Terrorize his minions was putting it lightly. Especially considering how the man’s eyes had practically swivelled up to become dried peas within the skull that he had the nerve to call a head! While he was by no means a fan of Augustus either, the second coven leader was thankfully a lot more responsive than Emery ever could be. Realizing swiftly that when the arrival of the very king had come rather than just a curt message or yelling phone call, it may have been firmly set that he wasn’t kidding around that should anything happen to Juliette or her friend; it wouldn’t just be a bloodbath in the Iron Dog. It would be a scene for the history books to marvel in unanswered questions about for eternity!
Sure that Augustus had digested the dire impression of assuring Juliette was kept safe from any wandering fang within his establishment was not simply good hosting, but law. Giving the vampire lord a chance to prove himself. That if this was pulled of successfully without a single hair out of place, he might finally earn that favour that would spur the Steele coven leagues ahead the Hart one. Potentially to a point that the latter might be wiped off the earth with a permanent red smear.
Regardless, the mere conversation and near on his knees promising hadn’t exactly calmed the nagging biting on thoughts. Having to feign more than once his acceptance to the matter for Juliette while the stretch of week was making it’s rounds.
Peering up from under brow at the particular moment to the stretch of board members that were busy sealing their signatures across the finalized contract to assure that Byron International now had their agreed upon financial security, it was now just to assure that there was no further interruptions towards that of the arriving wedding day. Whilst the document was making its rotation on the glass table, the decision to send the confirmation towards the very madam was made. Laying text by phone to state that he would wish to see her at her convenience so he might give her the copy of the contract and perhaps to give her another confirmation that he may have already acquire the regal sea gliding boat for their previously mentioned idea of hosting the event as such.
“I hate it,” remarked Juliette with such venom she could’ve been speaking about her worst enemy!
In reality, she was staring at her own reflection at a gown of stark white, with elegant stonework, tiny little bell sleeves and a full voluptuous skirt. Certainly anyone else that entered the bridal shop and tried on this dress would feel like a beautiful fairy tale princess, balk at it’s price, and then choose to spend a fortune on it anyway. The perfect dress for the perfect wedding.
And Juliette hated it.
Hannah, not one to miss a beat, leaned over to whisper to the attendant (the poor shop woman on the brink of tears, as this was the tenth dress Juliette had tried on by now, and she had thought this would surely be the one!) to whisper.
“A different direction, I think. Is there anything back there screaming ‘sea witch’?” she suggested. The attendant gave a soft subtle sniff and disappeared down the hall.
Once the woman was out of ear shot, Hannah laughed! Bright and easy, covering her mouth with her hand as she wandered over to the lush sofa where the buzzing of a text message rattled in Juliette’s purse. In a stark contrast to Juliette, the lovely dress might have suited someone like Hannah much better. With soft features and a friendly face, she appeared very much the pixie princess that’d wear a royal gown. There wasn’t even the slightest hint of a fiery temper or feisty mood swing most often stereotyped to young women that shared her deep red curls.
Yet, perhaps she still shared that mischievous spirit as she fetched Juliette’s phone out and commented on the dress.
“It isn’t so bad? I admit, you are not the sort to be a giant marshmallow but it is beautiful,” she insisted. On reading the sent text message, she held up the phone high enough so Juliette on her pedestal could read. “For someone that claims this was an unexpected betrothal, you certainly care a great deal about finding the right dress!”
Juliette scoffed.
“I want his heart to jump into his throat when I walk down the isle and every person in attendance to gasp so hard they nearly faint. That isn’t such a strange desire for a bride! Tell him he might catch me at home before we set out this evening.”
“You sound like a woman in love,” Hannah sighed cheerily, completely ignoring Juliette’s instruction. Instead, she snapped a gorgeous full length picture of the bride in her rejected gown and sent Jordan a different sort of text.
not the dress, but isn’t she beautiful? catch her home later! it’s girlies night! can’t wait to meet you! xoxoxoxo
“Hmm. A bride in love with her fiancé, what a silly notion,” muttered Juliette, ignoring that warmth of a flush in her cheeks. Silly indeed! What sort of fool falls in love with the man she was contractual bound to generations before she was even born.
Apparently her.
“Help me out of this awful thing,” complained Juliette, struggling herself to try and loosen the buttons. Hannah was swift to drop the phone back in Juliette’s purse and breeze over to her side and tackle the buttons.
Hannah seemed to find the entire thing incredibly amusing. Especially as the one single soul in the world that had gotten to hear the full story truth of the entire arrangement – at least the parts Juliette knew she could share. Jordan’s mysterious secret would remain safe, no matter how much she trusted her treasured friend.
“I think it’s romantic!” chimed in Hannah with her own opinions. “Fated even! Some creepy old man makes a deal, expecting to get himself a child bride, no doubt, only for the universe to only ever give your family sons? For a few hundred years! Now here is this man, who gives you this little sparkle every time you say his name? Oh, that’s Destiny with a capital D for certain.”
“There were other daughters,” corrected Juliette, as if it were the most wrong piece of Hannah’s ridiculous daydreaming. With the other woman’s help she shimmied out of the marshmallow monstrosity and felt as if fifty pounds had been shed off her person. “They died early – but that is besides the point, Hannah! There is nothing romantic about it. Simply two people making a simple contract beneficial to us both.”
Hannah gave her an amused, but scathing look.
“I remember you being a better liar during college…”
Juliette made a grunting noise and had that awful dress not weighed so much, she might’ve tossed it at the other girl. Instead she took great care at putting it back on it’s satin hanger and hanging it up with all the other lovely, but ultimately wrong dresses.
She also completely gave up trying to keep up the charade.
“Oh, all right then. I may very well be infatuated with my own fiancé, but that isn’t fate or destiny. It’s just a wretched complication. Regardless of how I feel, I am not sure that is what he wants. A temporary happy marriage for sure, but beyond that… It’s just going to make it difficult to let him go,” admitted Juliette, dropping onto the sofa with a soft defeated huff.
All it really did was encourage Hannah, however, as she gave a couple of quick bounces on her feet and clapped her hands.
“Don’t give up now, you goose! I’m telling you it’s fate! From everything you’ve said about him, I am certain – absolutely certain – he must be just as enthralled! He just doesn’t know it yet! …Unless of course I meet him, and turns out to be just as vile as David,” Hannah practically spat the name.
“You are never going to let me forget him, will you,” hugged Juliette.
“Never,” solemnly agreed Hannah. “That man wears two polo shirts at once just so he can pop the inner collar. He’s a bad person. I can’t believe you didn’t see it.”
In hindsight, Juliette herself wasn’t sure how he slipped in under her radar, but she supposed everyone had to make one giant horrible mistake in their life and David had to be hers. Her only solace was that since signing away her apartment, she hadn’t seen David make an appearance again. If she were lucky, that bribe was enough for him to walk away and not be a bother again. If not for her own sake, for Jordan who lately seemed like he was waiting for a monster to jump out from around every corner!
The attendant finally made a reappearance with a fresh rack of dresses to try on, and this time Juliette didn’t immediately cringe. Though there were some bright nightmares in aquamarine and oceanic blue, there were some darker more subtle tones of navy blues and blacks. They didn’t exactly scream virginal wedding gown, but then… thank god they didn’t! Perhaps at least one of these will have the stunning effect she wants without making her look like a blushing damsel or a funeral widow!
“—And you mustn’t forget about that charity event that Rosendrey promised to host,” The man’s voice droned on in a dry bemused husk that if it wasn’t impolite, he might have smacked right out of him. Instead letting eyes follow each departing board member besides the one that had decided it was his rightful duty to assure that there was no sudden forgotten detail about the large silent auction that was to be held within the premises barely a week before so far what he knew Juliette had set the date too. Leaving him to intermingle a glimpse upon Horus’ bearded Santa Claus inspired face. Merely missing the ruby red cheeks to compliment the final product. “Since I haven’t had a chance to meet the young miss that had miraculously managed to convince the prowling tom that is Jordan Harrow, to settle down; I believe this will be a perfect chance for you to properly introduce her. After all, she is now one of the many other clients that we will be working closely with.”
“You mean you.” Jordan promptly corrected as that was one stipulation to avoid any nepotism within this large financial agreement. That he –as the future husband to the Juliette Byron- was not to be the advisor or the contract holder should they need to ever enact anything that required impartial decisions. Which was all fair and dandy, it made sense. Yet, he sighed. “You should have just been at the party, Horus.”
“Couldn’t my boy. Eunice had her book club that evening and I was babysitting the grandson.” The way his gray affected brows practically pounced off his head suggested that it was of course, his joy to watch his first grandchild. “So we’ll just have to arrange it that you will be actually at your own hosted event this time, with the bride to be. It would do you some good to look the part of happy and excited groom.”
Jordan thinned his stare some further, “You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?” Asking only to receive a snort. They both knew Horus didn’t drink. Still, he thought he better ask.
Yet with phone that had been placed face down upon the table gave its shimming vibration; it was promptly rolled over. Screen unlocked by scanned fingerprint to find the message was sporting a image alongside it. Needing added seconds to pick the thing up for what he seen was, “What in the hell is that?” What sort of marshmallow torture device was Juliette wearing. Her very chocolate hair might as well been just that! Chocolate on top! She must have had to lose a bet to have willingly put something such as that on, for he couldn’t fathom any other reason why she’d have crawled into a overstuffed ball-gown of a reject Cinderella dream!
Turning it slightly over so Horus could glimpse the image before the older man took a sudden interest in the manila folder with Juliette’s contract. The very item becoming very interesting.
Well, he was going to save that one. For future purposes.
She’s always pulchritudinous, though I fear for whomever successfully trapped my fiancée in a marshmallow hellish fluff. They best be wearing running shoes. He remarked back though stared at the whole hugs and kisses. “This Hannah must be the truest foil to Juliette.” Muttering back to himself before taking the mention of meeting at home as the cue to just accept it as it was. Stuffing phone into pocket and pushing from chair. “Have two copies of the contract duplicated, Horus. One for Juliette. One to be sent to Bryon’s International lawyer’s office and the original here within our office to assure that it cannot be tampered with.”
“Do you trust the lawyers that are part of their business.” So he might have spoken a little about the state of the company to the fellow. Encouraging him to pause a moment, before nodding.
“If they want to try and change anything, they can. But we have the original here with our own team. Plus Juliette will hold another. If they are that moronic, then you can’t stop them. But we can at least keep our own rumps off the hot wire.” Nodding once more, he motioned for Horus to also stand up. “As for the aforementioned event that you insist on meeting Juliette face to face, I won’t promise. I’ll ask her if she wishes to grace the venue with her presence but there shall not be a guarantee.”
“Spoken like a true husband already.”
“Horus?” The man looked at him suddenly, only that such a damn smirk appeared then. “You are an evil man, truly.” Resounding in a strong bark of a laugh.
Juliette’s second round of dresses went over far better for everyone involved. For one, she actually liked most of them, even if they didn’t quite have the look she was going for – which was a relief for the poor attendant who thought she might have a unhappy bridezilla situation on her hands. But once she discovered the right one, Juliette knew immediately. Though perhaps the style was a little more romantic than she’d been originally intending.
With her measurements taken so the dress could be fitted properly before the wedding, they had enough time to find the right Maid of Honor dress for Hannah. Something that went over far quicker, as Juliette had only specified the color needed to be a soft seafoam green. The style and cut was all up to Hannah and she was far less stressed or concerned with making a statement! She opted for something pretty and simple, claimed she didn’t want to be pointed at and laughed about in the wedding photos.
After that they needed to stop by the manor house to do a bit of changing into party attire for the stagette night that Juliette was increasingly less enthused about. Going literally anywhere else in the city might’ve been less of a stress even with the threat of David or some potential interloper showing up! But Juliette felt most of that anxiety was simply rubbing off from Jordan, who despite all of his insistences said he was okay with it, still had that little twitch in his jaw every time the topic came up.
She’d just have to explain to Hannah a compelling reason for why she had to carry bear spray in her purse. Without revealing to the girl it’s because there was no room left in hers due to the gun she carried for herself. It’d be a fun conversation at least!
Where most people tended to ooh and aah at the large manor house, Hannah herself didn’t even blink and eye. The woman made it her business to visit every castle that allowed tours, she likely didn’t think the house had enough romantic charm to tickle her fancy.
When they stepped into the house, Hannah herself was giggling madly as Juliette had finally checked her phone again to see that awful dress and Jordan’s wicked reply.
“You can’t be mad about it – he has a writer’s way with words!” exclaimed Hannah.
“You better have running shoes,” scoffed Juliette, which prompted another round of laughter.
Perhaps it was some form of fates that the day on either side of the scale had been arranged to assure each of them had someone whom was fit to tease and playfully torture. In his case simply by words. Though he may have gotten an inkling that with Juliette, she may have been physically tortured with some sugarplum fairy’s dream of a candyland wedding gown from the one he had been sent. Surely believing –hoping- that he wasn’t going to witness the very woman decorated like someone’s sugar fluff dream at the wedding. The only thing that gown had going for it was if they were on a boat and she toppled over, at least it ought to second as a floatation device. Sure to keep her from having to worry about the fact that they hadn’t actually done anything thus far to get Juliette learning how to swim.
Maybe she should buy that dress then…
His mind seemed to linger on it curiously even after he was excused from the environment that had been the workplace. Promised to have a few new leads come the morrow and one or maybe two swiftly gulped guarantees that contracts that were taking too long were to be finalized. Whether or not the one working on them was suddenly to realize that their vouch may have been their own demise.
He’d been able to escape back to the manor. Purposefully as he wanted to assure his arrival was firstly before the women folk came in before shovelling off for the eve to go gallivant under the means of metaphorical last night as a singular woman. Plus, he had also wanted to assure that Elisa hadn’t been overwhelmed recently, for he had Myra make an appearance in the last few days. Assisting on projects relating to the wedding rather than anything else. Inviting the damn woman to lay a trap or two in the manner of playful antics that he then worried if he hadn’t found them all, that Elisa might. And the last thing he wanted was her to have a heart attack because his one human companion had a streak of wickedness that was better suited for some bone style fairy!
The added bonus was shirking lapel at least, having managed to swing into the manor possibly barely even fifteen minutes before the door of the place was being pushed open with the sound of giggling. Having propped his study door open as to keep an ear out and to allow the wandering prowling miniature beast the luxury of coming and going freely; hands promptly shoved the unmarked black bottle back into the bottom drawer of desk. Snatching the stout glass within grasp to give it a shaken stir as to dissipate the hue of red amongst the amber. Darkening it slightly but short lived once curor and alcohol was taken as a rather large shot. Even leaving him momentarily breathless as lungs threatened to collapse with such a daring move! Knocking butt of the glass back to the coaster upon desk and fingers to tap between brows. The burn usually a wonderful thing when savoured, not shot back like some rogue frat party boy!
