Desire by Blood | Desire Series ~ 1

Chapter 22

"Sir Micah?" I vaguely hear someone call my name while knocking on the door.I turn around to face away from the door as I pull the blanket over my head. Then I roll my body from one side of the bed to the other until I am wrapped like a burrito. Unfortunately for me, it doesn't cut out the sound at all. Why doesn't that woman do like Ana on my first morning here? I can clearly remember the rich smell of her coffee diffusing into the air. Just smelling that was enough to take me out from the bed. However, raping the bedroom door isn't."Sir Micah?" she repeats making me groan in annoyance. "I'm coming in," she finally states making me roll my eyes."What?" I ask crankily."My apologies, but Sir Nikolas requested me to inform you that you have to get ready to greet his parents this evening," the maid explains making me perk up a little.How could I forget about that?! It has completely gone out of my mind. During the last two days, I was so worried about Eva that I completely forgot about the dinner with Nikolas' parents. I look at the clock hanging on the wall and see that it is nearly twelve in the afternoon. I slept through all morning?! I can't believe I just did that."Thank you," I hastily answer before throwing the blanket off of me and run into the bathroom."Will you like to have lunch after your shower Sir?" she asks behind the door linking the bedroom to the bathroom."That will be great!" I shout my answer on top of the sound of the water as I take my clothes off."As you wish, Sir," she answers as I hear the door open and close a few seconds later.I rapidly take a hot shower while taking care to scrub all the tiny areas. I need to be in my top shape to impress my parents in law. I am not stressed, and I have already explained the reasons to Nikolas. So, I am not stressed or anxious to meet them. We already met after that party when I went as an escort. I am definitely not stressed.I decide to eat lunch before getting into the outfit I have chosen for the event. I walk down the stairs in search of food. I wonder what the cook has made for me today?As I eat the simple but delicious meal in front of me, I take out my phone from my back pocket. I unlock it and go to my emails. As I read through some of them, a strange feeling invades me. Most of my clients congratulated me for my wedding as they hope that I will come back into business even if we don't have sex. And the few others wished me a happy life with my future wife. I smile at the word wife since I did not precise the gender of my partner, but I am still grateful for their support.Once I finish eating, I place the dirty dishes in the sink before going back up to change. I spend most of my time in the closet to select the perfect outfit. When I get out of the closet, I have narrowed down my choices to two suits. One is a beautiful deep blue and a matching tie with a white shirt under it. The other one is a grey suit with a black tie and a white shirt. The only problem right now is the colour. What will Nikolas wear? We can't be clashing each other through our clothes. We don't need to necessarily match, but at least have something cohesive. This is so frustrating. I couldn't endure this stress anymore, I am calling Nikolas. I take out my phone and dial his number."Micah, what's wrong?" Nikolas says worriedly as soon as he picks up."What colour are you wearing for tonight?" I seriously ask as I sit down on the bed."Micah, I'm in a meeting," my mate sighs making me roll my eyes."So, hurry up and answer my question.""Black.""Thanks, see you soon!" I rapidly say and end the call.I smile as I look at my phone. I can't believe I disturbed him during a meeting to ask for the colour of his suit! I am certain that his guests must be confused or annoyed as hell. Nevertheless, I hope everything goes splendidly, but I just like messing with him. It's my little revenge for restraining me to the wall. Of course, he can expect a few more little things like that because let's be honest, I have been chained to that wall for too long and a phone call during a meeting isn't enough.Anyways, now that I know that he will be wearing black, it actually complicates my life. Black goes well with everything, so what do I choose? Dark blue or grey? This is so freaking hard since I really like these two suits.Twenty minutes later, I am still undecided, but I did my hair and polished my nails. Now, I have to choose or else, Nikolas will be back soon and I won't be ready. I never had such a bad time choosing something to wear, but it has to happen today. I groan in frustration as I examine the two outfits next to a black suit taken from Nikolas' closet."Are you ready?" I hear Nikolas' voice from behind making me jump and swear at the same time. I turn around to look at Nikolas to confirm that I am not dreaming before looking at the clock hanging on the wall. Fuck, I have spent too much time on this."You're back," I state as I grab the outfits to present it to him. "Which