Chapter 7

ELIZABETH

It was midnight. The night was cold but clear, with a bright moon gazing down, though most of the folk that I walked by in the street didn’t seem to appreciate it.

I never understood why humans didn’t spend more time admiring the moon and stars. They were wrapped up in their thick winter jackets, cursing the cold wind.

There wasn’t much snow. The city was too polluted and too hot for any snow to stay long.

The shops were still open, and bright lights filled the streets, irritating my eyes with their flashing colors.

I hadn’t bothered to dress like the humans rushing around me with strong drinks and too much makeup. I wore a thin lilac dress with light black boots and a transparent black silk shawl.

Damon, my husband, walked beside me, gripping my hand in his. He was wearing a five-hundred-year-old tailored suit I’d bought him when we were living in Japan.

He looked the same as he had when he’d received the gift: a strong jaw, straight nose, deep-set green eyes, and a creamy fair complexion.

We’d renewed our marriage vows and then celebrated our honeymoon in the ancient temple Damon had discovered and bought.

It had been a little over a year since I’d left the cathedral in Alaska, and I wasn’t planning on going back any time soon.

“We’re late,” I said, glancing at the flashing time on one of the bright open shops. Damon shrugged.

“We always are. They’ll wait,” he replied simply.

I smiled smugly as we turned out of the big lit-up street and walked down a dark alleyway. At the end was a trapdoor. Damon knelt and flipped it open, smiling at me sweetly.

“Ladies first,” he breathed. I grinned back at him, leaning over to check the trapdoor. There was a short metal ladder. I didn’t even need it.

I stepped through the hole of the trap door and dropped to the floor. Damon landed next to me, closing the trap door above our heads.

We were in a rectangular hallway richly decorated with candles, paintings, and a soft red carpet. I could hear voices coming from the thick mahogany doors at the end of the hallway.

Damon gripped my hand again as we approached.

I heard the voices grow louder until Damon pushed the door open and the room quietened down.

It was just like I remembered five hundred years before when we were living in Tokyo.

The pureblood council room of Japan was a gigantic circular room with red walls and an enormous gold chandelier. Gold candles on the walls illuminated the room so brightly it was almost painful.

In the center of the room was a large stone round table, surrounded by members of the pureblood families. There were fifty families in all, and they were all here.

Like every fifty years, there was a council in one place or another on the planet to discuss our everlasting lives, and how we were living them, this year, it was Tokyo.

Facing us, at the far side of the round table, was the royal family, the Night family. My family. Ever since my father was murdered a thousand years ago, my baby brother Lucius had been king.

He stood at the table, his back straight, a wide grin plastered on his pale handsome face. I couldn’t help but grin as well.

When I married Damon, I left my family behind, losing the title of princess. I became a Mcnoxnoctis. I hadn’t seen Lucius since the last council I’d attended, one hundred years ago in Rome.

“Sister,” Lucius grinned, his blue eyes sparkling. “Join us. You’re late.”

Damon and I placed a fist over our hearts and bowed low before moving to the right of the table. There we were greeted by Damon’s brother, Russell, his wife, and their grandson.

“Now that everyone’s here, let’s begin,” Lucius announced, sitting back in his rich chair and smiling as his son, William, stood up to take the lead.

The council didn’t announce anything amazing: the usual list of newly turned vampires over the last fifty years, the rare pureblood births, and the humans who’d guessed our existence.

None of the latter were still alive.

At the end of the short meeting, drinks were served, AB negative in champagne glasses, and the families began to mingle. I left Damon with his family and went to see my brother.

Lucius was sipping his glass, watching me make my way toward him. He grinned and wrapped his arms tightly around me.

“Dearest sister. It’s been too long.”

“I know, maybe you should visit me. I have a few more grandchildren you haven’t met,” I answered. “The twins.”

“As have I. This is, in fact, Jessica, the youngest pureblood princess,” Lucius answered.

I glanced down at the two-hundred-year-old pureblood princess standing beside him.

She grinned up at me. She had the Night large oval blue eyes and pastel skin, but the thickest, curliest brown from her mother’s side framed her small face.

“Princess.” I smiled down at her.

“Lady Mcnoxnoctis, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she slurred.

