Areth nodded thoughtfully and wove more curls into place. A good third of my hair was piled on the top of my head which added height. I was short for an Elf, something Areth was working to correct. Thinking about it I suspected I’d be stuck wearing high heels tonight. Nothing like a nice pair of four inches to raise me up to normal Elf stature.

  When she was done the three of us followed her into the bedroom and I couldn’t help gasping in awe at the dress laid out on the bed. It looked like light and air shot through with golden threads I suspected might be real. At first glance it appeared to be a pale cream color which would surely accentuate my golden hued skin, but as I got closer the color changed, bled to a richer almost golden color with touches of wine and green and blue. The fabric was nothing I’d ever seen before and nearly looked alive as it whispered across the bed when I brushed it with my fingers.

  I pulled off my dressing gown and Gareth assisted me into the dress, something that made me smile since it was usually the other way around. Areth stood on the bed, hands on hips as she watched with approval as I eased it onto me. No underwear again and possibly for the same reason as this dress was quite low in the front with a cut out scooped neck that exposed my breasts almost to the nipples. Below my breasts the dress was fitted across my ribs and stomach to my hips where it flared to the floor. There was a yoke across the top of my shoulders front and back which buttoned the high collar then nothing to the base of my spine. The bodice was covered in delicate embroidered flowers which flowed down the sides of my breasts and ended in a v between my hips. My long flowing sleeves nearly brushed the floor and the skirt was very full with a short train. There was more than ample material to hide the fact that I was missing dangly parts.

  For all that the dress must have contained five yards of material it was light and shimmered and flowed around me like air. When I glanced at the back of my dress the embroidery was continued and I could see a multitude of extremely detailed flowers which started at the base of my spine and flowed down and across the back of the dress, wrapping round at the hem in the front. I looked closer and noticed the flowers seemed to be of all types and shapes and were embroidered in very pale colors, their detail so fine I felt I could pluck one and smell its sweet fragrance.

  Gareth buttoned my high collar and stood back to look at me. He smiled and I licked my lips feeling very feminine from the gleam in his eye. “Exquisite.” He breathed.

  Jace turned to Areth and simply said. “Not leather.” Areth nodded and waved her arm and the men’s clothing appeared on the bed. Then it was my turn to watch as the two of them changed into their slacks and shirts. For this evening Areth had opted for finely woven linen instead of the normal silk and both men’s shirts were in their signature colors.

  Areth provided Jace with cream colored slacks that matched my dress when you looked at it from the front. Gareth’s pants were the darker color my dressed appeared when you turned your head slightly. Both had high collared jackets that matched the overall theme with gold threads woven into the fabric at the cuffs and collars. Down the front of both jackets Areth had added embroidery to match mine only instead of flowers they had Dragons in flight. The embroidery was so very fine I couldn’t help running my fingers over the miniature figures which seemed to actually move with the men’s motions.

  “Wow.” I breathed. “Areth you’ve outdone yourself! Thank you.”

  She smiled proudly and waved her hand again. “Do not forget your shoes.” She told us and then she was gone, leaving the three of us to pull on our footwear and gawk at each other.

  When we were all dressed and ready to go, Gareth pulled open the drawer in his nightstand and took out two black velvet boxes, one large and one small. He handed the large box to Jace and turned the smaller one to me. “We would be honored Lexi if you would wear this.” He told me his voice sounding very serious. I leaned forward as he opened the box and found myself captivated. There nestled within the velvet was a beautiful golden ring. Miniature replicas of Gareth and Jace in dragon form circled a large red-orange multi-faceted cut stone and looked up at me out of emerald and sapphire eyes. The workmanship and detail was exquisite and I lifted a finger tracing the perfect figures.

  “It is beautiful.” I breathed. Gareth nodded and pulled the ring from its holder. He held out his hand to me and I gave him my left and watched in pleasure as he slipped it onto my fourth finger. Jace made a pleased sound and his teeth flashed pearly white when I glanced at him.

