Hi, sorry for the long delay, I will try to be a little quicker with the next chapter.
Kami's POV
I still didn't know what to do about Anthony's secret, and that was troubling me. It was such a big secret, and definitely I needed to do something. But what? I have been overthinking it for days and still haven't found a way. And that was killing me!
How could the nicest boy I had known mix in this fight against the vampires? He was far too young, and I was afraid for him. I feared Tony might get hurt some night, even die. I feared for his family.
Each day at school I wondered if I should just tell Gideon, and let him deal with this. After all, Tony would listen or at least talk to him, they were best friends. Gideon would really stop his friend from this dangerous path, before it got too late. But I doubted Beatrice's boyfriend would believe me, if I had spilled out I had a vision about Tony, that said he was part of the Resistance. Not that the boy would doubt my new vampire powers, but he would think I was making this up. Like I would ever lie about something like this or I wanted to hurt Anthony! But Gideon was very protective of his friend and I knew he only tolerated me because of Trish. After me and Tony broke up, or when I left him for Daniel, our little friendship with Gideon changed. There were no more double dates, or watching a movie together, visiting the local fair or just hanging out after school. Now it was me, Beatrice and Gideon. Tony wanted to spent time with his friend, and Gideon often had to choose if he wanted to remain with Beatrice or with his friend. Tony avoided me every way he could. Usually in classes we have been often partners, since we were dating. But after all of this, I had to choose a new partner , and I did Trish. Tony chose his friend.
'' I don't like it that I changed this.''- I said to my friend during lunch break. Well, she was eating, I was just drinking water. I had drank blood last hour, and I felt fine. But still everyone's scents were so mixed and I hated to admit that I found them alluring. Like they were the most wonderful thing I would ever smell or taste. It was hard to manage to focus in school, and at the meantime keep this hunger at bay. My new diet was awkward, but I needed it. Trish didn't seem to care that I only use blood for food now, and I wondered how couldn't she. –'' Gideon has more reasons to ignore me now.''- I had put an end to our friendship, not only by breaking Tony's heart, but becoming a vampire.
'' He will get used to it.''- Beatrice took my hand in hers.-'' I am sure he knows you won't hurt him.''- She smiled. I was sure we both knew that if Gideon accepted me as not dangerous, he won't ever forgive me for his friend. And I needed him to listen to me and believe me, when I would finally decide and get the courage to tell about what Anthony has mixed himself into.
# # #
Daniel's grandparents were coming to visit him, more likely me. After all, their grandson has found love, and it was normal they wanted to meet me and decide if I was worth it for their boy. And that scared me so much. Meeting the family was really stressful, just what I needed right now. More stress! More troubles!
The day Daniel told me the news of his family's arrival, I had been already nervous, and it only had become worse. Honestly, then I had been on the verge of my abilities. First, the day at school had been awful. We had a Chemistry test, and even though I had studied for days, I still worried I hadn't messed up very much. As a vampire, I could understand everything much easier than before. Like the information suddenly got easier to understand and remember. And before I had trouble remembering all the formulas and reactions. I wasn't bad at Chemistry, but I certainly wasn't super good at it. But now I could remember the lessons without even putting much effort. Cornelia Turner had explained that it was because as a vampire, my mind has changed. It didn't make me smarter, but it quickened my ability to learn and memorize things. My mind was working on full speed as Daniel's mother said. I found out that I could remember things which I had forgotten or had happened to me as a child. It was like my vision from Anthony, but this time about my memories. I had seen myself a couple of times as a little child still in kindergarten, holding both of my parents' hands. These visions were both incredible and sometimes upsetting, because I wasn't used to them yet. It certainly was good that I could do that, even though I didn't know how actually. My doctor, Thorn, explained that the vampires were so much more than people thought. They weren't only creatures with fangs that drink blood, but much more. He told me I shouldn't fear my new nature, I should embrace it. Dr. Thorn gave me pills for the headaches, because I got those more now, because of my sudden memories. He told me they would stop in time, it was different for everybody.
So my Friday, despite being the end of the school week, was awful. A Chemistry test, which despite my new abilities I feared I had failed. Some sudden memory of the first time I had seen mom and dad dance had caused me to faint in gym class in front of everyone. Luckily Michael and Adam hurried to grab me and Trish told the teacher that I need to rest for a while. I had told my friend about these visions and that despite the pills, they still came. I got better, but I still had to endure everyone's staring at me later. Djina was thinking I had probably fainted because I was hungry, and my guards had taken me outside and found me a donor. Most of my classmates shared that belief. I didn't have to read their minds to figure that. Tony had casted me one long look, and he thought that I was just hungry and wondered which student I had fed from. I noticed how that for a bit he seemed worried for me, how pale I was, but he reminded himself I wasn't human anymore. He should worry for the others, not me. But still, I sensed worry in his thoughts.
