Dark of kNight (37 page)

I was thankful for the time to rest before this evening. Casey and Heather worked together with Charlotte for the final preparations for the engagement party. They double-checked the guest list and the caterers. Everyone on the list would be attending the grand function tonight. Many people inquired as to the type of gifts to purchase. Daniel and I decided that instead of receiving gifts, the guests could make a charitable donation to an organization that specialized in children’s cancer research. We invited the president of this organization to attend our engagement party. Daniel and I agreed to make a sizeable contribution ourselves.

Adding to the other extremes in my busy life, there was Casey. Charlotte and Thomas were still not pleased with her new love relationship. Thomas's concerns were as expected-losing the precious Lycan bloodline to a vampire no less. Casey confided in me that she wanted to stay with him forever. This forever meant she would become a vampire.

Personally, I felt her decision was somewhat erratic. Casey, being the headstrong daughter, and in many respects her father’s spitting image, made up her mind as to what she wanted to do. There was no way to change it. She made me promise to keep the transformation a secret.

Casey and Nathaniel had a well thought out plan, taking a trip to Rome for a week. She explained to me in detail the transformation process. She would be in no condition to see anyone for the next three days. While in Rome, they would stay at Richard’s vacation home seated in the luscious countryside of Italy, where he owned a wine vineyard. She explained upon her returned she would stay with Nathaniel. Her parents wouldn't have much of a choice after that.

My mind tried hard to comprehend the plans and decisions she made. She was willing to give up her life as a Lycan to become a vampire out of love. I wondered--the laws were strict so exactly what would her penalty be? Would fate hold a punishment for such a love? She would take a life as an immortal, to be with the one she loved.

To add to my frustrations, during our phone conversation Casey brought to my attention the thorn in my side. This one, however, crushed my box into pieces.

“There is also something I wanted discuss with you.” She paused. “Richard.”

Somewhere in the back of my imagination there was the remote feeling he was going to be the topic of this conversation.

“All right.” I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the worst.

“Julie, Richard has asked me a lot of questions about you. One in particular was your length of relationship with Daniel. I have to warn you, Richard is extremely interested in you.”

“Casey I appreciate the heads up, but you have no need for concern. My love runs deep for Daniel.” I tried to assure her. The answer was as honest as I could give.

“Listen to me carefully- there is more. Nathaniel says… ” she paused a second. “Look, I’ve got to go. Just trust me on this and be careful around Richard. OH! And whatever you do, absolutely don’t let him touch you with his lips or breathe on you! Jewels, the man has been without a woman for the last two hundred or so years. Trust me when I tell you to be careful. I will call you back when I can.” She chuckled.

“Wait!” The phone clicked.

A certain amount of anxiety crept inside of me. Was I correct in thinking the spell he wove over me was going to be harder to shake? What now? Had Richard done something to me? I needed to know if my own life was in danger or Daniel’s for that matter.

≈≈≈

The evening approached. Heather managed to help me with a style I liked. The final finish, I wore it pulled back on one side and letting a few strands fall on the opposite side.

With the help of a hot curling iron, the strands turned in curls in no time.

Daniel looked breathtaking when he slid on his jacket completing his tuxedo. I stood when he walked into the bedroom. His eyes roamed over me from head to toe. For a moment, I wasn’t sure if he was pleased.

“You look,” he paused, “absolutely beautiful. Do you like the dress?”

I turned toward the mirror and glanced at my reflection. The beautiful long dark blue dress fit my figure perfectly. The top of the dress was thin strapped and covered me without worrying about another flashing incident. The long slit on the side ran up past my knee. The new dress looked great with my new stilettos.

“I love it. You have remarkable taste.”

“I know.” Daniel took me in his arms. “I chose you didn’t I?” he purred. A smile crossed my lips as he pressed a soft kiss against them.

“I need to find jewelry to go with this dress,” I said moving to my jewelry box.

Opening the box, I chose a beautiful diamond set my father gave me two years ago for my birthday. Daniel gently clasped the diamond necklace around my neck. He then reached for the matching diamond bracelet and hooked it around my wrist. I finished off the accessories with a set of diamond-studded earrings and a set of gold chains with a diamond at the end. The perfect finish.

