He was shaking his head playfully. "Now that makes more sense, the shopping here is marvellous. Some would say orgasmic."
"Well, we will say goodnight until tomorrow." When they reached the hotel both females let out a sigh of relief.
"Do you think this will work?" Beth desperately wanted it to, she didn’t know what she would do if it didn’t. The thought of living with Talia for even another day was too much for her.
Imogen flung herself down on the bed while dialling her mate, Theo. "Beth sweetie I don’t know."
Beth discreetly left the room and made her way to the bar, giving Imogen some space to make her calls. Deciding she needed a large drink and some time to organise her thoughts before she called Vlad, she waited to be served.
The barmaid was aptly suited to the hotel, a large bust, pretty smile, curly red hair and an easy way with people; attributes such as those always endeared drunken customers. Pulling out her purse to pay, Beth broke out in a light sweat when a voice behind her beat her to it.
"I will pay for this." With a slight cringe she plastered on a smile, even though her hands had started sweating, and her heart pumping.
"Edwardo, I am very surprised to see you here."
"Then you underestimate me." Oh crap suddenly her throat dried up. She had a bad feeling about this.
"Let us find somewhere quieter to talk." She pointed to a booth that was away from the doors leading out of the hotel, taking a large gulp of her wine as she stood, hey it might be the last one and she needed the fortification as she moved from her bar stool.
Beth was suddenly concerned that she may be surrounded, literally. "Where are you men placed, Edwardo?" She couldn’t see them but that didn’t mean they were not there.
"What makes you think they are anywhere? Do I look as if I need backup?"
Her mind was screaming at her think carefully before you spoke. "I don’t for a minute think you need back up; I have lived with the wolves for over ten years so I understand the need to be smart. I also live with Vlad and have seen how challenging leading vampires can be. Now if that isn’t enough I have been informed that you are both smart and a strong leader, so I don’t doubt that your men are here."
He leaned back into the leather booth rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "You intrigue me; why don’t you tell me where my men are."
How the hell am I supposed to know that? Think Beth, if I was Ellie what would I do? Ellie was an amazing strategist; she wouldn’t even have to look around.
"I have to say this isn’t really my strong point, can I call my sister? No let me think." She was laughing gently trying to buy time, while she looked around her and took gulps of her wine.
"Here goes, vampires have good eyesight, so I would have someone in that building across the street. I would also have someone positioned near the entrances and exits, as well as someone watching the car park."
Another gulp of wine and the glass was empty, shit. Oh no it's all good; Beth was please when another glass appeared in front of her, as well as the bottle. She poured and took two more gulps.
"Where are the entrances and exits?"
Was it a trick question, Beth had no idea and didn’t even know where to make a guess? "Other than the main one, I have no idea." Another gulp of wine, Edwardo refilled her glass. At this rate she would be too drunk to feel Edwardo killing her.
"Tell me the designer of this suit." She nearly spit the wine in her mouth at him; she was certainly not prepared for his question.
"Is that a trick question?" Managing to swallow what was in her mouth she waited for his response.
"Humour me." He actually wanted an answer.
"Can you stand up and do a full turn." He did and she took in all of the details. Fashion was the one thing she knew; hell shopping was her real passion.
"The suit is Gucci, the shirt is Prada, the belt I think is Dolce and Gabbana, and the shoes are Prada, although from a collection last year." As he smiled, she felt the weight inside her lift. Maybe she would live another day. "So now we have passed the formalities, please explain why you bonded with such a stiff idiot?"
She was instantly affronted. "Excuse me; he is not a stiff idiot. He is a kind, funny, sweet and interesting man." She had to remind herself who this man was.
"I think Beth that you gave me the easy answer."
"Well I am not sure that I am willing to give you a better one. I find your comments insulting." Damn she must have drunk too much wine.
"I apologise if I have offended you, but this is what I have seen of the man."