  “Now this one.” He told me and stepped forward. “We thought it would be appropriate to provide you with a weapon for this evening.” And he cracked open the box so I could stare in wonder at the beautiful dagger resting next to a dark sheath of leather decorated in fine carvings. End to end the dagger was about nine inches long. The hilt was inlaid with emeralds and sapphires and the blade looked very sharp.

  “If you’ll lift your dress?” Jace asked, and I couldn’t help the wicked smile I sent him while I pulled my dress out of the way and offered him my right leg. He laid the box on the bed while he strapped the hilt to the outside of my calf making sure it wouldn’t slip before he stood. He then lifted the blade to me giving me a minute to feel its weight and balance. I leaned down, lifted my dress and slid the blade home, liking the way it had felt in my hand.

  “Thank you.” I told them both and stepped forward to hug first Jace who was closest and then Gareth.

  “Let’s get out of here before we do something rash and end up missing the meeting.” Jace urged.

  The other four were waiting in the living room and I took a moment to admire Amras and Cursed’s attire. Amras looked like every girls vision of an aristocratic Elf all sumptuous in his well tailored black and amethyst coat which reached to mid thigh. His pants were black and fit him like a glove, showing off his thighs. He had a silver handled blade belted at his side. His pants disappeared into knee high black boots which were shined to high gloss and looked like they could reflect a person’s image. His hair was loose and hung down his back like fine pale silk. At his brow was a coronet of finest silver inlaid with amethysts the exact color of his beautiful eyes. He bowed to me and I smiled and turned from him to Cursed who stood as we approached.

  My Goblin looked like a portrait of beautiful death, the sight of him nearly stole my breath. His clothing was solid black on black and like Amras’ was well fitted and showed off his body to perfection. His leather coat was long, nearly brushing his ankles. Around his waist he wore his sword and I could see the hilt of a blade peeking out the top of his high black boots. His shirt was open at the neck and looked like silk. He looked dark and serious….deadly. He too had opted to leave his hair down and it swung around his hips like black thunder clouds. Across his forehead sat a thin circlet of finely woven silver.

  “My Lady.” He acknowledged me, bowing low at the waist before standing.

  “Gentlemen.” I greeted them all, my eyes moving to each one in turn. “Shall we go?”

  Owen stood and shifted turning into a huge white timber wolf with large brown eyes and a beautiful jewel studded collar. “You look incredibly lovely.” He told me.

  “Thanks in no small part to you.” I told him and he nodded his great white head and flashed his canines.

  Kit was still sprawled across his chair and I could feel his black eyes following my every movement. His face looked intense and just a tad mischievous and I hoped he’d behave himself tonight. “No Little Johnny jokes.” I warned and nearly groaned when he simply lifted an eyebrow in response. He shifted to his miniature black and silver Dragon form and launched himself into the air flapping his beautifully barbed wings as he led us down the hall toward the elevators.

  We crowed in and I pressed back against Jace who wrapped his arm about my waist. Kit settled onto Owen’s back and I heard the wolf sigh. He was standing next to my leg and I buried my hand in his ruff letting him know I appreciated his patience. At which point he chuckled and sat, causing Kit to slide onto the floor with a bump and an indignant cry.

  The doors opened onto the lobby for the conference room and no one moved, none of us wanting to step on Kit. Cursed took pity on him and leaned down to offer him his left forearm. Kit turned his head his little black eyes whirling as he jumped onto Cursed who winced slightly as the tiny claws dug in.

  “Behave.” I hissed at Kit who seemed to hunch in on himself as he wrapped his long barbed tail about Cursed’s forearm.

  “I am trying Mistress.” Kit informed me stiffly.

  I wasn’t certain what was the matter with him but now was not the time to discuss it as Cursed stood and led us out into the foyer. There were guards on either side of the elevator doors, at the entrance to the conference room, and another two at the entrance to the living quarters. We stepped out and I caught the smell of wolf as well as leopard and bear. Two of the guards glanced sharply at Owen and it was almost as if they were struggling not to react to his presence.

  “What is their problem?” I whispered to Jace who’d taken my arm and was leading me through the conference room doors.

