Damien watches us play a few rounds, then takes Shawn’s controller when he loses for the fourth time.
Unsurprisingly, Damien beats me with hardly any effort. Shawn grins at my defeat. “Good job, Damien.”
Damien grins as I hand Shawn the controller. I let them battle it out as I go to get myself a drink. Before I’ve even finished pouring, Damien is beside me. “You don’t have to stop playing.”
“I beat him; it is your turn.”
I almost spill some juice. “Already!?”
“Yes. I like that game.”
“And you’re good at it.”
“There is that,” he answers with a smug smile.
“Hey Lys!” yells Shawn from the living room. “Let’s have a pizza and game night!”
“Sounds good!” I call back. It’s only five, so we decide to wait a bit more to order the pizza. We have lots of fun, passing the controllers back and forth. Damien is on a thirty-win streak when Shawn chooses to play as Smoke. That throws Damien off, as apparently, he hasn’t seen the moves. He ends up just barely losing.
“YEAH! I DID IT!” Shawn jumps up and does a victory dance while Damien and I laugh at his joy. Damien hands me the controller with a kiss just as someone knocks on the door.
“PIZZA!” I jump up and run to the door. I’m famished. “Hi!”
The pizza guy looks up and smiles wide. “Hi. Two large pizzas, two orders of hot wings, and an order of breadsticks?”
“Yep.” Damien and Shawn take the food as I wait to hear the final amount. I’ve forgotten what they said over the phone.
“Looks like a party. Can you handle one more?” He winks at me.
“You perv! We’re playing video games.” Damien and Shawn come back around the corner at my yell. Damien’s expression is murderous. The pizza guy gulps.
“You know, I think this one’s on the house.”
“Wonderful,” growls Damien. “Then you need to leave.” He slams the door in the guy’s face, and I can just barely hear him running for his car.
“Do you think we should report him?” I ask.
“Nah,” replies Shawn, shaking his head. “He’ll get in enough trouble for not getting money. If he lies or complains about us, we’ll tell them the truth. They’re hardly going to piss off customers over a driver, especially for a case of sexual harassment.” We nod at the truth of his statement before eating dinner.
Shawn doesn’t want to keep playing after we finish eating, claiming he’s quitting while he’s ahead, so Damien and I go up to my room. We relax on my bed and talk for a while. He tenses when I stretch, and I wonder which of the possible reasons are causing it. Deciding to take care of them all, I pull him to me and kiss him. He rolls us so he’s on top of me and pins me down.
“Bite me,” I whisper in his ear. He groans, and presses himself to me even tighter, nuzzling my neck a moment before biting down. He drinks slowly, in small sips, prolonging my pleasure. It’s not the overwhelming crash it was before. Rather, I feel like I’m being built up, slowly, and to an even larger cliff. After some smaller sips, he finally takes a large drink, which sends me over the edge completely. Once I calm down, a scary thought occurs to me.
“Damien, how much do you need to drink? Can I sustain you?”
He groans and lifts himself off of me. “Forgive me, Elysabeth. I should have explained this to you earlier.” He sits back and adopts a sober expression. “The first drink I had completely eliminated my hunger, and it has not returned. I will likely have very little thirst until you are turned, after which it will disappear entirely. While I do not understand why, once a vampire has drunk from another of the opposite gender, the need for blood disappears. Rather than needing blood to survive, blood is only consumed at that point out of pleasure, and, in some cases, habit.” He leans close to me again, voice dropping. “However, your blood is exquisite.” His hand cups my cheek. “It is impossible to resist when you offer it.
“Still,” he continues, sitting back again. “You need not worry. Each drink I take is approximately equal to a tablespoon; each sip is about equivalent to a teaspoon. I have not taken too much from you today, and I swear I will never do so.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “Wow, so for vampires, a mate really does complete you.”
“Yes, Elysabeth.” He nods with a warm smile.
“That’s good to know. Will I need blood to survive?”
“Yes, and no. You will require my blood to aid and speed your transformation. Because of that, I will require additional blood from you, which means you will need to drink some of the bagged blood during that time. After you have changed, however, you will not require blood to survive.”
