Two Halves of a A Vampires Soul (The Silver Series)

by Samantha Bates

  "Oh my god thank you, this is great wow a complete surprise."

  A driver was waiting to present her with a flute of champagne. That was until Ben noticed her clothes.

  "I don’t mean to cause a drama, but there is no way in hell we are leaving here until you go and add the trousers that came with the top." Her mom laughed and Sylvia tsked him. But Leyland and Nicky totally agreed with Ben. Rather than standing there in the cold debating the issue, Beth ran upstairs and added a pair of cropped trousers.

  The journey to the club was full of laughter and questions, all directed at Alan. The limo was lovely, with its black sofas, and fairy lights in the roof flickering on and off, like stars travelling through the sky.

  Beth had to admit that Alan handled himself well, answering all of the questions thrown at him. However some of his answers were too rehearsed, and both Ben and her mom would have noticed although thankfully were too polite to comment. When they arrived she asked for a moment and said she would meet everyone inside. Alan offered to remain with her but she sent him in. The minute she was alone she slipped the cropped trousers off and handed them to the driver.

  "If anyone comes looking for these and I mean anyone act dumb and feign ignorance, please, please. I will collect them tomorrow from your office." With a conspiratorial wink he nodded.

  She wasn’t going to lose a perfectly acceptable pair of trousers. Straightening up she headed into the club. Smiling to people as she greeted them, she couldn’t fail to notice her mom pulling Ben by the arm, before he noticed her lack of clothing. God the man was quick to notice everything making Beth avoid him. Moving to circulate the crowd while avoiding Ben, Beth soon found herself swallowed up in the people.

  Chapter 5

  As Vlad opened his eyes to welcome the night, it took him less than a second to recall the night's plans, Beth's graduation. As he dressed for the evening in his black Armani suit he skipped the tie, choosing instead to wear an open collar shirt. Pulling his mid length blonde hair back he tied it with a leather tie. Adding the solid gold cufflinks he was ready to leave, so why was he dithering? Making his way down the wide marble stair case he was met by Albert waiting at the bottom.

  "Good evening Master, the gift for the young lady has been placed in the morning room. It arrived whilst you were resting. As soon as you have inspected it I will ensure it is wrapped."

  "No need Albert, I can do it." He saw Albert's question even though he hadn’t asked any, and Vlad chose to ignore them. Albert may do most of these things for him but he had a few minutes to spare, and would do this himself. Vlad also knew that Albert was dying to know what the box contained, the man was extremely inquisitive.

  Opening the case he was pleased to see it had been made exactly to his specifications. His company Tsychovsky Industries, mined and manufactured hand crafted jewellery and precious stones. This piece had come to his notice a few weeks ago, the cut was magnificent even then and the clarity was almost flawless.

  The stone was the size of a penny, an exceptionally rare yellow sapphire was hard to find. So rather than have it shaped he had arranged to have the rough edges blunted. From there he had designed a platinum bracelet, that comprised of two ropes of platinum twisted together to meet at the clasp, the diamond fit snugly into the middle of the bands. Vlad had noted on previous occasions, Beth's preference for unusual jewellery. Knowing the gift was somewhat elaborate he deliberately left no card, giving Beth no hint of the sender. The less she knew how much trouble he had gone to, the better.

  As his team of Elite filed in Shaun and Julian were arguing over the latest baseball scores, Ice as always looked pensive and grouchy. They spent the next hour going through the plans for tonight; Ice and Shaun were coming with him to the party. Not only were they friends with the wolves they also took the security of their leader terribly seriously.

  Even with them in his study there was ample room for him to wander between his team. The large table had enough room to house each of them, although they often failed to use the table, preferring to lounge on the sofa or his chair. A stern frown at Shaun prompted him to take his feet from Vlads desk.

  At the end of the meeting he waited at the house while Shaun pulled the car around. Vlad had five cars at his disposal, and Ice had insisted each be kitted out with the latest security and bullet proof exterior. The result had been modifications that out valued the cars, but on the plus side he had an extremely happy head of security. It didn’t take them long to descend through the queue of people heading into Silver's, Ice just moved him straight to the front. Tonight it was closed to the public but it was still full.

