A Vampire's Life For a Human Girl

Chapter 36

"Get in line, Hayley!" Paris hissed at me, grabbing my forearm and dragging me from behind the wall. I was hoping for a few more moments to catch my breath and regain my composure. I was shaking like a leaf, nervous to stand out from the crowd and become the centre of attention. All these people--all these vampires were here to see me! 

My tongue seemed to have grown twice its size and a lump had formed in my throat. I wanted to choke and die so I wouldn't have to die of embarrassment later when I did something horrid. How could I act vampire in a room full of vampires who knew I was human? How could I think that? They would be able to smell my fear now. Caroline disappeared from view down another corridor. I didn't even know this part of the mansion even existed. 

By now my lipstick had disappeared from my lips from the constant and vicious biting. Paris noticed and tapped my shoulder rather hard. "Stop it. Is that a bad habit I'll have to beat from you?"

I didn't know how to answer. My body froze beside the doorframe. The coldness of the wall was seeping into my back. I couldn't breathe. Vincent appeared, trailing behind Caroline. He had a stiff look on his face that he flicked over to his mother. Paris looked ready to slap him across the head. 

"Stop pouting like a baby, Vincent. I thought you had grown out of that decades ago." She bustled about us like a moth in an extremely elegant, silver dress. A simple crown sat atop her head, tucked in place with her perfect hair. Paris looked like what she was a queen. "Now stand together, your father is waiting. While you both have been absent, he has been entertaining our guests. They are here to see you!"

My eyes strained on Vincent and I wondered what he was thinking. Was he regretting this, or was he slightly excited like I was? It's not like he had a choice in either. Just when I thought he would never look up he did. I gave him a quick smile and he returned it with a smile. I could see he was nervous, just like I was. The pressure must have been excruciating for him. He was going to become the new King in a few days. He might not rule immediately but we all knew he would become it. 

I felt sick. My life has changed so suddenly. I was a normal teenager and then I was a maid and then I'm engaged to a vampire. This doesn't even happen in fairy tales. I think I'm going to be sick.

My hand was slick with sweat but that didn't stop Vincent from grasping it tightly and dependently. I looked up and him and felt relieved to see a more relaxed composure. I felt a small weight lift from my shoulders as my body relaxed. If he stayed like that all night, I'll be fine...just fine. 

"I love you," he whispered in my ear sending chills down my spine.

"I love you, too," I replied feeling a rush of blood to my cheeks. "I really couldn't do this without you."

He did a half smile, which sent my heart racing once more. From the look in his eye, he noticed it too. How could someone make me feel this way, constantly? And tonight! I couldn't believe that we had to... Oh God, I can't even say it.  We were going to share something so intimate tonight because somebody told us to. I wish Vincent and I were able to do this on our terms. My cheeks blushed again. "We're going to get through this. Together."

"I'm really nervous."

"Same."

"Are you sure we can't run away?"

"Do you want to face my mother?"

"Maybe not."

Paris came to our side and stared at us both. "Stand up straight, you're the bride-to-be." I instantly felt my back straighten. She really is a nagging mother. "And Vincent, wipe that look off your face and smile. This is after all your engagement party."