Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

A cobalt blue velvet jacket arrived for me that evening, along with black trousers that fit snugly. I'd been watching a procession of carriages arrive at the front doors for the past hour, delighting in the spectacle of dresses and finery parading up the front steps. Anticipation hung in the air, and my heart was fluttering with nervousness. It was a new sensation, given that I was always so confident in my powers as a vampire. But what if I wasn't half as charming as a human?

I shook my head, ridding my mind of such foolish notions. One look in the delightful mirror was all it took to remind myself that these mortals would be but putty in my hands tonight. The competition might be expansive, but there would be few among these guests I would likely call equals.

Ambrose would be mine because I was the best option for him. I'd had centuries of experience to perfect my charm. I would simply have to utilize my skills to their fullest extent.

Stuart had just completed the finishing touches on my outfit when he opened a box and presented it to me with a flourish.

"What's this then?" I asked reaching out to stroke a black feathered mask.

"The ball is a masquerade, my lord. Masks are required."

"A masquerade," I repeated, lifting the silky mask and looking it over before slipping it on. "At least it's not too cumbersome. It doesn't hide much really."

"People will be able to make you out easily enough."

I sent him a sly smile. "My devilish good looks will beguile them all, won't they Stuart?"

The valet sighed. "Shall I escort you to Lady Grafton, my lord?"

"How thoughtful of you."

Helena's maid, Nancy, was in her company when I found her at the back of a queue of guests. Nancy gave me an appraising look as Stuart hastily left my side. "May I say that you look very dashing, my lord. You're sure to break many hearts tonight."

"And hopefully some bones as well," I said automatically. I blinked as Nancy looked at me oddly, and I realized what I'd said. Although feeling bones break beneath my fingers right now would be an incredible relief from the anxiety I felt, I had to remind myself that there were rules I had to abide by. I wouldn't be able to use supernatural powers to win Ambrose's heart. I couldn't merely destroy anyone who came between me and my prize. I would have to win this competition honestly, as tedious as that sounded. "What I mean is, I hope to dance until my bones simply won't support me by the end of the night."

"Ah, yes," Nancy brightened. "I wish I had the energy you young ones have. How I did love to dance back in the day."

"That will be all, Nancy," Helena told her maid, who curtsied and made her exit. "Well, Lucian. I trust Zachariah was accommodating." She held out her arm, and I took it as we joined the line.

"He was very satisfactory. My wardrobe will be the envy of Hale's Corner."

"Very good."

We stood silently in the shadows of the doorway into the ballroom, watching a young woman stride into the room on her mother's arm. As she was announced, I noted the passing interest of faces in the crowd already engaged in conversation and merriment. A string quartet played in the corner, but no one had taken to dancing yet, although there was a sizable crowd surrounding the drink station.

Night pressed in on the windows along the perimeter of the room, and I knew that if I had my supernatural hearing right now, I would be able to make out the sounds of bats riding warm currents of air, foxes scuttling through the underbrush searching out rabbits and other prey, limbs of the old trees out back as they creaked in the wind. With my vampire sight, I would have been able to see more than just the shadowy darkness against the glass. Yet I was comforted by the dark. For all the joy I'd found in experiencing a world lit wholly by the sun, I preferred knowing that shadows could wrap around me at any moment, that I could slip into them and become anonymous. I preferred the secrets whispered by the night air over the oppressive truth of that illuminated by daylight. The cheerful sunshine was a lie. Night was forthright about the ugliness it hid in its depths.

"Baroness Helena Grafton and Count Lucian Cross."

I pasted on a smile as I stepped forward with Helena leaning on me, her gold silk gown brushing the carpet beneath her. A matching mask inset with rhinestones covered the top of her face. It had no holes for her eyes. I found this amusing, although most would likely find it unsettling.

"You gave them my real name?" I spoke in a low tone.

"No one ever knew your surname. The closer to the truth, the less easy it is to slip up."

I noticed the eyes of the room lingering on me, some conversation pausing as we descended the short staircase to the ballroom floor. Just as it should be.

We were met at the bottom of the stairs by a cluster of people. The duchess was recognizable in a green gown, although her hair was built high, with curls spilling out between peacock feathers and green ribbons. Her mask, likewise, consisted of peacock feathers.

