Blood Curse

Chapter Six

My eyes wouldn't settle on one spot in the room for long. There were too many threats, too many dark corners with lurking shadows. I haven't seen Noah yet, but I guess that's to be expected. No one can realize that we know each other or the plan could be put in jeopardy. I haven't seen Morgan either which worries me. She was only brought here a few hours before me. She should be here. Where else would they have taken her? I can't even question Noah about it and my heart dies a little at the thought of Morgan being too hurt or worse to be here.

People talk and laugh around us like this is a normal event, not like there's a group of kidnapped victims standing in the middle of the room. Adelaide told us to stand here and not move; to let the people get a good look at us before the special guests arrive. We've been standing for about fifteen minutes before seven people enter through the same double doors we did. Adelaide is with them and she's wearing a black sequin gown similar to my own. She must have slipped out without anyone noticing and changed. Among them are Noah, Owen, the man who slapped me, the dark haired woman, and another man I have not met yet. The man is handsome with neat blond hair, shiny green eyes, and a charming smile. You never would have guessed that he was a vampire.

The clan saunters to the front of the room onto a slightly raised platform that I never noticed before.

"Good evening, ladies and gentleman," the handsome man steps to the front. "As most of you know, my name is Silas."

Silas smiles easily at the crowd, he's a natural and he knows it.

"Tonight is a very special night for all of us here. In the next few minutes we'll be honored with our special guests and I expect everyone to be on their best behavior."

The last sentence is directed towards us, his eyes study each and every one of us before returning to the rest of the room.

"With that being said, enjoy your evening and let us welcome our guests," Silas concludes as the double doors slam open for the third time.

The group consists of four men and only one woman. She stands next to the man in front while the rest stand directly behind her.

The group takes their places next to Noah's clan and Silas shakes the man's hand. "Welcome Cassius."

"Silas," Cassius greets.

Silas looks like an arrogant politician whereas Cassius looks like the king of the underworld. His hair is as black as night and reaches his shoulders in sleek sheets, his eyes are so dark they look almost black, and his utter presence emits an air of power so strong I can hardly stand it. This is what a vampire should look like. This is what nightmares are made of.

"Perhaps your family can enjoy the party while we discuss business."

"Of course," Cassius agrees. "Charlotte, come along."

"It would be my pleasure, Sir."

The woman, Charlotte, seems almost to be the man's bodyguard. Her face is pinched in a way that means business just like her short black hair. She has dark cocoa skin and soulful eyes that show more than what she probably wants.

"Gentlemen" Cassius nods to the men he came with, "mingle with the humans."

Silas nods in agreement, "Humans, please join our guests."

Slowly, some of the group disperse into the crowd while Silas leads Cassius, Charlotte, the dark haired woman, and Adelaide out of the room. Owen and the man who slapped me approach Cassius's guests and greet them as if they're old friends. Meanwhile, I track Noah as he makes his way around the room, weaving through guests, all the way to the back of the room. Making sure I'm not noticed, I wind through the mingling crowd as best I can. It's hard to go unnoticed when you're dressed in head to toe red.