Still, it was chased back swiftly and the decanter of gold was poured fresh once more over the barely melted sphere of ice. To avoid any sort of curiosities that may have arisen, as the very cat darted out from under desk to go towards the noise. Meowing the whole way, practically calling Juliette for how dare she leave the prince all by himself this day. “Dramatic.” Muttered the man watching curvy tail disappear beyond door.
“I’ll simply jump in the pool and you’ll never catch m- Baby!“
Hannah’s sudden squeal at the sight of furry feline was enough to stop Juliette in her tracks with a surprised blink, followed by a ridiculously wide smile. Of course she’d had the exact same reaction to Theix – though at least she had kept in neatly on the inside, instead of shrieking like a delighted toddler. Hannah did not have that same sort of restraint, immediately kneeling down to love on Theix with long stroking pets.
“Oh, you’re so lucky to have a fuzzy little thing! I can’t believe you’ve managed to fall in love and get a pet before I did. You have no idea how absolutely impossible it is to find someone nice that also loves animals!”
“I could have Jordan dig up someone worthy and betroth you off, if you like,” teased Juliette, stepping around the girl at first but being forced to stop when the cat protested with such a meow, Juliette was certain he was cursing her for ever leaving! She scooped him up as Hannah huffed and rested her hands on her hips.
“You make jokes, but I am honestly about that desperate this point. I’ve put myself in every possible romantic situation there could ever be and not once has someone swooped to whisk me away. It’s down to an arranged marriage or I go on the Bachelorette and end up with one of those hundred of weird Dude-Bros they keep making carbon copies of at the Bro Factory!”
Dusting hands across the tails of the vest to assure it hadn’t been rumpled in the few additional seconds after he heard the young pair of women enter the home, head tilted. Mostly due to the squeal that had been let lose. Taking a pondering thought to question if it was one of pain but learnt promptly instead one of mirth. Thrill rather. Sure enough to believe Theix was the culprit behind such bombastic girlish shrills.
With a final passing of palm at least to the abdomen region, they rose swiftly. Departing button from cuff as to open the space to make the ease of rolling the fabric up across forearm certainly easier. Smoothing each past to avoid unnecessary wrinkling whilst on the second arm did he finally make the move to start wandering away from the seating area of desk. Glimpsing upon the copied folder once but decided that telling Juliette about its existence was enough for now. If anything he could always go across the hall through the sitting room now and put it on her own desk. Which he might as well do. Turning back to snatch and abscond out of the shortened study space only to be able to hear the words articulated as of now when he stood in the shared space. Glimpsing from under freed locks caging upon the right side of eye through the archway one second and temporarily slipping into Juliette’s area the next. Laying the folder across desk rather than lingering any longer than necessary.
Deal sealed and empty handed, was he able to signify footsteps approaching from the work space to pause upon the threshold of open arch. Blinking once, arching the brow secondly to be given certainly a sort of expressive moment that had the other woman yet to be formally introduced to him, a chance to lament about her lack of love-life. “Don’t the majority of such media arrangements end in divorce?” Jordan asked, tucking the dominant left hand to hook through trouser pocket. “Sounds like a waste of time and senses.” Musing openly as though it were an invite to come forward so he might wander about the tutting doves to approach the one of his interest. Bending slightly to denote the temple with that of a lightened press. “Good to see you haven’t been eaten alive by whatever puffy monstrosity you were thrown into, peristéri.”
Pivoting heel so he might at least stand at her side while properly addressing visuals upon Hannah. Left made a move to cup to the small of Juliette’s back as the right came forward to at least properly offer the greeting to the friend of the bride. Though her hands were filled with a rather pleased looking animal. “Pleasure to finally put a face to the name, Hannah. Juliette has told me well… very little. I assume it is because she wanted me to be on my best behaviour,” Which he recalled that comment, not to scare Hannah or something along those lines.
At least Hannah didn’t squeal at the sight of him, though her green eyes did go wide for a moment before her features broke up into a wide delighted grin. Shooting Juliette the most unsubtle, obvious look suggesting she now ‘knew something’. Probably cemented when Juliette just naturally leaned closer to Jordan. The woman was no doubt dreaming up all sorts of fated and romantic things!
The cat was set free, much to it’s displeasure.
“You know, I’m not the tiniest bit surprised! If you don’t drag her out to do things, all she’ll ever do or talk about is work.” Without a bit of awkwardness or fear, Hannah happily shook his hand and released just as quickly to clasp her own hands together and sway on her feet. Yep, she definitely wanted to make all sorts of remarks, but surprisingly did not leap into anything embarrassing for Juliette and focused on her own embarrassing comments.
“She seems to think I am a precious baby duckling or something just because I am open to the possibility of love and romance at every opportunity. But I’ve decided tonight will be the start of my villain origin story. I might as well crack someone over the head and drag them off to a lair.”
“She is a novelist,” explained Juliette, suppressing a smile. “Everything is drama. Luckily she is good company or I might have escaped her years ago.”
Hannah gave a little shrug, seeming unapologetic about the entire thing. Even waving a hand as if to dismiss the comments.
“In any case,” laughed Juliette as she continued, “We were going to head upstairs and change for our night out. After being poked and prodded and drape with every glittery piece of fabric imaginable I might actually be looking forward to a few drinks and erasing the memories forever.”
Turning lips up into a pleasing arch at the ease of how swiftly Hannah suggested his lack of knowledge had come from Juliette’s preference to speak of her work. Which wasn’t entirely true. Nor did he shame her passion for her occupation since it finally had a chance to get back on track, especially if they could properly shoo her vulture of a father from pecking at the chair seat so she might in turn be able to globe trot to put places down. To rebuild, strengthen and give the chance for the vessel of shipping items a chance to thrive once more. Rather than limp along like a half dead cow. “Do you now?” he decided to attached onto that remark, looking down to Juliette as though he were surprised she was right there. “I haven’t exactly paid attention to the idea that you speak consistently of work.” Suggesting he had been too lovey dovey to actually heed such things.
Had he not been worried about making himself sick with the horrible comments that could arisen, he might have made them. Or worried that Juliette might swat him.
Once more turning cue upon Hannah while the woman expressed that there may have been some protective value here. Though maybe that wasn’t far off as the other expressed that this eve may be the foretelling of her come out of the dark corner to wreck havoc. Swift amusement rose to take claim on visage as she expressed the intent to drag her next victim off while Juliette assured that she was simply a writer with an active imagination. “Why do I doubt that?” He asked rhetorically at Juliette for her mention of escaping. “I’d advise not locating the first injured stag possible you find this evening, Hannah. The weak pathetic ones are the worst lot to deal with.” Rolling eyes for effect as he sought to depart his grasp from the back of the other, brows naturally lifted some.
At the mention of heading topside to change, he in turn pointed upwards. “Elisa is readying one of the spare chambers for your guest, so I am sure she probably has already pulled out your wardrobe for you to pick through. Don’t let me keep you another moment.” Or maybe he ought to be watching as he still wasn’t particularly thrilled with this evening.
No matter which way he looked at it, something just didn’t feel right. Yet he nodded towards Hannah, “Pleasure once more, Hannah.” As Theix in turn declared the song of his people with bravado, “Come on you fussy priss, let’s see if we can keep you from putting your fur all over the lady’s garments, hmm?” Ears perked seemingly knowing that treats were well on their way.
“Au revoir, mon cherie with eyes as blue as the summer skies!” chimed Hannah with a wave, even with Juliette doing her best not to laugh, turning her and fussing her to head up the stairs. She didn’t make comment until she’d escorted Hannah to the master suite and gently closed the door behind her.
“Alright then, let me have it,” muttered Juliette, ignoring the ridiculous way Hannah was fanning her face with her hands. As promised, Elisa had opened up the wardrobes that’d been designated for Juliette’s use, and had even gone the extra mile of selecting a few outfits specifically, leaving her to wonder if those were chosen for Elisa’s tastes, Juliette’s taste, or for Jordan’s benefit!
“Sizzling,” the other woman responded, opening up her own suitcase that’d been laid out on the small coffee table near the fireplace. The keeper of the household had assumed correctly that the two young ladies might prefer getting ready together rather than at separate wings of the large manor home.
“With his sleeves rolled up like that, I imagine he’s a romantic himself for certain. He certainly adores you. You know when you see someone standing there and they just have that look on their face that they want to blurt out I love you!? That is your fiancé. He’s also vexed about something. What did you do?”
Juliette laughed, midway through tossing her current set of clothing into the hamper.
“You’ve decided all of that on seeing him for two minutes?” came her dubious reply.
Hannah only nodded seriously, seeming more wrapped up in trying to decide between a flowy little dress of pastel pink or summery yellow cocktail dress that looked like it could slow mid afternoon traffic. Both in color and in the way it would hug her curves.
“People watching is my job!” she exclaimed with confidence.
Juliette scoffed, but took a moment to gesture towards the yellow dress before turning to her own wardrobe to try and make a decision.
On the one hand, she didn’t want Jordan to worry so much about her, which meant something simple, demure, and plain would be a good option if she wanted to hide in the shadows and be unnoticed.
But on the other? A queen doesn’t hide. If Jordan’s associates thought her to be a weakness, wouldn’t it be better to be bold and show she wasn’t afraid to be seen and make a scene? Not just to show that she herself was a strong contender, but to prove that Jordan himself had made a worthy choice.
“I didn’t do a thing, however this place we’re going to is ran by Jordan’s associates. He’s a little worried someone is going to pull a stunt, so I am… well. Call it a bit of espionage! We’re going to be perfect little guests, let his people see me and interact with me. Perhaps we’ll use your gifted people watching and uncover hidden agendas.”
“How devious!” Hannah responded with a delighted gasp. “Should I play the sexy femme fatale or the doe-eyed innocent?”
“I think Hannah Lucas, romance novelist, is going to be distracting enough. But here, hide this in your purse,” Juliette scooted over long enough to snatch up a petite canister with a snarling bear on the label and handed it to Hannah.
It was no surprise that the girl stared at it in confusion for a blinking second.
“What sort of associates are these!”
“We’ll find out,” Juliette murmured with that mischievous fae smile and a completely unhelpful shrug of her shoulders.
When it came to two ladies getting dressed for a night out, nothing was ever quick or simple. There was the matter of applying the correct color and style of evening makeup. Hannah opted for pulling her unruly red hair out of her face into a pony tail, and stuck with the canary yellow dress. Juliette had decided on a simple black dress, and left her hair loose to fall down her back. Hoping in contrast it would show that Juliette herself was confident enough that she didn’t need to demand attention.
Of course, they would now absolutely have to escape the house before she ended up with a loving Theix saying goodbye and covering her with silver fur!
Brushing the barely arching backside of the speckled furred deviant whilst he took successful claim upon lap of the elder woman; baring her for the time being from ever thinking of leaving the dining room chair. Much to his enjoyment having since perched himself at the inseam of the island counter entertaining the idea of the upstairs scuffling of feet attached to the busying women. Listening every so often to Elisa’s gentle matronly tutting at how they were certainly seeming to sound excited at the prospect of leaving this house. Remarking perhaps more than once that they seemed to remind her of her own daughter as a mid teenager. Fresh faced and newly licensed for the roadways, how eager they always were for that sense of freedom.
Save this was no gallop off to some rogue part of the nearby uncivilized land that would be the perfect place for a tailgate party and underaged drinking. This was two adult women going into the den simply known by common place as Iron Dog. An esteemed establishment with a dreary sort of name that was intending to cater to the very woman that was currently standing in the unmarked placement of Queen of the Damned.
Eat your heart out Anne Rice.
“I assure you Jordan,” The melody of his ever so charming and eager to please voice beckoned once more. Pulling gaze from watching Elisa to resting once more upon Dominic. “Everything will be the utmost perfection. Whatever Ms. Juliette wants, she shall have.” Of course he knew the man’s arrival had been a sign from Augustus. A motion that they would assure everything this evening was meant for them to survive. To brown-nose with no hold backs, starting with sending a car so the young women could drink to whatever fancy they like. Although he wasn’t particularly entertaining the idea of two drunk hens later in the evening entering this house. However, he did have to give leeway to that. At least the gesture was there to show that they were trying to think ahead and just how low they were willing to go.
They were rather desperate, weren’t they?
“Hmm. No matter how many times you continue to say as such, I am yet to be convinced. Opposite really, so—” Jordan offered a sneering grin, “Stop saying it.” More of a command rather than a request. Tired of listening to the near gospel like preach that all would be swell exiting everyone’s mouths. It just damn well better be well, otherwise…
If Dominic found his comment unsettling, the man chuckled. Idly brushing his hands over front of attire before lifting to comb back hair from falling into eye. “I hope you will have a good night Elisa, you may have to stop Jordan from pacing at the front door.”
The elder woman legitimately laughed at this. In such a way that it declared she was already thinking the same. “I believe I should have arranged it with Juliette to have Jordan away from the house this evening. To avoid that very thing!” Huffing in a bout of annoyance at them each, head slightly tilted to signal the sound of heel covered feet departing down the stairwell. Seemingly to prompt Dominic in time to straighten up. Giving another pass as his feet seemed to come alive. Making the lengthy stride quickly from the opening of the kitchen firstly.
Clearing his throat secondly, “Ms. Juliette, tis my great pleasure to see you once more!” he announced in a grand fluff;
“For fuck sakes.” Jordan muttered glancing at Elisa as she snorted into hand. Coming no sooner behind but stayed at the doorway to lean upon it once more. Keeping Elisa on one side of his view and the others upon the next. Surely expending attention to swivel itself up and down once the appearance of Juliette could be seen. Contemplating her arrangement though any expression of approval or not wouldn’t be obviously seen. Controlling features to remain impartial whilst Dominic gave a rather formal half tip to his centre.
“Mr. Steele has everything prepared for this evening, alongside with a chauffeured chariot.” His gaze shifted only then, “And you must be Ms. Hannah. Salutations. Now, I am here for your beck and call, even upon entry of the Iron Dog. Whatever you need, I shall make it my purpose to locate. Within reason of course,” Punctuating his clever twist with a laugh, “Now, is there anything else you require before I escort you both to your waiting vehicle?”
