Princesses of the Night (Royal Blood Book 1)

by Tich Brewster

  “Yeah, nothing could be as bad as some of the junk down here,” Regina said as she pointed to the nearest escalator.

  Halfway up, Tanya felt a pinch on her backside. Did someone just pinch my butt? Turning around, she met a pair of sky-blue eyes. They sparkled as he scanned her body from head to toe. “What’s your name, baby?”

  Baby? She wasn’t anyone’s baby. Yes, the man was gorgeous, but he was still just a stranger groping her in public. The muscles in his arms flexed as he ran his hand through his sandy blonde hair.

  Giving him her number never crossed her mind. Not for a split second. Even if she didn’t live in this night life and have a soulless vampire out for her blood, he wouldn’t be on her dating list. His eyes studied her as he awaited an answer.

  Biting her lip, she finally consented to give him her name. “My name is Tanya, but if you’re looking to hook up, then I’m afraid you’re barking up the wrong tree. Besides, I’m taken.”

  The smile on his face faded. “That’s too bad.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I bet we could have had some fun.” His eyes roamed over her body one more time.

  Stepping off the escalator, Tanya glanced back. The stranger gave her a friendly nod as he stepped off and walked in the opposite direction.

  “Dang, girl, that boy is downright fine,” Makinzee said, putting emphasis on the word fine.

  Shaking her head at Makinzee’s bluntness, Tanya smiled and nodded in agreement. “Yes, he is.” If she had met him last month and his approach had been different, then she may have jumped at the opportunity to go out with him.

  “Well, ladies, I think I see the perfect store right over there.” Earadessa pointed to her left.

  Regina followed her finger to DH Fashion. “Heck yeah. That place is bomb.” Entering the store, she immediately pointed toward the right side of the store. “Look, they have some awesome shirts over there.”

  Makinzee went straight to a rack with button-down shirts. Pulling several shirts off the rack, she held them up for Earadessa’s approval.

  Earadessa gave a thumbs-up for five of the shirts and a thumbs-down on the other two. Tanya had to admit, Makinzee had impeccable taste. “I love that one,” Earadessa pointed to a gray button-down. “Girls, feel free to shop, just remember that our space is limited.”

  Everyone scattered to pick out a present for Sabastian.

  Time flew by and before they knew it, it was close to dinner time. Despite her dislike for clothes shopping, Tanya had a blast. She even surprised herself by enjoying the trip to the makeup store Serienna drug her to. Like they didn’t have enough of that stuff already.

  Before they left the mall, Tanya managed to slip into the shoe store and buy herself a pair of athletic shoes. She had a feeling her feet would appreciate it later.

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  Arriving at the restaurant, Tanya gaped at the exquisite interior. This was the kind of place only wealthy people dined in. The aroma within made her mouth water. A young woman, dressed in black and white, stood behind a pedestal. “Welcome to The Ludevale. Do you have a reservation?”

  “It’s Cortez.” The woman scrolled through the pages of her tablet. Motioning for a gentleman with salt and pepper hair, she said, “Show them to the space reserved in the back.”

  “Right this way.” The graying gentleman led them through the restaurant to the very back. “I will close the curtains to allow you some privacy.”

  When Earadessa had made the reservations, she hadn’t reserved a table, she’d reserved the entire back end of the restaurant. Two large banquet tables were side by side, covered with an exquisite, white table cloth. Strings of lights swaged the ceiling.

  Earadessa thanked him and pulled a large, brown paper bag from under the table. “Tanya, I need you to go back to the hotel and pick up Sabastian while the rest of us set up the decorations.”

  Tanya wasn’t sure when her new friend had had the opportunity to sneak out and purchase these decorations. She couldn’t recall a time when she’d left their side. “Oh, okay.” She wanted her to drive in this city? Her stomach twisted in knots just thinking about the traffic. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Finding the hotel was easier than she’d thought it would be. She’d been afraid that she’d get lost in this large city and have to call for help. Pulling into the parking lot, she pulled right up to the entrance. When the valet attendant came out to move the SUV, she gave him a friendly wave. “No need. I’m just running up to get my friend then we’re off to dinner.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Shall I stay with the vehicle until you get back?”