  “I don’t smell like wolf.” Owen replied as he walked at my side his head swinging from left to right as he surveyed the room. He left me then and made a circuit of the table, his nose twitching as he checked out everything.

  Jace led us just a little way down the table before he turned us to face the foyer. From where we stood we had a good view of the doorway and would be the first thing anyone stepping into the room would see. His arm slipped around my back beneath my hair and I could feel his fingers gently stroking my skin. I suddenly felt nervous and rolled my ring round my finger.

  Owen came back to me and sat quietly on my right side his head level with my waist. My fingers slid into the soft hair at his ruff and rested there.

  Gareth was standing at the door speaking into his communicator and I suspected our guests were about to begin arriving. How nice of them to be on time.

  Like Owen, Cursed and Amras made a circuit of the room, no doubt walking off the steps and checking to ensure there were no hidden doorways from which someone might spring out and attack us. They both gave the bathroom corridor a thorough search.

  Out in the hall we heard the elevator start up and Amras and Cursed crossed the room slipping in behind us to either side. Cursed lifted his arm and Kit hopped to my shoulder opposite Jace. I stood quietly while he rumbled softly and rubbed his head and body against my cheek his tail draping about my neck. Perhaps he was picking up on my nerves and trying to soothe me.

  “Here we go, lift your shield and think happy thoughts.” Jace whispered and I snapped my crystal shield into place.

  “Both?” I asked.

  “No this is fine for now. I trust you’ll know when or if the other is needed.” He replied, his eyes focused on Gareth who turned to nod at us as the elevator dinged and we heard the sound of the doors opening.

  Chapter 34

  A tall thin man wearing a dark overcoat over a grey shirt and pants stepped into the foyer followed by two Dwarves. One of the Dwarves was dressed in brown leathers while the other wore dark red and black. Gareth stood at the door and greeted each of them by name.

  “Milos.” Gareth’s deep voice broke the silence. “Good to see you. And Eldal.” He continued as the red clad Dwarf stuck out his hand to shake. “Dten.” He responded when the other Dwarf simply nodded and stepped around Gareth. Everyone’s eyes moved to my little group and Gareth cleared his throat and introduced us. “I believe you all remember Jace and this is Lexi and her guard. Lexi may I present Milos the Skilled, Eldal Orral and Dten Kilmalk.” I nodded to each of them in turn.

  Eldal and Dten grumbled something then ignored me while they moved to seats on the other side of the room. Milos on the other hand seemed very interested in Kit and wandered over to get a better look at him.

  His aura was a very pale dark orange and I was making a mental note to ask Kit later what that might mean when he slipped his muzzle into my ear and whispered, “Deceit or distrust.” I smiled as Milos stopped in front of me and held out his hand to me. Beside me Jace immediately reached out pulling Milos slightly to the side.

  “An interesting specimen you have there.” Milos muttered his eyes swinging back to Kit who turned his head and hissed at him while the tip of his tail flicked warningly. I reached up and gently brushed my fingers down his body, causing him to press in against me.

  “Thank you, he is very precious to me.” I replied and smiled up at the Wizard. Kit rocked from foot to foot on my shoulder and I stroked him again.

  Out in the hall the elevator door dinged again and Jace stepped in front of me, swinging his arm toward the table and inviting Milos to have a seat. The Wizard went slowly, his eyes glued to Kit who leaned in and flicked his tongue in my ear causing me to stiffen and growl softly in my throat. His tail stilled on my shoulder and we prepared ourselves as a small Asian woman swept through the door followed by a tall clean cut giant of a man who carried the sent of wolf before him.

  Gareth bent low over the woman’s well manicured hand as she glanced about the room, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of me. Happy thought, happy thought that’s what I was thinking as Gareth turned to shake hands with the other man and urged them both on toward Jace who had rejoined us after seeing Milos seated.

  Jace stepped forward and greeted the woman who he introduced as Adara much in the manner of Gareth. To say she yanked her hand out of his would have been a slight overstatement however she was rather abrupt. Perhaps touching Jace was distasteful to her?