“Oh! A handsome chaperone to fulfill our every whim? I am living for this girl’s night already,” chirped Hannah, giving herself another wave with her hand and a flirtatious wink at Mister Fellows.
Juliette could deal with the nonsense of the dramatic duo in the car. For now, her brooding fiancé took priority. By the look of him, Juliette was almost tempted to just invite him along! But what good was she if she couldn’t go out on her own? He couldn’t babysit her every moment of the day, neither of them would get anything done! He needed to trust his people, just as much as they needed to respect his wife’s position.
“Don’t be a menace to Elisa,” she insisted, raising up on her toes to brush a quick kiss to Jordan’s cheek and give him a soft soothing her his shoulder. There was a faint of her dark lipstick left behind, and with a mysterious smile she left it there. She didn’t bother to try and reassure him – he looked about ready to bite anyone that dared to say the words again!
“Alright, Mister Fellows. Lead the way and lets see how far we can stretch the patience of your grim bosses.”
“You are taking all my fun away, love.” Mumbling back at the whole don’t be a menace to Elisa. Well then, he might as well just go to bed if he couldn’t do that! Not that he would but now that the option was supposedly off the table, then what!
“I feel as though he should be worrying the other way dear.” Chimed in the woman still captured in place by the posh-est prince of them all. “Do be safe and enjoy yourself, Juliette.” Adding in place as not to sound entirely like an old wet rag; he in turn offered a lightened hum. Not enthused but thankfully not without grumping on like he was the last child fed dinner without that of an extra dessert. Simply having to have faith that Juliette would prove to keep those who might want to see just how far they could push they luck, at bay. Hoping in turn that Augustus knew just how detrimental this all was. It could either be a big step forward or a massive one back.
“As you wish Ms. Juliette.” Dominic gave his best cherub grin –the dirty bastard- as he opened the front door. “Until later Mr. Harrow.” Of course switching over to honorific’s when in the presence of others, he had to hope that this decorum remained the whole night through. Barely waiting after the door had sealed to frown rather dramatically.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so worried for anything besides your business.” Arms scooping up the precious feline, he could only stare at the exit.
Lingering a time before shaking his head. “Be it from me to say I am not slightly enamoured, Elisa. I simply wish and hope that this evening will be nothing more than a relaxing time for Juliette and Hannah. And that my mind is merely stressing simply because, I cannot control what happens.” The elder woman hummed all knowingly. Well aware that was one of his flaws. If he lost the control of what could be, then that more could he do!
Located within the heart of the downtown core off one of the main strips of the very heartbeat area; The Iron Dog was already alive with bodies. Some lined up out the door waiting to be checked to see if they could pass through the prestigious list. Where two men dressed in not quite formal attire but not so casual either, stood waiting. As the guards to the gates of the suggested hell or heaven –depending on whom was asking- Dominic held open the back door to the car for the pair. Offhandedly gesturing to the brightly lit up front with its halcyon hues, “Welcome to the Iron Dog.” Excitement flushed through voice as though he were truly about to become their tour guide for the evening. “We’ve slotted a VIP area for you Ms. Juliette where you might recluse if you wish for some privacy but the entire place, upstairs and down are available for you to roam. Drinks of course complimentary as Mr. Harrow has covered the bill for the evening.” A mere guess at this point but it wouldn’t be much concern. “As well as a few selections for a menu choice have been arranged should you wish to dine. We’ve got the agreement from the local restaurant just a few doors down to cater this evening.”
Once he was sure they were both surefooted on the sidewalk, hands locked up the fob to the car. Making a motion forward so he could catch the eyes of the two bouncers. Where the wall of flesh moved in frightening cohesion to side step to open the way of the door for them –bringing eyes of those waiting in line to purely wonder just whom they were to be allowed such access – “Please, after me. Thank you Klein… Calvin.” A playful smirk extended over shoulder at them each having addressed the bouncers with obvious hilarity. “Once you step through this door, we are here to serve Ms. Juliette, Ms. Hannah. But I should warn you, as required by Jordan that there is a section of the bar closed off as they are private rooms for those whom might well…” He didn’t feel the need to expressively continue, “We cater to all sorts within the legal requirements of what our fair city deems proper.”
“This isn’t what I expected with a name like The Iron Dog Pub,” admitted Juliette.
Of course, she hadn’t though it’d be some seedy bar, not with the all the suggestions of the high end clients, but the scale of grandeur and posh glamor wasn’t what she’d been expecting either! The outside building had the air of an expensive nightclub with a pay-to-enter tab at the door to go along with the strict entry limitations, confirmed more still with the long waiting line of people just dying to have a chance to get inside.
Oh, the looks of those people. The manner of dress and style was the first thing to have Juliette casually pondering.
Once entering the establishment itself, with Dominic seemingly cheerful to give them the tour, the décor exceeded expectations and set a sort of atmosphere that Juliette found… titillating.
Perhaps a word stronger than that by the way Hannah slapped her hands at her chest and made a squeaky little gasp. It prompted Juliette to immediately laugh – it wasn’t an obvious thing at first glance! The lovely tones of red and gold could be innocently elegant and meant to evoke a romantic, albeit sensual setting. But with Dominic’s alluding to private rooms and catering of all sorts, Hannah made the natural jump of assumption.
“This is a BDSM club!” hissed Hannah in Juliette’s direction, both scandalized but incredibly amused. “You’re marrying a Christian Grey!”
Juliette only laughed louder, brushing hand gently at Dominic’s elbow to be sure she had his full attention.
“We may need drinks. Something icy lest dear Hannah burnup into a tizzy,” she murmured.
“At least make it something with a dirty name. It’s a stagette, we should, you know, get into the spirit!” insisted Hannah.
“It’s an iconic venue that was purchased by Mr. Steele a few years ago. He ended up gutting the old with a more modern but vintage flare that would leave the impression of both intimate and nightclub.” Looking around the space with the eye of easily charmed youth. Where the bar was being manned with its separated stations so the tenders weren’t bumping elbows or drinks. Uniforms styled with vests and pinstripes with no skirts too small upon any of the female waitress to invite any sly hands to take a swipe; there was a calm air about the place.
Although his view passed over a majority of heads aligned at the polished bartop, the bare pause had him temporarily finding the owner’s vision on his own. Silently exchanging an entire conversation within bare seconds. Having to stop himself from immediately nodding to instead jerk focus back to burst out laughing at the whole suggestion of being a BDSM club! “Goodness, I don’t know if such a place would be allowed here.” Blood was likely to happen after all and in a space that welcomed plenty of the pawns and knaves that were the common vampire of the split coven, that was an incredibly bad idea.
A thought kept private of course.
“Certainly. Now if you would like to migrate to a place you’d like to sit, I will see if Mr. Steele will arrange some drinks. Admittedly, I am not the one who would know the difference between a screwdriver to a rum and coke.” Grinning bashfully at his own short comings there, an arm extended outwards to invite them to wander at their pleasure.
“I still think it’s a BDSM club,” Hannah ‘whispered’, giving Dominic a sly, knowing look as if she had his entire measure and knew all of his dastardly secrets.
If only Hannah knew there were actual secrets to uncover! A kink and fetish club, though? As she linked her arm with her bubbly friend’s and nodded to dismiss Dominic, she gave the club a curious once over as they started a little exploring walk about. Jordan would’ve out right told her it was a BDSM club, she decided. He might enjoy keeping the tidbit to himself just to see her squirm and see how she reacted, but that didn’t line up with just how worried he was about coming here.
Likewise, the kink scene was a lot more mainstream these days so secrecy would be ridiculous. Jordan’s secret basement room likely wasn’t a sex dungeon, and this club (as sensuous as the vibe seemed to be) likewise probably didn’t have sex swings and iron beds tucked away in it’s private rooms.
Although… Juliette did have to wonder just how much Jordan threatened Mister Steele and made sure the place was scrubbed and adjusted for her presence. Was this the reality of the club or just a clever rouse to keep things quiet and inconspicuous!
“What do you think of the place? Actually think, not your nonsense,” asked Juliette to her friend.
Hannah tilted her head, glancing about with a much more relaxed air now that she was leaning into the adventure.
“It’s beautiful. Glamorous. Not sure how I might meet the love of my life here. I could try sitting at the bar and seeing who wandered up. Dancing seems more like a couples thing and not a free for all… Did you see the line outside, though? They’re very choosy about who they let in!”
“That may be my fault today,” admitted Juliette. “They must be on their best behavior for my sake.”
“Right – the bear spray.” Hannah muttered with a solemn nod. “We should eavesdrop. See what dastardly conversations these bourgeois are up to. I still think it’s kinky sex stuff. It’s always kinky sex stuff.”
Juliette laughed again, but it was a smart enough suggestion. After all, who cared to pay attention to a couple of giggling, gossiping ladies. Who would believe a pair of beautiful, possibly tipsy women, were lurking around corners trying to eavesdrop into private conversations!
Thus they found a nice little spot to slide into, nicely nestled near enough to other people to catch drifts of conversations, and whispering and giggling amongst themselves.
Leaving the woman to find themselves a little spot to nestle themselves into without being overly gawked at. At least that they knew of, there were of course plenty of eyes within the club this evening that might have just been dying to wander up in their best casual attempt to finally lay visual cue upon which one was the Queen. Certainly plenty of the slightly less new vampires under the hold of Steele side wanted to put their best foot forward. Having only recently had their ears practically talked off about how this evening was dire. Not only to keep their own heads attached due to the less than pleasant temper that could arise out of the king himself, but due to the leader of the coven. “Which one?” The Mediterranean inflicted tone asked while laying knife bright eyes upon Dominic.
The right hand letting mouth tug apart to bare a easy grin, “The one in the black dress. The king was rather… stressed when I came by this evening. So I would guess that we’ve got a lot to live up too.” Nose wrinkled slightly while fingers busied with putting out a few fresh bottles onto the bar. Allowing the two bartenders to snatch them when they were ready.
“As he should be. Emery has done a good job at setting Jordan to tension.” The full of mouth tilted upon corners, “Leave it to that daft harlot to think that she could walk in so easily. Either she has a plan we do not know about, or she is dumber than I originally thought.” Lips parted upon the other, “Is simply mundane, Dom. Does not need input.”
Spurring the lad to simply chuckle. Whatever he was going to say must have been at least humorous enough. “What is it the young dames wish for?”
“Drinks. With dirty names. To play into the stagette idea though hardly any sort of party I’ve ever seen. So I am guessing Juliette may be just as reserved as Jordan can be.” The slope of shoulders shrugged noncommittally. “This will be your chance to introduce yourself though Augustus. Since I told them I don’t know how to mix any drinks.”
“You don’t.”
The matter of fact appearance came then, “I know, hence why I said it. So make some and go bring it to the table. And smile, you look like someone just ate your last bag of chips.”
Sighing from teh depth of toes, truly the manner of arranging some drinks was generally easy. Prompt to arrange on a small serving tray while Dominic went about to check on stations behind the bar. Talking with Claire and Maurice as to keep him personally from doing so, it was strangely surprising to be nervous about this. After the way Jordan had come practically flying in here to nearly come over the counter after him for putting Dominic up to the idea; he might be considering himself rather lucky. To still be on this side of the ground!
Funny how after so many centuries, the man hadn’t exactly changed that much. Sure that time had mellowed out some of his rougher edges and yet when it came to a young woman, Jordan still proved that from human life to this; he was still a territorial maniac. Ready to cut down a life on a whim simply if they looked at the lady the wrong way. One just had to be glad that swords weren’t as common place as they used to be!
He personally had been counting his stars about that.
With a breath pulled in and the wave of hair double checked in the nearest reflective surface, the tray was balanced on palm. Having made so far two drinks that they could sample and decide which was best before continuing on; a glance over shoulder was made to find easily a handful of watching sights upon him. Trailing around with no hop or hasty measure to heel, the ease of approach was made swift. “Evening despoinída Bryon and friend.” A polite bow of head was offer to them each respectively, “I’ve come barring two drinks at this particular moment for you to sample.” The bright lime green one selected first and sat down between them, “Melon liqueur, citrus vodka, a little coconut rum with some sweet and sour mix.” He gestured with the unhindered hand. “Tie me to the Bedpost.” Unaware of the conversation about BDSM happening and the fluke of a choice on that matter.
“Then, here;” The second drink selected was a gradient drink garnished with a strawberry upon its rim. The blue and yellow certainly seeming to be something from a synthwave influence, “We have Orange vodka, peach schnapps, and pineapple juice. Topped with a blue raspberry vodka for the effect.” Looking at them each once more individually with a flip of tray under arm. “This one is called is called Lick her Right. Dominic stated you wished for drinks with suggestive names.” Daring a slight smile then before stepping half a step backwards.
“I am Augustus, despoinída. And this night, I promise to be sure you have much enjoyment. With all that has been going on lately, it was my honour to offer you a chance to see that those whom work for your fiancé are not all, desperate and malicious.” Nodding for that fact, Augustus motioned to the drinks once more. “This evening we will be having a live band as well, they are merely setting up. Once they begin, we will dim the lights and the floor will be open for dancing. I do hope you enjoy.”
This felt a bit unnatural. Juliette couldn’t quite place the whys – perhaps the man was a bit too smoothly formal. Not exactly stiff, but something about his countenance didn’t ring true. Leaving her certain this was Jordan’s doing, which was endearing that he’d put the fear of hell raining down on the place over her, but also infuriatingly frustrating! How was she to get to know these people and get them to trust her as part of Jordan’s life if they were terrified to even be a step too close!
Hannah had gone suspiciously quiet and didn’t do her usual dramatics, which had Juliette suspecting Mister Augustus Steele had the sort of looks that were specifically Hannah’s type. Admittedly, the man was almost supernaturally handsome! The same sort of Mediterranean features that Jordan shared, sealed with the drop of Greek in his statements.
She was going to have to learn the language at this rate.
“I apologize if Jordan has made things difficult for you tonight, in your own place no less. He worries needlessly about me in most respects, I suppose due to a few deciding to poke the bear. You absolutely do not need to go to whatever extremes he’s threatened on my account! I’m perfectly content to relax here and enjoy the venue as it should be, and I look forward to having a chat with you once you have a chance.”
Hannah had finally regained her senses and started to breath again, reaching for the glass of blue and yellow gradient to take a quick sip of liquid courage.
“We’re having a disagreement about the nature of your private exclusive back rooms,” Hannah chimed in. There might’ve been a slight tinge of red in her cheeks, but her usual fearless way of speaking was returning quick. “If I were to meet a someone that took my breath away and we wished for a little privacy, what sort of comforts might we find?”