"Well you are wrong, he is lovely, I have never met anyone like him, and I don’t think I ever will. Even when he infuriates me, just looking at him makes my tummy flip. When he touches me, I melt, and even when he is acting all cavemen, I just want to kiss him."
It was only when Edwardo waved his hand in front of her face, that she realised she had zoned out, thinking of Vlad.
"Uh, I'm sorry. So Edwardo tell me why you have spent so long with a manipulative bitch like Talia?" This time his hand stroked his watch as he spoke.
"That is an interesting question, and one I have asked myself for many years. I suppose Talia satisfies my darker nature, the bad vampire in me. I spent many years unfulfilled and then I met Talia. She introduced me to the darker side of my nature, where she has creatively managed to fulfil all of my needs."
"You don’t like killing people too, do you?" Dumb question, what would I say if he answered, yes I do? Oh really, that’s good to know, how would you like to kill me?
"It is not that I enjoy the killing, but I don’t have a problem with it. It is a necessity sometimes, although I was actually referring to the darker side of my sexual nature."
Oh, Beth so did not want to go there, time for a change in direction. "So, why is she now in New York?"
"Why indeed, Talia enjoys having company in our relationship and so do I. However, about a year ago she introduced me to a young woman called Monique. She was a lovely, vibrant young woman, just discovering her vampire self. Anyway we both agreed to keep Monique around for a while, she was fun and adventurous, and we both enjoyed her. About five months ago Monique became unwell, as I am sure you understand, as vampires we do not get sick. I employed doctors from all over France, and neighbouring countries with no joy. The closest we got to identifying the cause of her sickness was a Doctor Talia found, he came to the conclusion that Monique must have been sickening before her transition. It is unheard of but I can find no other cause."
Beth's mouth had gone dry, her stomach turned. Surely it was too much of a coincidence. "What happened to Monique?"
"She passed on ten weeks ago; Talia was distraught and left the following day."
This time she drained her glass, and poured herself another glass of wine.
"How did Talia react to Moniques passing?"
Edwardo ran a hand through his think black hair. "That was the thing before Monique became sick; Talia had decided Monique should leave. It was me who refused; I had become quite attached to Monique. I thought maybe Talia was jealous and that was why she wanted her gone. But when she passed Talia shut down from everyone. She wouldn’t see me, or speak to me and then she went." Beth sat back to think.
"When Monique became sick, what were her symptoms?"
He raised his eyebrow at Beth's question. "Sorry, my sister is a doctor and pretty good with these things."
Beth noticed with trepidation that night was growing later, and people were slowly leaving the bar.
"Initially she just felt tired and complained of headaches, but then she began to feel nauseous and dizzy then she just settled into a deep, deep sleep. After about a week her body stilled, and she finally passed away. It was awful, so if your sister has any insight I would like to hear it."
Now it was Edwardo who zoned out. "I live in fear that I too will become sick."
Beth nodded, thankful that Imogen interrupted her at that moment. "Edwardo, I am surprised to see you here with Beth."
"I am sure that you would have joined us had you known."
"Oh I would have." You couldn’t miss the intention in Imogen's tone.
"Beth, Vlad has rung you about twenty times maybe you should call him back."
Edwardo smiled smugly. "How will your man feel knowing you are sat at a table with me?"
"I have no intention in telling him that, he would literally kill me."
He started laughing. "Why would he do that?"
"Vlad would think that as you dislike him, you may harm me to hurt him."
"He has an interesting point, one I had considered. Surprisingly I find that I like your company. I should like to see the influence you have on Vlad."
Beth stood up to leave, Edwardo stood to say goodbye. Unexpectedly Beth hugged him, he returned the hug. She knew that Edwardo watched them leave; she hoped that he then left. Beth felt conflicted, inside there was an on-going internal debate over whether to tell Edwardo about Talia poisoning Vlad. She didn't think Vlad would appreciate it, although she knew that it was also wrong of her to keep it from him. Discussing it with Imogen didn’t help either; she also believed that Vlad would not want him to know. You don’t give the enemy something against you.
