“Let us see,” Natalya called.
I stepped out from behind the curtain.
“That is perfect,” Carly said.
I smiled and it suddenly became fun. The next few hours were spent trying on clothes and shoes. Then we went next door where a werewolf did my hair. I didn’t even recognize myself when they were done with me.
It was getting light out as we headed back to the PIB headquarters. I was nervous as we walked up to the building. I was wearing the green dress with black heels. I wobbled a little since I wasn’t quite used to wearing heels. I took the elevator up with Natalya. I might have killed myself walking up the stairs in the heels. Carly and Aria had gone home after the shopping trip. Only Kalypso and Natalya came with me to headquarters.
“Don’t be nervous. This is an excellent idea.” Natalya tried to reassure me.
“I’m glad you think so. I just feel so weird and not like myself,” I confessed.
“You are you, just dressed different. Looks matter where you are going. Dante needs you to look the part and act the part.”
“I don’t think I can do it.”
“You will be fine.” Natalya smiled at me as the door opened.
There was no getting out of it, so I just straightened my shoulders and followed her to Dante’s office. I focused on not falling off the heels. Kalypso joined us just before we went in.
“If you swing your hips you will stay more balanced,” she whispered in my ear.
I blushed at her suggestion. This is so going to blow up in my face.
“Are you all ready to go, Dante? We have gotten Savannah all packed.” Natalya pushed me forward.
“I guess. I don’t think I should really be leaving right now,” Dante said without looking up from his desk.
“You are being senseless. It is of great consequence that you be there. I shall escort you through the gates. Come along we do not have much time,” Kalypso demanded.
Dante stood and finally looked at me then stopped. He stared and I felt the heat on my cheeks.
“It is most rude to stare, Dante. I hope I have taught you better than that,” Kalypso said.
Dante shook himself. “You look lovely, Savannah.”
“Um, thank you.” It was all that I could think. I wondered if he liked me this way or not. I wondered if he had feelings for me at all.
“Radek and I will cover for you here. There isn’t much going on. If we need you, we will contact you. Now go have some fun,” Natalya said.
“Thank you, Nat. Just make sure Radek doesn’t do anything rash.” Dante seemed reluctant to go. He picked up a small suitcase and started for the door. The only problem was I was in the way. I was rooted to the ground. “Excuse me.”
I needed to get myself under control. I was like a schoolgirl with her first crush. This was stupid.
“Sorry, I’m just tired.” There that was a good excuse.
“We kept her up all night. You will have time to rest when you get to Copenhagen.” Kalypso urged me out the door.
“I’m taking the elevator.” I needed a moment to myself to think.
“I’ll accompany you. Kali, you can take the stairs by yourself,” Dante said ruining my moment of solitude.
Kalypso just went to the stairs and we waited for the elevator not talking. Natalya had stayed behind in Dante’s office. Someone needed to run the PIB while we were gone.
Then a thought occurred to me. “It’s light out can you go outside?”
Dante smiled at me. “Don’t worry I’m a little different than a normal vampire. You will have to keep that to yourself of course. I trust you though.”
I thought back to a few months ago. I’d seen him out in the day before. What kind of vampire could stand the sun? I shrugged it off. It was no concern of mine.
Kalypso led Dante and I to the nearby hellgate. It was located just behind the building. I breathed in the crisp spring morning. I loved the smell of spring in Washington. The flowers were starting to come alive. The copse of trees behind the building hid the hellgate.
The trees felt alive as we passed into them. Even if I didn’t know that there was a hellgate here I’d know it held magic. The air crackled with it. I was a little nervous. I’d never been to a hellgate before. Kalypso put her hand on a gnarled tree trunk. A blue fire flashed in the air. Then a large wooden door appeared.
A hellhound appeared behind the door. He was tall and dark haired. His eyes were dark, I couldn’t tell if they were black or brown.
“Julian.” Kalypso sneered.
“Hello, Kalypso.” He smirked.
“Let us through,” she said.
“For a kiss,” he responded, his smirk growing.
“I’d rather run you through with my fae blade.” Kalypso glared at him.
“You need to lighten up, Kalypso,” he laughed.
“Now let us pass or I shall take it to Alkaios.” Kalypso shoved him from our way.
I practically clung to Dante as we passed. I couldn’t help it. He glanced down at me with a small smile. The butterflies took off in my stomach. He reached for my hand and took it. I could have fainted. I barely noticed the room we entered.
His cool hand against mine was sending shivers all over my body. It shouldn’t have affected me like that, but I’d been wanting to touch him since the moment I’d met him. That was four years ago when I’d started at the PIB lab. He had walked in and introduced himself on my first day. My grandmother had always told me I’d know when I found the one. He was my one and I knew it. He gave me that zing. The one my grandmother always told me about.
I was pulled from my memories when we were standing in front of Alkaios. He was just as intimidating as I’d remembered. Even sitting behind a desk. Dante must have noticed my discomfort because he squeezed my hand then dropped it. I instantly missed his touch.
“Why do you even keep that idiot as a gate guard?” Kalypso was asking.
“To annoy you,” Alkaios answered with laughter.
“You are fortunate that I like you,” Kalypso muttered.
