Who Is My Husband
Scene 52

The sound of violins humming filled the room along with the quieted chatter from the many guests. There were people spinning and laughing on the dance floor and others sitting at circular tables off to the side. On the other side were large white stone columns reaching from the ceiling to the floor with a buffet table stretched in front of it. Then behind the columns was a large balcony that stretched to the outside. See-through flowing curtains divided the balcony from the ballroom. Then there was the scent of something sweet hanging in the air all around them.

Kailee held her breath as she looked out through her mask. She felt an odd sense of camaraderie wearing the mask. This is how Trey had been viewing things around him. But oddly it made her feel a bit more confident having the mask on. As if it was a secret layer of protection. She looked at the twirling couples on the dance floor and noticed Reggie was already out there with Jane.

Jane. She had stayed locked in her room all day. She wondered what she was thinking and feeling. Was she hurting about Trey marking her? Or was she planning something else? She felt in her core she couldn’t trust that woman. Much the same way how she felt she could not trust her uncle. There was something about her… something that made it feel like a good idea to incinerate her. But she had to rationalize it was probably just because she knew Jane wanted her mate. That was probably the reason…

She felt Trey’s hand slip down slowly as it curled around her waist. His fingers rubbed lightly on her h**s as he tilted his head down to her.

“I feel like a boy who just asked his girl to go to the ball with him. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that I now have a date for life and it is with the best partner I could ever ask for.”

Kailee looked up at him and smiled. “I wouldn’t say that quite yet. I am not going to be the best dance partner.” She felt Trey tug her body into his and his other arm wrapped around her back.

“The thing about dancing… is you are just fine if you trust in your partner. Trust me to lead you and I’ll never let you fall. In the dance or in life.” Trey held her body flush against his as he slowly began to sway her to the music. Slowly inching their bodies into the mixture on the dance floor.

Her eyes sparkled up at his as he guided her around the dance floor. In his arms, she was a flawless dancer as he guided her body. She trusted him and allowed him to dictate their movements. His subtle pressure and tugs guided her along the floor. And even though they were surrounded by others it was just the two of them. It was just their two bodies twirling to the music.

Their bodies stopped swaying as he gazed into her eyes. He slowly leaned his head down to hers and pushed his lips into hers. Tasting her sweet lips while he held her body flush against his.

The sound of someone clearing their throat was heard behind them and Trey lifted his head to look at the person who dared interrupt his moment.

“As much as I love seeing my niece being molested, do remember we are in a public place.” Fredrick curled his l*p up in disgust.

Trey pulled Kailee’s body slightly behind him as he turned to face Fredrick fully. “Careful. I’d be very very careful if I were you.” His voice was low and threatening. And even behind Fredricks mask, you could see his skin paling. But it wasn’t from the threat from Trey. It was the three other bodies that looked identical to Trey that started forming around him.

“What is this?” Fredrick’s voice breathed out as he looked at the seemingly identical men all dressed the same. He took a small step backwards as he sensed the intimidating aura surrounding the four men. He looked between the four men and then sneered at them. “You have no idea what you are getting involved in. I suggest you walk away before it is too late.”

“Ahh of course. Because you are concerned for our well being right?” Reggie said in a snarky voice.

“Ahh of course. Because you are concerned for our well being right?” Reggie said in a snarky voice.

A cruel grin spread over Fredrick’s lips. “Not at all.” He lifted his finger to point at the half-hidden girl behind Trey. “But it would be a shame if something happened to her.”

Trey growled and took an aggressive step towards Fredrick. “You better not be threatening my wife.”

“My lord?” A woman walked up next to Fredrick putting her hand on his arm.

“Sorry gentleman. I am here to enjoy a party, not fight.” Fredrick looked over the four men curiously and let his gaze fall to Kailee. A side smile pulled upon his lips as he walked away with the woman that came up to him.

“Hmph, he most definitely wants a fight.” Grum said in a quiet growl.

“Yeah but he isn’t strong enough and he knows it.” Reggie chuckled darkly.

“I think he seems to be acting too brave tonight. Especially if he has any idea what we are… and he must because the witch did.” Lance said in almost a whisper.

“My thoughts exactly. Which means he is not alone here tonight.” Trey said with a small frown. He felt the warmth of the body that was standing quietly next to him. He squeezed his fingers into her pushing her deeper next to him as he made a decision.

Trey turned and looked at Lance. “Keep her with you tonight. I need to walk around and scout things out. Please… keep her safe for me.” He frowned as he looked down at Kailee. “Sorry baby. But I promise we will have many more dances and parties to attend together.”