  “Yes, please.” Tanya left the engine running and the door open. “Thank you.” For his time, she handed him a twenty.

  In the elevator, on her way up, she received a text. Pulling the device out of her back pocket she read the message from Mark.

  Haven’t heard from you today. Is everyone okay?

  She typed a quick reply.

  Yes, we’re fine. I don’t have time to chat. I love you.

  The elevator doors opened, and her phone dinged with a new message from Mark.

  Okay. I love you all too.

  Opening the door to their suite, she found Sabastian sitting on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table. In his hands was the local newspaper. He chuckled at something he’d read then folded the paper and set it neatly on the edge of the coffee table.

  His smile faded when he discovered that she was alone. “How was shopping?”

  “It was fun.”

  Those emerald eyes looked past Tanya to the opened door, searching the space beyond. “Where are the others?”

  “Actually, that’s why I’m here.” Tanya shifted. Could she lie convincingly to this man? She knew that she was a horrible liar. “The girls saw an Italian restaurant on the way back and decided to get in line to hold our spot.”

  “I see.” The look in his eyes spoke that he wasn’t totally convinced. He bent over to retrieve his shoes from the side of the couch. It took him less than a minute to tie his shoes. Standing at the door, he said, “After you, my dear.”

  The valet attendant was sitting in the driver’s seat bobbing his head to the music. When he spotted them, exiting the hotel, he hopped out and held the door open while Tanya climbed in. “Have a safe trip.” He shut the door and returned to his post.

  Before Sabastian got in the SUV, he handed the attendant a tip. No doubt bigger than the one Tanya had given him. No wonder the employees around here were so willing to attend to their every need. Their tips from him were probably close to a month’s salary.

  They had barely left the hotel parking lot when his phone rang. He leaned forward to pull it out from his back pocket. Viewing the caller ID, he said, “Hmm. I wonder why she’s calling.” Swiping his finger across the screen he answered the call. “Hello, Aaliyah. How are you on this fine day?”

  Tanya glanced over, wondering what the call was about.

  It was clear he had a lot of respect for this woman, he spoke to her in the softest of tones. “Well, thank you very much for the birthday wishes. You and Lazarith take care.” He ended the call with a smile that met his eyes.

  Trying to keep up her lies, Tanya said, “Wow, Sabastian, I had no idea that today was your birthday. Happy birthday.” To her surprise, lying was getting easier.

  “Thank you.”

  The restaurant was to her right, and Sabastian raised his eyebrows. “Fancy place.” Shutting his car door, he whistled. “A winery, huh?”

  It was an automatic response, but after locking the vehicle with the key fob, Tanya tossed him the keys. The greeter recognized her right away. “Have a pleasant evening, ma’am.”

  “Thank you.”

  Sabastian’s eyes roamed over every table and back ag
ain, searching for Earadessa and the girls.

  “Follow me.” Tanya moved around him and led the way to the back, pulling the curtain to the side.

  He ducked under the curtain and stopped. Placing a hand over his heart, he surveyed the closed off section. “But I…how…wow, thank you.”

  The smile on Earadessa’s face told how pleased she was. She ran to him, jumping in his arms. He kissed the top of her head as he placed her feet on the floor. Pointing to a chair that had been placed at the head of the table, she said, “Take your seat, please.”

  Sitting down, he looked around at the table of gifts with a shocked expression on his face. “You guys are amazing.” Rubbing his hands together, he pointed to the gifts. “Well, are we eating first, or can I open those?”

  Earadessa settled her hands on his shoulders. “You, my love, are going to have to wait for those.” Slumping in his seat, he reminded Tanya of a kid on Christmas morning, squirming in anticipation. Earadessa and Tanya chuckled at him.