“When will you change me?”
He looks at me, troubled, though I can’t imagine why. “I am not sure. Perhaps after you graduate? When do you wish to be changed?”
“As soon as possible, but perhaps I should wait for guidance from Nyx.”
“Excellent idea, Elysabeth. Now, where were we?” He lays down on top of me again, covering my body with his. My hands drift to his zipper.
Do not go too far, Elysabeth.
I gasp and push at him.
He immediately springs off of me. “Did I hurt you, Elysabeth?”
I shake my head. I’m not sure what to say, as I’m confused by Nyx’s admonishment. “Maybe you should go.”
He looks hurt. “Did I do something wrong, Chérie?”
“No, but Nyx . . . she said not to go too far.”
Understanding dawns, quickly followed by confusion. “Oh, but if she has a problem with our activities, why did she not stop you this morning?”
“I don’t know.”
Remind your mate that you must abstain for the next week.
I sense laughter in her words. “Oh, she wants us to wait until after we’re Bonded.”
Damien bows, though why, I’m not sure. “Of course, forgive me. The customary period of cleansing, how could I have forgotten? It is believed that by abstaining from sexual intercourse for the week preceding their bonding, a pair will share a greater and more powerful unity at the Bonding ceremony.”
“But what about this morning?”
“That has never been considered sexual intercourse by vampires, because it cannot result in a child. I had best leave before I forget myself again. If you have another dream, try asking questions.” I nod and walk him to the door.
“I will see you tomorrow, Chérie.”
“Okay, good night, Damien.” He kisses me good-bye before I shut the door. Shawn is already ensconced in his room, so I go back up to mine. As luck would have it, I don’t have a dream that night.
CHAPTER 20
The next morning, I hop out of bed and take care to look good. I want to get a decent idea of how I will look in my Bonding gown, though I don’t see how it will possibly be ready for a fitting already. I take the time to curl my hair and carefully apply my favorite makeup before pulling on a cute black skirt and a baby-blue polo shirt. I slip on a nice pair of sandals then go down to make breakfast.
“Don’t you look nice, Lys,” says Shawn around bites of cereal.
“Thanks, I’m trying on my Bonding gown later.”
“Oh. When are you going?”
“Whenever Damien gets here. You coming?”
He shakes his head. “No, I can’t. I’m going golfing with dear old Dad.” He rolls his eyes.
I sigh. “Shoot. I was hoping you could come with me. Now how will I get a guy’s opinion?”
“Damien has three brothers. I’m sure they can give you opinions.”
I bob my head. “Oh, all right, but Shawn, you can come tomorrow, right? It’s not done until I have your approval.”
He smiles. “Of course, Lys, now, what are we doing until Damien gets here?”
A knock on the door makes it a moot point. “Shawn, could you get that? I should pull my hair back to save the curls.”
“Sure.”
I hurry upstairs to pul
l my hair into a loose knot and grab my purse. I wasn’t expecting Damien for another hour or so. I’m surprised to hear raised voices as I come back downstairs. Shawn and Damien have been doing so well lately.
“Even if she were willing to see you, you’re way too late, asshole!” Well, that doesn’t sound like something Shawn would say to Damien, especially now. I’m dreading who I’ll see at the door, though I’m pretty sure I already know.
Yep, there he is. Zane. Oh, joy. I thought he’d gotten the hint the last time he was here. I suppose he’s too arrogant, or stupid, to learn. But I’m not without means to defend myself, or make a point, now. My smile is predatory as I approach them.
“Lizzy, Baby, there you are. This dipshit,” he jerks his head toward Shawn, “is trying to tell me you don’t want to see me.”
I give Shawn a mock frown. “Oh, Shawn, that’s no way to treat a guest. Why don’t you come in, Zane?” Shawn’s grin tells me he knows I’m planning something. He shuts the door to avoid witnesses.
“You see, Nerd.” Zane shoots over his shoulder, chest puffed out. “I told you she’d cooled off and would be happy to see me.”
