Vampire born, p.43
Vampire Born, page 43
“I think you have that backwards,” he said, his eyes filled with concern. “Shouldn’t you do it the other way around?”
“Trust me, babe. Right now, I need the drink.”
We walked across the lawn toward a thick hedge that was at least fifteen feet tall, and when we passed through the stone archway in the center of the hedge, I felt as though we’d stepped through the looking glass into a magical setting.
The expansive stone courtyard before me was surrounded on all sides by the tall hedge, creating an enclosed space that felt cozy and enchanting despite being quite spacious. Twinkling white lights were strung from side to side above us, and in the center of the courtyard, a four-tiered fountain gushed. Small cocktail tables were scattered across the area, the seats around each filled with laughing, talking guests.
At the rear of the courtyard, two oak bars had been rolled in and set up, and on either side of us as we entered through the archway, there were buffet tables laden with food that had barely been touched.
Landscaped beds filled with a variety of vibrant blossoms and lush greenery lined the inside of the hedge around the perimeter of the courtyard, and in those beds were towering statues of angels with enormous stone wings that reached almost to the top of the hedge. Each statue was cast in a soft, ethereal glow from a spotlight at its base, creating an effect of ghostly sentinels surrounding us. At first glance, they had seemed very similar, but as I focused on each one, I realized they had distinguishing features that made them unique.
I followed along in an awed state of wonder as Nick led me to the bar, but then I released his hand and wandered over to the nearest statue, unable to resist the temptation to take a closer look.
The angel wore a long, belted robe, and in his right hand, he held a lotus blossom with petals and leaves so delicate it seemed impossible they could be made of stone. His left arm rested atop a straight staff with a snake curling around its length, and he held up his left hand with the palm facing out to reveal a spiral carved in its center.
Each feather of his wings had been intricately carved with such detail and precision that I couldn’t fathom the amount of time and skill it must have required.
The next angel had a beautiful face that was half woman and half feline, though I couldn’t discern if she was a cougar, a panther, or a lioness. She had one hand and one paw, and she held them pressed together at her chest as though in prayer. Her wings were equally as detailed as the first angel’s, but as I glanced at the other statues, I realized hers were different. They looked more like a bird’s.
“Bourbon and branch for my lady, as requested,” Nick said as he came to my side and handed me a drink.
I thanked him and took a quick sip, savoring the gentle burn.
“Creepy, aren’t they?” He raised his glass toward the statues.
“I think they’re magnificent.”
“When I was younger, I was terrified of them. Graeco told me they were watching me, and that they’d report back to him if I misbehaved.”
“That wasn’t very nice of him.”
“Yeah, well, Graeco was never fond of being a babysitter, so his methods of supervision were a bit unorthodox.”
“Knowing your mother’s affinity for art depicting the fallen, I’m assuming these represent the bloodlines. I recognize the shifter, and the fangs are a dead giveaway for the vampire.” I nodded toward the largest statue, which stood at the rear of the courtyard elevated on a stone pedestal, and then I pointed back to the first angel. “But what is that one?”
“The Genezerue. The Keepers of Health. Some of their kind are attuned to the physical aspects of health. They can detect illness or abnormalities in the body, and the most powerful among them are able to heal with just a touch. Other Genezerue are more sensitive to mental or emotional health.”
“Like empaths?”
“Yes, but more than just sensing or experiencing the feelings or state of another, they can actually alter or regulate emotions. Those with the purest blood can even control other people’s thoughts or feelings to some extent.”
“That sounds scary.”
With his customary one-armed shrug, he did a little sideways nod. “Yes, I suppose it could be if used for nefarious purposes. Their nature tends to be more of the peace and love variety, though. They’re not usually violent beings.”
“Nicolaas?” called out a male voice behind us.
We both turned, and Nick’s face lit up. “Hyram!”
“I thought that was you! I wondered if you’d be here, or if you were still off exploring new horizons.”
The man seemed overjoyed to see Nick, and by the enthusiasm with which they hugged, it was obvious the excitement was mutual.
“I'm so sorry about your father,” Hyram said, his smile fading. “Such a terrible and unexpected loss.”
"It was…and thank you.” Nick turned to pull me closer. “Hyram, this is my wife, Aria. Aria, this is Hyram. He’s been with my parents since before I was born.”
The gentleman didn’t look too much older than Nick, but I now knew that didn’t mean much. He could be centuries old.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Hyram said. He took the hand I’d offered in greeting, but instead of shaking it, he pressed it gently to his lips with a gallant bow. “I hope you’re keeping Nicolaas on his toes.”
“I try my best,” I said, glancing up at a beaming Nick. “It’s nice to meet you, Hyram.”
They exchanged superficial updates and laughed over shared memories for a few minutes, and then Nick’s tone grew more serious. “Hey, what happened with Leonard? I couldn’t believe it when Mam told me Papa let him go.”
Hyram looked around and then jerked his head toward the stone archway. “What do you say we find a spot a little less crowded?”
I was disappointed to leave the little courtyard without the chance to check out the other statues, but I didn’t want to hold Nick back from finding the answers he sought.