“The pleasure is mutual,” I replied, smiling. The princess nodded then disappeared. I turned back to my brother.

“She’s adorable.”

“Less than when she was fifty.” His blue eyes twinkled. I grinned at him.

“As were you, if I recall, baby Brother,” I sneered. He chuckled, running his thick fingers through his bright red hair.

“I have missed you, Sister.”

“And I, you,” I smiled.

“My daughter died ten years ago,” he breathed. I nodded.

“I know, I heard. I’m sorry.” It was his turn to nod.

“She is missed,” he replied simply. I placed my hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

“Of course, she is.” He wrapped one arm around my shoulder and led me to the drinks table serving me another glass of AB negative.

“So, tell me everything you didn’t dare say at the council. The gossip of the all-powerful Mcnoxnoctis family,” Lucius said. I chuckled.

“Watch out, I am still a Mcnoxnoctis,” I said, smiling. “But there might be something interesting for you.”

“Do tell,” his grin widened.

“My daughter-in-law, Rose Mcnoxnoctis.”

“Yes. Blonde, powerful, can’t shut up.”

“Indeed. She has adopted a human child,” I replied. As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realized how ridiculous it sounded. So did every vampire standing around that heard me.

“What?” Lucius scowled, his brows pulling together as a small line appeared on his forehead.

“She found a human child, a girl, and fell in love with her. She has adopted her. I don’t know if she’s still alive. It was a year ago.” Lucius blinked at me, then burst out laughing.

The vampires around me glanced at us curiously. Their eyes told me they wanted to know more.

“I’ve always liked Rose,” Lucius admitted when he’d stopped laughing. “But I never expected her or any vampire to adopt a human.”

I shrugged one shoulder. “The child has the sweetest blood. I’ve promised to end her when I return,” I said. Lucius grinned.

“Of course. What a weird thing to do. What is the name of my human great-grandniece?”

“Eleanor. Means light.”

“Excuse me.” A blond pureblood appeared next to us. She pressed her fist to her heart and bowed deeply to my brother.

“Rise, Lady Eternelle, what is it?” Lucius asked curiously. Lady Eternelle lifted her head, her light blue eyes met mine, and she smiled.

“I’m Selene, Rose’s sister. I heard you mention she adopted a human child?” Her eyes were full of questions. I blinked at her, then nodded.

“Yes, it was a bit of a surprise for all of us,” I answered. Selene nodded solemnly.

“I haven’t seen my sister in decades. I’ll have to visit her and her new daughter.” She paused, running her fingers through her light hair. “I apologize for her sake,” she continued.

“No need. She hasn’t hurt anyone.”

“Knowing Rose, it won’t be long.” Selene had a small smile.

I smiled back. “I suspect not.”

“Grandfather! May I join your conversation?” a deep voice sounded behind me. I turned to look at the young pureblood facing Lucius.

“Of course. Elizabeth, you remember my grandson, Alexander?” I stared at the young vampire, then smiled.

“You must hear this often, but last time I saw you, you were about the size of my forearm.” I held my white arm out for them all to see. Alexander laughed.

I admired him. He was tall, taller than Lucius, thick with muscles. His dark eyes were framed by a strong, fair face and curly dark brown hair.

“Lady Mcnoxnoctis, I remember you,” he answered, smiling widely. I couldn’t help recognizing Lucius’s grin mirrored in his.

“We were just mentioning Lady Rose’s adoption of a human child,” Lucius told his grandson, wiggling his brows. Alexander’s face was pure puzzlement.

“Why?” he asked finally.

“That’s the question she was asking herself when I left her a year ago,” I replied smoothly.

“The child might be dead now, though,” Lucius added with a firm nod.

“It was at risk, but Rose is a powerful vampire. She would die for her children,” I answered.

“Surely she wouldn’t die for this ~human~, would she?” Alexander asked.

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

“Once Rose’s mind is made up, it’s not going to change,” Selene breathed. “But I don’t think she’d die for a human. She loves her husband and her real children too much to leave them for a human.”

Lucius smiled. “I’m glad.” He sipped his drink, reminding me of my own in my hand. I took a sip also.

“How far do you think she’ll go? Will she start again when it dies?” Alexander asked curiously.

