by Sondra Hicks
Kloe made her way across the room with Zoey in tow. She stopped in front of Katarina who looked up and smiled. Katarina pulled her wrist from the man signaling his time was done.
“Kloe! Nice to see you.”
“Eternal life suits you I see,” Kloe answered with a smile.
“Yes it does, but it is not without strings, I serve the council until they see fit to release me.” Katarina said, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
“It can’t be all that bad!” Kloe told her.
“It is when you feel like a party favor being passed around.” Katarina told her.
“Well at least you’re alive,” Kloe reminded her.
“Yes, you are right. This is better than death.” Katarina smiled wanly.
“Would you care to join me for a drink?” Kloe asked.
“Yes that would be fine,” Katarina told her.
They went to the bar where Zoey ordered a drink and watched the two quietly.
“I am so rude. Katarina, this is my friend Zoey. Zoey this is Katarina,” Kloe said, introducing them.
“Nice to meet you Zoey,” Katarina smiled.
“It’s a pleasure and might I add you look beautiful.” Zoey told her.
“Thank you and you look amazing yourself,” Katarina added.
“Before you ask, yes Zoey is a wolf. She is one of my best friends here in Paris.” Kloe informed Katarina.
“Well it's nice to meet you all the same, I’ve never met a wolf till now and you seem quite lovely.” Katarina told her with a sweet smile.
“I never knew there were so many vampires in Paris. I mean I thought they were all like you. Some are really pale and they are drinking from party guests. Should I be worried?” Zoey whispered to Kloe.
“Yes! We don’t advertise in public but there are quite a few here, don’t worry your with me” Katarina told her, calming Zoey.
“I’m going to check out the food, it looks amazing.” Zoey said eagerly eying the platters of delicacies.
“Okay! I’ll be right here,” Kloe told her.
“So how has eternal life been?” Kloe asked Katarina as Zoey left the group.
“Well I spend most of my time in my room or in the commons with the other new vampires. Everything is white for some reason there it tends to be a theme” Katarina told her.
“Yes they do seem to like the clean look, I was once in there care in the beginning.” Kloe chuckled.
“It becomes unbearable at times. I wish I could decorate the room. Make it my own, you know.” Katarina told her.
“Why don’t you ask? I am sure since you are a long-term guest they might allow it. You never know.” Kloe suggested to her, finishing her drink.
Kloe glanced over at Zoey who was holding a plate of food and talking to a young, smiling vampire. He proffered his arm and she set the plate down. They went to the dance floor and began to dance. Well at least she’s having fun and no one seems to care that she is a wolf, Kloe observed to herself.
Katarina set down her now finished drink and smiled.
“Thank you for talking with me but I think I’d better get back to mingling and my job. I don’t wish to get in trouble tonight. I hope we meet again Kloe,” Katarina told her giving her a hug.
“Yes I hope so too,” Kloe said warmly, returning the hug.
Kloe ordered another drink from the bar and took it. She wandered over to the food and sampled a few things like the tiny sandwhichs, she rarely ate human food but this was tolerable. She hadn’t noticed a young man emerge behind her, before he spoke, startling her.
“Excuse me, but I noticed you from across the room. I was wondering if you would like to dance?” He asked.
“Thank you very much for the offer. Of course. I would be delighted.” Kloe said setting down her empty glass and adhering to ballroom etiquette.
He took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He pulled her close and proceeded to dance around the floor.
“What is your name?” He asked.
“Kloe Rice and you?” Kloe asked.
“My name is Brent Fields,” Brent told her.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you.” Kloe said warmly.
“As well as you Kloe,” Brent smiled.
CHAPTER 4
The ball went on for hours. Brent and Kloe shared many dances. She had told him she had a boyfriend but he had said he only wanted to dance with her not marry her. Zoey and her mystery man also shared many a dance. She was sitting out now at the food table, enjoying what it had to offer. Kloe made her way over to Zoey. Grabbing a plate and joining her picking out things to eat from the offerings.
“This party is a blast, so much good food and drinks to consume. Even the men are polite.” Zoey told her.
“Did you tell your friend you had a boyfriend?” Kloe asked.
“Yes and he still wanted to dance.” Zoey told her.
“Well the only thing that matters is that you’re having a good time.” Kloe told her, smiling.
“Why is your friend Katarina allowing people to drink from her?” Zoey asked pointing to Katarina.
Kloe glanced over and saw a young man with his fangs in her wrist.
“That is between her and the council so none of our business.” Kloe told her.
“Ok. I was just curious. Never seen a vampire do that. That’s all,” Zoey said curiously.
“Tonight is filled with many firsts for you, I see.” Kloe smiled.
Zoey smiled back in response and took a bite of a crab cake.
They were so engaged in talking and eating, they did not see the council walk up behind them.
“So are you girls having fun?” The head of the council asked
They turned and Kloe smiled.
“Yes we are having a grand time. Thank you for the invitation.” Kloe told him as Zoey finished what she was eating and smiled.
“I think this party is wonderful,” Zoey told him.
“And who might you be?” The head of the council asked.
