A Dark Night (Book One of The Grandor Descendant series) (15 page)

“I just love beauty and the beast,”
she said, admiring herself in the mirror after pushing Clyde out of the way.  

At that moment Sandra moved over to Ari and taking her by the hand
, said, “I have hung up something in here for you.”

Ari gasped when she saw
the costume hanging before her, but quickly pulled the curtain closed and begun removing her jeans and sweater and shimmied into the dress Sandra had selected. When she pulled the curtain aside a few minutes later, everyone was waiting for her. Ari wore a long black dress, with large piles of tulle as a petty coat. The bodice was sleeveless and also black, and to either side of her were two large wings. A small silver and diamond mask sat snugly on her face, throwing her blue eyes into even greater focus.

“An angel?”
asked Ragon, looking at Sandra incredulously. “You don’t think that will draw a little too much attention?”

“Oh Ragon
, don’t be silly; the Elders wouldn’t let anything happen to one of their guests, besides, doesn’t she look just perfect?” said Sandra, her hands on her hips.

“Yes of course,”
replied Ragon.

“How about this for Sameth
,” Cambridge interjected, retrieving a fireman’s costume from the rack and showing it to the group.

Ragon inspected the bright yellow helmet,
nodded once and then moved over to the counter at the front of the shop, where the attendant was waiting.

“I still think that fairy outfit we saw would have suited Sameth better,”
Clyde muttered under his breath.

“So where is the party?” the elderly shop assistant asked,
preparing the costumes and placing them into large plastic bags.

“At a
friend’s
house,” Ragon replied, clearly not wanting to divulge anything further.

“Well you all have fun,” she said warmly
, handing the bags back them.

“Oh we will,” Clyde replied smugly
, walking out the shop and towards his car.

When the two cars pulled into the driveway, Ragon slammed the breaks on suddenly, causing his car to skid along the gravel driveway. His eyes were wide and when Ari craned her neck to look around, she saw that there was someone sitting on the front porch of the house. Ari was just about to ask who it was, when Ragon got out of the car and blurred towards the man, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him warmly.

“You came,” Ragon
exclaimed, waving for the rest of the coven to follow.

Back in the car Ari blinked a few times
in confusion.

“Oh Patricks here,” Sandra said from behind her.

“What… another one? How many vampires did Ragon invite?” asked Ari.

Before
anyone else in the car could answer however, the newcomer had raced to Ragon’s car and opened the door for Ari.

“Well that’s easy,”
he said, continuing to hold the door open while Ari clambered out. “Seven vampires, plus one fabulous one, so I guess that makes eight!”

Ari looked up to
see the 8
th
member of the coven. He was average height and build, with freshly combed light mouse blonde hair. His green eyes and long eyelashes seemed to compliment his outfit, which consisted of a pair of green casual slacks, a white sleeve shirt rolled up to his elbows, and an olive green patchwork vest. He was slightly older than the other members of the coven, looking to be in his early thirties, but dashing none the less. Ari knew instantly from his mannerisms, and the way he came over and kissed her on either cheek before admiring her nail polish, that he was gay.

“I am P
atrick Handers, but you my dear may call me Patrick,” he said, bowing slightly and pretending to remove an invisible hat and hold it to his heart. “But never Pat.”   

Ari blinked a few times, staring back at the flamboyant vampire.
Recovering from her disbelief, she smiled warmly back. Why wouldn’t vampires be gay, she thought to herself.

“What took you so long?” asked Clyde, moving over to Patrick and slapping him on the back. “Ragon and I thought that you wouldn’t be able to make it.”

“I was away when Ragon’s request arrived at my residence in Prague. As soon as I returned to it, I left immediately. Alas, I thought I would be too late to be of any use,” he said, smiling at Ari widely, his small straight teeth gleaming at her. “Well, are you going to let me inside? I have been waiting out in the cold like a stray dog for the past hour or so. Your security is impeccable.”

Ragon moved to the front door and unlocked it.

After showing Patrick around the house,
Ragon had explained everything that had happened in Patrick’s absence. Ari had expected him to be shocked, as had the rest of the coven members, when Ragon said that Ari wasn’t his source, but he had merely smiled at her curiously. After that each of the vampires paired off and returned to their bedrooms, all with the exception of Clyde, who had two girls to entertain.

