Serpent Twins: The Fall

La Ville Lumière

Dylan’s POV:

“Why?” she asked, pulling her hand to drink her water.

I could see that she began to feel uncomfortable, but I have to make sure that she is safe.

“I’m worried about you, Kimmy. There was a talk in the dark web about a mysterious European billionaire named Mircea that was related to secret society with deranged rites. Someone even made theory about him having related with the missing heart case,” I paused, feeling dumb after hearing my own words.

Kimberly’s eyes were widely opened, “That was a strong accusation based on rumors, Dylan. Do you or anyone have proof to support the accusation? You cannot point to someone based on what random people wrote in the internet. I thought you know this better,” she pouted her lips.

“Wait, I’ll get my notebook so you can see it for yourself,” I got up to get my notebook, but she held my hand.

“Dylan, what has got into you? I don’t like this,” she said.

I sat back and pulled out my phone and showed her documents Billy sent me this afternoon. She took my phone with confused look and returned it to me.

“The first one was Nine-one-one call transcript from Alexander Mircea’s maid, it said that she saw other servant serving fresh blood in a goblet for Alexander. The others were documents from Harvard Medical Alumni Association stated that Nicholas Mircea had graduated in two thousand two and Oxford Medical Alumni that he had graduated in two thousand fifteen. They were born in nineteen-ninety-two, so Nicholas couldn’t attend Harvard Med School unless he was what, ten years old at the time?” I uttered.

“Dylan, we didn’t see any pictures of Nicholas on the Harvard’s record so it could be different person and about the goblet of blood, she could be wrong, we humans aren’t built to digest blood,” she replied, but then she seemed like to recall something in her mind.

“What? Did you remember any?” I asked.

She sighed, “Dylan, what are you up to with these?” she said, staring into my eyes.

“I just want you to be safe, Kimmy. I just feel something fishy with those guys,” I answered, “And after what happened to Jackson Reid, I started to doubt my previous logic,” I added.

She took her phone to dial someone.

“Kimmy, who are you calling at?” I asked, then noticing Nicholas Mircea on her screen, “Kimmy, I’m not finished yet, please put down the phone,” I asked.

Why does she put trust on him?

“Nicholas, sorry to call you this late,” she said, “Did you attend Harvard Med School?” she continued and listened to him, “And is there any of your family members involved in some kind of blood-drinking cult?” she asked again and smiled, “No, I’m just curious, sorry for asking, have a good night,” she ended the call and stared at me with disappointment in her eyes.

“Kimmy, how could you just call him? Do you expect him to say the truth?” I asked, trying to hold her hand, but she moved away her hand.

“Yes, I believe in him, I can’t say the reason, but he was successfully tested, while you have failed me. Dylan, you have promised me before to stop digging into Alexander, so not only you broke your promise, you also tried to make me against him by giving me irrational information, so I’m sorry, but I have to go home now,” she got up and took her purse, “The dinner was delicious, please tell Mrs. Jones that I enjoyed her food very much,” she tried to smile.

I hurriedly came to hug her, “Kimmy, please don’t get misunderstood,” I gently said.

She tried to dodge me, rose her hands with palms on me, and walked out of the dining room to the foyer. I held the mudroom door with my hand while she was about to open to take her coat.

“Dylan, please,” she pleaded without looking at me.

I turned her body and raised her chin, “Please let me explain, Kimmy?” I requested.

She shook her head and used her hands to shake off my hands.

“No more excuse, Dylan,” she turned her back on me.

I sighed and opened the door to take out her coat.

“Thank you, I can do it,” she rejected my offer to help her putting on her coat.

“I’ll take you home,” I told her halfheartedly and dialed Billy’s, “Please get my car, Billy,” I asked.

“I can go home with Billy or Zac, Dylan,” she said.

I shook my head, “No, I’ll get you home, Kimmy.”

I felt so horrible and f****d up.

How can I fix this?      

øøøøø

I took a quick glance to the man who was standing next to me and politely nodded, but he just stared at me. I tried to look away, but it was like his hazel eyes lured me to look at him again, then I felt a sudden nausea, so I took out handkerchief to close my mouth. The strange man with dark brown hair went out soon after the elevator door was opened. 

Who was he?

I couldn’t remember of seeing his face before and he obviously went to my company’s floor. I coughed, then noticed that the nausea has gone.

“Are you alright, Sir?” Tim asked me after I gave a nod to receptionist’s greeting.

I sighed, “Who’s that man, have you ever seen him?”

“Excuse me, but which man, Sir?” he asked.

I stopped walking and turned at him.

“Just now, the man in the elevator who got off on IT and Human Resource floor?” I reminded him.

“I’m sorry, Sir. I’m not following,” he said in confusion.

I c****d my brows, “He’s six feet with dark brown hair, for God’s sake!” 

He shook his head in confusion, “We’re alone in the private elevator, Sir,” he said, emphasizing the word ‘alone’.

“No, we didn’t. There’s a man with us, Tim. Go check the security camera,” I impatiently asked.

What’s wrong with him? How could he not see that man?

 This odd event was actually very bothering, but I hurriedly went to my office suite since I have to prepare the videoconference meeting before going to Denver.

“Sir, Special Agent Krasinski and Fanning will come at eleven,” Maya informed me before I entered my suite. 

Kimberly’s POV:

“Doctor Vanderwood, Mr. Knight sent flower,” Alice came bringing huge flower box.

Glenn gave her a hint, “Give it to me, Alice. Thank you,” he said in low tone, took over the box from Alice and placed it on my desk.

I thanked Alice before she went out.

“Please put it somewhere else, Glenn. We’ll have Mr. Davenport visiting,” I requested while checking on operative records.

Glenn took the box, put it on the corner of the room, and whistled, “What a lavish flower box,” he made a comment and then left after telling me that he will go to get abdominal USG report of Mr. Harrington.

I sighed, it’s been only last night, but I felt like it’s been almost a week. Over curiosity, I got up and went to check the flower box. It was a black velvet paper box with ‘I’m sorry’ message in Swarovski crystals on its side and thirty-six preserved white roses inside the box. I lightly touched the roses. 

