A Stranger in the Night
Chapter 39

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It was all so new and confusing, I was still coming to terms with my new form and senses. The world seemed unchanged, yet all together different at the same time. I had moments where I felt I was seeing everything for the first time, as if through a newborns' eyes. The smells, the sounds, the sights and sensations, all tantalising, fascinating and magical. I even felt as if my own powers had reached new heights, but I was too afraid to dabble in those just yet. Alex hasn't left my side in weeks, Nerine is usually with me for at least an hour or so per day, so that Alex can do errands or meet with the Queen and King. It was actually nice to have a break from him too at times. Not that I wasn't enjoying his company and undivided attention, but I also enjoyed having some time to myself and to let my mind just rest and relax as well as take all this in. My favourite thing was to have a long soak in the bath, which is where I find myself again now. Surrounded by rose petals, goats milk and lavender. An overwhelming sense of calm swallowed me whole as I let the world slip away.

"Any longer in there dear and you will be a prune!". I laughed at Nerine's comment, she always knew how to make me smile. If it wasn't for her care and support, I don't think this process would have been as good as it has been. I know she's been doing alot for both Alex and I, and I know it has all been from a place of love. She hasn't stopped caring about me since I first arrived. I stood slowly, finding my balance as I moved from the tub, grabbing a soft and fluffy towel and swiftly wrapping it around myself. "You are getting better with controlling your movements dear.". I had only just started being able to move like I used to. My vampire speed was alot faster than I am used to and it's taken a bit for my brain to process that all too. I nodded at Nerine and moved to my wardrobe to grab some comfy clothes, attempting to be mindful of my speed and movement. If I was ever going to function in the human world again, this is something I would need to master. After my relaxing soak in the tub, all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep...maybe after I feed, I'm starting to get a little hungry. "Uh, uh, uh!", Nerine said, shaking her head at me. "No time for comfy clothes and relaxing Miss. Your presence is required in the gardens. I believe their Highnesses wish to see you.". I sighed and moved to the other side of my wardrobe, where my more formal dresses were. I picked out a knee length deep mulberry dress with a slight flare in the skirt. This will do. I only saw them yesterday so it can't be anything too important. I began to dress before I spoke to her. "Nerine....will Alex be coming with me?". He knew I still was getting used to being around them, especially as I am now. I constantly worried about how they would perceive me and regret Alex turning me. Nerine nodded. "Yes, I'm sure he will be back shortly. He said he wouldn't be long.". And as if I summoned him, he walked through the door of the bedroom.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," he said as he approached me swiftly, catching me off guard and making me choke on my own saliva. "Whoa! Calm down boy!". I giggled pushing his hands off me, as he tried to run his hands down my back to my ass. "Well, it's been a while since I've seen you looking as stunning as you are now. I say we ditch seeing my parents and stay here...". I blushed, knowing where his mind was going, and I can't say I wasn't interested. We hadn't been intimate since before I transformed and I have to say, that being curious about the experience, was an understatement. I know that because Alex has turned me that we now have an eternal bond, but apparently the intimacy part is an even deeper connection and I am excited to experience that! "Ouch! What the hell Nerine!". Alex rubbed his arm, trying to recover from the hit he just copped from Nerine. "If you don't attend and lead her astray, you know there will be hell to pay and today, I don't particularly feel like cleaning up the mess from that aftermath. So if you would be so kind and hurry up, it would be greatly appreciated....Master...". The small smirk that crept upon her face, gave me the impression that she knew what was coming. "Ah Nerine, always spoiling my fun.". She laughed back at him. "No...Master...just trying not to let you get killed today!". We all let out a little giggle.

"Alex! Slow down, you will rip my arm out of the socket if you keep pulling me!". He stopped suddenly in his tracks and turned to face me. "I'm sorry Luna. I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm just eager to get this over and done with.". I stepped back from him, and looked him up and down, trying to get a sense of what is going on. Dammit! Why couldn't one of my new powers be to read minds. Alex let out a small cackle, "Because where would the fun in that be darling!". I shoved him slightly, before he grabbed my hand and kissed it ever so softly. "You know I love you don't you". I nodded back but didn't say a word as he closed the distance between us, lowering his forehead onto mine and looking into my eyes. "I mean it. My life wouldn't be worth living without you in it Luna. So no matter what happens today, know that my heart will always belong to you and I promise I will do whatever it takes to give you all of the love, happiness and joy you deserve.". I smiled at his kind words but they also plagued my thoughts as to what was coming....I mean his words didn't sound too promising, but I tried not to get ahead of myself. He kissed my lips softly before grabbing my hand and continued to lead us out to the Gardens.