“I don’t know. I hope not. But I honestly cannot say,” I replied.

“What is so amazing about this child that she felt the need to raise her?” Lucius asked, arching one brow in my direction. I shrugged.

“Nothing that I could see, but she’s extremely sweet-smelling. She survived an avalanche that killed both her parents. But she’s so young. She’s nothing.”

“You mentioned her name meant light,” Lucius pointed out. I nodded.

“Rose claims that the child warms her, that she is a light. I don’t know what she means, though. The child felt like a wonderful snack when I touched her.”

“Rose likes warmth,” Selene said quietly. “Always has. When we were little, she tried going out during the day a lot to feel the warmth. She likes heat.”

“She’s a vampire.” Lucius’s thick brows mashed together in confusion. Selene shrugged one shoulder, sipping her drink.

“She’s curious.”

“Almost human,” Alexander breathed. Selene turned her head to face him, bored her eyes into his, and shook her head very slowly. I could tell Alexander was taken by surprise.

“Rose is a ruthless killer. She is a powerful vampire. She is nothing like a human.” Selene spoke in a low, slow voice. Alexander’s eyes widened, and he nodded quickly.

“Of course. I apologize.” Selene leaned back, her pretty face brightening. She smiled at me.

“If anyone could be described as a true, pureblood vampire, it would be Rose,” I agreed.

“Tell me more about this human. I’m curious.” Lucius poked my shoulder, nodding toward me. I scowled at him.

“I stayed away from the child, Lucius. I wasn’t hanging out to meet it. And I left the same night she found it.”

“So the child is just something to pass the time.” Alexander arched one brow sarcastically.

“In a way, I believe so,” I replied.

“It makes a little sense,” Lucius conceded.

“Yeah, but just a little.” Selene scowled, running her fingers through her light hair.

“I’m curious to see this child,” Lucius admitted, biting down on his bottom lip, thinking hard.

“She’s nothing special.”

“Which makes it even more interesting!” Alexander exclaimed.

“Was it pretty?” Selene asked.

I shrugged. “Maybe. She had interesting eyes, a peculiar shade that I’ve never seen.”

Selene smiled.

“Interesting.” Lucius smiled. “I’m intrigued. I’d like to see Rose again. From memory, she makes quite an entrance.” He chuckled to himself.

“Sounds like quite a woman,” Alexander murmured with a faint smile.

“Oh, she’s centuries too old for you,” Lucius chuckled, punching his grandson’s shoulder playfully. Alexander looked down at his feet, clearly embarrassed.

“Don’t worry. We’ll find you a good wife, Alex. I hear young Eloise Mcnoxnoctis is turning into a fine specimen.” Lucius glanced at me, and I nodded.

“Eloise is a lovely girl, wonderful hair. I’m sure you would get along if you met. Still under four hundred years old, though. And there are the twins as well, of course,” I replied, still smiling brightly.

“No offense, but I didn’t come here to talk about my future wife,” Alexander answered dryly. “I’ll make my pick when I find her. And I know I will, one day.”

“You have plenty of time.” Selene smiled at him sweetly.

He nodded at her. “Of course.”

“She will be a future queen, so choose carefully,” Lucius continued, ignoring his grandson’s annoyed expression.

“I know, Grandfather. As I will be king, someday, far into the future.”

“Exactly.” Lucius looked proud. I smiled, shaking my head slightly.

“I’m sure you will make a fine, pure ruler, as all the Nights have always been,” Selene breathed, pushing her silky blond hair behind her ear. Alexander gave her a small courteous smile.

“I did order some refreshments, but I’m afraid they might all have been drained. Excuse me. I’ll try to find some music. You know I love myself some rock.” Lucius grinned at me and slipped away.

Selene took a small step back and pressed her hand to her heart and bowed to Alexander and me.

“Excuse me, my prince, princess.” She smiled at me.

I opened my mouth to deny my title, but she’d already disappeared to join a large group. A man, I guessed her husband, wrapped his arm tightly around her waist and led her away.

I smiled and turned back to Alexander. He shrugged one shoulder.

“She called you her princess.”

“I might have married into another family, but I will always be a Night,” I replied with a grin. He grinned back.

“It’s a proud name. Shame it’s not on our driver’s license,” I heard a deep voice purr behind me.