  Chapter 6

  The club looked sensational, decorated with banners, streamers and tea lights that illuminated each table, she was extremely impressed. Her mom had managed to make it look classy and chic; the low lighting illuminated the shadows of the crowd. Waiters and waitresses circulated with snacks and drinks. The DJ booth was decorated with silver lights, and all staff had dressed in black attire. Ben had dancers on the podiums, normally reserved for outgoing guests. Off to one side was a fountain of what she imagined was champagne, and dry ice drifted onto the dance floor.

  Ben had refused to let her in on the plans for the party determined to make it a surprise and she had to admit she was impressed. The fountains at the end of each bar poured water laced with edible glitter left her mesmerised. People were gathered around the table housing the cake which was made in the shape of a large graduation cap, adorned with all of the right colours and her name etched along the rim. Already the crowd was large many of her friends choosing tonight as a celebration for all of them.

  But amid the drinking and the dancing Beth felt a little sad. She had lost direction in her life, as someone who planned and organised everything she didn’t like the loss of control. The incident with Alan had knocked her for six, she wasn’t sure what she wanted and how she was going to get it. Her plans were now redundant; she wanted a job yet didn’t know what she wanted to do. Her sisters all had goals; Beth still didn’t know what she wanted.

  And then she felt the tingle travel up her spine, taking a breath she turned, knowing what or rather who she was going to find. Wanting to ignore the tingle she turned anyway, with her heart in her mouth she watched Vlad entered. Taking in his tall, lithe, yet muscular frame, the strong facial structure that housed the most stunning stony grey eyes, eyes that when she looked into them it was like seeing the moon up close, he had mesmerised her again. This happened every time she saw him, the breathlessness, the staring, and the pounding in her heart that vibrated through her entire body.

  Chapter 7

  The club was in full swing when they arrived; Ice and Shaun had stopped to talk to friends, they were not concerned about risks in here, but outside was a different matter entirely. Ben had enough security working the room and his Elite often forgot that he could kill someone, just by looking at them.

  As soon as he entered the room her saw her, he also knew that she had seen him; to stop himself making his way to her he spotted Darius and went to speak with him. If he kept himself busy with other people, just maybe he could avoid her.

  That thought lasted all of an hour; he watched as she slowly made her way towards him and Darius. When Beth finally reached them Darius led the conversation, which was a good thing; Vlad was too busy finding ways to stop himself from staring at her.

  "Hey princess congratulations, you must be so proud." All Vlad could think about as he listened to Darius were Beth's legs. She looked stunning wearing a slinky, silver and black diamanté dress, with those long tanned, slender legs, that hinted at something delicious underneath. With just a hint of cleavage Beth certainly knew how to dress to impress. He found his body reacting, discreetly moving his jacket in front of him Vlad hid his reaction before anyone else noticed.

  "So Beth how was the graduation?" Although Vlad was with them, he said nothing just watched the interaction between her and Darius. He did however annoyingly note the
glances from males walking past Beth. He tried to convince himself that it was due to Beth being a lovely person, but it wasn’t their eyes were wandering, leering. It was all he could do to say nothing; but it didn't stop Vlad from scowling at each of them. The wise ones made a quick escape, the drunken ones didn’t notice.

  "I am just pleased it is over, I am ready to join the real world. In fact, I have decided that I am not going to move back home, I am looking for an apartment in the City." Vlad was surprised at her words he fully expected her to return to Silver Pack and work for Ben.

  "And how did your mom take that lovely piece of news?"

  Beth laughed again; Vlad was now intently following the conversation. "I told her today, she took it better than I expected although I have to move apartments, to satisfy Ben. Considering he is not my dad he is very protective. He seems to forget that I am an adult, hell I have been living with my boyfriend for the last three months. What does he think we do, sit and play scrabble at night?"

