The Vampire Council

The Vampire Ball

NATALIE

I descended the stairs, paying extra attention to my steps. I looked down as I walked; I noticed Aries standing at the bottom of the stairs, his intense gaze directed at me as I walked. Aries wore a crisp black suit that clung to his muscular frame. There's no doubt, He was absolutely breathtaking. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, Aries grabbed my hand and tugged me towards him. I gasped as I feared I would stumble in my ridiculously high heels.

"Red is a dangerous colour on you, Natalie; it makes me want to take you right here and right now," Aries whispered, leaning and breathing around my neck softly. At the same time, I felt his hands running and warming my arms, causing goosebumps to form on them.

I was wearing a bright red gown adorned with various shiny stones along the plunging back and a slightly indiscreet neckline. The look had been finished with black heels and a lot of jewellery that seemed way too over the top. My make-up was subtle yet noticeable. And my hair had been done to absolute perfection, and it was the only thing I truly loved about the whole ensemble I had on. My back pressed against Aries harder.

"Oh! Natalie, I'm still finding it hard to believe Henry will have your attention tonight," Aries said through clenched teeth.

"Hey, Relax. This is for us to remember? Besides, I'm all yours after the ball and all the nights after," I said and turned to kiss his cheek slightly.

"I love you, and we'll surely pull through this together, both of us," Aries said and kissed me slowly.

"I love you more, Aries," I replied as he gently pulled away with his hand still on my waist.

We walked towards the Limo, where Edward was already waiting for us. He opened the door as we approached and helped me in.

The drive had been silent and tense, just like I remember the first day I went from Henry to Aries. I was kind of terrified. Terrified that I would meet Henry again. Scared after, I knew he wanted to let his brother down because of me and was terrified that I might lose Aries forever.

"Nat," Aries called, snapping my thoughts. I looked at him, wanting to look back when I noticed his gestures; he was looking down at his hands. He saw my reaction and raised his head. I followed his gaze, and my heart clenched.

"This will not be easy," he hissed as he fiddled with the diamond-studded collar in his hands.

"Aries, it's okay. This is for us, remember?" I said in reassurance, brushing his cheek with my hand. "I know..."

"Lord Aries, we are here," Edward's voice came out through the intercom.

He sighed loudly, then opened the collar and placed it around my neck. He buckled the collar loosely, but it wasn't the eyebrow-raising kind of loose.

"I love you, okay?" He whispered after buckling the collar into place. I kissed him in response.

He pulled away, and with one last look at me, he knocked on the window; Edward immediately opened the Limo door. Aries grabbed the leash attached to my collar as soon as we were outside. His expression changed from soft to the stern man I had met on the first day. As we ascended the stairs that led to the hall where the ball was being held, we passed some other vampires; they all bowed down in respect to Lord Aries, though always after observing me carefully. I kept my head lowered, following the rules a pet should follow.

"Lord Aries, welcome to the ball," I heard someone say. My master nodded in his response without saying a word. His stance was frightening, and I'm sure if I had not known him better, I would have pissed my pants in fear.