"We're so glad to have you here, dear," Flora greeted me, holding out her hand as I swept into a bow and kissed her knuckles. "Zachariah has outdone himself, if I do say so myself."

I straightened and offered her a brilliant smile. "I appreciate the compliment, my lady, but I don't see anyone outshining you this evening."

Flora smiled and gestured to the man seated in a chair at her side. He was not wearing a mask. "My husband is gracing us with his presence tonight. Jonathan, meet Lucian, the young man I was telling you about."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," I said, bowing low for the old man. He had to be well into his seventies, with liver spots marking his balding head. His skin was like paper, thin and paler than even mine, gathering loosely around his eyes and mouth. I was over a century older than this man. I felt pity for what age had done to him, but that sadness turned into steely resolve once I recalled that should I fail to meet the challenge set before me, this too would be my fate.

"We're happy to have you with us, Lucian," the man said, his voice strained and barely above a whisper. I had to lean in to hear him. "It does me good to have so many young people under this roof."

"The duke wouldn't miss this ball for the world," Flora said, putting a protective arm around his shoulders. She gazed down at him with tenderness. Despite a difference of at least twenty years between them, it seemed their union had been one of love. That was a rare thing in this age, where perception and title meant more than anything. "He absolutely insisted on being here, even though he should be resting."

"I've rested enough for a lifetime," the duke scowled. "What's the point of carrying on if I can't even enjoy the first ball of the season, where my oldest will meet his future partner?"

Flora patted his hand, and I stepped back as Helena greeted the couple with familiarity. I took the moment to absorb the silent figures who stood at their backs. Zachariah lingered near a boy who seemed about his age, although the stranger's mask covered the entirety of his face. The boy was in a black suit with what appeared to be a wolf mask, although it could have been a boar. Curls peeked out at the top of the mask, likely inherited from his mother. This would be Maxwell.

Zachariah wore a fuchsia jacket and skirt, wildly elaborate pink flowers seemingly growing out of his jacket pocket and overwhelming the fabric. His mask appeared to be created from layers of flower petals, delicate and tasteful. He sent me a wide grin and nodded at my ensemble in approval. Of course he approved, as he'd selected it for me.

The final boy in their company stood rigid behind his father, arms clasped behind him. He stared straight ahead like a soldier, but glanced to the party in front of him every so often. His eyes were sharp and a deep brown behind his simple black mask. His black suit was uninspired, but I had to admit that he looked smart in it. It accentuated his powerful chest and arms, trim waist, and long legs that brought him to an impressive height, towering over everyone around him. Unlike his brother and mother, who showcased their natural curls, he'd opted for a short hairstyle that emphasized his striking cheekbones and a chiseled jawline. Ambrose was a handsome man, and with the title of duke all but handed over, he was definitely worth the infighting that was sure to occur over him among these guests.

The third brother wasn't among them.

I tuned back into Helena's conversation as she wrapped things up. Flora reached out to hand me a card, and I looked down to find the number ninety-seven. "What is this?" I asked.

She smiled. "It's your number for when you're scored tonight. Just hand it to the judges beforehand. You can join any dance you wish. I know you'll do us proud."

Before I could ask what she meant, another guest was announced behind us. I bowed once more to the duke and duchess before we were swallowed by the crowd of partygoers sipping champagne and laughing in small groups.

"Did you find your prize handsome?" Helena asked as I maneuvered us through the throng to a table near the drink station.

"It doesn't matter if I find him handsome or not. And anyway, with these damned masks on, I can't make much out at all."

Helena slowly lowered herself into a chair, and I followed suit. "Now, don't dally here, Lucian. You must mingle with the silly humans and scope out your competition."

I grimaced. "You mustn't say such things in public." I looked around to ensure we hadn't been overheard. "There are ears everywhere, and I believe I'm going to make many enemies tonight."

"I trust that a handful of young men and women won't be too much for you to handle. After all, you've grappled with far worse over the years."

"That I have." I waved a waiter over who was carrying champagne on a platter. I procured a glass and set it before Helena. "Do you know anything that will put me in Ambrose's favor tonight? Hobbies or interests I could work into conversation? That sort of thing."

Helena pursed her lips. "I'm afraid, Lucian, that you'll have to become amiable to Ambrose through your own devices. He's been away for much of the past month, and before that, we rarely crossed paths, except for at supper times here and there. He comes across as rather vain from what I've observed, so flattery will likely go a long way with him."

