Dark Awakenings (Danse Macabre Book 2)

by Christina Quinn

  “I’ll look like an idiot.”

  “You’ll be up there with housewives and fifty something secretaries who usually take an hour class twice a week.” She snatched her water bottle off of the floor. “You’ll be great.”

  “I haven’t even been asked yet,”

  “I can’t wait to see you on stage!” She called over her shoulder as she headed for the door.

  “I might not say yes!” I sighed as she waved at me, leaving me in the now mostly empty rehearsal space.

  Evan and Tristan were still talking, and then something very unexpected happened. Garrett came in dressed in track pants rolled up to his knees and an old t-shirt. I actually recognized the shirt. I bought it for him on a whim when we were still together. It was a grey V neck with an abstract pattern that spread from the bottom right corner.

  “Did she say yes?” His voice cut through their murmuring and Tristan sighed rolling his eyes.

  “We haven’t asked.” Tristan grumped looking down at his clipboard. “Autumn, can you come here?”

  “Y-yeah.” I stammered as I picked up my discarded red shrug and water bottle. My footsteps were anything but confident as I made my way to them. The three of them looked me over and I could feel them sizing me up. You’re not ready for this. Hearing Miss Manners for the first time since Aleksi’s death was actually comforting.

  “We’re…Evan and me…we want to start an amateur company here that actually performs.” Garrett stated with that big charming grin splayed across his kissable lips. “There are a few in London, New York… why not Florence? We have the space and there’s interest. We’re going to do a condensed version of… I think we agreed on Swan Lake for the first show. And we—all three of us—were wondering if you’d like to participate. You’d be assessed against everyone else there of course, you’re not guaranteed Odette or Odile. But we’re pretty confident.” The three of them smiled at me, and I felt like…a gazelle trapped in the lion pen. You should say no.

  “I… I think I’m going to pass. Thank you for thinking of me. I just… I would probably fall flat on my face. Or worse.”

  “Autumn, at least consider it.”

  “I don’t…I don’t think I’m going to change my mind… but I guess it couldn’t hurt.”

  “Good. Now…I have to go teach a traitor my Phoebus.” Tristan sighed out waving his clipboard at us as he headed out of the room.

  “Have any plans tonight, Angel Face?” Garrett asked tilting his head to the side. Those green eyes of his were dark like emeralds as they scanned over my leotard clad body.

  “I have a hot date with one Mister Willoughby, and a cold but deep Colonel Brandon.” I answered with a small smirk. Quick wit!

  “Sense and Sensibility?” Evan asked with a small playful grin. I nodded slowly and let out a soft sigh. Nerves crept up on me from nowhere. It was just Evan and Garrett, why was I suddenly so nervous? Oh you know why.

  “Y-yes.” My face burned with blush as my eyes fell to my Pointe shoes.

  “Wouldn’t you rather spend time with real people? You were never a hermit before.” Garrett took a step forward and that massive room suddenly felt oh so intimate and close. “I got accepted into Du Nuit. They’re going to throw a party for me tonight at Levity, you should come.” I wanted to count it up to nothing. I wanted to think that it was an innocent invitation but those innocuous words held too much heat. “Evan and I really want you there.” Then I noticed Evan’s fingers playing with Garrett’s pretty curls, and I felt like a masterful idiot.

  “Oh… y-you… you two are together!” I laughed nervously and covered my face.

  “Yes.” Garrett snickered before patting me on the head softly. “Oh, Autumn. You’re fucking adorable.”

  “I’m sorry I thought…” I trailed off and shook my head. “I’m sorry I don’t know what I thought.”

  “It’s okay, not a whole lot of people know. Colette’s…” Garrett glanced back at Evan who sighed softly.

  “Colette…” Evan pursed his lips and lowered his eyes, “She shut me out completely after she bound Nikolai to her…and Garrett was…” He smirked a little and passed his hand back through those pretty copper locks. “It’s still pretty new… two weeks?” He cocked a brow and glance to Garrett.

  “Since we fucked?” Garrett chuckled and Evan rolled his eyes as he blushed beet red. “Something like that.” He winked at him. Congratulate them on their happiness.

