Shadow Lake Vampire Society - Wendi Wilson Page 0,57
with other rich families. In fact, there were no pictures of them or the interior of the mansion, only exterior shots from far away, but those showed opulence I’d never experienced before—three stories of grandeur, dozens of windows, and a courtyard with incredibly elaborate gardens.
The fact that we would be rubbing elbows with the wealthy elite also explained the gown that I was currently wearing. After dinner, I’d returned to the cabin to find a white box lying on my bed. Amazingly, the strapless, floor-length, red sequined dress fit me perfectly, showing off my pale arms and dipping low to reveal a tasteful amount of cleavage. True had squealed when I’d tried it on in the girl’s bathroom after lights out. Staring at myself in the foggy camp mirrors, I had to admit the gown transformed me from simple teen counselor to a chic and sophisticated woman.
True had helped me with my hair and make-up, so when Levi pulled up in a sleek, black car I’d never seen before, his jaw dropped.
“You look amazing,” he’d purred as he helped me into the passenger side of the Bentley. The simple statement had sent chills running down my spine—the good kind.
But now, standing at the bottom of the estate's stairs, all the excitement that had built up throughout the day seemed foolish. I was about to enter a new and frightening world with the sole purpose of trying to learn more about who murdered my father.
This wasn’t some high school prom. This was life or death.
Levi’s thumb stroked my hand, giving me courage, giving me strength. I glanced over at him. In his black tux, he looked more than stunning. He could be a prince or an aristocrat with his high cheekbones and perfect jawline. I wished desperately we were at prom so I could press myself to him and sway as the lights dipped low.
“Piper,” he whispered, leaning in close so I could smell his cologne. “Your heart is pounding.”
I nodded, my eyes trailing up to his lips. “I can’t help it when you stand so close.”
He leaned in, bringing his lips to the tender skin of my neck. “That’s good. Better turned on than nervous. Vampires can sense if a human is anxious, and they take it as a sign of weakness.”
His mouth brushed against my neck, flooding my senses with desire. “Keep kissing me like that, and we might fool them.”
He chuckled, a low, melodic sound. “Don’t tempt me. Come on. We shouldn’t delay.”
Gently, he led me up the wide, stone steps. I held onto his hand for dear life while keeping my dress out of the way with the other. My eyes drank everything in—the stately architecture, the perfect landscaping, the lit windows that showed several people’s silhouettes.
No, not people. Vampires.
Would I ever get used to the idea?
I tried not to think about their fangs or the way they could crush me in an instant. I tried not to remember Sarah’s words in the boat. You. Are. Nothing.
“Calm down,” Levi whispered as we stopped at the front doors. “Deep breaths. You’re safe with me. No one can touch you.”
I did as he suggested, breathing in slowly and blowing it out just as the doors opened.
A man in a butler’s uniform pulled the door back and regarded us with an emotionless expression.
“Levi Kass and Piper Williams,” Levi announced. “We are expected.”
The butler nodded, opening the door even wider. We’d already cleared security at the gate, two imposing men with guns—it seemed Mr. Thornberry used human security—so this must’ve been a formality. The butler stepped out of the way, and we entered the house.
My senses were flooded with stimuli—sparkling crystal chandeliers, violin music and laughter, the smell of fresh flowers from the entranceway tables. Levi led me out of the doorway and down a dazzling hallway to a large gathering space with high ceilings and shiny tile floors. The space was the size of my high school library but with much more ornate decorations. Soft couches, molding and scroll work, and ancient oil paintings dominated my view. Two rows of giant windows looked out on what must be the courtyard. One wall held buffet tables laden with silver domed platters. Waiters and waitresses—new vamps who had to work for a living according to Levi—circulated with drinks and little trays of food.
I was more interested in the attendees, however. I counted at least two dozen party-goers in fancy attire, about an equal number of men and women. All were beautiful and