She was pacing back and forth as she growled and snarled in my direction. I thought her snapping at me was ridiculous and I bared my teeth at her. She shook her hand repeatedly and I hoped I had crushed every bone it. Stupid cow.
She ran at me once more. I wasn't expecting her to run at me and it startled me, but not nearly as much as the sudden flash of white that shoved me down to the ground, but it felt like a brick house had run me over.
It caught Acacia in mid run, causing her to dangle slightly off the ground. He held her by the throat and a snarl that made me whimper escaped from him. Dominic was suddenly the vampire from every horror film that I had ever seen. He was deadly and dangerous. I suddenly wanted to be able to be as powerful as he was right then.
She stopped fighting against him and he put her down on the ground, but did not let go of her throat. He looked at Mike with so much disgust that I thought he might actually throw up.
“This creature belongs to you, overgrown dog! Take her before you are without your mate,” he said to Mike as he pushed Acacia at him. “And you, my dear Acacia, if you ever think to injure my mate, there will be nothing left of you, or your wanted family, but a pile of rubble and a sad story in the human papers. Do I make myself clear?” He growled the words at her.
She nodded as she gasped and stumbled into Mike's waiting arms. They both morphed into true wolves and ran out into the woods in the direction of their home.
Dominic looked at me as though I needed to be locked up for my own good. “Now, what were you doing out here, Emma darling?” His words weighed me down.
“I wanted to see Mike. I missed him.” The words felt stupid after what had happened.
“In the future, perhaps some place a little more public would be a better choice.” He raised his brow at me.
“In the future? I doubt that will happen.” I frowned.
“I really do think that is for the best. She could have killed you, Em. I never want to lose you. Besides, if she killed you, your family would be forced to destroy Mike's as well as hers. It would start yet another war for us.” His eyes seemed far away as though he could see it all.
“I'm sorry,” I mumbled as I walked to him. “I didn't think anything would happen. I wanted to talk to Mike and show him that we could still be friends. Maybe I was wrong?”
He opened his arms, in a welcoming manner, and held me. Then we walked very slowly back to the house.
My wounds were healed by the time we got there, but I didn't want to have to explain the blood on me, so Dom climbed up the side of the house into my bedroom window- something that was truly out of the movies- and went inside.
When he came back down he leapt from the window and handed me a fresh set of clothing- it was my pajamas. I smiled and he turned around to give me a moment of privacy.
As I pulled the shirt off, I felt the tenderness of my wounds on my back and arm. I gasped for breath but managed to get my stuff off and the soft satin pjs on. We took my old clothes and set them aflame in the barbecue pit in the backyard.
As soon as the fabric had burned down to nothing, it was put out and we went back toward the house. Dominic showed me how to get up to my room from where we were. I was quite freaked out by scaling the house wall, but he stayed next to me and helped me climb into my room.
When we got in my room, the neon lights from my clock showed the hour to be nearly two in the morning. What the heck was I thinking? I felt like an idiot. I also felt really betrayed by Mike. How could he just sit there?
Dominic took my hand and led me to my bed. I sat down but felt suddenly numb. I ran my tongue over my teeth and felt that they had shrunk back to my normal fangs. I also noticed that my nails were back to my chewed nothingness.
“Do you want me to stay?” His voice was almost a whisper.
I didn't want to be alone after what had happened. I was so freaked now that I was in my room. I nodded my head.
“Then I will. But you need rest. It will help the injuries heal fully.” He was so gentle with me as he helped me lean back and crawl under the covers.
I inched over so he could lie down as well. He lied on top of the covers and lightly caressed my cheek as he whispered to me. “It's okay now. Just sleep.” He began to hum a lullaby of some kind.
The melody wrapped around me and I felt safe. I reached up and took hold of his hand and held it as he continued to hum. Soon, my room faded away.
Chapter Eleven
I was lucky that no one mentioned anything to me about my nocturnal activities. Time passed for me in a blur of family lessons about the new things that I could do. Then the day before my 'coming out' party- as I liked to call it- arrived. The house was filled with excitement. I, of course, did not sleep on these days. Excitement had an adverse effect on my sleeping pattern.
The air felt charged with a certain electricity that was magical. I knew only of the plans I had decided on, but the rest was a mystery. I was totally psyched about it all. I wonder how many are coming?
I briefly remembered my birthday- that was a lot of people. Somewhere, deep inside, I had a feeling that this would be a million times greater.
I went downstairs in hopes of finding something to do to keep me occupied. We had another set of staff on and I soon realized it was the same one from before when I saw a girl about to fall off a ladder. I nearly flew to save her. When I caught her, she weighed nothing.
“Hello, Mary,” I said to the young girl in my arms.
Mary's face blushed a fierce shade of red. “Oh, Miss Emma. I was just … thank you.”
“What have I told you about the 'Miss' thing? It's Emma. And I surely wouldn't let you fall. Do you need some help?” My voice sounded like melting butter as I put her down, it was something I would have to adjust to.
“No thank you, Emma. I'm to do my own chores. But thank you very much for the offer.” She smiled.
