The Vampire's Cursed Kiss (Shadowvale Book 2)

by Kristen Painter

  She was a little nervous about her outfit, but when she came out to meet him in the living room, he nodded appreciatively. She’d put her hair up in a ponytail and donned the accessories and red lip that Stella had suggested.

  “You look very glamorous,” he said. “Like a Hollywood actress from the Golden Age. It really looks like something that came from Parks & Main.”

  “Nope. The Bargain Bin.”

  “Really? Impressive. You should shop there all the time.”

  “I know, right? But speaking of impressive, you look very handsome.” He did, too, in charcoal trousers and a navy sweater that fit him beautifully and showed off what a nicely muscled physique he had.

  “Thank you.” His smile was a little odd.

  “What?”

  “I haven’t been told that in a while. But my ego appreciates it.”

  “Well, it’s true. You’re a very handsome man. Especially when you’re not scowling about something.”

  He sighed. “I suppose I do that a lot.”

  “Not as much as when I first met you and thought I was doomed.”

  He laughed. “I hope you don’t feel that way now.”

  “I don’t. At all.” She looked around. “Where’s the cake?”

  “I left it in the car. Ready?”

  She took a deep breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

  “Nervous?”

  She nodded. “A little.”

  He took both of her hands in his. “Don’t be. I’m sure they’ll love you once they get to know you. And I’ll be right there at your side. If anything goes awry, just let me know and we’ll leave.”

  “But they’re your family.”

  “I don’t care. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. And with Valentino, you just never know. In fact, we should have a signal.”

  She laughed. “Like what?”

  “How about you rub your nose? If you do that, I’ll know you want to leave and we’ll go, no questions asked.”

  “Okay. But it won’t happen.” She lifted her chin. “I can handle a family dinner.”

  She hoped.

  * * *

  Constantin had no doubt that his nerves were worse than Andi’s. In fact, he wasn’t sure she really understood how…complicated his family could be. And not just because they were vampires.

  Valentino was an established quantity, so Andi knew what she was in for there. And Juliette would most likely be fine. If anything, she seemed overly eager to welcome a new woman into Constantin’s life.

  But Daniella was much like their mother, and Josephine could be stunningly brutal. Not that he thought his mother would be that way toward Andi. At least not at first. But she had high standards for her children.

  Fortunately, their father, William, was adept at tempering Josephine’s occasionally mercurial moods.

  He pulled into his parents’ driveway and turned off the engine. Valentino hadn’t arrived yet, but that was no surprise. Daniella and Juliette had probably been here for an hour.

  Andi leaned forward and looked at the house through the windshield. “Beautiful place.”

  “It is.” The house was on stilts, like most bayou homes. The wraparound porches made it feel very welcoming, a feeling that was aided this evening by the amount of light pouring from the windows. “My father designed it. He’s always had a knack for such things. He helped plan and lay out expansions of the town, too.”

  “Hey, that’s pretty cool.”

  Constantin nodded. “I suppose it is. Ready to go in?”

  She took a breath and smiled. “Yep. Can I carry the cake?”

  “Sure. It was your idea after all.”

  Together, they climbed the steps leading to the first floor.

  Constantin knocked at the side door that led into the kitchen, then opened the door and called out, “Mama? We’re here.”

  It was a politeness only. His parents had the same unnaturally attuned hearing that he did and had no doubt heard the car when they’d turned into the driveway. If not sooner.

  His mother walked into the kitchen, smiling thinly. That was how she greeted most strangers. It was a look that said judgment would be reserved until she knew you better. “Hello, Constantin.”

  He kissed her cheek. “Hello, Mama. This is my friend, Andromeda.”

  She looked at Andi, a slow, appraising gaze that went from head to foot and back up without any attempt at subtlety. “Welcome to our home, Andromeda.”

  “Thank you. It’s very nice to be here.” Andi held out the cake box. “We brought you a pineapple upside-down cake.”