That wasn’t exactly subtle, prompting Juliette to turn her face away and desperately bite back a round of laughter. Well! She didn’t love Hannah for her subtleties. Why not ask the bold questions and see how it’s handled!
Auspicious woman.
Lenses that spoke to the suggested poetic motive of one’s soul spent a moment or more surveying politely upon the future queen’s face. Rendering the image in a permanent hold within the annals of thought after he successfully finished settling down the drinks with what they were concocted of. As within seconds after his broach of expressing the merriment that would occur this evening while being sure that she understood the establishment was to be that of her private playground without the pressing fraughts of distress that came from the outside world.
How would she respond to know that currently the very establishment that was intending to give her and her respective lady friend a chance to safely relax, was also that of a zoo. Where they were on display for plenty of eager eyes that surely wanted to know just whom Juliette was. How did she handle the king and was she able to keep the man that was an iron fist at a leisure calm? So many questions that could not be spoken with comfort.
As he straightened to balance the tray against hip for no purposeful reason, the velveteen dame looked upon him with a swift cut. Speaking bluntly about the man whom was not within the area. Offering a sense of apologize for his brutish demands. Listening with soon a slight smirk at the corner of mouth, “Mr. Harrow is a very astringent man when it comes to those he favours and respects, Ms. Bryon. I do not take insult for him being rather—” Pausing to search for the correct word, “Overwrought. However the gentleman did nothing more than express a desire for the establishment to be on its alert. Wishing to assure his beautiful fiancée and friend have a chance to intermingle without interruption.” Maybe it was a bit scripted but at this point, he was more leery about Jordan than Juliette. After so many years and so many ways of seeing how the very king could act when he was displeased; well… he’d prefer to let Emery’s side have all of that.
“Please do not fret. We shall not give you any further special treatment than any other patron that is celebrating a particular event.” He vouched with more sincerity. “But when you wish to speak, I am available. This eve is not too hoppity boppity.”
Squeezing eyes shut in a hope that it expressed an attempt of playfulness –the bother that was. Till the motion of the other maiden’s hand took upon drink. Silently beckoning his focus to be lent to her where she seemed to have a strength to voice a question about the exclusive back rooms. Considering her with reserved presence as to invite her to finish her thought.
One that seemed to be hinging on a future rendezvous of not yet selected beau of the evening.
Clearing his throat with a slight pivot of posture to maybe look about. “It would be a breach of confidentiality to speak of what may occur in such places, kyrá.” Steel coloured lenses perched upon the red head in the yellow dress. “As for comforts, that depends on what you prefer. I cannot be too expressive since each patron is different. But there is no bed room chamber if that is what you are curious about. Think of it as…” Another pause, another thought. Stroking free fingers through his beard for the correct way to express the explanation without giving it all away. “Think of it as simply a space where one may speak frankly. With drawn curtain and without eyes pressing upon themselves. Is similar to what I believe strip places are.” Then he waggled said finger, “No sexual interactions. Simply… play. Petting? Is the word I believe. Is a place for physicality without doing the horizontal tango, hmm.”
Who knew it would be so hard to explain around the fact that the area’s were used for those who had biting fetishes and vampire style kinks to be exactly the sort of willing food for them. Good grief.
Hannah shot her a smug, confident look. Clearly having her own assumptions confirmed that regardless what he implied, the private rooms were for certain for filthy romantic endeavors. Maybe not as shocking as a BDSM club, but a classic Gentleman’s Club for sure!
Juliette, on the other hand, rested her chin in her palm and found herself reading between the lines of his statements. If not for professional business meetings, and also not for sexual meetings… Yet using the words play, petting, and physicality. Obviously there was a very specific kink or culture involved, which honestly… unless they were murdering people in the back, there was no reason for all this dancing around it! No one reason for Jordan to be so skittish about it, unless he was so deeply involved that it consumed his whole life?
They treated him as a King and all alluded to as much, and clearly it must be very cultish in nature. Perhaps even occultish, though she’d already dismissed anything demonic or sorcery. Honestly, with all of the pomp and snapping of teeth they tended to do she’d think–
Oh. Oh! It might have been so blatantly obvious all along!
Not letting this dawning realization reflect on her features, Juliette leaned back in her seat and tapped her nails gently on the table.
“Thank you, Mister Steele,” she responded, perhaps not being able to help the slow mysterious smile trying to edge it’s way out. “I do appreciate your care with us – and your candor! This evening is sure to be delightful.”
It was a subtle movement that naturally wouldn’t pull most peoples attention but his own was observing from the corner of eye. A few of the ‘newest’ –a relative term since they had been new for a few years now- knaves begun to migrate to a closer table. Looking to play the part of excited duo in the form of two females and a male. Sitting down to arrange themselves with a couple of high filled drinks, talking loudly to add an air of ambience to the otherwise modest establishment. Listening to hear one of the females talking about the excitement of the live band. Had it not been too obvious to whip his head around to glare at them for daring to inch closer, he would have.
For now having to feel confident with his lacklustre deviation of what the privacy rooms were for. Shortly extending flicking view from one to another of the young women and finally resting on Juliette.
To arrange a lifted brow when she begun to give him a slow smile. Something about it seeming to be rather bold and yet he couldn’t say for why! “I would not wish to make a poor impression as my other associate has, Miss.” Tipping his head cordially forward, “If you have any more questions, do not hesitate. For now, please. Enjoy. Relax, let your evening be eventful.”
With one more bow to bid his departure from their table, he could only lend a side eye to the trio that had moved closer. Knowing Lacey and Kendra but the man… well he didn’t know that one. Suppose they might have pulled him from somewhere as a potential shared entrée. Still it was best to give them a warning look that at least the petite blond Kendra seemed to notice. Slightly wilting into her chair but not for long.
“Either everyone here is a fan of my romance novels or your fiancé has quite the reputation,” remarked Hannah once Mister Steele had left them to themselves. “Even if you hadn’t tipped me off about our espionage, it’s kind of hard not to notice people doing a bit of a lean and twist to get a glance in our direction.”
“Hmm,” responded Juliette, not really listening. Her mind was whirling with putting the pieces together now that the obvious had struck her! “What do you know about vampires?” she asked casually, picking up the second drink to smell it first before daring to taste it.
Vampires. She was such a fool not to have thought about them from the start! Jordan’s amusement with her interest in Alexander Dumas’ Pale Lady. His gentle probing into her beliefs about the supernatural. His blatant admission of a biting fetish. The issues with direct sunlight and blood!
“That’s a weird question to- Ah! Okay, yes that makes so much more sense about this place!” exclaimed Hannah, now glancing around the club with a renewed understand of the atmosphere at play. “You know, I suppose the entire club culture started in the 70s, but that is mostly here in North America. Over in Europe they take vampires so seriously as monsters to be feared, you would never see a popular place like this. It’d be a grungy underground bar no one would talk about.”
As Hannah happily shared her knowledge on cultural phenomena, spurred by more than one book penned by various authors, Juliette placed straw to lips in sipping her drink and squinted her eyes as she gazed around at the visiting patrons.
Why be secretive about vampires, though? This sort of thing was so mainstream that even little tweens were online writing vampire fiction! Even if they were serving up blood behind the bars, it was unusual for sure, but not so out of this world unbelievable that she’d hear about it and immediately run for the hills. There were plenty of people that wanted to be a part of a vampiric lifestyle, even if that meant letting someone take a few playful bites.
Unless it was more than just a game they played at… A vampire king and his subjects. Did they truly, honestly believe they were vampires? So engrossed into their lifestyle that it now became real for them?
That might give her pause. If only because she’d need to be concerned about Jordan’s sanity. The man didn’t strike her as someone afflicted with ludicrous behaviors, though maybe ones like Emery Hart did cause her some concern. Jordan had promised her that nothing illegal was afoot, but he did seem to feel things could be dangerous for her and seemed to genuinely fear what she would think.
Jordan was right. This was a bit impossible and farfetched.
“Have you heard a single thing I’ve said?” asked Hannah curiously, prompting Juliette to finally laugh and give a shrug of her shoulders.
“I’m sorry, I think our espionage was so successful it stunned me for a moment.” Juliette muttered with a grin.
“That’s great! Now that you know your husband is some sort of deviant, can we now focus on you and celebrating what is going to be a very interesting sex life?”
A snicker and a snort. A hand cupping over lower face as one of the girls tried her best to keep herself put together while attempting not to look like too obvious in their game of eavesdropping on the nearest conversation once the owner of the very place finally shifted away. Leaving them mostly unattended till Lacey was forced to get up and wander away less she burst out laughing at how the conversation was going. Leaving only two for a moment, just next that Kendra seemed to flee similarly as the method of amusement was too great. Promptly darting up to the bar to order a fresh round that only seemed to be short lived.
Hurrying back swiftly with a motion of beckoning fingers to the man left at the table, promptly abandoned with her swooping fingers.
Only for said touch to grab forth upon chair to swing it outwards so she might help herself to the table that was hosting some juicy commentary. “Hello loves!” She beamed a bright all to big smile, slapping down two shots of a peculiar colour. “Couldn’t help by overhear you both talking. Pardon the eavesdropping.” The man seemed to hover a moment before she pointed for him, “Sit down Lucas. We’re all friends here! Now that the big scary boss man has disappeared back to his bar.” Fluttering oversized lashes, “Kendra, and Lucas.” Declaring boldly to fold her hands into a perch under her chin, “The apple of the man’s eye. The Juliette herself, goodness gracious. You wouldn’t believe the sort of anticipated breath we have been holding here waiting for you allll week!” She was mostly a nondescriptive woman. Blond and thin, almost waif like with a pallid complexion and large brown eyes. Too close to doll’s perhaps with a wicked tearing smile that seemed to have issues disappearing. “Augustus and Dominic have been ferrying around this entire seven days assorting that everything would be kosher for the very would be woman herself. Fussing like maids, wanting to avoid upsetting you or the master as Emery had.” Leaving little room for conversation, she blurted with a whimsical flare.
Snatching a shot only then to dump it back, slamming its surface back upon table. “What sort of espionage are you up too? You said it was successful, does that mean we get to play finally?” Biting on lower lip with an exaggerated effort, Kendra snickered through her nose. “Lucas here is one of the newbies here too, so you’ll have to forgive him for being so quite. It takes a lot to learn to be on one’s best behaviour.”
Erratic actions seemed to be the normal with this one, pushing forward the second shot towards Juliette but eyeing Hannah at the same time. “You’re vampire lore needs some work sweetie. Not everything is so black and white… here? Would you like to sample one of our specials Juliette? Augustus isn’t supposed to serve these tonight but what he doesn’t knooooww won’t kill him.”
One had to be careful what they wished for. Juliette wanted to experience the place as it should be, to meet the sorts of associates in Jordan’s life and get a taste of what she’d have to expect as his wife. Well, here it was! In all of her bouncy-flouncy conspicuous glory! Boldly admitting to spying on their little table and conversation, and happily hinting she was ready to spill any secret Juliette dared to ask about!
Hannah being a bright and bouncy girl herself, fed off the energy to smile a friendly greeting. She didn’t have a clue what was actually going on, but she was quick enough to adapt to what was obvious shenanigans. After all, she and Juliette had dealt with plenty of rich mean girl politics at college to know how to navigate through drama.
“Lucas, you say! That is hilarious! I’m a Lucas myself. Hannah Lucas – Maid of Honor.” she introduced herself. “I’m sure my vampire lore isn’t up to snuff. Most of my novel research these days focuses on fantasy settings. Vampires these days are a bit, not to be offensive, uninspiring!”
Juliette gave an amused smile herself, leaned back in her seat giving the offered shot glass a studied perusal, before lifting a hand to refuse it.
“The offer is kind, and I’m sure Augustus’ special stock is quite fine, but with all of the interest and excitement about little tiny me, I might rather avoid the chance of being poisoned. It’s amazing how many enemies you can make just for marrying someone like Jordan.”
Hannah shifted as if she were going to accept the shot in her stead, prompting Juliette to softly place a hand over her arm under the table to prevent it. The woman gave her a curious glance, but seemed to get the picture, resuming instead nurses her own drink.
“The espionage, though, I would love to chat. Here I thought I was being most clever and sneaky, planning to sit here and get to know Jordan’s people to see what interesting things I might find out or connections I might make for myself. It seems there is quite a bit of responsibility involved in being his wife. Of course, I should have known I wouldn’t fool anyone here with this sort of nonsense. Jordan doesn’t have patience to employ the stupid.”
With a barely even there nod, the man deemed Lucas seemed to simply be on turret mode. An observing silent partner to the far more aptly chatty and spry female. Making an offer of the second curious looking shot that was seemingly to be pushed away. Not without addressing Hannah, “Oh, the maid of honour, fancy that. I wonder just whom will be your arm candy at the venue, since none of us ever know which way the master is going to work.” Giggling to herself at her own internal joke, animated brows rose and fell with quick succession after the commentary about vampire lore and how they were rather uninspiring.
Bursting out a dramatic huff, “You’d be uninspiring to when all these so call writers are doing you dirty. I mean that last one,” Throwing a hand to suggest it’s existence was offense, “Really, sparkly vampires. Tell me that isn’t some mad woman’s secret desire to be with some disco ball in flesh. Pah,” Rolling tongue out for added emphasis, eyes darted back wildly. To frown in compliance with mouth as the drink was turned away. Seemingly not to notice that the other woman had thought about taking it before she in turn shoved it towards the silent partner. A strange delight rose into his muted gaze to take the very thing and knock it back.
More of a syrupy substance as it didn’t slide from the glass easily. Rather strings of red coloured in tangles to be swiped away by greedy tongue and fingers alike.
“Well, when you’ve been alive as long as the master has, it’s certainly an oddity when he finally decided to settle down with someone. Naturally either side of our little group has been very curious to what sort of woman was finally able to capture the king’s rapt attention.” She hummed with a purposeful tap to her chin, “It’s not so much enemies but rather… what can we do to earn your favour. So in turn you can earn the masters and he will finally settle on which side of his court he will properly command. After a few centuries like this, people get restless with no obvious direction.” Each eye rolled around within sockets for a playful swing, once more tugging lips up into their puckish twist. Eager like a hound to be of use and perhaps to get a bit of a backing behind herself.
Yet she still burst out laughing. Throwing her head back with a guffawing howl at the suggestion of hiring anyone, or was it the stupid comment.