  The curtain opened, and two waiters came in, each with a long cart full of food. They set up their carts opposite the dining tables, lifted lids, and revealed a private buffet.

  “Thank you,” Earadessa said as they set a stack of plates on the table with napkins and silverware.

  “It’s our pleasure,” the taller one said before following his partner out.

  The girls waited until Earadessa had filled a plate for Sabastian then filled their own. Tanya sat down to the left of Sabastian. As she looked around the table, she felt a peace like she’d never felt before. It was sitting here with friends, with family, and celebrating that gave her peace. Even before her awakening, she hadn’t experienced this level of love. This was a feeling she didn’t ever want to end.

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  The food was superb. Tanya wasn’t used to this kind of food, the most expensive restaurant she’d eaten at was Hunan’s. Joking and laughter filled the air around her allowing her to relax and temporarily forget about their present danger.

  Sabastian pushed his plate forward, rubbing his hands together. “So, now that I’m done with dinner, can I open my gifts?”

  “You would love that, wouldn’t you?” Earadessa teased him. “Sorry to disappoint, but our dessert is on its way. You’ll have to be patient just a little longer.”

  “Oh, come on.” His whining brought a giggle out of Tanya. He was worse than a kid. “We don’t need dessert anyway. Let’s just get on with my presents.”

  A flash shined on his face. Serienna had captured his pleading on film. All evening she’d been snapping pictures, capturing these precious moments. Poking her head between the curtains, Earadessa waved to the waiters to come and remove the dinner plates.

  The first waiter entered, cake in hand. Following close behind, the other waiter held a tray of wine glasses. He placed a glass in front of each them then they sang happy birthday to Sabastian, and Tanya was astonished to see his face turn about five different shades of red.

  “Guys, this was really nice. I mean it, this,” he pointed at the food and gifts, “is great. Thank you.” When he held his wine glass up, the others mimicked the action. “Here’s to friendship and family.”

  Tapping their glasses together, they sipped their wine. In the meantime, the waiter had cut the cake and placed a plate in front of each of them. Tanya inhaled the scent of the red velvet cake with whipped vanilla icing. It smelled divine. Taking a bite, she was amazed at how the wine complimented the sweet softness.

  Finishing his last bite, Sabastian wiped his mouth, tossed his napkin on the plate, and pointed to the table full of gifts. “Okay, woman. I have eaten dinner, dessert, and drank my wine. Can I please open those presents? You are driving me absolutely crazy.”

  Giggling, Earadessa stood. “He’s just a big kid who loves his gifts.” She leaned in and kissed him. “Yes, love, you can open them now.”

  Earadessa handed him the first box, and he put it to his ear and gently shook it. “Hmm. There’s no sound.” Shaking it again, he shrugged. “Maybe it’s wearable.” Untying the ribbon and slipping it off the box, he took his time removing the wrapping paper, careful not to tear it. The moment the tissue paper was removed, his eyes grew wide. “Nice.” It was a black Mayfly button down. He held it up against himself. “How does it look?”

  The squeal that left Serienna had Tanya plugging her ears from the sharpness. “Sabastian, you’re going to look so handsome in that. It says professional, yet fun.”

  “Yes, I agree.” Earadessa smiled at him. “It’s perfect.”

  Folding the shirt, he put it back in the box, and Earadessa handed him another. Lifting the tissue paper, he revealed a charcoal gray Acoustic button down. He showed it off like the first and everyone whistled and gave him a thumbs-up.

  The next box contained a full zip Mock sweater. This one was Tanya’s favorite. It gave him that sexy professional, yet bad boy look.

  The following gift was two very expensive sweat shirts. One navy blue and the other wine colored. “Thanks, everyone. These are great. I can’t wait to wear them.”

  The last box was the largest, and his eyes shimmered with glee. Inside were Khaki slacks and some denim jeans.