Sighing, I crossed my arms. "Not what I'd hoped for, but I'll make due." I paused. "I would give anything for a little hypnotism in my arsenal right about now. Something that would give me an edge."

"You are Count Lucian Cross. That is your edge."

I smiled at her confidence in me. "Thank you for reminding me." I glanced at the window, where the darkness beckoned to me. It was but a backdrop now, hidden by the brightness of the ballroom. I discerned the reflections of the humans buzzing around me in the glass more easily than the night beyond, my own reflection among them.

I scooted closer to Helena, lowering my voice. "I haven't been to a ball in decades. I really should have ventured into society more in recent years."

Helena raised an eyebrow. "You? Admitting to being fallible?"

I snorted. "Let's not exaggerate, my dear Helena. I have few faults, but … every choice we make forsakes others. We can only experience so much, do so much. I should have taken advantage of my previous status rather than squander it."

"Perhaps you'll gain a new appreciation for experiencing life when you reclaim your powers," Helena said, a grin pulling at her lips. "But I must warn you that it's only been a day, and already you sound quite human."

I scowled, but couldn't help but feel the corners of my lips tug upward. Not that she would ever know. "No need to insult me. Haven't I suffered enough already?"

"Have you?" she chuckled. "Your task has hardly begun, Lucian."

"Speaking of my task, tell me about this dance card."

Helena shrugged. "I thought that would be obvious. Flora won't stand for a merely adequate dancer for her firstborn and will take any opportunity to make a spectacle of things. I believe she said there were only fifty rooms available at the house, so at least twenty people will be eliminated tonight."

I blinked. That meant at least seventy people were competing for Ambrose's hand. I didn't love those odds. And that so many would leave so soon, for such a trivial matter as dancing … I might come to regret my hubris while negotiating with Vrykolakas.

I looked out at the dance floor and noted three women sitting at a table adjacent to the floor, dressed like cardinals. The quills and papers before them were a clear sign they were scoring the dancers.

"Would you say I was … more than an adequate dancer?" I asked Helena.

She merely smiled in response.

With a scowl, I stood and ventured into the crowd. I hadn't left Helena's side for but a moment before two women sat down with her. She seemed content in their company, and I marveled at the woman's rise in society. I'd seen potential in her all those years ago, but I wondered if she'd done better without me.

"I don't believe we've met."

I turned to find a handsome man with short wavy black hair addressing me. He offered me a glass of champagne to match his own, and I accepted it with a smile. He was Latino, with a clean-shaven, chiseled jawline. He was pretty, and he knew it, his slim crimson mask hardly covering an inch of his face.

"I've just arrived," I told him. "Lucian Cross."

"Oh?" The young man lifted an eyebrow. "Are you acquainted with the duke and his family?"

"I will be staying with them indefinitely after this season."

The man blinked, going still, and I couldn't keep from laughing. He seemed to relax and chuckled along, clinking his glass with mine. "I like a man with confidence. Melbourne Salazar, at your service." He gave me an appreciative once-over. "Perhaps you'll be needing my services."

"Doubtful, but I appreciate it."

Melbourne shook his head good-naturedly. "I've never been one to turn away a challenge."

"Is that the only reason you're here? The challenge?" I tipped my head toward the duke's family.

"That should be obvious. Ambrose is clearly a catch, of course. But a dukedom on the line? Hardly anyone could pass up the opportunity. Even from afar, it would seem." He took a sip of his champagne. "I think I like you. We don't have to be at each other's throats here. We can be civil through all this."

I raised an eyebrow. "You don't … want to be at each other's throats then?"

Melbourne's eyes glinted, his voice dropping. "Don't go putting words in my mouth now."

"Is Melbourne bothering you?" a tall, slim Latina asked, sauntering over to us with a bored expression. She wore a form-fitting black dress that hugged her curves, black lace that resembled a spider's web creeping up from her collar line to a studded choker. Her black mask was also studded, dark lipstick completing the bleak ensemble. Her long hair was slicked back, accentuating her face, which was rather pretty, if a little gaunt.

"Not at all," I told the new arrival. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Lucian Cross."

"Cecelia Alvarez." She glanced back at Melbourne. "Make yourself useful and fetch me a glass?"