Once we were back out on the lawn, Nick nudged Hyram and lifted his chin to indicate a copse of bushes in a less-crowded area of the lawn. When we’d reached the point of relative privacy, Hyram spoke in a voice so low I could barely hear him.
“I can’t say much here because of all the ears, but Leonard got a raw deal. Truth be told, ‘twasn’t your father that let him go. It was that pseudo-wife of his.”
“Valentina?” Nick’s forehead creased. “Why? And why would my father allow her to make that kind of decision?”
“Beats me,” Hyram said with a shrug. “Like I said, it’s not something I’m keen to discuss here. If you want, give me a call sometime, and I’ll tell you what I know.”
The two hugged again with more hearty slaps on the back, and then Hyram departed, leaving Nick looking pensive and concerned.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as I sipped my drink. “Do you think what happened with this Leonard guy is connected with your father’s death?”
“I don’t know. Leonard was a fixture at the company compound. He’d been head of security since my parents first opened their lab there. I can’t imagine why Papa would let him go, and I’m perplexed about Valentina’s involvement. She’s never worked for any of my parents’ companies. Why would she suddenly be making personnel decisions? Granted, I wasn’t around to know what was going on, but my gut is telling me something about this doesn’t add up.”
“Hyram said you can call him to find out what he knows. Or where’s Leonard? Couldn’t you just ask him what happened? Or hell, for that matter, talk to Valentina.”
“I’m not sure who to trust, honestly. Someone knows what happened to my father, and until we know differently, everyone is a suspect. I can’t shake the feeling that it’s all connected somehow. Leonard leaving. A new head of security coming in. Papa being found in the lab.”
Our private moment ended as a couple approached us to say hello to Nick, and after that, the rest of the evening was spent in conversation with various people Nick was reconnecting with. By the time the party began to wind down and we sought out Gwen to say goodbye, my feet were killing me, and I was stifling a yawn every few minutes.
“Are the two of you headed out?” Gwen asked when we reached her.
“Yeah,” Nick said. “Aria’s friend Angie is staying with Sage, and we told her we wouldn’t be too late, so we need to get going.”
“Of course. Thank you so much for coming.” Gwen reached to cup his cheek in her hand, her love for him shimmering in her eyes. “It would have meant the world to your father to know you were here.”
Nick nodded without responding, and Gwen released him to turn to me. “And Aria, I want you to know spending time with you has been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult and bittersweet evening. Thank you for accompanying my son.”
“I was honored to be here, and again, I’m very sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, dear. It’s so important for families to stick together in trying times like these.” She shifted her focus back to Nick. “This year marks our first Blood Ball without your father. I can’t even fathom it. I’d love for the two of you to accompany me.”
Nick’s face tightened. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
Gwen frowned, her disappointment clear, and then she looked to me. “Maybe you could convince him. Would you like to attend this year’s Blood Ball?”
“The Blood Ball?” It sounded grotesque. My mind immediately pictured a ballroom filled with writhing bodies being fed upon by thirsty vamps in tuxedoes and evening gowns.
“She wouldn’t like it,” Nick interjected, rubbing his hand over his face.
“I don’t even know what it is,” I said, though I was pretty certain he was right.
Gwen reacted as if I’d just uttered the most shocking revelation she’d ever heard. She laid her hand on her chest, her mouth agape and her eyes wide.
“You’ve never heard of the Blood Ball? Why, it’s the biggest social event of the year in the city! Invitations are highly coveted, and the guest list is carefully curated each year.”
“It’s a pretentious gathering of pretentious people for a pretentious purpose,” Nick said, his voice as disinterested as his frown.
“Not true at all!” Gwen scowled at him but was smiling when she looked back at me. “There might be a few there who thrive on pretension, but it’s for a great cause. I would love for you to come, Aria. I think it would be a wonderful avenue for you to learn more about VanCleave Blood Industries. Though he doesn’t seem keen to even consider it, your husband has a very important and difficult decision to make regarding his future--and yours. I know you’ll be by his side as he weighs his options, so I’d like for you to have as much information as possible to be able to guide him.”
Nick’s frown deepened. “Let’s not get into this here.”
Undaunted, Gwen continued. “I know you’ve never been a fan of the ball, but it would allow Aria to meet some of our key players and get a feel for the company and what we stand for, not to mention that I could really use the support, Nicky. I’ve never hosted without your father. Surely you can understand how difficult this will be for me.”
I could tell by Nick’s expression he was conflicted about her plea but also frustrated at being pressed. Not wanting the evening to go sour for either of them, I decided to jump into the fray, if for no other reason than to save my aching feet.
“Thank you for the invite.” I gave Gwen my sweetest smile and took Nick’s hand, ready to say whatever it took to get out of there. “Let us discuss it and check our calendars, and we’ll let you know. When is it?”
“You don’t—” Nick started, but he let the protest die when I clamped down on his hand.
“It’s a week from this Saturday.” Gwen ignored him and kept her focus on me. “I know that’s short notice to find an appropriate gown. I have a number of designers I work with regularly, and I’m certain any one of them would love to dress you. Just reach out if you’re interested, and I’ll put you in touch with someone.”
