Fix Me Up (Unknown Succubus Series book 2)

I Dare You

All chatter ceased as I walked toward the damn throne. Yes, that's right a throne. My aunt and uncle were obviously narcissistic and felt the need to actually use thrones. Personally, I believed it to be outdated.... but then again everything was outdated here. Except the wifi I added to the castle. At least my treacherous family had modernized the lighting and bathrooms. A nervous sweat beaded in the small of my back as I stood on the lightly chalked 'x' that is on the floor. Apparently I needed scene directions also, Janet was dead as soon as I found her. I spaced out, only doing what was needed and responding when necessary, my words sounded as though I was reading from a script.

Luckily it was over after a long excruciating five hours... things took longer than the rehearsal. My knees felt weak under the strain of my ridiculous dress and I was dying to sit down. As creatures mingled about I saw my chance of escape, I slipped past the throng of vampires and dashed into the hallway. I lifted up my skirts, glanced around the empty hall and ran for my room. If I was going to be forced to mingle it would be on my own terms. Once in the safety of my bedroom I performed a series of painful twists and bends to unlace myself from the dress. In the end I untied half of the ribbon and peeled it off of my body. I changed into a pair of my black skin tight leggings and a dark blue tank top paired with a black leather jacket. I slid my feet into a pair of familiar boots and placed several blades on my person as a precaution of course.

While leaving my room I ran my fingers through my curly hair to mess it up a bit. I hated looking perfectly polished. The halls had a few people now, people that were giving fine examples of risky sex. Just walking past the multiple couples had my hunger stirring, but alas I had to refrain from snacking on my guests. It would appear unladylike. "Queen Aspen, what are you wearing?!" Found Janet, her voice was shrill and filled with disbelief.

"I'm wearing clothes that don't hinder my movement, you should try it sometime."

"I will do no such thing! Go to your chambers and put on a dress this very instant!"

"And why would I do that? I have no one to impress, unlike you I simply don't care."

"I am sending Clarice with you, maybe she can talk some sense in to you."

"Don't bother, I seem to be the only one smart enough to realize there is nothing impressive or intimidating about a girl in a ridiculous dress. I'm not here to just stand around and look pretty, I'm here to change things. I refuse to sit back and let people like you order me about, now I will wear the dress if you can put me in it. Just try, I dare you." I smiled viciously at the older woman.

"I....uhh... Your mother would be so disappointed in your behavior!" Janet sputtered out.

"Then I guess it's a good thing I never met her."

"Aspen!"

"It's Queen Aspen, forget your place one more time and I will strip you from your title." I snapped in a honey sweet voice. I shot her one more glare before pushing past her and entering the ballroom. Hunter locked his gaze onto mine from across the room. He was amongst a group of shifters that shared a similar appearance to him. They were either family or pack members. Colton and Gage were on the right side of the room where the majority of the vampires were. Most species stuck to their own kind and it made me think of segregation. Each creature thought it's species was the best while putting all others down.

"I must say, you are the only woman that can pull off jeans in a room full of dresses." An annoying demon murmured into my ear. I glanced behind me to see Stark, my mouth twitched in disgust. "I would recommend taking your hands off of my butt, otherwise you might lose them."

"I don't see a knife this time."

"I have more than five on me right now, it would take me less than a second to grab one." Movement in my peripheral gave me warning that Sam was prowling towards me. Once he had stopped just a foot away from me his eyes landed on Stark's hands. Jealousy lit flames in his eyes. I jerked away from the demon's hands and managed to move a few feet away. "Try something, I dare either one of you." I snarled, and of course neither attempted. I turned on my heel and walked over to Hunter with a determined scowl.

"An I allowed to execute people?" I snapped upon entering the group of shifters, Hunter laughed at my outburst despite the fact he was angry. There was tension in his shoulders and he looked ready to shift and maul someone to death. "No, not unless they have tried to kill you first." Hunter purred in my ear, wrapping his arms around my waist and tugging me toward him. My back pressed against his warm chest and I could feel his breath tickling my ear.

"I can work with that, let's execute Sam."

"You've already tried that and it didn't turn out well."

"Don't remind me of my failed murder attempt ... it's a touchy subject."

"Hunter, who is this ravishing creature in your arms?" One of the tall males interrupted, he looked like a slightly older version of Hunter. This man's eyes were a steely grey and his hair was cut close to his scalp. His lips were slightly fuller than Hunter's and he was taller. My eyes scanned his dark blue suit that contrasted nicely with his tanned skin. He was attractive but I still preferred Hunter. "Malec, this is Queen Aspen. She's my Succubus." Hunter tightened his grip on me as Malec eyed my down.

"It's a pleasure to meet such a gorgeous Queen." Malec grinned, I went to shake his hand and was surprised. He brought my knuckles to his lip and kissed the back of my hand. I'm positive he smelled me because his nostrils flared and then his eyes widened. I pulled my hand away hastily.

"Malec are you the current leader of your pride?" I asked, sensing the power he held. Not to mention the way the others seemed to be protecting him. He stood with confidence and was not ashamed to wink at me. "Yes, Your Majesty I am the leader of Spain's shifters." I didn't miss the way he purred my title.

"I've heard it's beautiful there." I responded.

"It is very beautiful, you will have to come for a visit soon."

"That would be lovely, I'll schedule a time with you before you leave." I refrained from rolling my eyes, he was laying it on thick.

"Malec!" A rather raspy female voice called out, the sound had Hunter nearly squeezing the life out of me. A few people shuffled and suddenly a familiar female appeared. Her dark hair wasn't what made me feel uncomfortable, it was her silver eyes. She looked like a Spanish princess, wearing a tight red gown with her long hair in an elegant twist of braids. Her lips were full and pouty. But the girl had amazing cheekbones. She had strong features and a toned body. I would have a difficult time in a fight with this woman. She was my exact opposite. I had soft and delicate features and she looked like a fierce warrior princess. "Seraphina, your timing is phenomenal." Malec purred at the stunning woman.

"Is Hunter actually with that slut?" She hissed out, fangs elongated in anger. My jaw dropped, I was not a slut! Malec turned red either in anger or embarrassment. "Seraphina, the queen is right here."

"What are you talking about? The Queen would never wear leggings, didn't you watch the coronation!"

"They're just pants! Now who are you calling a slut?" I snapped, pushing out of Hunter's arms.

"I...uhh....oh... I am so sorry! It's just Succubi are known for sleeping around. Me well, I just assumed that Hunter was cheating on me." Her face was splashed red in embarrassment.

"You would be incorrect, I do not sleep around nor do I assist in cheating. However if you would like to stereotype me I will continue to prove you wrong. Now, exactly who are you?" Hunter looked pained and I could feel heartbreak through our bond.

"I am Seraphina Constanza, of alpha blood. I am Hunter's mate." She announced proudly, my jaw hit the floor. What did she just say?