EB Chapter 64 Part 4
Eva
My next target was Bael. He often spent his mornings in the library in Vlad’s castle. Today, he sat at a heavy mahogany desk, a single shaft of light illuminating the page of the book he held. His long black hair cascaded over his shoulders, framing his handsome features. His blue-grey eyes, usually cold and sharp, were focused, contemplative. He was less predictable than Brandon, more cunning. This would require a different strategy.
I moved silently, my soft slippers barely disturbing the Persian rug. He didn't look up until I was standing beside the desk, my shadow falling across his book.
"Something pique your interest, Demon King?" I asked, my voice soft, almost a whisper.
He raised his head, his eyes meeting mine. A faint smile touched his lips, a rare sight. "Always. Knowledge is power, Eva. A lesson you, of all people, understand."
"Indeed." I leaned over the desk, my gaze sweeping across the open page. Runes, symbols, ancient script. "What wisdom are you absorbing today? The secrets of the universe? The best way to torture one's enemies? Or perhaps a historical account of particularly flamboyant baby showers?"
His smile widened into a full, genuine grin. "You are relentless, aren't you? Always probing. Always seeking."
"It's a writer's curse," I replied, my fingers tracing the ornate carving on the edge of the desk. "Or a goddess's. Especially when her mates are conspiring to keep secrets."
"Conspiring? That's a rather strong word." He closed the book, placing it carefully on the desk. "We prefer 'planning a delightful surprise'."
"Delightful surprises usually involve less clandestine meetings and more open discussion," I pointed out, leaning against the desk, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him. The subtle scent of old paper and something darker, something uniquely Bael, filled my senses. "Brandon mentioned 'logistical challenges'. What kind of logistical challenges are so immense they require the combined intellect of a Night Hunter and a Demon King?"
Bael's gaze held mine, unblinking. "The kind that require careful consideration of all variables. The kind that ensure… a flawless execution."
"Execution of what?" I pressed, my voice a soft murmur. "A flawless baby shower? Are we inviting world leaders? Celestial beings? The entire pantheon of forgotten gods?"
He leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. "Perhaps. One must always be prepared for any eventuality, wouldn't you agree? Especially when one is orchestrating an event of… such magnitude."
"Magnitude," I repeated, testing the word. "What makes it so magnificent, Bael? Is it the sheer number of guests? The complexity of the magical wards required to keep everyone from accidentally incinerating each other? Or the historical significance of the event itself?"
He considered me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "All of the above, perhaps. It is a moment of… convergence. A focal point. A true coming together of disparate elements."
"Disparate elements?" I moved closer, my hand resting lightly on his arm, feeling the taut muscle beneath his sleeve. "Are we talking about different factions of the supernatural world? Werewolves and vampires breaking bread? Demons and angels sharing a punch bowl?"
"One can hope for such harmonious outcomes," he said, his voice a low rumble. His gaze dropped to my hand, then back to my eyes. "You are very… direct today, Eva. Seeking answers with an uncommon intensity."
"Motherhood does that to a goddess," I purred, letting my fingers trail up his arm, over his shoulder, to toy with a strand of his long black hair. It felt like silk, cool and smooth. "A pregnant goddess has a right to know the full scope of her reality. Especially when her reality is expanding at an exponential rate, both within and without."
He closed his eyes for a moment, a sigh escaping him. "You are a formidable force, Eva. A beautiful, irresistible force." He opened his eyes, his gaze locking with mine, a deep desire swirling within their grey depths. "And you know precisely how to wield your power."
"So, share the power?" I whispered, my face inches from his. The scent of him, dark and alluring, filled my senses.
His voice was husky. "But secrets, once revealed, lose their… magic. And this particular secret is designed to be… breathtaking."
"More breathtaking than you, Bael?" I teased, my fingers now tangled in his hair, pulling gently. "I find that hard to believe."
His lips curved into a slow, sensual smile. "I aim to please. But this… this will be on an entirely different scale. A testament to… what is to come."
"What is to come?" I pressed, my heart quickening. This was it. The closest hint yet. "A new age? A new alignment of power? Is this a declaration?"
"A declaration," he affirmed, his voice resonating with power. "Yes. In a way. A statement to the world. A recognition of… new beginnings. And old truths." He reached up, his hand cupping my cheek. His thumb stroked my skin, sending shivers down my spine. "And it all revolves around you, my queen. And our children."
"So it's not just a party for us," I murmured, my gaze searching his. "It's a presentation. To the world. Of… us."
"Precisely." He leaned in, his lips brushing mine. "A presentation of the dawn of a new era. Ushered in by you." He kissed me then, a slow, deep kiss that stole my breath and scattered my thoughts. When he pulled back, his eyes gleamed with a primal intensity. "Now, if you want more, you'll have to make a choice. Information, or pleasure. You cannot have both, not right now. The moment demands my full attention, and yours."
"Always the strategist," I breathed, a flush spreading across my skin. "You've given me much to consider, Bael. Much indeed." I straightened, a playful light in my eyes. "I'll leave you to your… meticulous planning. And your ancient texts." I gave his hand a squeeze. "Don't stay up all night plotting world domination, darling."
He watched me leave, a smirk playing on his lips. A declaration. A presentation to the world. Of us. This was far more than a baby shower. Brandon had hinted at a "new era." Bael confirmed a "new era" and a "declaration." Interesting. Very interesting.