by E. J. King
“Watching television,” I answered without looking at her.
She stomped into the room on perilously high heels. “My party starts in less than an hour and you haven’t even started getting ready.”
“It doesn’t take an hour to get ready for a party,” I muttered.
“That’s right. It takes over an hour.” She gestured to her hair and makeup. “Do you think this just happens magically?”
“I’ve never given much thought to your beauty routine, actually.” I sat up and sighed. “I don’t suppose you will have any pity on me tonight? I have a headache.”
“No you don’t.” She took two big steps and landed next to me on the bed. “You’re fighting with William and you want to hide away in here pouting. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to let you do that.”
I groaned. “Kathryn, sometimes a girl just wants to stay in her pajamas and watch murder television. Can you please understand that?”
“Keep this up and you will die alone.” She poked me hard in the side. “Cheer up, buttercup. My party is the perfect chance for you and William to make up… and make out.”
“Kathryn–” I started to protest, but she had already disappeared into my closet and was throwing outfits onto the bed. “Could you pick something that has more fabric than a baby’s onesie, please?”
“You have a killer body, Grace. No sense in hiding it.” She held up a sparkling black dress that could also pass for a shirt. “This is the one. Let’s show off those legs of yours.”
“Let’s not and say we did.” I hugged a pillow to my chest and buried my face in it.
Kathryn quickly yanked it away. She looked very serious as she hovered over me and said in an ominous voice, “Things are about to change, Grace. This recall vote could be really bad for William and the Darkness. Could you just put away your dramatic crap for one night and try to have some fun? And maybe get William to have some fun, too? Is that really too much to ask?”
“No, it’s not.” I sighed dramatically. “Fine, give me that dress.”
“That’s my girl!” Her entire face lit up in a smile. “This is going to be super fun! We’re doing your hair and makeup, too. How do you feel about red lipstick?”
“I regret this already,” I said as she pulled me to my feet.
CHAPTER SIX
WILLIAM
When Kathryn came for Grace, she noticed instantly that something was wrong. I had never been good at hiding my emotional state from her. She quickly assessed the situation and ordered me out of my own chambers claiming that she needed some “girl time” with Grace and she didn’t want me eavesdropping with my vamp hearing.
I found myself at the door to Daniel’s chambers, debating whether or not I should proceed. Apparently, I wasn’t as stealthy as I liked to think because he called out, “Come in already, brother. The anticipation is killing me.”
With a slight chuckle, I stepped inside. It had been months since I had been in Daniel’s chambers. Of all my brothers, he was the one I’d always understood the most. Daniel was calm and methodical where Drake and Alexander were rash and impulsive. I could always predict how Daniel would react to things and could never even guess how Drake and Alexander would react. Most importantly, I could trust Daniel.
He was in the large sitting room, standing at the window. The purplish light from outside gave his skin a pinkish hue. Around the room, expensive artwork hung on the walls and indecipherable sculptures rested on tables. Daniel was the artist of the family and that was clearly reflected in his style.
“I would say I’m glad you decided to stop by, but I have a hunch this isn’t purely a social visit.” He turned and offered a kind smile. “That was an intense Council meeting.”
“Intense is a good word for it.” I glanced toward the hallway as I attempted to hear if anyone else was lurking in the chambers. “Where’s Kevin?”
Kevin was Daniel’s only companion and he had been in the Darkness almost a year. Per the rules, he would have to leave soon. I knew that Daniel would be sorry to see him leave, as he always was with his companions. Unlike Drake and Alexander, and even Kathryn to some extent, Daniel always formed real relationships with his companions.
“He’s helping Kathryn with some party preparations,” Daniel said. “We’re alone.”
I nodded and stood next to him at the window. We were facing the beach and I could see a gathering of humans about 300 yards away, relaxing on the sand. I thought about how Grace would never have that in the Darkness. As long as she was dating me, which no longer seemed guaranteed, she would be choosing a vampire over humanity.