I love white roses.

A piece of black ribbon in the middle of the box caught my attention, so I carefully pulled it out revealing a drawer contained six small gold boxes individually tied in ribbons of La Madeline au Truffle, that extravagant chocolate made by a Danish artisan chocolatier in Brooklyn. Daniel bought me one before, so I just knew after seeing the gold boxes. I closed the drawer and went back to my table to take out my phone.

Hi, Dylan. Thanks for the roses and chocolates, but I’d be more grateful if you stop sending me such.

I stopped to read my message and erased it.

Hi, Dylan. Apology is accepted, thanks for the roses, but please don’t make my situation more complicated. Let’s just be good friends.Pray emoji. Have a good day. 

I read it again, then switched the word ‘my’ into ‘our’ and tapped send. I realized that I was a bit harsh, but I couldn’t deal with another complication anymore, especially because I have told Nicholas about my impulsive decision which I began to regret it this morning when I woke up with menstrual bleeding. Nicholas didn’t call me last night, but he called me this morning to tell me that he was happy about my decision and that he will be back tomorrow and asked me to prepare for surprise weekend getaway. I told him that I’m on period, but he said I won’t have to swim. I like his joke and the fact that he’s not after for merely s*x.

Then I heard a door knock.

“Doctor Vanderwood, Mr. Madden was coming,” Alice stood in front of me with big smiling face.

Patrick is a handsome man, surely a young nurse like Alice couldn’t hold her curiosity.

“Thanks, Alice. Please send him in,” I told with a smile and put the last folder on its pile.

Patrick got into my office soon after Alice went out.

“Good day, Kimberly,” he widely smiled and offered his right hand.

I smiled back and shook his hand, “Good day, Patrick.”

“I’m glad you’re so alive and sound,” he said.

I felt my face started to burn, recalling to the moment I hugged him and told him that I suffered from a broken heart.

“I’m so sorry to cancel our appointment, Patrick, but Miss Davenport has contacted me this morning about her father to be featured on the show. I have just got his medical record, but I need to examine him myself, also to get the consent directly, so I requested him to come here,” I told him, trying to avoid embarrassing topic.

“Well, it’s been settled, then,” he said and gazed at me, “Are you free for lunch?” he suddenly asked.

I looked at him, “I…” stuttered with mixed up feelings.

He smirked, “Just a friendly lunch, Kimberly. Don’t worry,” he said.

I anxiously chuckled, “I’d love to, but I’m afraid I have no time to go out.”

“Let’s just grab something in the cafeteria, then,” he offered.

Me being seen with a television network owner in hospital cafeteria will ignite another gossip and I couldn’t afford another gossip as Glenn told me a rumor has spread that I was caught up in love triangle with Dylan and a mysterious handsome long-haired man. But, offering him a takeout to have it eaten here will seem a bit rude.

“Do you like Mexican’s?” I asked.

“Sure do,” he replied with a smile.

“Let’s just go to Chipotle, then. It’s within walking distance,” I suggested.

He got up, “Let’s go, then.”

Now it was already too late for me to suggest something else. 

Everyone will see us walking together.   

øøøøø

“So, how’s your feeling now?” Patrick asked me the second I took a bite on my tasty quesadilla with guacamole and pico de gallo.

I almost choked up. He laughed at me and bit his chicken burrito. I munched slower and drank my water.

“Look, I’m really sorry for yesterday. I didn’t know what’s got into me behaving like that and I’m fine, thank you,” I said.

“So, who is he? The man who took you from me?” he curiously asked.

I bit my lower lip, “Just a friend.”

“A friend?” he repeated with disbelief tone.

“Let’s just talk about something else, Patrick,” I asked, feeling uncomfortable with his questions, “I’m fine now, worry not,” I smiled.

“Okay, one last personal question, please. Are you single?” he asked, gazing at me.

I gazed back at his blue eyes, guessing whether the question will probably be needed for the show.

“If single means unmarried, then yes, I’m still very much single,” I smiled and dipped my quesadilla into guacamole cup.

“C’mon, Kimberly. It’s off the record,” he pleaded.

“Honestly, I still don’t know how to answer this, it’s a little complicated,” I told.

Even after I told Nicholas that I want to be with him and he responded happily, I can’t just claim him to be my boyfriend yet.

“Okay, so please let me make a guess. Are you currently dating Dylan Knight?” he asked.

I shook my head, “No, but wait a minute. Yesterday you also mentioned about him, how did you know?”

Media?

“I actually saw you and him on Senator Benjamin Knight’s charity dinner,” he answered. 

“Do you know Dylan like personally?” I asked.

“No, I don’t, but he’s my senior in Operations Research and Financial Engineering,” he replied.

“Princeton?” I asked, feeling amazed.

“Yes,” he confirmed shortly.

“I thought you took broadcasting or such,” I chuckled.

“Well, I did. It took me one and half suffering hour to go back and forth New Jersey-New York to complete two degrees barely at same time, almost like an impossible task,” he smirked.

“Wow, I can’t imagine that. So, where did you study broadcasting, then?” I was genuinely curious.

“I took journalism program at New York University,” he replied.

“Quite a résumé, Patrick,” I praised.

“So, back to you. Are you currently dating the mysterious guy I met yesterday?” he asked, gazing at me.

I bit my lower lip, “The answer is no. Okay, no more such questions please.”

“Well, I’ll tell you something if you tell me what I want to know,” he coolly said.

“I honestly don’t know yet, Patrick. If you asked me the question yesterday, I’d say no, I don’t date anyone,” I told him.

“Well, I’m envy to the mysterious man you were dating today,” he said, “I actually met you seven years ago in Baltimore, Kimberly,” he continued.

I stared into his blue eyes, “Where?” 

“When you came to the station with your father. I saw you crying alone,” he told.

“Oh, my God! Really? Are you the man who gave me handkerchief?” 

I was so shocked when he nodded. 

