This is a story I've sat on for awhile please comment/review I hope you like it!

CH 1.

'The Meeting'

[Settridge Mansion, Kit's bedroom]

A few candles lit the old room in which they stood, old yet beautifully crafted furniture was placed around them an old stone fireplace on the eastern wall and a large bed sat on the western wall. Zephir had just buttoned the white button up shirt he would wear today laying on the bed was a dark red vest and a black waistcoat. The woman accompanying Zephir stood on the other side of the bed brushing her long black hair Zephir watched her still not liking the assignment given to him though he had known Kit for more then a half year Zephir didn't want to trust her so he just wouldn't.

"So you're going to be meeting my father tonight..." Kit Said turning to look at him still sitting on the side of the bed met by him turning his head away. "My father is strict and doesn't see humans as anymore then slaves if not just as food."

Zephir didn't answer her pulling his vest on then starting to button the item of clothing up. Kit had finished brushing her hair.

"I'll be back in a moment" Kit Said standing up to leave to the next room, she returned just as Zephir finished buttoning the coat over the vest.

"How does it look?" Kit asked softly wondering what his response would be.

Zephir looked to see her wearing a shimmering white ball gown poofy shoulders falling to her elbows, long sleeves extending down to the mid of her hands a loop on the end of each sleeve for her thumbs, a poofy layered skirt that was pleated reached down to her ankles.

"Exquisite" Zephir said almost too quiet for her to hear noticing that she was getting up from the bed and heading towards him, Kit looked at his clothes before attempting look at his eyes Zephir avoiding the contact.

"Do you need help with your hair?" Kit said touching his arm causing him to flinch pulling her hand back as she felt him tense up.

"I'll take care of it" Zephir said quickly a hint of anger in his usually calm voice.

"Ok... if you need any help I can --"

"I'm fine thank you.." Zephir interrupted "I'll join you down stairs." Zephir said going to the next room keeping his face turned away from her.

Kit sat down at the table that held a mirror no reflection looking back at her what was she thinking bringing him on this mission Zephir hasn't shown any inclination that he would actually go along with this. Kit then finished styling her hair standing from the mirror Kit went to the door to the room Zephir was in, raising her hand to knock.

"Maybe this is a mistake, maybe I shouldn't have brought him on this mission.. Zephir hasn't shown any inclination that he would actually go along with this but.. if he wouldn't do it he would have never come with me." Kit thought to herself.

Dropping her hand to her side Kit walked to the door leading to the hall but before she left she laid a masquerade mask out for Zephir as was the custom for men at these events, then she left the room towards the Ballroom.

[Kit's Washroom]

Zephir stood looking out the window as the first rays of light started peeking over the mansions around him Zephir didn't want this. Sure he wanted to belong somewhere and he hated slavery ... But how could he trust this woman who knows what she could do to him.. Zephir closed the window's drapes and pulled his hair up in a ponytail then opened the door stepping into the room where he had left the girl but found Kit had left, walking to the door Zephir put his hand on the knob before looking over to the night stand seeing the mask remembering he needed that Zephir walked over and took the mask before exiting the room. Zephir knew this would be difficult working with her but he said he would so he would indeed try to. Stepping down the grand staircase Zephir already could see the crowd of people their with human slaves doing their bidding, it sickened him but now he would have to act as though he didn't mind. For the sake of meeting the family he needed to.

[Settridge Mansion, Ballroom]

Kit was waiting for Zephir when her father came up giving her a kiss on the forehead

"So glad you could make it haven't you a date?" her father asked.

"He's around here somewhere" Kit said trying to sound nonchalant.

"Let me know of his arrival, for i much desire to speak with him." her father said with an odd smile.

Kit smiled nodded just as the large window drapes were closed to block out the sunlight the band started tuning their instruments, Kit couldn't find Zephir anywhere.