“What’s wrong, William?” Daniel asked, noting the obvious distress on my face. “This is about more than just Drake’s antics, isn’t it?”
“I think I’m going to lose Grace,” I said, the words coming out in a rush.
“What?” Daniel looked at me. “How? Why?”
“I drank from a human,” I said, feeling a weight lift as I confessed. “It was Drake’s condition for returning. He presented me with a young girl that looked like Grace and he knew that I would do it. He knew that no matter how much I talk about vampires being able to resist the urge, it doesn’t take much for us to cross that line.”
Daniel swore under his breath, something I’d never heard him do. “He blackmailed you, William. You didn’t cross the line, you were pushed over it. Drake knew that you would do anything to help Kathryn. What you did wasn’t evil, it was desperation.”
“Or is it just proof that we are all capable of evil when we are desperate?” I sighed. “As much as I love Kathryn, it’s nothing compared to how I feel about Grace. I’m frightened of what I would do to keep her safe.”
“She is safe,” Daniel said.
“For how long? Drake is back and he’s making a play to take control of the Darkness. Can you really argue that Grace would still be safe in that situation?” I slammed a hand against the glass and if it hadn’t been magically fortified, it would have shattered.
“William, Drake is never going to win the recall vote.” Daniel tilted his head an inch. “Unless you think he will?”
I rubbed a hand over the back of my neck, kneading tight muscles. “I think Drake wouldn’t have called for a vote unless he has a plan for how to win. I also think Drake and Octavia have been conspiring for this move for a long time. Who knows who else might be involved? I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Victoria showed up shortly before the events that started this unrest.”
“You think Victoria and her clan might be part of the conspiracy?” Daniel blinked a few times. “It would make sense. She and Drake have very similar motives and aspirations for what they want the Darkness to be. Not to mention that Victoria has hated you ever since you dumped her.”
Rolling my eyes, I said, “I think Victoria likes to win. She wants the Darkness and I doubt there’s anything she won’t do to get it, including partnering with Drake.”
“What can I do, Will? You know I’d do anything for you.” Daniel took a few steps away, heading for a small table covered with expensive bottles of scotch. He poured an inch into two glasses and came back to hand one to me.
This particular scotch had a golden shade that wasn’t too dissimilar from vampire eyes. “I know you would.” I put a hand on his shoulder. “Just keep an eye on Drake for me.”
“Of course.” Daniel took a big sip of his scotch. “Now, I recommend you get to the party. Enjoy some time with Grace and worry about all this other stuff tomorrow.”
I nodded and lifted my glass. “You always give the best advice, big brother.”
“Damn straight,” he said with a grin, tapping his glass against mine. “Besides, if you skip the party, Kathryn will kick your ass.”
I felt better after talking to Daniel. He hadn’t offered me any advice I couldn’t have given myself, but he had reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I still needed to change for the party, so I went back to my chambers fully prepared to be yelled at by Kathryn.
Instead, I heard Grace’s soft voice.
“If he would just tell me what’s going on, I could help him,” she was saying.
“He’s a guy. Guys don’t want to be saved, Grace.” Kathryn had surely heard me, but she didn’t care that I was able to hear them. “You’re really hung up on this whole trust thing, but you’ve got nothing to worry about. You can trust William.”
My feet moved involuntarily toward her bedroom. I wanted to be closer to Grace, even if I couldn’t actually see her.
Grace didn’t reply right away. I could hear her heart beat a little faster as she took a few deep breaths. “I love him, Kathryn. I’ve never loved anyone like this. I think I’m just so afraid of losing him that I’m looking for a reason to get out now before he can break my heart.”
“Oh, Grace.” Kathryn made a scolding noise. “William would never do that. I’ve known my brother for 500 years and he has never put anyone before our family, until you. He would never hurt you. William loves you.”
“Alexander said that vampires aren’t capable of loving humans,” Grace said quietly.
