Chapter 26

Jerry zipped the simple black gown up and says, 'I got the reservation from your decendent and have already called ahead to insure that it will be dark by the time you two arrive.'

I nod, but notice Jerry inspecting my shoulder and I say, 'Its healed up.'

'Seriously, you vampires are crazy. How long does it take for a wound to heal normally?'

'Depending on the extent and how long we last fed, it can be seconds or hours.'

Jerry nods, seeming to be a little pale from the inquiry and I say as I pat his arm, 'Don't worry Jerry, all is well.'

'But how long now has it been since you last fed again?'

I fibally understood his hesitacy, and smiling I say, 'A few days, and I can go for some time without any.'

'Yeah, maybe you, but what about the Russian Bear?'

Suddenly the door opens to my room, making Jerry jump a little as Nick comes in, in a newly tailored Armani suit and says with irritation, 'I don't appreciate the nickname human, as for food, I can go a while longer. Now leave.'

I glare at him for a moment until Jerry leaves, like a puppy with his tail between his legs. But I can't help feeling a sudden throb in my heart which I smack down. He looked very nice on his black suit, vest, dress shirt, and black silk tye. He stares back and says sardonically, 'We look like we are attending a funeral.'

I give him a slight smile and ask, 'I'm guessing the sunlight has deteriorated enough for you to move around.'

'It is cloudy at the moment.'

Vampire could enjoy some daylight as long as there is heavy cloud cover, but with discomfort. Few do, but he seemed anxious as he asks blandly, 'Must we do this.'

'Yes.' I confirm as I sweep my blonde, slightly curled hair to one side and slip a large jeweled barate in place. I didn't care for much jewelry as I glance at myself in the mirror.

Contrary to popular belief vampire can see themselves in a mirror, but humans cannot. Nick comes up behind me and says slowly, 'This isn't a good idea.'

I look at him through the mirror asking, 'Which part? The restaurant or the company?'

'You know which. But after dinner we have much to discuss.'

I knew that was coming as I glance at the clock, seeing that the sun has finally dipped below the horizon and say, 'There isn't much point in waiting, let's leave.'

The restaurant was full of well dressed people in black and white attire. Byron was having a steak and I felt a twinge of pain in my gut. Hunger for a vampire was forever constant, but somehow with family it was amplified. He asks, 'So you own a business?'

'A brokerage firm in New York City.'

'Thats nice, is it a small, just on it's feet establishment.'

I shake my head and say, 'No it's been in my family for many years. But I sold it a few months ago.'

'Really?!'

'Yes,' I nod.

Myrissa asks, 'What about you Nick, with a wealthy wife you must have quite a gap to fill.'

Nick smiles charmingly and says as he sips his wine, 'Not at all, my father is Russian and owns a few conglomerates.'

Byron and his wife look at each other, seeming to pale a bit in realizing that the two across from them were ultra wealthy. Byron clears his throat and asks as he takes a sip of his own wine, 'How did you two meet?'

It hadn't crossed my mind to think of a back story, but Nick didn't miss a beat, 'It was after a bloody battle. My father was trying to take over her brokerage firm, but she was fearless. We ended up meeting at a sales proposal of her firm and she was brutal. I was head other heels for her by the time the meeting was over, but my father left with his tail between his legs.'

I glare at Nick, but quickly put a smile on as I take over, 'I didn't notice him at all, I was so focused on the possible sale proposal. But about a month after that we met at the Queen's Ball and he charmed me.'

Nick gave me a smile that would light up a room and made me blink in surprise. There was a soft pheremones coming off him, sweet and almost flower like as he says, 'Its nice to know I'm charming.'

Suddenly I'm slammed back into the past. He had said those exact same words with that exact smile on his face one morning when he had crossed the slow moving water of the steam to walk with me. My heart slammed like a sledge hammer inside me and I feel a blush burn across my face as I tear my eyes from his to look at Myrissa. She was blushing as well and Byron had a wide grin on his face saying, 'Young love it's wonderful to see isn't it Myrissa.'

Myrissa laughs and says, 'Yes it does. Takes me back to when we were first married.'

My heart would not settle and I could feel Nick's eyes on me. I wanted to stomp his foot, but knew that would lead to worse things later for me. Instead I changed the subject, asking about their life. It was amazing how quickly my hunger disappeared as I ate my meal, and the conversation was lively, with laughing, dessert, and finally a glass of champagne to end the evening. As we were walking to the valet Byron says, 'I understand you will only be here for the week, so Myrissa and I we're think maybe Thursday we can have a BBQ at our house, have some neighbors over, and so you can get to know our kids.'

Myrissa nodded through this and adds, 'Plus it will give you an opportunity to meet new people in Rhode Island.'

This was only two days away and I nod, smiling, as I say, 'That would be lovely. I don't see why not. I'll talk to my PA, Jerry, and see if my evening can be freed up on Thursday.'

They both nod, say their goodbyes and head off in their landrover. Our vehicle was next and I slide in behind the driver's seat. The minute Nick was in the car, he pulls at his tye, and unbuttons the collar button, sighing. His eyes cut to me as I pull away and he says, 'Humans are dull creatures.'

This stung for me and I glance at him for a moment, feeling suddenly hurt. I don't say anything as I feel his power start to blanket me. I knew what was coming next and I tighten my grip on the wheel, my eyes lasered on the road as I hear him ask in his smooth voice, 'Did you even plan to tell me about the phone?'

'Yes.'

'I find it interesting that you are allowed to make calls but I am asked not to. This isn't a game Nina, I have subordinates that need to know I am alive and well.'

I grit my teeth, keep my face placid as I say, 'I am worthless when it comes to the Phantom world, so people don't glance at me twice. Where as you, a Dracul Pureblood, will. I'm asking for two weeks to find answers as I find myself now sucked into this game.'

'Didn't I just say it wasn't a game.'

'But it is, everything is a game for we vampire, without games our life would be dull and lifeless. Every phantom had in one way or another played games, serious or not to feel a part of something. This war that the phantom world is now facing is a game by a Mastermind player. We simply don't know who it is.'

He seems satisfied with this answer and asks, 'JR?'

So he had been listening. Purebloods were truly terrifying. It amazed me how well he was talking all of this. He could have easily left at anytime, but seemed at ease being a hostage to my own making. His question was easy to answer, 'Jack the Ripper.'

He sobers slightly before saying, 'How is her exile going?'

'She doesn't seem fazed by it.'

When the Night Hunters had finally caught up with Jack, she had massacred many people and due to her crimes, she had been dispatched to the USA right after it's formation. I was already in the United States, but she still continued to cause problems, thus most vampire stayed clear of her.

Nick asks, 'What dealings do you have with her?'

'I called about information regarding the Silent Phantasma, but she only told me to speak to another.'

'Who?'

I look over at him, his eyes dark, waiting as I say, 'Dante.'