Whisper in the Shadows

the girl with the ocean eyes

-Dorian's POV-

Our vehicle pulled up at the massive event hall where the funeral would be taking place. Since Bogdan had been avoiding me for the past week, I would just as well corner him in public where he wouldn't be able to escape. As we arrived to the front, we opened the doors and stepped out. Garret was driving, he already knew to park and meet back up with us immediately.

We walked into the hall that was swarming with people of all kinds. I could hear all sorts of whispers that were meant to be private. Some spoke of the daughter. They thought she had something to do with it. Others gossiped about what it meant for the law firm, and how they knew people who would try to buy it out since they knew Bogdan was facing financial difficulties steaming from his wife's third DUI this year. I was trying to focus on a males softly grumbling about Rumen's death being for the better good. I tried to push closer to the source, but they trailed off and I lost it. I stepped into the middle of the hall where the events would take place, and motioned for the men who had accompanied me to fan out and find out anything that would be useful. The crowd of people parted and I pushed my hair away as the wind outside had blown it astray. At this moment I looked ahead, scanning for Bogdan, knowing he had to be near. Sitting at the front, was Rumen and Emilia's daughter. She was the splitting image of her, sans the vibrant red hair her mother was known for, and out of all the people in the room, her eyes were staring straight into mine.

'Boss, I found Bogdan, he's standing near the southeast window speaking to a small group of vampires. Engage or wait for you?' Garret's voice buzzed in my head. I shifted my eyes and could see Bogdan standing right where he said. I merged into the crowd, stalking my way to my prey. As soon as I got close, the small group around his dispersed as if they could feel my present baring down on them. Bogdan stared at me nervously, and a slight sheet of sweat appeared across his forehead. If he wasn't guilty why was he acting like he was?

"Lee, how peculiar to run into you at such a devastating event, tell me, what happened for this kind of event to have to take place?", I asked, knowing he knew damn well I already knew what had happened.

I could see him visibly swallow, and then he tugged on his collar which was buttoned all the way up to his neck. A single bead of sweat formed and rolled down the left side of his face. He glanced around quickly, and then back at me, "Romulus, is this something we could speak about at another time? I'm due on stage shortly to start the events for the day, and wouldn't want to delay them." I started to answer, but his wife popped up behind me, and made her way over to grasp on his arm. She reached her other hand out for me, and started to introduce herself.

"Hi Romulus, I've heard of some much you've done to ensure equality in this world, and it is such a pleasure to meet you finally!" she drawled out. She was way out of Bogdan's league.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Bogdan.", I lied, and grasped her hand and brought it to my lips and placed a soft kiss on the back of it while slightly bowing. She blushed deeply and Bogdan was fuming. I smiled quickly at her and let go of her hand, while turning back to Bogdan.

"Lee, I will find a time to speak with you, no matter what ways you try to avoid me.", I threatened and walked off to convene with my group and watch him make his way to the front. I quickly found my way to my seat and sat down, never letting my eyes leave him as he made his way to the front. The young lady sitting with Rumen and Emilia's daughter spoke to them, and they conversed for a moment before taking their seats.

The event went along without any issues, with Bogdan doing most of the speaking and moving the ceremony along. He spoke what a great friend Rumen was as well how his lawyer skills. However, nothing was ever mentioned about their past. How they became to know each other. They knew each other for over 300 years, but only thought to mention the last 100 or so? Interesting.

I couldn't help but steal a glance at the daughter. She is young. Early 20s is what her file from the conference said. I wondered if she had gotten a chance to see Rumen's will. Does she know she's receiving half of the law firm? How long until Bogdan tries to steal that from her too?

The festivities ended soon enough, and Miss Erikson walked to the lobby with the others following her. I knew they would be greeting the people who had come to pay their respects, and I wanted to give some of the crowd time to filter out.

Eventually I made my way out, with my eyes focused directly on Bogdan. I walked to him and grasped his hand in a tight grip.

"Bogdan, do not think I won't be making a appearance at your firm later this week with intentions of figuring out what happened at the conference. A lot of odd stories have made their way around and I will find out what happen if I have to stick my teeth in your sweaty throat and pry it out of your ancient mind.", I whispered to him through clenched teeth so he would know I was serious about my threats. I dropped his hand, and glided to where the girl stood, already staring at me.

I stood over her, and her picturesque eyes scrutinized mine.

"Hi Miss Erikson, my name is Romulus Dorian Rosu, but you are welcome to call me Dorian", I began, "I was very disturbed to hear about the events that happened in California, and the fact that you and Mr. Bogdan were gone before any interviews were able to take place, especially considering the attack may have been as a result of a radical group that has been attacking vampires and werewolf's throughout not only American, but the world." I came off more harshly than intended, but I wanted her to feel I was in control. Not Bogdan. I wanted her to trust me.

She stood with her mouth slightly open, mulling over what I just said.

Bogdan started to make a sound, and I shot a look of death, and he turned around to speak to another person.

"Mr. Rosu, I'm not sure what possessed you to confront me at the very moment that I'm burying the last person I have in this world, but I assure you I don't give a damn about any questions you might have for me, especially at this moment"

This was not going well. She obviously did not trust me, and I wasn't sure why. She stepped close enough I could smell the hint of gardenias and lavender flowing off her skin as she became angered.

"so I kindly ask you to fuck off." She finished.

I stepped back, locking eyes with her, trying to ignore her intoxicating scent and determine my next move. I ripped my eyes away from hers. They were the color of the purest ocean. Her heart beating hard in her chest at this point. I knew Bogdan was Rumen's partner at the law firm, maybe he had her scared to the point she wouldn't speak to me. I would have to meet with her where she wouldn't have to be afraid of anyone overhearing us, maybe she would be able to give me more insight into what Rumen and Bogdan knew. I straightened my jacket, and replied, "Very well, thank you for your time."