“None of us are his employees! Subjects, yes. Only cause that is how the court of the Vasiliás works! Emery was not created by the master, but Augustus was.” Interest piqued to grab the emptied shot glass. Dipping finger into it to swipe out the sickly salt from within. So one might greedily sample it’s remains. “We’re under direct orders to behave of course.” Eyes darted at Hannah in an accusatory manner, “Not all vampires are uncivilized after all. We behave and do was we are told. There are those who like to break the rules but that never gets them anywhere for long.” Teeth bared once more, “You see, the king is well… temperamental. Then again, all vampires are possessive. No… not possessive…. territorial. Yes, that’s a better word.”
Pointing the wet finger at Juliette then, “Do you think the master would let you come to a place he didn’t have his grip upon? You are in a den of monsters, queenie. You are either truly something special or he is testing your own merit. I wonder which one it is?”
“Lord, I didn’t even think to ask who I’d be walking down the isle with,” murmured Hannah now with a new curious thing to ask about. …on top of the absolute insanity this stranger woman was spewing out! It seemed the guess of this being a vampire club was spot on, and Juliette’s fiancé was a kinky, kinky, bastard.
Juliette’s own thoughts were a little more concerning. Was it animal blood or human blood in that glass, she wondered. A little private bloodplay would be easy enough in back rooms with consenting partners, but did they have a human supply behind the bar? Where would they get it? Was it simple enough to get donors the same way blood banks would work?
This setup of lore and history was quite in depth. A roleplay of serious members. It’d be unwise for Juliette to laugh out right, and not take it as serious as they did. If this was all something important to Jordan, she needed to respect it at bare minimum.
How she felt about it… well. Juliette might’ve had a little fun with it, if it was obvious fun and games. A bit of cheesy play acting. This seemed a bit more sinister. A true cult. Not just a bunch of people having a lark!
“Oh, it is a test for me I am sure,” responded Juliette, giving a tilt of her head as if she were thinking deeply on it. “Simply being a jewel in a his bed would be good fun for us both for a time, but what use am I to a King if I can’t handle the tug-o-war of two factions whispering in my ears, hoping that it reaches his. If I am to whisper suggestions, one would hope I have the sense to know what is best for the King himself, and not just what is profitable for me.”
Juliette offered up a genuine smile, with a wrinkle of her nose and gentle shrug of her shoulders.
“Not that I won’t also act in my own interests. I am incline to listen to people who respect me and my space. Those I can trust. I’m glad to know that most know how to behave without causing so much discourse. My first introduction to Emery Hart certainly didn’t give me such a good impression.”
“Oh, you’re fun.” Winking with a paired chuckle at how easy the woman took it. Seeming to be someone that appeared to be almost the direct foil to what the absent man was. Perhaps this would be a good thing. Finally someone would be able to grab the reins from a otherworldly creature that seen fit to assure their presence in the modern world was still listed to fairytales. “Though it wouldn’t benefit any of us if you were simply just a sparkly pretty jewel, queenie. He’s had plenty of those and they were nothing more than meals. Boring things I am sure.” Muttering the phrasing as though she were having the conversation alone, Kendra leaned back.
Patting Lucas on the arm with a silent prolonged look. Wondering maybe a little where Lacey had gotten off too but it wasn’t that critical. “Hmm? Those you can trust? I mean after all the things we’ve had to do recently to see just how involved that ex-beau of you was; surely we’ve come to earn some of that trust.” She continued, “Emery is part of the old regime. When Charles was alive before master came to remove him. Sending us eternal creatures into a new court. Though it’s been awfully boring the past few decades. But I suppose that ought to change when we pair up finally with the rest of them across the pond.”
“Should we be talking about that?” Lucas found his voice looking slightly unnerved, “It hasn’t even been agreed upon yet.”
“Oh it’s fine. After all, if the master didn’t want his lady and her friend to know, why would he let them come into the den of bloodsuckers?” The man frowned a bit deeper, “So future Queen… what do you want to know. How can we of the Steele Coven look to earn that trust? What can I do to help you have a better impression?” And she grinned demonically, “Kill Emery? Kill your ex beau? Anything at all!”
Hannah remained quiet during the conversation, sipping her drink through her straw as her eyes grew wider and wider until there was the soft slurrpslurrp that she’d hit the bottom of the drink. Juliette merely gave her a shake of her head, and that don’t worry about this sort of expression, instead keeping the main focus of her attention on the woman who seemed to so easily suggest murder as a way to solve her problems! Poor confused Hannah, Juliette was either going to have to spin one hell of a tale to explain all of this away, or somehow convince Jordan that Hannah was a trustworthy confidant!
Although, Hannah might be the least of his concerns. This woman was spelling so many secrets, it was almost laughable. A potential former king by the name of Charles? A deal across the ocean with what sounded like a separate coven! The foolish woman could be spreading Jordan’s entire business to some halfwit idiot about to have a panic attack on the revelations of a dark and dangerous world!
No wonder the man was so constantly frustrated all the time!
“It seems a waste to murder what might still be useful, and too quick an end to what should be made to suffer,” responded Juliette with a frown. Often enough she’d want to solve her problems by dropping dead bodies in the ocean – David and Emery included – but she didn’t actually want to kill people. This cult of vampires certainly loved throwing the threats of killing around more than Juliette was comfortable with.
It could be true that Jordan did have a monstrous side to him that she may not be able to accept. The thought gave her stomach an unpleasant churn.
“I am unconcerned with my ex,” admitted Juliette first, regarding Kendra without a thoughtful examination. “But Ms. Emery Hart is a proven problem for Jordan. He can handle her personally, I am sure. I am more interested to know who might take her place. You seem to be interested in destroying the other coven altogether, but is that a smart move if there are others across the sea looking here at your every weakness?”
Exhaling explosively at the idea that her offer was to be put on the back table, choosing to ignore the way Lucas similarly sighed one in deep relief. Well what a party pooper!
However she hadn’t lost the undivided attention yet, lifting a brow and doll brow eye up to lean closer. Once more perching chin on hands to look ever intrigued with what could be coming next. Promptly turning into deep snorts, “We are the largest coven yet, the one across the ocean is miniscule. Just older and have connections spanning all roots of the continent.” Kendra leaned a bit closer then as she was content to expose things with no regard. “The two covens are split. They are only in an uneasy alliance because they are still trying to vie the king onto their side. Whomever the king finally takes as his coven, will be the end all. The second one will be destroyed. Wiped clean.”
For effect she swatted a hand across the table. Narrowly missing the glasses, though her giggling may have suggested she was thinking of taking another slap. “A coven is only whole when the king or queen is in true power. The remaining one across the ocean will merge into the one here and then well… it’s all one big happy family! Right now, the king has no loyalty to one or the other. He is independent. A singular ruler with too many antsy pantsy subjects. Emery is old news, Augustus is new.”
“Kendra—” She shooked him off figuratively.
“Why keep the old when the new is so much better? Emery’s little squalor infested group is nothing more than rats. Ones that ought to be destroyed and all she wants is to see the king go the way of the old one. She wants the power, so… why would we want to keep that coven alive?” Once more she leaned back throwing hands into the air with a wild glee, “It’ll be a clean slate once that side is ruined! Don’t you want to be a part of it?”
This woman didn’t seem to think things through any better than Emery herself. So focused on murder and mayhem and chaos, that she didn’t grasp the scale of what Jordan was trying to do. Juliette had an advantage for sure, having gone to business school, having so much experience with what it took to run a large company… but still, even without all that, it seemed obvious that Jordan trying to unite all the covens was with the intent to build something. How could you build something long lasting if you bulldozed everything in your path without considering what use it could be.
“I’d think, if Jordan has taken all this time and still not chosen one over the other, then there’s something valuable about the Hart coven that is not to be ignored. Mind you, Ms. Hart can quite respectfully fuck off into the night, but those under her – elders as they may be – might have some experience that could still be useful.”
On that note, Juliette feigned a bit of a gasp – widening her eyes and leaning forward across the table to whisper conspiratorially at the woman.
“Is this part of my test? What a clever thing you are, drawing information from me so easily, that you might tell Augustus or Jordan how I fair! I suppose there is something to be said for the ambitious youth. It’s quite impressive. I doubt Jordan realizes the true scope of loyalty of his people here.”
There was clearly a reason she was at the bottom of the rungs rather than the top. Even if the very thought hadn’t exactly amassed into a conscious thought within the seemingly limited airspace available within the mind. Which was possibly why Lucas had only attempted to intervene with a baby style effort. Mere complaints than actually attempting to end such conversation. Either he knew it was useless or he wasn’t so convinced that all that was coming out of the erratically word vomiting mouth exiting in swift departure from Kendra. Deciding to withdraw himself from the internal thoughts that were admittedly a little more complex than this scatter brain could handle.
Juliette seemed to suggest a few things about importance of either side of the coven, earning herself a characteristically childish complaint from the blond woman. Thumping her head onto quickly scrunching arms to declare her angst on the idea of having to share anything with the other half. Barely turning to peek out from the safety of arms. Ears perked in a figurative sense when the gasp announced.
Alert then, head up and eyes wide. Turning awe to grinning mirth. “I knew you were fun!”
He on the other hand had chosen silence safely. Surely all this was going to be quite important for the Emery to hear later in the evening. Once he made it out of the bar that is, hopefully without anyone realizing that he was well… sent here for a purpose. Though maybe he needed to put a hold on the original intend.
It was clear by this conversation that Juliette was smarter than she was showing. Or at least that Kendra was grasping. Not to mention their former conversation between bride and maid suggested they were still on the fence for knowledge sake, finding this potentially a lark. Something he couldn’t say was fact or not. But this would be good information to pass on to his own boss, and avoid jumping prematurely to try and tip the scales violently back in their favour. Internally cursing as the selected toy for the king had mentioned that Emery could fuck right off. Not about to forget to mention that the Steele clan from Kendra’s mouth had believed that the other side would be tossed into the butcher.
It was certainly an interesting and rather informative night! A wise man knew when to hold himself back. And this that moment.
“Kendra!” Someone barked from the side, sending the younger vampire to straighten comically up. Shoulders back and head swivelling around to latch onto Dominic. Wearing a tense grin, “Lacey was looking for you. Perhaps you should go find your other half before she leaves in a fit?” Dominic grazed peepers over him no more than a person would over a creepy crawly. Just barely avoiding the crush of a shoe!
“But I was talking with the queen and her lovely friend,” Hands bared open, slightly shaking in a tada fashion. Not like they had been sitting here the whole time!
Lowly he chuckled, “And we thank you for your attention to such a thing but, Lacey. Hmm, and take your friend—” The word posed as a question seeing as it appeared Dominic didn’t know him. Which fairly, should be correct. It wasn’t as though each coven shared gossipy tales of each of their new initiates. Got together for Sunday brunch just to meet and greet! “With you.”
She might as well have been that child, for she stomped her feet. Groaning out in a over the top whine as body practically slid out of chair. “You’re so boring, Dominic. Have some fun,”
“Shoo…shoo now.” Issuing shooing fingers were made. Tut-tutting them away from the table. Practically the mother hen at this point that had found her rogue chicks being cornered by devious foxes. Well, one fox and one blundering dodo. “That’s a good girl, go on now. Mhmm….” It was barely seconds as they stepped away, “I am so sorry, Ms. Juliette and Ms. Hannah… Kendra is well.. eccentric. I hope she wasn’t a bother.”
“That woman was high as a kite. Or drunk. Or both!” exclaimed Hannah now that their impromptu guests had been shooed away. “Juliette you really ought to consider writing a book series of your own. You pulled so much nonsense out of thin air without even blinking!”
Juliette pulled the straw out of her drink, and with a few very big very quick swallows down the thing in a split second. She was glad Hannah had managed to come up with her own explanations for what was most certainly an insane sounding conversation. At least for her friend, she could imagine this was all a silly bit of vampire roleplaying from people so drunk that they were really into it. At least Juliette had gotten through the entire conversation sounding as if she herself knew what she was talking about, and wasn’t deep down on the inside suddenly a little terrified that she’d gotten into something that she could not handle! That she was in love with a man who might potentially be one hundred percent delusional!
“It’s quite fine, Dominic, she was a bubbly conversationalist,” Juliette murmured quickly once she’d caught her breath from the drink. The melon, coconut, and vodka was a nice blend, but at this point… was no where near as strong as she needed! She’d never wanted to go home to the manor so badly, and yet now a bit concerned about it as well. For whom and what exactly was she going home to, she wondered!
“I think tequila shots are in order. With lime,” she suggested. “If there are so many curious spectators we may as well give them a show.”
Hannah watched her curiously, but ultimately smiled wide.
“I’m not going to argue about that! Some live music and dancing will do wonders for any pre-wedding jitters. Make it a lot of shots, Dominic!” Hannah requested. “…and maybe something to eat along with it, throwing up later would not be so fun.”
He couldn’t control it. The whiplash jerk to stare at Juliette as she declared Kendra had been a bubbly conversationalist, he had to check if her shoulders were miraculously spreading further apart to welcome a second head! Cause she surely wasn’t sincere about such a crock of bull like that, was she! Or he was going to have to check to see just how strong the drink was that she had been sipping at, turned gulping. “I’m… sure she was.” Did Kendra break Juliette? Oh god, what was he going to tell Jordan…
No, no… he wasn’t going to think about it! If anyone was going to be in trouble, it was going to be Kendra and Kendra alone. There was no way in hell he was going to walk onto that plank over shark infested waters just to save another’s skin. You couldn’t even pay him enough to do it!
However there was some agreement then, “Yes. I think that can be arranged. I may join you on one… at least.” Murmuring the last bit trying in the same second not to stare at the two obvious shot glasses left behind that were telltale signs that Kendra had certainly been more than just a mere conversationalist as the lady suggested.
“Why don’t you both go up and get a good spot in front of the band. I’ll order you some food and ask Mr. Steele to prep your shots.” At this point suddenly feeling if it were anyone else, they might be laced with something. “If you have any food allergies, please just let me know otherwise, I’ll assuredly order you a bunch of things for your picking leisure.” Baring a slowly more genuine simper, “Yes, let’s avoid any possible vomiting situations if possible. It’s supposed to be a pleasant evening out, not something terrible.”
Was that part moot now? He couldn’t tell.
What he could tell though was how quick he was going to twist Augustus ear about how Kendra had set up two blood shots before the few humans in this place. All he could do was hope that neither of the women knew what it was or thought it was fake! Surely they knew human’s couldn’t ingest blood without becoming terribly sick. At least to the moderation that was served here!
