Revamped (13 page)

We drove the rest of the way in silence.

CHAPTER SEVEN

When we arrived to the Scarlet House, an extravagant party was in full swing. Loud music and the lively chatter of guests could be heard from outside the tall, stone walls that encompassed the property. I pulled my convertible in front of the gateway leading onto the grounds, honking impatiently. A guard rushed out of the watch booth, muttering angrily under his breath. No human or vampire invited to the presidential headquarters would ever dare to sound a car horn in such a way, but since I had abstained from taking out my frustration with Sebastian on the culprit himself, the car horn offered me some much-needed relief.

“What do you think you—” the guard bellowed in a thick Eastern European accent, stopping abruptly when he saw me. “Oh, my apologies, Miss Dawn! It is just that it is a very important evening for the President tonight and…” the vampire trailed off nervously. It was Vlad, one of my father’s most senior staff members.

Suddenly, I was flooded with embarrassment over my childish behavior. “No, I’m the one who should apologize, Vlad,” I said. He certainly did not deserve the displeasure of having to deal with my bratty mood.

“What’s all this about?” I asked, motioning toward the mansion. Fireworks erupted in the air above us, painting the sky in bright red and gold.

“The President’s Ball is tonight!” Vlad exclaimed, proudly gesturing at his attire. His long white hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail and he was wearing a formal red and gold tunic, the uniform the guards wore only on distinctive occasions. “Have a lovely time, Miss Dawn,” he said, opening the gate.

The President’s Ball.
Every year in mid-August, my father held a grand party at the headquarters to celebrate a successful year. Since 2012, the parties focused on the celebration of a peaceful human-vampire coexistence, and all of my father’s most trusted vampire and human colleagues were invited. Last year, both the human US President and the vampire Canadian Prime Minister attended, garnering much press for the Scarlet House. To my father, the ball was one of the biggest events of the year. I, on the other hand, had always tried to escape the festivities in any way that I could. Politics and dancing were two of my least favorite things.

This year, as August rolled around, I hadn’t heard anything about the ball. I had been surprised that my father had not mentioned it to me, but had decided not to remind him about it. I was thrilled at the prospect of being in Angel Creek and not having to attend.
Funny how that worked out
, I thought as I pulled the car into the secluded government-officials-only parking lot
.

“This way.” I led Sebastian through the courtyard and up the grand manor steps.

“This place is magnificent,” he whispered in awe.

My father had really outdone himself. Bright red decorative lights cast vibrant color all over the white building façade. The walls of the Scarlet House were, for once, actually scarlet.

As Sebastian and I entered the grand manor, it became evident that we were vastly underdressed. Women pranced around in long, fancy gowns, while men milled about in tuxedos and bowties. My nanny Elisa rushed over to me right away, pausing briefly to give Sebastian a curious inspection. Dressed in a form-fitting red gown, with her long black hair swept back into a braid, she looked like an Old Hollywood film star.

“Dawn! You made it!” she gushed. “Thank Goodness! Your father was so worried that you wouldn’t be here tonight. It’s such an important evening, after all.”

“My father didn’t invite me,” I said, confused.

“Oh, no! Oh, dear, it’s very likely that he didn’t. Poor Alastair has had so much on his mind lately, he’s been somewhat forgetful.” Elisa shook her head sadly. “Did you hear? He has to run for re-election next year against another vampire.”

“Oh?” The news startled me. My father had been the US Vampire President for as long as the council had been active. He was well-loved by all vampires in the country, so every forty years he was simply reinstated without a formal election. This was the first time that anyone had challenged him in the running and I knew it would have an enormous effect on him.

“Well, it’s a good thing that you’re here. Alastair needs your support. I bought you a new dress and laid it on your bed. Hurry and get changed!” Elisa nudged me toward the grand marble staircase leading up to my bedroom. “We’ll have to get this gentleman a tux,” she added, nodding toward Sebastian. “Come with me, young man.”

“Wait!” I caught Elisa’s arm. “I really have to talk to my father. It’s very important.”

