by Lisa Olsen
His deep voice answered after a single ring. “I wondered how long it would be until you called.”
“Why? What have you heard?”
“Nothing.” He paused, suspicion creeping into his tone. “Why, has something happened?”
“No, not at all, I just thought you meant…” I took a breath. “What did you mean then?”
“Only that I knew you’d miss me before too long.”
“Oh.” Was that all? I sidestepped the observation, not wanting to feed that inaccuracy. “So, am I catching you at a bad time?”
“Not at all, petal. It does me good to hear your voice. All is well, I hope?”
“Yep, we’re doing fine, thanks. Listen, I know you had some more business to take care of over there, but do you think you’ll be back in time for my inauguration?”
“Already you miss me… I like this.”
I could picture the smug satisfaction on his face. “Well, it’s just that everyone’s pretty excited to meet you and they’re wondering if you’re planning on coming.”
“I will be there, älskling, have no fear,” he chuckled.
“Great, I’ll see you then.”
“Make yourself ready for me.”
Good gravy… What did he mean by that?
Chapter Seventeen
For the next few nights it felt like the only thing anyone talked about was the inaugural party. A spectacular creation of red silk and chiffon arrived from FF Fashions, but it was hard to get excited over it. More than anything I wanted the night to be over with, so I could get back to business and leave Jakob to his groupies.
Gunnar didn’t have much luck spotting Byrne at any of the usual vampire spots in town and all we could think was maybe he’d gone into hiding upon my return. At least the violence against the Order had simmered down, and I wondered if Bishop had anything to do with it. He’d left me a couple of messages since our return, but all I had time for was a quick text back to tell him I’d talk to him later.
Actually, scratch that. I could’ve made the time to talk to Bishop, but I was trying to put some distance between us, the better to maintain that friendship thing instead of the soulful longing I inevitably got from him whenever we talked for more than five minutes. I did reach out to Laveda, inviting her to the party, but all I got was her voicemail and Rob said he hadn’t heard a peep from her since we parted ways.
On the night of the inauguration ceremony, Maggie helped me into my dress, and I was glad I didn’t have to breathe or I might’ve passed out. Either the ladies’ calculations were a bit off or I’d gained some weight on my trip. Since the latter didn’t make sense with my undead metabolism, I chalked it up to the rush job and kept it sucked in as much as possible.
When I saw my sister Hanna’s number come up on the screen, I was more than ready for a distraction from the primping, giving Maggie a break from the curling iron. “Hey, Hanna. Long time no hear. How’re things?” I kept my voice light, no need to bother her with my nerves over the upcoming ceremony. The less she knew about my vampire life, the better, as far as I was concerned.
“Couldn’t be better!” I could tell she was in a great mood right off the bat, her voice full of laughter, and possibly, not a small amount of alcohol.
“That’s good to hear. What are you up to?” I wasn’t entirely sure if Mason had told her about the party or not. Hopefully they’d stay in the Silicon Valley where it was safe.
“No good,” she laughed. “I’m in Tahiti, being plied with fruity rum drinks as we speak. So, no complaints from me.”
“Mason took you to Tahiti?” My jaw dropped. It was easy to guess why he’d decided to get her out of town, but a sun drenched spot like that would be the last place I’d think of for a vampire vacation. Maybe that was the point though.
“Mason?” She made a squishy sound with her mouth. “God no, that’s over. Way over.”
“You broke up with Mason? Oh, Hanna, I’m so sorry. What happened?”
She let out a long breath. “A few days ago. He kept pestering me to get out of town with him and then I came home from work the other night and he had my bags packed and everything. He said it wasn’t safe here for me anymore, and he wanted me to leave everything behind and run away with him. Just like that. Can you imagine?”
Mason wanted her to leave town? “Did he say why?”
“It had something to do with his work, I don’t know,” she sighed heavily. “I’m just, I’m done with secrets, you know? I was prepared to accept the whole vampire thing, but I don’t want to leave my whole life behind at the drop of a hat.”