“Dante, you have decided to attend the conference?” Alkaios turned his attention to him.
“I was talked into it. I don’t like leaving headquarters just as we are getting settled. The timing is most unfortunate. I can’t help but think there is some plot to take over the PIB while I’m gone. We still haven’t located the source of the drug. Even with Lily’s demise. We have no clue how much was made and who was making it.”
“I’ve been working non-stop on trying to figure that out,” I said. It had been driving me insane not being able to figure out where the drug was coming from.
“I know, dear. It is not your fault. That being said. I think it is good you are going with Dante. Maybe you can gather some clues. Also, you both need to watch yourselves. Things are not settled. It has only been a short time since Valdimir’s death. Your position is still in question among the international crowd.” Alkaios was tapping a finger against his desk as he was talking. It distracted me.
“I am aware. I shall be most careful,” Dante said.
“I will have a few of my men there just in case. If I could spare Kali and Fane right now I’d send them with you.”
“I think he needs to show up alone, so to speak. It will show that he is strong enough to lead,” Kalypso added.
“True. My security force was requested anyway. I just will have them keep an eye on you from afar. Now, if you two don’t mind, I would like to speak to Savannah alone for a moment.”
I was surprised and a little scared that the master of the hellhounds wanted to speak to me alone. The other two must not have thought much of it because they left without comment. My stomach was in my throat as I waited for him to speak.
“No need to fret, little one. I just wanted to gift you something. You will be the one that is closest to Dante the entire trip. You will need to be armed accordingly. I am going to grant you the power of the hellhound. You have shown that you can be trusted. Now
stand still.” He came around the desk.
I was frozen in shock and a touch of fear coursed through me. What did he mean by giving me the power of a hellhound? I soon got my answer. He stood over me and set his hand upon my head. Warm blue flames engulfed me, yet I didn’t burn. It was hellfire. I’d seen it before. It was over quickly.
“That should do it.” He sounded pleased.
“Um… What just happened?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“You are now immune to hellfire. As for the rest, it depends. We will have to see what comes about. It's different for each person. Your natural abilities and talents will be enhanced of course. But if you have some latent power it will be awakened. We will have to see.” He was looking at me as if he was waiting for just that to happen.
“But I’m pretty normal, even for a witch. I’m only really good at potions,” I tried to explain.
“There is far more to you, little witch, than you realize. Now take this as well. It is a bit of hellfire. If you are ever in danger, use it. When or if you do use it, I will be notified. It would be best to keep this to yourself. Do not even tell Dante.” He handed me a necklace with a clear crystal charm. I could see within the charm there was a tiny blue flame.
I put it around my neck. “I don’t know what I’ve done to receive such a gift.”
“I am sure you will earn it. Now time is passing, we must get you two to the conference.” He walked to the door and let the other two in.
Dante glanced at me curiously, but didn’t say a word. Kalypso didn’t even seem to question it.
“Are we ready to go now?” Kalypso seemed impatient.
“Of course. Go ahead and see them to the appropriate gate. Then you better go back and join Fane. You have work to do,” Alkaios said.
We came out of the gate in the late afternoon Denmark time. It was the first time I’d experienced traveling through the gates. It was just weird. We had walked through several corridors until we entered a room. There was a small bed, dresser, and bookshelf. Another hellhound was lying on the bed reading a book. He didn’t say much to us. Just nodded as we passed.
The smell of trees and forest hit me as we walked through the door. I wasn’t expecting to be surrounded by greenery. I was expecting a city. Not that I knew anything about Copenhagen or Denmark.
“You will find the hotel just up ahead inside the park. I’ll leave you here. I’ve sent someone ahead with your luggage. Don’t get into too much trouble, Dante. And remember please be careful,” Kalypso said.
I was scared. It was like I could feel something was going to happen. She should have been coming with him, not me. Anyone but me. If something happened I was useless. My hand went to the necklace that Alkaios had given me. A sense of calm came over me. At least I have this, I thought.
I was amazed at the amount of deer just wandering about. They didn’t seem to mind us at all. Up ahead there was a large manor house. I really had no idea where I was. I was still getting over the shock of the time change. It had been early morning when we had left and now it was late afternoon. I walked next to Dante and began to wonder what he was thinking.
“Thank you for accompanying me on this outing,” he said.
“Oh it’s no problem. If you want to walk ahead that’s fine. I just can’t seem to walk any faster in these stupid heels.” I was choosing each step carefully.
He glanced down at my feet and I saw a smile grace his lips. “They look good though.”
“Um, thank you.” I felt a blush creep up my cheeks.
“Here take my arm. I shall not let you fall.” He held out his arm to me.
I stepped closer and inhaled his scent. I felt safe with him. My skin tingled as I took his arm. I couldn’t stop myself from running a hand along the sleeve of his black suit jacket. I could tell it was made from the finest materials. It was soft to the touch and obviously tailored specifically for him. I’d never seen him in anything other than a fine fitting suit and tie. I studied him out of the corner of my eye. His dark hair was cut short almost to the skin on the sides and a little longer on the top. His deep brown eyes glanced around. I figured it was out of habit, because he didn’t seem tense.
