CHAPTER TEN

"Next news is a case and since it's your first official case…" Iain nodded in my direction, "it's security."

Mattie chuckled, "Should have known."

"What's security?" I said my head bobbing between the two men.

"It's the easiest case there is. All you do is go to the party that needs 'security'." Mattie said.

"Pretty much." Iain chimed in. "Security is mainly associated with vampire society. They use Rose for a number of reasons: Flaunting off their contacts, having independent eyes if in the case something goes wrong, which nothing ever does," he added counting off the reasons off on his fingers as he bobbed his head, "or they just want our presence. Mattie, I've sent you the details. The party is tonight."

We both nodded although only Mattie should be the one to but I had the feeling I needed to nod as well.

"Also since you'll be in vampire society, you will not carry heat."

"Oh, because they'll know what I'm carrying?" I said. Sarah did mention it before in passing. Something about their eyes being able to see many things.

Iain nodded. "It's custom and courtesy that no weapons should be brought. Remember you're representing Rose. Finally… have fun and don't die!"

Well.

So when we arrived back at The Manor I took a nap before an excited Mattie woke me up to get ready. Don't ask me why he was excited.

We were now nearly there in a Rose rented black Mercedes. The party was hosted by a pure blood vampire, Lord Edward Davison. In my studies with Sarah the Davison family had historic ties with Rose although the details of which had been watered down to the point where Iain just said that the invites Rose received was passed down the family. No one questioned it. Full stop.

I wore a black dress that swayed around just above my knees and silver heels with my hair tied back messily in a bun at the back of my head. Mattie wore a tuxedo. Right now he was driving without the black coat. It hung from the back passenger hook behind him. His shirt was newly ironed coupled with square cuff links. To be honest I would have laughed if he'd worn a bow tie, laughed more so if it was a clip on but he chose the classic black tie. James Bond style.

Mattie hadn't spoken much since we left Rose. I suppose he was in a mood again so I didn't push it. It gave me some time to my thoughts.

Have fun at a party full of vampires? Sounds like I'll be in the mouth of the lion. In theory vampire society were sophisticated having lived so long. But that was in theory.

I sighed. "They might just be like Mattie."

"Hm? Who will?"

Did I just say that out loud?

"I just thought how it'll be. I never really met another vampire apart from you and Sarah." I shrugged it off. It only occurred once I said it that it was highly likely considering Iain said 'pure blood'.

"That's right…" A moment passed as he changed gears.

"Mattie, what are vampire parties like?"

"Very extravagant. Think of a rich man and the lengths he would go to make sure everything is perfect."

An image popped up of a huge mansion with a few chandeliers, silver cutlery with really old furniture with a bunch of maids and butlers roaming around the place. A party there would probably mean black attire.

Thank God I'm not over dressed then.

Mattie continued, "Just have fun. But just don't drink there."

"Drink?"

"We're there."

Under the darkened sky we were on a large gravel road with large trees bordering it. Just a few meters in front of us as the car rolled until a stop was a large metal gate detailed with gold. I could only see the gold because of the lamps on either side.

As Mattie edged the car closer the gate automatically opened revealing a longer gravel path.

"Have you been here before?" I asked.

"No. This is the first security case I've had in a long while." Mattie grinned. "The last one was during Caim's early days as an advanced feeder. Feels good to have a change."

It felt nice seeing Mattie with a grin like the sun coming out after a period of rain. I didn't know why he was in a mood. Was it rude to ask?

Before us a large mansion (got that right), curved its way into view. It had three floors judging by the amount of windows there were and each one had its own decorated sill that swirled and looked really floral. Turrets pierced the sky as if it hadn't stepped out of the Halloween theme yet.

At the entrance which was elevated by a few steps, was a valet who greeted the visitors with a smiling face.

Soon Mattie and I were served and with my arm around his, we stepped into a large room that was lit by candle light making my hand tighten around his. Candles formed the chandelier - several chandeliers - and it cast an ominous glow. Stairs snaked along the walls meeting up at the centre where they made a little balcony. They led further on as one into the darkness.