I held Daniel’s arm while he escorted me down the stairs. Heather and Jason looked up when we walked down to meet them.

“You look so beautiful, Julie. You’re actually glowing.” Her warm smile brought out my smile. “Actually, you both are glowing.”

“Aye, I believe it’s something called love,” Jason said raising his eyebrows. “Well, now that you have me in this monkey suit,” he paused, “the chariot awaits.” He motioned toward the front door.

Once inside the limo, Daniel stretched his arm around my shoulders as I snuggled against him. My hand rested lightly on his leg while few kisses passed between us. Jason shook his head a couple of times and laughed. I knew acted like two love sick puppies. Our affection was evident for one another. Sickening, as Jason called it, but love nonetheless.

We arrived at the Regency Hotel where Charlotte arranged for the grand event. Daniel and Jason stepped out of the limo first, followed by Heather and me. Daniel stood tall and proud while his hand reached for mine. Watching him reminded me of how tenderly his father handled his mother that one evening. His hand wrapped around mine with a lovingly look in eyes. His smile broadened when my arm went into his.

“Tonight, I finally have the opportunity show you off as mine.” He spoke proudly leaning down to my ear.

Laughing lightly I glanced up to him. “Remember what I said concerning the pissing contest?”

“Yes,” he reminded me. “The night is still young.” He chuckled.

We walk into the grand room, astonished its beauty. A colorful variety of lilies and orchids elegantly decorated the room. The aroma of flowers filled the air. White linen covered the tables. There was even a champagne fountain.

Three long buffet tables lined against the far wall and filled with food. Four chefs in white uniforms stood by the meat table ready to serve their specialties. I knew from the list, we were having roast beef, roast pork, grilled Mahi Mahi and grilled leg of lamb. The next table complemented the meats with a variety of vegetables both steamed and grilled. A third table stood aside with seven varieties of cheese, a variety of fresh fruits and the fondue pots.

My concentration suddenly broke when someone started the applause. Soon everyone’s attention turned to us when we heard a round of applause and a string of congratulations. The slight rush of heat to my cheeks let me know my face was probably red as the beautiful orchids. Daniel smiled proudly while greeting several people through the crowded room.

Thomas and Charlotte mingled quietly among the guests. Daniel released my arm and moved his hand to the small of my back. It was his subtle way of reassuring me. Then there was the voice I recognized all too well.

“Julie! Oh, Julie!” She streamed through the crowd to us. It was Aunt Doris with Uncle Dave in tow.

Turning toward the woman who pushed and shoved her way through the crowd, I smiled to myself. I knew this was going to be a grand event for her.

“Oh dear, I’m so excited for you!” She grabbed my hands only to look at my ring. “And whatever took you so long?” She grazed at Daniel. “Oh my! The ring is, well… huge.”

Her eyes widened while her hand quickly adjusted her glasses.

“Thank you, Aunt Doris.” I spoke smoothly.

“Charlotte tells me you are planning for an October wedding?” She patted my hands.

“Yes. We feel it will be a good time.” Daniel spoke up.

“Well dear, I feel you have made a good choice with this one. Don’t let him get away.” She leaned closer to me. “
Get a few books if you have to. I hear they have movies now. You
need to learn how to keep him satisfied.”
She whispered.

Daniel immediately leaned over to her.
“I think we will be just fine. I tend to bring out the animal in her,”
he whispered back to her.

I caught my lip with my teeth holding back a laugh. Aunt Doris jerked her head back and looked aghast at Daniel. Her attention then snapped to me. Her mouth opened, and then closed. In all my years, it was a moment my father would have loved to see. Aunt Doris was at a loss for words. She patted my hands again, and gave Daniel another glance.

“Come on, Dave, let’s see what they have at the buffet.” She grabbed the poor man by the arm.

Uncle Dave turned back to us and winked his eye. A huge smile broadened his face as he walked away. I’m sure he loved every moment of it.

“You have made my night,” The laughter escaped me.

Daniel laughed with me. “I don’t know, but I really like her.”

Looking through the crowded room, I tried to locate Casey. Jason and Heather were had already made their way through the buffet lines. They seated themselves at our reserved table.