Melbourne sent her a terse smile before disappearing.

"Sorry about him." Cecelia sighed. "His family is close with mine. I'm tasked with reining him in, but he can be rather slippery."

"I think that's an apt descriptor for him."

After a beat, she said, "Cross. I'm not familiar with the family name. But it clearly holds enough weight to allow you to be here." She tilted her head. "You must be inheriting a sizable fortune."

I started at her directness. It was quite refreshing, even if it complicated matters. "I already have. My family died in a fire. My whole estate went up in a single night."

There. Let her stew on that.

Cecelia nodded gravely. "If they were sleeping at the time, they would have died from the smoke. They probably never woke up, if that's any consolation."

"It's … yes, thank you." I frowned. This girl wasn't much for etiquette, it seemed. I wondered what sort of topics she would consider off the table. Were there any?

She seemed to catch my quizzical look and smiled. "People are uncomfortable with death. But it's part of the cycle of life, is it not? In the end, it comes for all of us. I personally would rather not dance around conversations on the subject."

I narrowed my eyes. "I appreciate your line of thought, Lady Alvarez." I glanced toward the duke, feeble in his chair while his family stood around him. "I would rather deal with a quick, painless death than be forced to watch someone I care about slowly wither away."

She followed my gaze. "Although they will be prepared when the time comes. The grieving has already commenced for them. They have the opportunity to say their goodbyes."

"That, they do." I shifted. "Have you … lost someone close?"

"I have not."

"Yet you speak like an authority on the subject."

"Thank you."

I squinted at her, trying to figure her out as Melbourne returned, shoving a glass into Cecelia's hand with little ceremony. "There. Happy?" he said.

"Quite," Cecelia replied, stone-faced.

He looked to me. "What did I miss?"

"We were reflecting on death," I told him.

Melbourne sighed. "The last I checked, this was a ball, not a funeral."

Cecelia lifted her glass to her lips before pausing. "Is this season not a death of sorts? The death of childhood, moving into adult life through marriage and—"

"Yes, yes, new phases of life, etcetera. Must you always be so morbid, Cecelia? You cannot expect to secure the future duke's fancy with such talk. Now … if you'd rather leave the courtship to me, I would be happy to step in for you. We can't all be equal competitors, after all. There are going to be favorites."

"And you are the logical choice?" I asked with a teasing smile.

"Who can resist this magnetism?"

A new voice cut into the conversation. "Anyone who's caught a whiff of your reputation, perhaps?"

Two girls joined us. The one who'd spoken was a pretty blonde girl with her hair pulled up to showcase her neck. My eyes were immediately drawn to her throat, an enticing sight for the vampire instincts lingering within me. She wore a cobalt blue dress that matched my coat, and she was decked out with diamond jewelry, from her necklace, to her earrings, to the melee diamonds in her blue mask. She was flaunting her wealth and looked good doing it. She turned the bluest eyes I'd ever seen on me and smiled, although it was clearly forced. "Nice color. A shame that it looks better on me."

"I think it looks wonderful on the both of you," the other girl piped up. This girl was short and pale, with light brown hair and glasses perched on her nose. She was rather plain, but her red dress flattered her figure, and her smile was radiant and infectious. She'd made an attempt to thread red ribbons around her glasses to give them the semblance of a mask, but the ribbon was loose at her left ear and hung down to graze her neck. She bobbed her head to me. "I'm Violetta Abbott." She gestured to the first girl. "This is Isabel Crane. And you must be Lady Grafton's great-nephew, Count Lucian Cross?"

"I am. Word travels fast." I eyed Isabel's dress. It did become her very nicely. I wondered what Zachariah would think. No doubt I was more ravishing than this disagreeable girl. Her temperament alone lowered her in my esteem. I couldn't imagine Ambrose overlooking it.

"Always a pleasure, Isabel," Melbourne said, bowing to the girl. He reached out for her hand, but she snatched it away. He sent me an embarrassed shrug.

"Have you been to the library?" Violetta asked me, eyes sparkling. "It's simply marvelous. It's much better than the town library."

"I haven't perused the collection yet, but I'm sure I'll find it adequate during my stay."

Violetta nodded vigorously. "Especially if you have an interest in the occult. I've never seen so many books on the supernatural in one place."