I had to clench my jaw to keep from growling. I should’ve known that Alexander wouldn’t be able to spend more than five minutes with Grace before saying something that could potential ruin our relationship.
“Alex is a jealous idiot,” Kathryn snapped. “He only said that because he’s trying to pretend he didn’t have his heart broken by Jane.”
“Who’s Jane?” Grace asked excitedly.
“She was this girl he dated for, like, a year in the early 90s. He was head over heels for her and even gave up drinking from any other humans. That was a big deal for Alex.” Kathryn sighed dramatically. “Then, out of nowhere, she left him. Just disappeared and didn’t even say goodbye.”
Grace gasped. “That’s terrible. How could she do that to him?”
“No clue. He was devastated. It took him weeks to move on and now he preaches about how humans should only be companions for vampires and blah blah blah. He’s not fooling anyone.”
I forced myself away from the door and went into my own bedroom. I could still hear Grace and Kathryn talking, but I tried to tune them out. I changed into a suit that I knew looked good on me and checked my reflection in the mirror. My complexion was paler than usual, but I otherwise looked the same as I had every day for the last 500 years. Immortality was quite predictable.
I didn’t wait for Grace. She had asked for some time and space, and that was exactly what I was going to give her. The party was already well-underway and I hurried to down a glass of blood before Grace arrived. Things were already hard enough between us without her being reminded of my vampire cravings.
“Having a good time, Will?” Alexander slapped a heavy hand onto my shoulder.
“A blast,” I muttered.
“Where’s your human?” He tried to sound casual, but I detected something like hope in his tone. It was the first time I wondered if Alexander had purposefully tried to cause trouble in my relationship with Grace.
“Grace is with Kathryn.” I noted the shift in the room as Alexander’s eyes drifted toward the stairs. The electricity was now as familiar to me as my own reflection. It was like Grace’s energy was inside me, awakening every nerve. I turned slowly, controlling the overwhelming desire to see her.
Alexander let out a low whistle. “Damn, Will. Grace isn’t messing around tonight. I suggest you escort her back to your chambers as soon as possible.”
“Thanks for the advice,” I said, barely even hearing him. I was too captivated by the sight of Grace slowly descending the glass stairs. Kathryn had worked her magic and Grace looked absolutely stunning.
Grace walked with a new confidence, her head held high even as she descended the stairs on 4-inch heels. Her eyes scanned the room slowly as if she was searching for someone. I suspected she was looking for Drake, preparing herself for an inevitable encounter, but then her eyes found me and she smiled.
“William.” My name was just a breath over her lips, but I heard it clearly. It was laced with relief and also with desire.
I crossed the distance between us as quickly as possible. Her heart did a familiar jump when I stopped in front of her. “My love,” I said with an impossible shake of my head. “You are perfection tonight.”
“Kathryn,” she said dismissively, but her cheeks flushed. Her eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down and asked, “Have you always been this gorgeous?”
“Natural vamp beauty,” I said, grinning. “Would you like a drink?”
“Sure.” She noticed my hesitation and took the lead, looping her arm through mine. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
“Don’t be sorry.” I appreciated the apology, but I just wanted to move on. “Let’s just have a fun time tonight and we can pick up that conversation tomorrow.”
Grace nodded gratefully. “I like that plan, Premier Blackwood.”
Unlike our usual parties, the theme tonight was less elegance and more exotic nightclub. The music was loud and rhythmic and everyone was drinking extravagant cocktails. After I’d gotten our drinks, I led Grace to the far corner of the room, hoping it would be a little quieter so we could talk.
“Kathryn really went nuts this time,” Grace said as a server walked by with champagne bottles and sparklers.
“My sister loves everything ostentatious.” I glanced at the dance floor. “Do you want to dance?”
“Like that?” Grace asked with a laugh. There would be no waltz tonight, just a lot of groping and grinding. “No offense, but no.”