  “I’m happy for you two!” Now smile. I let a smile slip over my lips. Not too wide. I toned down my smile a little and nervously slipped my hands over my tank top smoothing the soft heather gray fabric.

  “So you’ll come then?” Evan asked, his soft voice brimmed with delight.

  “Yes, I’ll come.”

  “Yes! Awesome! Fucking awesome! You’ve made my day, Beautiful. You have no fucking clue.” Garrett broke from Evan and pulled me into a quick, close hug. “Eleven, at Levity. Just go to the bouncer I think our passphrase is…” Garrett trailed off in thought.

  “Zephyr.” Evan finished for him as he flicked the back of Garrett’s head with one of those pallid freckled fingers. They were so cute together, I could feel the dopiest smile slip across my lips. Tone it down you look like an idiot. The smile dropped and I took a step back from them.

  “Well, I’ll see you guys tonight then.”

  “You better be there! I know where you live!” Garrett called to me as I left the room. It was nice that he found someone right? You’re disappointed. Maybe a little.

  At eleven that night I found myself standing in front of my closet with clamshell curlers still in my hair. I had no clue what to wear. Did I want to bring attention to myself? Yes. But not too much attention. Was I ready to drink and flirt with strangers while celebrating my friend’s promotion? My go to little black dress seemed appealing. It covered enough to be classy while accentuating enough to be sexy. It’s black, you’re going to a celebration not a wake. Sighing I grabbed the slinky silver halter dress and slipped it off of the hanger. I bought the dress because I looked amazing in it in the store. However, it had sat in my closet for months unworn with the tags still on. Ripping the tags off I held it up to my body in the mirror and sighed. Was I sending the wrong the message? Was I ready to attempt to move on? Yes. He’s gone, he’s not coming back. Nikolai is a traitor. It’s time to date outside of the Dracul gene pool.

  With another sigh I pulled the dress over my head. Groaning I looked myself over in the mirror. I had lost weight. Most women would think it wonderful and marvelous. All I could think about was how it made my breasts look like I was smuggling water wings in my top. I adjusted the cups of my strapless bra and smoothed that scintillating smooth silver fabric over my hips and thighs, and then the real fun began. After another hour of making myself look presentable my door jumped with loud authoritative knocking.

  With a knock like that it could have only either been Leslie or the Police. I slipped on my pale gray Mary Janes and headed for the door. Those shoes with that dress? Really? Ignoring Miss Manners I opened the door to find Leslie and Tristan on the other side. Leslie was already clearly drunk.

  “Autumn!” She practically yelled when she saw me. “Oh my god you look so fucking hot. I wish I had your tits! Fuck! Tristan don’t her tits look great in that dress?!” Tristan laughed but didn’t answer.

  “Leslie got started early.” Was all he offered. “Are you ready?”

  “Pfft, don’t act like you didn’t look!” She scoffed rolling her eyes.

  “Yeah, let me grab my purse.”

  “So, Garrett in Du Nuit? I thought you weren’t exactly a fan of…” I trailed off as I grabbed my small silver clutch.

  “Rosita—the Riene of the local pack—and I came to an agreement. Werewolves can petition to join Du Nuit now. And Garrett—being… what he is aside—is a phenomenal dancer. Though he’ll lose his Danseur Noble title he’s gaining stability, and I suppose more world renown.” Tristan shrugged like it was nothing.


  “So…Garrett and Evan.” I said as I tucked my phone into my purse. Why even bring it up?

  “I know! Oh, be a fly on that wall!” Leslie exclaimed, loudly. Her voice almost echoed down the hall as I locked my door.

  “You can’t really be that surprised, Ducky.” Tristan quirked his brow at Leslie with a slight chuckle as we walked into the elevator. She blushed a little and pulled her tiny strapless micro dress up a little. She looked stunning. Her chocolate brown hair fell to her elbows in wild haphazard waves, and the plum colored lipstick she wore worked perfectly with deep garnet of her dress. While I looked at us in the mirror in the elevator I couldn’t help but to feel out of place. Would I ever not feel like the ugly friend? Nope.