A large archway opened to a dining room on our right where with the help of some more candles on the walls, I could make out a large table already laid out with gold cutlery and red napkins.

Along the walls were paintings of people I didn't know. Several cabinets sat just below them.

"Ah, Matthew, I didn't expect Rose to have sent you."

Out of the darkness a man appeared in a suit I couldn't see the colour of but his tie matched the colour of his eyes: red. He looked young but, I doubt he was in his early thirties, especially when his hair was silver.

"Good evening, Lord Davison." Mattie nodded. "I trust you know about my new feeder?" Mattie raised the arm I held. Shit, this is the pure blood hosting the party?

"Yes." Those eyes gave me a somber look. "It's very nice to finally meet you, Miss Henderson." He called Mattie by his real name? "I pray tonight will be quite to your liking." And they use damn weird vocabulary.

I pulled Lucy out. "Yes. It's my first time so I'm not sure what exactly to expect."

Why the fuck did I sound like a girl who's about to have her virginity taken? I quickly stomped the thought down before I started doing something I really shouldn't. Like laughing nervously. Or hysterically. One of the two.

Davison smiled indicating to our left. "Will you please make your way down the hallway and out through the double doors."

Mattie nodded thanks and we headed off. As we walked he patted my hand which had tightened even more. "You'll be fine, Lucy."

I couldn't help being nervous. A rock had settled at the base of my stomach making it uncomfortable. I took a deep breath.

The hallway was narrow. The wall on our right was covered in windows. Moonlight flooded through casting dark shadows on the marble flooring. It was almost like we were in a horror movie. Every time I passed a window I thought something was going to jump out or burst through sending millions of tiny glass fragments flying all over.

I looked at him. For one I didn't like the amount of people who said 'you'll be fine' even if it was from Mattie and Iain. It just wound me up more. And lately those words have been uttered out of his mouth more than quite a few times. Shouldn't I be used to it by now?

Secondly having a party full of vampires doesn't really sit well with me. Especially when the rules say something like 'don't engage in combat with any vampire'. Like what happens if something does happen?

The double doors Davison indicated were open and the room looked fully lit. The light just cascaded out in the hallway as if it couldn't hold anymore. As we neared I had to hold my free hand to my eyes until they adjusted.

The room was absolutely large. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling lighting the room up with dainty candles, like the room we first entered, paintings on one side smiled as if they blessed this party (at least I could see a lot more). On the other were large windows framed by dark red curtains which flowed along the floor. I had almost missed it due to the large columns which stood at regular intervals between each window and painting. A huge table lined that wall with an assortment of food and drink and if you couldn't make up your mind as to what to have, chefs stood behind the table in a narrow walkway were there to help.

In the centre was a few tables and chairs already filled with some vampires chatting away with champagne in a hand. Some stood.

"Don't drink"? I'm over drinking age, Mattie.

All of them seemed to have a sixth sense where all the vampires would pause whatever they were doing just to stare at us for a few moments before continuing.

I was still reeling from that sixth sense when Mattie said, "Lucy, darling, if there's something you need to ask me, just ask. Don't worry about anyone else." No doubt vampires over there could hear him. Maybe I just needed it said out loud.

"Alright then, honey." I couldn't help it.

Mattie grinned, his emerald eyes playing with me. "I have to do a few things first then I'll join you later." Seeing my alarmed face he continued, "it's Rose related."

Oh. "Okay then."

After miming 'I'll be back' which was very Arnold, he left.

Not sure where to head off to or what to do, I went to have a nibble at the food table covered in the same red cloth I saw earlier. The smell killed me. It made my mouth water and suddenly brought about a rumble in my stomach. Rice, curry, shrimps in a rich sauce, fish, meat, noodles - the list went on - were spread about the table. Mattie was right about me not drinking. The punch bowl was filled with blood and by the looks of it. I should have known. So where did the champagne come from?

That reminds me… am I the only human at this party? Since I just assumed I was considering Iain didn't even mention anyone else.

