The Prevalence: Sequel and Final Book of The Premortals (The Premortals Series 2)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  “We’re not going unless you tell us why you really want us there,” I firmly declared.

  Andrew sighed. “Fine, we need funds, since the steel plants are not operational anymore, we are losing money as we speak and these riots are not helping. Running a dukedom is not cheap you know, and you...” He was referring to me. “…will help me persuade him with your current status and all.”

  “What about Duke Rectner’s gold bars?” Curtis asked skeptically.

  “It is not enough especially now you clowns decided to roll back the taxes and refuse our portion of the harvest so we are left with nothing,” Andrew explained, blaming us.

  “There must be another way…” Curtis suggested.

  “Look, this is all I ask in return before I agree to your long list of demands. What I ask is not hard actually compared to what you are asking from me, and besides, you do not want to disappoint the people because you refuse to go to a small party,” Andrew said coolly.

  My eyes met Curtis’. If we refuse this, all would be for nothing, and going to a party wasn’t hard if that was all he wanted in exchange. He was taking advantage of us and it wasn’t unusual of him, probably wanting more connections or parading us as his valuable property, I just had to make sure this’d be the last time. I nodded at Curtis, signaling him I was okay with this, and then he faced Andrew and said, “Alright we’ll go.”

  A wide smile crept on Andrew’s face. He could smile all he wants just as long as he kept his promise to us. We finally stood up to him and for the first time, I wasn’t afraid of him anymore.

  A few days after, Andrew upheld his part of the deal by releasing the prisoners that were wrongfully accused and the taxes were rolled back to its original amount. Curtis spoke to the officers of the guards and Protectors and ordered them not to use any force when dealing with the people. He told me some weren’t happy about it but they had to obey since he outranked them all.

  Miss Pattilyn, who was in charge of the Bermule household, gave news that the villages celebrated upon the return of their long lost family members who were arrested. I could imagine their tears of joy when they were reunited. There was peace in Pinewood but the fact still remained that the Protectors were still searching for the Defiers who were responsible for the explosions, and I doubt Andrew would rest until he finds them.

  A week went by then we travelled to Ruckus City. I wished I wasn’t going because I never enjoyed Andrew’s company. The invitation was for a cocktail party, it meant there would be full of wealthy Alphas. I haven’t talk to an Alpha before except for Mr. Logan, if they were all like him then it’d be such a huge disappointment.

  We wore our finest cocktail dresses and jewelries, and suits. I found it to be way more comfortable and less excessive than a ball gown. Compared to the Elite’s clothes, attire for a cocktail party was more simple but elegant and stylish all the same.

  Lady Katherine wore a long elegant silver dress that glittered all over with one strap on top of her left shoulder held by a blue diamond brooch with smaller white diamonds encircling it while her other shoulder was bare, and a single long slit on the left side of her dress. Her brown hair was all neatly tucked behind held by a diamond band, and she had on a pair of silver heels. Andrew wore a royal blue suit and vest with a white shirt underneath and a silver tie and black leather shoes.

  I was wearing a black exquisite off shoulder long dress emphasizing my waist, and it had a single long slit on the left side, and wearing a pair of black heels to match it. My hair was loose, letting my auburn hair flow freely. Curtis was wearing a stunning black suit and a dark blue shirt with a black tie and black leather shoes. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I much prefer him wearing these fashionable clothes than his usual Lord’s coats.

  We disembark from our air shuttle when we arrived at Ruckus City. We were met by the Corps who was under strict orders to check our identity and inspect the shuttle. This had been the new protocol all over since the Prince went missing. They wore their fearsome uniform all in black and the large word ‘Corps’ was written in red vertically on their right long sleeve, and on the other sleeve, on the upper part of the arm was the logo of the Empire of half a sun and moon, and on the left chest were symbols and medals indicating their ranks. They wore dark helmets and spoke through a com making it hard to distinguish their real voice under it, and they carried large black firearms at all times.