“He’s currently entertaining the President of France in his quarters. If it’s something that will interfere with his festive mood, I implore that you wait until the party concludes,” Elisa pleaded. “It’s already 2:00 a.m.—I’m sure the festivities will wrap up shortly.”

My nanny had always been the sensible, reasonable voice in my life, so when she suggested something, I knew it was best to obey. I looked over at Sebastian. He simply shrugged, indicating that it wouldn’t hurt to wait.

Elisa smiled triumphantly. “Good,” she said. As I ascended the stairs she added, “And just this one time, Dawn, do try to mingle. It would mean a lot to your father.”

Elisa had really outdone herself
, I thought, running my fingers across the smooth fabric of the silver cocktail dress lying across my bed. I slipped off my tank top and jeans and slid the dress over my head. Its cool, silky material caressed my body as it settled around me. I couldn’t help but admire my image in the mirror. The plunging neckline and dangerously low back were adorned with small silver crystals, safely secured at the waist by a tight sash. The skirt of the dress flowed boldly outwards in a flurry of sleek waves, ending halfway down my thigh. Though daring, the short gown was utterly classy. I had to admit that despite, or perhaps in lieu of, being over three hundred years old, Elisa had a great eye for fashion.

The bright silver dress and its sparkling embellishments were so dazzling, the outfit required very little jewelry. Elisa had laid out a small pair of diamond earrings and a matching tennis bracelet next to the dress, so I put both on. I pulled my hair back into a messy bun, fastening the loose waves that spilled out with a thin crystal headband. I was pleased at the result, reveling in the air of maturity and sophistication that the sleeked-back hair produced.

I groaned slightly as my gaze fell on the strappy, metallic shoes Elisa placed next to the bed. The thin, sharp heels stood at least six inches high. I sighed, wiggling my feet into them, cursing the dress for not being long enough to hide my combat boots.
Just for a couple of hours
, I promised myself as I set out for the party.

I spotted Sebastian before he saw me. He was standing by the foot of the stairs, looking off toward the spacious dining area which had been masterfully converted into a grand ballroom. Elisa had outfitted him in a light gray tux, complete with a matching vest and a sleek white dress shirt. His dark curls were combed back elegantly; the style made him appear as if he belonged in another era.

He turned toward me as I reached the last step, his eyes widening as he took me in. The shade of his suit picked up the gray in his eyes, making them appear brighter and even more enthralling than usual.

“You look beautiful,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper.

He’s being pleasant again
, I thought, still keeping up my guard.

“Thank you. You look nice as well.” I responded politely. It was a lie. He didn’t look nice. He looked great. Magnificent, even, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. I did, however, resolve to put the frustration from the car ride behind me in an attempt to enjoy the evening.

I was wearing six-inch heels, after all. Anything was possible.

We stood frozen in place, unsure what to do next.

“Shall we dance?” Sebastian finally asked, extending his hand out to me.

I glanced down uncomfortably. “No, thank you.”

He retracted his arm, looking a little hurt.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be rude. I just…
don’t dance
.” I explained.

“A lady who doesn’t dance. Interesting.,” Sebastian said, looking a little more cheerful.

I laughed awkwardly. “I’m hardly a lady.” As if on cue, the heel of my shoe gave way, sending me stumbling forward. Sebastian caught me mid-fall, grasping me tightly in his arms. We exchanged a charged look before he set me straight.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed a tall, stout vampire in a bright blue dress heading in our direction. Her short blond hair curled in ringlets around her plump face, her eyes and lips painted in loud, clashing colors. She was one of my father’s secretaries, the type of woman that thrived on gossip. In a moment, I knew I would have to answer questions about myself, Sebastian, and possibly even my failing mission. The heavy scent of her perfume reached my nostrils, choking me with its flowery sweetness.

“I need some air,” I gasped, hurrying past the nosy woman and rushing out of the house.

Sebastian followed me into the quiet, moonlit courtyard. It was eerily empty, as all of my father’s esteemed guests opted to congregate indoors instead. We strolled along the stone pathway in silence, the sound of classical music from inside the manor spilling out around us.