“I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize you, Patrick. Oh, my God. What a coincidence. And I horribly cried twice in front of you!” I wrapped my mouth with two hands.

He caught me crying over men twice!

“It’s fine. So, how about your missing boyfriend?” he softly asked.

“He’s not my boyfriend and he’s still missing,” I sighed.

I missed snuggling into his strong arms. My first crush.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to make you sad,” he smiled and lightly patted my hand.  

I smiled at him. His blue eyes were so mesmerizing.

How could I not stare into him seven years ago?

I just realized that after seeing Alexander’s doppelgänger, I kept meeting gorgeous men.

Are they temptations God sent to me?

øøøøø

“Nicholas, please don’t tell me we’re going abroad?” I gave my passport with hesitation, “I’m not in the mood to pack my stuffs,” I continued, feeling overwhelmed.

But why did I get him my passport anyway?

“Baby, don’t pack, let’s just go,” he took away my passport, pulled me into his hug, and put his white teeth on my neck.

I was instantly shivered, feeling ticklish all over my body and a little embarrassed because of my sweaty skin, so I pushed away his chest.

“Please let me take a shower first at least?” I chuckled and ran off to my bedroom.

Nicholas suddenly showed up at hospital and asked me to get my passport first before taking me for a surprise getaway. My cheeks were still burnt, recalling the moment when he hugged and stole a kiss in front of my colleagues after we’re done with the last surgery and introduced himself as my boyfriend. Even Glenn couldn’t hide his shock, but I couldn’t get angry with Nicholas, he’s so gorgeous wearing his hair in a sleek bun and tailored fit three-piece suit in navy. Just like…

Oh, knock it off, Kimberly!

I slapped my cheek and started to undress.

øøøøø

“So, tell me about the flower box,” he coolly asked when the plane was taxiing at Teterboro Airport.

I turned my head, “Oh, that. It’s from Dylan,” I said, not wanting to tell him about Dylan and the reason why I chose him over Dylan, “Where are we going to, Nic?” I asked.

He took an envelope from his inside breast pocket and gave it to me to open, so I took out a small gift voucher of Palais Garnier’s amphithéâtrefor Ballet de l'Opéra national de Paris.

“Nicholas, I absolutely love this,” I was genuinely excited, “So, we’re going back on Sunday?” 

“What, do you want to stay longer?” he joked and got his index finger lightly brushed the bridge of my nose.

I tried to slap his finger, but he caught my hand and kissed it with eyes on me.

“I’m so happy and relief that you chose to be mine, Kimmy. Let’s be happier together, Mein Schatz. I can’t wait to introduce and to give my world to you,” he raised my chin.

I closed my eyes, feeling his cold lips landed on mine and sensually moved his lips. I open my mouth to kiss him back and he hungrily kissed me harder. I moaned when his kisses went to my neck. He stopped and gazed into my eyes and kissed my lips again.

“Dinner will be served soon. You must be very hungry now,” he said calmly, but licked his lower lip.

I sheepishly nodded. Mr. Vauquelin, the private chef to Nicholas has given us menu soon after onboarding and I already requested for filet of sole served with white wine caper sauce, venus rice, medley of zucchini, and yellow squash,while Nicholas ordered for veal medallions in medium rare served with asparagus gratin and fondant potatoes. I previously wanted to make comment on the veal’s bad reputation because of the extreme confinement and cruelty involved in the way veal calves were raised on factory farms, but I decided to say nothing simply because unfortunately, I’m not yet a vegan.

øøøøø

“Good morning, Baby,” Nicholas woke me softly with his peck on my eyes.

I stared into his bright green eyes and sheepishly turned around as I was worried about my morning breath. 

“Good morning,” I replied with my face against the pillow.

I was flexing under the duvet when Nicholas pulled up the duvet and hugged me from behind.

“Nicholas,” I was shivered when he kissed my nape and felt his hard c**k on the back of my thigh while his hand traveled to my butt and another to my breast.

I wiggled and moved away, “What time is it?”

I need to freshen up and change my pad, so I went to open my luggage and searched for my menstrual pads, but I found none. The pad I was using was already soaked with blood down there.

“Almost nine, Baby,” he licked his lower lip with lustful eyes. 

“Nic, this is so embarrassing, but is there any chance I can ask something to one of the stewardesses?” I bit my lower lip.

He got off from bed and took sort of white remote from the table in the middle of two white seats, “Surely you can, Baby. You may use this or simply push the call button near the nightstand,” he pointed to the most corner nightstand next to the bed, “I’ll give you a private time,” he winked and left, “We’ll be landing in few minutes, by the way,” he said before closing the door back.

I sighed, feeling a relief after he went out and hurriedly went to the bathroom.

øøøøø

“Why do I prefer a pad over tampon?” I repeated, couldn’t believe to hear his question on feminine hygiene products.

He probably overheard my conversation with the stewardess. I removed my sunglasses and stared at him.

“Yes, please educate me,” he smirked behind his sunglasses and drove his sleek glossy black coupe supercar faster after exiting Paris-Le Bourget Airport.

I crossed my ankles, “Well, it’s a matter of preference, but mom handed me a pad during my first, so most likely that was the main reason. As other reasons, I don’t use tampon because it must be inserted inside, can cause the hymen to tear, and less reliable for women with particularly a heavy flow like me,” I explained.

Why didn’t he ask to his sister or former girlfriends?

Then I remembered that he was living apart with his family since practically teenager so this kind of chick topic has probably never been talked before. 

“Heavy flow, eh?” he smirked and got his right hand traveled to my cheek.

I held his hand, “So, what’s the plan here, Nic?” I softly asked.

“We’re heading to le village d'auteuilfirst before going out for a lunch and the ballet in the evening,” he said, gazing at me.

I nodded even when I had questions in mind, simply because Eiffel Tower was seen on our left side and I wanted to enjoy the view that brought memories of my last trip with Amber, Susan, Helena, and Vladimir a year before graduation. We went to six different cafésand bars during Beaujolais Nouveau Day to enjoy wine. I passed out during the seven-drinking game at the last bar overlooking Eiffel Tower because I was already drunk before the game even started. As Amber and Helena met two handsome law students from Los Angeles, Vladimir took me back to our hotel. I probably got really drunk that night because I thought seeing a giant brown wolf reached up to six feet four inches long, as tall as Vladimir, in my hotel room, licking my face.