“So you ran away to Tahiti?” I couldn’t help but frown. “That doesn’t sound like you. Why didn’t you call me?”
“Because you’re busy with all that vampire stuff, and that’s the last thing I wanted to hear about.”
“I’m sorry. I’d like to think I could still be here for you if you needed me though. I can keep from talking about vampire stuff if you want me to.”
There was a delay, I think she might’ve been taking another drink. “It’s not a big deal, really. I’m having a blast with Logan.”
“Who’s Logan?”
“Oh, didn’t I tell you? He’s the guy who brought me to Tahiti.”
“Wait… you’re in Tahiti with some random guy?”
“No, I’m in Tahiti with a hot guy. Important distinction, I think.”
“But what do you know about this hot guy? What’s his last name?”
“See, I knew you’d get all grumbly over this, that’s why I didn’t call you before now. That and I’ve been pretty busy, if you know what I mean,” she giggled. My sister never giggled. Not even when she was a teenager. Junior high, maybe, but most of the time her sense of humor was more snarky than giggly.
“Where did you meet this Logan?”
“He was my knight in shining armor, saved me from a fate worse than death.”
“Um…”
“Public transportation. He gave me a lift when my car broke down on Highway 17, even had his driver get my car fixed and dropped off at my work. Who does stuff like that?”
“You tell me, sis. What’s his last name?”
“Oh, I’d better motor. We’re going skydiving, could you die?”
“I thought you were afraid of heights.”
“Only one way to conquer fear, and that’s to soldier through it.”
Where had that platitude come from? “Hanna, I’m not so sure you should be skydiving if you’ve been drinking.”
“Oh, come on, you gotta live a little, Anja. I thought you of all people could understand after what happened to you. I gotta run. I’ll call you when we get back stateside, I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
“I can’t… either.” She’d already hung up. I was still sitting there holding the phone in my lap when Maggie came back in to finish my hair.
“Did you have a nice visit with your sister?”
“She broke up with Mason. Can you believe it?” I shook my head. “I sincerely thought they had a shot at making it once she got over the vampire thing.”
“Perhaps she found this world a bit frightening? I know I do sometimes.”
“She didn’t sound frightened. In fact, she’s already moved on to another guy.”
“Perhaps that’s it then? She fell for another man. It happens all the time. You think your life’s headed in one direction, and then a chance encounter sends you off in another entirely different.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, meeting her gaze in the mirror.
“About what?”
“If you find this world a bit frightening sometimes. I know I’ve said it before, but if you want to try a new start somewhere less fangy…”
“I didn’t mean now,” she said with a shake of the head. “For once things are going exactly how I want them to be. For the most part.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” I smiled. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”
“You can ask me anything,
” she smiled back, fingers arranging a curl, just so.
“So… Marcus asked me for permission to court you.”
“Yes, I know.”
“And how’s that going?”
Maggie tapped the cool tip of the curling iron against her bottom lip. “It’s strange. If anything he’s less forward with me now that you’ve given your permission.”
“That’s probably my fault. I warned him if he rushed you into anything, I’d make his guts ooze nice like melted malted.” I quoted a line from a movie, but I didn’t think she caught the reference.
“Ah, I see.” She nodded in understanding.
“Do you want me to ask him to step up his game?”
Her eyes flew wider. “Lord, no!”
“Well then… maybe it’s your turn to make a move? Basically, I said it was up to you to set the pace. So, maybe you should set it.”
“You mean… be the aggressor?”
“Why not?”
“I suppose I could at that.” The realization changed her entire demeanor, from the slope of her shoulders to the shape of her eyes as she caught onto the idea. “Are you fine here to do the rest of your make up on your own?”
“Sure, of course. Why, where are you going?”
“I’m going to change into another frock.”
“Oh? Which one?”
“Something more… aggressive,” she grinned, her eyes alight with mischief.
