A large box tied with a purple bow covers most of the handmade quilt in the room that’s mine. My name is written in perfect penmanship on the tag tied to the bow. I open the box, unsure what’s hiding inside.
Bright metallic gold fabric is the first thing I notice. It shimmers in the dim light filtering through the window. “This is beautiful,” I whisper for my ears only. Holding the dress in front of me, I see that it’s the perfect length, resting just above my ankles.
I take the quickest shower possible, making sure to hit all the important parts before sliding into the gold chemise. The round neckline hits a few inches above my breasts, showing the perfect amount of cleavage without being trashy. Draped fabric hangs from the drop waist, giving it an air of a Greek goddess.
Turning backward toward the mirror, I realize my entire back is exposed by a deep drape, ending with a large bow that covers most of my backside. This is exactly what I would design for a night like tonight. At the bottom of the box is a beaded headband that perfectly matches the dress fabric, along with a pair of stockings and the ideal Mary Jane heels. I couldn’t have designed this outfit better myself.
I spend more time than usual using the hair and makeup products provided in my private bathroom. Applying the bright red lipstick, I stare at the Violet in the mirror. She looks more like an adult than theversion I’m used to seeing. “Not bad,” I whisper with a smile.
Cyrus didn’t give me a definite time to be ready, but I hear him and Simon talking downstairs, which means they’re ready to go. I take a deep breath before exiting the room. Taking my time, I head toward their voices. I’ve walked in heels before, but this is the first time as a vampire. I’m surprised how much easier it is.
“There she is,” Simon says as my feet hit the landing. He whistles, bringing a smile to my face. “You look beautiful, Violet.” He steps in front of me, taking my hand high above my head and spinning me. “She cleans up pretty well, Cyrus.”
“I’d say you’re right,” my buyer agrees from across the room. Both men are wearing tuxedos and look dashing, but Cyrus catches my eye. His dark hair is the perfect match for the solid black dinner jacket and high-waisted pants he’s wearing. His eyes seem to glow against the contrast of the crisp white shirt. He’s in front of me a heartbeat later. “Seems like a perfect fit.”
It takes me a few seconds to realize he’s talking about my dress. “Yes! It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Cyrus offers me his elbow, and I slide my arm through.
“My lady,” Simon says, offering his arm on my other side. I smile, slipping my arm through his, suddenly feeling like a paranormal sandwich. “Your chariot awaits.”
The three of us exit the garden door to the mainstreet, where the car that picked us up from the train station is waiting. Simon moves ahead of us, opening the back door. “Sir, Mademoiselle,” he says, bowing slightly at the waist.
Cyrus holds my hand as I slide onto the plush leather seat. Making sure I’m inside, he closes the door behind me before sliding in from the other side. Seconds later, we’re on our way…somewhere.
We pass through the downtown area of St. Augustine, leaving the populated area for the countryside. “Where are we going?” I ask anyone who will answer.
“Not too far,” Cyrus answers. Butterflies make the rounds in my stomach. How can I be immortal and still have human emotions?
Five minutes later, Simon pulls the car into a narrow path, barely visible through the large oak trees that surround us. We bump along a gravel road for several miles before our destination comes into view. In front of us is something that can only be described as a castle.
“Is that…Is that a castle?” I ask.
Simon laughs. “It’s more of a pretend castle.” He pulls the car to a stop behind several others that are parked in the large circular driveway.
“Pretend?”
“The Valdecruz family has been here since the beginning. They are…how would you say this…”
“Pompous assholes,” Simon says from the front seat.
“I was going with eccentric, but that works, too.” Cyrus’s response makes me laugh. “Be careful what you say, but don’t come across anxiously.” He slides out of the backseat after his confusing words of wisdom. Why do I feel like this is a test of some sort?
My door is open, and both men wait for me to exit. “Thank you,” I say, using my best Southern dialect and manners.
Cyrus loops my arm through his. With Simon on our heels, we approach the double front doors of the limestone castle replica. Soft blue eyes make eye contact with me. I know he’s asking if I’m ready without speaking. I nod, taking a deep, useless breath.
The gothic wood door opens, and to my surprise, there stands the last person I expect to see. “Hello, darling,” says a woman impeccably dressed in the finest couture of our time. She looks me up and down. “I see you brought my pet.”
“You look lovely, Aurora,” Cyrus says, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing softly. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
ELEVEN
the party from hell
Simon isat my side a heartbeat later. He takes my arm, looping it through his. His warm touch offers comfort I didn’t realize I needed. “I need something to drink,” he says, pulling me away from the spectacle in front of us. “Would you care to join me?” He steers me through the surprisingly large crowd of visitors toward a heavy wooden bar in the back of the room. The castle’s gothic appearance on the outside gives way to modern design within.
My lycanthrope host carefully places his finger against his lips, warning me not to say what I’m thinking. I don’t argue and return his gesture with a smile. “The architecture of this home is lovely,” I say loud enough for a room full of vampires to hear.
