Seraphina
I'm avoiding. I'm a master at it.
So what if a vampire was coming to town? So what if someone was coming after me? I've done my best avoiding every supernatural creature in London, this vampire wouldn't be any different.
I stepped into the museum's grand foyer, the dim lighting and scent of old books and dust immediately transported me to a different era. The gala was tonight, and I was determined to make it a night to remember.
As I made my way to my office, I was greeted by the sound of murmured conversations and the soft hum of activity. The team was hard at work, bringing my and the investor's vision to life. The gala was only two hours away now
I slipped into my office, closing the door behind me, and began layering scents on myself. The entire building except my office was occupied in one way or the other. Next was my gown.
My dress for the night was a sleek, floor length gown. I slipped into the dress, taking a second to admire myself in them. Next was my hair. I brushed it into a nice updo that covered the pointy tip of my ears. Not that anyone would notice, but old habits died hard. I pinned my hair in place with pins.
I dimmed the amber of my eye to carefully hide the slits in them. A quick check in the mirror to confirm I looked presentable.
The sounds around me grew even louder which was a signal that guests would be arriving soon. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the night ahead.
Time to put on a show.
The silk of my dress rubbed against my legs as I made my way to the grand foyer. Everyone had done a great job of bringing the museum to life on such short notice. The flower shop had delivered the flowers on time just like they promised. Candles flickered, casting a warm glow over the room.
"You look beautiful, Dr. Sarah," Val said. Logan and the others nodded in agreement. The rest of the work crew were gone and gone. Now it was just us. And in a minute, we'll be opening our doors to guests.
"Thank you," I replied. "So do all of you. And thank you for making all of this possible."
"Awwn."
"Give it a rest," I said with a smile. Victoria appeared at that moment, looking stunning.
"This all looks amazing. You should have your bonuses wired to you by midnight. Thank you for putting in so much effort," she said. Everyone cheered, mostly excited about the thought of receiving their bonuses.
"It's time to welcome our guests."
The doors opened to our visitors. I smiled, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, as I scanned the room for any signs of troubles. The black scale was nestled in its display case and seemed to be drawing more attention than any other relic in the room. Its dark beauty was mesmerizing.
"Whoever is up there, please let tonight just be another night at the museum," I muttered under my breath.
I scanned the room, shaking hands and working the crowd with a smile. The air on the back of my hair stood. I could feel eyes on me. Someone was watching me. And it didn't help that I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off all day. I've been itching to shift all day.
And it felt like my skin was about to tear itself off. It started as a creeping chill. A feeling I knew all too well. A feeling I only get around vampires. A vampire was in this room.
I scanned the crowd, my eyes adjusting to the dim light, and that's when I saw him. He stood out from the crowd. He looked elegant and exuded so much power.
His black suit and silver tie was a perfect match for the shadows that seemed to cling to him. His silver-grey eyes scanned the room, and I felt a jolt of fear and excitement as they landed on me.
My heart quickened and all I could see was him. All of my senses were stuck on him. I felt my scent slip out despite the multi layer of scents I layered just an hour ago.
I watched him inhale deeply, and turned around desperately to find me. I slipped into the nearest room and layered up another round of perfumes and oils on my skin until mine drowned in theirs.
I made my way back out only after reminding myself that he was the enemy. The door opened, and our eyes met. The room froze.
The music, the laughter, the clinking of glasses… all of it faded into the background and we locked gazes. I felt a magnetic pull between us. That visceral attraction terrified me.
My hand instinctively reached for the silver-lined dagger hidden in my gater, a familiar weight that offered little comfort.
His eyes widened for a moment and then I saw something. A spark of attraction.
Shit.
I'd heard rumors, whispers, stories of mate bond. I've read stories of bonds between werewolves. And I've read ones about vampires. I've read about a connection that transcends life and death. But I'd never thought it would ever happen to me.
Not since my family was wiped out. And I've accepted that.
He made his way to me before I could run. It felt like my feet were frozen in place. My heart pounded rapidly in my chest as he stood in front of me.
He opened his mouth and the most hypnotic voice came out from them. "Hello mate."
"I'm not your mate," I said. I forced myself to breathe, to remember my training. I met his gaze, remembering to keep my voice steady despite my racing heart. "Mr…"
"Black," he supplied. "Lestat Black. You must be Dr. Sarah Vance." He smiled, a cold, calculating smile and I knew I was in trouble.
"If you'll excuse me, Mr. Black," I said, gearing up to run as far away from him as I can.
"Lestat please," he said.
"If you'll excuse me." I didn't wait for a reply before disappearing into the crowd. I felt his eyes on me the entire way as I worked the crowd.
I'm still on high alert as I joined Victoria by the investors table with the scale standing not too far away. The scale lit up a bit as I moved near. I quickly moved away hoping nobody had noticed.
And nobody did. Nobody except him.
He appeared behind me at lightning speed. "See, dragon scales, especially rare ones like this one, when broken off, only react when other dragons are near it."
"And?" I asked. My heart was racing again. Faster than before, since I could feel his breath on my neck.
"And I was wondering, mate, when you were going to tell me that you were a dragon, Dr. Vance."