"I've noticed that as well," Cecelia said. "It even puts The Bodleian Library in Oxford to shame. I was researching ghouls and Emmett recommended I take a look here, and sure enough, everything I could have wanted and more was available. I heard Thomas Grange gifted many of them to the duke. He's quite the occult scholar."

"Of course you would be researching ghouls for fun," Isabel muttered, crossing her arms. "Why do they have so many grisly books anyway?" She shook her head. "Probably because they have three boys. If they'd had but one girl, that room would be brimming with more appropriate titles for an impressionable mind."

Melbourne wrinkled his nose. "Aren't there enough libraries full of Jane Austen and those flowery romances?"

"Jane Austen is fantastic," I protested. "One of the few hu—er, humorous writers I find actually witty."

Violetta sighed in agreement. "Her writing is so lovely."

Melbourne shrugged. "I'd rather read more novels like Frankenstein myself."

"What is it with boys and monsters?" Isabel asked, exasperated.

" Frankenstein was written by a woman," Violetta pointed out.

"Fine, whatever." Isabel gestured to Cecelia. "Clearly, women can be morbid too. I'm just saying that this house could use a woman's touch. A woman who could make some changes for the better."

"You're forgetting the duchess, I believe."

Isabel snorted. "Clearly, she lets these boys do whatever they want. Men need a firm hand to keep them in line. They shouldn't be filling their minds with books on magic and werewolves, but on manners, history, and science."

Violetta frowned. "But most of the occult books are about history."

"Then better ones."

I snorted, earning a glare from Isabel. "You all may as well look for others to court among the crowd. Ambrose is as good as mine already. In fact, we're going on a picnic tomorrow afternoon, just the two of us. And I was personally instructed by two of the dance judges."

Violetta nodded. "She's a very good dancer."

"Aren't you seeking the duke's hand as well, Violetta?" Cecelia asked.

Violetta blushed and pushed her glasses up her nose. "Me? Oh, I have no chance with Isabel involved, and you, Cecelia. You're so pretty and intimidating. And Melbourne is so confident and handsome. And you, Lucian, even though we've just met, I can tell you're an amiable gentleman and also very striking. I can't compare to the likes of you."

Cecelia sniffed. "You should speak better of yourself. I would choose you over Isabel any day."

Isabel laughed. "And Ambrose would rather have Violetta than a walking corpse, I'm sure." She leaned in. "Are you sure you're not a vampire? Has anyone here seen her in sunlight?"

"I have," Violetta offered, soliciting a scoff from Isabel.

I shrugged. "In my experience, people who feel the need to boast are the most insecure."

Isabel snorted. "I'm hardly insecure." She patted her hair. "And you're just jealous that I wear this color better, Count Ludicrous." She turned on her heel and stalked away.

Violetta's eyes were wide as she reached out and squeezed my hand. "I'm so sorry. It was nice to meet you." Then she hurried after her friend.

"Wow." Melbourne shook his head, grinning. "Isabel is in rare form tonight." He tapped his lower lip. "Although ‘Count Ludicrous' was pretty good."

"I liked that as well," Cecelia agreed, nodding. "I find her tiresome, but she does have her moments." She fanned herself briefly before turning to Melbourne. "I need some air before the dancing begins."

Melbourne nodded. "It is getting rather stuffy in here already. I'll escort you." He offered her his arm, then glanced at me. "Are you coming?"

I shook my head. "No, thank you. I'm going to scope out the competition a little longer."

"Suit yourself."

I watched them go before my eyes roved over the crowd once more. There were few standouts among the guests so far, and though I loathed to admit it, Isabel was among them. I watched as she inserted herself into a conversation Zachariah had started with a young man in white. What a coincidence that Ambrose was nearby. She maneuvered her way over to stand by him, laughing loudly at something Zachariah said to attract his attention. I rolled my eyes at how obvious she was. Desperate. Meanwhile, poor Violetta could only trail behind her friend with an awkward smile on her face.

"You've stumbled into interesting company," a voice said at my back.

I turned to find a young man watching me. His mask was larger than most, obscuring most of his face and his hair, but his dark eyes and lovely mouth secured my attention. He filled out his brown suit nicely.

"Do you always skulk around listening to conversations?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I grinned. "And if you do, would you mind sharing what you've heard?"