I wait to hear the lock turn, then step right up to him as though to give him a kiss, and notice his arrogant smirk. He really does think I’m interested. Idiot.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” I say softly. With a quick movement, I seize his neck and lift him as high as I can reach, shoving him against the wall with just enough force to get his attention.
I stand right between his legs, so he can’t kick me. “Now, Zaney, baby, I think we need to clear the air. So, why don’t you focus?” He’s desperately pulling at my hand. “I said FOCUS!” His scared glance meets my determined one. I adjust my grip, so his weight is partially supported by his jaw. I want to scare him, and maybe get a bit of revenge, not kill him.
“You’re obviously an idiot to have come back, so I’m going to tell you what’s going to happen, just to make sure there’s no confusion,” I speak slowly, as though to an infant. “You are going to leave, and never darken this doorstep again. Got it?” He stares down at me, defiantly, so I squeeze his neck a bit. “ANSWER ME!”
“Got . . . got it,” he manages to croak out. I let go and he drops to the floor, landing in a crumpled heap.
“You have five seconds to leave,” I hold up a hand. “Five . . . ” He scrambles up and runs to the door, fumbling with the lock before throwing it open.
“You’re a freak!” He shouts, eyes wild. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer!” Unfortunately for him, he’s facing me when he says it. When he turns to run out the door, he slams into Damien.
He falls to the ground and Damien grins down at him, exposing his descending fangs. “I do believe when we last met that I made it quite clear you are no longer welcome here.”
“What the fuck are you?” Zane scrambles backward and bumps into Shawn. He glances up, eyes searching Shawn’s face in terror.
“Damien, love, would you take out the trash?” I ask brightly.
“Of course, Chérie.” He easily lifts Zane, who now has a wet stain on the front of his pants, and deposits him outside.
“Run along, Zaney,” I call softly. “Wouldn’t want the scary vampire to eat you!”
Damien spears Zane with a look, and it seems as though he can’t look away. “You will leave here, never to return. You will forget Elysabeth, and Shawn, and myself. Anything you have that reminds you of us will be destroyed. Now go!”
Damien closes the door, not bothering to watch him drive away.
“What did you just do?” I ask.
He shrugs. “I made him forget us. He will never bother you again.” We all hear the squeal of tires moments later.
Shawn bursts into laughter. “Damien, good thinking, and Lys, that was brilliant! I wish I could do that!”
“Maybe Selene could turn you. As a vampire, you would be much stronger.”
Shawn sobers instantly. “Woah, Lys, it’s way too early to be thinking of forever. We’ve only just met.”
Though he doesn’t say it in front of Damien, I can almost hear him mentioning the connection they seem to share. “Something to think on, Shawnie.” I turn back to Damien. “Thanks for your help.”
“Anytime, Chérie.” Damien pulls me to him for a deep kiss.
“Oh, come on you two.” Shawn whines. “Give it a rest, won’t you?”
I break away from Damien to face Shawn. “Where’s the fun in that?” Shawn shakes his head dismally. “Damien, we’d better go. We’re offending Shawn’s delicate sensibilities.” I say loftily. “I’ll say hello to Selene for you, Shawn.”
“You better, since I can’t see her today.”
I follow Damien to his motorcycle, and wait as he pulls out our helmets. I climb on behind him after I pull mine on and let my hand slip lower than usual. I can just barely hear his growl.
Our ride to Damien’s house is quick, and the moment I’m off the bike, Alyssa and Selene are at my side pulling me into the house.
“We’ll take good care of her, Brother!” They call out. I laughingly follow them into Hilda’s room and am absolutely stunned by how much has been accomplished already. The dress is well over half done. And it looks amazing.
“Vampire speed,” says Selene, like she knows what I’m thinking. I know Hilda mentioned it yesterday, but it’s different to see the evidence right in front of my eyes.
“We’ll help you get into it,” says Alyssa. “Come along.” It’s a slow, painstaking process to get me into the dress while avoiding all of the pins, but we finally succeed. It’s gorgeous; perfect, really. It’s a gathered mermaid dress with a sweetheart neckline and built-in push up bra. But as Alyssa laces up the back, I worry my boobs might pop out.