  “Okay.” Sabastian set his gift on the floor by his feet. “There’s one more, hand it over.”

  Makinzee retrieved it and handed it to him with a full smile.

  He opened this one differently than he had all the rest, treating the package like a fragile new born baby. Lifting the chain from the box, he placed it around his neck. “Whoever picked this out did a great job. It’s gorgeous.” Wiping a lone tear from the corner of his eye, he walked around to hug everyone. “Thank you for making this day special.”

  “You’re welcome,” they replied.

  “It’s not that I haven’t had great birthdays in the past. Trust me, I have, but this one is special because you all put your danger aside to celebrate my day of birth.” Wrapping his arms around Earadessa’s waist, he pulled her body against his and gently pressed his lips to hers, lifting her feet from the floor.

  The girls blushed and turned their heads to offer some form of privacy. Dannika cleared her throat. “Um, guys…there are other people in the room.”

  The shade of red that tinted Sabastian’s face was that of a well-done lobster. Tanya was glad Serienna had her camera because it was a classic Kodak moment. “Now, that is going in the photo album,” Serienna teased.

  “Oh, come on, girls.” Sabastian pressed his hands on his cheeks to cool the heat. “Don’t you think you’ve taken enough pictures of me already? You,” he pointed at Serienna, “have been snapping that thing all night.” Holding his hand out, he said, “Here, let me have it, and I’ll get some of you girls for your album.”

  A devious smile lit Serienna’s face and she ran to the opposite side of the table. Tanya sat down and watched him chase her friend around their enclosed area. The sound of chair legs scrapping the floor drew her attention. Earadessa sat down next to her. “Tanya, you’ve been pretty quiet tonight. Is there anything wrong?”

  “No, Dessa, there’s nothing wrong.” Tanya smiled. “I’m happy. This,” she motioned around the room at everyone, “feels good. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in a loving home, but we just weren’t a close-knit family. This is what I always wanted.”

  “Well, Tanya, I can promise you this will only get better with time. Sabastian and I plan to live life to the fullest.” She glanced at her husband. “That means whoever is brought into our lives, we’re going to make it worthwhile. If you don’t take the time to enjoy those in your life, then you’ll only grow depressed and end up hating life.”

  As Sabastian caught up to Serienna, she put a football hold on her camera. Seeing no way of getting it out of her grip, he wrapped an arm around her and ticked her with the other. In two seconds, she loo
sened her grip enough for him to pry the object away.

  With the camera in a vice grip, Sabastian headed toward the curtain. “I’ll see if one of the waiters will come to take a group photo for us.” Then he did something that brought a chuckle out of Tanya. He stuck his tongue out at Serienna.

  A different waiter came in, young and slightly geeky. His eyes widened upon seeing six beautiful young women. Whether he dabbled in photography or not, he had the skill of one. He knew just how to position their hands and tilt their heads for the perfect pose.

  Several flashes later Tanya was nearly blind. Spots floated in her field of vision, and she blinked repeatedly to clear them away.

  Unaware that he stood in an enclosure with vampires, the waiter lowered his voice to ask Sabastian if those were all his girls. “I mean, you’re a single guy in here with six beautiful women.” Giving Tanya a once over, he said, “Not just beautiful, they’re smokin’ hot.” The way Sabastian’s chest bounced with his laughter made the young waiter stare down at his shoes. “I’m sorry.”

  “No need to apologize.” Sabastian nodded his head toward the girls. “We’re family, though I can see how you might think otherwise.”

  The blush of his embarrassment burned his ears. “I really didn’t mean to offend anyone.” He smiled sheepishly at Tanya. “You’re a lucky man to have such a beautiful family.”

  “Thank you. Now if you don’t mind, I think I had better get back to them.” The waiter patted Sabastian’s back then disappeared behind the curtain.

  “Sabastian, what was that all about?” Dannika pressed her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing.