Dante exited the bedroom area as I stood in the doorway. He stopped in his tracks.
“Wow, you are quite beautiful,” he whispered.
I blushed. “Thank you. You are looking fine yourself.” And he was. Dressed in a tux, he looked stunning.
“This is the only place we can speak frankly. Out there it will not be safe to say anything of meaning. There are enchantments on the rooms to make it so no one can listen in here. If you wish to speak to me urgently simply say you have a headache and wish to retire. Don’t stray far from me. While I don’t expect anyone to harm you, we can never be too careful. I do have enemies here.”
“Okay.” My voice was shaky. I was way out of my lab here.
“Do not fret. You will be safe with me. Also, I can see Alkaios gave you something to protect yourself. And he has men present. If you do get into trouble and are separated from me, find a hellhound. He marked you as one of his to protect. They will give their life for you or face his wrath.”
That eased my fear a bit.
“As soon as you are calm we can leave. I am sorry for worrying you. I just needed to make sure you are safe. You must be rid of your fear or they will hone in on you. Can you do that?”
I stared into his dark eyes. He needed me with him. I could do this. I stuffed the fear into a box in my mind and straightened my back. “I’ll just think of them as something I need to examine in my lab.”
He laughed. “Good. Then, shall we?” He held out his arm to me.
I took it. “We shall.”
I was starting to get used to walking in heels. So, thankfully I was rather graceful and proud of myself as I walked down to the ballroom with Dante.
We walked into the ballroom and immediately two vampires approached us. I felt Dante stiffen slightly under my hand.
“Adelia, and Avery. I did not expect to see you here,” he said politely. I could tell he didn’t like them much.
“Antonius. It is a pleasure,” the male vampire said.
“I do not answer to that name anymore. Which you know. If you will excuse us, we must speak to the commissioner.” Dante nodded his head and practically dragged me away.
I knew better than to say anything. This was a room full of creatures that could hear a pin drop in the middle of a rock concert. He seemed to catch himself and slowed to a more sedate pace. Then we were in front of a large werecreature. I couldn’t tell what he was exactly. He stood just taller than me, but had a round belly and almost jovial demeanor. There was a fierceness about him as well.
“Commissioner, you are looking well,” Dante said holding out his hand to the man.
“Ahh Dante, it is a pleasure. I didn’t know if you would make it to our little party. Who is this lovely creature you have brought with you?” He turned his golden eyes upon me.
I stood straighter. I knew that it was the ones that seemed least offensive that were the strongest in the were world. He was not someone to cross nor show fear to.
“This is Savannah,” Dante responded.
“Well met, Miss Savannah. You grace us with your beauty.” He bowed over my hand and kissed the back.
“Savannah this is Commissioner Warren.”
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” I said.
“Oh so polite too. Did I see you speaking to Adelia and Avery?” he asked us.
“What are they doing here? They are not leaders of anything,” Dante said.
“They are guests of Mistress Claudia. We have an eye on them.” Warren was staring at the two vampires that had greeted us.
I glanced that way as well, wondering the story. They looked a lot alike. I was thinking that they were related. Both had blonde hair and blue eyes, stood about the same height, and even moved alike.
“Of course she would bring them to get under my skin. She’s been angry since I refused her.” Dante sounded annoyed.
“Ignore them and have some fun.” He patted Dante on the back and went to the refreshment table.
I wanted to ask about the two vampires badly. I hated waiting for my answers.
“I guess he is right. You did promise Kalypso to make sure I relaxed.” A small smile lit his face.
“What do you have in mind?” I asked beginning to worry.
“Why dancing of course.” He gestured with his hand toward the dance floor where several couples were engaged in dancing. What I noticed was that they seemed to be doing the older dances like the ones I’d seen in movies.
“I don’t know how to dance,” I said rather pointlessly since he was escorting me to the floor all ready.
“It’s easy, just follow my lead.”
The next thing I knew I was in his arms and we were dancing around the room. I started to relax as I followed his movements. He was a good teacher. I only stomped on his foot a few times. Each time I did, he laughed. We both began to relax as the songs continued to play.
“Come, let’s take a break,” he said after a set.
“Good, because I’m thirsty,” I said laughing.
“Well, we can’t have that, my dear. You have turned into a fine dancing partner.” He took my elbow and led me to the refreshment tables.
There was everything imaginable on the tables to drink from Fairie Wine to blood. I wasn’t surprised they had blood here, there were a good number of vampires present. I accepted a glass of regular white wine. I didn’t want to lose my senses by drinking something stronger.
“If you will excuse me for a moment, I must go speak to someone. You should be fine here,” Dante said in my ear then left my side.
I sipped my wine and scanned the crowd. Most people seemed to be having a good time. They were either dancing or in small groups chatting and laughing. It was much more pleasant than I thought it was going to be. That thought crossed my mind right before I felt someone approach me.
“So a little witch is Dante’s new little pet,” I was guessing it was Adelia that spoke. I recognized her when I turned.