When they were alone, A
ri looked at Ragon. She had been waiting since before their trip to the costume shop to apologise to him. She wanted him to know that she hadn’t acted childish about being forbidden in the room; well she had, but only because she had no idea just how dire the situation was. She had no idea what the Final Death Laws were; and though she knew that Ragon had broken one by protecting her from Kiara, she didn’t realise that the two people who could end Ragon’s immortal life, had just invited them to a party.

“So is this everyone, or are there more vampires coming out of the closet?”
she asked, before blushing furiously and adding, “Wait! That came out wrong. I mean… are there even enough rooms in the house for everyone?”

Ari hoped that her lame attempt at a joke would make Ragon laugh, and she was rewarded
when his green eyes lightened and his face broke into a smile.

Ragon was laughing when he said, “Patrick will be staying in a coffin in the living room.”

“What?” exclaimed Ari, and when she saw Ragon laughing even louder, she scowled at him saying, “Very funny.”

“You seem to be less angry with me,” he said
.

Ari breathed in and sighed. Now was he
r chance.

“Look,”
she said, searching his eyes for understanding. “I didn’t realise how, um… your saving me would put you and the rest of the coven in danger. I’m sorry. I never wanted any of this.”

If she had any sort of courage
at all, Ari would have asked why. Why was Ragon risking everything for her? Why had he saved her? Why hadn’t he just bitten her and lulled her to forget everything. Maybe Kiara still would have killed her, but then at least Ragon and the coven would be safe. But no, he had dragged his nearest and dearests into a fight, one which revolved around a girl… an ordinary human girl. Why?

Chapter
10- Hunting In Style

Four days later and Sameth still had not returned. The coven sat on the veranda, watching the stars and discussing his absence.

“That greedy vamp,”
said Larissa, “I hope he has left some for us.”

“Where do you go
when you go hunting?” Ari blurted out, realising that she had never asked this before.

“Why not come with me and find out?”
Clyde asked.

Ari considered his words, chewing on her answer.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Ragon protested, before Ari could reply.    

Ari turned to look at him
, fighting the urge to argue; she had only just gotten back on speaking terms with Ragon.  

“You know,”
said Cambridge, pausing with his hand against his chin as he considered his words, “Ari will have to be exposed to our, err… lifestyle, at some point. You can hardly go off hunting and leave her alone for hours or days. Besides, if we do end up bringing her to the Elder’s party, then wouldn’t it be better for her to have a taste of hunting beforehand?”

Ragon scowled at Cambridge.

“Honey,” Sandra said soothingly to Ragon. “Cambridge has a point. There are certain harsh facts about our world that she needs to understand.
If
Ari is going to go to the Halloween party, then she will need to pretend to be a source, and how else is she going to learn how to do that, without seeing us hunt?”

Ragon
looked hopefully over to Larissa, but when she nodded in agreement, he hung his head defeated.

Before Ari could
say anything, Patrick had raced over to her, moving impossibly fast so that when he was next to her, he took her hand in his and said, “I won’t let her out of my sight. Oh please… there is this club in Brisbane called Fuzzies; it’s supposed to have topless waiters,” he exclaimed.

“Club?” asked Ari. “You’re going hunting in a club?”

“Well we can hardly take you to a back alleyway or deserted park,” Sandra replied smoothly. “That would just be creepy.”

“Riiiggght,”
Ari replied in a drawn out voice.

Ari had heard of Fuzzies; it was the Cities premier gay club. She had not been there before, but knew of its many hilarities and unusual events. She couldn’t help but smile as Patrick continued to beg for approval, all the while holding onto Ari’s hand for dear life. A few moments passed and then she felt Patrick finally release her, until both his index fingers pulled her mouth into a large fake smile.

“You see how happy this would make her?”
said Patrick.

After that Ari couldn’t help but laugh, and Sandra and Larissa quickly joined in. There was something refreshing and light heartening about Patrick
’s arrival. Slowly Ragon nodded, unable to supress a smile.

Clyde snorted out loud a
nd said, “We’re not going to Fuzzies!”

Both Ari and Patrick stared plainly at
him.           

