HAPTER 15
Vittorio’s home was up in the mountains, deep in the forest. Only one road, overgrown with brush, was available to reach it.
“This guy sure has a flair for the dramatic, doesn’t he?” asked Irene.
“Yes, he does,” Will agreed. “Now remember, Irene, this man is quite crafty, and his main purpose for even throwing this party is probably just to get you into his domain. You must keep your eyes open and your wits about you, and meanwhile, I’ll be looking for an excuse to take him out. We’re not allowed to just kill one another without a reason, you see. So, if he touches you, I’m allowed to end him without reprimand. And he knows it, too.”
“So, we came all the way up here to use me as bait?” she clarified. “God, Will, I love how devious you are. I probably shouldn’t, but I do.”
He chuckled. “We’ve made it to the top,” he said, pointing to the creepy old moss-covered mansion with the wrought iron gate. “A bit cliché, don’t you think?”
Irene giggled. “It suits him, somehow.”
“In case I don’t get another chance to say this, Irene, remember that I love you. Always and forever, okay?”
“I love you too.”
Will parked the van outside of the gates, and the two of them walked up to them. They creaked open with what appeared to be magic, from what Irene could tell. She blinked a couple of times, looking for ropes or electronic openers or something, but neither one was anywhere to be found.
“You’re not wrong,” said Will. “It was a spell. Supernatural, remember? And it’s good that he’s already shown you his hand, so you’ll be well aware. Come on in, and be careful.”
She nodded. “I will.”
There were thirty steps leading up to the main door. Irene counted them. They were even mossy and pock-marked, with cracks here and there. At the top, the front doors also opened, and the two of them stepped inside.
Inside, they passed through the foyer into a great room filled with people. There was music and dancing, and everyone was dressed in the colonial style.
“Ah, my most honored guests have arrived,” said Vittorio from somewhere behind them. “I guess your man failed to mention the ball was colonial? If you’ll follow me, I can help you both with your attire.”
“Good evening, Mr. Manchenso,” said Irene as the man caught her hand and brought it to his lips. His eyes drank her in, and he lingered over the kiss just a bit too long. “Well versed in the art of flirting, I see.”
“I’ve had plenty of time to practice, my dear.”
“Yes, so it would seem,” she chuckled. “But I am completely devoted to Will, you see. I’ve been known to flirt, but my heart belongs only to him.”
“You wound me, my dear,” he complained. “Ah, well, this way.”
They stepped down a long hall with vaulted ceiling and chandeliers. They were lit using candles in the old way, and the lights glittered merrily. Vittorio brought them to a small room with two men in livery standing to either side.
“In this room are several selections for both men and women,” he explained. “Feel free to select whatever you like. One of the men will guide you to the ballroom when you are ready.”
“Thank you,” said Irene. Will merely nodded once as he stepped through the door.
“I look forward to seeing your selection, beauteous Irene.”
*****
“You look fabulous, Irene,” said Will appreciatively as he finished pinning up her hair. “Styling your own hair instead of using the wig is brilliant. It’s sure to drive Vittorio crazy.”
“I hope this goes the way you want it to, Will,” Irene sighed. “Personally, I’m getting a bad feeling.”
“No discussions, pet,” he replied. “These walls are certain to have ears.”
“You’re right,” she agreed. “But he’d be a fool to believe you weren’t plotting something. We’ll just let him stew about exactly what it is, hmm? And you look delectable in all that finery, by the way. I love that you chose a brown coat instead of the red.”
“I always have been a bit of a rebel,” Will told her with a sly smile. “Shall we, my dear?”
“But of course, sir,” she told him. “I would go with you anywhere.”
“Yes, I’m beginning to think you would.”
The two of them held hands as they followed their guide out to the main ballroom, which was teeming with guests of every size and description. Vittorio seemed to have been watching for them, since he was quick to intercept them as soon as they entered the door.
“I didn’t know you were this popular,” Will smirked as he looked around.
“Yes, I am,” he replied. “Well loved by many, and the champion of all.”
“Well, all who are cared for by you, at any rate,” Will added, raising one eyebrow.
“I know that you and I have our differences, Knight, but this is a party,” said Vittorio, arching one brow as well. “Can we not bury the hatchet tonight?”
“What an interesting choice of words, sir,” said Irene, insinuating herself between the two. “I sincerely hope that you did not choose them because the thought was at the forefront of your mind?”
“You truly are a delight,” Vittorio chuckled. “Come and dance with me. I’m sure that Will could allow you that much freedom from his side.”
“Indeed,” Will replied.
“There are several lovely young women who are more than willing to allow you to bite, Will,” he added as he took Irene by the arm. “Just remember, they are appetizers, not the full meal.”
“Of course, I remember,” Will grumbled as he watched them go. “I don’t need lessons in etiquette from the likes of you.”
Irene danced with Vittorio for two sets before he returned her to Will with an obvious reluctance. He took her arm and smiled, drawing her closer to his side. “You look thirsty, pet. I’m not sure you should be dancing so much just yet, especially in your condition.”
“Condition?” Vittorio repeated with a frown. “What condition?”
“We’ve just learned that Irene is pregnant,” said Will with a proud smile. “I know it’s not wise to get her that way just yet, since she has had only a month to adapt to her new body, but these things happen sometimes.”
“Perhaps she could use some refreshment, then,” Vittorio offered. “I will bring her some punch. Sit down, my dear, and get some rest.”
“You’re very kind,” Irene replied. She sat down at one of the tables and tried to catch her breath.
Will followed Vittorio over to the buffet table. “Maybe she could use a snack too,” he said. While he filled the plate with things he knew that Irene liked, Vittorio brought a drink over to her. She began to sip at it while she waited for Will.
Something about the drink tasted funny. Then, she felt her throat begin to close up and she started to choke. Vittorio’s face fell as he watched her.
“Irene? What is the matter?”
She tried to speak, but no words came out. She clutched at her throat, keening as she tried to get out the sounds. Springing up from the chair, her hands flailing wildly, she started to run towards Will. Unable to support her own weight, her legs collapsed, sending her body crashing to the floor. The huge hoop in her skirt refused to let her fall gracefully.
“What the hell?” gasped Will, running forward and grasping one of her trembling hands. “Irene? Irene, what’s the matter, baby?”
“Out of the way, everyone,” said Vittorio as he pushed his way to their side. “The footmen will bring her up to one of the rooms. Dr. Andre? Where are you, my old friend? Perhaps you should go with them as well.”
“And me,” said Will insistently.
“The last thing she needs is a worried lover to be in the way,” said Vittorio. “Come, everyone, the lady is in good hands. Let us resume our dancing. You too, Will. I insist. It will keep your mind off things.”
“Are you crazy?” Will argued. “I need to be with my mate.”
“I’m sorry, but until the doctor has figured out what is wrong, you will just have to wait,” Vittorio replied.
Frowning, Will returned to the table where Irene had been sitting before and sighed. He even tried to eat a bit of the food, but he didn’t have the stomach for it. He didn’t feel like going after another drink, so he reached for Irene’s. And noticed the smell.
A vampire’s blood could clearly be smelled within the liquid. Angrily, Will growled. It could only belong to Vittorio. The only question now was, how much of that blood did Irene actually drink?