one?"Nikolas raises an eyebrow and sighs before looking at the two outfits in front of him. He must be thinking about what I did for the whole afternoon."The grey one," my mate answers as I nod."The dark blue one it is. I knew I mated you for a reason," I smile as I put the suit on. At the same time, I hear Nikolas snorts as he walks into the bathroom to take a quick shower.Finally ready, I look myself in the mirror one last time before joining Nikolas who's about to be ready too. We both walk down the stairs, and one of the maids open the front door for us. There, Nikolas' driver is already waiting for us with the car door open. I get inside first as my mate gives his driver the instructions for tonight. Once everyone is seated inside the car, the driver smoothly drives us out of the propriety."So, where are we meeting your parents?" I ask once we have reached the highway."About that," Nikolas sighs making me tense. This isn't a good sign. "The family dinner isn't positively a family dinner..." he continues to explain making me frown."Then... What is it?""An engagement party."I choke on my saliva once I hear my mate answer my question. An engagement party? I haven't even met his parents, and we are getting engaged in front of God knows how many people?"Tell me it's one of Matthias another bad joke," I shake my head as I massage my forehead."It was my mother's idea...""Don't tell her that... Well, it can't be helped," I sigh at the sudden announcement.I can't believe he has left that out. It isn't the party and the people there I am worried about, but Nikolas' parents. I have underestimated them. I never believed that they would pull a stunt like that. I have to be on top of myself tonight to impress them. There will be no fake smile or sweet talking. It will not work. I have to play it smart. I am so not prepared for that.Before I realize it, the door beside me open as Nikolas extends his hand to me. I roll my eyes but take it, nonetheless. As soon as I do, flashes from the cameras blind me. I step out of the car and put my best smile as my mate put his arm around my waist. Together we walk inside the building where the party is held. The doors are opened for us as an elegant room appears in front of us. The tablecloth is black decorated with flowers in a very tall vase. On the white ceiling, there are multiples white bubbles decorating it with the pinkish light flashing on them. I can see that it is a woman who decorated this room, but it is really elegant with the contrast of the black and white colour."Let's go greet my parents first," Nikolas whispers next to my ears making me nod in agreement.As we go look for my future in-laws, we get intercepted by many of the guests that come to greet us. Of course, we can't really brush them away, so we have to engage ourselves in small talk. Along the way, I get myself a flute of champagne because my mouth is drier than the Sahara Desert. I never had to talk that much. Usually, I am the cherry on top which makes my client look good. Now, since I am Nikolas' fiancé, everyone seems to want to talk to me.An hour later, we finally perceive Nikolas' parents and reach them without anyone interfering. They were talking to some guests, but when Nikolas' mom recognizes us, they rapidly concluded the conversation to come see us."My baby, it has been a long time," Nikolas' mother greets her son with a hug and a kiss on his cheek.Then Nikolas exchanges a handshake with his father. They didn't say anything, but they were looking at each other in the eyes with so much intensity. Then the older vampire nods in approval. Suddenly, both of them are looking at me. I take a calming breath before smiling brightly at them. I present myself to them as they scrutinize me under their gazes. However, I don't give in, I maintain my smile as I talk about myself while complimenting Nikolas from time to time.Once I have finished my brief speech, they are still observing me without mentioning a word. Seriously, I am starting to have a cold sweat. I have never felt so much stress. Maybe it is because they are such powerful being. They have the power, ability and experience. I am nothing, but a very young child to their eyes."Micah," Alice, Nikolas' mother, starts making me look at her. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you properly," she greets warmly. I give her one of my signature smiles before gently kissing the back of her palm."The pleasure is shared," I answer sweetly as I see Nikolas chuckles next to me.I internally roll my eyes. I don't blame him. I have never acted like that in front of him before. I don't really need to charm him since he was so busy charming me.Now, there's only Michael, Nikolas' father, left. If he says that he has been in the army once, I would have believed him. The air around him is so tense and serious. His stance is perfectly straight and his metallic gray eyes are piercing through me. Between the three men in the family, Michael is definitely the most intimidating."So, you're Micah," the older man says making me stand straighter with a serious look on my face."Yes, Sir, that will be me," as I give my answer to him, he looks at me up and down without any subtlety. He wants me to know that he is scrutinizing me, to see if I am going to crack under the pressure."Enjoy the party," he ultimately says after a prolonged silence before walking away with his wife leaving me all confused. I did not expect that at all.When I get out of my shock, I turn to face my mate and it seems like the look on my face is pretty comical to him. I glare at the man next to me and grasp another glass of champagne that a waiter is carrying on a tray while walking around the ballroom. I take a huge sip of the liquid of courage before sighing in relief."So what do you think your parents think about me? I am getting mixed feeling about this.""Dad seems to like you pretty much," my mate starts which surprise me. "My father doesn't show his emotions much, but if he didn't like you, he wouldn't even have talked to you.""You're serious? He barely said something. I thought he was testing me," I sigh in relief. "What about Alice?""I am not so certain. I think she doesn't have a final opinion on you, so you have to put out your charming smile out again," he chuckles the last part before taking a sip of his red wine."Oh, shut up."As the night goes on, everyone gets seated in their designated places. Of course, I get to sit next to my mate and his siblings and parents. I am surrounded by Pures. I have never seen so many in my entire life. To say that I am a little intimidated is an understatement.As everyone talks around the tables, I feel Alice's gaze on me the whole time. I try my best to not look flustered and participate in the conversations. You can't imagine my relief when the appetizers are served. Everyone's attention is now on the dish that it is presented in front of us. The dish is a pan seared scallops with a black pudding emulsion, some cauliflower, a sherry soaked golden raisins, apple and celery. As soon as everyone starts to eat, everyone relaxes a lot more, but it is still very formal. Though I can't help, I lick my lips after each bite even if I feel everyone's gaze on me. It is just this good.The appetizer is promptly followed by the main dish which is a grilled rack of lamb with a parmesan crust accompanied with mashed potatoes, some braised baby leeks and port wine jus. This time, I can't help it. I slightly moan as soon as I consume the lamb coated with the jus. It is so flavoursome and delicate at the same time. I can clearly feel people observing me, but now with the food in front of me, I really don't care anymore. I will eat my meal in peace no matter what. So, when the dessert comes out, I am all excited to see what it is and I am not disappointed. I get a chocolate and almond pavlova with raspberries and Bailey's cream. This three-course meal propelled me to heaven. I am there, it was absolutely excellent.Regrettably, I am brought back on Earth pretty quickly, but as the melodious music takes a faster pace, people start to get in the middle of the room to dance. My stress level spikes when Alice requests me to dance with her. I get my smile on my face as I agree before giving a distressed look at Nikolas. He only offers me a smile with a shrug. I roll my eyes at him before walking to my mate's mother and offer her my arm.When we reach the middle of the room with the other couples, we start to slowly dance following the beat of the music."Micah," Alice calls my name making me look at her always with that stupid smile on my face. "Now that we are alone, let's talk about business," she seriously says making my smile falter for a second."Would you like to talk over a glass of champagne?" I politely offer since we are still holding each other and swaying at the music."You're a charming young man, but I warn you, hurt my baby and you'll ever regret being born," she threatens causing me to look at her wide-eyed. "Remember, you mated into a highborn family. You can't escape my husband and I, remember that.""You don't have to be worried. The feelings I feel for your son are genuine even if they aren't completely developed yet. I will rather die than bear the thought of hurting someone I already hold dear in my heart," I explain as I watch at Nikolas who's laughing at something his father said.When I look back at her, she is already observing my every movement. Next, she gives me a genuine smile, "Welcome to the family, but that doesn't mean you're off my radar," she chuckles making laugh with her nervously. "I won't delay you any longer, go have some fun with your mate."She lets me go and goes to sit down on her designated chair which is next to her husband. Taking a deep breath, I make my own way back without looking at Nikolas. What I said to his mom isn't a lie. Nikolas has already made his way into my heart. I like him a lot, but that doesn't mean that I can't make him work for it.Meet and gain the in-laws' approval? Check.