A Call of Vampires (A Shade of Vampire #51)

Silver orchids and tulle ruffles were mounted on all arches and columns in tasteful spirals, and bluish fires burned in large dome-shaped vases made of stainless steel. As a wedding gift to his best friend, Phoenix had brought in a small band from Earth, a group of six of our witches with a huge talent for classical music. They played their violins nestled between two columns, the notes gently enveloping the entire platform with an overall sense of harmony and peace.

Dozens of chairs had been laid out in the middle, separated by an aisle covered in silver petals leading up to a gorgeous marble arch, which was dressed in a plethora of wild and silver orchids, with white and silver ribbons swirling in and out of the floral arrangement. The arch itself was placed on a low white marble platform, where Great-Grandpa Derek and Safira waited patiently. Derek looked handsome, downright breathtaking in his black tuxedo, his hair elegantly combed to one side.

Safira, one of the Daughters of Eritopia, looked stunning and ethereal as usual, a golden mask covering her face. Layers of white silk had been neatly wrapped around her body, snug but fluid around her curves, while gold-and-gemstone rings and bracelets added splashes of color to the outfit. Her long, straight reddish pink hair was styled in an ample up-do, with more gems and golden leaves braided throughout. Her eyes were bright and violet as she looked across the platform at the mixture of guests taking their seats.

Jovi stood by Derek’s side, dapper in his black tux, with his designer stubble and wide, green eyes that shimmered with excitement. Today was his and Anjani’s day, and I couldn’t help but feel everything he was feeling through my sentry nature. Happiness and love were oozing out of him in soft ribbons of gold and pink, and his good humor was downright infectious, making me smile as I made my way toward the front row, where my parents, Caia, and her parents were already seated.

Caia looked beautiful in her teal chiffon ballerina dress—it brought out her eyes and complemented her slim, sculptured legs. I’d gone for a long and dark gray satin dress that fit snugly against my curves and left my arms and shoulders bare. My black hair was straightened and combed over one shoulder, and I’d completed the look with a diamond earring and necklace set that made my bluish green eyes pop.

I took my seat next to Caia, giving her a warm smile as I glanced around the platform and admired the dazzling array of dresses and tuxes that our families and friends were donning for this wedding. Fiona, Scarlett, and Avril were sitting behind us, accompanied by their parents. Victoria, Xavier, and Vivienne were seated on the other side of the aisle, along with Sofia, River and Ben, and Rose and Caleb. The Red Tribe succubi had taken the rows behind them, along with the Master Druids, the Green and White Tribe succubi, Tamara and Eva on behalf of the Lamias, and a shimmering throng of incubi from Grezzi’s ranks. On our side, the Hawk brothers, the Maras and Jax’s wards, Zeriel, and a Tritone delegation were occupying the back rows, along with more of our Shadians, including witches and fire dragons.

It was a colorful combination to say the least, and a pleasure to look at. My mom and dad were sitting next to me, while Grace and Lawrence had been seated toward the aisle, next to Caia.

“You are looking beautiful as usual,” Mom said with a warm smile, then glanced at Caia. “Both of you, for that matter!”

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied. “Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing the bridesmaids and, of course, the bride. I understand Corrine did her dress.”

“Oh, yes, I think she’s really outdone herself this time—even though I feel like I say that every time. I only got a glimpse of Anjani before I came up here, and let’s just say it’ll be one for the fashion history books.”

The wedding procession music started playing, the violins announcing the arrival of the bride. We all turned our heads, focusing on the far end of the aisle. They would all be coming up via the stairs from the level below.

The first to emerge were the four mutated shape-shifters. They’d stuck around as honorary family members of sorts. Or, better said, pets... They’d decided to morph into two little boys and girls for the occasion, wearing tuxes and silvery dresses, their eyes bright and violet as they moved down the aisle, dropping wild orchid petals from their cute little wicker baskets. Yes, they could be creepy at times...

I’d trained with them back at the GASP base on Mount Zur—in their native forms, they were fast and downright ferocious, so it was weird to watch them pretending to be humans. Their impressions were on point, though, and, had it not been for that violet glow in their eyes, they would’ve gotten away with it.

I glanced over at Jovi, who’d straightened his back, taking deep breaths and trying to keep his emotions under control, although he was raw and positively beaming on the inside.

Phoenix and Viola came next, followed by Aida and Field, Serena and Draven, and Vita and Bijarki. The groomsmen had been expertly fitted into their black suits and crisp, white shirts, while the bridesmaids were all stunning in matching gray silk dresses adorned with a silver orchid blossom nearly covering each right shoulder, and holding small white bouquets.

They walked gracefully down the aisle, smiling at us and taking their standing positions on the bride and groom’s sides in front of Derek and Safira.

Next came Aura and Almandine, two teenage succubi and little sisters to Anjani. They giggled as they moved toward the wedding arch and tossed shimmering sparkles into the air, each bursting into a myriad of silvery bursts, like miniature fireworks.

Gasps and cheers emerged from the crowd as the young succubi moved behind Viola, Serena, Aida, and Vita. I looked back at the end of the aisle, and saw Jax and Heron rushing to take their seats in the last row.

At the same time, Hansa emerged, simply breathtaking in her gray silk dress, the fabric snug and accentuating her athletic curves and full bust. Her long black hair had been combed over one shoulder, inky curls cascading down to her hip. Jax stilled just as he was about to sit down, unable to take his eyes off her—much like most of the other males on the platform, for that matter.

Hansa was stunning from head to toe, her skin glowing with a silver shimmer. She was holding a bouquet of white roses and lily of the valley. Her emerald-gold eyes met Jax’s for a brief moment, before she stepped forward. As soon as she reached his side, however, Heron grinned and gave Jax a firm nudge that pushed him into the aisle, stopping Hansa in her tracks.