The Vampire Extraordinaire Book 1

22. The Ball

Dad had left me alone and I paced in my room. Who knew that a little sun would piss him off so bad? Or could threaten the existence of an entire House? I paced faster. I didn't want to go to the ball. I was sure to do something wrong and get everybody killed. Blend in, Dad had told me. How could I blend in when I didn't know how vampires were supposed to act? Maybe if I hid in my room, nobody would notice.

Someone knocked on my door. "No such luck," I sighed and went to the door. It was probably another King or Queen, asking me to join their House. I pulled the heavy door open, "Yeah?" I asked irritably.

My breath caught in my chest. It was my sweet Anna. She was dressed in a soft blue dress. It cinched her waist, revealing how small she was and lifting her breasts. The satin spilled to the floor in heavy billows. Her raven hair was on top of her head and a small ringlet was at each side of her head. Her gloved hand held a small, lace fan and she tapped it on her other hand, nervously.

"Are you ready?" she smiled.

"Not really," I answered truthfully.

"We don't have to stay late," she held her hand out to me.

I stepped out into the hall and shut the door behind me. I held out my elbow and she put her hand in the crook. "You look beautiful tonight," I said softly.

"So do you," she answered quickly, then shook her head, "No. I mean...."

"I know," I laughed.

A door opened and Allan stepped out. He wore the same suit that I did, but he looked bigger. His brown hair was combed back, but the pony tail was gone. He wore his hair loose and it went half way down his back. "Hey Kid," he laughed, "You clean up good."

I smiled angrily, "I was going to say that even a hippy can clean up well."

Dad and Nigel joined us, "Now no bickering you two. Behave."

"Of course," Allan laughed, "I would never make a scene!" He slapped me on the shoulder, "Why, that's something I reserve only for him," he laughed and threw his arm around my shoulders.

"No witnesses to how much of a jerk you are to me," I said and he laughed, slapping my shoulder again.

"Good," Nigel said, then held out his hand to Anna, "Come. Let's get you downstairs."

"Yes," she laughed and took his elbow.

We followed them down the long staircase. I could hear the music coming from the Ballroom. I recognized the four step as a waltz. "Aristocrats", I sighed to myself.

"Well, it's not rock and roll," Allan grimaced, "but what can you do?"

We stepped into the Ballroom and looked around. Everyone was dressed in long gowns and tuxedos. They danced the waltz, drank blood from their goblets and talked softly to each other. They were Vampires playing Human. It was sad.

Anna said softly, "Everyone be nice. We are guests here," she looked at me pointedly and Nigel moved on with her.

Dad looked at Allan, "No sexual escapades tonight," he said firmly and Allan moaned, then walked away.

Dad looked at me and caught my elbow, "You too."

"Me?" I frowned.

He nodded, "I want you to find a quiet corner." He pointed with his nose, "Get a drink and settle in."

"Yes Father," I laughed and went to the bar.

I sat heavily on a bar stool and the bartender sat a goblet infront of me. I took a tentative drink and smiled. It was warmer than usual.

"Not the same, is it?" a woman sat on the next stool.

"No," I laughed. The hoops of her dress brushed against my leg and I looked down.

"Sorry," she stood up quickly.

"It's alright," I stood and pointed with my hand, "Please sit."

"Thank you," she sighed and sat down tiredly. "Believe me, it's not my idea to dress this way."

"No?" I snickered.

"God no!" she shook her head and took big gulps out of my goblet.

"You're from America," I said and sat one stool from her.

She raised her eyebrows, "Does it show that much?" I smiled and nodded. "Damn," she slapped the bar lightly, "I tried," she shrugged.

"What's your name?" I motioned for the bartender.

"Jade," she looked at me and her dark green eyes sparkled.

"Marcus," I held up the goblet the bartender gave me. She touched her goblet to mine and we drank small sips.

She put down her goblet and stood up quickly. "Let's get out of here," she whispered.

"What?" I laughed.

"Oh come on!" she leaned closer to me, "I won't bite." I studied her eyes and she wiggled her eyebrows, "Maybe a little."

I laughed out loud and slowly shook my head, "Now you're going to get me in trouble. I was told to be good, sit and blend in." I looked at her pout and smiled broadly, "And you look like nothing but trouble."

A slow smile covered her face and she said proudly, "Oh I am. Do you know how many times my Master has beat me?" she rolled her eyes.

"Master?" I whispered.

She shrugged, "Yeah. You know." She looked over her shoulders and pressed against me, "When a Vamp takes you for a slave, they can do anything they want to you." She rolled her eyes, "You're a slave."

"I see," I said and stared at the rubies on my goblet.

"You didn't know?" she sat on the stool next to me, no longer caring if she crowded me. "I'm sorry to shock you. I thought you were a slave too."

"Why?" I looked at her without turning my body to her.

She raised one shoulder, "I saw all those Vamps going in and out of your room, I thought...."

"No. I'm no slave to anybody," I shook my head and my eyes caught sight of Anna dancing with another man.

Jade turned on the stool and we watched the dance in silence. She laid her left arm against my right arm and asked, "Are you sure?"

I looked at her sharply and she only shrugged, turning her face to Anna as she danced by. She talked sweetly to the man as he twirled her and leaned close. She laughed at something he had whispered in her ear. "Not a slave, but I loved her once. No more though," I sighed sadly. I straightened my spine and swallowed my drink, "Still want to ditch?" I stood up.

"Boy, I'll say!" she laughed and hopped off the barstool.

"Come on," I took her hand and I led her to the garden doors.