Flight (27 page)

“
Like it or not, you are part of this world now. You can’t run from it, whether you want to or not.”

“
But Levi said I could leave. He said if I wasn’t convinced after the party—”

“
I know what he said and he means it, but it doesn’t mean your actions won’t have repercussions.”

“
Have you ever felt like your life was just a series of mistakes?”

“
Sure I have. I think that’s what we call growing up. But sweetie, we aren’t defined by the mistakes we make, but by what we learn from those mistakes and how we move on.”

Words stopped on the tip of my tongue, what if we don’t know how to move on? I kept the thought to myself.

“
I’m glad you came here.” Talking to Helen gave me an insight I doubt anyone else could have and it gave me more to think about, especially when it came to protecting my family.

“
I’m glad too. I know things seem bleak now, but it will all work out. In some ways, you are saying goodbye to your old life, or maybe just the life you planned to live, but in turn, you are getting a new one. You have the chance to be something great, and make a big difference. Not too many people get that opportunity.” Helen patted my knee lightly. “Now, I should let you get some rest.”

“
Rest?”

“
Thursday is going to be a big day.”

“
This Thursday?”

“
Yes. The party isn’t until the evening, but there will be a whole day of preparation before.”

“
Preparation?” I asked.

“
Relax. I’m talking about a spa day.”

“
Oh. I guess I also need to shop.”

“
I wouldn’t worry about that. I already found the perfect dress for you. I’ll have it sent over later.” She smiled.

“
How do you know my size?”

“
Levi has an eye for sizes.”

“
Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I groaned, wondering how many other girls he had “sized.”

“
I wouldn’t let it get to you. You are the only girl that will ever matter to him now.”

“
I’m the one that doesn’t want to be with him, remember?”

“
Yes, I remember.” She winked before heading to the door.

“
I’ll see you then.”

“
Bye.”

Chapter
Twenty-One

I shouldn’t have worn stiletto heels. The thought catapulted through my mind as I navigated the lawn on my way to the opulent white tent. To be fair, Hailey and Helen had told me the party was outside, but the silver heels looked perfect with the floor length red dress Helen had sent over for me. The dress fit flawlessly, and I wasn’t thrilled that Levi was able to pinpoint my size so precisely. It seemed somehow too intimate—even though he had every reason to know intimate details about me. I probably wouldn’t have picked out a sweetheart neckline myself, but it worked perfectly with a single strand of pearls. The back dipped just enough and as uncomfortable as I was about the whole idea of the party, I knew that I looked good.

When the black limo picked me up earlier that evening, I half expected Levi to be waiting for me inside. I tried to ignore the wave of disappointment that hit me when I noticed the empty interior. Hailey explained that they all had to go to some meeting beforehand, but it surprised me that they made me go alone.

I’ve always been a firm believer in the concept of being fashionably late, but that description didn’t fit what waited for me when I finally reached the tent. Clutching my evening bag, I plastered on a confident smile and walked inside.

The outside of the tent had been deceptively small for the space inside was twice as big. Tables lined the exterior while a large dance floor took up the middle. A giant skylight provided an incredible view of the night sky, only accentuated by the crystal chandeliers anchored from the ceiling of the tent.

The loud chatter of the crowd died down as I surveyed the sea of white and black in front of me. I was going to kill Helen and Hailey. My red dress stood out like a beacon in a dark sky.

Levi walked over to me swiftly, his eyes never leaving me. Placing his glass on a table, he left a man standing there mid-conversation. I tried to ignore how handsome he looked in his black tux.

“
You look amazing.” The expression on Levi’s face spoke volumes louder than his words. Despite my anger, I was glad he approved.

“
Thank you.” I refused to let him know his approval mattered. I tried to look around disinterestedly but had to snap at him anyway. “Was the red dress really necessary?”

“
Absolutely. Red is definitely your color by the way.”

“
You can give it up, Levi. Flattery isn’t going to get you anywhere.”

He shrugged. “I’m just speaking the truth. Did you have any trouble getting here? The car came on time and everything?”

“
Everything was fine,” I said tersely, not in the mood to make small talk.

“
I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you myself.”

“
Hailey explained why
she
couldn’t come.” I spoke quietly, careful to avoid being overheard. I didn’t want to break my end of the bargain. I had promised Helen I would give this a fair shot and try not to make my reluctance too obvious.

Levi’s slightly wounded expression surprised me. I didn’t think he was capable of really being affected by anyone’s opinion of him.

“
I’m glad you’re here.”

“
It’s beautiful.”

“
Not as beautiful as you.” I would have written off Levi’s corny line if I hadn’t seen his look of complete adoration.

“
Is Hailey here?” I asked glancing around. The crowd was mostly older than we were, and I could have sworn I recognized a few faces. “Wait, isn’t that the Governor of Louisiana?”

“
Yeah, that’s Bobby,” Levi said nonchalantly. “Remind me to introduce you later.”

“
Is that Hailey over there?” My original question was answered when she waved at me. With her long hair pulled up into an elaborate updo, I almost didn’t recognize her.