I paused upon coming to a large marble fountain in the centre of the courtyard. It had always been my favorite place on the property. Ever since I was a little girl, I had found solace in the fountain’s soft murmur, the exquisite stone carvings along its edges, the beautiful white orchids planted at its base. The flowers, I was told, my mother had planted.

“This is my special spot,” I murmured to Sebastian, mesmerized by the bright moonlight reflecting off the water’s surface. “Kind of like your gazebo.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“I’ve had many of my ‘firsts’ here.” I said proudly.

Sebastian glanced over at me. “Like, your first kiss?” he teased playfully, a small smile spreading over his lips.

“No!” I cried, mortified. I wasn’t about to share that, despite being nineteen years old, I had not yet reached that particular milestone. “No, like my first
swordfight
,” I clarified.

“I should’ve figured,” he said, his smile growing wider.

Suddenly, he seized my hands. “How about another first?” he asked, pulling me into him.

My lips parted in surprise as I drew in a sharp breath. For a brief moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. I held my breath in anticipation, startled by my body’s yearning to completely surrender over to him, and even more stunned by my mind’s desire to allow it to happen.

Instead, Sebastian wrapped his arms around me and, grinning mischievously, asked, “How about a first dance?”

Disappointed for having so erroneously interpreted his intentions, but also severely horrified at the prospect of having to dance, I tried to pull myself out of his grasp. Before I had a chance to break away, Sebastian began swaying to the soft melody of the music. His movements were fierce, yet graceful. Fighting the urge to lead, I allowed myself to relax, succumbing to his embrace.

I rested my head against his chest, inhaling in his unique cologne. He smelled like a sultry summer storm—cool, refreshing rain, sweltering, hot wind, and charged, electric thunder—all rolled up into one extremely enticing vampire being. The proximity of his strong, muscular body was tantalizing; no matter how much I tried to fight it, I couldn’t ignore the effect that he had on me. He possessed the power to wind me up, excite me, and even infuriate me, while at the same time making me feel calm, comforted and safe.

I was falling for the one guy in the world I had never expected to fall for, I realized suddenly. And I was falling hard.

As the song came to an end, Sebastian looked down at me, his piercing gray eyes fixed intently on mine.

“You know, when I first saw you, you reminded me of someone I once knew,” he whispered. “But now that I have gotten to know you, I realize that you’re nothing like this person.
Nothing at all
.”

Shaken by the alluring tone of his voice and his captivating words, my knees gave way, causing me to stumble in place. I grabbed a hold of his shoulders, hoping he didn’t notice my sudden slip.

“How so?” I asked, my voice quivering in anticipation.

“Well,” he began huskily, “you’re a lot more annoying. Not to mention meddlesome, loud, irritating and even kind of ill-mannered.”

I swallowed my disappointment, taking along with it some of my pride. “Please, Sebastian, don’t hold back on your true feelings,” I muttered icily.

“But…” His expression grew serious. “You’re also much braver, stronger, funnier, and more compassionate than anyone I’ve ever known. And kind of a good dancer,” he added, spinning me around and pulling me back into his arms. “You’re one of a kind.” His voice was sincere, his gaze intent.

For a brief moment, I forgot where I was. The courtyard, the fountain, even the bright moon faded into the periphery. It was just Sebastian and I.

Then, just as he leaned his lips toward mine, I snapped out of it.

Hannah’s pretty face—the face of the girl I had failed to protect—flashed before my eyes.

“I have talk to my father!” I cried, extinguishing the moment between us.

Sebastian slowly released me from his embrace. “Of course,” he said, all-business once again. “Let’s go.”

I convinced Sebastian to wait in my room while I visited my father’s office. I didn’t have the energy to explain who the mysterious vampire was, on top of dealing with all the other issues that needed to be addressed. I knocked on the study door, in an attempt to be polite in case my father was still in company of the French President.

“Come in,” my father’s deep voice was slightly muffled by the heavy wood.

Upon entering the room, I was thankful to find him completely alone. A surge of happiness rushed through me at the sight of my father’s tall frame. I had to physically restrain myself from throwing my arms around his neck. Startled by the realization of just how greatly I had missed him, for once, I didn’t even mind the darkness of the office.