So I was practically begging for the school to end, hoping to speed up the time somehow. And finally I was free. Free from all the stares, whisperings behind my back and stupid and annoying questions. I had hugged Beatrice and Elizabeth, and promised to hear each other later. I was tired, stressed and wanted nothing more than to return to the mansion and see Daniel. His absence was like somebody had taken my air and I needed to breathe so much. I had seen my love today, before school, but I needed to see him again. Cornelia explained that it wasn't just because I was in love with her son, but he was my maker too, and that tied us even more. We had formed one of the most special connections for vampires, and even though it was still hard to understand it, I was glad Daniel had been the one to give me his blood.
'' I wanted to do this whole day.''- I said after I had run to him and kissed him with all the love I felt. My love had time only to leave his tablet on the table before I had run to him. He returned my kiss and wrapped me in his arms. It was so good to be near him, to breathe his unique scent of sea and summer. After that first night when we had slept together, Daniel often stayed in the bed with me. I didn't want us necessarily to be intimate, even though it had been amazing, but more like I wanted my boy close to me, just to hold me. I loved to feel so safe in his arms, or to hear his voice before I go to sleep or wake up. I loved to fall asleep my hand in his. I just loved him.
'' I missed you too.''- Daniel said after he kissed my nose and let me go. –'' I have something to tell you.''- The dark-haired vampire still held my hand and he gave it a gentle squeeze. My chest tightened, and I swallowed hard. All kinds of thoughts were running through my head. Just that I couldn't shake the feeling that it would be something big. –'' It's not something bad or scary, Kami.''- Daniel added seeing my face and he caressed my cheek. His touch was warm and soothing.-'' We are going to have guests tomorrow.''- He smiled, probably just to calm me. But I could see that he was a bit nervous too. I knew that look in his green eyes so well.
'' Great! Who is coming?''- Definitely someone important. I swallowed again.
'' My grandparents.''- Daniel answered and I prayed that I won't faint again. One time today was enough. I knew so little of Daniel's family, and that I knew filled me with fear. Richard Turner was also in the politics, a senator. His wife, Melinda Turner, was from the family that owned one of the airlines in the country. Now she had at least five hotels and one tour agency, not to mention her share from her family's company. Henry Sinclaire owned a tech company, and his wife Jane was a in the real estate business, she had her own agency. All of Daniel's family was rich, and I seriously doubted they would want their grandson to deal with me. A girl, still in school, who lived with her mother in their ordinary house. Not that I was ashamed of my mother, or my home, I never would be. I loved them so much. But I feared that my love's family won't accept me because I was poor and ordinary. After all Daniel was the mayor's son, and he came from a very rich family.
'' That's wonderful, Daniel.''- I said, and met his eyes, hoping that he hadn't sensed the fear in my voice. Meeting the relatives was a good thing, it showed that the relationship had a future, it evolved. In a relationship it's important for the family to like you.
'' Don't worry, they will love you.''- He hugged me and I buried my face in his shirt. If only I believed that too.
# # #
The servants were already cleaning for the guests. They were going to stay at the Turners', but still Daniel's home had to be spotless too. I knew they were going to stay for two weeks, and I already felt dizzy.
I told my mother after dinner. I waited until we were alone. We were on the huge balcony in her room. I knew my mother would get nervous as me, probably more. And I wasn't mistaking.
'' Kami, that's good.''- She bit her bottom lip as she hugged me, but I saw the fear in her eyes.-''They must be very good people, and I am sure they will..''- My mother stopped, and looked at the night's sky. She feared as much as me.-'' Don't worry, they will like you.''- I hugged her, but her thoughts made my heart ache. My mother feared they won't approve this between their grandson and me because of my origin. And that it would hurt me.