Chapter 4 1
Vlad was pacing his study; he had called her over and over again, with no response. What if she had been hurt? The house seemed empty without her, when his cell bleeped he grabbed it from his desk. Disappointment hit him when he saw the message from Beth telling him that she wasn’t ready to talk.
Sat at his desk staring into space, he could smell Talia's perfume before he saw her. She was still wearing the clothes Beth picked out for her, he no longer felt amused at them. They just served to remind him of how much he missed her, last evening he had even slept in her bed room just to feel closer to her.
Talia just plonked herself down in a chair. "I am going to spend the evening cheering you up."
Oh god not another night listening to her drone on. "Talia there is no need I am perfectly fine."
"Well you don’t look it; I do not like the effect she has on you."
"This is not up for discussion. Have you called Edwardo to inform him of your return?"
"No I haven’t." Great, just god damn perfect, he didn’t however pursue it; he just wanted her to leave him alone.
Half way across the world dawn was breaking. Beth and Imogen headed down to the hotel gym, only to be stopped by the receptionist handing her a small box. Opening it, she found a pair of pearl earrings and a note 'only a woman of substance deserves pearls, thank you for listening to me.' There was also a card with his address attached.
"You have to be kidding me. How do you do it Beth?" Imogen was staring in wonder at the earrings.
"I really don’t know what you are talking about, Imogen." In the gym, Beth pounded the machines. The treadmill was smoking when she had finished, the bike looked like it was going to cycle away and the punch bag was pounded. She was exhausted but had now made her decision.
"Imogen I am going to see Edwardo, and I am going to tell him about the poison."
Imogen had just come out of the shower; wrapped in a towel her frown didn’t seem too serious. "Beth I don’t think it’s a good idea. He could use it against Vlad, he could hurt you, shit he could hurt me."
As she paced the small room, Beth pondered but came back to the same answer. "Imogen it is the right thing to do, but you can stay here."
With a sigh, Imogen insisted she go with her. With daylight upon them there was no rush. Beth spent some time shopping, just to fill the time of course.
Carefully smoothing her hair Beth looked at the black pant suit, with wide legs, red heels and matching jacket and bag, she looked strong and powerful. As they arrived at the address she lost that feeling of power, taking a deep breath and adding a smile, she rang the bell. The sun had just set, Imogen wanted to be early enough to catch them off guard.
The architecture of the house was lovely, not as large as Vlads, the renaissance period home was truly breath taking. With columns on each visible corner, archways over the old windows and intricate carvings, it appeared timeless. A tall stout, vampire woman opened the door to her. With her tight bun, squinting eyes, and feral smile, she looked like a harsh school ma'am, made even more so by the starched blue knee length skirt, and black shirt. They tried to announce themselves, she just looked at them, maybe she didn’t speak English. Beth spoke in a broken somewhat horrendous French interpretation, trying to ask for her master. Eventually she nodded and returned with a vampire Beth had seen the night before. His initial gaze was impatient until he saw her.
"Oui, come in, come in."
Beth was surprised at the bright colours; the large hallway was a bright red, with a lush blue carpet. The pictures on the walls depicted couples in somewhat revealing poses. In fact, one of the larger ones made Beth blush.
"You do not like my pictures."
She turned to where Edwardo was coming towards them, wearing just a robe. Thankfully it was tied at the front.
"They are interesting; I am just surprised at the artistic posing of the subject."
"Ah a lady with taste, I must say you look lovely today."
He turned to Imogen. "And I see you have brought your body guard. I must say you have a fierce reputation, White Assassin. It suits you; if you become bored with New York I am sure I would have the most prestigious position here."
As always Imogen remained calm and answered with brief response. "Thanks, but no thanks."
"So ladies, please join me in my lounge room."
Beth and Imogen followed him, only to find themselves in a large, high ceilinged room, this one decorated in blacks, and light blue. The fireplace was marble and candles adorned every surface, well every surface that was not adorned by statues of naked people, engaging in lewd sex acts. Beth tied not to look, but couldn’t help being drawn to them. Edwardo took this the wrong way.
