My 3 Contract Lovers

[4]

[Dante]

“Mine Lord Hudson, thy vehicle is waiting,” I lazily looked up from the book I had been reading and simply nodded at my most trusted servant, Frederick Wilfred. He inclined his head graciously as I stood up and set the book down for later. I was in no mood for this ball even though my throat was dry, and my fangs ached. I was most highly disappointed with the organization for setting up both balls on the same night. It irritated me so and as I left the comfort of my most favorite place, I felt somewhat enthralled at the thought of receiving a new consort. The last one had been difficult. The drive was quick, for which I was grateful, and the intoxicating scent of the possibilities had my mouth watering.

“Good evening, Mr. Hudson,” I was greeted by the host at the rear of the hotel, and I nodded politely at her. “If you would please follow me,” I was led inside and, since this wasn’t anything new to me, I felt relaxed and at ease. The hostess – whose name I could never remember – led me into what they called the viewing room. I was suddenly surrounded by other immortals, and it made my skin crawl. I picked up on the different species but I remained alone as I headed toward the mirrored glass and peered inside. The potential consorts had yet to be led into the large room and I sighed as I glanced at the clock that hung proudly in the center of the room. It ticked by and, for some reason, this only added to my irritation. I wasn’t in the mood to be out and about even though I was thirsty. I gulped rather loudly and I happened to notice that other vampires were uneasy as well. It would seem that this ball had been rather necessary. Suddenly, the doors on the other side opened and a large group of people were led inside, and I shivered at the anticipation as I gazed upon each of their faces. I breathed in deeply, breathing in their scent and one, in particular, stood out. I sought out the scent with my eyes until finally I saw her. She was sitting at a table, and I couldn’t help but find her clear confusion adorable. Her hair looked like spun gold while her eyes shined a bright shade of green. She wore some sort of sparkling black dress that hugged her lean, feminine curves and I found that rather inappropriate. Yet, as I continued to gaze upon her, I came to the conclusion that she would be mine.

“Anyone catching your interest?” a voice beside me questioned and I was instantly displeased with the interruption, however, I focused on the table before I glanced at the gentleman.

“Table four,” he looked around until he found the table and nodded. “The lady in the black dress,” luckily, she was the only one in black and the gentleman made a note before he left me. I sighed as the realization hit me that I wouldn’t be allowed to dine with her. More so than ever, I wouldn’t be allowed to touch, see, or even speak with her until after the contract had been signed. She looked to be uncomfortable and, clearly, this showed me that this was her first ball. However, that did nothing to quench my thirst as I gazed upon the lady who would soon be mine to ravish and enjoy. Joyous of my decision, I went through the motion so that I could leave. Since I had now chosen my next consort, I was not required to attend the other ball. Thank goodness for small mercies.

[Tyson]

“Alpha? Seriously? We are going to be late!” I looked over my shoulder and gave my Beta, Eric Ackres, a big smile.

“Relax, I’ll be done in a second,” I said as I glared at the bow tie in the reflected mirror. This was pointless, I wasn’t actually going to be able to meet any of them. Since the organization had messed up, we had two balls tonight. Of course, as always, I was hopeful that I would meet my mate instead of signing up for a temporary solution. But in today’s world, a lone Alpha may as well be a rogue. I shuddered at the thought before I gave up on the tie and pulled it off. “Screw it,” I muttered before I left my room. Eric was waiting outside and, even though he didn’t need to give me a ride, I already knew that arguing with him would be pointless.

“About time,” he remarked, and I threw him the finger before I jumped up into the SUV.

“Don’t give me s**t,” I said to him as he got behind the wheel. Eric winked before he started up the car. We drove out of the estate and headed west. I hated this, but I didn’t have a choice. My father had attended these balls every year until he met my mother, his mate. Unfortunately, as wolves, we were destined to be with one soul and I had yet to find mine. At twenty-three, this wasn’t unusual, but I hated having a consort. I hated uprooting someone’s life just because I could. We arrived at the hotel fairly quickly and while that gave me some sense of comfort, I was on edge.

“Good luck,” Eric said as I jumped out of the car. I nodded and headed to the back door where the hostess, Justine Watson, stood waiting.