“
We can go talk to her in a minute. Do you mind if we talk to my parents first?”

I nodded.

Levi took my arm leading me toward his mother and a man I assumed was his father. I studied him as we walked over; searching for evidence that he was any sort of king. He looked like an older version of Levi, his hair a striking shade of grey that made him look stately rather than old.

“
Allie, you look breathtaking.” Helen embraced me warmly.

“
Thank you, Helen. You look wonderful as well.” I turned on cocktail party mode, willing myself to pretend this was just another function for my dad.

“
Ah, Allison, my son didn’t exaggerate your beauty after all,” his father said with a broad smile.

I dismissed the urge to correct him on the use of my full name. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Laurent.”

“
It’s just Robert. I suppose you could also call me Dad if you wanted, since you’ll be my daughter-in-law soon.” He beamed.

Warning bells went off in my head and both Helen and Levi looked at me pleadingly. Robert had no idea what was really going on with Levi and I. I smiled weakly, confident that this would be an extremely inopportune time to make a scene. “I think I’ll use Robert.”

“
Fair enough. Levi tells me you two aren’t going to be rushing into a formal wedding. I understand your father’s concern with how young you are, but I’d be happy to talk to him for you. I look forward to meeting him sometime soon.”

As I listened to this jovial man go on about meeting my father, I knew I needed to make an exit. “It was wonderful to meet you, but Levi, would you mind stepping outside with me for a moment? I could use some fresh air.”

“
Of course, sweetheart,” Levi answered quickly clasping my hand in his.

“
We’ll be right back,” Levi said quickly, like he was afraid I would start screaming if he didn’t get me outside fast enough. He was right.

Once again, my choice of shoe attire frustrated me as we walked a distance from the tent to talk. My injuries were healing well, but it probably would have been smarter to wear flats.

“
What the heck, Levi? Your dad thinks I’ve agreed to marry you?”

“
Look, I know you’re mad but with my dad there was no choice. He would have gone crazy if I told him the truth, and trust me it wouldn’t have helped you at all.”

“
What are you talking about? All it would mean is us not playing this little game here. Like we’re fooling anyone.”

“
Lower your voice. Seriously, if my dad finds out the truth we’re both in trouble.”

“
What’s he going to do to me?”

“
My dad is in charge of the entire paranormal community and you doubt he could do something to you?”

“
I’m just a human. He can’t hurt me.”

“
First of all, you are not just a human. You are my mate. Big difference, and he could force you to marry me tonight if he wanted to.”

“
What are you talking about?”

“
Like I said my dad has his ways. Let’s stop this. You promised to give tonight a chance. Please, won’t you at least try?”

“
Okay.”

“
Are you ready to go back in?”

“
Sure.”

We walked back into the tent to the sound of clinking as several people tried to silence the crowd. Robert strode purposely to the center of the dance floor.

“
Thank you everyone for being with us tonight. It isn’t often that we have the pleasure of welcoming so many members of the community to our home, and we are so thankful that you were able to join us on this happy occasion. Many of you probably thought this day would never come.” Polite laugher made Robert pause.

“
I am well aware of my son’s reputation with women, but it seems he has met his match. I have never seen Levi so happy or focused, and I know that we can expect great things from him as he formally takes his position next year. On that note, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Allison Davis, Levi’s beautiful mate.”

Levi steered us over to his dad. “Thank you father. You’re right. I have met my match, and she’s my match in every sense of the word. I have no doubt you will all learn to adore her as much as I do. Our community is new to her, but I am sure she will make a seamless transition. Now sweetheart, will you give me this dance?”

I nodded.

A quartet struck up a beautiful ballad and loud applause filled the tent as Levi led me onto the dance floor. I tried to ignore the shiver creeping down my back from his touch and the way he looked at me as though I were the only one in the room.

Levi took a slight bow, gesturing for me to do the same. I followed his lead, and we started to dance. Dancing with Levi was as natural as you would expect, but the closeness unnerved me. I didn’t want to want him so much.

The song came to an end, but the quartet started another slow tune without a break.

Taking advantage of the slower music, he started talking quietly. “Al, I’m sorry. I’d do anything to erase what happened to you. I messed up, I know I did but I also know that there is something real between us.”

“
I don’t see how you expect me to believe that.”

“
Please. It’s true. We have to at least give this a chance,” he pleaded.

“
So, what, I throw away all my plans?”

“
Defer Princeton until the spring. One semester at Tulane won’t hurt; you’ll probably like it. We can make sure you’re roommates with Hailey and everything.”

“
If I agree, it’s only for a semester.”

“
So you’ll give us a chance?”

“
This isn’t about you and me. This is about New Orleans and keeping myself and my family safe. I’ll stay, but you need to accept that we’re not really together.” I knew in my heart I couldn’t leave. If what everyone was telling me was true, I might end up causing even more heartache to a city that had already been through so much. I also refused to put my parents or friends in danger, especially considering there was a part of me that was excited about spending a few more months in New Orleans—giving myself more time to experience something new.

Levi pulled me tightly against him. “I love you. I have never felt this way before and the thought of losing you scares me.”