  Choking on his drink Darius started coughing. Darius already knew about the boyfriend although he wasn’t expecting Beth to be so blunt. Vlad however, just watched on in discreet interest.

  "Have you actually said that to Ben?" She shrugged expecting Darius to respond, her eyes showing her surprise when Vlad did.

  "A man always wants to protect what he holds close." Vlad continued looking sternly at Beth; it didn’t seem to daunt her. Now focussing on his wife Mary, Darius failed to hear Beth's reply.

  "Only if they are smart enough to catch it before they lose out." But Vlad heard it and was saved from responding when Beth smiled sweetly and continued her conversation with Darius.

  "Mary looks lovely tonight."

  "She looks lovely every night. So will this boyfriend be joining us tonight?" Initially he felt a surge of anger well up inside of him at the thought of this boyfriend, but he also recognised that this could be amusing; the wolf pack was protective of all females. He watched for Beth's response wondering who this male was, and why Ben hadn’t yet snapped his neck. Maybe Ben needed some help; he would be willing to do the deed for him.

  "Yes he is, but behave Ben has promised no-one will say or do anything stupid."

  He caught a flash of anger on her face as she looked towards a couple at the bar. The man seemed to be chatting intently with the woman. He watched with curiosity when Beth immediately hid her annoyance. Ever the hostess she swallowed her anger, replacing it with a big smile. He couldn’t miss the body language and the feelings of anger coursing through her, he could almost hear the emotion vibrating through her body. Her anger gave him a taste of satisfaction although he knew not why.

  "Would I?" Darius' wide eyes and broad smile looked charming. Vlad had no doubt that he would make a bee line for the boyfriend at some point in the night, along with at least half of the guests. Especially if they thought this man was not good enough for Beth, which clearly he was not. Vlad did not like the man and could already see this man was not suitable for Beth. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t notice Darius leave, not until Beth addressed him.

  "So what do you think?"

  What had she said? "Um well of course….I…"

  He didn’t get to finish the sentence but whatever it was, pleased Beth. With an excited squeal the conversation ended as the lights lifted, and Beth was called to the stage. Ordering himself a drink at the bar he stood back to watch the speeches, as well as Beth of course. Although had anyone asked what he was watching, Vlad would never have admitted that it was Beth.

  When Lucky and Ben presented her with a trip to Europe Beth was overjoyed and surprised. If Vlad had to make a guess he would expect her to visit Paris and Milan before anywhere else. From his knowledge of her, she would find the clothing experience second to none. Not that he knew a lot about Beth, he had only seen Beth a handful of times so really he was no expert.

  As Beth thanked her family and friends Vlad watched in a sort of fascination. He was so concentrated on watching her; he almost missed the end of her speech.

  "Lastly I would like to add that I have been offered an extremely prestigious job this evening. As soon as I return from Europe I will be taking up employment as the PA to the CEO of Tyschovsky Industries."

  Vlad listened somewhat distanced from the speech, as he tried to work out when he had offered that only to see Darius head towards him laughing.

  Vlad's expression stayed exactly the same. Well he thought it had until Darius spoke. "I take it that was a surprise to you also?"

  "A slight surprise, I think she asked for a job I just didn’t realise I had offered her such a prestigious job." He didn’t honestly remember offering any job, but he wouldn’t cause problems for Beth by telling Darius.

  "I am not sure Ben or Lucky would be happy if they knew what she had done." No he didn’t think Ben or Lucky would be happy at all. In his head Vlad could see Beth's disappointed face, with a sigh, he made a decision. One he was sure to regret.

  "Then we will just have to keep this to ourselves, if it doesn’t work I will find her some other role. Although I am not sure how my current PA’s will feel about it or maybe I will just find Beth a more prestigious job from the start."

  Vlad knew his current PA's would be overjoyed, considering his Elite took turns to be his PA. He could have hired a PA but he didn’t like strangers in his house, hell he didn’t even like people knowing his address. On several occasions he had thought about kicking his Elite out of the house as well, but if he did that his contact with others would be extremely limited.