“My name is Zoey. I’m her plus one tonight,” Zoey told him.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you and I am glad you are having a wonderful time. Might I borrow Mrs. Rice for a moment?” He asked
“Yes of course,” Zoey told him and she bowed respectfully, leaving the two of them to talk.
“Mrs. Rice. I overheard you talking with Katarina. I must warn you against filling her head with thoughts of getting comfortable in her new surroundings because this isn’t meant to be a vacation for her. It’s meant to let her know we own her until she pays her penance for her crimes.” The head of the Council frowned down at her disapprovingly.
“I am sorry if I overstepped my bounds. She just expressed a thought that she wished she could decorate. So I told her to ask.” Kloe told him.
“In matters dealing with the council, I suggest that you stay out of it., please enjoy the rest of this party. I would ask; however, that you stay away from Katarina though to avoid any more misunderstandings. Agreed?” the head of the Council asked.
“Agreed. of course! May I ask one question” Kloe had a sudden thought.
“Yes. What is it?” the head of the Council replied
“When she was taken, you said you would call on Claire and I when it was time to change Katarina. Why was this not done?” Kloe asked
“Katarina’s change was sudden. She was attacked by another prisoner and was bleeding out. We changed her on the spot and we are lucky it took. We almost lost her but please know if we had time we would have called on you both. I am very sorry but it couldn’t be helped,” the head of the Council explained.
“I understand those are circumstances beyond our control. As for your comment about me filling her head though, I would like to say that she already had those notions. I am not in the business of causing trouble. I respect you, all council members and their jobs.
“I think that it is best you two avoid each other. Please enjoy the party.
The head of the Council walked o
ff, leaving Kloe upset that she could no longer converse with Katarina, but she was the property of the council and they had the right to tell her so.
Kloe went back to the food table picking up her plate. Helping herself to more of what they had to offer, she had just finished a crab cake when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Brent standing behind her. She set her plate down and faced him.
“So are you bored and just eating or do you really like the food here?” Brent asked.
“Actually a little of both,” Kloe laughed.
“Well the fried shrimp is good but so are the crab cakes. I am more of a seafood kind of guy myself,” Brent told her with a grin.
“Yeah so am I actually. It’s all really good. They went all out for this ball. I love the dresses and dancing. The open bar is heaven sent,” Kloe laughed.
“Shall we get a couple of drinks?” Brent asked.
Kloe glanced over at Zoey, who was dancing again with someone else and smiled at Brent.
“Yes that sounds good,” she said putting her hand on his outstretched arm.
They walked to the bar where Katarina stood getting a drink. Kloe tried to avoid eye contact but Katarina spoke to her.
“Kloe who is the handsome man?” Katarina asked.
“Umm this is Brent. We were just getting drinks,” Kloe said, trying to keep it short.
“You know she has a boyfriend right?” Katarina told him.
“Yes. I am well aware. We are just friends,” Brent answered, a little irritably seeming annoyed.
Brent ordered them drinks and, before Katarina could say anything else, he pulled Kloe away.
“Who was that rude vampire?” Brent asked.
“That is Katarina. She serves the council. I am not supposed to talk to her by council orders,” Kloe told him.
“Well we will avoid her as though she has the plague. Sound good?” Brent asked.
“I would hate to get in trouble and have to leave early.” Kloe told him.
“I know you have a boyfriend but while you are here, I would like to think I may enjoy your time while it lasts,” Brent smiled.
“Yes. As long as it’s friendly,” Kloe smiled.
“Yes of course. I respect you having a boyfriend. Even though I wish you didn’t,” Brent smiled.
“Shall we dance?” Kloe asked.
“I would love to.” Brent said, they set their drinks down and he lead the way to the dance floor.
They danced for several songs before they went to order another drink. Thankfully Katarina was not there. Kloe saw her off in the corner being drunk from by an elderly vampire. Kloe couldn’t see the benefit in drinking from another vampire being as it wasn’t fulfilling like human blood that feed a vampires primal need in life but she guessed it appealed to other vampires.
“So are you from Paris?” Brent asked.
“No. I moved here from United States,” Kloe said, sipping on her drink.
“Oh really? I moved here from London myself,” Brent told her.
“Oh that’s cool. I am actually going to be vacationing there shortly,” Kloe told him.
“You will enjoy it. There is a lot to see but be careful of the many wolf packs there. They are not so friendly to vampires. I thought that you came with a wolf. Is your boyfriend a wolf?” Brent asked.
“Actually yes he is,” Kloe told him.
“Tread carefully in London then. I doubt they will approve of such a relationship,” Brent warned her.
“Well, we will be careful of course,” Kloe told him.
“Hey Kloe. Are you having a blast because I am? I can’t thank you enough for bringing me!” Zoey told her, walking up to the bar.
“Brent this is my friend Zoey,” Kloe told him.
“It’s nice to meet you Zoey, I am glad you are having fun,” Brent told her.
They didn’t realize how much time had passed between the dancing, talking and drinking. They soon had to leave and Brent walked them out to their limo. He took Kloe’s hand and kissed it.