"How hard could it be to find likely the tallest person here?" Kit asked herself under her breath.

she had nearly returned to her father when she saw someone noticeably taller then the rest she stopped in her tracks, mouth slightly open, she knew he had been waiting, for he was on the dance floor after a moment he removed his mask and though he at first hesitated to make eye contact with her since she could see his face clearly, when they locked eyes both stayed that way not an emotion to be seen upon his face though her face betrayed her. he was handsome to her. someone past in front her view obscuring Zephir from her sight, in this split second he was gone, a little confused how he could do that to her she walked around now dancing couples to where he had stood, no way she had imagined him why would she? she barely avoided bumping into a couple dancing when she saw him again to her right she made her way within a few feet of him he stood straighter and stepped towards her his face like stone. he was mesmerizing to her the smooth skin of his face she'd never seen him like this before even without his normal clothes to hide his face he used his hair as well, but now she cpuld see it for the first time the entire time she had known him eight months ago when he agreed to join her cause. Zephir raised his hand to their side for her to take, she did so placing her other hand on his shoulder, his other hand placed on her back, she was surprised that he could dance so well. the two never broke eye contact she was awed by the darkness.. the anger behind his eyes. Julien noticed his daughter dancing he approached quickly the song ending as Zephir spun Kit so she faced her Father.

"Father!" Kit said slightly winded from what she didn't know "This is Isaac Fletching my new Fiancé."

"Fiancé..." Julien said trying to hide his distaste "A pleasure to meet you.."

Zephir extended his hand "you honor me with your presence" Zephir said calmly.

"What do you do with yourself?" Julien asked.

"I'm looking for work actually." Zephir said feigning interest.

"Do you have a preference? or perhaps any applicable skills?" Julien asked.

"My family are slavers I'm comfortable in that setting.." Zephir lied convincingly.

"Ah I would be delighted if you would meet with the Mr and Mrs Berenger then. Julien said acting as if he was enjoying the short conversation.

"If it pleased them I would" Zephir said

noticing now that Kit still had her arm hooked around his own.

after announcing that he would find the Berengers Julien left on his newfound task.

[Near the dance floor]

As soon as Julien turned around Kit removed her arm from Zephir's.

Zephir looked at her trying to hide he was upset. "Playing the part." Kit said not fazed by Zephir's gaze "You already knew this." she added.

knowing he had agreed to this Zephir relaxed his body which had tensed as soon as Julien turned away.

[Near the grand staircase]

"I trust you have a reason for bringing us away from the party?" Thomas Berenger said with his wife on his arm.

"There's a young man out there interested in working slave selling..."

"Really... I assume he's a Vampire since the last human high class family 'left' ages ago. What is his name?"

"Fletching." Julien said with disgust evident in his voice.

A look of slight surprise "I could be mistaken..." Thomas said looking at his wife who shared his surprise.

"What.." Julien asked.

"The Fletching family were humans... but they lived here ninety ... six years ago I believe.. no heirs. they died out.

"And now a Fletching is trying to become a slavelord.. keep an eye on him? would you?"

"I Will" Thomas said bowing to the Lord of the Settridge Family before turning to go and greet the young Isaac Fletching.

[In the Ballroom]

walking upto the taller man Thomas spoke first.

"Young Kit Settridge!" Thomas said acting cheerful as he extended a hand to her.

She took it as he bowed then looked up again. "I'm glad to see you again. Meet my Fiancé: Isaac Fletching" Kit said gesturing to Zephir.

"Mr. Fletching it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Thomas said upjolding his cheerful faćade.

"The pleasure is mine..." Zephir said with no expression.

"Julien said you might be interested being a slavelord." Thomas said somewhat quiter so the crowd wouldn't overhear this topic.

Zephir hid the anger he felt at the notion "Julien speaks the truth Mr. Berenger.."

Zephir said keeping an expressionless face.

"I would ask you to grace us with a visit tonight then." Thomas said.

"I would be honored.. Miss Settridge would accompany me if it didnt trouble you too much?" Zephir said attempting to sound polite.

"It would be a privilege to have her... Eleven o'clock?" Thomas asked.

"Not a moment later" Zephir said. bidding the Berengers good day.

Zephir and Kit Stepped towards the grand staircase, Kit starting up but Zephir stayed at the bottom.

"Good job..." Kit said looking back at Zephir.

Zephir turned away from Kit "I'll return at Ten o'clock." he said as he stalked down a corridor towards the back door.

If you guys have any questions you can ask I hope it's not too confusing all will be answered in time though. til next time!