*
Jakob’s knock came far sooner than I’d anticipated, but I was ready for him, finishing with the clasp on the diamond choker he’d given me months ago. I had earrings to match now but I left my wrists bare, the only other jewelry I wore being the amber ring Jakob had given me. Felix had already taken my ring of office, to be formally presented to me again during the ceremony. Immune to the cold, I didn’t bother with a wrap or coat. Besides, it would be a shame to cover up the dress for even a moment, even if it was too tight.
As I crested the top of the stairs, Rob flashed me a look, and I could tell he was hoping for some sign as to what I’d decided to do about inviting Jakob in. There wasn’t a way to acknowledge it with everyone standing around though. Instead, I offered him the briefest of smiles before Gunnar pulled the door open, directing my attention to Jakob, who stood resplendent in a tuxedo with tails. The formal look softened by the lack of a requisite tie, his shirt open at the throat.
“Hello, Jakob. Don’t you look dashing tonight,” I smiled, stepping out onto the porch to join him.
“And you, älskling, look positively radiant, and eager to go? I thought we might enjoy a private drink before we leave. We must let the anticipation for our arrival grow, I think.”
“It’s already grown plenty big, trust me. I’d rather get to the hall and see what Felix has cooked up for the night.” I slipped my arm through his, giving him a subtle tug toward the street. “Come on, let’s get going. We’ll have plenty of time to talk later.”
“Are you so eager to be presented on my arm?” His brows drew together a fraction as he fixed me with a penetrating stare. “No… I think there’s some other mischief at work here. Why do you not wish me to enter your home?”
Okay, so apparently I wasn’t quite as subtle as I’d thought. “There’s no particular reason, I’m just ready to go. Aren’t you? Your public awaits.”
The furrow between his brows grew deeper, and I practically felt Rob tense behind me. “Are you refusing me your hospitality?”
I drew in a steadying breath, refusing to flinch from the steel in his voice. “I’m sorry, I can’t invite you in.”
Instead of going ballistic, his face crumpled in pain. “Why do you seek to hurt me, petal?”
The pain was harder to take, but I kept my resolve. “I’ll let you into my world, but not into my home.”
His eyes searched my face, as if he was looking for some sign I might be kidding. “Did you not tell me you would count the hours until I returned to your side?”
“Yes, but that was just for show. You didn’t really think…” Frak, he had. “I’m sorry, Jakob. I thought you understood we were playing a role. You and I haven’t been together like that for a while now. You know I’m grateful to you for everything, but I need my own space. This is the only way I know how to get it.”
The furrows on his brow hardened from pain to anger, but his voice was restrained. “I could compel you to cease this foolishness and let me in as is my due.”
“We’ve had this conversation before. Is that seriously how you want to play things?” It took everything I had to hold my ground. If I gave in now I was lost, any chance at free will gone forever, let alone those few stolen moments with Rob.
Jakob stared me down for long seconds, before a grudging nod was given. “I’ll allow it – for now – as long as you do the same to anyone else.”
“What do you mean?”
“You may not invite anyone else into the house unless they’ve been vetted by me.”
“What? That’s ridiculous,” I sputtered over the heavy handedness of the request.
“Those are my stipulations.”
“It’s not up to you.”
His eyes hardened once more. “Don’t challenge me in this, petal. You will lose.”
We stared back at each other at the threshold of my house, and I wondered what would happen if I suddenly dashed inside and refused his ridiculous rules? Would he huff and puff and blow the house down?
“Fine, I won’t invite anyone else in. Happy now?”
“Transcendently. Now, shall we go?” The smug smile was back, the one I wanted to knock off his face, but I took his arm, my face a mask of serenity.
Chapter Eighteen
Rob jogged out in front of us, taking over the driving duties of the limousine. Marcus and Maggie followed in the car behind with Gunnar, and we had a whole other car for added security guys. The ceremony was to be held at the Regency Ballroom, in the Tenderloin district.