  When the security check was done, Andrew and Katherine rode their car first while Curtis and I took the next one. Ruckus City became alive at night as we drove across the main street. Colorful bright lights shone on every establishment, some blinked and changed colors and some stagnant, while some lights shone brilliantly as if they were putting on a show to entice the guests.

  All types of people were welcomed, Omegas, Deltas, Betas, Alphas and Elites, and the stations didn’t matter as long as they had the means to gamble, and if you didn’t have the money, the night clubs were always open to cater to their wishes. Those who could afford wore their expensive formal attires in mostly black, dark blue or gold but those who couldn’t but came here to enjoy themselves, wore the very best clothes they had.

  The place was filled with smiles, laughter and cheerful noises, and music, everybody looking forward to a great time in the late hours. People were mostly drunk and some were probably high with Ineverate by the blank stare in their eyes and their unusual hand gestures and amazed grins. This was the epicenter of pleasures and indulgence and no one would judge anyone if they surrendered to it all.

  Huge billboards and signs were on the grand casinos and hotels or on the side of the roads seducing the dreamers, promising different kinds of entertainment both the tame and the obscure. All the glamour, the city possessed but the sense of danger lurked in the dark corners waiting for its next victim if they stumbled upon it at the right time and place.

  “I’m glad you’re not nervous, not like the balls we had to attend before,” Curtis observed, sitting beside me.

  I chuckled. “It’s because I don’t know what to expect in this one,” I admitted not taking my eyes off the car window, amused by the buildings and people passing by.

  We slowed down when we approached a magnificent large hotel crawling with bright golden lights, and a water fountain that gracefully danced like it was moving with a symphony. A doorman in his luminescent blue uniform opened the car door for us and greeted warmly, “Welcome to Norhaven, please enjoy your stay.”

  Curtis and I entered the lobby together, my hand around his arm. Inside radiated exquisite simplicity, there were no paintings, or any form of art or extravagant designs or decors except for a few green indoor plants. Everything was white and glowing. The furniture and tables, the receptionist desk, and the walls had no sharp corners or edges, everything was smooth. All the staff wore a luminescent blue uniforms and friendly faces.

  A young woman wearing the hotel’s short dress uniform curtsied and greeted us in a very hospitable manner, willingly guided us to where the party was. We followed her across the hallway and rode an elevator and took us almost to the top floor of the building. When the doors opened, she went out first and gestured us to proceed.

  The elevator directly stopped inside a wide hall with white floors and walls, and a high glass ceiling revealing the night sky above. There were no chairs, only a few tall white round small tables, and a soft music playing over the background. Waiters were serving sparkling champagne, colorful appetizers on trays, and hard liquor if you requested from the bar found at the end of the hall.

  The party was full of gorgeous and fashionable Alphas but instead of staring coldly at us like what the Elites did from the previous balls I went to, they gazed in awe and admiration. Some bowed and curtsied and smiled, and we smiled in return even though they were complete strangers to us.

  I felt appreciated here but of course they had to be agreeable because they were Alphas. From what I knew, Alphas would like nothing more but to kiss the feet of wealthy Elites so they coul
d add them to their long list of wealthy connections to boost their ego.

  Andrew, with Katherine beside him, were already there talking to a group of people and I noticed Mr. Logan was there as well. Andrew glimpsed at us when we passed but ignored us and carried on with his conversation.

  Curtis and I stood on the other side of the hall, drinking champagne and minding our business when a small group started to form around us trying to make small talks. I didn’t mind them though, they seem to be socially nicer compared to the Elites I had to endure before. Once in a while they’d talk about their travels and the luxurious things they owned and I couldn’t relate much as they bragged on and on about what they have or what they planned to buy.

  I was used to these kinds of conversations with the Elites so I allowed them to continue talking about themselves but the only difference was they were actually trying to please and impress rather than degrade me. By the manner in which they spoke, I found out that they thought if they owned much wealth, then I’d fancy and respect them more.

