Shift (A Mated Love Story) *PREVIOUSLY known as "Golden Lilies"

chapter three: Dinner

Eugen led me through the front a bit, setting my belongings down. Gently grabbing my hand, he led me around the house. His hand on the middle of my back felt calming, reassuring. Even though I barely knew him, calmness radiated from him and he seemed so genuine, so trustful. The air about him was so sure, yet it was evident that the years were beginning to wear on him.

It took roughly an hour to explore the first floor, well, twenty minutes of that was spent outside. He showed me the paths I could take and also gave me severe, and I mean severe warnings about straying into the woods. The grounds were beautiful. The backyard itself, was like a giant meadow, all surrounded by forest. Wild flowers grew in spurts, the whole atmosphere embodied the wilderness of its surroundings, calling to the deaths of Lily’s very soul.

When we re-entered the house, Eugene showed me up to my quarters, again giving me strict rules as to where I was not allowed to go, namely, the last door down the hall. It was strictly off limits! After giving me strict instructions as to where exactly i was allowed, he gave me a gentle and reassuring squeeze as he left to do his remaining duties. Apparently, Mr. and Mrs. Night were away with my mother and Mr. Founders for the weekend, which is why I was temporarily staying here. The Night's son, who I've yet to get his name, was away for some business.

Deciding it best to at least make myself presentable, I opened the door to my chambers and the breath stuck in my throat. Everything in here was white and gold. The bed was in the middle of the room and it was huge. White bedspreads with gold designs and gold accented pillows decorated the emmance bed. the bed fram was a pure gold with intricate designs. Beautiful victorian and nature photos adorned the walls. A few mirrors hung. All the furniture matched, made of the same pure gold and intricate, captivating designs.

Walking over to the wide french doors, I gasped. I had the most beautiful view. I gazed out at the woods, and in the distance, a bit of ocean could be seen. Excitement coursed through me. Later. Later I will go there. For now, I need to be presentable for dinner.

Eugene had told me that there would be quite a bit of people milling around the house, so I had to be decent. As I walked into the bathroom, I had thought nothing could surprise me more, but I was wrong. Boy was I wrong. The gold and white decor was again the theme. There was a large and inviting jacuzzi bath and a large, high tech looking shower. I decided on the shower, saving the bath for later, when i would surely need it, with bubbles, lots and lots of bubbles.

The shower was heaven. Jets of blissfully warm water gently caressed my skin from all sides of me. There were dozens of buttons that had all sorts of different functions. I didn't dare press one after I had the first time. When I had pressed it, a light mist scent of pomegranate and orange peel had joined the shower, coating me in its intoxicating scent. As much as I loved it and the smell, I didn't want to press the wrong button.

After stepping out of the shower, I wrapped myself in the heavenly plush feel of expensive towels. I decided to let my hair air dry, running my fingers through it. My hair always looked best in its natural curls. I stripped of my towel, lotioning myself in the pomegranate lotion that matched the mist from the shower.

Pulling out a pair of shorts that were just short enough, without being too revealing, and a teal blouse shirt that hugged my curves perfectly. Adding a bit of light mascara and my gold gladiator sandals, I was ready for dinner.

Giving myself a once over in the full length mirror, I studied my appearance, I was 5'5, a bit short compared to others, but not too bad. The shorts made my toned lean legs look even longer, and the blouse accentuated my every curve. My arms, legs, and face were back to the healthy creamy pale color they have always been, making my ice blue eyes come alive. The little make-up I had on made my doe eyes look even bigger, but in an attractive way. I'm not arrogant, but I know that I am fairly good looking. I especially loved my dark red curls.

I walked over to the door, slowly opening it and carefully peeked out. Instantly, the buzzing sound of several conversations reached my ears. How many people did Eugene say lived here exactly? Taking a deep breath, I stepped out into the hallway and closed my door. I looked down both sides of the hall and began my descent down the stairs. As I was half way down them, the door opened and in walked a beautiful woman, an incredibly good looking man, and the cutest child I had ever seen.

The little girl squealed when she saw me, eyes the size of saucers. She was the cutest! Her mother looked up at me, a weird expression crossed her features before a beautiful smile graced her lips. Kindness quickly replacing her previous reaction to my sudden presence.

"Hello dear, you must be Miss. Evers. I am Cathrine and this is my mat-er my husband, Keith. And this is our beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn." She gave me a warm friendly smile as I fully descended the stairs. I shook her outstretched hand and smiled at her. Something about her screamed safe. Instantly, I warmed to the woman in front of me, happy to see a friendly face after Eugene’s strict warnings.

"Hello, and please, call me Lillian, or Lily." She smiled again and her husband held out a hand to me, I slightly cringed back before trying to hide my reaction, but they had both seen it. Fortunately, Keith played it off with a grin and wrapped his arm around his wife.

"You're pretty!" Kaitlyn yelled cheerfully as she attacked my leg. I couldn't help but giggle slightly at her action.

"As are you!" I cooed. Her mother looked a bit stunned at the way Kaitlyn had attacked me. Latching onto my leg with a strength a child her size would not be capable of.

"I am so sorry Lily, it's just, she doesn't like very many people nor greet them in such a manner." Catherine apologized, shocked at her daughters reaction and apparent affection towards me. Kaitlyn giggled as she tried to climb my leg.

"It's quite alright." I said as I picked her up. "I've always loved kids." I cooed again as i began to slightly tickle the giggling girl in my arms. Her mother and father looked slightly relieved and both smiled warmly at me, but not before I missed the look the two shared.

"Please, do sit next to me. I think we'll get along well." I smiled, showing her my gratitude. Having a friendly and familiar face at what seemed to be a bustling dinner, was greatly appreciated.

As we stepped into the dining room, I was instantly greeted by the sight of an incredibly large dining table, a handful of maids and butlers bustling about, fixing the table and adding food to it, and roughly a dozen people getting ready to sit down for dinner. I was overwhelmed to say the least.

Dinner went by awkwardly. I kept meeting the gaze of everyone around me. Some were openly curious, while others were downright glaring at me. I had never felt more awkward and unwelcomed in my life, but, luckily for me, my new found friend and savior, Catherine, was there giving me reassuring smiles and keeping some form of conversation going.

After dinner, the house seemed to clear out quickly. I was informed that only five of the people at dinner lived here. What was even more of a relief, was that Catherine and her family lived here, unfortunately, that left two of the glaring people from the dinner table.

After spending half of the night in my room, I decided i would wander around the down stairs. I knew that no one from earlier would be here, but the maids and Eugene would still be around for a bit. I headed straight for the kitchen, wanting to bake something, anything to calm my nerves.

A/N Alright! So here is a new chapter.

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