I dressed in a cute dress that hugged my chest and waist but flared at the skirt. It was simple and black, suited to lots of different occasions, I paired it with some thigh high black boots and put a silver hair band in my hair just to get it out of the way. I sighed at myself in the mirror. So much was concerning about this situation, firstly, I didn't like my birthday so a celebration of the day was already a waste of time, secondly; Pam could be extremely overwhelming with her decisions and thirdly; I had never been to a party where I didn't almost die, feel threatened or have to kill someone else so it was just not in my cards to have a good party and I had a feeling that was exactly what Pam had planned for me.
Eric was waiting in the bedroom wearing tight black jeans, a nice black button up shirt with the top buttons undone, he was wearing stylish black dress shoes and was wearing a silver pendent around his neck., he had pulled the sides of his hair back using silver cylinder shaped hair accessories, I had seen similar ones in the painting and depictions of ancient Vikings. He looked beautiful but honestly when did he not. He was leaning against the end of the bed, looking at his phone before looking up at me and smiling.
"Ready?" he asked offering me his hand and I smiled
"I hope so" I mumbled and heard him chuckle gently. I quickly put on a long suede double breasted coat that would keep me warm and we headed off for Fangtasia.
I knew I was in trouble the moment we landed in the parking lot. Fangtasia was practically bouncing with the intensity of loud music and flashing lights. I threw my head back and groaned, closing my eyes.
"Come on lover" Eric smirked taking my hand and all but dragging me towards the door. I reluctantly slouched and followed. When the door opened I was initially blinded by a bright light in my eyes but then suddenly the music stopped and the light turned off and Fangtasia was practically empty of people, just a table moved to the centre with several welcomed faces smiling brightly at me. The surprise must have been written across my face as Pam laughed, coming towards me gleefully.
"You didn't think I'd throw you some god awful party you would hate did you?" she asked knowing that was exactly what I thought. I looked down embarrassed at my assumption, I should have had more faith in her "The lights and music were a ruse my predictable little friend" Pam laughed, taking my hand and leading me towards the table. It was centred in the dance floor and had a an array of wrapped presents on top of it. I smiled taking in the people standing around the table. Pam had successfully gathered some of my favourite people in one room. Godric was the first to approach me, smiling sweetly.
"Ahhh the world can only be a more beautiful place having been blessed with your existence for another year" He took my hand kissing the top gently and I smiled gently at him. Godric said the kind of things you can only get away with if you are from a certain time but coming out of his mouth, they worked well.
"Thank you Godric" I pulled him into a hug, which he happily returned "I'm so glad you could come" I said when we pulled apart
"I would not miss it for the world" He smiled
"My turn" A voice like a lullaby sung from beside him, Claudine, pulled me into a big tight hug. I quickly pulled away, squeezing her hand,
"Claudine, vampires!" I said in panic, looking around, noting that none of the vamps seemed too concerned. I looked around curiously. A fey around vamps, no matter how much they fear or respect me, would be irresistible to them. She just smiled at me, I turned to her "Your good at cloaking but some of the vamps here are pretty young" I looked around the room at the younger vamps, obviously here just to pay respect to the sheriff's blood bonded, they were standing at the tables around the walls.
"That would be me!" A cherry voice came from behind me, I spun instantly, smile wide recognising the voice
"No way!" I all but yelled, running to pull Amelia into a big hug. I hadn't expected to see her for some time given I usually only end up on her doorstep broken and battered and in need of help.
"Way!" she yelled back, hugging me tightly, we swayed back and forth joyfully before pulling apart. I turned and looked to Pam "How?" I asked simply, I was grateful but confused. I was careful to never mention Amelia to anyone, she was one of the many people whose existence I keep to myself for both of our safety's. Especially considering the vamps in this area aren't particularly witch friendly after the war when Eric lost his memories. Pam just shook her head and I looked over her to Eric who was smirking slightly.
"After your stunt in Rhodes I found myself curious as to how you pulled it off" Eric explained, he seemed pleased with being able to surprise me "It was hard but I eventually used traffic monitoring and some of my own persuasion to track the steps you had taken to your friend here" I noticed he was being careful not to mention her as a witch in this company. Smart move. I smiled gratefully at him
"Thank you" I said sincerely and turned back to Amelia "And I'm sorry, I should have covered my tracks better then that" I looked at her apologetically, stupid rookie mistake on my part but she just smiled
"When you came to my door you had broken ribs and were quite hurt, not as bad as some of the times you've showed up but not doing well" she laughed a light airy laugh "It's all cool, actually I'm glad to see you for once without life or death hanging over your head" she laughed and I joined in
"Well the night is young" I smirked and winked, she just laughed. After that there was a parade of various vampires coming over and offering their respects and birthdays wishes, many looked unfamiliar but I was grateful for the effort. Pam then pulled me to the side.
"One more surprise, while I am not a fan of this, I would do anything for you my little breather so I allowed this into our gathering" She indicated for a vamp to open the door and Alcide walked in. I tried to hide my surprise and covered it with a smile. I also avoided looking at Eric as he only recently found out about my little kiss with Alcide.
"wow" I said walking over to him, he was looking uncomfortable and I offered him a small smile. After basically saying Debbi was dead to him (not knowing how true that statement was). I couldn't be mad at him anymore "Thank you for coming" I said hugging him, being sure not to linger with orbs of blue staring holes into my back. I knew his face would be stoic but I felt the anger underneath.
"I got you this" he handed me a wrapped box and I took it smiling. I never really knew how to accept presents, it felt awkward, except from Eric because I knew he was too highhanded for me to turn them down so I got used to it I guess
"Thank you" I said gesturing for him to join the group, he was hesitant but smiled politely. Thankfully Claudine and Amelia were very welcoming and instantly took a liking to the handsome sheepish looking man in front of them.
I walked over and took Eric's hand offering him a small smile that was both 'you have nothing to worry about' and 'we're in public be nice'. I think he got the messages. He walked over with me to the table where everyone was talking and getting to know each other. I was surprised by okay I was with it all. Everyone here had a good idea about what they were walking into and while Alcide wasn't a favourite in this group, his help with the witch war gave him some leniency around the vamps. I took a moment and leant back on Eric watching everyone talk. Godric and Pam were deep in discussion while Claudine and Amelia both seemed to be in super-flirt mode with Alcide who seemed to be enjoying the attention. The rest of the vamps in the room just kind talked amongst themselves, happy to be ignored having done their duty. I know some were sincere in their regard for me after the war and after my past nature was revealed so I didn't mind them being there. I breathed out a heavy sigh of contentment and Eric kissed the top of my head.
"We can be civilised occasionally" he smirked and I lightly elbowed him in the arm as they were wrapped around me
"I know that" I laughed and turned in his arms, smiling up at him "I just don't see it very often" I smirked and leaned up to kiss him. Just before our lips met there was a loud knock on the door "I thought Fangtasia was closed" I said simply, looking towards the door suspiciously
"We are" He answered, joining my suspicious stare. I put down my shield and instantly groaned. The other shoe had just dropped.
