The Cravers

43. The Guardian's Ball

Stella glanced around proudly. The ballroom could not glow any brighter.

Thousands of white roses were set out in canopies on every table. Everything was white. Beautiful white. The aroma of the roses wafted around, giving a nice feel. And the guests were even more remarkable in their gowns and suits. Lavishing, she thought. This is what they were. Creatures made of light and piece of heaven. And it showed, the way they carried themselves, the authority in their glances. Beauty.

Jake shuffled besides her, he had a sour expression. Stella raised a champagne glass towards him. "Cheer up. It's the Guardian's Ball."

Jake threw a sharp look at her. "So?"

Her smile faded. "Sheesh, I just wanted to you smile. Suite yourself." The way he rejected her was maddening.  He was always like this, her angel, acting in anger...stupid anger. She flipped her hair and took her leave to the open rose garden. The air felt better.

Just like she had thought, he followed behind. She didn't turn around. 

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. That's your nature. Lashing onto me whenever."

He became quiet. Jake approached her. "You look breath-taking," he confessed. "Stella, I'm sorry...I'll try to be more mature."

Stella gave him a broken smile. "Don't be mature...just love me." She stepped into his arms, relishing in his manly scent. He looked dashing in his black-fitted suit. The way his blond hair gelled back and that inferior green glint in his eyes made her heart beat. "I love you, you know."

"I love you, too." He buried his lips in her neck. "You're beautiful."

And she was. She knew. She has finally chosen a pale pink dress in the softest, most translucent silk. It had hugged her curves in its sheer glory while white Swarovski diamonds were sewed on the bodice and down. Her hair was arranged in beautiful waves, and her makeup was simple....a bronzed goddess.

The music started as orchestra begin playing. "Come on." Jake smirked admiringly. "Let's waltz."

She grinned gleefully. Love swelled in her chest. And they stepped back into the dance floor as more couples swayed. Her eyes flitted to Amy jealously whom were laughing with her date. That dress looked stunning, of course she got it from Versace. Stella tried not to show it too much.

"Don't worry about others." Jake whispered close to her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "You're the only one that matters...to me."

"Love, I know." He twirled her around, her dress widening. "I should be the only that matters."

The song ended and the guests took their reserved seats. Jake and Stella shared a smile. She sipped her champagne. Everything looked wonderful. The gold details and the chandelier...Ah. And her date, her soulmate. She reached for his hand.

All around the world from every part of town and village and where Cravers lived...the vampire Coven has invited them for the special night. From France, came Bridgette in a simple black dress, while there was Gabi Donohan from England....And Edward Ronalds from Australia. All the biggest names came to the biggest night of the year.

John Perry walked to the middle of the dance floor, commanding attention. "Ladies and Gentleman..." He smiled. "Welcome to the Guardian's Ball of Haven!"

Everyone clapped in appreciation.

"I'm not going to drag on. In this special day, I wish with all my gratitude that you enjoy yourselves and make the most of the year. Thanks to our wonderful Guardian Committee whom had organized tonight's event. And also to our wonderful Cravers..." he smirked playfully. "Welcome to another year of being an immortal...another year of hope, beauty, and wisdom. Let's continue this surge of commitment to this barren land of earth..."