Sinners All

Chapter 2

As they began the excursion up the drive of the plantation, the mansion came into view at the end, nestled like a beautiful present amongst the greenery of the lawn and trees. It was very in much at home in the surroundings at the outskirt of New Orleans, Raven was struck by the old-world beauty of the architecture. Its soft lines, round pillars, and covered front porch and balcony that seemed to beckon her to sit down for a mint julep. She wasn't even sure what a mint julep was, but she suddenly craved one. She pictured herself in a hoop dress leisurely flicking a painted fan.

Dyson watched the emotions and expressions dance across Raven's face. Her visage was the most animated he had ever observed. Her every feeling easy to read. He wasn't sure what thoughts were playing around in her head, but she was currently struggling to keep from smiling because of them. Dyson suspecting she was imagining herself living here in some idealized time in the past.

"Ready?" he asked as they pulled up to the plantation's front steps and he observed the instantaneous change from frivolity to nervousness in her features and carriage.

Raven licked her lips and then swallowed to hide her anxiety. She was about to meet Dyson's entire family for the first time. Their little world of just the two of them was to be invaded by strangers to her, but blood to Dyson. No matter what he said, family would come first and Raven feared that if it came to choice, she'd lose.

Just then Dyson reached across the seat and grabbed her hand in a tight embrace, "No worries, Black Rose of Mine. You and I are soul-mates; everyone else is everyone else. Come in and see what has caused me to be so demented."

Raven smiled and reluctantly released his comforting hand. Dyson had taught her to be strong; she, in turn, had 'breached his defenses' as he had put it. They were each other's touching stones. Anything good was better when shared between them and anything bad was lessened when borne by the two of them. She could do this for him.

Stepping across the threshold, Raven was speechless. The interior looked untouched for over a century. Beautifully maintained to respect the history of the place, it was impossible to observe any but the most obvious modern improvements. She felt as though she had stepped back in time. Even the scents tickling her nose were gentle and hinted at a time long passed.

Dyson pulled her into what she could only assume was a sitting room. Raven was still trying to drink in every inch of the gorgeous plantation as subtly as possible. She feared she was not having much success. The soft, cultured voice coldly emanating from somewhere further inside the room confirmed her suspicion.

"What do we have here?" asked a slender, elegant woman seated on a chaise lounge.

'What' not who, lovely, thought Raven.

Dyson directed a disdainful look towards her and in the iciest voice Raven had ever heard from him replied, "Hello, Mother. You've aged since I last saw you. Might need to check your roots; they seem to be graying."

Her hand immediately flew to the side of her head before she arrogantly responded, "Don't be ridiculous, Dyson. Now, what is the meaning of this? How dare you bring someone into my home without asking my permission!"

Well this is going just fabulously, Raven thought and then she felt Dyson grab her hand tightly.

"Tell me again; whose house is this, Mother? I seem to have forgotten."

At that moment, a dashing gentleman entered the room, "Mara, is that anyway to greet such a delightful creature?"

He strode across the room and grasped Raven's hand that he brought to his lips all the while looking in her eyes. If Raven was uncomfortable before, it was nothing compared to the unease she felt pinned by the predatory gaze of the older man in front of her. Dyson took a protective step forward, forcing the man to step back. Her best friend's entire demeanor was rigid and his face was the most menacing she had ever seen it.