Chapter 3
979 Words
Chapter 3
Meanwhile, somewhere else in the mansion…
On the third floor in a private space squirreled away behind a wardrobe in the attic, he sat. The lights were off, the windows shut tight to block out chipper birdsong as dusk gave ‘way wholly to night. He lay on the bed, hands behind his head, eyes staring up at the ceiling, though his gaze was unfocused. The lone source of light came from a single candle on the nightstand, its flame swaying and making the shadows dance all around him.
Some might have said Cinder was in a foul mood, ready to bite the heads off of chickens, as the saying went, another one of those delightful quips that mortals had come up with. Truth be told, however, he was frustrated, buggered by the big to-do being held that night in his honor. Like at his age he wanted to celebrate another birthday. He understood completely that his family just wanted to show their love and support, maybe a few of them were merely in it for the good time, but seriously, did he have to be reminded of how many decades he’d seen pass?
Still, he counted his lucky stars.
His predecessor hadn’t lived nearly as long.
Part of his reluctance had to do with the lavish over the top presents the others would bestow upon him. It was no longer a matter of getting him something he liked, but assuming that the more it cost the better they’d look in his eyes. And then there was Ran’imy. He shuddered. Yet another opportunity for her to practically throw herself at him, always making a play to get in his bed. She was a formidable beta, nothing more. Most definitely not his type and the idea of having to dodge her advances yet again was like having a hot poker shoved up his ass.
Quite honestly, he didn’t trust her all that much and would have gladly appointed someone else in her place. If anyone but that weasel-ly friend of hers showed any initiative.
Cinder got up, irritation making him restless. What if he just skipped the whole bothersome affair? A smirk quirked up a corner of his mouth. he would love to see them freak out. Ran’imy would have the mansion searched high and low, sound the alarm, and he certainly couldn’t rule out a few unfortunate incidents involving those she loathed. He wouldn’t stand for harm being committed to his people, but it presented him with the valid reason to kick her to the curb.
The more he thought about it, the more he enjoyed the scenario.
No one would see it coming.
“It is my birthday,” he mused, walking over to blow out the candle. Darkness swept in. “Think I’ll do what I want this year.”
Cinder headed out, sticking to the less traveled hallways in order to go undetected. It was easier than he expected, considering just about everyone else was busy getting things prepared. He did experience a touch of guilt at bailing on them given all they were doing in his honor, so he decided to keep his solo trip short, maybe just go for a good fly around, and be back with more than enough time to enjoy a few slices of cake.
He was navigating a back corridor when the sound of someone running grew louder. Just as he went to round a corner, he collided with the owner of the hurried steps, his momentum knocking him back. There was a moment of confusion as they got untangled, the runner taking a step back. Cinder found himself staring into the dark blue eyes of Io, and the younger gargoyle appeared frazzled. Apparently he realized he’d smacked right into his alpha, as red began to spread across Io’s cheeks. It made him adorable.
“Io.”
“C-C-C-Cinder,” he stammered.
“Where’s the fire?”
Io blinked. “What?”
“Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Um, I…I…” He seemed to be searching for an answer.
Cinder chuckled. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s worth the effort.” Cinder stepped aside, gesturing for Io to continue on his way. “Just do me one little favor, will ya?”
“Um, whatever you want, sir.”
Cinder placed a hand on Io’s shoulder, leaning in close to whisper in his ear. “Tell no one you saw me here.”
“If…if that’s what you wish,” Io said, curiosity all over his face.
They stood there, a few awkward seconds passing before both took a step. In the blink of an eye Io was off like a shot, disappearing around the next bend. Cinder was tempted to follow, interested in what his omega was up to, slightly afraid it would lead to catastrophe or somehow affect the party in a negative way. Cinder was pained at all the stumbles Io took in his personal journey. There was promise in the young gargoyle, amazing potential just waiting to burst free, if only he could stop fumbling around like a baffled fool. Despite what some might think given Io’s position in the family, Cinder held a soft spot for Io in his heart.
What a blatant lie, he told himself.
It was more than that, a deep affection, a desire to pull Io close and…well, grant him the fun Ran’imy so desperately wanted. There was something endearingly cute about Io, though Cinder suspected he might be a little wild in bed. One of these days he was going to find out. As he resumed sneaking out, he wondered what would happen if he exerted his authority, backed Io into a corner, and just had his way with the young gargoyle. A shiver worked down his spine at the prospect of how things might turn out.
He smiled, slipping into the night. “Now that might be a birthday surprise worth seeking out on my own. After the party.” He could call Io to his chambers and when the trembling gargoyle arrived expecting punishment…Cinder let out a growl of frustration.
Getting far enough away from the house to go unnoticed, he spread his wings and took off.
With any luck, he’d burn off some of his s****l desires.
- Writer