“Would you at least like me to hold the ladder for you?” I really didn't understand why we hired help when I knew we could do it all easily.
“No, really, it's fine. I'll wait until one of the girls are free.” She smiled once more, bowed slightly, and backed away. Strange.
Emma. Dom's voice was a pleasant breeze in my mind.
Yes? The word purred out even in my thoughts.
I could use some help if you're really bored. It sounded slightly as though he was teasing.
Whatcha doing? He always managed to pique my curiosity.
I'm in the backyard overseeing your tents and entertainment setup. I could tell he was smiling.
I'm coming. I walked slowly outside to help Dominic. It was hard to move at the speed I had once gone, but it was necessary because of all the humans around.
The backyard that generally looked huge had suddenly shrunk. Two huge white tents covered the majority of the space. I walked into the one closest to me. Even though the exterior was a typical white tent used in outdoor events, the inside was amazing. Clearly I had walked into the tent for the elder folks. The light was a soft, gentle hue. There were groups of tables and comfy chairs in the center. Around the perimeter, chess games were set up. A small stage was set in the front with slightly stronger spotlights shining down on it. The grass had been covered by plush carpets. It looked like a place where the grown-ups could comfortably hang out.
I walked out into the bright sun that had decided to grace us and flinched away from it.
Dom. I think we need to get shading for the entrances of the tents, so that no one has to walk directly into this burning light.
My eyes burned as I tried to blink away the image of the sun from my eyelids.
`Good idea. I thought you were coming.
I am. I went in the first tent. It's perfect. I cooed the words.
I'm glad you like it. He sounded truly pleased.
I walked over to the second tent, which was set up a good ways away from the first. I figured that this was to prevent some of the sound from carrying into the peaceful scene for the adults. Th
e tent looked the same from the outside. However, when I went inside I was suddenly in the middle of a night club- not too far away from the design of Bella Notte.
The area was pitch black except for two or three points of light. There was a large stage with huge speakers set up in the front. The grass was covered with some sort of tile flooring. On the edges of the tent were squashy looking couches. The inner walls of the tent were black and thick. I walked deeper inside and noticed there was a bar station in the back.
Dom?
“Yes.” His voice startled me from behind.
“Don't you know better than to sneak up on a vampire?” I lightly punched him in the arm as my fangs retracted from the defensive they had taken.
“Apparently not. So, what do you think?” He sounded like he was actually concerned with what I thought; it made me want to laugh.
“I love it. But, seriously, why the bar?” I so didn't want to deal with a bunch of drunken teen vamps.
“Non-alcoholic, mia bella. Not that it has any real effect on our kind. Just so you know.” He walked ahead of me into the darkness.
“How did the set up of the children's area go?” I desperately wanted to be sure that everyone would have a great time.
“The entire sun room is an absolute kiddie delight. We have the puppet show area set up, small tables and chairs for coloring, legos, blocks, dress-up stuff, and some infant toys for the babies. It should all be a great success. Hey, come stand right here, I want to show you something.” He reached out his hand and smiled.
I took his hand and he pulled me close to him. He bent toward me and gently kissed my cheek.
Dom. I sighed.
Just stay right here. His thoughts stroked mine like a whisper.
I nodded.
He walked off into a darkness that even I couldn't fully see in. I heard a soft click and then the lights went off and I was surrounded by a rainbow. The entire tent had replica crystals, like from our cave. The floor I was standing on was suddenly lit from below and the colors danced to a beat I couldn't hear. It was mesmerizing. I could feel my body want to sway to this unheard song. My eyes felt like they were absorbing part of the rainbow as the world pulsed around me.
What do you think? His voice was nothing but a whisper in my head, and I still couldn't see him.
Dom how did you? I mean, the crystals, how did they get here? And this floor … Oh my god! I love it! The effect is wonderful! THANK YOU!
I knew I was close to tears which was odd for such a thing.
His arms wrapped around me. I didn't jump this time. I merely enjoyed being so close to him with such a reminder of when I truly got to know him. I missed Italy the more I stayed here and had to fight with my feelings for Mike.
Dominic? I knew his name sounded stressed when it came out.
Mia bella, what is wrong? Whatever it is, it will be fixed.
His concern for my happiness never seemed to end and it often made me forget the guy I had met at my birthday party.
Nothing is wrong. I was wondering … is there still a school in Italy? I felt nervous.
Why, yes, there is. It is off the coast of our island. It is very convenient for when one of us has to go to it for business, because we can always go right back home. Why? His voice sounded like he might know already.
I was thinking that maybe we could go there? If it's so close to your home then we could just stay there and commute right? Would that be allowed? I mean, for me too? I really enjoyed being there. My voice gave everything and nothing away at the same time.
Ah, I am sure that they would not mind having you stay at our castle while you attend the school that my family contributes to very largely. I am glad you liked Italy so.
I could feel the happiness radiating from him.
I was glad I could please him, but somewhere locked inside me was the longing I felt for Mike- even if I thought he was a jerk for letting that event happen. I forgave him even though he didn't ask for it. I knew I would always love him, which scared me because of the prophecy. I sighed and kissed Dominic on his cheek.