My mind stopped wandering soon after we entered neighborhood in a remarkable Art Nouveau style architecture with welcoming atmosphere. The car was slowing down while a black metal double grill gate opened for us. Behind the high gates, a smaller private road with lush garden on its sides was leading to a big five-story building with grand staircase as entrance and fountain with their house symbol in the middle of it.

A man in dark suit opened our doors while a black Rover drove by Nicholas’s security personnel parked behind his Bugatti. Several people wearing uniform gave us a bow, I tried to give them friendly smile, but some of them didn’t raise their faces and some smiled back stiffly.

Weird.

Nicholas held my hand and leaded the way into the mansion.

“I’ll show you the room so you can rest, please be ready at eleven fifty, Baby. I have to meet some people. Is that okay?” he asked, pulling me closer while we entered an elevator.

He removed his dark sunglasses.

I nodded, “Please take your time. This is such a beautiful mansion, Nic,” I smiled.

Too bad, it’s too big and empty.

Nicholas raised my face and gave me a peck, “Come, let give you a rest,” he held me out and opened a big door across a bank of elevators.

I saw my luggage was already in the room.

How fast. They must use service elevator before us.

“I hope you like it, Kimmy,” he sensually kissed my lips, cheeks, and went down to my neck.

“Mmh, Nicholas!” I protested as it was too ticklish and I didn’t take a shower yet.

He chuckled and hugged me tight, “Or do you want breakfast together?” he offered, brushing my back.

I shook my head, “No, please just do your core, Nic. I’m not hungry yet,” I replied.

“Still, I’ll ask the maid to get you something light for breakfast, then. I’ll see you in two hours, Baby,” he kissed my hair.

I closed the door and smiled, Nicholas is perfect gentleman, I hope I can really learn to love him. I looked around the bedroom suite, knowing it was bigger than my whole apartment. The enormous windows, crystal chandeliers, big neutral curtains, French wall panels and ceilings, and luxury furniture, the suite bedroom screamed for elegance and sophistication.

Like? This place is for the royalties.

I looked myself in the mirror, with messy bun, pale face, wearing black cashmere sweater, slim fit dark jeans, and black stiletto. 

Will Nicholas’s parents accept a commoner?

I checked my phone, it was still 09.35 a.m. in local time, so I would have enough time to take a shower and rest. I removed my stiletto and clothes, then went to the bathroom in my undies. The bathroom is so big, with huge tub. It was so tempting, but since I was still on my period, I walked to the shower area. I only packed two pairs of clean clothes, so I was thinking to buy a decent cloth in Lafayette later or I can just reuse.

øøøøø

“Are we going to Le Jules Verne?” I asked, after Nicholas parked and let the valet take over steering wheel of his very low height supercar, less than four feet.

Being stared at by some people, I sheepishly hid a little behind his arm as he held my hand. 

It was obviously him and the engine roar of his flashy supercar drawing attention from people.  

“Kimmy, what are you doing?” he stopped and lowered his face to look at me with a grin.

I shook my head, feeling ridiculous, “Nothing,” and pulled his hand to walk faster.

I could hear his light chuckle, but he said nothing else and took the lead to go to the entrance in south pillar whereas a check-in gentleman escorted us to dedicated elevator to whisk us up to second floor of the iconic wrought-iron lattice tower, then a waiting staff warmly welcomed us upon arrival the luxurious restaurant with celestial décor and a 360-degree-view of the Seine and the Sacré Cœur, the Tour Montparnasse, Les Invalides, and more.I looked around after seated by the window, wondering the empty tables. I knew people prefer dinner over lunch here, but it was weekend, I was sure the tables would be fully booked in this Michelin-starred restaurant, weekday or weekend.

“Nicholas, did you book the entire restaurant?” I curiously asked after selecting five-course tasting menu instead of seven as I already ate delicious honeyed fruit salad in his mansion.

He smirked and took my hand, “What do you think?”

Rich people.

I sighed, “Well, did you?”

I actually felt booking the entire venue for just two people was a bit selfish. There must be tourists who probably missed their opportunity to experience having lunch at this magical spot, 410 feet high up in the sky with amazing views of Paris and the River Seine below.

“Barbara set this for us, Baby. I have never been here before,” he kissed my knuckles, gazing at me with his beautiful green eyes.

Those mesmerizing eyes.

“I’m sorry, Nicholas. I’m so grateful with this chance,” I smiled, “So Barbara arranged the date for us?” I asked.

He smirked, “Barbara is my financial planner and advisor, but she handles almost all kind of my personal errands too.”

Is she beautiful?

Nearly all of his employees are good looking, even all of his security personnel are all movie-star look alike.

øøøøø

“Nicholas, I said ‘no shopping’,” I elbowed him after he whispered in my ear that he was bidding the brilliant-cut diamond necklace and a pair of ear clips weighing 12.35 carats, for me.

My heart was racing faster seeing the necklace represented a glittering survival of the past and remained a treasure of great significance. Nicholas brought me to Sotheby’s after the lunch which took us only seven minutes of cruising the streets. I thought we were about to just look around at the exhibits, not to get into auction, although he previously asked me before entering the sale room which of jewelries that I like from the display pictures, so without thinking further, I chose the pure diamond necklace with ear clips created in circa fifties from famous Parisian jewelry house over the more extravagant designed Italian’s.

“Fair warning! Last chance!” the auctioneer’s voice was clearly heard in the packed room.

“Raise your hand, Baby,” Nicholas whispered in my ear again, ignoring my complaint.

As I didn’t raise my hand, he took my hand and raised it.

“Sold! For one million one hundred ninety-eight thousand dollars to buyer number el-o-three hundred nine,” the auctioneer announced by the fall of the hammer and everyone was clapping after.