“Welcome, Alpha Miller,”

“Hey Justine,” I greeted her warmly. She blushed at the casual tone of my voice before she led me inside. The viewing room was just about jam-packed with other immortals, but I paid no attention to them. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply as I focused on the surrounding auras of everyone in the room as well as the next. With a sigh, I opened my eyes in disappointment. My mate wasn’t here. That meant I would have to attend the second ball and, while that was annoying, I was actually grateful that it was all happening on the same night. Usually, I would have to wait between balls before I could make a decision as I always held out hope that I would find my mate. The doors opened and the crowd was led inside. One female stood out to me as she was the only one wearing a short dress. She was attractive, but it wasn’t that which drew me to her. She looked lost, confused, and amazed. I was drawn to her in a way that surprised me. I tried to figure it out, but I simply couldn’t. She wasn’t my mate, but she was definitely intriguing. I made a note of the table number and sought out one of the guys that usually took out preference.

“Ah, Alpha Miller, have you made your selection already?” he asked, and I rolled my eyes. They already knew that I would attend both balls, but I always told them my interests.

“The blonde with the short black dress at table four,” I told him. His eyes went wide with surprise, but he quickly nodded as he made his note. “Great, I’m going to head to the other one,”

“Of course, good evening to you, Alpha Miller,” I nodded at that before I saw myself out.

“Any luck?” Eric asked once I was seated, and I shook my head. “Damn, maybe at the next one,” he said, and I merely looked out the window as he drove us to the second ball. It was also held at a hotel, but it wasn’t as grand, probably because there would be that many people. Once Eric had parked the car, I jumped up and went through the same routine and, once again, I was disappointed that my mate wasn’t present. With a heavy sigh, I got back into the car and while Eric knew not to say anything, I could feel his sorrow and comfort. It did nothing for me, but the thought of the female in the black dress made me smile. At least I could make another friend this year.

[Lucien]

I was beyond annoyed and although I had already dealt with this when I found out about it, now that the evening had arrived, I found myself annoyed once again.

“Welcome King Owen,” Justine Watson greeted me as I approached her. I waved my hand at her, and she quickly led me inside. The viewing room was full, as to be expected, and I frowned as I nodded politely at a few who were considered regulars. I had only joined the organization after my dad had passed and I had taken over the throne. Since I could no longer just do what I wanted because the faction was watching me, I had to resort to claiming a consort for a year. It was easy and without any issues, but I loathed coming out here to pick someone I wouldn’t get a chance to speak to. I wanted to mingle. I wanted to be wooed. I wanted to see if they could actually handle me. As a dragon shifter, I was not easy and by no means gentle. However, because some i***t had dared to make a mistake, both balls would be on the same night. My skin itched as I glared through the mirrored glass. The guests had yet to be led into the room and I sighed with irritation. Would they not just get on with it already? When the doors did finally open, I breathed out in relief. I focused on each guest as they came through the door and sat down. Two instantly got my attention until I saw her. My blood boiled as I gazed at her. She wasn’t just stunning, but she stood out. The only one not wearing a floor-length dress and looked as though she would rather be elsewhere. She shared my thoughts on this night and that intrigued me. As the other immortals moved about and left, I remained as I continued to keep my eyes on her. She barely spoke to the other guests, but clearly, she was uncomfortable. She ate with a hunger that made my groin ache and it was then that I noticed her bright red stiletto heels. I smirked at that, but then again, there was something oddly pure about the woman, and that only made me want her more.

“Who have you got your eye on?” I barely looked at the man who stood beside me as I gestured toward the table she was seated at. “Let me guess, table four? Black dress? Red shoes? Golden hair?” I could hear the disdain in his voice, and I hissed lowly. He took a step away from me as I turned to face him.

“You should know better than that, Oswald,” I spat out. “You should know that all consorts are to be treated with respect,”

“Yes, yes, it’s just that she has been favored tonight,” he quickly explained, and I frowned. This wasn’t necessarily unheard of, but I didn’t like the idea of sharing.

“How many?” I asked as my gaze went back to the beauty on the other side. How I wanted to talk to her and see if I could break through that wall, she had built around herself.

“Two others, King Owen,” he informed me, and I shut my eyes tightly against the anger that bubbled inside of me.

“Who?” it was a question I knew not to ask. Although we all knew of one another, we didn’t interfere. Not usually.

“King Owen, you know I cannot discuss that with you,”

“Well, someone will have to, since she is the one I want, got it?” I glanced at him to see him nod as he made a note. I abruptly turned around and left the establishment. I would have her, one way or another, and I’d be damned if I was going to share her.