When I Find You

Chapter 4: The Masquerade

By the time I made it to the ballroom, most of the guests were seated. Andrea was in a gorgeous green dress that really complimented her eyes. She waved at me when she saw me and motioned for me to sit next to her. When I sat next to her, she leaned into me and whispered, “You’re late, but you look really beautiful.”

“I know, the Queen knows too, I informed her earlier. You look gorgeous too. Did you cast the spell?” I whispered back so that the royal family wouldn’t hear us. Though I didn’t sit with the royal family, we sat at the table in front of them. They sat on a mini elevated stage with a rectangular table. Half of the table were the men of the royal family, the other half were the women.

“It’s nice of you to join us, Ava,” the queen said looking down from her table with a wide sarcastic smile. She had such a sense of humor, that I couldn’t help but giggle. “Whoever is on the stage, needs to stop talking and let the djay do his thing, I’m trying to dance and drink,” She continued to whisper with an even bigger, wicked smile.

“I want to dance and drink too,” Camila joined in the conversation, looking over the table just like her mother. “Hi Ava, you look really pretty!”

“You mean drink that sprite you still have in your cup right?”

Her face turned from playful to slightly discouraged, “Yes mother”

“Camila, you look pretty! We can drink together” I winked at her.

“You two better behave yourselves, you understand me.”

“Yes Queen” Camila and I spoke at the same time.

The queen stopped leaning over the table and waited for the server to bring our food out to us. We ate dinner and Andrea and I decided we needed drinks before the music began. We did our jobs before enjoying the night and when I was satisfied we would be safe for the night, Andrea and I took some shots. The music started and everyone was on the dancefloor dancing. Andrea met with some of her other friends and I turned to look at the bartender and ask for another drink.

I felt a cold presence behind me. The only person I know of who has access to the castle with such a cold presence is Tristin. Tristin Burns, the vampire favored by Queen Vivian, but not so much by me. He’s been trying to get my attention for 3 years now, and every time I always say no.

“Tristin,” I spoke, not turning in his direction. Instead, I continued to eye the Scotch the bartender handed me, and took a sip.

“Ava, you look absolutely beautiful.”

I turned around, catching him staring at my a*s. His cheeks turned a little red, but I thought vampires couldn’t show emotion.

“I’m sure you would think that without me even turning around” I snapped.

“You know Ava, Twilight has shown us that a vampire and human can love each other in peace. Why don’t you give us a chance? I promise I won’t let you down.” He spoke cold heartedly, but I wasn’t surprised. He was a vampire after all.

I shook my head and that’s when I felt this overwhelming feeling. The same feeling I felt, when I saw the name during the investigation. He must be near. I scanned the room to see anyone who might fit the name, but it was a masquerade party. Everyone was wearing a mask. I wanted to yell in frustration. I was never going to find the mystery man.

I shooed Tristin away and took a seat at the bar. I finished my drink and asked the bartender for another. He forced me to have a cup of water first. I felt the presence getting stronger, and I turned my head to see a man approaching me. His eyes a shade of purple, filled with hunger and desire that was making me weak. Who was this man? What kind of power did he possess to make me feel like this? He kept walking towards me and I had to look around to make sure it was me he was walking to and not someone behind me. I looked away for a second to take another drink.

He put his hand on my shoulder and I nearly jumped out of my skin. His touch possessed such power, but it was also soft and gentle. I was confused and I wasn’t sure what to say. Instead, I looked at him with curious eyes.

“Come with me,” he ordered. It wasn’t a question. It was a pure statement, and I was filled with anger more than curiosity now.

“Excuse me?” I choked out in reply.

“Come. With. Me. I shouldn’t have to repeat myself.”

He grabbed me by my hand, and forced me to walk outside. We were in the garden. He seated me on the edge of the fountain. I stood up in protest. I couldn’t deny the sparks that traveled from my hand to my heart, down my spine, creating a warm pool where one didn’t need to be.

“Who are you?” I spoke firmly.

No response.

“What do you want?” I stood up to get his attention, but it seemed as though he was waiting for something to happen.

Andrea put a spell on the castle. Anyone with ill-will, would not be able to enter, so this strange man could not enter if he were planning something bad.

“I said, what do you want?” I asked more sternly this time.

He looked up at me. His piercing purple gaze penetrating my soul. I looked into his eyes, seeing more emotion than there was earlier. Something was wrong, but I can’t confirm that if he decides to stay mute.

“Ava, calm down. There’s no need to panic.” He grabbed my shoulder and I shivered at his touch. What is wrong with me?

“Who are you and how do you know my name?” I said, pulling away from his touch. I have no idea who this man is, and he’s ordering me around? ME? Granted, I wanted him to touch me, but I wanted answers first and I wasn’t getting them.

Andrea walked out into the garden. I was so thankful to see her. I had this strange, sexy, mute man holding me hostage and I was so over it.

“Andrea!” I called out with so much more excitement in my voice than I wanted there to be.

“Ava, listen to me. I love you, you’re like my little sister, and I promised you that I would fill you in tomorrow. After the party was over. I’m so sorry for what I’m about to do, but I promise you, it’s to protect you.” Her green eyes turned to a dark blue and that only happened when she was truly sad. I wasn’t sure what was about to happen next. “Trust me, I have never let you down.” She said, as she took my hand to comfort me.

She’s right, Andrea has never let me down, so whatever it is that she has planned must be for a very good reason. Andrea has always been the rational one between us. She thinks through everything like it’s a mathematical equation; taking balance into account whenever there’s a big problem. It was my favorite quality about her. She wouldn’t be as powerful today if not for that quality.

“Be gentle with her.” My hostage said. Followed by some more mumbled words as I felt myself falling to the ground.