Midnight Magic, page 141
Bishop brushed her hair behind her ear as he listened. With a deep sigh, he nodded. “I understand. Completely. I’m only asking you to hang in there. He’ll come around. He’s like the lost, abused dog that no one wants at a shelter because he snarls and tries to bite. But if you’re kind, befriend him, show him love and affection, the beast would eventually calm down and reconsider his stance. He’d show you the love and affection right back and protect you with his life.”
“So, you’re comparing Malik to an abused beast of a dog?”
Bishop chuckled. “It wasn’t my best scenario but what I came up with on the spot. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say.”
She did understand, but it was still hard to digest. Malik had all this power, yet, never once acted like he was on a power trip. He was respectful of the fellow vampires and blood demons. He never once treated anyone as if they were inferior, even when he raised his voice to her in his office.
“I do, but I also don’t. I get it, trust me, of all people I truly understand what it’s like being closed off and defensive. I grew up like that, self-preservation. But if Malik was abused and now he’s lashing out—”
He cut her off. “I didn’t intend to make it sound like he’d been abused. He’s just been through a lot and, in the end, it’s his story to tell.”
She nodded and considered everything he’d told her. It wasn’t answers, but it was something. She decided to change the subject. “So, tonight’s dinner party. I’ve never been to anything like this before. I don’t know how I should act or what I should say.”
“It’s easy,” he smiled. “Just be yourself.”
She chuckled. “Oh, yeah, that’s so easy because the nuns sent me to cotillion lessons every week. I know how to use a fork, spoon, and butter knife, but I have no idea what order goes where, what cup is mine, or if I need to do something in between meals.”
He grinned and took her hand in his. “Work from the outside in on the silverware. The cup to your right is yours. The butter knife is at the top left of your plate, and the dessert fork is just above the plate. You may rest between meals with your hands in your lap, or you may tell an elaborate story and get animated instead. Honestly, no one will care. The only ones eating tonight will be the blood demons. And you’ll be in great company.”
“Will I know people? I mean, besides Tawne?”
“I believe you met her friend, Olivia, right?”
She nodded.
“Then you’ll know two people. There are other blood demons attending you’ll meet, and their vampires. Tonight is to celebrate you and your kind. Without you, we would not exist.”
“I still feel weird about this.”
“Why?”
She stood and made her way to the closet. Picking up the dress, she held it in front of her. “I’ve never worn anything like this.”
He made his way across the room and took the dress from her. Setting it back on the hook of the door, he slipped an arm around her waist. Tugging her close into his arms, he pressed his lips to her forehead. “You’ll look breathtaking in it. And trust me, you’ll have a great time tonight. We’ll not leave your side until you’re ready to mingle on your own.”
“All right,” she whispered and hugged her arms around his body. She pressed her cheek to his chest and closed her eyes. She was falling in love with these men, and this moment with Bishop plunged her even deeper into the abyss she had no intentions of ever leaving, so long as the water’s current didn’t threaten to pull her under.
The ride over was sparked with casual conversation about who would be there, some of the other leaders from around the world, and any festivities that might take place.
“I wasn’t in on much of the planning,” Malik told them. “I merely signed off on the party.”
“So you have no idea what you signed for tonight?” Brandi asked.
“Don’t question my decision making,” he warned.
She wasn’t sure if he was teasing or not, but she simply nodded and looked at her hands in her lap.
“He was kidding,” Dash whispered next to her. “Ignore him. He’s an ass.”
She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.
“I heard that,” Malik told him. “And, no, I was not being serious. Of course, I know what I signed off on. I just might not have paid that much attention to the details.”
She smiled and met the gaze of all three of her men. Tonight would be special to her. She would be introduced to their world as their concubine.
Was she like the first lady of sorts?
Maybe, but it didn’t matter to her. She was just Brandi, and in a relationship with Dash, Bishop, and Malik.
She was still on the fence about Malik, though. Considering the conversation with Bishop earlier, maybe she could get time alone with her vampire. If she could get him to tell his story, she could understand him even better.
The car pulled to a stop and a moment later, the passenger door was opened. A hand was thrust into the car and Brandi slipped her hand into it. She was helped out and when she looked at her aid, she smiled.
“Jesse. It’s great to see you again.”
“You as well, Miss Brandi. You look divine, if I might say so. And looks like you’ve settled in quite nice.”
She grinned with a nod. “You could say that.”
He chuckled. “Welcome to the event.”
Her vampires exited the limo. She slipped her left hand around Dash’s inner arm, and her right on Bishop’s. In front of them, Malik led the way inside. The crowd outside waiting for those arriving lowered their voices to a hushed tone. Some bowed their heads as others simply smiled.
They were at the Covenant building, the one Brandi had only been to once, and that was for the choosing ceremony. She had not ventured into any other parts of it, yet. Tonight, though, would be in the ballroom. How it differed from the ceremony room, she could only imagine.
The choosing ceremony room had elaborate walls of portraits and crimson velvet. The floors were of marble and the statues alone made her think the place was the prime room for holding any galas.