“It was a pleasure being in your company” Brent told her
“Thank you,” Kloe told him, as she slipped into the limo with Zoey and shut the door.
Kloe sighed. It was a nice night that she wouldn’t forget.
CHAPTER 5
Kloe awoke the next morning with Gavin staring at her. She smiled and turned to kiss him. He smiled, returning the kiss.
“About time you woke up,” Gavin told her.
“Sorry I got in a tad late from the ball,” Kloe told him.
“Yeah. How was it? Any men sweep you off your feet in my absence?” Gavin asked.
“Well, there was this one guy Brent, who I danced and shared drinks with. I made it clear I had a boyfriend,” Kloe told him
“Well all that matters is that you had fun,” Gavin told her sitting up.
“You mean you don’t mind that another man tried to sweep me off my feet? Kloe asked.
“I know you’re faithful to me and that’s all matters. Besides he can’t compete with a wolf,” Gavin laughed.
“So when do you want to leave for London?” Kloe asked.
“Anytime would be cool. I can’t wait to see the city personally. I am excited about the trip and I am glad Jack is cool about it.” Gavin told her.
“Yes. Even though our home is here with Jack and the pack, I think the vacation is needed to recharge our batteries. Brent told me to be careful though. He’s actually from London and said that there are some wolf packs that may not look kindly on our union there,” Kloe told him.
“Well we survived that here and look at us. I am sure we will be just fine if we mind our own business.” Gavin told her.
“You’re right. I will check on flights and get our tickets to London booked.” Kloe told him.
“Hey I got class let me know what you find.” Gavin told her as he hurried out the door. Kloe went to respond but he was gone. She shrugged and went back to her task of hunting down tickets.
Kloe went to her laptop and pulled up the airline website. She punched in her destination and when their return would be. Hmm. Only a half hour plane ride. That’s not bad. She put in their departure for tomorrow evening. So they would have today to pack and tomorrow to say their goodbyes. She was sure that everyone would want a souvenir from their trip. She closed her laptop and went to tell Gavin the flight information.
Kloe found Gavin with Jack in the field. As she was about to approach she saw Gavin arch his back and howl in pain. She could hear the bones cracking. His nose elongated and hair grew on his face, his ears grew longer and hairier. His body snapped and bones forcibly elongated in some places breaking the skin as it stretched to accommodate his new body. His body changed before her eyes. He was changing into a wolf something she had never seen. She stood frozen for a moment shocked at what she saw as she had not seen or heard it happen before. She gasped and both Gavin and Jack looked straight at her. Gavin let out a loud howl and Kloe ran back into the house.
That night at dinner, Kloe didn’t wait for everyone. She got her dinner and quietly ate her food alone. Eventually the others joined her.
“Kloe, what’s wrong?” Zoey asked.
“Nothing,” Kloe told her.
“I know what it is. You saw me change for the first time. It’s weirding you out,” Gavin said bluntly.
“I heard your bones cracking and you howling in pain. Of course it’s going to weird me out,” Kloe told him.
“You don’t think the first time I saw you drink blood it didn’t weird me out? I got past it though and I know it's just part of who you are.” Gavin told her.
“Trust me, turning sucks ass but the more we do it the more control we have over it. The old me would have turned, run over and ripped you apart. Not now. Now I have control,” Gavin explained.
“The reason I was out there is that I wanted to give you our flight information, also I would never have allowed you to touch me but it’s nice to know that you would have done that�
� Kloe glared at him.
“Cool. When do we leave?” Gavin asked ignoring her last statement.
“Tomorrow evening. The flight is only about a half hour,” Kloe told him.
“Cool a short flight. That’s a plus.” Gavin laughed.
“So we can pack today. Say our goodbyes tomorrow and make a short list of people who want things from London.” Kloe laughed, feeling more at ease now.
“Someone always wants something. Don’t they?” Gavin laughed.
“I just want something special. Like a doll handcrafted in London or something.” Zoey chimed in, dreamily.
“I just want you two to make it safely there and back,” Jack told them.
“Aww! Listen to him being all sentimental. You know we'll be fine,” Gavin teased Jack.
They finished up their meal. Kloe and Gavin went to their room to pack while Jack and Zoey snuck off together.
CHAPTER 6
The next morning Kloe got up and double checked her bags. She also checked Gavin’s because he tended to forget the little essentials like underwear or socks. And, as usual, he forgot. She retrieved them from the dresser and put them in his bag. She grabbed his tooth brush and tooth paste putting it in a Ziploc bag. She put it in his bag, along with his hair brush. She’d swear he would forget his brain if it wasn’t in his head. Another pet peeve she had with him was he lent out his good clothing. Like suits to other pack members and they wouldn’t return them. If they did they were dirty or in need of repair. Like the one she had seen stuffed in the closet that Greg had returned. She was going to have to speak with him about this because these suits weren’t cheap to come by and she was tired of having to buy them.
They made their rounds saying goodbye to everyone; reassuring them that it was only a week. Apparently they counted on Gavin for a lot.