“Thank you,” I said, genuinely touched by the offer even if I had no intention of taking her up on it. “That’s very generous of you.”
Clearing his throat, Nick leaned forward, releasing my hand to hug his mother. “We need to get home to Sage. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Gwen and I shared a quick, slightly less awkward embrace than the one we’d had before as we said our goodbyes, and then Nick and I were finally headed toward where our van was waiting with the valet.
“So, what’s the deal with this Blood Ball? What is it, exactly?” I asked once we were on our way back down the mountain.
“It’s a very stuffy event. Like I said before, it’s pretentious. It’s a ball.”
“Okay, but what is its purpose? Your mom said it’s for a great cause.”
“It’s predominantly a fundraiser for the company’s research and development arm, but they also choose a couple of charities related to blood to partner with each year. That helps soften the fact that they’re raising dough to fund their own research so they can make more money. I mean, to be fair, VCBI does generate a great deal of research to help advance human medicine, so it is a good cause, but by and large, the largest donors are the vampires, and the research they’re funding is directly tied to the profits we make by selling our products to them.”
“Vampires. Right.” She palmed her forehead. “Of course, it’s a vampire ball. Never mind. What was I thinking?”
“It sounds like you were thinking you want to go.”
“Well, I wouldn’t necessarily say I want to go. I don’t not want to go. I mean, I’ve never been to a ball before—not even a prom or a high school dance—but your mom sounds like she needs you there, and like she said, it would be a good chance for me to learn more about the company. You know…in case you decide to take the position.”
He didn’t respond, so I continued freely expressing my thoughts.
“She brought up a good point about getting a gown, though. I have nothing fancy enough for a ball, and I don’t want to go buy a dress I probably wouldn’t ever wear again. Nor do I want to depend on one of your mom’s designer friends to give me a dress. Although, that could be cool. I’ve never worked with a designer before.” I let a movie-worthy dress-fitting scene play out in my head, and then I shoved the thought from my head with a sigh at my ridiculousness. “Who am I kidding? If we decide to go, I’ll just borrow another dress from Cricket.”
I’d been talking almost non-stop since we left the lights of the castle behind, but Nick was staring at the road ahead with such focus that I wondered if he’d heard anything I said.
“Hello? Earth to Nick? Are you even listening to me?” When he didn’t respond, I reached over and nudged his shoulder. “Nick!”
Blinking hard with a start, he glanced over at me and then back at the road. “What? I was listening. You said it would be cool to work with a designer, but you’ll probably just borrow from Cricket again. Right?”
“Basically. What’s up? What are you thinking about?”
He let out a heavy sigh and reached over to lay his hand on my thigh. “Everything. VCBI. The Blood Ball. Blood for All. Papa’s will. Papa’s murder. Shifting. My mother. Our marriage. The charges against you. The damage to our house. Greg King. Your issue with my age. What Hyram said about Leonard. The gut feeling that I shouldn’t trust Francesca. The worry about how you’re managing all this. I feel like there are fires blazing on every front, and I don’t know where to focus my attention first.”
His voice was raw with frustration. I wished I had answers to give him, or that I could in some way help, but the challenges we were facing were too daunting to be easily resolved.
The only thing I could do was offer my support and let him know he wasn’t alone.
I reached to rub my hand along the back of his neck, kneading into the rock-hard muscles of his shoulders as best as I could. It had been much easier to do when he was a softer human.
“You know what Angie always tells me, right? You have to try not to get too far ahead of yourself. Just focus on the next thing that needs to happen. I know the next thing that needs to happen for me is to get these damned shoes off.”
FORTY-NINE
NICK
Aria’s advice to focus on the next thing didn’t help when everything seemed like an urgent priority.
It had been surreal to have her by my side tonight conversing with those I had known in what I thought of as my previous life. I’d wanted her there, but I couldn’t stop thinking the whole time how truly vulnerable she was and how much I was asking her to be okay with.
I had to find a way to shift back. This couldn’t go any further down such an impossible path. Aria deserved a human mate, and if I couldn’t find a way to give her that, I had much more difficult decisions to make than whether to attend a ball and what to do about my father’s will.
Her reaction to the news of the will had surprised me. While I appreciated her willingness to consider me honoring Papa’s requests if it meant it would help others, I knew she had no concept of what it would truly entail.
I twisted my hands around the steering wheel as I looked over at Aria, searching her face in the reflection of the dashboard lights. “Going back to run VCBI and the Gilde would blow our life into smithereens. I couldn’t pick up Sage every day. I couldn’t coach her soccer team. I couldn’t guarantee where I’d be on your school nights or when it’s time for you to teach a class at the studio. Would you really want that?”
“Obviously, not,” she said with a frown, “but I think we could figure things out as we go. Maybe I cut back the demands of my schedule more. Or maybe you split responsibilities with your mom. Hell, I don’t know, Nick. I just think this is your family’s legacy. Your father obviously wanted you there for a reason. I don’t want you to look back and regret not giving it a chance. And I definitely don’t want you to turn it down because of Sage and me. You’ve given up enough for us already.”