I smiled, turning to face Damon. He slid his arm around my waist smoothly and smiled at Alexander.

“My prince,” he bowed his head respectfully. “I’m taking my wife away now. I will not apologize.”

Alexander gave him a small, maybe slightly disgusted smile and nodded us away.

“Until the next time, great-nephew.”

“Lady Mcnoxnoctis.” Alexander bowed his head slightly before Damon swept me away.

He took me to the back of the red room, where we sat down on comfortable red armchairs. Damon gripped my hand and smiled at me, his green eyes sparkling. We stared at each other for a while.

I could remember when I’d first met him. I was a princess then, with a younger, goofy brother who wouldn’t leave me alone. Then I’d spotted him at the council, staring at me from across the table.

One beat of my heart was all it took, and I knew.

With Damon, I never had to say much. I could read him, and he could read me. We sat in silence, but perfectly at ease. I concentrated on the twenty pureblood families mingling.

I nodded and smiled as vampires waved. I chatted when someone came to greet us.

At around four in the morning, Damon squeezed my hand and stood up. I stood up with him and smiled.

“I’ll say goodbye to my brother and meet you outside,” I told him, pressing my lips lightly to his cheek. He nodded, then I turned to find Lucius.

He was sitting in a large chair with his granddaughter, Jessica, on his lap. Alexander was hovering behind with a large glass of AB negative.

“Elizabeth. Leaving already?” Lucius smiled sadly at me.

“Unfortunately. But Damon and I must travel to Hokkaido before dawn. It was a pleasure meeting you, Jessica.” I petted the young pureblood princess on the head.

She grinned at me. “Lady Mcnoxnoctis.” She nodded, then scooted off Lucius’ lap and disappeared into the crowd.

“I’m going to miss you,” Lucius told me, standing and placing his hands on my shoulders.

“And I, you, baby brother. But we will see each other again. Where will be the next council?”

“I’m thinking about Vancouver.”

“Perfect!” I exclaimed. He nodded, hugging me tightly. When he drew back, I faced Alexander.

“Pleasure to see you again, young prince. I hope our talk about Rose has not put you off meeting her. She is quite a vampire.”

“Just the opposite, Lady Mcnoxnoctis. I’m eager to meet her.”

I smiled at him brilliantly. “Wonderful, we love guests. It gets a bit lonely sometimes up in the mountains,” I told them. Lucius and Alexander both nodded.

“Then I’ll be sure to stop by next time I’m in the new world,” Alexander promised.

“I’m going to miss you, Sister. Why did you have to fall in love so young?” Lucius moaned.

“Please, I was over four hundred. I was getting old.” I winked at Alexander.

“Bon voyage, Sister.”

“You too.” Lucius and I hugged again. I held on tightly, breathing in his rich, familiar, homey scent. I squeezed his shoulder and broke away.

“Goodbye, Lady Mcnoxnoctis.”

“Goodbye, Alexander. Please call me Elizabeth.”

He grinned and nodded. I placed my hand over my heart and bowed before turning on my heel and disappearing from their sight.

Damon was waiting for me outside the trap door. He took my hand and gently helped me out.

I could hear most of Tokyo fast asleep, but the sounds of parties and all-nighter sleepovers echoed throughout the city. Damon took my hand firmly and smiled.

“I know you miss him, but we’ll see him again soon,” he said in a cool, calm voice.

I nodded. “Of course. Russel too.”

Damon looked sarcastic. “Yes. Now, let’s go.” He leaned down to press his lips lightly against mine. Suddenly, he disappeared.

“Catch me if you can.” I could tell from his whisper that he was already streets away. A wide grin spread across my face.

“Oh, easy. You’re getting slow, old man,” I whispered back, breaking into a lightning-fast run. I heard Damon’s chuckle far across the city.

We ran without stopping to Hokkaido. The sun broke out from the tops of the mountains at around seven. We were already cozy in our new basement by the time our little village came to life.

I could hear them cooking food and chatting happily. I heard kids screaming and throwing snowballs. I curled up closer to Damon, hugging his thick waist against my body.

I closed my eyes, letting the night replay in my head. It had been a good night. I left it at that as my body drifted into a deep heavy sleep.