“I can respect that,” I said. Feeling emboldened by the way she was looking at me, I said, “Though I wouldn’t have minded having an excuse to touch you.”
She smiled adorably and said, “You never need an excuse to do that, William.”
That was all the invitation I needed. I ran one hand over her neck until it rested comfortably at the back of her head. She tilted back, anticipating my kiss. My lips had only gently touched hers when I heard a commotion across the room that sent a sharp chill through my entire body.
“What’s wrong?” Grace’s eyes flew open as she sensed the sudden change in me.
I kept my eyes closed for a few more seconds, not wanting to let go of the moment so soon. When Grace put her hand on my chest, I forced my eyes open. “Drake is here.”
“Oh.” She blinked once and nodded. “I figured he would make an appearance sooner or later. I had to run into him eventually, William.”
“I wish that wasn’t true.” I tore my eyes away from her and watched as Drake meandered his way through the party with his human posse close behind. As part of his agreement to come back, he’d demanded that he be allowed to bring three new companions with him. Given that Drake had kept multiple companions with him for the last ten years, I’d agreed without protest.
“I don’t suppose we could sneak through a back exit?” Grace asked hopefully.
“Too late.” I grimaced as Drake caught my eye and headed in our direction.
Grace pulled away from me abruptly and any trace of affection was gone. I knew it was only a reaction to Drake’s arrival, but it still hurt me to see the cold look in her eyes. Drake was only a few feet away now and I could plainly see his cocky smirk as he looked at Grace.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite couple,” Drake said with a sneer.
“Not now, Drake.” I glared at him with more anger than I had ever felt. “I think it would be best for the two of us to avoid each other over the next week.”
Drake laughed obnoxiously. “Someone is bitter.”
Before I could respond, Grace whirled to face him. “After what you did to Norah, you deserve a stake through your heart.”
“Aw, no need to be so upset. She liked it.” Drake winked at Grace and I immediately reached for her arm, anticipating her attack.
She stopped in mid-lunge, not because of my restraint but because she saw something over Drake’s shoulder that made her entire body freeze. Her eyes
were wide and confused, her mouth opening and closing a few times. I followed her line-of-sight to one of Drake’s companions, a young man that was returning her stare with equal captivation. He looked oddly familiar.
Grace’s shocked expression slowly transformed into delight as she smiled. “Cole?”
“Hey, Grace.” The young man returned her smile. “Did you miss me?”
CHAPTER SEVEN
COLE
When I first spotted Grace, I didn’t recognize her. It wasn’t just her appearance, which was much different than anything I’d ever seen from her, but also because she was staring adoringly at a guy who seemed just as smitten with her. I’d never seen Grace look at anyone that way and I’d certainly never seen her kiss anyone the way she kissed him.
In the few seconds that I had been able to see the guy’s face before the kiss, it had been impossible to miss his resemblance to Drake. My gut told me that I was watching Grace swoon over William Blackwood and my stomach churned.
Drake and William exchanged some unpleasantries while I continued to stare at Grace, waiting impatiently for her to recognize me. When she finally did, her reaction sent relief coursing through my body. As she threw her arms around me, I laughed and returned her hug. She was still the Grace I remembered, even if she had just made out with vampire.
“Good to see you, Grace,” I said as she buried her face in the crook of my neck. I couldn’t remember another time that we had hugged, let alone held onto each other like we couldn’t bear to let go.
She let go abruptly and pulled back, punching my arm. “Where did you go?”
“Hey!” I rubbed my arm in mock hurt. “It wasn’t my fault. Beal caught me holding open the door for you and she forced me back into the gym to lecture me about the dangers of smoking. By the time I was able to shake her and get back out there, you were gone.”
“No thanks to you,” she grumbled, but her heart wasn’t in it. “What are you doing here? Are you with him?” She cast a disgusted glance in Drake’s direction.
Drake smiled. “Your boyfriend is my newest companion.”