  Some of them were asking questions and showed interest, trying to get to know my likes and dislikes, it was unusual for me, but the longer they asked, the more it was clear to me that their intentions was to find a way to connect my own lifestyle to theirs and try to bedazzle me more. Annoying conversations like this:

  “Do you have a favorite gown?” a pretty and bubbly young woman asked in a very curious way.

  “Yes, a blue gown actually,” I answered in a friendly way.

  “I have a blue gown too. A very expensive one made by Hugo Voltaire,” she said rather hurriedly and excitedly. “Was there a place you’d like to return to?” she added.

  I paused then replied, “Coastal City.”

  Her eyes widened with excitement. “Really? My family has two apartments there but we rarely use it.”

  Our small group dispersed when Andrew, Katherine and Mr. Logan approached us and with them was a short stout man in his fifties with black thinning hair and wearing a very expensive gray suit. He was grinning when he came closer.

  Andrew spoke and introduced us to him. “Lord Curtis and Lady Elaine, may I present Mr. Alexander Colt, mayor of Ruckus City and owner of this very fine hotel and casino.”

  He startled me when he took my hand and kissed it, smiled and said, “Please call me Alexander.”

  From the corner of my eye, I saw Curtis frowning.

  I immediately but in a gentle way, took my hand away so not to seem rude, and responded with an awkward smile, “Nice to meet you Alexander.”

  He continued to grin ignoring the rest of the people around. “My, you are very gorgeous,” he complimented not taking his eyes off me.

  Curtis’ face looked like he was suffering and then the situation grew embarrassing.

  “Have you heard about the Prince? I’m sure you have, such a terrible thing to have happened,” Alexander said shaking his head and added, “I heard you are friends with him. Tell me what is he like?”

  He was a vain and self-absorb Prince that one day would be the destruction of the entire Empire but I wasn’t going to say that to him of course.

  “He’s very interesting actually and loves art, and is very passionate about being the Emperor someday,” I replied, trying to be impressed by the Prince.

  “Tell him about the gift he gave you,” Andrew said beaming with pride.

  I didn’t know how he knew about it but Curtis might have mentioned it to him or one of the household staff or probably Mr. Thistle when I asked him to have the painting hung near my chambers.

  “It was a painting of a lighthouse from his personal art collection,” I explained.

  Alexander’s grin widened and he became amazed.

  His reaction was nothing new to me, Alphas and Elites saw it as high regard when you were acquainted with the Prince, Alexander only showed interest because of that. I could picture what was inside his head right now, thinking of me only as a way to a great opportunity for him.

  Alexander continued to ask about the Prince and I tried to indulge him by answering only the half-truth, and the longer it went, the more of a struggle it became. I started getting uncomfortable around him and the way he stares at me, so I tried to deflect it to Curtis by bringing up his visit to Duke Rectner which surprisingly worked. I gazed at Curtis apologetically for transferring Alexander’s attention to him without warning but he didn’t seem to mind when he glanced back at me giving a subtle grin while they talked about Duke Rectner and his politics.

  I excused myself and told them I was going to the powder room but I had no plans in returning after, so I made my way to the bar instead. There were only a few people in the long white counter that illuminated luminescent blue on its surface and bottles filled with liquors of different colors were displayed on top of the glass shelves. There were bottles that glowed and I found it to be most peculiar, and made me wonder how strong those drinks were.

  “What are you having my Lady?” the male bartender graciously asked when he approached me.

  “Anything that’s not too strong please,” I replied.

  “Coming right up,” he obeyed grinning.

  He prepared the drink with ease and efficiency, and served after it was done. It was bright pink with two ice in a short clear glass. The drink glittered like it was mixed with sparkling dust, and sitting on the rim of the glass was a tiny red berry with two green leaves. It tasted sweet and fruity with a hint of alcohol after I took a sip.