I blushed after Nicholas kissed my cheek and took my hand.

øøøøø

After was debating myself over the dresses I will opt to wear with the magnificent diamond necklace and ear clips from the auction on the bed. I intended to return the jewelry pieces after wearing them tonight, to honor Nicholas wish. I took the black full sleeve button blazer worsted wool dress in mid-calf long with deep v neck and above the knee-high slit in the middle. I will pair it with black pantyhose and stiletto later. 

I carefully removed my snake ear studs and replaced them with the diamond ear clips. I touched the necklace and lifted it, lightly brushed the sparkling diamonds. I just couldn’t believe I was holding such expensive jewelry. Then I remembered the full pave diamond watch Alexander gave to me inside my closet.

Maybe I should return or just sell it right away.

I sighed and was about to wear the necklace when my phone was ringing. It was FaceTime from Carla.

“Kimmy, what are you up to, Girl?” she asked while laying on her yoga mattress and she got up after noticing that I was dressed up, “Are you going somewhere? Wait, where are you?”

“I’m in Paris,” I replied in low tone.

“Hey, why are you whispering? Paris? With who?” she curiously asked.

“Nicholas,” I bit my lower lip and took the phone farther as I know that she will scream.

“Kimmy! Spill me out!” she demanded.

“I… chose him, Carla,” I finally said, “Wait, I’m going to put the phone first while doing my makeup, okay?” I placed the phone against the vanity mirror.

“Jesus, the walking closet!” she noticed the walking closet situated across the bathroom suite, “Where are you exactly?” she asked.

“I think sixteenth arrondissement,” I replied, not wanting to tell the exact location.

“So, tell me, why did you choose him over Dylan?” she raised her eyebrow and gave me that serious look.

I shrugged my shoulders, “I honestly don’t know, Carla. After seeing Alexander and Dylan, I made a little rush decision,” I brushed my hair and sectioned it with hair clips.

“You met Alexander? How?” she asked.

“I… saw him when I was about to meet someone and followed him into his building,” I honestly told while using the straightener to make end curls.

“You tailed him! So, what happened with you two?” she smirked.

“Nothing. He even said that I should be better with Nicholas,” I told, feeling sadness emerged.

“Hey, was that the reason you chose Nicholas? To replace Alex?” she accused.

“I don’t know, Carla, but Nicholas treats me so good and he’s a better version of Alexander, so I think I could learn to fall for him in no time,” I replied, still dealing with my hair.

“You sound like someone else. Wait, that’s me!” she laughed, “I’m happy for you if being with him makes you happier, Kimmy,” she added.

“Thanks, Carl,” I smiled at her.

“But I also heard some birds told me that you went out with Patrick Madden, the blue-eyed one with Tesla we met in front of Roasted Masala, the hottest media mogul you didn’t tell me that you’re going to be on his show. Are we really friends, Kimmy?” she pouted.

I chuckled, “I’m sorry, I’ve been busy, Carl. And we only went for a lunch. A business lunch, although he said he knew me seven years ago. He saw me at local television station when my dad and I went for Vladimir,” I told her and put a red lipstick on my lips.

“Congrats on your appearance on Meet the Surgeon. Wow, you look classy and hot. You’re so going to lose it tonight, Girl,” she laughed.

“Thanks, Carl, but I’m on period and he’s not like what you think,” I gave her my tongue.

Is he?

The image of his huge long c**k suddenly flashed in my mind. I bit my lip, hoping Carla didn’t notice my blush.

“How naïve! He just put the temptation on hold, Kimmy. A hot guy like that with a consenting hot woman like you, I bet he was suffering down there all the time,” she laughed.

“Hey, enough about me. What about you and Jason?” I asked, trying to divert the topic.

“Kimmy, you know Doctor Aaron Goldsmith? Jason’s boss? He has just passed away this morning,” she informed.

“What? How?” I took the phone.

“A heart attack,” she told.

“Dear God, he’s a lovely person. What a loss,” I felt a wave of sadness emerged. 

øøøøø

I stole a glance to him. He was wearing slim-fit mock turtleneck shirt in black under a navy unstructured jacket with a pocket square and navy pants. He draped navy pea coat over his shoulders and let his long blonde hair hang loose.

So sexy.

I have never thought that a man with long hair would be this attractive as I have never drawn into long haired man before.

“You look amazingly beautiful, Kimmy,” he kissed my cheek and my hands, “Do you like it?” he glanced to the necklace I was wearing.

“You look great yourself, Nic,” I smiled, “But am I overly dressed up with this bling?” 

“No, you look absolutely gorgeous, Mein Schatz,” he gave me a deep gaze before hunching and putting his cold lips on my lips.

I ended the kiss because worried of staining his lips. I opened my eyes and stared to his lips.

His sexy lips.

“Thank you for your generosity, Nic. But…”

He put his finger on my lips, “You’re welcome, Baby. No, ‘but’, please,” he gave me a stern look and then smiled, “Shall we go?” he offered his arm.

øøøøø

Instead of letting others to help me out, Nicholas quickly came to my door and pulled me out gently yet fast. It was the third time this evening after exquisitely delicious dinner with top notch service at Le Cinq.

“Thank you,” I muttered with a chuckle when he fixed my coat over my shoulders and leaded me straight to the entrance.

Am I drunk?

An usher approached and politely guided us to our seats. We were walking slowly, hand in hand in another most celebrated monument in Paris, admiring the mesmerizing opulence of the building, grand marble staircase, gilded statues, ornate foyers, and giant crystal chandeliers. 

Such a sumptuous neo-baroque theater.

Suddenly Nicholas stopped and smirked to two very beautiful ladies in black dresses who apparently came across us. They politely nodded to him, almost like offered him bows.

“Ladies,” he lightly nodded to them, “Kimberly, this is Elizabeth, my cousin,” he glanced to a beautiful blonde woman in black sexy lace dress.

I offered my hand, “Nice to meet you, Elizabeth,” I gave her friendly smile.