My heart dropped. The anxiety built inside of me. I controlled my thoughts for the obvious reason, Daniel. He didn’t need to worry over this matter between Casey and me.

“Stop worrying. She will be here,” he tenderly whispered in my ear.

Daniel and I walked toward the line gathering around the buffet tables. From the corner of my eye, I saw a glimpse of something pale and looked up. Casey had arrived and she brought Nathaniel. Fear suddenly shot through me. My body stiffened. Daniel’s body stiffened next to mine. He sensed what I felt- fear.

“
How many Lycans are in this room?”
I thought, looking at him.

“Too many,”
he replied in thought while his eyes fixed on our newest guests.

Richard stood behind Casey and Nathaniel. Tall and the epitome of beautiful, if a man could be described as such. As the three moved further into the room, four more appeared behind them. Lance and Raphael had two extremely beautiful and well-dressed women with them. I knew in an instant these women had to be vampires. Their pale skin and abnormal beauty were definitely signs one couldn't avoid.

My heart froze in my throat. Daniel’s hand slipped under my arm as we moved quickly out of the line.

“
Let’s go,”
he whispered moving us cautiously toward them.

Casey looked beautiful as always. Her tan complexion made Nathaniel and his family stand out even more.

“I’m so glad you made it,” I said throwing my arms around her neck.

Daniel extended his hand to Nathaniel. Smiling to myself, I knew he was keeping up his end of the promise.

Here we were a room full of Lycans and not four but six vampires in our midst. Nervously, I glanced over Daniel’s shoulder to make sure no one noticed the obvious differences in our new quests. The next concern was their scent. I only hoped that in a room scented with flowers and the mixed spicy scents of all the Lycans, no one would actually pay too much attention.

Maybe Daniel and I had been overly cautious with our new friends. However, it would only take one person to stir up a hornet’s nest. Where was Aunt Doris?

“I would like to introduce you to the rest of my family,” Nathaniel began, motioning to Lance as he stepped forward with a breathtaking blond beauty. Her tall, slender, statuesque body was perfectly shaped as if by a gifted sculptor. Honestly, I do not think Michelangelo could have painted her even more elegant and perfect than she already was. Her blond silky hair flowed across her shoulders when she moved. There was no surprise that her unnatural beauty distracted Daniel.

“This is Leona- she is Lance’s wife.” Nathaniel continued as the pale-skinned blonde move aside. “And this is… ” he motioned toward the brunette who stepped forward with Raphael, “Adrianna.”

Words couldn't describe all the emotions that ran through me in an instant. Adrianna’s beautiful pale face rose to meet my gaze. Her warm brown eyes looked deep into mine.

It was an odd feeling of déjà vu. Suddenly her eyes widened. We both froze a moment in time.

The beautiful creation who stood before me was the same Adrianna in my dream. There was only one exception; she wasn’t a vampire in the dream.

“
Juliet?”
I heard her whisper in a slight French accent.

“Adrianna, Leona this is Julie Knight.” Nathaniel quickly jumped in. The warm brown eyes glanced from Nathaniel to Richard. Moving slightly forward her gaze met mine again.

“Bonsoir, Mademoiselle Julie.” She said with the most elegant voice. I was in awe. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Casey has told me many things about you. I feel as though I already know you.” A gentle smile crossed her face.

Returning her smile, I lowered my eyes in an affirmation of respect. “Please, I’m honored to have all of you here tonight. Your family has our deepest appreciation.”

“Yes,” Daniel joined in. “Please come and join us.” He motioned through the crowd.

Cautiously I glanced around the room. Very few people noticed them. Mostly the men gazed upon the two extremely beautiful vampire women. I had the feeling these men had no idea the women were vampires.

We joined Jason and Heather at our table with our new guests. Nathaniel repeated the introductions. Adrianna’s name still had an effect on me that I couldn't describe. I wanted so badly to take Casey to the side and discuss this with her.

“How about I get us something to eat,”
Daniel whispered in my ear.

“Sounds good,” I replied.

“Casey, would like to go with me?” Daniel held his arm out for his sister. She nodded and touched Nathaniel’s arm slightly as she left.