  When we reached the club, I followed Tristan and Leslie into what clearly used to be a warehouse. They didn’t even say anything to the bouncer he just nodded to Tristan. It wasn’t until we had made our way up black metal stairs that I noticed, Levity was a Vampire club, and then I only noticed because it was thrown into my face. A couple near the Velvet ropes of the VIP section were making out, or rather the adorable little blonde was drinking his fill of a tall well-muscled Hispanic male. You’re staring. I blinked at the realization and looked around to find Leslie and Tristan already gone and the heavy velvet curtain falling back into place.

  The bouncer was huge. Not only was he tall, but he also looked like he lived in a gym. His black hair was cropped short into a buzz cut, and his dark eyes were distinctly Asian. His skin however was as colorless as Tristan’s.

  “Password?” He demanded crossing his arms.

  “Uhh.” For a moment I couldn’t remember it as I stared at the guy.

  “I can’t let you back there without a password.”

  “Ummm…” I swallowed and quickly pulled my cell phone out of my purse and texted Evan.

  [Help! I forgot the password!] I sent the message and looked around. The couple had moved to a nearby couch. Nothing. No response. With a defeated sigh I walked back down the steps and went to the bar. Six black cherry mojitos later Colette walked down the steps. She made me feel like I had overdressed. Her tiny taut little ballet perfected body was barely covered by a pale powder pink lace dress. Under the dress her black panties clearly showed through, as did the two black X’s that covered her nipples. Her huge blue eyes ringed with thick black shadow lit up when they fell on me. She practically ran over, pushing through the crowd.

  “Autumn!” She squealed wrapping her arms around me. Something was in her hand, I stared for what seemed a whole minute before I realized it was a black patent leather lead. “You look so pretty! Why aren’t you upstairs?” Her lilting little voice snapped my attention back to her.

  “I forgot the password.” I practically had to yell over the music.

  “Zephyr.”

  “What?”

  “The password is Zephyr.”

  “Pepper?” I could barely hear her. She giggled and took out her phone. Mine buzzed with a message.

  [Zephyr] Colette sent me. I laughed and rolled my eyes.

  “Yeah, it’s fucking loud!” She said. “We’re heading home. He’s a bit tired. It was great seeing you outside of class for a change!” She pulled me into another hug and kissed my cheek. “I can’t believe he came back to us!” I nodded, but in reality I couldn’t hear what she said. “Go have fun, I’ll call you tomorrow!” She waved me off and I stepped from the bar and bumped into someone’s black fishnet covered chest.

  “Sorry!” I blurted out holding my hands up as I glanced up at them. Aleksi? My brows furrowed as I stared up into those eyes that were so familiar. It looked just like him, they were too pale to have been Nikolai, and the eyes were too dark. You’re really drunk. And his hair’s the right color but too short. I shook my head and laughed a little. “Sorry!” I said again as I stepped around them. I was clearly seeing shit.

  Clutching my phone in victory I returned to the VIP red velvet rope and the massive vampire guarding it. He smirked when he saw me practically run from the stairs to the barrier.

  “Zephyr!” I shouted, splaying my hands wide and wriggling my fingers in jazz hands.

  “Alright, have fun.” He chuckled unhooking the rope for me.

  “Thank you.” I beamed as I pushed back the curtain.

  On the other side of the curtain was a tiny little alcove and then a black metal door. Once I opened the door I was shocked to find the room on the other side only half as loud as the club below. There was a bar in the corner and the room was full of couches. In the middle of everything there was a small dance floor which was actually packed with people. Two of the four walls were black glass windows that looked out on the mass of people below. Leslie… was giving Tristan a lap dance on one of the couches while holding a drink in one of her hands. A handful of people waved to me and I waved back, but in truth I couldn’t remember who they were.

  “You there! You of the breathtaking ass! I demand you come sit in my lap!” I rolled my eyes as I heard that loud boisterous voice cut through the music. I turned around to find Garrett and Evan sitting not ten feet from me. Garrett had a dark colored fedora on and a black polo with skinny jeans. I couldn’t help but to notice that the fedora matched Evan’s gray t-shirt and tight black blazer better than Garrett’s outfit. They were both snickering. “Oh! It’s yooooou!” He gasped in mock surprise. He stood and walked over to me trailing Evan behind him.

  “Hello Garrett. Congratulations!” I giggled out.

