All Souls' Night - Renee Rose Page 0,24

that true?”

I give a stiff nod. But then I’m dumb enough to take my eye off my opponent because she walks in: a beautiful young woman, her posture straight and proud. Her dark hair is unbound. It’s Gwen. I’d recognize her tall, fairytale princess form anywhere.

Charlie turns to take her in. “I thought you said you told her not to come back.”

“I did. I have. Twice now.” I can’t keep the marvel from my tone.

Do you believe in true love? In fate?

I believe, pet.

How else could she be here? What else could have busted through my mind wipes, my powerful suggestions that she not return? How else did she continue to recognize me?

Charlie takes a step toward her but I throw out a hand to stop him. “Don’t,” I say sharply. “If she knows me, then this is meant to be.”

I expect trouble from the other vampire, but he remains still, with Lucius, watching the scene unfold.

I sink back onto my seat to wait. To watch my magnificent mortal stride through the club.

She’s wearing red. A dress short enough to flash a glimpse of bare ass cheek to the club when she walks. My palm itches to mark it. Naughty pet, walking around, flaunting her assets. She needs her master’s mark.

She turns in a circle, viewing the room. Completely confident. She looks around once, and her gaze snaps to me.

I still in my chair. Unbelievable. She remembers. I remain frozen in my seat, but she strides my way, eyes still locked on me.

Tonight, she’s the hunter, I’m the prey.

Lucius has the grace to tug Charlie a few steps back, fading back into the crowd. Not that Gwen seems to notice them.

She stops in front of my chair, looking down at me. Her brow rises as she studies my face. There’s no question: she recognizes me.

Can it be? Did she break the mind wipe? Did fate intervene?

Or did I do a half-ass job with the mind wipe, and leave her memories mostly intact on purpose?

At this moment, it doesn’t matter. She’s here, and I don’t care how or why.

She cocks her head, her fist on her hip. “I know you.” Her eyes narrow.

I straighten and set down my drink. I snap my fingers and point to the floor between my knees.

Her lips purse. She glances at the floor and back at me, an eyebrow raised.

She won’t kneel so easily. “Don’t you have something to say to me?”

My lips quirk. “Kneel, and I will.”

She folds to her knees at my feet. Her eyes are as bright as emeralds. I lean forward and cup her face between my hands.

“Are you lost, babygirl?” My thumb brushes her lower lip.

“No, Sir,” she says eagerly. “Not anymore.”

There’s nothing left to do besides kiss her. Then I rise and lead her downstairs to the St. Andrew’s Cross. She’ll wear my marks on her skin tonight. Later, I’ll take her home and consummate our relationship. The first night of many.

I was lost, and she found me.

Epilogue

Dusk

Gwen

There’s a secret entrance to Disneyland. It’s guarded by men with machine guns. Beside them stands a tiny grey-haired lady dressed like the Mrs. Potts character in Beauty & the Beast. As I approach, walking carefully in my new shoes, she waves.

“Welcome, Princess Gwen,” she calls.

“Hi,” I say, a little breathless. I touch the tiara on my head—a sparkly jewel-encrusted thing that’s heavier than I expected.

Mrs. Potts unlocks the door and invites me through. “Follow the road towards the castle. Stop when you reach the fork in the road. Your prince is waiting.”

Lifting my skirts, I do as she says. My train rustles over the brick road. I feel a bit silly, drifting down a Disney path after dark in a huge, baby blue ball gown. But when a fancy dress and glass slippers and a sparkly tiara appear on your bed with a note from your vampire dom that says, Wear Me, you don’t disobey.

It’s a bit overwhelming. I think the diamonds in the tiara are real. I’m pretending they’re glass, though. Otherwise, I’d hyperventilate.

It’s all a dream.

I reach the fork in the road and turn slowly in a circle. Night has fallen fully. The last hint of light has faded from the west. The only glow comes from the low lights on the path, and the spotlight on the castle.

A tall form unfolds from the shadows. It’s Dimitri, in a white suit. He’s wearing freakin’ white, and I still didn’t see him. Freakin’ vampire.

He saunters towards me, and my breath disappears.