soundly to keep my eyes on his—all part of the damned dance. His thumb brushed back and forth against my skin, again and again, hidden under my red hair, in a soothing touch—not part of the dance.

  The beat struck, increasing in tempo, and the shifter king used his free arm to wrap around my waist and lift me straight off my feet.

  I curled my arms around his neck, our eyes level while he hugged me close, and I held on tight—it was time to spin.

  I sucked in a sharp breath as he moved.

  His eyes never left mine as the dance floor became a frenzy of movement, protecting me in his strong arms, the group converging in a tight circle of whirling dancers in the center of the space. My hair flew out behind me as my head tipped back on the hard note, his hand releasing my neck to grasp my right thigh and pull it over his hip, my back arching in the air without inhibition. We twirled in the middle of the other spinning couples, a wonderment of colors from their clothes zooming in front of my eyes, so close…but not touching me.

  I slowly curled back up and held onto his shoulders the best I could, as the song started to change pace again, boldly curving into a provocative tone.

  Carefully, he lowered me, unhurriedly releasing his hold.

  My chest rubbed down his until my feet landed on the floor.

  The King of Shifters’ warm hands landed on my hips.

  Mine on his biceps.

  Together, our hips started moving to the sensual beat.