  “Congrats? Tsch! Do you hear the clarity of those pristine dulcet tones, Evan?” He turned to Evan and smirked. “Someone clearly hasn’t had enough to drink! I think I’m going to remedy that!” And just like that, Garrett was on his way to the bar leaving us snickering in his wake.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” Evan leaned down and practically whispered in my ear. I could smell the blood on his breath.

  “Kind of.” I shrugged a little.

  “Kind of?” He chuckled. “Well I’m glad you’re here. We almost thought you weren’t going to come.”

  “Why is it that I have to be drunk but you get to be sober?” I asked as I peered up at him.

  “Do you want me drunk, Ms. Darling?” He smirked down at me, and for the first time I realized that he had the most adorable smile. One side of his mouth pulled a little higher than the other—it made him look like he had a little secret. You’re staring too long. I blushed and looked away as Garrett walked up with two transparent red tumbles.

  “Here, drink this!” Garrett held out one of the tumblers to me. I took it and he and Evan exchanged a somewhat suspicious look.

  “Why isn’t he drunk, Garrett? You need to feed your man! You’re a bad boyfriend!” I stuck my tongue out at him before I up ended the tumbler in one go.

  “No, I’m considerate! You’ll see! Now this one.” He held out the other and I drank it as fast as the other. Whatever it was burned going down, but left the taste of pineapple in my mouth. They both laughed at the face I made. Pursing my lips I realized they were numb.

  “Oh my god… my lips are numb. What was that!?”

  “150 proof rum and pineapple juice.” Garrett stated like it was nothing. “And now you are drunk enough.”

  “For what?”

  “To enjoy yourself!” He snickered at me, those bright green eyes of his sparkled in the red tinted light.

  “I can enjoy myself sober!”

  “You can’t fool me, Angel Face.” Garrett giggled as Evan plucked the fedora from his head and dropped it on mine. “Hey!”

  “Hey yourself.” Evan scoffed.

  “Shut your sexy fucking ginger mouth.” Garrett slurred out with a chuckle as he leaned past me and grabbed Evan by the neck, pulling him in for a very sloppy kiss. I staggered backwards a little as Garrett practically crashed into Evan.

  “Autumn!” Leslie shrieked as she collided with me, trapping me against her with her long elegant arms. “Tristan! Come say hi to Autumn!” Tristan’s eyes were miles away. H
e was just as drunk if not drunker than Leslie. “Autumn, you should come home with us! Tristan! Shouldn’t she?”

  “Uhh…that’s up to her, Ducky.” Tristan cooed to Leslie.

  “C’mon! He’s really… really good. I mean… he’s just so fucking good.” She cackled darkly with a heavy slur. “We don’t have to touch or anything… you’re just so pretty. I wanna see you two fuck!”

  “No.” Garret peeped in a high pitched playful voice as he popped up behind me and poked Leslie’s nose. “She’s dancing with us. C’mon, Angel Face.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me away from Leslie’s clutches. I just let him drag me around as my eyes fixed on the bleeding bite at his throat. I stopped just shy of the dance floor. Evan walked up beside me and plucked the hat from my head. He stared at me and licked his lips like I was a tasty treat. I was seeing things right? You are really drunk.

  “I’m not drunk enough to dance!” I stuck my tongue out at Garrett.

  “C’mon! I just saved you from the most awkward threesome in the history of threesomes!” He pouted with a little deflating sigh. Something about what Garrett said made Evan start laughing.

  “Fine, I’ll dance. But…one more drink first!”

  “To the bar!” Garrett declared before dragging me to the bar. Once there he lifted me up, and I squealed as he sat me on the bar top. “Two, 151 and pineapple juice.”

  While the bartender mixed the drinks I grabbed the fedora from Evan as he nodded his head along with the music. He looked at me and smirked again as I dropped the hat back on my head. There was a moment of hesitation as some look I couldn’t quite read in that dim red light passed over his face. Whatever it was preceded him gliding over to stand right in front of me. He moved with a sort of breathtaking grace that was enviable in my state of inebriation. My mind went to a very non-platonic place as I parted my knees and slid them to either side of his hips. Those gray eyes met mine and I felt myself pulled in. I stopped him by covering his eyes with my hands.