“I hope that by coming with me, it has not ruined any plans of yours,” he said.
“The only plans I had were to work on figuring out that drug,” I said.
“You know you don’t have to work all the time.” His gaze met mine and I almost tripped. He steadied me.
“What else is there to do? I don’t have a lot of friends to hang out with besides work people.” I shrugged.
“What about a boyfriend?” he asked.
“Nope, don’t have one of those.”
“I can hardly believe that. Someone as beautiful and alive as you. Men should be knocking down your door.”
I was glad he was looking ahead. I felt a full body blush this time. “Thank you.”
He shrugged. “It’s just the truth. Anyway, before we get there. Just remember, follow my lead. Also, it would be best not to mention anything about what you have been working on.”
I was glad we had switched subjects. “Of course.”
“Be wary of any vampires. There are some that are not friendly toward me and may harm you as a way to get to me.”
“Why would they do such a thing?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Politics. The usual. Now we are here. I do hope you enjoy yourself. It is always entertaining to get together with the masses.”
“I was supposed to make sure you relax some. I promised Kalypso. So can you at least help me in that? I don’t want to have to say I failed to her.” I didn’t know why that popped out of my mouth, but it did. He unnerved me a little bit.
He laughed. “I will try and relax. I wouldn’t want to have to report that I didn’t either. She has a wicked way of getting back at people.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I mumbled.
“I wouldn’t worry. She would take it out on me not you. Now we are here. Put a pretty smile on your face and let’s go meet these monsters.” He winked at me and opened what looked like the door to a crypt.
I couldn’t stop myself from clenching his arm a little tighter as we entered. Behind the door was a set of stairs that went down into the earth. It was lit by torches. I realized after a moment that they were magical torches. He patted my hand with his other arm.
“It will be fine. I promise.” His voice held amusement.
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re a super awesome vampire. I’m just a lowly witch,” I mumbled.
“No, you are much more than that.” He sounded stern. That surprised me.
I didn’t have time to respond because we had reached the bottom of the stairs. There before us, was a large wooden door.
“Who goes there?” A deep voiced echoed in the small chamber.
“Dante Ramoni, master of vampires and guest,” Dante spoke as if unperturbed.
I wondered if anything ever ruffled his feathers.
The door slowly opened. The lights of the room almost blinded me. Everything was opulent. The room was large and obviously enchanted. Windows went from floor to an extremely high ceiling letting in bright light. I knew we were deep underground and there was no way there would be that much light coming in. That meant it must have been magic. Jewels of every color hung from golden chandeliers and glittered with light. The walls were covered in rich reds and golds.
“Come along.” Dante’s amused voice brought me out of my stunned trance.
I walked with him as I studied the people that were milling around. I wasn’t surprised not to see a single human among them. Every creature imaginable was present. Dante led me up to a desk that was made from a dark wood and had a stone top.
“Master Dante, it is a pleasure. Your luggage has already been delivered to your room. Is there anything we can get you to make your stay pleasant?” the goblin behind the counter asked.
“I shall let you know,” Dante said.
&nbs
p; I observed Dante. He was acting the part of a haughty vampire. I’d never seen him like that. It was intriguing. The goblin didn’t even look at me. He snapped his fingers and a gargoyle appeared. Complete with wings. I was a little taken a back. I’d heard of them, but never expected to see a real one. I thought they were extinct. He was rather ugly. Well I didn’t know if it was a he or she. I studied it as we followed it to our room. It looked like a cross between a dog, dragon, and monkey. It was one of the strangest creatures I’d ever met. It grunted as it moved, which wasn’t really a walk, it was more like how you see gorillas move. Its wings were tiny and I doubted they could even lift the creature. There was a small tuft of black hair sticking out the top of its head. The skin was a dark grey. Just strange.
I was glad when we arrived at the room. It grunted and opened the door motioning us in. As soon as we entered, it waddled away.
“Haven’t met a gargoyle before have you?” Dante chuckled as he went to the window.
The room was just as grand as everything else I’d seen. There was a large sitting room and two French doors that led to the bedroom. I stopped. One bed.
“Um Dante,” I said not sure how to approach the subject.
“Yes?” He didn’t turn to me.
“There is only one bed.” I couldn’t stop staring at it.
“Won’t be a problem. I shall sleep on the couch.” He didn’t even seem perturbed about it.
“That’s not right. Maybe they can give me another room,” I stammered.
“It will be best if we stay together. Now, you may want to get ready. There is a large formal dinner in about an hour. You may use the bathroom first. Your clothes should already be hung in the wardrobe.”
He looked to be deep in thought. I wanted to ask him about it, but didn’t know where to even start. Besides it wasn’t even my business. So I just did as he asked.
I exited the bathroom feeling nervous. I’d never worn anything like this in my life. It was a real ball gown. It was deep, dark blue almost black. It had a shimmer to it. The dress was form fitting until it hit my waist then it flared out. I ran a hand down the silky fabric. It had an open neck and I was wearing the necklace that Alkaios gave me. I didn’t plan on taking it off for a moment while we were here.
Rising Shadows (Fur, Fangs, and Fairies Book 3) Page 2
