Chapter 2 A Vision of Beauty

Esme POV

"Here you go sir," said our waitress. "A wine spritzer for the lady and a vodka tonic for you. Will you need anything else?"

"No, I think this is fine, thank you," he answered.

When she left, Carlisle whispered in my ear. "May I have this dance, beautiful?"

"Why yes. I would love to." I answered.

We swerved around the room to the music. Carlisle was as good at dancing as he was at everything else. Bella and I often compared notes on our Cullen men and how they seem to be good at everything. I smiled at the thought. As we swirled around the room, the crowd seemed to disappear. It was only Carlisle and I. We heard the murmurs about the beautiful couple and how graceful they are. It has happened before whenever we danced at one of these events. But it has always filled me with pride to be associated with this man. As we returned to our seats, we were greeted by an associate of Carlisle's.

"Dr. Cullen! And this exquisite beauty must be your wife you so fondly speak of. How do you do, Mrs. Cullen," he bowed.

I nodded my head to acknowledge his greeting. "I am Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician. Your husband and I have been corresponding concerning some similar cases we're looking into. So, Dr. Cullen, will you be joining us at the presentation with Dr. Brock?"

"I am looking forward to it. You see, Dear, here in the U.K they are doing a groundbreaking trial with children with the cancer nueroblastoma; it is a study to help boost the immune system of children with cancer," my husband explained.

It was amazing to watch the transformation into doctor mode my husband displayed when he became excited about a topic. I smiled politely and nodded in places that seemed appropriate as they discussed some exciting new prospect or discovery in this field.

"Perhaps I can steal your husband away for a few moments, Mrs. Cullen?" asked Professor Johnson politely.

"Please call me Esme; and no I don't mind. I think I am going to take advantage and study the architecture in the wonderful building. You may have to find me before I miss you, darling," I assured Carlisle.

"You see, Professor Johnson, my wife studies interior architecture and this hotel is as intriguing to her as our cancer research is to us," he explained smiling approvingly.

"Well great then! I mean, we may be a minute," the professor replied sheepishly.

"It's okay," I replied, "I am going on my first reconnaissance throughout the mezzanine and the observation deck. I want to check out that view."

"Go have fun doing your research and I will find you when I am done," he promised.

I did not miss the intent in that statement or the look he seared me with before he left. Eighty years later and that man still stirred feelings in me with just a look.

I headed for the elevator to take a look at the topmost floor to check out the spectacular view as promised by the information I read on the hotel renovations. It was breathtaking. I could see the party going on down below me. Some murmurs of conversations were reaching me but I was too far away to really hear anything of significance. Mostly it was all 'mumbo-jumbo doctor talk' as my newest daughter Bella would say.

I smiled as I located Carlisle in the crowd and waved. Our vampiric vision made it easy for us to recognize each other. He waved back to me and smiled another heavenly promise for us later.

Meanwhile below we see Percy Harrow and Victor Lexington. They are guests of one of the local businesses that are sponsoring this event. They consider themselves 'abstainers' instead of 'vegetarians' as the Cullen's refer to themselves. They immediately spot Esme on the mezzanine upstairs.

Victor POV

"My God, what a vision of beauty! Who is that woman, Percy? Have we had any requests from travelers to pass through our territory? She is one of us, so why is she here?" Victor questioned his friend.

"I do no know, Victor. She must be with the convention of doctors your father mentioned. And look, Victor, her eyes show her to be an abstainer as we are."

"I am sure this is the sign I have searched for Percy. A woman I can truly have for my own; one with the manner and beauty of a queen."

"But she is not alone, my friend. You saw her wave to the other abstainer. You must be certain before you make advances on another's mate."

"Alone or not, Percy, no bond is unbreakable. You have seen this, have you not?"

"Victor, think about this. If you can take her from her mate, what is to stop another from taking her when she becomes bored in this life we have chosen? This could be temporary. What if she doesn't wish to remain an abstainer?"

"Look at her. She is comfortable around the civilians, she interacts with them, and she dresses as a queen would. Our 130 years have amassed us a small fortune and with that I can keep her happy with whatever she wants. Aye, she will stay with me once I get her as my own."

"Perhaps we should hold your decision until you have a better chance to know her. Find out what you can. Let your father know what you have decided so he can be assured of your intentions."

"I do not need permission from my father to woo this woman! Did he ask my permission before he took Karyn to his bed?"

"He is our leader and your father, Victor. You cannot disrespect him again. Remember the warning he gave you about your arrogance. Show him you are a part of this family."

"We are a coven, Percy. Not a family. We stopped being a family the moment my father show kindness to those creatures that made us what we are. One day, I will lead this coven and you will be my second, if you still want that."

"You know I do. I am here for you my friend. I just want you to be careful and learn from past mistakes. I will help with whatever you decide."

"Would she not be a beautiful addition to our coven, my friend? She would make a perfect accent on my arm as the new coven leader. Look she sees her new master."

He smiles at Esme and bows solemnly from the waist. Esme sees him down below and nods politely in return, curious about these other vampires. She leaves to find Carlisle.