“So it is settled?” Larissa chimed in,
clearly wanting to disparage the protests before they had any ground to stand on.

The group quickly agreed, and Larissa and Sandra raced each other to the bathroom screami
ng, “Hot water,” on their way.

Inside her bedroom, Ari looked hurriedly through her wardrobe. Slowly she reached for a pair of tight jeans and began pulling them on. In the very back of her closet she found a black, silk high neck top, and she slipped it over her black bra. She was just choosing a pair of boots to go with her outfit, when there was a small knock at the door.

“Come in,” she replied.

Larissa and Sandra walked into the room, carrying a large suitcase that looked as if it ought to be far too heavy for them.

“Wow,”
said Ari, taking in how stunning both girls looked.

Sandra was wearing a long yellow dress
, with a large black neck piece and matching black heels that looked to be at least 3 inches high, while Larissa adorned a pair of black tights, and a short ruby red dress that matched her hair perfectly.

“You got ready quickly
and you look amazing!” said Ari.

“Just chalk
it up to Clinique, immortality and a fabulous dress,” said Larissa smiling.

“Well it obviously works for you,”
said Ari laughing. “Do you know where I can get some?”

“
That’s why we’re here,” said Sandra, taking Ari by the hand and directing her to the wardrobe mirror.

In a second
they had undressed her, replacing her dull outfit with an elegant powder blue dress. Ari admired her reflection; the dress was devastatingly detailed, with a high neck of Chantilly lace adorned by ornate pale flowers. Sheer fabric stretched across the chest, revealing just enough to show off Ari’s assets. Ari rubbed the soft fabric in between her fingers, admiring the marksmanship and wondered where Sandra had gotten it. Unable to stop herself, she looked into the mirror, trying to read the label at the back of the dress.

“
Begitta,”
she said, seeing the small black label and flamboyant white embroidery that was ornamented with a single pearl. “Where did you find this?”

“Le
t’s just say that I know people who know people,” said Sandra.

After finding the perfect dress, Sandra began doing Ari’s makeup
, while Larissa compared shoes to the outfit they had chosen.

5 minutes later when Ari and the other two girls walked out of her room and into the living room. Ragon was busy writing a note for Sameth, and didn’t look up at Ari until Clyde had let out a low whistle.

“Wow,”
said Clyde, staring transfixed at Ari.

Her eyes had been heavi
ly darkened with eyeliner and deep red eye shadow. This, along with the thick black mascara and pastel sapphire of her dress, drew her already startling blue eyes, into even greater focus. Both B1 and B2, who by now were completely intoxicated, shot Ari furious looks, which greatly pleased Larissa.

“Shall we?”
asked Larissa, a wide smile on her face as she indicated the door.

The group made to leave, all exc
ept for Ragon. He was still staring at Ari entranced and she was staring back at him. Ragon looked absolutely gorgeous. He was wearing a white collared shirt and dark grey jeans with matching beanie. The first button on his shirt was undone, revealing his chest hair. It was the first time that she had seen him dressed to go out. Every time she had seen him at the library, he had dressed just like many other students, wearing long pants and casual long sleeved shirts, but now with his crisp white shirt, he was dressed to impress.

“
Race you there,” said Clyde, when Ragon finally had moved outside.

Thomas, Cambridge, B1 and B2
rode with Clyde, speeding out of the driveway. Grinning broadly Ragon raced to his car and chased after him, a large dust storm in his wake.

“Oh manly,” said Patrick
, when Ragon revved loudly at the traffic lights.

Ragon, who knew the city well, had gotten to the city in record time. He was smiling in victory when Clyde and his entourage finally walked up to the club’s entrance.

“I forget
… were we betting?” Ragon asked smugly.

Clyde smiled in sarcasm but did not answer.

After several minutes of tense discussion between Clyde and Patrick over which club they would go to,
Ragon decided to settle the decision with a coin toss.

“Tails,” screamed Clyde, watching Ragon flip the coin into the air.

“Figures,” Sandra muttered low under her breath.

“Tails it is, so we are going to
…” said Ragon, waiting for Clyde to fill in their destination.

“The Bedroom,” said Clyde
, while Patrick groaned with disapproval, and muttered something about Clyde missing out on a nice lesbian couple.