The man laughed. "I'm sorry to say your correspondence was the only one I've had the pleasure of eavesdropping on thus far." He paused. "You're Lucian, then? I'm a distant cousin of the duke's family, so I promise I'm not sizing up the competition."

"That's too bad. I prefer to keep my enemies close." I squinted at him. "You're not the third brother? Emmett?"

"Emmett?" The boy's eyebrows shot up. "No. Emmett has been missing for a fortnight."

I blinked. "Missing?"

"Oh, yes. I don't suppose you have any news, if you're only becoming aware of the circumstances."

"Can't say I do." I held out a hand to the boy, mulling over this new information, and he shook it. "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage."

"I'm Matthew."

"Matthew. And what do you think of the ball so far, Matthew?"

Matthew shrugged. "Tedious. Full of the same faces we always see around here. You, my good sir, are one of only a few fresh commodities here tonight."

I chuckled. "Well, I hope it wins me some points with the duke's family then."

"Time will tell." He paused as we took a moment to watch Isabel manage to monopolize Ambrose. "She is certainly … assertive."

"That's very diplomatic of you," I said, grinning at him. "I believe I'm a harsher critic."

"Oh, do tell. What do you think of her?"

"Aside from the obvious fact that she's spoiled and brazen, she's also manipulative. She's quite polite when in the company of the duke's family over there, all gentle smiles and gaiety, but away from them … well, you've seen her true colors. She's an odious, contrary thing."

"Mmm. And what of Violetta?"

"Chronic people-pleaser. She hasn't said one bad thing about a single person, even when goaded by her friend. In fact, she seemed to try to keep the peace. I'm not sure why she's so attached to Isabel, but she's likely one of the few people who has ever paid her any mind." I shrugged. "It's rather sad, really."

Matthew nodded slowly. "I'm impressed. Do you always read people so quickly and easily?"

"I've had a lot of experience."

"What do you think of me then?"

I cocked my head, watching him for a moment. "You, sir, are yet a mystery. For some reason, you're interested in what I think. I don't know what to make of that. I'm a nobody here."

"That in itself makes you somebody in this crowd." Matthew shook his head. "But tell me, if you're so concerned with the duke's family and Isabel's insertion, is it because you've taken a liking to Ambrose?"

"I haven't even met him yet."

"So, you're interested solely in his status?"

I shrugged. "I don't care about his status one way or the other, in all honesty."

"Oh?"

"He's handsome clearly, and has throngs of admirers. They can't all be simply interested in what he will inherit, I hope."

"Then what are you interested in?"

I bestowed a winning smile on Matthew, but I suddenly had the impression that he was feeling me out. I wasn't sure if I had made him suspicious somehow, or if he was merely curious, but it did put me on alert. I sighed and gestured to the door nearby. "Care for a walk? It's rather loud and warm in here, isn't it?"

Matthew nodded and we stepped out into the night air. The cool breeze was a balm against my flushed skin, and the darkness shrouded me, cloaking my secrets so that I didn't feel so exposed. I was more myself now, and I walked confidently into the garden as the sounds of gaiety faded behind us.

"I intend to court Ambrose," I admitted. "I won't lie about my intentions. But courting is like a business transaction. It must be agreeable to both sides. Most people here are going into this assuming that Ambrose is a good deal, and he certainly is if you look at his standing in society, so they pull no stops in trying to win his approval."

"And you aren't like that?"

I shrugged noncommittally as I considered what this quest meant for me. We took a seat on a low stone wall. I looked up into the sky and was disheartened to find the moon's crooks and valleys lost to my mortal eyes. "Ambrose is a challenge. I love a good challenge, and I need to be successful in winning Ambrose's affection. I have to." I let out a shuddering breath before letting my feelings guide my words as I attempted to elaborate. " However, that's not enough if I'm being serious about finding a life partner. If I'm to give my hand in return to any man, I need more than the promise of safety and security. I need … someone I can spend the rest of my life on Earth with, and I intend for that to last a very, very long time." I wasn't sure where that had come from, but I understood as I said it that it was true. Being human was making me realize that I was missing something in my old life. And I didn't mean food or sunlight. Something significant. Maybe some one significant. To dispel my discomfort, I winked at Matthew. "And I grow bored easily."

Matthew seemed to relax. "Okay. So, you're looking for love over all else."

