Antithesis: The Vampire Alliance Book Three - FIRST DRAFT COMPLETED

Antithesis Epilogue: Eve Blakethorn-Sullivan December 2013

Eve Blakethorn-Sullivan, December 2013

I stare at myself in the mirror as Van beads my hair with garnets and jet. She’s spent hours on my makeup, ensuring it is absolutely perfect and absolutely smudge proof. Even my eyelashes have been tinted to give me a doe-eyed look which is completely out of character for me. Why am I doing this again? Why had I agreed to this? My heart pounds and my nails dig into my palms as I grow ever more nervous with each passing second.

“Don’t do that,” Van admonishes me, “you’ll break your nails.” She smiles as she attaches the final piece of finery to my hair, the silver slide which is beaded with garnets and jet stones to match the others in my hair. “You look stunning. That dress was inspired.”

That makes me smile at least. I’d had to speak to a wealth of dressmakers before I finally found one who truly understood what I wanted. That dressmaker, as it turned out, ended up being the same person who created my previous two wedding dresses. Dominic had made the masterpiece as a wedding gift.

A sheath of blood red silk and silvery lace clings to my body. Fabric crosses over my chest, tucking into a sash just below my bust. My skirt has been created by a series of rippling layers, embroidered silk and exquisite lace falling in ever increasing lengths until the final silk layer sweeps the floor, revealing only the barest hint of lace underskirts. Loose lace sleeves drape down as far as my elbows, elegant and modest. The heavily embroidered creation is a work of art, even I can admit that.

My dress has a definite vintage twist, based heavily on the fashion of 1912, just as I’d intended. Its high back covers most of my scars too, which is a bonus but not the reason I chose the style. My newest wedding dress would not be out of place on the set of Downton Abbey and that seems appropriate to me, especially as our wedding is to be held in the ballroom of Norham House.

“Do you think they’ll like it?” I ponder out loud, “I want to blow them away but I don’t know if the blast from their past might be a bit contrived.”

“Eve, if they don’t find it near impossible to refrain from charging up the aisle and taking you on the spot then they both need shot.” She beams at me and I shake my head, truly shocked.

“Vanessa Rosa! I rarely say this to people who aren’t me, but you are a whore.”
She laughs good naturedly, “Courtesan,” she insists, just like she had while I’d been working for her. “I had to make you blush, what good is a bride if she isn’t blushing?”

There’s a knock on the door and Sarah pops her head into the room, grinning at me. “You look incredible,” she tells me she absorbs the detail of my dress, “now I want to get married again.” She takes one more appreciative look at my dress before she adds, “We’re ready for you. Are you ready?”

Taking a deep breath to fortify myself I nod. “Sure, let’s get this show on the road.”
As I stand I catch sight of my slowly swelling belly. My bump is still barely noticeable, the gentle curve having only started to show in the last few weeks. I smile as I feel the gentle flutter inside me, light movements from the tiny life growing there.

Van smiles as she watches me, “You know there was a time I doubted I’d ever see this; Eve Blakethorn, remarrying and having a baby. I hoped, but I doubted you’d ever do it. And never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you would be quite so unconventional. I’m pleased for you though, all three of you.” Hugging me she adds, “Congratulations, little one. You deserve your little patch of heaven.”

Sarah and Van guide me from the room I had occupied last night. I’d followed tradition and not slept with my husbands or let them see me this morning. I personally find the tradition a little redundant, especially as I’m carrying their child, but as I’ve well and truly put my stamp on this event I gave in when Rob insisted the three of us spend one night apart. Tul had been fully supportive of the notion and so, outnumbered, I had done as I was told for a change.

I remain out of sight long enough for Vanessa and Sarah to sneak into the ballroom and then I wait of the music to start. The string quartet strikes up the first notes of my processional and I swallow down the urge to run, determined to fight my reasonless fear that I’m once again cursing my relationship by having a wedding. Rob and Tul panic as they sense my anxiety and I nod to the attendants to open the doors before my husband can burst through them intent on dragging me down the aisle.

As I step into the refurbished ballroom I’m vaguely aware of congregation gasping, but it is only the vaguest awareness. Why would I focus on anything else with Rob and Tul gazing back at me from their positions either side of the petal strewn aisle? They are both stunningly suited and booted and staring at me with easily recognisable awe. Their adoration fills me along with a healthy quota of desire and I grin at the instantaneous affect I have on them.

Remembering Van’s earlier comment my cheeks flush. I don’t care though; nothing is going to detract from this moment, this perfect moment. I try to take in every detail of the two men I love with all of my heart. I never want to forget this, no matter what follows.

Unable to resist temptation, Tul leans in as I reach the end of the aisle, kissing my cheek. “You look incredible,” he whispers in my ear, “truly, heart-stoppingly stunning.”

“You have no appreciation of etiquette at all do you?” Rob ribs Tul lightly before breaking the rules himself and stepping forward to kiss me squarely on the lips. “What the hell,” he breathes, “his way is better.”

Chuckling I take my place between them, flushing slightly under the amused gaze of the vampire registrar. When I glance back at the door I half expect Enforcers to come streaming in but no enemy force tries to ruin my day and the music fades away to allow the ceremony to begin.

“The Senate aren’t coming for us,” Tul assures me as he pulls me closer, his hand resting on my bump.

“Not this time,” Rob agrees as he takes my hand, drawing it to his lips and kissing it in a thoroughly gentlemanly gesture. “Happy wedding day, darling,” he whispers before we face the registrar and prepare to say our vows.