Lilith blinked. “Oh. Well, they’ll hate that. They’re forever tricking people.”
Azazel looked at Cain. “Your witch’s coven is responsible for that as well as—”
Marching band music cut through the air.
Seth sighed. “It’s starting.”
Surrounded by dance troupes, stilt walkers, and a uniformed marching band, a horse-drawn carriage exited the bailey of Ishtar’s Keep.
“Doesn’t do anything by halves, does she?” muttered Dantalion.
People clapped, waved, smiled, and whistled as the carriage went by. Most of those wide smiles were forced, but Cain doubted Ishtar would notice. She was too caught up in the personal power she gained from being the focus of so much attention.
Sticks beat on drums. Horse hooves clip-clopped. Balloons popped. Leaders called out to their dance troupes.
“Hey,” began Azazel, “what do you think all these people would do if they knew the truth about the Ancients?”
“Run,” said Dantalion. “I think they’d all run.”
*
Wynter obligingly smiled as the horse-drawn carriage passed by. Ishtar was as beautiful as Maxim had said. Presently, she looked high as a kite. The Ancient was clearlylovingthis. Personally, Wynter couldn’t see any appeal in it, but to each their own.
Once the parade was finally over, several aides led the crowds through the woods and over to an open-air arena. It truly was huge, just as Xavier had said. Spectacular, too. It made her think of the Colosseum in Rome.
Everyone filed inside and—guided by ushers—filled the many spectator rows. Tray tables were attached to the back of each seat much like on airplanes. No sooner had Wynter and her crew sat down than Anabel had whipped out a vial of antibacterial potion and cleaned her own tray.
The Ancients were the last to take their seats, claiming the VIP area directly opposite of where Wynter and her coven were situated. Flanked by Seth and Azazel, Cain was quick to spot her. One corner of his mouth kicked up. His eyes bore into her own, gleaming with both promise and challenge.
Even as her mouth went dry and warmth bloomed inside her, Wynter slipped on her poker face, intent on ensuring he didn’t sense the effect he had on her. That only made his smile widen.
Ishtar rose to her feet, the image of grace. “Thank you all for coming.” Power swirled through the air, carrying her voice to every guest. “And thank you, Dantalion, for the time and effort you invested in celebrating my return.”
The male Ancient nodded, looking bored.
Ishtar went on to make a little speech, but Wynter barely heard it. Well, it was hard to focus when she couldfeelCain’s eyes on her. She wouldn’t look at him. She wouldn’t. She wouldn’t.
She did.
And the heated glance he speared her with went straight to her freaking womb. She shot him a narrow-eyed look and turned away, relieved her cheeks didn’t flush.
Finally, Ishtar quieted, smiling as applause rang out. Music filled the air again, and then the entertainers who’d surrounded her carriage during the parade trickled onto the performance space below. The artists danced and sang and entertained, and the spectators clapped and swayed and sang along.
It wasn’t until the interval that food and drinks were served. Which was about the same time that Anabel started panting like an exhausted racehorse.
Lifting her corn on the cob, Delilah frowned. “What’s with all the heavy breathing?”
“He keeps looking at me,” said Anabel, her eyes wide. “Why does he keep looking at me?”
Wynter tracked her gaze. One of their lycan Alpha neighbors, Diego, was blatantly staring at the blonde, his lips curved.
Delilah smirked. “Girl, you got yourself an admirer.”
Anabel began rubbing her temples. “Oh God, oh God, he wants to eat me.”
Delilah snickered. “Eat your pussy, maybe.”
Hattie cackled and patted the blonde’s arm. “You should really let him, dear. He might even be up for some anil—”