  Laughing Darius handed him a bottle of blood. "Good luck with that." Darius had a point; this was not going to be easy. His only relief came at the realisation that he had some time to prepare; she was going to Europe before she came to his office.

  Vlad spent the rest of the evening chatting with acquaintances and the occasional friend, while sneaking glances at Beth. Vlad saw her with the boyfriend and there was unmistakably tension between them. Vlad watched the couple as the man pointed to her hand; she shook her head and pointed at her outfit. A slap on the shoulder brought him out of his thoughts.

  "I have to say Vlad you are a dark horse, snapping Beth up like that. She will be an excellent PA." Turning to greet Ben, he smiled at the only man outside of his tight circle that he considered a real friend.

  "Naturally Ben, I am always looking for new talent to add to my empire." Smiling at Ben, he felt guilty for deceiving his friend. If Ben had any idea how he saw Beth, he would stake him through the heart in a blink of the eye.

  "Vlad you are a good man. You have actually done me a favour, at least this way I am confident no randy bastard will put his dirty hands on my girl."

  Oh god Vlad could only hope that wouldn’t happen. Could he take it back, maybe he should tell Ben the truth about the job? The thought was there but Vlad did none of these things. In the early morning light he would question why he did nothing. In the weeks to come he would repeatedly question why he did nothing. Hindsight is a marvellous thing.

  "I think you may be too late, is that not her man?" Vlad was peering in the direction of the boyfriend.

  "That asshole no, Beth kicked him out a few weeks ago. But for some reason she doesn’t want anyone knowing. It's a good thing though; the man is a complete waste of space." That was intriguing, why had she kicked him out? Why was he here tonight?

  Ben was staring at the man his eyes like daggers. Feeling eyes on him the man turned around and quickly turned back again. So the man wasn’t utterly stupid he knew when to avoid someone.

  "If she doesn’t want any of you knowing, can I ask how you know?" Vlad wasn’t the least bit surprised that Ben knew. But he was curious as to how.

  "When you throw someone's belongings out of the window, people talk. Lucky and I have been waiting for her to talk to us, but as Lucky keeps reminding me, she will when she's ready. Anyway I see my wife looking for me; well it had better be me that she is looking for. Thanks Vlad it's a weight off
of my mind." Indeed it was thought Vlad, and a weight added to mine.

  He waited, he knew she would come to him; he didn’t have to wait long. He watched her move towards him chatting on her way. Her manner was flawless, her smile concrete, she made everyone feel important to her. It was a skill few possessed and then she was stood in front of him. He had to be at least six inches taller than her, but it felt like she towered over him with her raw magnetism.

  "Would you care to explain when this exciting job offer occurred?" He could see the hesitation in her face; he had to bend closer to her. Of course that was only so that she could hear him. Getting that close was a mistake he could smell the sweet scent of her perfume, and he could hear the pulse of her blood coursing through her veins, everything about this woman called to him. He was in no doubt that she was a woman, a strong, sexy, vibrant woman. Vlad had enough self-preservation to know that he was in trouble.

  "I, well, I am sorry. I think we will make a great team and knew if I asked you, you would say no." She had a point he would have.

  "You were right. What would have been the consequences had I denied it?" He didn’t like her discomfort but if she was going to work for him, she would also need to know the boundaries.

  "You wouldn’t have, it's not your style." Now her confidence returned.

  "And what is my style?" She stepped closer to him; even over the din of the music he could hear the sweet, melodic tone of her voice.

  "I think, you will try and work me so hard that I will quit, or you will get into a panic and move me into a different position." Very astute, not only beautiful but smart.

  "And how do you plan to counter this?" Now she gave him a smile that made her eyes twinkle, and her face light up. When she spoke he could not mistake the husky tone that followed.

  "I am going to make you need me, when I am finished you will not know what to do without me." He wasn’t sure he knew what to do now. He could hear her heart beat increase; being this close to her neck was torture. An ordinary conversation had turned into a battle of wills he would not move away first.