Looking around the room with the many vampires gossiping and dancing brought as much answer as looking for something in the dark.

It's a bit awkward attending a party with no one you know.

Although there were people I knew of. Like that woman in a black prom dress that looked more like a tutu. She was the wife of a great telecommunications executive director. The name alluded me. And that guy in a black pinstripe suit he looked like a guy in saw from one of Sarah's history books, who steered his village out of the hands of hunger. Yeah, it's old but I couldn't tell how old Mattie was after being with him for so long, it was doubtful I'd get the age right when guessing any vampire. Heck, I doubt I'd get the century right.

I sat down on one of the empty tables with my dish of noodles and fish purely because if I had nothing in my hand, I'd look weird and out of place. Although the whole idea of being here was horrendous.

"Having fun?" A hand on my shoulder told me it was Mattie. He sat on the chair opposite mine.

"You could say that." I waved my fork in his face. "I didn't eat before so having food here is an absolute bonus."

He laughed. "Well then Lucy, the idea of giving you food to keep you happy is dearly noted." Yes, playful Mattie is out!

I grinned. "Sounds good to me!"

He paused. "Considering this is your first time at a place like this…" Oh God, you're bringing up the image of earlier! "I was thinking about showing you the dance floor."

I raised my eyebrow. "After eating?"

"I'd love right now but I do recall you haven't ate much."

I decided to swallow the last mouthful then stand up. After all when do you get invited to dance with a vampire who is also your crush?

The floor was already busy with couples twirling with the music. Some tails of the men's coats made them look even more elegant as did the women with long dresses which flowed with them almost like water. All of them smiled at each other without breaking eye contact and they never let go even when the dance meant temporarily getting a new partner.

Actually looking at them like this made me have that same feeling I had two years ago when I first arrived at Rose. I think it was Iain who gave me an answer but that didn't really sit right with me. It was a surreal moment. I'm not sure how exactly to describe it. The feeling of seeing something that shouldn't be there? The feeling that this happiness I see before me was fake for appearances only. It was out of place and… yes, that's right: plastic. I saw it then as I saw it now.

Guiding me to the edge of the floor Mattie said, "I'm going to put a hand on your shoulder and one on your waist. Put both hands on my shoulder."

What! Blushing furiously I complied.

"Jeez Lucy, you look like a little tomato!"

"Mattie!" Damn him for this pose. I can't really look away. I'm actually dying of embarrassment right now!

"Now follow me." Swaying his waist he stepped to the left, right and center. I'm not an expert in dancing but I knew he knew nothing too. I got his cheeky grin as a reply. "Come on!"

We giggled like a really young couple after that. After a few songs of just dancing like that, I got introduced to the more complex dancing - the changing of partners - which was easier than I thought and I got to dance with that village guy for a few minutes. I lost track of where Mattie was when I danced with other people and it felt rude to keep looking for him. But just when I was going to get worried, he reappeared grinning with that twinkle in his emerald eyes.

I was out of breath. My feet hurt in these heels but thanks to Mattie, I had a really good time. I didn't know what I would have done otherwise. I didn't even realise that I had danced the last song until the host mentioned it was two hours till sunrise. Everyone moaned and sighed. They were probably like me who didn't want the night to end.

I found Mattie in the hallway. His coat was across his arm, tie was loose and a few of the top buttons had come undone. His hair was a mess which I secretly loved. He grinned at me. "Had fun?"

"Yes. Thank you, Mattie. Thank you so much." If we weren't in a stranger's house and if it wasn't for rule eight and nine, I would have seriously jumped on him. I'm not sure what would have happened but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have had any regrets.

"What are you blushing at?"

"Nothing!" I grinned. Linking my arm once again around his, we started walking down the hallway with the orange light of the coming day filtering through the windows. We met Edward Davison waving goodbye to his guests to which we smiled and thanked him. I had a feeling we looked like a couple giggling away with our worn out clothes.

I think it was enough just to leave it at the hallway.