The Rules of the Red - 2014 Watty Award Winner |✓|

Chapter Thirteen - Part One

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN

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After having received the biggest reality check of quite some time, for the majority of the meeting afterwards, I was as meek as the gentlest lamb. Pack members trickled forth, slowly but steadily for the next two hours to voice their problems, questions, and appeals while I listened with open ears and attentive focus. I was determined not to give Charles any other reason to admonish or disgrace me. Once was more than enough, thank you.

But then, something happened towards the end of the meeting – something unexpected. And it just so happened to come in the form of an alluring stranger. Pale he was, with skin like smooth porcelain and eyes that were a familiar shade of dark blue. Blonde too, with slightly wavy hair that was long enough to be pulled back from his face. But for now, it hung down to brush the tops of his shoulders instead. He was dressed in a sleek suit, with a stylish trench coat above that. He stood there, silent, but grinning into the monitor, and I wondered if I was imagining that he was only looking at me.

"As a current member of the Vampire Council for Harbor Village, I am here to formally request an informal parley with a member of your Leadership." His accent was European, charming, and smooth like honey. If you closed your eyes you could fall in love, with speech like that.

"Mr. Romaine, it's been quite some time since a member of the Council has approached the Leadership this way." Charles said, with perhaps even more surprise than me.

"Very true, Your Elder. But you've got a new Leader in your midst, and it would be rude of me not to extend her a proper welcome to our town. Actually, I'm embarrassed that it's taken me this long."

Her. He said 'her'. Which meant that he was referring to me, just as I had suspected.

"Very well, Mr. Romaine." Charles replied, with reluctance. "Are you proposing a meeting?"

"Yes. Well, celebration more like. Problem is, I've only got the one invitation left..."

My heart skipped a few beats as I realized that this couldn't be anyone else but Johl Romaine, Tidus' youngest brother.

 "No offense, Councilor Romaine, but I hardly think it's the best idea to leave our youngest, not to mention greenest member of the Leadership alone with you – or any other members of your Council."

It was Ethan's dad that had spoken, but I had a hard time believing that his motives were completely pure. I had a feeling he had only said it to protect his son's investment. He didn't need any other roosters clucking around the hen house, so to speak.

"Honestly, I'd invite you all but I'm a houseguest of my brother, and he's actually rather shy. In large crowds he tends to get wound up and paranoid, and then people get eaten...." Johl sucked through his teeth and then shook his head with a long-suffering sigh. "Awful mess and don't get me started on the cleanup..."

I covered my mouth with a hand to hide my amusement.

"In reality, ladies and gentleman, I'm just having a very small gathering for a handful of friends. And honestly, one more may be company, but inviting the rest of you would just be a fucking crowd. I hope you understand?"

But none of them did. I could tell by the stunned, amazed looks on all of their faces. All except for Ethan and his father, that is. Mathew was simply angry, but Ethan was jealous to his very bones. It was one of the strongest emotions that I had picked up from him to date.

"So you're asking me to go to your party?"

Stupid question, but I really needed to hear him clarify it aloud.