“How is that any of your concern? Please leave me be,” I said and turned to leave.
“He’s a murderer,” she said.
“I highly doubt that. Now, excuse me.” I walked away. Something about her made my skin crawl.
“He will pay for what he has done. You should stay away, little witch, if you don’t want to get hurt.”
I just walked off. I noticed a hellhound near the door and went to go stand by him. I was no match for a vampire so I figured I’d rather be safe than sorry. My irritation continued for a while. It wasn’t too long before Dante joined me again.
“Why are you over here?” he asked with a concerned look on his face. It was not lost on him that I had chosen a place near a hellhound.
“I’m rather tired. Do you think we could retire now?” I asked.
“Of course. Come along.” He held his arm out for me and guided me through the ballroom then up to our room.
Once our door was closed he turned to me. “So, why were you hiding out under the cover of a hellhound?”
“I had a little run in with your friend Adelia.” I shuddered.
“I apologize, I should never have left you alone.” He ran a hand down his face, then walked further into the room.
“Who is she?” I had to know.
“Why don’t you get changed into something comfortable and we can discuss it.”
“Okay, just give me a few minutes.” I went into the bedroom and grabbed the first set of pajamas that I laid my hands on. After a quick trip to the bathroom to let down my hair and remove the makeup I was all ready.
I stopped in shock when I exited the bathroom. Dante stood in plaid sleep pants and a tight black t-shirt. I’d never seen him outside of a suit. He was staring out the window. The enchanted outside, whatever was out there, showed stars and a moon.
I got a hold of myself after a moment. “I’m all ready to hear the story.”
He turned to me and studied me for a moment. “Have a seat.”
I got comfortable on the sofa. He j
oined me and I waited for him to start talking.
“It’s all rather simple why they hate me. Adelia and her twin brother, Avery, had a sister named Alessa. She was my predecessor of master of the vampires. Well, mistress as it was in her case. She was caught feeding on, killing, and even changing humans without their approval or that of the commission. As you know the commission is made up of creatures of all races. Vampires have to have permission to change a human unless it was a life or death situation. Normally it is only necessary to obtain the permission of the master or mistress of the vampires. For them to turn someone, they need permission from the commission. Anyway, what she was doing was not allowed. Especially killing humans as she was doing. I was the one that uncovered her crimes and brought her before the commission. She was sentenced to death. I was voted in to take her place. Her brother and sister have never forgiven that. Nor will they ever I am sure.”
“Aren’t you worried about them?” I asked.
“We keep an eye on them. They are not powerful enough to take me on, so no, I’m not too worried. Mostly they just annoy me.”
“Oh, I’m sorry I took you away from the party then,” I said.
“Don’t be. I was done talking to those people anyway. They mostly want to talk about the past and wars. It gets rather old over the years. These little parties are all about power and gaining more power. It’s boring.”
“Then why did you come?” I asked.
“It’s important that I be seen at functions such as this. Personally, I think it is all antiquated and stupid. However, it must be done now that I am in charge. I never wanted to be in charge, you know.” He leaned back and closed his eyes. This was the first time I’d ever seen him vulnerable. Not even when Director Valdimir had died did he look like that. It broke my heart to see him in such a state.
Instinctively I moved my hand and placed it on his. My skin tingled when our hands met. He turned his hand over and captured mine in his when I was about to turn away.
“Why did you come with me?” he asked not opening his eyes.
“You needed me to.” It was the truth.
“Savannah, you are too kind to me,” he whispered.
“Adelia said that you were a murderer.” I don’t know why I said that but I felt him stiffen.
“In a way I am, I guess. Kalypso says I should forgive myself for what happened, but that is easier said than done. I’m not sure how Adelia and Avery found out. Maybe Alessa knew about it and told them.”
“What happened? I mean you don’t have to tell me, but maybe it would help.” I squeezed his hand.
“Aren’t you afraid you are here with a murderer?” he asked.
“I’m not afraid of you. I could never be afraid of you,” I whispered. My heart was pounding hard. I was on the verge of telling him my feelings. I just knew it. Being so near him was making me want to get closer. I wanted to caress the frown from his face.
He turned his head toward me, staring into my eyes. “I don’t deserve that kind of trust.”
“You have it anyway. Now, go on, tell me,” I demanded.
He smiled, but his eyes looked dead. He looked back at the wall as he spoke. “It was a long, long time ago. When I was first turned. Kali is the only one that knows the full truth. She was there for part of it. Anyway, I left my brother and Val to go find myself. I was wallowing in self-pity really. I wasn’t like them, I was just human. I ran into a vampire or she was looking for me. It doesn’t really matter. She started to turn me. Then stopped. I became not quite a vampire, not quite a ghoul. I was something in the middle. I went into a bloodlust and annihilated an entire village.”
“How did you become a full vampire then?”
“That is a question very few people have asked me. Of course, I have never told them that I wasn’t a full vampire at that time. I am trusting you with a secret that could get me and others killed.” He paused.