She shook my hand and smiled sweetly, “Kimberly,” she pulled me into her hug and I awkwardly hugged her back.

She is probably five feet ten inches tall and very beautiful, but her hand and body is cold.

 “And Madeline, my brother’s wife,” Nicholas’s voice startled me and almost gave me a heart attack.

Alexander’s wife.

I released the hug and another beautiful woman with a pair of hazel eyes and dark brown hair was staring at me with warm smile. 

“Hello,” I hoarsely greeted and offered my hand, but she pulled me into her hug.

Another cold body.

“It’s a nice coincidence we meet here, Kimberly,” she released her hug.

She is five feet four inches tall and very elegant lady in obviously haute couture dress. Her complexion is clear and pale, she has beautiful thick eyebrows. Her wispy braided bun and vampy lips were done in perfection. A slight sadness hit my chest.

How lucky Alexander actually is.

“Baby, let’s not stop these two ladies to continue their night,” Nicholas held my hand and gave them a nod.

“Bye, Kimberly. I wish we could chat more,” Elizabeth gave me a wave.

I smiled to them, but trying to avoid Madeline’s eyes, “Goodbye, nice to see Nicholas’s family.”

I secretly sighed and grabbed Nicholas’s arm as suddenly I felt a little tipsy. My face must have been unattractively flushed.

She is so beautiful and graceful.

Once we parted ways, I glanced to Nicholas, he clenched his jaws.

“What’s wrong, Nic?” I asked.

He looked at me and smiled, but I could see a hit of anger in his eyes.

“Everything is alright, Baby,” he replied and pulled me closer, following the quiet usher who took us to the lower balcony of the Italian-style horseshoe-shaped auditorium.

The usher opened the wooden door with a round glass peephole window in front of us and showed our seats in a private box directly facing the center stage. There were only two armchairs made of black tinted wood and upholstered crimson velvet inside. 

“I’d love to bring you closer to the stage, but this is the most decent seats to view ballet performance,” Nicholas said, taking off his coat and mine to be given to the usher to the cloakroom.

I nodded and widely smiled, knowing that he made the best choice because from this seat, I would have a better look over axis of symmetry and choreographies involving a large number of dancers with impressive vertical movements. 

“Thank you, Nic. This is perfect,” I told, looking up at the colorful Chagall-painted ceiling inside the auditorium.

Before a quite obnoxious bell ring at the beginning of the performance, the usher came bringing us the printed performance programs, two bag pouches contained opera glasseswithelegant folding handle and its cleaning cloth. 

Elizabeth’s POV:

I tried so hard to control my mind not to wander around. When the prince gave a cue for us to leave, I felt an instant relief because I almost thought about how the human, Kimberly, Prince Nicholas’s mate, acted a little weird after Prince Nicholas introduced her to Lady Madeline. She even checked on Lady Madeline and even mentioned about how lucky the crown prince is.

What? To have Lady Madeline?

She obviously didn’t know that it was Lady Madeline who is lucky to be with the crown prince. Our twin princes are the only vampire twins, pureblood with covetous supernatural powers, while Cameron, my brother, although he is a born vampire, but he is not a pureblood as our mother was human.

Prince Nicholas must know that I have feeling for him since I was twelve years old, but he ignored my feeling. As I’m not an aggressive one, all I could do was trying to meet him as often as possible. It was hard enough for me to live far from him as I was living with my parents in Tanzania and occasionally in Chile, with Cameron. When I had the chance to meet him, he would just leave soon, as if he was trying to avoid me. He almost banged every noblewoman in Europe, but he avoided me although I have tried to offer my pure body for him. He used to be good to me, but everything was changed after I foolishly tried to seduce him. I never knew his reason of rejection, but I am confident that it was not about my looks. 

When I heard about Prince Nicholas found his mate, a human mate, I was heartbroken. I cried for days, so I was glad when suddenly Lady Madeline asked me to meet her here in Paris. I invited Princess Adriana to come, but she is still busy with the data collection.

I blankly stared to a frightened human in front of me.

“Please, I have baby,” she begged. 

Baby?  

Prince Nicholas addressed her as baby and he seemed to enjoy his human role.

Unbelievable.

The human mate is so petite and beautiful. I could understand why he is attracted to her. Mother was a human when she met father and father couldn’t resist to be drawn at her. Only the difference, mother was raised by vampires, so she knew what she would become. 

But this Kimberly? 

I heard from Cameron, she is a surgeon in Manhattan. I’m sure, the prince got trouble to convince her becoming one of us. Unless, she is a greedy person like most of our turning kind.

“Please, don’t hurt me,” a whimpering voice brought me to reality.

I sighed, “Run,” I told her and stood up to remove my sable coat, not wanting to have it stained during dinner.

Madeline’s POV:

 “She is beautiful,” Princess Elizabeth muttered after we sat quietly at the back seat of the car.

“A beautiful human indeed,” I stared at her sympathetically.

She is so infatuated over Prince Nicholas, but the prince deliberately ignored her.

 Just like my own situation.

“Why did Count Molnár leave us so sudden?” she asked.

We were about to watch the ballet performance at Palais Garnier with Adorjan, but he made excuse soon after knowing that Prince Nicholas was there. Adorjan came here for important task and probably avoided awkwardness to be seen with me.

I smiled, “He had emergency call, Princess,” I replied.

I’m glad that Princess Elizabeth couldn’t read born vampire’s mind but human and turning one. She has limited telepathy ability comparing to the pureblood.

“The human, she was admiring you a lot,” she said with an oddly bitter smile.

I looked at her. Princess Elizabeth is strikingly a gorgeous woman, golden blonde hair, blue eyes with a hint of green, tall and perfect slim body with nice breasts.

“I’m sure, she was admiring you too,” I lightly touched her hands.  

“That’s not what I meant, but well… I actually wanted to ask for quite long. How do you feel seeing a person who has same face with your husband?”

Nicholas’s POV:

“Find out why he’s immune to be compelled and I don’t approve laziness or sloppiness. Take your hacker down,” I said while listening to Kimberly’s mind.