  The Werewolf looked to be about Owen’s height but was wider through the shoulders. His name was Bodark and he wore black leather and was from Russian decent, judging by his accent. He made up for Adara’s lack of courtesy by giving Jace a hearty handshake as well as a clap on the shoulder that would have knocked a smaller man to the floor. Jace merely braced for it smiling as he turned to introduce me. Bodark bowed low over my hand, but unlike Jace or Gareth with Adara, he turned my wrist over at the last second and pressed his lips to my palm. Behind me both Amras and Cursed took a step forward while Kit hissed and Owen raised his lips, baring his three inch fangs.

  “What a vision of loveliness.” He remarked ignoring the four of them. “And you taste….enticing.” Jace cleared his throat and Gareth was suddenly standing behind Bodark the weight of his presence urging the man to drop my hand.

  Beside him the Sorceress Adara stood with a haughty look in her dark brown eyes. Her body language was stiff, her expression annoyed, as if Bodark’s comments were a direct insult upon her person. Gareth bundled the two of them away and Jace leaned in his breath teasing my ear as he whispered. “She believes her powers come from her virginity. I don’t think I need to tell you where he believes his lay.”

  I flicked my eyes to his and quickly schooled my features back to haughty indifference. Elven culture was very strict and I’d yet to meet anyone to whom I needed to bow or acknowledge in anyway my superior. So it was up to me to stand there looking ethereal and unaffected. A task more difficult than it might sound, at least for me.

  The next two that exited the elevator couldn’t have been more different than if they had planned it that way. Gareth walked them both over, managing to nearly insert himself between both the woman whom he introduced as Angel the head of the local Werehyena pack and Alan who represented the local Werejaguars.

  Angel shuffled in looking like she was expecting to be pounced upon at any second which I thought strange given that she was larger than Amras with a set of shoulders nearly as wide as Gareth’s. She was wearing chocolate brown leathers which looked uncomfortable and ill fitting. Her eyes flicked to mine briefly and she mumbled something before she shuffled off to find a seat dragging the two smaller males she’d brought with her along in her wake.

  I watched Angel for a second then swung back to Alan who looked suave and sophisticated in a dark and sexy way. He looked Spanish or maybe South American and was dressed tastefully all in black and I could tell that his clothing was finely tailored. His hair was black and swept his shoulders. He had a small cleft in his smoothly shaven chin and a finely chiseled face dominated by his eyes which were dark brown and looked deliciously dangerous. He gave Owen a dismissive look as he flowed like his namesake to me across the floor. I braced myself when he reached for my hand glad for my long sleeves as I felt the hair on my arm stand at attention. Instead of kissing me, he simply inhaled my scent and lifted his dark lashed eyes to mine. Wow talk about sex appeal I thought, then immediately regretted it when Kit painfully squeezed his tail about my neck.

  Jace’s smile was a trifled forced as he urged Alan along to the table and I struggled not to watch them go. Gareth’s eyes narrowed and he dipped his head toward me his perfect mouth hesitating just above mine while he breathed, letting me pull the flavor of him into my lungs. “Behave yourself.” He whispered and I nodded and licked my lips when he moved back. Beside me Owen pressed against my leg and I glanced down at him and gave him a shaky smile while I mentally growled at Kit letting him know he should stop trying to strangle me.

  The elevator dinged again and Gareth and Jace both tensed causing me to jerk and Kit to dig his claws into my shoulder while Owen pressed himself a little tighter against my leg. This time Gareth merely turned toward the door opting to stand with our group instead of greeting the newest visitors at the doorway.

  A breath of cold air flowed over us and a pale well built blond haired man of medium height entered the room. He was attractive, dressed in black leather and I had to suppress a smile as he paused and looked us over. Behind him an exquisitely beautiful woman dressed in dark red leather slid into the room. Her hair was very short and flaming red and she yanked on a leather leash wrapped tightly round her hand. The sharp yank causing a red haired man also dressed in leather to trip and grunt as he slammed into the doorway behind her.

 

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