“I’ll be back in a jiffy!” He declared knowing that if he didn’t walk away now, he was going to have a trail of fire shortly from when he ran!
“Run swift, gorgeous!” Hannah encouraged Dominic, already grasping Juliette’s hand and leading the way to tug her across the floor to the staged area where the band was setting up. Once she was confident no one else was lurking nearby to eavesdrop, she leaned in to mutter at her friend.
“Hey, are you okay? That was a whole lot of weird. Is Jordan up to something dangerous? Should we be planning an escape route?” she asked with concern.
Juliette sighed, giving her shoulders a roll and briefly shaking out her hands, as if trying to physically flick off whatever was sending her mind into circles. When Hannah’s worried offer actually sank in, Juliette finally gave a soft shaky laugh and relaxed the majority of tension in her shoulders.
“Weird absolutely, dangerous maybe, an escape…? No, no I’m alright. I am! I swear. I thought I was well prepared to handle everything headed my way, and it is just turning out a bit more than I was expecting.”
Hannah seemed a little bit dubious, giving her a quick once over a second time.
“So King Jordan isn’t like some weird crime lord using this whole vampire schtick to cover up his human trafficking ring,” she accused.
“Gods, I hope not-” Hannah’s immediate look of horror mixed with a comical amount of rage sent Juliette into a welcome bout of loud laughter and to quickly reach out and grab her friend by the arms before she stalked off to whatever nonsense she would’ve plotted. “Oh no, no! I was joking, that is a joke, Hannah! I promise you, Jordan is not what I am worried about!”
Not entirely. At least… not in the sense that she felt she was in danger from Jordan Harrow. Concerned about the soundness of his mind, maybe. But he’d been clearly so worried about how she would take things and her safety as well. All she needed was a little time to think it through.
“Goodness, Hannah, what did you think you were doing to do if he were!” she asked with another bewildered laugh.
“I don’t know!” Hannah huffed. “You gave me this stupid can of bear spray, I might as well have stomped back to the house and used that! He’d be on the floor before he knew what hit him!”
Now giggling, and feeling a little bit better, if not still a little shaken, Juliette hugged her friend tight, smiling wide all the while.
“You are the best of people. I’ll find you someone worthy of you! A prince or a king of your own.” Juliette promised.
“Augustus is quite nice,” suggested Hannah with an embarrassed squeak.
“Not Augustus, you ridiculous duck.”
“You may wish to pull aside Kendra and perhaps remove her tongue less she go about making friendly with any other humans.” Whispering words upon the ear of the other man, there was a noticeable shift to Augustus hands. Saving a bottle from absently taking a premature tumble to an expensive fall to the floor. Where rims of the grayish hues came to press upon his own. Lips sucked inwards to turn into a pressed grim line allowing the words to settle into his mind. To understand that even though he had taken a bare moment to look at the chattering dolt-box previously to leaving the two women to their interactions, one of his little idiot peons had decided to get involved. “I am not sure what was said but clearly enough,” Setting down the emptied bloody vials before the owner.
So he might get the picture without it being lavishly spoken.
And, snatched. Grabbed from barely having a full second to settle its glass bottom upon top, the bottle in hand was then abandoned. “Where did you get this?” Hissing the words through pearled teeth, the rings of steel flashed momentarily ruby.
Urging a hand to come forward to press upon Augustus wrist. “As I stated, you may wish to silence the idiot.” Using eyes as an obvious reference to look down to the glass and back, “Do what you must, Augustus. I will do what is necessary to assure there is clean up where needed. Currently both ladies are now set to enjoy the band with fresh drinks and food. I think it would be in our best decision to assure that there are no further chances of interactions with those who are well… loose of lip.”
Snarling the guttural noise through clenched teeth. Seething with the threat that something could have happened. After all, they both knew that Juliette was unaware of what they were! Having to hope by some miraculous grace that what they witnessed, they’d chalk up to some harebrained extreme drunken tart! “Should I notify Jordan?”
“Are you insane?” Snapping the words, “He is simply looking for a singular reason to come storming down here. Do not message him. We play it by ear.”
“You surely don’t think Juliette will keep such a thing quiet, if she noticed. Do you?”
“We do not know what she thinks of Jordan. As far as we know, she may take this evening and be done with it completely.” Slapping the glass back down so his grasp could assault the previous bottle, a violent uncapping was made with gusto. “Just keep them happy.”
Shoulders shrugged. That was what he was intending on doing until they were ready to pack it in for the evening! But something else lingered on his mind, “Who is the boy with Kendra?”
“I do not care who the boy is. Probably some doped up twat that she picked out of the nearest alleyway to suck on later!” Offhandedly hands tried to dismiss the comment. “What do they wish to drink?”
“Tequila, and whatever else may have a hard content to it. Just my advice, avoid anyone else serving them. At this point, we could either be in dire jeopardy or sitting like nervous hens. Whatever our placement is, Augustus, it would do us well to maybe send both women home pleasantly dulled.” The drift implied heavily to see that they were hopefully encouraged to drink enough to simply forget about the interaction. “Now, I am going to go get them some food for our esteemed guests.” Ears begun to pick up the telling noises of musical instruments beginning to warm. “And maybe we will get lucky this evening in a whole new way.”
“Your optimism is frightening and curious, Dominic.”
Hands squeezed upon shoulders of the other man, “It’s a curse, really. But one that serves us well.”
Juliette hadn’t been entirely on board for this idea of a stagette party, but loud music, strong shots, and Hannah’s bouncing enthusiasm turned out to be infectious. It was hard enough for her to let go of her stresses and worries on a normal day, but she was in (as Kendra so aptly put it) a den of bloodsuckers! Only a dimwit wouldn’t be thrown off by the sheer insanity and oddness of it all!
But for Hannah’s sake (and perhaps the sake of everyone at this bar), Juliette needed to maintain a cool head. To not go storming out in some sort of overwhelmed hissy fit just become things were turning out a bit more bizarre than she’d bargained for.
A few good shots of expensive liquor most certainly helped!
She hadn’t been out to a place like this in such a long time – not since college when going to parties and clubs with Hannah herself. Giggling and dancing and singing along to songs they knew. Juliette was fairly certain Dominic had unofficially joined their party, likely to subtly scare off anyone else that thought they might dare a chance to approach the Queen.
And for a brief moment Juliette remembered she really ought to talk to Augustus Steele directly. She meant to. The actual purpose of accepting this invitation was to meet the leading man, and so far the only information she’d gathered on him was that he made excellent drinks and Kendra’s slip that Jordan had made him.
Did that mean Jordan was his sire? Jordan was Augustus’ vampire father.
Her sudden eruption into hysterical laughter had her slapping her hand over her own mouth, especially when Hannah stared at her bewildered and confused. Juliette couldn’t even remember what the girl was saying.
Oh, she was completely trashed. This was a problem, a terrible, giggling problem!
If there was ever a chance that time travel was a thing and he was given a first chance to do it, he’d go back in time to the first person that had made alcohol and kiss them. Straight on their probably disease ridden mouth without a care in the world. For it had potentially saved him this evening watching the dames of the two party stagette slip further and further into that liquor induced hold. Where rigid control melted away into hoots and sniggers that were easily amused. That anything truly articulated was a thing of the past, replaced by simple words and easier noises. Sure that even if Juliette said anything to the man that could be their entire end, he’d most likely dismiss it as the ramblings of a deeply intoxicated woman.
He hoped.
She wasn’t wrong that they might as well have been a pair of celestial bodies pulling him in with their gravitational pull, for he was not about to leave them unattended too once drinks and food started flowing readily. Baring fangs –almost literally at a few times when all too curious pups were wanting to get closer to the partying duo- and assuring that not only was his neck saved, but theirs as well!
Keeping Augustus calm and them equally so proved easier with booze. The miraculous saviour of the evening!
Whenever he was able to round up the two well watered dressed flowers –less he start to worry that either or may reveal a streak of spontaneity stripping… he had seen worse truly but wasn’t about to take that risk- it was the means of ushering the two chicks out of the building. To give Augustus a chance to locate Kendra without mortal eyes present and him to assure they would be returned to Jordan in a happier, drunky fashion. Sure that the man might not appreciate it but it was to be expected, was it not! Where his future wife had plenty of fun rather than being mentally scarred for life!
Although he worried that the time of night might be a problem, simply for the housekeeper rather than the nocturnal lord! “Come this way,” He spoke once the car door was open, glancing once or twice up to the manor glowing windows still fraught with light inside –probably to allow ease of entry for the two.
He was almost scott free, so close and yet… so far!
“Carry me, Dominic, my feet can’t take it anymore!” squeaked Hannah, who quite dramatically did the slowest, most obvious ‘fall’ down to the ground as soon as she was out of the car. She had her shoes in one hand and her purse in the other, waving them in the air as if he needed a beacon to find her.
Juliette was quite the opposite sort of drunk, true to her usual sense of natural poise, exited the car and deftly stepped over the fallen Hannah with her own heels still on, wand nothing more than a small waver in her step. One might even think she’d be one of those functioning drunks, the sort that could easily breeze through her day without a single person being aware that she’d had a drink at all, if it weren’t for the heavy flush to her cheeks and the way she had to stop every few paces so the world could stop spinning. And the way she giggled softly about it each time.
The house was so far away. Blast this driveway. Blast Jordan’s ridiculous oversized castle! Hannah had the right idea in throwing herself on the ground and demanding Dominic to carry her away.
“C’mon then, you silly duck. We need to get you… get you upstairs to bed else Elisa will fret about some dead woman on the front lawn!”
Watching her fall over was surely like watching the great Titanic sink after striking the iceberg. The slow sink into the frigid waters just here was far less dramatic or life threatening. Simply a woman that had decided that her feet were now no better than flippers on land. Asking for rescue that prompted a barely kempt laugh at her expense. “And who decided to wear heels?” He asked mostly in a rhetoric manner as the lady of the manor exited no sooner. Striding like some sort of alcohol induced gazelle, striding across her friend with the same decorum he suspected she might have for a begging bum. Save for the giggling that appeared every so often.
Actually if he was going to be frank about it, her manner to keep upright on such deadly footwear was truly something to marvel at! Half tempted to pull out a phone to record her stride if he wasn’t sure that she’d find out about it later and threaten to have him string up from some rafter! She struck him as the type of lady that wouldn’t like such things recorded.
So it meant turning back to Hannah and well, picking the damsel up. And nearly dropping her a second after Juliette ever so helpfully mentioned that the housekeeper would probably panic should Hannah be left on the lawn to be discovered. Needing a deep breath to lungs to stop from outright laughing at the horrible image. Sure to see Elisa’s cheery face turned into horror at the sight. Knowing he shouldn’t laugh at the created thought but couldn’t entirely resist either. “Let’s… let’s avoid that if possible.” Uttered in an attempt to keep his charismatic manner intact while helping the woman escape the burden of her feet for now.
He wasn’t about to carry her up the inside stairs to the rooms. Be it unknown to the maid of honour, she would have to scale that private Mount Everest herself.
Arranging the yellow dressed soul in arms so he might make a far easier step along to pause a few feet away from Juliette in her gentle sway. “Almost there now Ms. Juliette. Only a few more feet to go, then the front porch steps and then the door.” Listing off the challenges she faced as little incentives, his head nearly swung completely off his own neck for how quick the front porch light flicked on. Holding breath waiting for the very portal to bang open with a view of a perturbed lord standing there with a miserable scowl on features.
One might say he was slightly nervous about this. Enough so that the automatic lights scared the dickens out of himself, cursing mildly while imploring feet to hastily take up the steps quickly. “And this is where the ride stops,” Dominic chuckled letting Hannah’s feet come back to the earth. Idly reaching to check the front knob to find it with no locked resistance. Giving him a freedom to open it so the very entry could swing inwards as the herald beacon of victory. “Almost there Ms. Juliette. Then bed is surely awaiting you,” Hoping that was another little piece of hope that she might want rather than anything else, the inside of the manor was steeped in only a few lights. Bidding entry to the party girls but both housekeeper and lord with feline were wonderfully absent.
Good. The sooner he shooed them inside, the sooner he would close the door and bail!
Hannah paused, placing both her hands on Dominic’s shoulders, the most serious of expressions on her face. For the most alarming moment it almost seemed like she was going to grab him in for a goodnight kiss!
“Dominic, you are a peach. The peachiest peach. But we are not meant to be and you can’t come upstairs with me, I am so sorry. It’s not my house!”
“Okay, that’s- that’s enough of that,” muttered Juliette, stifling more of her giggling to grab Hannah’s shoulders from behind and forcefully guide the girl away from poor Dominic and inside the house proper. She waved a hand cheerily to bid the man goodbye and excuse him from his duties for the evening. He deserved it! He was, as Jordan promised, quite good to them all evening.
“Thank you for the night, Dom~!” Juliette chimed with an almost sing-song lilt. Guiding Hannah with her hands, she only stopped long enough to give the staircase itself a groaning grimace.
Triple blast and damnation to Jordan’s house! She should have had an elevator installed!
Still, despite the world spinning this way and that, Juliette felt responsible in making sure Hannah got all the way up the stairs without taking a tumble backwards and breaking her duckling neck. That was the very least she could do. For Hannah, for whom Juliette didn’t want to die. For Elisa who didn’t deserve to wake up to a dead drunken author on the foyer floor. For Jordan, as Juliette was sure to fall down the stairs with Hannah, and he’d have to explain two dead women to Elisa!
She was laughing all over again.
“PLEASE keep your feet moving, I don’t want to put you to bed in the lounge, Hannah! You might wake up to Theix smothering you to death!”
“What a lovely way to die,” sighed Hannah.
Well if he was ever concerned that someone could be breaking into the manor at this hour, it was clearly not the two loud and giggling dolts in female flesh that he could hear just outside the open bedroom door. Raising eyes from the book that had been quite the piece of enjoyable reading material that had been a very unlikely purchase. Having truthfully judged it by its cover for purchasing when such an attitude was so fopaux! It had ended up being a particularly engaging thriller that worked wonders when the author had spent time detailing the particular mannequin in the window with diligent detail to make one’s spine feel uncomfortable within its own body.
Only that if he sought to be engaged with it a while longer, such things were not meant to be. For the moment when the door had opened, he knew that the evening spent distracting himself from items that were resting on fretting mind; were back. And certainly pickled enough that he was sure the phantom smell of drink was hardly as imaginary as one thought.