  Josephine’s smile widened so slightly that Constantin wasn’t sure Andi would even notice. But it was a good sign.

  She took the box from Andi. “That was very thoughtful of you. Please come into the sitting room and have a drink.” Her next glance was at Constantin. “I apologize that my son brought you in through the kitchen instead of the front door like a proper guest, but perhaps his mind is elsewhere these days.”

  Before Constantin could reply, Andi spoke. “But your kitchen is so beautiful and warm. My gran always said the kitchen is the heart of the home. Coming in that way feels like a privilege. Not to mention, it smells wonderful in here.”

  Josephine tipped her head, lips pursed in amusement. Her eyes narrowed for a second, then her smile broadened considerably, and she nodded. “I like you, Andromeda. You’re quick on your feet. That makes you a good match for this one.”

  She looked at Constantin. “This is the kind of woman you need. Not like the other one.”

  She put the cake box on the counter. “Go on into the sitting room and have a glass of wine. Dinner will be served shortly.”

  Andi smiled back. “I can’t wait.”

  Constantin was too gobsmacked to speak. So he took Andi’s hand and led her out of the room. She’d won over his mother. Miranda hadn’t been able to do that. Not for all the showboating and kowtowing in the world. And Miranda had been a vampire, a partner choice he’d come to think his mother preferred for him.

  Unbelievable.

  They joined his father and two sisters in the sitting room. Constantin found his voice. “Father, Daniella, Juliette. This is Andromeda Merriweather. My girlfriend.”

  All eyes turned to them, but Juliette also let out a soft squeal as she got to her feet. “Oooh, it’s so nice to finally meet you. Val says you’re something else.”

  Andi held her smile with great poise. “I hope that’s a compliment.”

  Juliette laughed. “Honestly, with Val you never really know. But you made it past the empress, and you’re not in tears, so I’d say you have nothing to worry about.” She glanced back at the kitchen. “Speaking of, I’d better go see if she needs any help. Nice to meet you finally.”

  “You, too.”

  Constantin put his hands in his pockets. “I expected Valentino to be late, but not Isabelle.”

  His father shook his head. “Isabelle texted to say that she’s not up to dinner with how she’s feeling. I expect she didn’t want to meet Andromeda while unable to speak.”

  “That’s too bad. I thought she and Andi would enjoy each other’s company.” Constantin looked at Andi and shrugged. “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” Andi answered. “I can understand not wanting to be out when you’re not feeling your best.”

  “Very kind of you, Andromeda.” His father, who’d also stood at their entrance, gestured to Juliette’s now empty spot on the couch. “Have a seat. Would you like a glass of wine?”

  She glanced at Constantin. He nodded. “I’m having one.”

  She relaxed a little more. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

  William went to pour them both a glass.

  Daniella was perched on a club chair at the end of the conversation area. Her gaze was just this side of haughty, setting Constantin’s teeth on edge. “What do you do, Andromeda?”

  Andi’s smile faltered a little. “I’ve been thinking about going back to school, actually
. I wasted my first attempt. Too immature to realize the opportunity I’d been given. The fallacy of youth, I guess.”

  Daniella’s haughtiness disappeared into surprise. “That’s awfully honest. What would you study?”

  “Art, maybe? But business definitely, too. Get both sides of my brain working.” Andi accepted a glass of wine from William. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He nodded in approval. “Smart areas of study. Balance is very important in life.”

  Constantin brought his wine over and sat beside her. Everything was going so well, he was almost afraid he’d do something to jinx it.

  Andi was amazing. She wasn’t even pretending to be anything but who she was. No wonder his family was reacting so well to her. She wasn’t putting on airs or trying to play at a different level. She was just being herself. And that was pretty awesome.

  He realized in that moment that it was impossible not to love her.

  And he was done trying not to.

  Chapter Twenty

  A rivulet of sweat that had nothing to do with the room’s temperature trickled down Andi’s back, right between her shoulder blades. Sweat that was all about nerves. She was racked with them, had been since she and Con had entered the house, but they’d slowly begun to subside.