# # #
'' I am certain they will like you, Kamelia.''- Michael said when I had told him. I had spoken to Trish and her reaction was similar to mine. We had talked long on the phone, and I was glad she had tried to calm me even though I was still nervous. Meeting the family was definitely a big step. Daniel's mother was already like a friend to me, she had told me I was good for her son, and I was making him better. And I liked her. James Turner was a little reserved, but he spoke to me, and I found out he was a pleasant companion with a huge knowledge. Yes, he might be a little too harsh sometimes or controlling, but he cared deeply for his son, and I was good for him. And the mayor's approval meant a lot. But I didn't know Daniel's other relatives, and the idea of meeting them was scaring me. I had gone through this with Tony, but it was easier. His mother and mine were friends, and I knew his family before we began to date. Yes, it has been awkward, but it certainly was a lot easier.
'' I am not so sure.''- I answered while putting the bottle with blood down. I had fed, and the warm, tasty liquid restored my strength. But my head was going to burst from so many thoughts.
'' Why?''- The gray-eyed vampire smiled at me.-'' You are a good girl, and you love their grandson. You make him happy.''- I eyed Adam and he nodded.
'' Yes, but what if they had imagined someone a lot different for him?''- I ran fingers through my hair, and I rested my head on the back of the sofa. Marcus laid his head on my lap. Daniel's grandparents were probably imagining their grandson with a girl more like Djina. Stunningly beautiful, wealthy family.
'' Listen, Kami, don't think low of yourself.''- Adam said and I returned his smile.-'' I understand your worries, having their approval is important. I know you want to make them like you, and now you are wondering how.''- I nodded and sighed.
'' Just be yourself.''- Michael added and his warm smile relaxed me. I hugged my guards, I couldn't help it. Adam returned my hug easily, and I was again thankful I had him in my life. Before my guards, I never knew they were good vampires, and I could actually hug one, not to mention fall in love with an one. '' Good night.''- Michael said to me after I let him go.-'' We will be here tomorrow, we won't leave you alone.''- I returned his smile. I only prayed it would go smoothly.
# # #
I barely slept that night. I had turned in the bed a lot, until finally the sleep bested me and managed to get some hours of sleep.
When I got up, I had tried not to be so nervous. I drank some blood, showered. I tried to pretend it was just a normal morning. I played my favorite songs on the laptop.
But when I opened the wardrobe and got out the dress I had picked for today's lunch, I slightly panicked.
'' God.''- I groaned and sat down on the bed. I ran fingers through my now dried hair and closed my eyes. I tried the calming technique Cornelia had taught me, and I had to repeat it twice before it had an effect. I sighed and began to put on my clothes. I had picked a blue dress with a floral motive, one of my nicest dresses. My hands were a little shaking, but I managed to calm myself down. I began singing along the song lyrics as I put on some lipstick and eye shadow. I didn't want it to be too much. As I brushed my hair, I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. I didn't look bad, or at least I hoped so. I wanted to look elegant, I wanted them to like me.
'' You are very beautiful, dear.''- My mother entered and I smiled at her as I hugged her. She wore a purple dress, and pulled up her hair. She looked gorgeous.
'' You both are.''- Daniel entered and my breath stopped when I looked at him. How could he look good in everything he wore? My love wore black pants and a black shirt, and it made my heart skip a beat.-'' The guests are here.''- He kissed my cheek and after taking his hand I began to descend the stairs. Michael offered his hand to my mother and she accepted with a smile. My heart was about to jump from my chest as we neared the dining room. –'' You will do great, love.''- Daniel kissed me on the lips before we entered. I only nodded.
'' You must be Kamelia.'''- An older man came to me with a smile and kissed my hand. I recognized him from the news- Richard Turner, the senator. Tall, with gray hair and green eyes, which reminded me of Daniel's. –'' I couldn't wait to meet you.''- I couldn't guess what he was thinking of me, he was smiling, but that didn't mean anything.
'' I am glad to meet you too.''- I smiled at him, even though everything inside of me was shaking. I shook hands with Melinda Turner, a very beautiful old woman with red hair and brown eyes. She was polite too, but I saw something in her eyes that troubled me. I watched with bated breath how they introduced themselves to my mother. Richard Turner wore a black three piece suit, while his wife –an elegant red dress.
'' I hope you have traveled well.''- I asked as Henry Sinclaire approached me and kissed my hand. Daniel's other grandfather wore a suit too, but blue. His eyes were the same color, and they were oddly relaxing. Or maybe the sound of his voice had that effect.
'' Very well, thank you.''- He answered and his smile reached his eyes. Jane Sinclaire was stunning in a long blue skirt and a black shirt. Her hair was black, the eyes were brown.
Daniel took my hand in his as he led me to my chair. I said a little prayer in my mind and sat down.