I considered. "Perhaps I am. I've never given much thought to matters of the heart. I see myself enjoying my time with someone, getting along well, laughing and joking amiably … I suppose you could call that love, in a way."

"Aren't you a sentimental one."

I snorted. "No one I have ever met would call me sentimental."

"Then perhaps you haven't shown your true self."

I blinked and squinted at the boy beside me. "Be careful, Matthew. You might see too much."

He grinned. "I don't think there's much chance of that."

"Take off your mask."

He started. "What?"

"That ridiculous mask. Take it off. I want to see who I'm speaking with."

He snorted, but seeing I was serious, he complied, pulling it up and off. As soon as he was free of it, he ran a hand through the dark curls atop his head. He was cute. He didn't have the chiseled jawline or princely cheekbones of Melbourne or Ambrose, but something about him was very warm and inviting, and when he smiled, dimples appeared in his cheeks. "Well, I'm not hiding anything hideous, if that was your concern."

"Says you."

Matthew made a noise of protest in the back of his throat and slapped my chest.

I laughed in response. "But seriously, why were you wearing such a horrid mask?"

He shrugged. "I wished to take advantage of the masquerade. I don't think anyone knew who I was in there, and sometimes it's just … nice to be anonymous."

I nodded. "Blending into the shadows, forgotten the next day … I think I understand that feeling more than most."

Matthew chuckled. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you could never blend in with a face like yours, Lucian."

"Drat. I'll just have to resign myself to being utterly gorgeous then."

"And perpetually in everyone's thoughts."

"Maybe they'll have me pose for paintings and statues."

"And compose poetry of longing and unrequited love."

We grinned at each other.

"You're kind of a brat, you know that?" I asked him.

"Nothing you can't handle, clearly." Matthew sighed, then got to his feet. "And on that note, I should probably get back. Are you coming?"

"No, I need to brood for a while longer."

Matthew rolled his eyes and replaced his mask. "It was nice talking to you, Lucian. Enjoy the ball."

"Save a dance for me."

"Truly? It would be my honor. Would the last dance of the evening be alright?"

"It's always good to end the night on a high note."

"Oh, I see I'm going to have to be careful around you. You've the devil's tongue."

I shrugged. "Guilty."

I watched him venture back toward the house and was just turning away when I noticed two figures leap from the shadows and knock him to the ground.

I jumped to my feet and rushed to Matthew's aid as the two figures in dark, hooded robes dragged a protesting Matthew deeper into the garden.

"Unhand him," I ordered as I approached the men, who paused to regard me.

The one on the right held Matthew in a tight grip while the other stalked toward me, kneading his fists.

I was going to enjoy this.

The man swung out with a fist intended for my nose, but I easily dodged the attack. I might not have had my vampire reflexes anymore, but after centuries of fighting and hunting, I knew how to grapple with a man. I took advantage of the man's surprise by offering him a solid uppercut that made his teeth clatter together audibly. The sound was music to my ears.

"Lucian!" Matthew cried as he was dragged down a side path.

I sighed, realizing I wouldn't have the luxury of drawing this out as long as I would have liked. My opponent offered me another slow punch, whereupon I grabbed his arm, snapped it back with a painful crack, then clamped my mouth down over his exposed neck.

Of course, I had no fangs, and realized quickly I was doing nothing useful. So I shoved him to the ground, where he moaned, still clutching his broken arm. I kicked him in the ribs for good measure as I sauntered past him, making my way to where I heard Matthew continuing to struggle against his would-be kidnapper.

When I turned a corner, I found Matthew bucking the other robed man so wildly that he'd almost escaped his grasp. In response, Matthew was backhanded, the mask flying from his face, a trickle of blood escaping the corner of his mouth.

"That's enough of that now," I said. The man's hands were occupied with Matthew, so he couldn't defend himself from the solid punch I aimed at his face. The sound of his nose breaking sent a shiver of pleasure down my spine, and I laughed as the man let go of Matthew all at once to see to the bleeding.

Matthew grabbed my hand and spun me around, yanking me back toward the house, and safety. I licked the blood left behind on my knuckles and shuddered, but not from rapture. The taste didn't bring the euphoria I was expecting, but was rather metallic and bitter. I spit it out, disappointed, as we stepped into the waiting light of the human world and the shadows fell from me once more.