“I will keep your confidence,” I assured him.
“I have no doubt,” he said.
Silence filled the room while I waited for him to go on.
“Kali found me and finished the job.”
“Is that why you can go out in the sun?” I asked.
“Yes. No one can know that she has created a vampire.” He seemed adamant.
“I shall keep your secret, it makes no difference to me. I feel the same about you. What happened must have been a very long time ago. I don’t think you are a murderer. You were left in a state that you were not yourself. It is not your fault, but the fault of the vampire that left you in that state.”
“You sound just like Kali.” He laughed.
“I hope that is a good thing,” I said.
“It’s a very good thing. It means you care.” He pulled me closer and put his arm around me.
I was shocked, but couldn’t resist being close to him.
“Thank you for coming with me,” he whispered and kissed the top of my head.
I felt it clear to my toes. My skin was tingling all over.
“You deserve to not be alone.”
He pulled away and I looked up at him. I was on the verge of laying my heart out to him. I couldn’t be this close to him and not tell him. The next thing I knew his lips were on mine. My eyes closed as I kissed him back. I inhaled deeply and his scent filled my senses. I never could figure out what it was, but it was all male. His hand ran through my hair pulling me tighter against him. A moan built up and erupted from me.
The building shook and a loud boom filled my ears. At first I thought it was from kissing Dante. Then, he pulled back. He was stiff and looking for the door. That’s when I heard other loud noises coming from outside the room. Muffled screams and bangs filled the air.
“Come, we must leave.” He lifted me from the couch and pulled me toward the door.
He didn’t even let me grab shoes. So barefooted we both ran down the hall. The noises were louder as soon as he had opened the door. Something was very wrong.
“Whatever happens, get out of here and to the gate. Don’t look back, just run,” Dante said.
“I’m not leaving you,” I said.
He stopped and took me by both shoulders. His face was so close to mine that I thought he was going to kiss me again. “I can take care of myself. You need to get out of here. I will be right behind you. Please, promise that you will get to the gate no matter what you see. Please, I’ve lost enough recently and can’t lose you as well.” His eyes pleaded with me.
“Okay, but promise that you will be right behind me. Don’t do anything heroic. Just stay safe.”
He smiled and brushed his lips against mine. “I promise, my love.”
Then we were off again, running down the stairs. The only way out was through the lobby and staircase. Well, the only way that I knew to get out.
When we reached the lobby we found the source of all the commotion. It was complete chaos. Smoke, screams, and bodies filled the lobby. There were people running in every direction. Debris falling from everywhere. I felt my bare foot get torn on something as we jumped, moved around, and made our way through the pandemonium. Dante stopped us half way through the room.
“Go, run, get out of here.” He pushed me toward the exit. I tried to turn. “Remember your promise, please go.”
“Remember yours too,” I said and did as he asked.
I only made it a little way when I was stopped. A hand on my shoulder whipped me around and I was facing Adelia.
“I told you to leave, little witch. You didn’t listen and now you must pay,” she hissed at me.
She lunged at me and I did the only thing I could think of. I grabbed the necklace that Alkaios had given me. I didn’t even know what I was doing. The chain broke with the force I pulled. I knew it would leave a mark on my neck, but didn’t care. I held the crystal out toward her.
“Is that all you have a tiny little crystal. Do you think that will work on a vampire? You are stupider than I thought.” Her laugh grated on my nerves.
I didn’t answer I just held it out and hoped that what Alkaios had given me would protect me. I had no weapons against a vampire. The crystal began to grow hot in my hand. Then I saw Adelia’s face flash with fear for a moment before she was overtaken by the hellfire. I stood there dazed as I stared at the pile of ashes at my feet. It had all happened so fast.
Pain, it was all I felt. It was everywhere. I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. Hands held me down as I thrashed about. Then blackness overtook me.
***
My body ached as I became aware of what was around me. I was lying on a bed. The room was dark. There were people in the room with me.
“She’s awake,” Kalypso whispered.
I turned my head to see Dante at my side. “How do you feel?” he asked.
“I hurt. What happened?”
“What do you remember?”
“I remember using the hellfire on Adelia. Then nothing,” I said searching my memories.
Dante looked hesitant. Then it hit me. I shouldn’t be able to see him at all. The room was pitch black.
“What happened to me? I feel weird and I can see you.” Fear started to fill my senses.
“Shh, it will be okay. I’ll explain everything. You have to remain calm. Right now you are in a chamber in the realm of the hellhounds and perfectly safe,” Dante said soothing a hand through my hair.
At his words I relaxed a little. “Okay. Please, explain what happened.”
“I didn’t get to you in time, it is my fault. Avery got to you first. He ripped out your throat and I did the only thing I could think of. I killed him, then saved you the only way possible.” He was skirting around something, I was sure.
“Dante you must tell her. They will be here any moment,” Kalypso’s voice interrupted. I turned toward her surprised she was there.
Rising Shadows (Fur, Fangs, and Fairies Book 3) Page 3