  She’d thought she was going to be fine, but then Con’s family turned out to be frighteningly perfect. Vampires usually were, but this bunch was also so reserved and proper. Well, all but Juliette, who’d been warm and welcoming from the start, but she’d disappeared too quickly. Andi couldn’t wait for her to come back.

  She could see where Con had gotten his uptightness. His mother and Daniella could make ice shiver, although even they didn’t seem as bad as they had upon first impression.

  That didn’t stop Andi from feeling a little like she was on trial. It was such an odd sensation. She’d met parents before. But with that feeling came the realization that she had these nerves only because, unlike in times past, she cared what these people thought of her.

  She sipped her wine, maybe a little too much of it, but she was hoping it would take some of the edge off. She’d chosen to be as honest and forthright as she could without making a fool of herself. So far that seemed to be working.

  But could they tell how nervous she was? They had to. Vampires had the kind of senses that laid a person bare and made it nearly impossible to hide anything but thoughts.

  Wait. Could vampires read minds? No, that was some random paranoia kicking in. Breathe. You’ve got this.

  She drank a little more wine. Thankfully, it was a very nice one and went down easily.

  The front door burst open, and Valentino walked in, a bottle of wine in each hand and an easy smile on his face. “Hello, my darling family.”

  Before any of them could respond, his gaze arrowed in on Con and Andi. “Well, there’s the lovebirds. How are you two doing?”

  Con stood up, partially blocking Andi’s view. “We’re fine. Are you alone?”

  Valentino clucked his tongue indignantly and rolled his eyes with great drama. “Yes. I told you I wasn’t bringing Miranda. You think she’d come here voluntarily? She knows how Mama feels about her.”

  As petty as it might be, Andi was pleased that Josephine Thibodeaux had no love for Con’s ex. The knowledge made her like Josephine more and helped to further combat some of her nerves.

  William got up and took the bottles of wine from his son. He inspected the labels. “These are good years.”

  “Only the best for my family.” Val helped himself to a glass from the bottle that was already open, then sat on the arm of the sofa across from Andi. “Where’s my baby sister?”

  “Jules is in the kitchen,” Daniella answered. “Where I should probably be, or I’ll hear about how unhelpful I was.” With a wry smile, she got up and started for the back of the house. “Don’t have too much fun without me, now.”

  Andi sat up a little straighter and called after her. “Do you need any help? I can help if you need help.” Could she say help a few more times? They were going to think she was simple.

  Daniella paused and shook her head. “You’re a guest. Relax and enjoy yourself.”

  Sure, Andi thought. Easy for you to say. Impossible for me to do.

  But left alone with the men, she did relax a little. Men weren’t usually as critical of her as women were, and two of the men in this room already liked her. At least she knew Con did and Val claimed to. That was a good start.

  William and Con, their wineglasses in hand, joined her on the chairs and couches that made up the elegant sitting room. The room was an interesting mix of bold florals, jewel tones, gold, and black, which was mostly present in the baby grand piano in the corner. The space felt like money. All of the house did. Old money.

  But then, that’s what the Thibodeauxes were, she imagined.

  Con took his seat beside her, William returned to his chair at the head of the grouping, and Val slid off the arm onto the couch and settled into the corner with one knee up on the next cushion like the whole thing was his.

  He lifted his glass. “To Con and his new love.”

  William raised his glass as well, leaving Con and Andi no choice but to join in. They did, but Andi felt like such a phony.

  Good thing she had plenty of wine to dull that feeling.

  Con seemed to sense her mood and leaned forward to engage his brother in conversation that wasn’t about Andi. “Did Miranda leave, then?”

  Val’s gaze tapered down with curiosity. “Why? You want to come back and see her again?”

  William’s brows rose, and he shook his head. “Valentino, you shouldn’t have had her at your club in the first place, but please tell me, Constantin, that you did not go to Miranda’s show.”

