From inside, the hired orchestra played a hauntingly beautiful tune. Erik put on many events like this throughout the year. Anyone of importance, human or fiend, received an invitation. These events were the only times the two species willingly crossed paths. Of course, many of the humans had no idea who or what was sitting beside them. Demons, vampires, and other creatures were required to appear human-like. The whole event was a rouse to gain power over others. And my parents were the puppet masters, using their magical abilities to manipulate those who could further their political agenda in the human world and gain more clout in the supernatural one.
A few hours later, the first guest arrived. I shouldn’t delay getting ready any longer. When my parents began letting me attend these events a few years ago, I thought I would enjoy them since I was rarely allowed to socialize with others. But I never did. They all wore masks. I couldn’t trust any of them—not even the humans.
Pushing myself up, I straightened my shoulders and prepared for the worst. It would all be over soon.
Back inside my room, I slid into the red evening gown just as Jane opened the bedroom door, panting heavily. “Your parents need you.”
“I’ll be right there,” I said, but she had already closed the door.
I finished forcing my arm through a strap of the tight gown and sighed wearily. I didn’t recognize the reflection staring back at me in the mirror. Black eyeliner framed my eyes like the edge of storm clouds, and my darkened eyebrows and reddened lips only added to the illusion. The two stylists had commented on my beauty, but to me, I looked like my mother. Not something I wanted.
Quietly and carefully, I walked downstairs, hoping to go unnoticed, and passed by the entrance to the ballroom that smelled of freshly baked pastries and wild roses. I didn’t have to look in to know its design. I was all too familiar with my parents’ outlandish décor of diamond-laced curtains, gold satin linens, and crystal chandeliers the Queen of England would envy.
I endured the evening by staying outside on the veranda as much as possible. The cool night air felt good against my bare arms and was a welcome distraction from the boisterous noises echoing from the brightly lit party.
“You stupid girl,” a voice said behind me.
I turned around. The black silhouette of my mother stood in the doorway of the ballroom. If it hadn’t been for her voice, I might have mistaken her for an unmasked demon.
“Get in here,” she said. “I want you to meet someone special.”
“Not tonight. Please.” It was a dumb thing to say. I knew it the second the words left my mouth. Maybe my mother was right.
“It wasn’t a question.”
Reluctantly, I stepped forward. Sable took hold of my arm and dragged me through the room, weaving in and out of the guests. I tried to see where she was guiding me, but dancing couples blocked my view. When she nudged aside two women in the middle of a conversation, I finally saw whom I was to meet.
I yanked my arm free and froze. Though he looked human, I knew better. A murky blackness clung to him like thick tar.
This was no man.
This was a vampire.
Chapter 3
Every fiber of my body screamed to run. There was an energy, dark and ancient, that filled the area around him. Despite my instincts, I found it difficult to look away. His commanding presence sucked me in as if an invisible cord were pulling me toward him. I resisted, and a sharp pain stabbed in my lower spine.
Sable whirled around and dug her nails into my wrist and jerked me forward. “Don’t you dare insult him.”
Erik, who was shaking hands with the vampire, turned. His slicked-back blond hair looked as greasy as his tanned complexion. “Eve, darling, this is Boaz. Boaz, meet my only daughter, Eve.”
The light seemed to flee the room as Boaz’s eyes met mine. He was strangely captivating with black hair, high cheekbones, and a distinct jaw line. My heart fluttered, and I grew faint. If it weren’t for Sable’s hand on my elbow, I would’ve staggered back. But it wasn’t his appearance that made me weak. My mind tried to capture what it was, but his stare became too intense, forcing me to look away.
Erik said something under his breath and then chuckled.
“She may be, but I’ll have to find out for myself,” Boaz said.
Erik smirked, and Sable laughed obnoxiously. I was disgusted with all three of them.
“It was nice to meet you, Sir.” It took all the strength I had, but I managed to yank my arm away, turn, and walk off, my heart racing. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sable begin to follow, but Boaz grabbed her wrist and held her in place.
I walked calmly, yet briskly, toward the stairs leading to the second floor. I nodded and smiled politely to several people who said “hello,” but I refused to stop.
As I stepped upon the first stair, cold fingers touched my back. I gasped and whirled around. To my amazement, no one was there. I slowly continued upward but again felt the touch of a hand caress the skin of my naked back. The icy coolness of it stole my breath. I spun back around, peering into the crowd.