The Proposition.
Author Note: Hey everyone! I am so sorry that it has taken so long to get this chapter out. my other laptop crashed from a virus and being a new mom to a 3 month old, I didn't have time to get a new on till now. I promise to update this story at least once a month at a most twice a month. I hope you enjoy! and if you have any comments or suggestions. I'll gladly hear them.
We were walking through the courtyard to the main building, where the Halloween Ball was being held in. As we walked by some groups of people, I noticed that some of the adults here were famous politicians, singers, and even actors. I didn't think anyone that important would even come to events like this. Either they love the tradition of attending the Ball or they are doing it for a political reason to meet someone. We just passed through the rustic looking arch way into the building when I heard a familiar giggle. Even without the bond, I would have recognized that sound anywhere. Feeling Christian's arm tighten around mine, I looked up to see that he wore a blank look on his face and his jaw line was tensed.
However, he just kept walking, pulling me along with him. We stopped at a table that was stationed right in front of two dark oak doors. He grabbed a black velvet mask and handed it to me to put on. Taking my time to look at it, I noticed that the mask had dark red vines with thorns covering it. I loved it, and the color matched with my dress. I put it on and carefully put the strap over my head so I didn't mess up my hair.
"How do I look Sparky? Did I put it on correctly?" Christian, who was standing beside me still, looked down. And I noticed that he was wearing a similar mask to mine, except his was silver with black vines and thorns.
It didn't only match my mask, but it also matched his suit and tie. He gave me a small smirk before bringing some of my hair over my shoulder, Letting the curls in my hair flow around my shoulders and down my chest.
"You are going to give every man in that room a heart attack, and every girl is going to want to rip your eyes out!" He laughed as if it was actually a possibility.
I gave him my best man-eating smile and hooked my arm back on to his and walked towards the now opening doors. Couples where twirling all around the floor, people were standing near the food tables with glasses of wine, and some where even sitting at tables talking and laughing. Looking around I found the three people that I was looking for. I fast walked to the half empty table, dragging Christian with me.
"Eddie! Mia! Mikhail! I am so glad that you could come! I never seen an event this huge at court before, so many people are here." I said as I walked up and gave Eddie and them each a huge.
"Rose, you look absolutely drop dead gorgeous! I love your dress and the way it totally matches your mask. Oh my god! Christian your mask matches your outfit too! You two look like a couple. A very cute couple." Mia teased as we all sat down and asked a waiter to bring some wine.
As we waited, Christian and Eddie started talking about the new video games coming out and how they can't wait for certain dlc's to come out. Mia was hanging on every word they were saying and responding with her own thoughts, all the while looking at Eddie with a sparkle in her eyes. I felt my lips curl up into a smile as a thought popped into my head. Listening the music in the back ground, I waited to hear the beginning of a waltz.
"Hey Christian, do you want to dance? It's such a lovely song. Eddie, you and Mia should come dance too." Christian, who seemed to understand what I was doing, stood up and took my hand."Why of course little Rosie." he smirked. He gave the other two a wink and then pulled me to the dance floor, quickly pulling me close and started spinning us in circles. For a while we just just danced in silence, letting the music wash over us.
"He is watching us Rose. To be honest, I don't know if I should laugh or be afraid." Christian chuckled as he spines us around so I could see who he was talking about. As I discreetly peeked over his shoulder and Sure enough, standing there against the wall was Dimitri.
He looked like he was about to strangle someone and for a second, it made my heart flutter, to think he might be jealous. But I knew better, looking back at Christian and rolling my eyes at him. I started leading him into another direction. Away from our current watcher. As a new waltz started playing, I saw Mikhail tap on Christian's shoulder and gently take my hand.
"May I cut in?" he said as he whisked me away and took me to the middle of the floor. With Mikhail, dancing felt different. It felt more intimate, like this dance was meant for lovers. For half the song he kept his eyes on me like he was studying me, I felt my cheeks redden as I stared right back and smiled. After a moment more he smiled and began to speak.
"I made a few calls and I may have a proposition for you. There is a task force that is being assembled in Romania and what you will be doing is hunting and killing monsters around the world. You see Rose, there are more then just Strigoi out there. I can't tell you the details,you will learn that if you decide to take the job. This establishment is their own. It is no way involved with our world or the Queen. Although they do help us when we ask."The more he talked the more I liked the way things were sounding. I didn't even dare to interrupt.
"You start two days from now if you want it, there will be a private jet to pick you up in the court yard on the West Wing at 10 am. If you decide to not go, just let me know before tomorrow night." I just stared at him at first but as it all sank in, I felt the biggest smile spread across my face.
I threw my arms around his neck in a hug, causing us to lightly bump into another couple. Who were kind enough to just laugh it off and kept dancing. I quickly let go of his neck and took the proper position to continue our dance."I will definitely think about it. I'm excited cause it sounds like it's right up my ally. This is exactly what I needed to hear, thank you so much!"
The waltz ended with a joyful tune and I kissed Mikhail on the check and walked back to our table with a bounce in my step, looking at my group of friends. I noticed that one friend in particular always avoided us and wouldn't even acknowledge us. Lissa stayed with a bunch of giggling royals who appeared to be more of the high class snob type. Every now and then I would catch her giving our table a dirty look, but I would always just shrug it off. I was not going to let her ruin my mood.
For the rest of the night, every one was laughing and dancing. There were even a few game where people could win prizes. there was one game I really enjoyed playing. It was a game of memory. I had to match cards together and when I won, I was gifted with a bath spa set. I can't wait to use it. Through out the night, I danced with Adrian and a few other men who were brave enough to ask for a dance. Before I even knew it, the sun was rising and the party was coming to an end. Couples were sneaking off for privacy and family's were headed off to go sleep.
As my friends and I were walking through the hallways, back to our rooms. We heard a couple kissing passionately against the wall. Adrian decided to walk ahead and try to embarrass who ever they were.
"Whoa! Hey now children, shouldn't you be getting it hot and heavy somewhere else." He laughed.
Everyone started laughing and as we caught up to Adrian, I heard him whisper, "Oh shit!"
Right in front of us, Leaning against the wall, was Tasha and Dimitri. Both looking very well kissed. I stood there shocked, I couldn't move my body. I wanted to though, oh did I just want to turn around and run. It wasn't till I saw Tasha flash a bitchy grin at me, did my mind and body start working again.
I didn't even look at Dimitri as I began walking around them and down the hallway to my room. I was not going to let her win by seeing me lose control. I kept walking till i reached my room, where I quietly walked in and closed the door. I ran straight for my bed, throwing myself on to it. Clutching the pillow I cried all night until darkness pulled me into the comfort of a dreamless sleep...