I turn one way, then another, eyeing my cleavage self-consciously. “Hilda, am I supposed to be displaying so much?”
She gives me an understanding smile. “Ah, of course, I forget you are still so young. Comfort with your curves will come with time, but for now, I can make the neckline higher if you like.”
I nod thankfully. “Yes, please, Hilda. Alyssa, Selene, what do you think?”
Selene claps her hands in front of her, beaming. She looks like an overjoyed angel. “I think it looks wonderful!”
Alyssa is much more reserved, but I can see the joy in her eyes as well. “I agree with Selene. It is a dress befitting our future queen.”
I take a good look at my dress in the mirror. The beading under the bust isn’t finished yet, and neither is the embroidery around the base of the fitted portion of the dress, but I can already tell they will look amazing. The train is about three feet long, and completely plain. The front is parted, revealing some tulle with a sun motif embroidered at the bottom.
I feel happy knowing that both Nyx and Diasta will be represented on my dress. The yellow beading and embroidery help break up the red and white.
My eyes travel back up to my exposed neck. “I’ll definitely need to get jewelry.”
“No, we’ve got that taken care of,” said Selene. She helps me put on a gorgeous beaded necklace with a large, moonstone pendant. “It belonged to our great-great-great-grandmother. She wore it to her soul-bonding ceremony. And these,” she holds up garnet earrings in a matching setting, “belonged to our great-grandmother.” The jewelry completes the outfit perfectly.
“Not that I don’t trust the two of you, but I’d really like a guy’s opinion, and Shawn couldn’t come today. Do you think your brothers would mind helping me?”
“Not at all, I will get them.” Alyssa leaves to fetch them, and Hilda retreats to her sewing room, leaving me alone with Selene.
“So,” I say, mischievously. “What’s going on with you and Shawn? He asked me to say hello. He seemed disappointed that he wouldn’t see you today.”
She blushes, and I hope I haven’t overstepped my boundaries. “He’s wonderful, isn’t he?”
“If you want to be with him, he will make you happy. He s
aid he feels like the two of you share a connection.”
“Truly?” Her eyes are wide as saucers. “I thought I was imagining things. I noticed it, too. Like a spark. I must speak with him.”
“He’s coming with me tomorrow.”
She takes on a determined look. “I will speak with him then.”
I hear people approaching, so I don’t say anything more.
“Elysabeth, my sister mentioned you would like . . . ” Sebastian trails off as he steps into the room. He zooms forward to take my hand at vampire speed. “Are you quite set on my brother, beautiful Chosen?” I’m confused for a moment until I realize his sisters are grinning and decide to play along.
“Yes, my heart is lost to him. He has swept me off my feet.”
“Pity. He’s a lucky man. If you ever change your mind, however . . . ”
“I’m sure you’ll be the first thought that comes to mind.” I laugh and twirl slowly, letting everyone get a good look at the dress. “But to business, I want your opinions. How is the dress?”
“It is exquisite,” Sebastian answers.
“Perfect,” declares Eziano.
“It suits our princess and future queen.” Answers Demetrius from across the room. “Mother mentioned it was a gift from our Goddess Nyx.”
I nod. “It came to me in a dream.”
“Fascinating!” declares Alyssa.
“So, you are all agreed? N—the Goddess Nyx’s design is perfect?” They all chorus their agreement, and the dress is declared perfection itself. My future sisters shoo their brothers out of the room and bring Hilda back in.
“Let me pin the hem. It is a little long.”
“But what about shoes?”
“You will only wear the most basic of slippers to protect your feet. You do not want to wear heels when walking across the grass at night.”
I nod to concede the point. It only takes Hilda a minute to adjust the hem. Then she, Alyssa, and Selene help me out of the dress, so I can change back into my own clothing.
“We must also choose a hairstyle for you, Lys,” says Selene. “Perhaps we can do that tomorrow. I am certain my brother is waiting for you.”
On cue, Damien calls out from the hallway. “Elysabeth, are you finished?”
The Most Special Chosen (Exalted Bloodlines Book 1) Page 28