“Don’t you think we should stay close, Trey? I can help too. And…” Kailee bit her bottom l*p and was engulfed by his arms. She listened to his beating heart and felt the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

“I can’t concentrate with you by my side. I will constantly worry I’m taking you in danger. I’m going to replace Phill and switch outfits with him. I need to slide off of the radar here.” Trey pushed Kailee into Lance’s side and leaned down to k**s her forehead.

“Don’t worry. We will all keep an eye on her closely. And you will be from a distance. She will be safe.” Grum said, trying to reassure Trey.

“Kailee you will be able to sense me but try not to look for me. I don’t want your gaze to give me away.” Trey watched her nod her head. “Don’t worry everything is fine.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Okay I’m going to go and replace Phill.”

Kailee watched as Trey disappeared from her sight. It was the first time they had been apart since last night. And the pull she was feeling was almost suffocating. She felt like crying once he was gone from her sight. She knew there could be dangerous people around too which only made the pull worse. And damn it, she could not help the vision of her parent’s bodies popping up in her mind.

“How about a dance? I’m a bit rusty but I think I can manage.” Lance smiled and squeezed onto Kailee’s hand. “It’s best for you to treat me as close to Trey as possible.” His voice whispered to a quiet whisper. “But refrain from kissing me. I don’t want hellfire to be unleashed upon me.” He quietly chuckled and Kailee gave him a small smile.

Kailee was once again spinning on the dance floor. It wasn’t magical anymore. And she had to ignore her senses that kept telling her to look in certain directions. She danced with Lance for several songs until a masked man came up behind Lance. He tapped his shoulder and smiled at him.

“Mind if I cut in?” The deep voice asked.

“Yeah, I do actually.” Lance said looking at the stranger.

The man chuckled. “Have a heart for us dateless men. One dance. I promise.”

Lance scowled. This was protocol at dances. It happened all the time. So for him to refuse would be suspicious. He looked back at Kailee. “It’s up to you…”

“It’s okay… but I’m not a good dancer.” Kailee looked up at the stranger who grinned wider.

“I think that’s a lie.” He reached his hand out and took Kailee’s hand into his.

“I’ll be waiting right here, Kailee.” Lance said looking at her.

The man kept a smile on his face as he slowly danced back and forth with Kailee. His eyes were studying her as he gracefully led her around the dance floor.

“You are interesting…” His voice finally said as the dance was coming to a close.

“Interesting?” Kailee asked looking up at him. His eyes looked a shade darker than they were before.

“Yes, very interesting. You are not affected by me at all.” His voice sounded darker.

Kailee wet her lips as she looked up at his eyes. Those eyes… she had seen them before.

“And how should you be affecting me?” Kailee asked as she narrowed her focus up at him.

“Your mind isn’t open to suggestions at all. It is not like any mind I have ever encountered before. Which means… I have never encountered someone like you before. That has me thinking… what are you?” His low voice now started to growl.

She remembered where she had seen those eyes before. This was the man who held her prisoner the night her family was killed. She jerked her hand away from his but his grip was firm. He was not releasing her. She glanced to the side towards Lance, but he wasn’t coming for her. He was just standing there idly by the buffet table. Did he not know she was in distress?

Her eyes travelled over the floor and neither Grum nor Reggie were moving either. Grum had his gaze fixated on her and was just watching her closely. Reggie was leaning against one of the pillars, but it was something behind the pillar that caught her eyes. It was the sight of Jane kissing a man. Her heart dropped. Even though he was in different clothes and had a different half mask on she knew who that man was.

She was going to think rationally. There is no way Trey would do something like that. Something was wrong. Right?

His grin widened as he gripped his fingers around her tighter. “They are not going to come for you. They don’t care. Their job was to hand you over to us and you were fooled by them.”

“That isn’t true.” Kailee stopped struggling against him and lifted her eyes up at him angrily. It wasn’t true. She felt their connection. They cared about her. They were her family. She tried to mind-link with them but couldn’t. So she tried to push her power forward but she couldn’t reach it. She figured it was because of the suppressant she took earlier. Now she was completely vulnerable.

“Oh? Then why don’t they come for you? In fact… I bet they won’t do a thing if I lower my head to yours. If I press my lips to yours.” He stared down at Kailee and inched closer.

Before Kailee could react, he was off of her. She was being pulled into a strong embrace as a loud roar ripped into the room making everyone fall silent.

“Don’t. You. Ever. Touch. Her.” The deep voice enunciated as he held Kailee strongly against his side.

The man with dark eyes rose back to his feet. He lifted his hand up and wiped the b***d from his l*p. “Careful…mutt.”