All Souls' Night - Renee Rose Page 0,275

that I know what he is, I will never look at his position the same way. I always wondered why they needed two bouncers in the coat check area. Now, I understand they are keeping humans from entering the dungeon where vampires go to hunt.

“How come you allowed me and Zoe down here when we didn’t know what you were?” I follow him into the closet, amazed that I can see so much better in the dim light.

“I can’t deny you anything. Besides, I always hoped you’d join me in my world one day. It was my way of urging you into that realm as safely as possible.”

My nostrils flare when I pick up notes of blood. The scene that accompanies the whoosh is vastly different than I recall. “How did I never see vampires feeding when I was down here before?”

His mouth is at the side of my neck as he pushes me forward. “I made sure you never focused on those details.”

Rather than upsetting me, the sight reminds me how lucky I truly am. I’m no longer the foster kid begging for a hug or a smile. I’m a grown woman with a man who loves me, and a best friend who risked her escape for me. This ball is the perfect beginning to the next phase.

My curious gaze darts over the activities. The cross, cage and chains are all familiar. I’ve seen the thrones on the dais before, but they seem so much more like a symbol of power now. Of course, it could also be the vampire sitting there with his mate sitting by his side.

There is no mistaking Lucius and Selene. Both are stunning, but she is something more I can’t put my finger on. She looks like many others in the room. Her long, silver hair complements her gown. The diamond collar and fierce eyes set her apart.

Armando tugs my hand and I follow alongside him. When we reach the couple, he bows and says, “Lucius.”

The vampire king runs his gaze over me, as does Selene. “So, it’s true. Theo’s blood can temper the bloodlust of transition.”

“Yes. Zoe has had little problem since Theo paid us a visit.”

I half-listen to their exchange as I let my eyes roam around the room. It’s as if I’ve stepped back in time and walked onto the set of the ball for the movie Ever After or Van Helsing. Everyone is wearing gowns similar to mine in style, while their masks feature anything from horns, to lace, to feathers.

It isn’t until Armando is leading me away that I realize I missed their entire conversation. As we head to a semi-private alcove, I see Karina enter with Alex. I squeal and blur to her side then throw my arms around her waist.

Karina gasps and hugs me back. “Oh, my God!”

My best friend is gorgeous. Her silver and gold mask has wide, twisted horns that flare out on the sides of her head. There’s a dark diamond in the center of the mask, and ribbons hanging from each ear. There are cream ribbons flowing down her back over her long auburn curls.

Her gown is topped with a crimson and gold corset and there’s a wide, flaring skirt around her tiny waist. Long red gloves cover her hands and arms. What makes my heart clench is the smile on her face. I’ve never seen her happier.

I still can’t believe that Karina found not one, but two hunky vampires to love and care for her. After everything she’s suffered in her life, she deserves that, and so much more.

Karina grabs my shoulders and beams at me. “You look so happy.”

“I am.” My eyes find Armando and I melt at the heat I see in them. I want him with a stunning passion.

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Karina leans close to my ear. “How’s the hunger? Still under control?”

“Yes. One dose of Theo’s blood really did the trick.”

“I’m so glad. I’ve heard all the other new vampires are feeling the same way.”

“How’s Theo?”

Karina waves one elegant hand. “He’s fine. He didn’t pass around his blood all at once. He visited one or two people a night, and putting his blood in a cup was a great way to keep the dom vamps from getting territorial.”

We both laugh.

“You look beautiful, Rina.” I look up and meet Alex’s gaze. “You and Theo take good care of her, or I’ll hunt you down myself.”

Alex places his hand on Karina’s back, claiming her. “There will never be