However, when she was escorted in with Bishop, Dash, and Malik, she gasped in awe.
The floor was the same marble as she saw before, but the walls, the ceiling, everything was different. The walls were an eggshell white with pillars that connected to one another in a beautiful arch. The ambiance of the room gave an almost antique look to the room. In the center of the ceiling hung a chandelier with three different tier settings. The ceiling reflected the lights, but also had intricate snow like droplets that were placed throughout. It was as if she were walking under the stars.
The room was breathtaking.
“It’s so beautiful,” she whispered, her mouth still agape.
“Not as beautiful as you,” Dash whispered.
She grinned and squeezed his arm.
The moment they stepped further into the room, the chatter dropped to complete silence, and all the attention turned to where she stood. Her eyes widened and she gripped Dash and Bishop’s arms tighter.
“Relax,” Bishop whispered.
“They’re all staring at me,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Because you’ve bewitched everyone by your beauty, meu amor,” Dash added.
Malik cleared his throat and she shifted her gaze to the back of his head. “My friends, welcome to tonight’s event. Feel free to mingle, feast, and above all else, enjoy yourself.”
The room broke out in applause and Malik did a subtle bow. He turned to face the trio behind him and he took a closer step.
“Be good,” he whispered to Brandi.
She lifted a brow. “As if I would run amok.”
He kept his gaze on hers for a moment, then turned toward a couple making a bee line to where they stood.
“Great to see you tonight, Malik,” the man offered in what sounded like a French accent, and Malik disappeared into the crowd.
“Who is that Malik is with?” Brandi asked.
“He, and the three with him, are the leaders of the Covenant that govern Europe, Asia, and Russia. He’s shaking hands with Jean-Paul, and in order left to right are Marcus, Stephen, and Pierre.”
Jean-Paul was tall with broad shoulders. Marcus was similar in stature, with hair as dark as a raven. Stephen she couldn’t see clearly, but he had long, almost platinum blond hair. It reminded her of the villain Malfoy from the Potter series. Then, there was Pierre. He appeared interested in something Malik was telling him, then the four men shifted their gaze and met hers.
“Shit,” she whispered.
“Don’t worry,” Bishop reassured her when he leaned in closer. “He’s merely discussing the pairing of you with us. The other two Covenants have yet to take their own concubine. They’re… curious.”
“Oh,” she whispered and offered a hint of a smile. Jean-Paul dipped his head slightly in her direction. Movement caught her attention and she noticed two males making their way to where Malik and Jean-Paul were. The duo appeared official, in a sort of way. Maybe it was how they held their head up with an air of confidence. Maybe it was the metals and sash across their bodies.
Who knew?
“Who are they?” she asked and motioned toward the men as they stopped just beside Malik and Jean-Paul.
“Oh,” Dash started. “They are from the Covenant of that governs Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. They are Henry, on Malik’s right, and Lucas, next to Jean-Paul.”
Henry and Lucas couldn’t look farther from being opposite of each other. Where Henry had dark hair and a hint of an olive complexion, Lucas had auburn hair that curled around his face, touching his shoulders.
It didn’t go unnoticed to Brandi that Henry and Lucas also did not have a blood demon by their side. “I’m assuming they’re curious about me as well?”
Just as she asked her question, Lucas shifted his gaze to hers. He offered a small nod and lifted his glass.
She smiled in return and tugged Dash and Bishop closer to her sides. She was never one to be the center of attention and it was making her uncomfortable. She sighed and gripped the arms of Dash and Bishop.
Who could she talk to outside of her small circle?
Where would she go?
Was there a table, or common room, for blood demons?
“What’s wrong?” Bishop asked. “The tension around you erupted.”
“You can feel that?”
He nodded. “Now that we’ve shared our blood, yes. We are now linked to you, and you us. We can pick up on your emotions, feelings, pretty much anything but mind reading.”
She chuckled. “Well, thank goodness for that.”
Dash coughed through a laugh and stood in front of her. “Brandi, we will not leave your side unless you insist we do. Malik can handle the crowd.”
She nodded and her fingers tightened into their dress jackets.
“Brandi!”
A familiar voice floating from across the room caught her attention. She looked through the faces until the one she recognized finally came into view.
Tawne, and next to her was Olivia and another woman with striking red hair.
“Wow, you look amazing,” Olivia told her, then opened her arms.
Did she want her to hug her?
She wasn’t ready to release Dash and Bishop just yet.
“It’s okay,” Dash whispered. “Hug her. We’ll be right here.”
“This emotion feeling thing, it will take some getting used to,” she told him.
He chuckled and Brandi released the death grip she had on their arms. She took a step forward and the women embraced one another.
“Seriously, Brandi,” Oliva started. “That dress is killer.”
She felt her face warm with blush. “Thank you.”
“So, let me take you around to introduce you to the other blood demons. Would that be okay?” Tawne asked.
She wanted to say no, she didn’t want to leave her men’s sides. Instead, Bishop chimed in.
“We think that’s a fantastic idea. And if it’s okay with you, we’ll follow along to keep an eye on Brandi.”