With confusion the cat rose his head off the bed. Working claws in stretch as the bleary kek of a meow was giving. Having been disturbed by the sorority sisters mentioning dying by Theix having decided one of their faces was good enough to nap upon. “I doubt even you would be so willing to do that.” Jordan mused to the animal, sparing fingers to scratch between ears. Turning the bare of feet off the bedding so book could be bridged upon nightstand. Not so soon to declare it finished for the lengthy night but to put it on temporary pause.
If he wasn’t actually worried about the two mad birds waking up Elisa, he might have left them to their demise. Deciding that the employee didn’t deserve to listen to the intoxicated woman forever since her day off was tomorrow, he sought the robe draped at the end of bed. Not to say he was indecent by any manner but it seemed best to pull on to at least keep the bare of upper portion covered. Tying the closure shut whilst he made his way around the portion of wall separating bed area from the rest of the room, did he dare a peek first to see if the two had made it up the stairs or not.
Raking fingerprints through the disorganized state of atramentous as an action whilst he came to the top of the stairs to look down them. Eyes peering around as though to expect Dominic had waited but found the state of the manor was empty of the other night creature. Fled away as not to be kept a moment longer than expected –Jordan stifled a smirk at this- instead pressing elbow up upon the wall to lean into. “At the rate you two are going, I fear our neighbours may hear you both.” Jordan spoke lightly downwards to them. “Or at least Elisa. I’m starting to worry that our poor housekeeper is going to sleep not a wink with your giggling, girls.”
“Sshhh SHHH shh shh, he won’t see us if we’re quiet,” Hannah insisted. The stairs being so steep and daunting, she’d taken to tilting forward and climbing up them on all fours. Something that was so ridiculous, it set Juliette to giggling again, but at least it was a safe way to travel. Juliette herself followed a few steps behind her, ready to try and catch the silly thing if she decided to stand up straight too soon and took a tumble.
Alarmingly, Hannah traveled much faster on all fours! It was a few quick climbs, and she was straightening up to peer curious at Jordan in his robe. She pushed his shoulder with her hand as if he’d done something offensive, but her sudden bright smile and laugh might’ve meant he was forgiven for whatever it was?
The woman didn’t even deem to explain it!
“Goodnight my lord, goodnight Juliette! Goodnight cat! Goodnight house!” she called to the hall, swaying and swishing for the room she’d been told was hers for the rest of her stay.
Juliette got about halfway up the stairs before she realized that Hannah had long since left her behind.
Well good! One less thing to worry about!
Almost tilting precariously backwards herself, Juliette grabbed onto the railing and slowly lowered herself to have a seat on the steps. That was far enough for her.
“I am coming to bed,” Juliette declared. “…eventually.”
Temporarily as Hannah made some an impressive four limbed crawl surprisingly fast up the stairs to come to the very top in a sloppy victorious manner, he might have thought to step back. As though she might not be able to stop her momentum only that it appeared she had a steadfast brake system that had her promptly giving him a push upon shoulder with no explanation as to why. Encouraging the lift of brow that could have gone either way. To slip into annoyance or hook further into a bubbling amusement. It all depended on what happened next which thankfully went in the length of being humorous. Smiling at him as though whatever he did so offensive was pardoned, for her to instead turn.
“My lord?” He queried no sooner after she had begun her crooked wander down towards the room that had been prepped for her stay. Thankful that Elisa’s was the last room in the entire manor on the right hand side so surely she wouldn’t be suddenly having an unexpected guest.
Still his sights lingered upon Hannah just in case he had to trot over to escort her into the proper room.
Yet there was one other still half way down the mountainous climb of stairs, parking bottom upon a rung with a declaration that she would be coming to bed whenever her feet and probably the world stopped deciding to go wobbling to and fro.
What sort of gentleman would he be… no scratch that, what sort of fiancé would he be if he simply left her upon the stairs with a bidding goodnight!
Taking the steps downwards –with a secondary glance in the direction the other spirited woman had gone for double checking sake- Jordan aired a breezy chuckle at Juliette. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you need a pause. Surely the stairs couldn’t have been your strongest adversary?” Chirping in teasing fashion whilst hands brandished the heat across the open portion of her dress. Polite nothing risqué, more of a way to express that he was right there. Alternating his grasp easily to manipulate the posture to maybe pluck her up a bit too easy to become princess carried within hold. Adjusting footing to avoid any spontaneous tumble for them each down the stairwell. “Suppose even the most stubborn dove’s need a little help once in a while.” Musing gingerly with an affectionate undertone; Jordan looked upwards. Indicating the direction of ascent once more to the tippy top of the perilous trek.
An easier feat when one wasn’t feuding the drink that pickled the blood and mind. Making it short and sweet though if there was an intention to leave her feet to wander once more at the landing point, it was quickly overlooked.
The third glance made down the hall to find Hannah had thankfully gravitated into a room –surely her own but he wasn’t about to go promising himself that- as they in turn by his command were moved into their chamber. Giving door a half push with heel to let it hang slightly ajar. To allow the cat to come and go at his leisure less they listen to the insistent song of his people wanting in and out!
A few more steps and he slumped the hold with dominant hand to let her droop slowly for her own feet to come to her command when she was ready. “Well, I shall eat my words. You both made it back without complications, suppose I was worried for naught.” Denoting her crown with a gentle press. “Tumble into bed, I’ll just be a moment.” Deciding it would be in Juliette’s best interest if he prepared a glass of water and potential medicine for the morning at her bedside should she need it.
Hannah had all the best ideas. Being carried away was worlds better than walking on her own two feet and she was quite disappointed to be set back down on them once again. Yet, it was just as quickly forgotten as her addled brain focused on his instruction to head to bed.
First she took a few swaying steps towards the wardrobes, intending to change into a nightgown. Juliette had no issues with going to bed in the nude, but with Hannah in the house it seemed best to at least wear something incase of emergency. But those were ever so far away! All the way across this wretched cavern of a room! Scoffing, she did a precarious balancing act on one foot to pull off a shoe and drop it to the floor, then repeated the process with the other. With a slow spin and a slight wobble she ventured to the bed instead. Changing out of her dress was too much trouble after all.
“It was an enla-.. enlee… Enlightening experience,” she fumbled the words, having a bit of a frustrating huff with it. “You needlessly worry about me, but some of your people are quite stupid.”
“NOT DOMINIC,” she had to very loudly clarify, throwing both of her hands in the air with a pointed finger to make sure that was expressly clear! “Dominic was wonderful. A savvy man. I would trust him with Hannah. He is trusty.”
Bed! Juliette had lost it for a moment, but she managed to seat herself. Hands first on the duvet, followed by knees and then a plop to the side to have a proper seat. At least when she was sitting the room didn’t spin so fast.
“I missed my chance to talk to Augustus, I very much did want to talk to him too,” Juliette continued with a heavy sigh.
He often enjoyed watching the inebriated do anything that was typically a normal function. The exaggeration that came with the mind sitting in fermenting brine was something entirely else. She was no exception. Sure that if he made a comment come morning to her actions, he might either be met with a confidence that she knew what she was doing, or a declaration that she wasn’t nearly so terrible. It could go either way. Enough so that he was slotting such things away into his thoughts for the A.M when she had managed to sleep off some of the preservation process.
Also, he could have been helpful. Which he was still debating on besides a glass of water and such. Watching her seemingly decide to give up on the measure of something bed related for wearing. Dropping shoes to the floor firstly then gave up seemingly on the rest. Taking slow control of mouth that pointing out her evening was apparently enlightening. While pairing that he was a worry wart for no reason. “I doubt it was needless.” Jordan refuted softly, though was that to her or to himself?
Moreover vision crossed to lay upon her as she told him something he already knew. That some of his people were impressively lacking in the necessary brain functions. “Don’t remind me.” Sighing out this very fact like a colossal weight, eyes slightly widened at her abrupt loud statement. That Dominic was excused from the dunce cap.
That wasn’t surprising. Dominic was a good man. “He is very trusty.” Repeating her selection of word using it as the moment to snicker at how she was soon crawling across the bedding to just settle herself down in a near pile. At least still upright, which he might have taken as a cue to slip away.
But stopped.
Turning to look at her almost suspiciously when she stated she missed her chance to talk to Augustus. It wasn’t as though he didn’t trust Juliette, he just didn’t particularly know what on earth she had to talk to Augustus about. “Perhaps for the best, I am sure he was rather busy this evening. Now sit tight, I’ll be merely a moment.” Another pause with a searching eye, “Don’t fall off the bed.” An offhanded comment before he swooped away to swiftly exit the room once more to go down and up once more in maybe more of a record speed than was needed. Nothing supernatural as he wasn’t that daring currently to do but certainly with a pep in step that seemed to be clinging on the idea that if he didn’t have some haste, Juliette might actually disappear in those seconds. Foolish yes, but her comment had left him curious.
Soon to re-enter to cross around to the portion of bedding selected by herself to rest the glass with the refreshment and a small few capsules that would at least aid any hangover symptoms should she be so unlucky.
“Alright, do you want me to grab you a nightgown or are you intending to sleep in your dress?”
He’d told her not to fall off the bed, and somehow in her inebriated logic that felt like such an important warning for her safety that Juliette made it a priority. Staying perfectly still and seated, not daring a movement as he disappeared around the corner. Almost holding a breath until he reappeared again with a glass of water and painkillers, adding on top of it an offer to fetch her something proper to sleep in.
This juxtaposition of someone so considerate compared to the things she now knew was a stark reminder of what had sent her spiraling. Deadly, dangerous things.
Juliette’s brow furrowed along with a deep frown as she beckoned him to come closer with the crook of two fingers. Once he was within reach, she grasped onto his robe tugging downwards with the intent to get him to kneel on the floor, letting go with one hand long enough to gestured with her hand that’s what she wanted when he didn’t clue in fast enough for her tastes.
“You’ve killed people,” she declared, almost accused. “I am not stupid. That level of fear an obedience to your threats doesn’t come without the knowledge that you mean it.”
Juliette examined his face with that proclamation, searching to see if she could find the answers she needed or if he were going to spin her a tale of things she just wanted to hear. He had always told her the truth so far, but what if now he decided it was not a good idea after all?
“The rest is nonsense, I can live through nonsense. I can accept necessary actions even! For good reasons! But it doesn’t matter if I love you, if you are killing people for fun or sport, I can’t be a part of that. That is what scares me, that you might delight in murder and mayhem. I am not murder and mayhem, I am… Well, I am deviant, but maybe I am too soft for murders.”
It seemed for the moment she was content to remain in the state of black fitting dress. A consideration of just snatching for her seemed to linger on thoughts but the way she beckoned at him with a pinched brow appeared to be more of a importance. So he would humour, stepping in close till there was a rather stern snatch upon robe. And an action that admittedly threw some high alerts into his thoughts.
The idea of kneeling was hardly something he liked. It had nothing to do with his position in the other realms but just, it was so belittling! Even for her, there was initial resistance. Having made it clear prior he was no one’s dog. Anyone that was forced to bend at their knee, he found tasteless. Still it seemed in Juliette’s addled mind, this was to be.
It was with a great deal of begrudging effort that he shifted to planted one upon the ground. The other remaining upwards so he might lay an arm across it, pulling his stare towards her. Watching then under a cool composure to just what on earth she was doing. And for her to catch him completely off guard. Merely missing a finger pointing at him with the information that was neither lie nor entirely truth either. Well…more truth than not. Still—
A person with something to hide would have leapt immediately to defend themselves against such accusations. To leap up to feet and to claim with a private conviction that such things were lies! He? Well, he knew better than that and it seemed that she had more to say whilst the deep bister eyes were searching over his features. She’d find no pressure in brows or under eyes. No furrowing of mouth, everything was kept slack. Calm and collected while she came to utter her next bit of piece.
There were two things he had to think about in that blurb that spilt forth. One part was a little more astonishing than he knew what to do with and the second was how she spoke of knowledge in ways that suggested a massacre had been at his own hands suggested someone had been rather loose lipped at the bar. Whom? Well… he’d find out.
Once he was sure she was finished for the moment, Jordan didn’t remove his gaze from her. What he did do was get off the floor. Brushing off knee as he had no intention of staying down there! Rather shifting to sit on the bed but not so close as to impede her personal space. Close to reach but not to take over what should be a pocket of comfort decided on her own behalf. “It’s never for sport, Juliette. It’s a disciplinary action that has to be invoked otherwise if I were to simply give out a slap on the wrist, there would be larger consequences that not even I could control. Inaction is a very dangerous thing in my position.”
Sometimes the covens got too big for themselves and needed to be eradicated to maintain the populace.
Sometimes there had to be examples of the types of behaviours that would not be tolerated. A show of force that while they were all superhuman creatures, he would not allow them to think they could do as they please.
Sometimes… sometimes he had to make sure they all understood just why he was the one on top and why he wouldn’t be so easily overthrown.
Fear was a powerful tool regardless of human or vampire existence. If there was no control, no fear… he was certain that the vampiric population would be higher and the types of unsolved murders or disappearances of humans would be exponentially more abundant.
But there was something missing in this that he had to focus on. She stated the rest is nonsense. So he had to put that first little catch in her spiel aside to deliberate on the meatier part. “Juliette, what is it you were told this evening?” He thought about trying to lay a hand upon her own but decided against it, smirking a bit to himself. “I did warn you that what you could discover might not be something you want to know. To be a part of.” It was slightly moronic that even he felt a twinge of disappointment in that very second. While he had been okay with her learning the secret on her own, he’d be foolish to think that there wasn’t still that damnable piece that might have been inclined to believe her when she said otherwise. That she wouldn’t be so easily startled.
Who knew even the immortal could still have feelings. Useless things!
There may have been a slight expression of dismay when he got up from the floor, as Juliette thought that she might have finally hit his limits. That he was finally going to walk away and be done with the complications that she brought into his life. After all, he could freely going on doing as he pleased with a wife’s opinions to hinder everything he planned to do!
But he shifted to sit on the bed instead, prompting that look of relief to follow as she shifted to turn towards him with her legs tucked up along side her. And to be extra sure he wasn’t going to escape, she placed both her hands on his forearm to be sure, at least, she could stop him from getting up again.
“I told you, I understand necessity,” she scoffed. “Lord, with how stupid some of them are, a murder here and there might be important to save dozens of lives with the way they run their mouths so freely!”
Juliette went silent for a moment when he asked what she was told. And here, this was where the trouble lie, and her concerned frown returned.