She couldn’t stop admiring the interior of my mansion. I c****d my brow when she examined the hidden service elevator inside her room. She shouldn’t go inside the elevator as it would take her to the basement as well.

This human is overly curious. Why not just resting after having breakfast? 

I told Peter.

“Your Highness, but he’s our most valuable hacker,” Barbara’s voice over the video call echoed.

“Do you have to f*****g question me again? I will have your head the next time your humans made another mistake,” I hissed.

“No, of course not. Please accept my apology, Your Highness,” she said with trembling voice before I hung up on her.

I ordered Barbara to kill the imbecile human who did mistake for not erasing my previous record on Harvard. The mistake actually turned up to be blessing in disguise for me, as because of it, Kimberly chose me over that stupid naïve human. Barbara also informed me that Dylan Knight was failed to be compelled. It was no longer needed, still I was curious of why.

Did he ingest aconitum’s root, vervain flower, or ber leaf? 

I have to look into his mind or taste his blood to determine if he didn’t have those in his system. Some humans still extracted aconitum’s roots, vervainflowers, and ber leaves for medicinal use, while witches and warlocks used them against us. We can’t drink blood contaminated with those substances, it won’t kill us but sting our mouth, but we can’t use our supernatural power on them, compelling is no exception. I don’t believe in coincidence, that human whom tried to steal my woman would take random herbal medicine for dietary supplement.

I closed my MacBook and looked around.

“Can we just use videoconference next time?” I spoke, feeling bored to spend my precious time with Kimberly with them.

Father insisted us to have direct meeting as we could read the mind of participants, but I just couldn’t stand anymore. I need to be with my mate instead with those old-fashioned boring ones. Count Molnár’s cleared his throat to show his disagreement, yet when his eyes met mine, he looked down.

“Do you have something to object, Count Molnár?” I asked.

Count Molnár is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with completed subspecialties. He is a doctor for humans by day and researcher for us by night, moving from one European country to another after several years. I knew he was doing research involving human subjects in his castle basements and really wants to be involved in the study of the dead witches for his research. 

“No, I do not, Your Highness. I just want to inform you that…” 

“I already knew about two dead pregnant witches my cousin found in Argentina. Let the matter handle by my brother, you’ll be summoned if he needs you,” I cut him off, “Anything else?”

My brother despised and almost killed the naïve doctor once not because the doctor was ex best friend of 

Madeline’s ex fiancée, but because he dared to request sample of his sperm for his research, while Cameron and I gave ours as Count Molnár’s obsession on born-vampire is for the sake of our kind.I’m sure seeing Count Molnár is the last thing he wants.“Your Highness, if I may to speak about the claw marks, it was still unmatched with our database as we only collected less than twenty percent from our population here in Europe,” Lord Burghley, a baron from Wales, said.  

 I found claw marks of the hybrid werewolf on ancient beech tree bark near my castle in Epping Forest, so I asked him to search its vampire form’s DNA as the werewolf’s DNA is difficult to compare without adequate DNA profile.

“The dog must eat, so find fresh bitten cases, dead animals, he must leave marks somewhere,” I ordered.

“We will search further, Your Highness,” he nodded and replied.

“Now, who are stupid enough to challenge the king’s order?” I asked, referring to some barons in the UK who tried to avoid the DNA collection.

I licked my fangs as Kimberly replied messages from Dylan Knight.                              

øøøøø

I hugged her petite body from behind, surprisingly she turned around and hugged me back, wrapping her small arms around my waist with one hand holding two packets of madeleines the restaurant gave as gift. I gently took her hands and guided them to slip inside my coat and to wrap her arms around me. 

She is so warm and smells so irresistible.

I usually couldn’t stand with humans’ hormonal odor during their period, but her menstrual blood barely has no odor, so I assumed that either she practices good hygiene or her blood is indeed special. I just couldn’t hold the urge to taste it. Some lowlife vampires collected and consumed humans’ menstrual blood for sick reason as bloodborne pathogens can’t be transmitted to vampire, but the blood taste will probably be a little sour.

“Such a spectacular view,” she whispered and moved her face toward the panoramic views of Paris in front of us.

I looked around and grinned. I couldn’t wait to take her floating with me.

And that will be real spectacular for both of us.

“Would you like to ascend to the top floor?” I softly asked.

We were standing on second floor viewing deck after the lunch. I felt warm inside, having this beautiful human in my arms. I like when she started to think about the future relationship with me.

“No, it’s alright,” she chuckled, thinking that I was too formal.

Fuck me.

I began to feel mushy like my stupid brother. I hugged her tighter.

“Well, do you want to go somewhere? It’s just before two, we still have plenty time before the ballet,” I hunched to kiss her forehead, “Shopping?” I asked.

I wanted to show her all of my properties here, but she will dislike me rather than ogle at mine.

“No, no shopping please,” she said, changing her mind as she thought I will splurge on her later, which is of course I will.

I released my hug and put Barbara on the phone to arrange me something.

øøøøø

“So, you did the bidding by yourself?” she asked when we drove back to my mansion.

I lightly touched her cheek and smirked, “It was the first time for me too, Baby. Usually we placed proxy bidding, but Barbara might come to supervise the bidding on important pieces,” I told.

“What kind of important pieces?” she asked again.

“Mostly past fine arts, like paintings and jewelries,” I answered.

I asked Peter who was sitting inside black Rover fifty meters in front of us.

“Yes, Your Highness,” he replied.

I ordered.

“Where do you place such valuable pieces?” she asked.

I smirked and looked into her blue eyes, “What? Do you intend to rob me?” 

She hit my arm and pouted, “Just asking, forget it.”

“In every home that I have, Baby. But mostly in my main home,” I grinned, feeling thirsty.

She was wondering how many properties I own, but she decided to just skip the question.

Good, because I don’t f*****g count my own.

øøøøø

“I don’t think the dress will fit me after dinner,” she chuckled after I offered her the full eight courses.

“Well, I will still love you anyway,” I smirked and held her hands.