“Of course,” Tawne told him. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Brandi felt the weight fall from her shoulders. She looked over her shoulder at Bishop and whispered, “Thank you.”
He winked in return.
“Oh, and Brandi,” Olivia said, and took her hand. “This here is Sadie McKenzie. We met not too long ago.”
“Hi there,” Sadie said with a small wave. “First party?”
“Is it that obvious?” Brandi asked.
Sadie shrugged. “Only because it’s my first, too.”
Brandi immediately felt at ease with this trio of women, but she was also happy to know she would be trailed by her men. One by one, Olivia and Tawne introduced both Brandi and Sadie to the other blood demons. Only a handful were previously humans who made the transition to blood demon.
She also noticed those who were born blood demons eyed Brandi up and down, as if sizing her up. She was definitely no threat to the vampire and blood demon community.
Why the shallowness?
Brandi tugged on Tawne’s arm, pulling her to the side. “Question.”
“Okay.”
She wasn’t sure how to ask this, so she just said what was on her mind. “Is there any prejudices between blood demons and humans who made the transition?”
“Not that I’m aware of, why?” Tawne asked.
“Well? It seems I have a target on my head or something. I’m getting death glares.”
Tawne grinned. “That’s because you’re the blood demon to the Kings of the Covenant.”
“Kings?”
“Mmhmm. Think about it. Malik, Dash, and Bishop, all three run this territory. They’re like royalty here. Imagine being their wife. It can be intimidating, and it could make other women jealous.”
“They have nothing to be jealous about. I’m seriously nobody.”
“Stop saying that,” Tawne warned. “You are somebody and always have been. You may have been dealt a shit deck your entire life, but right now, dammit, you’re the queen of this ball.”
Brandi lowered her gaze to the marble floor. “Maybe I don’t want to be the queen.”
Tawne laughed under her breath. “You’ll grow to get used to the spotlight. You won’t have to always be out in public with them. Things will change, and you’ll grow accustomed. This is an entirely new world, to most of us.”
“Mmhmm,” Sadie added. “Hell, just a year ago, I found out I am a blood demon. Before that, I had no clue.”
Brandi frowned. “How did you not know?”
She shrugged. “I was adopted. It wasn’t on my birth certificate. Can you imagine the hospital if my parents requested to have that put on it?” She laughed and shook her head.
“You were adopted?” Brandi whispered.
“Yes, ma’am. I sure was.”
Brandi took a step back and her heart slammed in her chest.
Why had she never been adopted?
She started to turn around when Bishop caught her by the arm.
“What just happened?” he asked.
She shook her head. “It’s nothing. Just something she said triggered something in me. I’ll be fine.”
“Do we need to have her leave?” Dash asked.
“What? No, she meant no harm. It’s okay. I’m fine, I promise.”
Both men nodded and she turned back to the ladies.
“I’m sorry if I said something offensive,” Sadie offered. “It was absolutely not intended.”
“No, no, it’s me. I was also an orphan.”
“Oh wow, it’s not often I meet someone else who had been adopted.”
Brandi offered a hint of a smile. “I was never adopted.”
“Oh,” Sadie said in a lowered voice. “Well, now, I feel like the shit that grows on shit. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
“And you wouldn’t. It’s okay, and you’re not shit that grows on shit. That’s gross,” she smiled and reached for Sadie’s hand. “Don’t worry about it.” She squeezed her hand.
“I’m still sorry, but okay.” Sadie smiled and the women let go of their grasp.
“Not to change the subject or anything,” Tawne whispered to her, “I don’t know what you’ve done, but Malik, he can’t take his eyes off you.”
“What?” She turned to see where Tawne was looking and found Malik watching her. She smiled his way, and Malik retuned it, lifting a glass goblet of red liquid. She didn’t think it was red wine.
There’s only one thing that would make this night absolutely complete. “Would you excuse me?” she asked the women. She didn’t wait for replies. Taking the hands of Dash and Bishop, she said, “I need to go talk to him.”
They both nodded and smiled at her.
“Go get’em, Tiger,” Bishop teased.
“You’re so lame.”
“You love it.” He winked, then kissed the back of her hand.
Malik smirked and left the group he was talking with and headed toward one of the doors. She followed him, unsure if she was meant to, or if it was what he intended. She’d find out one way or the other, very soon.
She stepped out into the hallway and noted it was empty. The tile echoed with the strike of her heels. She thought to call out his name, then thought better of it. Since she didn’t see him, it was possible he left just to have time alone.
Brandi started to turn back when a hand wrapped around her arm, pulling her back. She gasped and looked into the eyes of Malik.
CHAPTER 17
“Malik,” she exclaimed. Her heart pounded in her chest. A moment ago, the hallway was empty. It still was, except for her… and her vampire.
Malik prowled toward her and in response, Brandi backstepped.
“What are you doing out here?” she asked.
“I should be asking you the same.” His eyes didn’t leave hers and when her back hit the wall, she took in a sharp breath.
“Umm, I uhh… well, to be honest? I was watching you. I thought you maybe wanted me to follow you. Was I wrong in assuming this?”