“I am not sure if I should tell you,” she admitted softly. “Honestly, I had already realized the truth of things before that stupid woman sat down. All she did was confirm it, and then prattled on things she should not have been gossiping about. …but that is what I am afraid of! That the things I tell you might lead to someone being killed. More than just ones that deserve it. That poor Dominic or Augustus who did their best, above and beyond even, might get consequences that really aren’t theirs to earn.”
Taking a contemplative moment to stare at the perch of hands that sought to rest themselves upon forearm, he had to wonder what and why she did this. Was it simply because she might lose her balance even whilst sitting or was she trying to assure that he wasn’t too far out of reach? He couldn’t say with all the confidence in the world which was which. Nor would he try right now.
Leave it to her to be both a fountain of information and none at all! A complex being that truly deserved some sort of honourary medal for being so gifted in such ways. Even if features were darkening gradually at the suggestion of someone running their mouth so freely. Granted he slightly knew that there were those within either coven that had a mouth that was like the runs. Could hardly stay shut long enough to even swallow a meal, let alone a word! It merely annoyed him still that it had happened at all but it wasn’t to say he didn’t believe it impossible. Had they gone to a regular bar, then yes. He would have been a little more bothered how someone could be so god damn chatty but at the Iron Dog? He’d have to be a complete fool to think everyone would just keep their howling screamers silent.
That part could be passed. What he needed to know now was how much she knew. Was it valid information or was the one or ones that spoke without concern simply telling tall tales?
Petals formed downwards making a soft impression of her uncertainly speak first. Yet Juliette gave him some insight. It was one of the females that went on a tangent. Whom? Still a mystery, but leave it to Juliette to be so worried in mere seconds that one person’s actions would reflect back on Dominic or Augustus.
Preaching they had done their best. Expressing that she had a tender heart that wanted no one to suffer the injustice of blame when it was not their own.
It was problematic. That her sincerity could bring him to earnestly chuckle at her. Sparing palm to breech that decision of letting her have space, only to she might cup cheek into it. “Had this happened to another, to a person that I didn’t give the go ahead to find out what secret is in front of them; yes… there would be consequences that fall on Dominic and Augustus. It is their place of business with their own little workers inside that know how I expect things to be run. But,” Brushing his thumb across cheek to chin, exhaling gingerly in additional reply. “You went into a place that I know is full of sorts of people that both talk like it is going out of style and knew that you were in the midst of the everything I don’t want anyone knowing about. Save you. Do you think I would have let you go alone if I didn’t know that some things were going to slip out, Juliette? Not to say I am thrilled about what other things may have been discussed but whomever did this, they are Augustus problem first. If things proceed in a bad way and I have to be involved then I will be. But I won’t be leaping to put the cart before the horse.”
Another exhale, “I might be a monster but I’m not entirely foolish. The woman that spoke, she is his person to deal with. Until either he reaches me to express he cannot handle it, or I find out that there was more of a gossipy tongue done to others then this is simply an annoyance. Not an definition to an end.” Searching over her quietly then, he knew he had to press slightly. “Tell me, what you know, love.”
“I should have made a better effort to speak with Augustus,” she mumbled. As for the rest… he’d said enough to waylay her strongest fears. That she hadn’t misplaced her faith in him as a person who truly thought things through and didn’t just make temperamental judgement calls on who should live and who should die, or worse yet, delight in bring torment and snuffing out life with some sinister glee. Juliette didn’t want to marry a man who was just a fancily titled serial killer!
This was enough for any leftover tension to ease out of her body along with the deep relieved sigh. The soft touch to her cheek earned him a gentle smile, but it swiftly turned to that faeish, wicked grin when he asked what she knew, that somehow might’ve been more concerning than her serious frowns!
“Hmm. What do I know?” She glanced up at the ceiling making a great show of pretending to think about it. “Really, I suppose I am not as intelligent as I thought, it was quite obvious from the start.”
Juliette did frown again, reaching a hand up to stroke her fingertips along his own cheek.
“I told you it doesn’t matter who or what you are, I am more concerned about what you do.” she murmured soft. “Be a fangy King of Vampires. That is not so scary. Impossible, yet not scary at all. Maybe it is not the empire I was imagining, but if your gossipy minions gossip true, then what a grand thing you are trying to create.”
Mercy seas and ladies underbritches, just what in the hell did she want to talk to Augustus about that it was still being mumbled about? Did he want to know or should he just pretend not to give a singular damn as though he were no better than a cat dying of curiosity!
Scratch that, he didn’t want to know.
For now it seemed that his intention to deflate whatever woes she had forming for the safety or sanity of the two male goons, worked. Allowing her to release that harboured worries that he was about to fly off the handle, leap from the balcony and go rushing off into the night with a bloodlust ridden drive helping him run across the yard!
What he didn’t say was he would use this information to press Augustus the importance for his little underlings to shut their traps. The last thing he wanted to do was make Felix work on having to somehow locate any unknown human that gotten too much information and to convince them that what they heard was simply ramblings of a nutjob! It didn’t seem important to tell Juliette that he was thinking such things, since he hardly needed her to stress out any further.
Especially as mouth was tugging up into that trademark grin that foretold of her impish nature. Repeating his question with lengthy pausing to assure he sort of was left wondering if she heard the asking or was playing him for the time. Shortening it to a buffering tutting, “The way to hide something is to have it in plain sight.” He corrected not about to suggest her intelligence was subpar. Just the mortal mind didn’t always register was right in front of it.
Now it was his turn to lightly appreciate the stroke of touch. Raising rings up to latch upon her own as she suggested once more that it wasn’t who or what he was that was the thing of alarm but how he did things. Which by no means were his hands clean. But he chose his actions in ways that affirmed there was no room for dangerous error.
“I beg your pardon.” Jordan scoffed, “Fangy King? That’s a new one. And certainly not scary when you say it like that.” It sounded more of a children observation than truth. Though he had to hold a second. Impossible? Well it sounded like this was impossible yet was he imagining that she was doubting it!
“There are plenty things I have planned of course. I wouldn’t say grand but to solidify power, yes.” Tilting his head to rest fuller onto her palm, he had to ask. “You say impossible, do you not believe it to be true? Juliette?” He asked then as though he needed that confirmation, narrowing his sights upon her. “What am I?” Maybe not the smartest thing to ask a woman that had been drinking throughout the evening, but he knew it was best to nip this in the bud here and now. Did she believe what was being said from her own mouth or did she find it some overzealous constructed ruse.
“You are a vexing thing, is what you are,” she teased instantly. But now that worrisome topics were put to rest and she had him, quite literally, in the palms of her hands, Juliette was content to lavish soft physical affections. To scoot close enough that she may as well just crawled onto his lap, but was for now happy enough to give soothing petting.
“I am still… processing,” she fully admitted, resting her chin on his shoulder. “To say you are a vampire seems ridiculous and out of this world farfetched, and yet I do also believe you?”
Of course she didn’t need to explain the details. Hiding in plain sight, as he’d said. You could announce to the world you were a vampire, and live a vampire lifestyle, be a vampire, but that still did not mean you were an actual inhuman creature of the night! A monster of stories and nightmares!
And Jordan, despite her now being fully aware of the scope of his true business, did not seem like a monster from her nightmares.
“I still need convincing and I am open to being convinced,” she declared with confidence. Not without shifting her hand to tap gently at his mouth and give him that devious smile again. “I might not think you are simply crazy if you showed me fangs?”
A dangerous suggestion for sure, but a vampire needed fangs! Many things could be faked, and perhaps even fangs could be had with expensive dental work. Just that he absolutely could not be a real vampire without them.
Perhaps uncharacteristic for him but it couldn’t be helped. Being told he was vexing wasn’t new but it resulted in him blowing out a raspberry as if he needed to prove a point. That yes, yes he was vexing! And she ought to get used to it right here and now. He’d been called many worse and truthful things. Just it felt on point to expend his sort of exacerbation with the childish response. Flitting subtle motions from one eye to the other in dutiful watching whilst she took the chance to inch closer. Keeping another connected by the branch of palm where cheek of his own seemed rather content to remain until further notice.
Thankfully it seemed that she wasn’t likely to start bursting out laughing at the ludicrous nature that was being laid rather unceremoniously at her feet. Nodding to at least accept that she was still attempting to make sense of what had been discovered. A fair assessment. Following her connection to rest chin upon shoulder. “Is that not what I said? That the truth is rather farfetched?” Uttered in a rhetorical manner that he knew this was well… crazy. It didn’t exactly get better on his side of things but after so many years… eons rather you just got adjusted.
What he didn’t expect was her sudden boosted need for convincing. Which he really should have. Blinking at her with quickened shudders. She sounded secure that she needed some evidence that he wasn’t some wingnut that just thought he was part of the damned nightcrawlers. Purposefully declaring that what would help her digest this was a literal tapping at mouth.
The calling card for what a vampire needed. Spurring him to roll eyes, “I shouldn’t be surprised.” Muttered more for himself as he looked upwards to the ceiling. Pondering it’s superior lift above them for a long drawn moment before shoulders drooped out of their squared state. “Alright.” Was that for him or her? Undefined as he let a breath expel slowly from chest and the measure of control that came with functioning on the human’s realm. More akin to how someone might draw the morning blinds open, the release to allow more unnatural elements to appear came remarkably with no flare. No mystical glowing, certainly no sparkling!
Rings of polished blue seemed to go through an swift gradient from one hue on the colour wheel to the other. Shirking round blackened dots for something noticeably oblong, tilting downwards to the genteel dame upon shoulder. Orbs of pungent sanguine to cut upon the dim light of the room as the very thing she wanted for proof, came. Sharpened points defined against the line of mouth where milk teeth were surely not so humanly functional. Turning only then as to take her shoulder perch from her so he might properly face her once more. Pressing tongue idly against the back of teeth, seemingly hesitating a moment before laying hand across feminine knee. Keeping the view upon her as not to lose her from sight, “Fangs are really the lesser thing to ask for, I hope you realize.”
Guiding free hand idly in a seemingly senseless way of direction, the creak of wardrobe door made its announcement. Hangers being audibly strummed upon racking to suddenly stop, for one to release and make its breezy departure from within. Not sure what garment he selected from within but was happy enough to glimpse over its floating state to beckon hand forth that the fluttery fabric would ghost its way across the room. Though he was less kind about its landing, just giving it an unceremonious flick to have it fling across the bed. “There, nightgown. Two birds with one stone, suitable?” A dangerous smirk appeared to bare the full fanged pearled grin at her. Maybe slightly prepping his ears to be covered should she start screaming like some b-horror movie actress.
Thank goodness after all, that she was still so drunk and slow to react to things! Had she not been, the odd shift of his eyes and teeth might have given her pause, but things flying through the air would’ve sent her into a leaping yelp for certain!
Yet here she was, three sheets to the wind, squinting at the vermillion hues of his eyes first thinking: Ah! So she had before seen a subtle shift of color here and there with a bit of pointy teeth! But just as quickly flipping to: Wait! Could she just be easily dazzled by tricks of light and slight of hand?
Eyes and teeth might’ve been a magician’s trick, but what was this crazy thing!
“Jordan!” she exclaimed, volume too high but thankfully not a terrified shriek. Sounding more akin to being angry, but she wasn’t, not really. Just surprised and startled. Her hands left him to mimic his motion in a more exaggerated pointed way. “How could I even possibly think to ask if you can flick and snatch something from clear across the entire house!”
Was this even real at all? Had she actually fallen asleep hours ago and was now having odd tequila infused dreams, where everything she’d learned that day wasn’t just a grand game but truly actually real?
Through with her wild gesticulating, her hands returned to his face. Cupping cheeks and leaning in close, very obviously peering deeply at eyes and teeth – though thankfully quite gently and without any tugging or pulling. He felt real enough. Drunk as she was, Juliette at least was certain she could tell when she was actually awake.
“A real vampire,” she marveled with a breath. …then followed with another serious frown. “I hope you have not recently latched onto the neck of any pretty lady or man. That’s too intimate.”
“Yes?” His ears thanked her that she wasn’t a shrilling full lunged screamer at the moment. Them and surely the other occupants in the home that probably would wake to the pronounced wails of a startled maiden that would beckon prompt rising! Not about to go about explaining even in some poorly constructed way to whomever barrelled in after that Juliette had a moment of instability. Or something a little more convincing but he didn’t have to cross that bridge. Rather watching as she mirrored his motions with the emphasis of a candy-eyed child trying to cast a Harry Potter spell. “I suppose I did lend my other talents to suggest they were more noticeable.” Brows furrowed for a moment, “I knew I should have just tossed David out your office window that day, then maybe it would have crossed your mind.” He didn’t look entirely apologetic for even suggesting the idea.
Instead leaning back onto palms so the bedding could support his frame. Till her fluttering hands were coming to latch themselves onto cheeks. Coming so close that he might as well been able to tell which liquors she partook in this evening. Half expecting her with the coordination she did have to pry his mouth open like a dog that had gotten something it should have. Pinching at jaw to demand the parting of maw.
Grateful she didn’t.
Simply looking which he could handle, even if he snorted at her awe. “You’ve met quite a few at this rate.” Leaving her to decide whom she had met that were slotted into the leech category. Allowing him to balk one moment and burst into sniggering laughs next. Leaning closer to her. Like he was going to divulge a secret only she was privy too. “We live in an age where the blood flows a little more readily. I don’t go stalking dirty alleyways for damsels in distress!” Inching another millimetre closer, grazing visuals up and down her features with purpose. “I haven’t even latched onto your neck, why would I want to bite on a lesser throat than yours?”
If he was trying to set something up, he turned away from her. “I think it is time for you to rest however, peristéri. We’ll see how much you recall and believe come the morning.” He wasn’t so brazen or moody to just abandon her now. Delving at least to lay a chaste but affection press across the apple of cheek before pulling back. Making an obvious look to the gown for her and bed, “Plus, you smell terrible. At least if you are going to drink, something I like ought to be on your tongue.” He knew he was knowingly being devious. “Bed, my love. Then I’ll quiz you come morning about the other little tidbit of information you dropped. But I’d rather you be sober when I ask you about that.”
“Rude. Insulting,” she huffed back. Though despite the tone of her voice, there was that twitch of a smile hinting at the corners of her mouth. “Best give me a list then, you beast.”
As for being instructed to go to bed, Juliette did not protest. Having to change out of her dress into gown instead was met with a bit of soft grumbling, yet done despite it. And Jordan himself was captured and urge to stay in bed with her. Maybe vampires did not need sleep at all, but after such a day Juliette wanted him there with her. He could sneak away long after she fell asleep if he wanted. She only felt more secure not having to sleep alone.
There were a lot of new things now to be afraid of.