"I see you are admiring my lovely models."
"Um, they are very interesting." Interesting was the only thing she could say, she was slightly embarrassed. Never one to blush, she found herself looking downwards trying to avoid them.
"Yes they are. Do you know I have tried each of the poses out? If you require some tuition I would be more…"
Breaking the tension with laughter was the only thing Beth could think of. "I am sure you are joking, the thing is Edwardo I need to talk to you about something serious."
"You did not like my little gift?"
"No they are beautiful, but I wanted to talk to you about Monique. I think I know what happened to her."
His face tensed as he sat down, Beth looked around nervously. Maybe this was a mistake. "Please don’t get mad at me when I tell you."
"Did you harm Monique?" Edwardo's voice was heavy with malice as Beth shook her head. "Then there is no reason for you to fear me, please go on." And she did, for over an hour she went through everything that had happened since Talia had arrived at Vlads, even how she bonded to Vlad. When she had finished Edwardo sat staring at her somewhat ashen. By the time he re-focused, Beth was wringing her hands, discreetly of course.
"So this is how you became mated to the grumpy one."
She smiled. "I don’t see him like that, but yes."
He moved closer to her, making her and Imogen slightly nervous. Edwardo took her hand. "I hope he appreciates what you have done for him. You have given him two gifts, the gift of life and the gift of yourself, he must be honoured."
With a smile she looked on, wishing that he was. "I am sure he is, but what I wouldn’t give for someone to tell him that."
Edwardo's face twisted into a sneer. "Oh there shall be time for that. DENNY." The bellow gave Beth a start. The man who entered, listened to a litany of French before rushing off.
"Ladies we leave in an hour. I will send someone to return you to your hotel. You can collect your belongings. You have no need to worry; Talia will no longer be your problem."
Beth felt her heart increase its beat. Vlad was going to kill her, and then Edwardo.
"Ssh that heartbeat, do not worry. I will ensure your man knows how much of a service you have done him."
With a slight nod Beth was ushered out. Before she knew it they had arrived at the hotel.
"Imogen, Vlad isn’t going to like this is he?"
They were packing their things up, yet Imogen stopped to look at her. "Absolutely not!" And that was the end of that. Edwardo's men waited outside the hotel, before returning them to his house. His bags were carried down by two men, who followed in another car. Edwardo joined them, but when Beth made to call Vlad he stopped her.
"Non, ma petite. I do not want Talia to be informed of our arrival. I am afraid we will have to surprise your beau." Inwardly Beth groaned as her cell started to ring. Looking down she saw Vlads number and felt like crying. She couldn’t answer it, what would she say? Hey bonded vampire of mine, who didn’t want to be mine, don’t worry I am returning but bringing an enemy with me. Don’t worry though I brought you a tie as a souvenir. No, that wouldn’t work. Beth closed her eyes, and prayed that someone was listening to her.
Chapter 42
Vlad was wearing a hole in his carpet; Ice was watching intently. "Where is Imogen?"
Ice cleared his throat. "I am not sure, Theo said she had some problems with the Haven and had to head out of town." Ice shrugged as Vlad looked at him in disbelief.
Pressing the call button on his cell again, he waited for the voice mail to click in as it had so many times already. Should he call Ben? What would he say? Hey Ben, sorry but I have lost Beth and wandered if you might know where she is. Or Ben, I think Beth may have left me, why you say? Well I was an ass, and she was pissed off with me.
Heading to the gym he decided to work off some of the frustration coiled inside him. It didn’t work, Talia decided to follow him and arrived wearing a pair of green leggings and a purple sports bra. Beth obviously hadn’t informed Talia that a top goes over the sports bra. It didn’t take long until Talia was bored and started chattering on at him. Sliding his music up louder she hadn’t noticed the head phones, so he just smiled.
Two Halves of a A Vampires Soul (The Silver Series) Page 24