“Perhaps, we should go get ready for the guests that are supposed to arrive?” I didn't really want to, but I knew my obligations as a Hutchinson.
“Well, the guests are not arriving until late tonight and early tomorrow. I was thinking that maybe we could catch a film before we have to be grown-ups.” His suggestion was the best I had heard yet.
“We should ask my parents or grandparents if that's okay.” I was trying to figure out which one would be most likely to agree.
“I, kinda, already asked them. They all said it was a wonderful idea.” He turned sheepish.
“Wow. You must be magical or something. So, are we going to our theater here in town or out of town?” I was amazed at his proficiency.
“Well, in town they are playing The Lost Boys and Sabrina, you know the one with Audrey Hepburn. I didn't bother looking up something out of town. I knew you would like one of those.” He winked at me.
“Hmm. Tough choice. Hormonal teenage vampire boys or a Cinderella story. Let me think, do I feel all lovey or do I want to see boyish fun?” I tapped my finger to my lips as I talked.
“Okay, I think we should see Sabrina.” He blushed.
“I agree.” I hugged him around his neck and inhaled a deep breath of his scent; strong, spicy, orange, and safe.
We left a few minutes later. His black mustang was the only car that I would agree to ride in until I got my new Jeep. I really missed my old one. We had it pulled out of the lake and it was taken to a place where they strip parts. I wanted to cry. My black beauty was taken apart bit by bit. Evil people clearly have that job. But Dom's car was fast and, somehow, we never got a ticket.
We got to town in record time, though not as fast as if I had ran. Stupid false pretenses.
The theater wasn't really packed or anything so we parked in the five car lot. I was about to get out of the car when Dominic started to talk to me.
Emma. His voice sounded urgent.
I turned my head. What's up?
He caught my face between his hands and kissed me full on.
Whoa! I wasn't sure what brought on this- that could easily knock me on my butt- but I knew if he didn't stop kissing me that I might be highly tempted to shame my family.
Dom.
No, Emma.
I knew right then that something was wrong. I broke free from the kiss and looked him in the eyes, but they quickly- almost too quick for me to see- looked away and back to me. I followed the direction with my eyes trying to find the problem.
I found it- Mike and Acacia at our pizza place.
Evil bastard! My temper rose instinctively. I couldn't believe that he would take her there. I wouldn't even take Dom there, it was special for me.
“Um, let's go to the movie, don't want to be late.” His voice was tense.
He got out of the car, walked to my side of the car, and opened the door. I got out reluctantly. I was seriously considering sitting and spying on him, even if it was unhealthy.
I took Dominic's hand and looked at him. I was hurting him. Guilt rose in my throat and burned it. I smiled at him.
“Let's go watch Sabrina swoon the heart of David and Linus Larrabee.” I kissed him on the cheek.
“Yes, let's.” His smile wasn't to his eyes yet.
“I am sorry, Dominic. It is hard for me. I am trying to adjust.” I was pleading to him to understand.
“I know mia bella. I can't even imagine what it is like for you but I do understand that you are trying. That is all I can ask. It isn't your fault that he is a cafone. All that matters to me is that I can spend a lovely afternoon with the girl of my dreams.” He kissed the top of my head as we went up to the ticket counter.
“Two for Sabrina, please,” I said to the woman sitting behind the glass as I held up two fingers in case she managed not to hear me.
Dominic paid, even though it clearly didn't matter because both of our families had m
oney from centuries of being vampires.
We went inside and went to the theater on the right, the one that always played the old flicks. I loved this one especially because it was preserved better than the other, or maybe just restored better. The red seats were brighter and still held the comfort that I was positive they had years ago. The ceiling had a fresco on it of some divine act and, on the sides; chubby golden cherubs blew horns at this act. It was absolutely beautiful. I could never decide if it was supposed to be some story out of the bible or something that someone thought was heavenly. It was like someone took The Birth of Venus painting by Botticelli and combined it with The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. Every time I looked at it, I had the urge to cry.
I was lucky that it was a movie theater because after we took our seats in the middle of the front row, the lights dimmed and caused me to look away from the beautiful ceiling. The room went dark and then the images flickered onto the silver screen in front of us.
Soon we were lost to the almost two hour movie where true love found its course and the best man got his girl.
Afterwards, I was suddenly faced with the fact that Sabrina has two guys and one girl in it, and her struggle to find out which one is right for her- much like me. Mike was the guy I thought that I was in love with for my entire life, Dominic was the guy that somehow stumbled back into my life to take a more prominent role, and then there was me- stuck in the middle and fighting with my heart. At least in the movie she ends up with Linus, I liked him better from the start. Maybe that should be how I view all this- at least I got Dom, he was my first love. But my mind always circled back to Mike.
When we left the theater, the sun was beginning to set. The sky was covered in brightly painted clouds- orange, pink, red, and all the colors in between.
I looked up and imagined I could really fly amongst colors that only the atmosphere could capture. Dominic looked at me as though I had said or done something fascinating. I grabbed his hand. I really do love my Linus.
Bella Notte Page 23