  I was enjoying my drink when a male voice suddenly whispered from behind, “That’s not a Lady’s drink.”

  I turned around startled and found a very attractive young man with piercing deep set light brown eyes and short black hair styled in a neat and slick fashion standing confidently close to me. His black facial hair on his strong jaws, chin and on top of his lips were cleanly shaved at a short length, and he wore a black suit and a white unbuttoned shirt underneath showing his upper chiseled chest. His clothes were expensive like the rest but the way he wore his made him seductive.

  “Is there a rule about it?” I politely and playfully asked, slightly taking a step back, unsettled by his close proximity.

  He smiled widely. “I’m just saying that Ladies like their drinks hard.”

  I smiled in return. “Well I guess I’m different then.”

  He chuckled. “I hope not too different.”

  He turned to the side and placed his hands on the bar and ordered whiskey, and when it was served, he gulped it down like water then gestured the bartender to pour more. He then turned to face me and leaned closer, I could smell the alcohol in him. He gazed directly without flinging, making me hold my glass tight on the bar.

  Then he said in his sultry voice, “But if you want different…” He had a friendly smile but his eyes sparkled a more lustful intention. “I’d gladly offer myself to you and grant you all your deepest desires.”

  If I was still the same person like the day I was matched, I would’ve been appalled by him but when I’ve lived long enough with the Elites, nothing fazes me anymore.

  I gave my warmest smile and said, “I apologize but my mate wouldn’t allow it.”

  He laughed and drank his whiskey. “Maybe he’d like to join us then?”

  That was a new and unexpected remark. He chuckled, probably finding my red shade funny as I felt the heat on my face and my ears.

  “Or maybe my mate would join us too, here she comes now.” His stare shifted pass me.

  I turned my head around and a tall stunning woman with long shining black hair and tanned skin joined us. She wore a long red dress boasting her luscious curves, and the two long slits on each side of the skirt showed her long flawless and shimmering legs when she walked.

  “Stop mingling with the Elites Benjamin,” she scolded, walking by me and stood beside him.

  “I’m just having fun,” he defended chuckling.

  “I swear they’re an annoying bunch who thinks they’re better than us,” she declared with a
mixture of irritability and conviction. She placed a hand on his mate’s broad shoulder then took his glass and drank from it, and stared directly at my face and then down to my feet, studying me.

  “What are you doing?” she asked in a very unfriendly tone with an arch brow.

  I was confused by her question and sudden hostile attention.

  “Elites don’t drink that,” she snapped. “Either you’re on a social suicide or just plain ignorant.”

  I wanted to roll my eyes and thought of leaving this very instant, my time wasn’t worth entertaining these kinds of people, but I simply couldn’t control myself. She was mean and I wanted to show her I didn’t give up easily. I smiled, indifferent to her comment… which I was getting pretty good at.

  “You’re right, I don’t know anything what an Elite should or shouldn’t drink,” I admitted truthfully.

  Her face told me she wasn’t expecting my respond. A typical Elite’s reaction when verbally attacked on their social status was an impulsive explosion of anger, or shock or disgusted expression, but this woman messed with the wrong type of Lady.

  “Who are you by the way?” she asked sounding unsure.

  “Lady Elaine of Pinewood,” I answered then took a sip from my drink that caused all this nonsense trouble.

  Her expression suddenly changed from a frown to a more relaxed one, and she laughed softly. Now I was even more confused by her odd treatment.

  She sighed after laughing and introduced herself, “Viola… I’ve heard of you, you’re the Beta turned Elite aren’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re not an Elite at all. I mean… not really... It all makes sense now,” Viola said nodding her head.

  She ordered a drink from the bartender and continued, “No wonder you don’t act and talk like them but it’s for the best. We can’t stand Elites anyway.”

  Here I was convinced the Elites and Sovereigns were the most envied by the Alphas.

  “Why can’t you stand them?” I asked curiously.