She sheepishly smiled. She is so beautiful and sexy, yet she always acts like she is just average while she is clearly not.

Can’t she see all eyes are on her?

I already marked two humans for Peter to take careafter we left for having too filthy thoughts on my woman.

“Make up your mind, Baby,” I lightly squeezed her hands.

“Then do me a favor, please?” she requested.

I smirked and ordered her grilled artichokes as starter, line-fished sea bass for main course, and marinated wild strawberries lime for dessert. For myself, I ordered foie gras, black market beef in rare, and a bottle of their best vintage champagne.

“I love when you said something in French,” she smiled and stared into my eyes, admiring my face.

Even when she thought I have cold eyes, I just couldn’t understand it because the ice prince nickname has been always belonged to my brother.

“Merci mille fois. Je suis fou de toi, ma chérie,” I replied and kissed her knuckles.

She bit her lower lip, “Je t’en prie. Do you often go here?” she asked, gave me her adorable gummy smile.

Adorable?

I realized I haven’t been used the word to describe cuteness since Adriana was still infant.

“No, but my sister love to come here when visiting,” I replied.

She has never visited me, but I knew she went here when she was traveling to Paris with her human pets.

“Your sister is so beautiful. Are you two close?” she asked.

I shook my head, “She is far closer to my brother,” I replied truthfully.

She was surprised as she thought my sister would prefer me over cold man like my brother.

“So, do you like it here?” I asked.

She smiled, “Of course, the setting is so gorgeous with a very elegant French feel here and I love the gorgeous white hydrangeas. I hope I will say the same for their cuisines later.”

I smirked, knowing this two Michelin starred restaurant won’t disappoint her. 

“Cheers, ma chérie!” I raised my glass after a waiter came filling up our champagne glasses.

“Cheers!” she clinked my glass. 

“But you will meet her during our Winter Ball. I’m going to host the event a day after the new year,” I sipped my champagne.

She raised her eyebrows, “I will? Are you asking me to go?”

She started to imagine meeting my family members and the thought of seeing my brother with his wife made her angry.

“Yes, we have to go together. All of my family and colleagues from all over the world will attend the ball,” I held her hand.

“What do you do in the ball? Do we really have to dance?” she asked.

I smirked, “It’s a ball night, Baby. We show off our trophy wives, dine, watch musical performance, get drunk, waltz dance, and go back to hate to each other the next day.”

She pinched my thumb, “Funny,” and gave me serious look, “I’m not confident with my dance, Nic,” she said.

“You danced alright, Kimmy,” I smirked, “Remember Positano?”

“It’s different, Nic,” she pouted, thinking about to take a dance class.

I like when she took it serious of being with me. I felt a strange intense feeling.

I can’t lose her.

“I’ll teach you, Baby,” I leaned at her and lightly brushed her brunette hair. 

“What your parents look like?” she asked after our starters were served.

“They are not… warm, but they are okay. You have nothing to worry, Baby. You will be the most favored,” I brushed my hair back and took a bite of my foie gras.

She will be the first human attending our Winter Ball.

She smiled and slightly scrunched her nose after seeing what was in my plate because she is against unethical animal treatment.

Does she know that the goose liver pâtéhere is pretty small because coming from most well-treated farm animals which following strict animal welfare and quality standard?

øøøøø

Elizabeth greeted me when we were walking around grand foyer.

I told her, already sensed her and Madeline’s presence right after setting foot inside the building.

I don’t want a distraction during my date with my mate.

she politely informed.

This unexpected encounter gave me an idea.

I warned her, knowing that they must have been curious about my human mate.

The thought of hurting Kimberly without getting my hands dirty seemed challenging, but she needs to fix her crap out and completely let go off my brother.

øøøøø

“Excuse me?” she asked with confused look.

“Write down something like message,” I told her.

“What kind of message?” she asked, still with widened eyes and slightly opened lips.

How tempting…

“Any kind of message to be written on the armchair here,” I told, knowing she was wondering about how much donation I gave to get such benefit.

“To name a seat here?” she was excited, “This is so sudden, I don’t know what to write,” she muttered, staring to some filling forms the usher gave to her during the first intermission break, “What are other benefits of such donation? I was assuming we can only do this because of donation,” she bit her lower lip, not wanting me to splurge to impress.

“Sponsorship on twenty young people to attend some previews, installation of a plaque engraved with your name, private visits for ten years, and some others,” I uttered impatiently.

“Are we doing this together?” she asked again.

Such a fussy woman…

“No, I’m not allowed to put our name publicly,” I told her the truth.

She gazed at me with a warm smile. Her ridiculous assumption of my family probably has philanthropic side, made me smirk.

 “Well, thank you for the opportunity, Nic,” she lightly touched my hand and started to fill in the message.

She wrote ‘dream big, love life’.

How cliché.

If she really loves life, I wouldn’t be this bothersome to play human with her.

“Now, do you want champagne after the performance?” I offered.

I ordered Peter.

øøøøø

Alexander’s POV:

“Your Highness, I just met your brother with his human mate in Palais Garnier,” Madeline talked to me excitedly on speakerphone.

“Yes. Anything else?” I asked, continuing to make the Y-incision, curved around the bottom of the breasts before meeting at the breast bone using a scalpel.

“She is a beautiful petite human. Have you ever met her before, Your Highness?”

“Madeline, don’t make conversation like this ever again,” I motioned Andrei to end the call and peeled back the skin, muscle, and soft tissue.

 “They were both indeed witches,” Cameron said after seeing inside of the witch’s skin was flayed by same ritualistic markings as the other unidentified witch.

I nodded.

“Cameron, I’ll be back in thirty minutes,” I removed my gloves, googles, and lab coat, tossed them on metal table next to the body, then teleported to library in my castle.

Why did I say thirty minutes?

I took an old book written in Theban alphabet and sat on my armchair. I opened the book and tried to concentrate on the book, to find same sentence carved inside the two dead witches, but I just stared blankly on the arcs and curls of the alphabet and couldn’t hold my emotion anymore.

Why did I have to meet her after Madeline?