I’d been there before, to a concert with Trent back when we were dating, but the sound was terrible, making me wish I’d brought earplugs from the throb of the bass. The venue itself was gorgeous though, with thirty-five foot ceilings and teardrop crystal chandeliers, polished blonde hardwood floors, gilt walls, and a horseshoe-shaped balcony above if you didn’t feel like being jammed in with the sweaty masses below.
For a simple ceremony, I was pleased with the choice. The raised stage was perfect so everyone could get a good look-see at the happenings and there were three bars to offer refreshments once the party kicked into gear. Hopefully they’d be able to do something about the sound or they’d end up with a revolt on their hands.
Once we got inside, I saw the outfit Maggie changed into as the attendant took her coat. I’d seen the dress before, or at least part of it. This time the lace overlay that covered her from neck to wrists was missing entirely, her body ripe and bursting from the fitted bodice. Her make-up was still soft and feminine, making her look young and fresh despite the display of skin. From the way Marcus stared, I could tell he hadn’t seen her dressed up like that before, and I hid a smile; he was a goner.
Jakob noticed the smile. “Something amuses you, petal?”
“Just admiring the general splendor,” I quoted, but he missed the reference, nodding blandly as we stepped into the main ballroom. The chandeliers blazed high above, casting the elegant room with golden light. Thankfully, there was no booming base as the soft and genteel strains of Chopin played over the sound system.
Straight away I noticed the enormous champagne fountain set up directly beneath the stage, lit from beneath, bubbling and frothing away like a sculpture come to life. A pyramid of crystal glasses stood stacked beside it on a table draped with pristine white linen. Despite the lovely centerpiece’s appeal, not a soul went near it, not so much as to take a peek at the display up close.
I thought about asking Jakob to get me a taste, since the top glass was perched awfully high, but he was busy talking to councilman Durand, and I re
alized they knew each other. Only it sounded like they’d never met face to face before. I decided to leave them to their talk about boring business stuff I couldn’t make heads or tails out of, as Jakob utterly forgot I existed.
“That’s champagne, isn’t it?” I asked Felix, figuring he knew more about the set up than most present.
“Oh yeah, but that’s for the ceremony.”
“Oh.” I realized I should’ve asked him more about what to expect before. “What’s it used for, a toast?”
“Yep, it’s part of the blooding.”
There was that word again. “Right, I forgot to ask you about that. What does that mean, the blooding?”
My worry must have shown on my face. “Relax, boss, it won’t hardly hurt a bit,” he grinned, slipping off to talk to Cordelia about some detail or other, and I turned to Bridget.
“Do you know what he’s talking about?”
“Beats the hell out of me. I figure you’ll either be the bleeder or the bleedee. I hope it doesn’t ruin the champagne.” She gave a disinterested shrug. “I’m gonna go investigate that thing in the corner though, it looks like some kind of hot cheese. You want?”
“No, you go right ahead,” I waved her on. “Rob? Any thoughts?”
“I’m thinking about looking into the city’s stance on building a shooting range in the back yard,” he answered with a completely straight face.
“That’s fascinating,” I deadpanned. “Any thoughts pertinent to the discussion at hand?”
“You look uncomfortable, would you like to sit?”
“I’m not sure I can in this dress. But I meant about the blooding.”
“It’s nothing to be gutted about. As I understand it, you’ll share some of your blood with those gathered, not enough to do you any harm.”
“Oh, is that all.” It didn’t sound nearly as sinister as I’d thought. “So, they’ll put it in the champagne? Eewh.” Then again, for all I knew it was a vampire delicacy, but it still sounded gross to me.
Rob shrugged. “It’s better than letting ‘em fang you up close and personal-like.”
“True.” I noticed Bishop halfway across the room, wearing his dark suit. I had a smile half ready for him to look up, but he didn’t so much as glance in my direction. Instead he headed straight for the bar, coming away with a pair of drinks and making a beeline for the opposite corner of the room where Laveda waited, looking amazing in a creamy top and leggings.