  “I did.”

  Andi had to chime in. “I went with him.” She let a little half smile slip across her face. “It was boring. We left early.”

  William’s eyes widened a little. “Ah, I see.” He nodded at Con. “Wanted her to see the new flame, eh? Can’t say that I blame you for that. Always nice to regain the upper hand, such as it were.”

  Val looked miffed. “Con said he was over her. I wouldn’t have done it otherwise.”

  “Right,” Con said.

  His father and Val looked at him like he’d spit on the floor, and Andi got the sudden impression that his response had been a little out of character. Would the old Con have just sat there and let Val be the victor? Maybe.

  It was interesting, for sure, but before the conversation went any further, Juliette bopped back into the room.

  “Dinner’s ready,” she announced. “Mama wants everyone in the dining room tout de suite.”

  Like obedient soldiers, the men got to their feet. Con offered Andi his hand, which she took, thankful for the support.

  They followed his father in. Val lagged behind to collect the wine and bring it along.

  The dining room was cranberry red (thankfully not quite the color of blood—a thought that nearly made Andi snort) and ivory with the most interesting crystal chandelier over the table.

  It looked like a pirate ship.

  “Fascinating,” Andi whispered as she stared up at it.

  Of course, everyone heard her, and all heads turned in her direction. There was no such thing as whispering in a house full of vampires.

  William smiled. “It’s an homage to our family business. We were in the shipping business. It’s why we lived in New Orleans. The town was one of this country’s great ports many years ago.”

  Andi nodded, thankful her comment hadn’t gone wrong. “Thank you for the explanation. I love the chandelier. Even more now that I know the story behind it.”

  Con guided her to their seats. She was between him and Juliette, which suited her just fine. That also put her in the middle of the table and directly across from no one, although Val and Daniella were on the other side. She guessed she might have been across from Isabelle, if she’d come.

 
Josephine didn’t strike Andi as the kind of hostess who’d leave an empty seat at her table, though, so Andi really had no way of knowing for sure.

  Con’s parents had the ends of the table, although Josephine was still bringing in dishes.

  When she finally sat, William smiled broadly at her. “Everything looks and smells amazing, my love.”

  Josephine smiled back. “The girls helped.”

  Dishes were passed, and food was served. For all her traveling, Andi had never been to New Orleans. Or Louisiana, for that matter. Most of what was in front of her wasn’t familiar. The ingredients, yes, but not the exact preparations.

  Maybe it was her expression of uncertainty, maybe it was her hesitation, but Con seemed to understand she was trying to figure things out.

  He handed her a large bowl. “This is crawfish étouffée.”

  Everyone else had put theirs over rice, which had come around first. Fortunately, she’d taken a big spoonful of that since it was a known quantity. She helped herself to the stew-like dish, adding it to her rice as well.

  The next dish he passed her had some kind of vegetable in it. Green semicircles. “This is mirliton. Although in the Carolinas, they call it chayote. It’s a kind of squash.”

  “I like squash.” She added some to her plate, thankful she wasn’t a picky eater. There wasn’t a bone in her body that wanted to offend Con’s mother.

  And so it went until her plate was fairly full. Which was good, because she’d had a little too much wine on a mostly empty stomach. She did not want to make a fool of herself in front of these people.

  The food was delicious. She took seconds on the oysters Bienville and the biscuits, which were the lightest, fluffiest version she’d ever eaten. She made sure to tell Josephine that, too.

  The conversation was nothing serious. Mostly everyone telling stories about their week. Andi was happy just to listen and eat and laugh. It was nice not to be the center of attention, that was for sure. Her nerves were nearly gone, and she felt surprisingly at home.

  Until Daniella turned her attention to Andi. “So, Andromeda. I’m dying to know. How did you meet my brother?”

  Andi went still, a biscuit halfway to her mouth. She and Con hadn’t talked about what their story was going to be. She took a bite of the biscuit to buy some time and tried to think. She couldn’t tell the truth, could she?