VIOLET DAWN

Chapter 48

"Isabelle seems to be taken with her," Patrick smiled as he watched Violet and the Leader of the Western Clan laughing on the other side of the dance floor.

"Of course she is," Angelica said in a matter of fact tone of voice, "Violet is my cousin, everyone is bound to love her."

Patrick raised a brow at that piece of conceit then turned to where Ismail was listening to James recounting a story. He had never seen his friend happier than at that very moment. Standing in the Belanov country estate, surrounded by vampires from all corners of the Northern Clan, Ismail never took his eyes off of his daughter.  

"You know, most of the guests believe this is an engagement party," Angelica said innocently. Patrick laughed as he looked at the woman who was cousin to his love, wife to his friend and saviour to his people...one of three saviours, Patrick reminded himself.

"Where is Mitya?" He asked.

"With his father of course, do you really imagine Alexander would put him down?" Angelica was grumbling, but Patrick saw the happiness in her eyes as she looked to where Alexander had joined Ismail, James and Mikhail, little Mitya in his arms. "But don't think you can change the topic Patrick James Bruce, I want to know if you will make my cousin happy."

"I will certainly do my best," Patrick said suavely. He knew Angelica was asking him if he was going to propose, but he would not satisfy her curiosity. In the last few months Violet had acquired a father, cousins and a new identity as the Blessed. She had had to stand fast at the ceremony of judgment, where Patrick had condemned the True Vampire members to death. She was only just getting used to the Vampire way of life and it was not and easy adjustment. He was not going to push her if she needed time, nor would he allow anyone else to push her either.

"Patrick, can I have a word?" Mikhail approached the two of them with a worried look on his face.

"Of course, what is it?"

"Can I have a word, alone?" Mikhail looked apologetically at his sister, who naturally took offence.

"Mikhail Belanov, you know you will end up telling me whatever it is that you wish to drag Patrick off for, so I really don't see the point in forcing me to get angry with you."

"Sister dear, sometimes I wish you were not such a know-it-all," Mikhail complained looking to him for help. Patrick knew better than to step between them.

"Well, if all wishes came true there would be peace in the world." Angelica said primly. "Or perhaps there would be mayhem. In either case, it would be different than it is now so go ahead and tell us what you wanted to say." 

"Oh, alright," Mikhail gave in. "It is just that I don't want you to get excited Angelica, or disappointed if it doesn't work, do you understand?"

"Alright, I understand," she agreed quickly. Patrick was glad the squabbling was over as he wanted to know what on earth Mikhail was going on about.

"What is it that is supposed to work?"

Looking about, Mikhail lowered his voice, "I was thinking about that night when Alexander fought Sergey."

Patrick knew which night the prince referred to. Not too many months ago Angelica had almost died at the hands of the rogue Vampire, Sergey. "What about that night?"

"Well, Angelica was wounded and they used my blood to heal her."

Patrick did not understand what Mikhail was trying to say, but he could tell by the widening in Angelica's eyes that she did.

"The blood healed me, just as it would have helped a Vampire heal, don't you see?" she said excitedly, lowering her voice when her brother glowered at her. "Violet may be able to do the same."

"Well that is good, but I don't intend to let her get hurt," Patrick assured both of them.

"Men can be so slow," Angelica rolled her eyes. 

It was Mikhail who explained: "She is hurt, Patrick. She cannot see."

What Mikhail was trying to say finally made sense. Could giving Violet blood heal her sight?

"You have to try it," Angelica said urgently and Patrick knew she was right. But what if it didn't work? He could not make her believe it was a possibility and then watch her get hurt if failed.

"If you will excuse me?"

The brother and sister nodded as he left them and crossed the ballroom.