There was a long line to enter the club Clyde had selected. Ari was just beginning to wonder how long it would take to get inside, when B1 and B2 side stepped the cue, throwing their hair superiorly behind their backs as they sauntered over to the bouncer. After an exchange of words, both girls waved for the others to follow them inside.

“I’ve been waiting for almost an hour,” a tall man wearing a cheap suit complained, watching the group jump the line.

“Sorry; VIP’s,” the bouncer said, as the last of them passed and he re-chained the entrance.

As soon as they were inside it became obvious why Clyde had chosen this place
and how it had gotten its name- The Bedroom. Large plump couch-like beds adorned the edges, where booths might normally have been, while hanging from the ceiling was long metal chains and veils of material, which if needed, could partially hide the occupants. As they passed by one bed, a long moan pierced through the booming music and Ari looked straight ahead, blushing slightly.

“What would you like to drink?”
asked Ragon, once they were near the bar.

Before she could answer
however, Clyde replied, “Gin and tonic thanks.”

Ragon
continued to stare at Ari, waiting for her answer.

“Um, I guess the same,” she replied, not really sure what she felt like.

In a flash Ragon moved to the bar. In his absence Clyde had turned to her, and dragged her to the dance floor where Thomas, Sandra, Larissa and Cambridge already were.

“I thought you were here to hunt?”
Ari asked loudly, trying to be heard over the music.

“Why
don’t you tell the whole world? Besides, pleasure first… then food,” he said, spinning her fast before dipping her so low that her hair brushed the floor.

Just then Ragon returned.
He thrust the gin and tonic into Clyde’s hand, forcing him to relinquish his hold of Ari. It took him no more than a second to down the drink offered to him, while Ari sipped at the strong liquid, enjoying the brisk flavour of the alcohol.

“Found mine,”
Clyde said suddenly, distracting Ari from her drink, as she looked over to where Clyde had indicated and saw a tall girl with silver blonde hair, dancing alone.

Ari watched
Clyde move over to her and whisper something into her ear. At the same time B1 and B2 stopped dancing and stormed over to Clyde, their hands swinging mutinously at their sides. 

“Oh Shit,”
Ari whispered.

Both girls had murder in their eyes, and looked as if they were not only going to kill Clyde, but the girl he was with too. As soon as they reached him, they opened their mouths, about to start screaming
, but then stopped. Clyde had taken both by the hand and looked each of them in the eyes. For a moment he stood like this, never breaking eye contact. When he let them go, they walked away indifferently, almost as if they had no idea who he was.

“Well I guess that is the last were going to be seeing of B1 and B2,”
said Larissa, now moving over to Ragon and Ari, an obvious spring in her step. “Shame, they were really starting to grow on me.”

The large smile on Sandra’s face told the world how happy she was also, and she waved enthusiastically over to B1 and B2, who frowned back at her in indifference. 

“What the hell just happened?” asked Ari.

Just then
Clyde sauntered over to them, smiling ruefully, the tall blonde girl at his heels.

“Too many girls for you to handle?”
asked Sandra, looking at him doubtfully.

“Oh please,”
said Clyde, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at Ari.

Sandra
shrugged and turned to face Ari saying, “What you have just witnessed is what’s known as disassociation,” and when Ari looked even more confused, she explained further. “It’s a vamps way of getting rid of a blood bag without having to kill them; comes in handy from time to time when we want to make a clean getaway. Basically we wipe away all memory of ourselves from them, so it’s as if they never knew about vampires. Everything the girl’s associate with Clyde is gone too. They won’t remember you or me, or any of us.”

Ari thought long and hard about this, even when the rest of the group had resumed dancing and drinking. It was scary to consider that if Ragon chose to, he could take away all memory of him and his world from her. She knew from her brief conversations with Sandra and Larissa that Ragon should have disassociated her after he had rescued her, but he hadn’t. And now the entire coven was paying the price because Ragon would not lull her. Suddenly she shivered and instantly Ragon was at her side, removing his jacket and wrapping it around her.

“Thanks,” she murmured, but shrugged the jacket off and returned it to him. 

The chill was out of fear, not because of the temperature. There was one thing, and one thing only that would make her feel better. Walking purposefully over to the bar, she downed the rest of her drink and waited to be served.