Beginnings
Chapter One
By
Julia Duvall

Getting dressed up for a ball was always fun for me. I hadn't seen Angelus in hours, which worried me. My darling boy is very adventurous sometimes, but I know in my heart that he'll always come back to me.

Then he comes in whistling, while wearing a suit. My Angelus looks charming like always. He then strolls over to me with a rose. "Darla, do you really want this girl?"

I smiled at my darling boy. How naive he was. "Yes. She is exquisite, Angelus. You can dance with her, but she is mine." My Angelus didn't understand why I wanted her.

"Fine." He mumbled. "Where are William and Drusilla?" He asked annoyed.

I laughed. "They are probably getting ready. Her name is Elisabeth. She's everything I've ever wanted in a daughter. Elisabeth is smart as well."

My boy smiled. "Well then I guess, I'll have to be charming then, Darla."

Drusilla laughed. "Me and my William were dancing. The moon is saying that great things will come from someone new. This ball will be a lovely time to see some new delectable to feast upon." She sang out loud.

Angel laughed. "That's right Dru. Just don't feast on the moon. The moon belongs to Grandma." Angel said.

William yawned. "These parties are so boring. Why do I have to go to this party? Give me a bloody massacre tonight." He whined like a baby.

I so hated him, from the moment that Drusilla sired him. I thought that he was going to be just as crazy as she was, but thankfully no. He was just plain defiant. "Elisabeth is what I want, so you'll do it or else I'll turn you into ashes." I said turning on my heels, as we walked into our carriage on the way to the ball.
When we got there, I saw that Elisabeth was being paraded around like some prize. How dare her father do that?

She was going to be my childe. Getting rid of her father would be the first order of business tonight. That would be Drusilla's job and she probably gets great pleasure out of it.

"Daddy, why do I have to meet every son of your business associates. They are so boring." Elisabeth told her father with great assertiveness.

"Elisabeth, how many times have I told you, this is important. My dealings provide us with a good life. Besides, you're at an age where young men will be asking for your hand in marriage. The right marriage will mean everything. Sweetheart, I see a business associate. I have to speak to him. Enjoy the party." He kissed her on the cheek.

Then Angelus came up to her. I decided to watch and listen to them. The moment they saw each other, it was like magic. Dark magic, but perfect I thought to myself.

She took my Angelus's hand, just as I hoped she would. "My name is Elisabeth. I don't even know your name." She blushed.

He smiled back at her. "I'm Angel, Elisabeth. It's a pleasure to meet you. I haven't seen you at these balls. Are you new in town?"

She giggled. "Hardly, sir. I'm not new. My father works for some organization. He thinks that I should marry well, but I want to see the world." She told Angelus.

Angelus twirled her around. "The world is an interesting place. Women can do so much. You don't look the type to be married. No, I can tell you are the adventurous type." He lifted up her chin.

Elisabeth blinked at him. "You're very kind Angel. I can tell that marriage would be absolutely horrendous married to that bore Riley." She whispered pointing towards the blonde haired boy.

I decided to leave my Elisabeth and Angel alone. Following Riley, I saw that he was talking to the girl's father. I couldn't stomach what I was hearing.

"Riley, the council is useless. You must take Elisabeth away. I have my suspicions that vampires are near my home. The council refuses to send a Slayer here, like I've requested." He was a damn watcher. Well, his daughter would become what he hated.

Riley then looked at her father. "I promise to keep an eye on my future wife and kill any vampire who comes near her. She will be well taken care and loved. I promise you that much, Rupert."

"Thank you, Riley."

To be continued...