The sweet smell of dew on the gardenias flooded my senses and gave me instant peace as we entered the Gardens and made way to the gazebo, where I could see the King and Queen seated, with a small group of others. The closer we got, I was able to make out Jess and Draven were seated to the side and some other people looking very formal in long, black, velvet robes, adorned with insignia that I had not seen before. As we entered the gazebo, Alex dropped my hand and greeted his Mother with a soft hug and kiss before moving to and greeting his Father with a short bow. I moved towards the Queen as she quickly scurried towards me and wrapped her arms around me, embracing me in a loving hug, before releasing me and smiling widely at me. I turned to greet the King and began to curtsey. He moved towards me and grabbed my hand, kissing it before escorting me to a chair beside Alex. We were all seated in cane chairs, set out in a circle, the King and Queen at top of the circle, with Alex and I seated to their right and Draven and Jess on the right of us and the 3 others seated across from us. "I guess, you are wondering why we've asked you both to come for this meeting today...", the King enquired to both Alex and I. I must say I was intrigued but simply responded with a nod, as I tried not to look so eager to find out. Alex grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently, a soft smile rising on his face. "The Council has arrived and are wanting to know the intention of your relationship. This is Damien, Alaric and Silas. As you know Luna, the Council approved your transformation due to the situation that occurred and the Ravnos Clan has been dealt with accordingly. Alaric, Damien and Silas are here to meet you and have a short discussion. I have discussed your relationship with them, as has Alex...". My grip instantly tightening on Alex in a WTF moment. He responded by squeezing back on my hand and rubbing his thumb over the top of my hand. The King continued, "I believe they have some questions for you Luna.". I gulped down hard...what did they want to know? Why didn't Alex prepare me? What if I said the wrong thing...

"Well, my dear, I must say, you are an enchanting one and from what I hear, you've had some remarkable adventures lately. We just want to enquire a bit more into you and your plans.". The vampire seated on the left of the 3 spoke with an almost hypnotising tone. His long black hair fell deadly straight down along the side of his pale face. His eyes were almost as dark as his hair, but with flecks of red through them. I felt as if I was being lulled into a false sense of security by the way he spoke and that I had to be careful as to what I said. When Alex squeezed my hand and kissed it gently, I took that as a sign that he was confirming my thoughts. "No need to fear child, Damien, Alaric and myself are just wanting information to update the records of the Council and ensure that we are protecting our society and covens.", said the Vampire seated on the right of the three. His long, white hair, was pulled back neatly into a pony tail spoke. His eyes glistened silver and gold, not like any I had seen before. As he moved, small flickers of electricity danced around hands. I could only assume that that was his power, and I felt my heart stop as I began to try to find the right answer. "Well...sirs, I am not 100% sure what you would like to know. I am a newly transformed vampire, and although it was not my intention to be turned or sired when I first met Alessandro, I am grateful for what the Ventrue House has done for me, for saving my life and I will be loyal to Ventrue House for the rest of my life. In terms of plans, I don't think I've even had a moment to have any idea of what is happening in the next few days, let alone future plans.". The Vampire in the middle slammed his hand down on the chair. "OK. I think I believe you. But just to be sure..", he moved towards me at lightning spped and snatched my hand out of Alex's. He held it for a moment before his face went very serious. "We just need to ensure that we are not setting the Ventrue House up for their demise. From the indication in your thoughts and your concern and love for Alessandro, I believe you. Hmmmmm, that's interesting...". A large smirk crept upon his pale face. His eyes seemed to grow brighter instantly, making the blue flecks almost jump out of the blackness of the rest of his eye. Alex interrupted the moment and pulled my hand back to his. The Vampire turned away, shrugging him off and returned to his chair. "Brothers...I do believe it is time for farewells. We must return to Council.". The King and Queen nodded, before rising and bowing to them all. Draven and Jess followed suit, before Alex and I did too. The 3 Council members stood, nodded their heads, then disappeared in a flash.

"What the hell was that? Why the hell did they waste our time! There was no need for all that shit!" Draven vented. Jess grabbed his arm, stroking him gently to try and calm him down. "Draven, breathe, I'm sure there's a good reason....well maybe....from what you've told me, doesn't the Council like to meddle....so I wonder too why they were here....". We all looked to the King and Queen for an answer, but Alex was the first to speak. "What angle are they going for this time, and why did Alaric find her interesting? What did he mean? He knows or wants something! The Council has been looking for a way get rid of us...do you think they have found it?". The Queen stood and began to pace. "No....they wouldn't have given their blessing to turn Luna if they wanted to destroy us straight away, and because they gave their blessing, in the end they would be accountable. Something else is going on.....Luna, may I?", she asked, holding out her hand to mine. Without hesitation I offered my hand, which she held ever so gently. Her eyes closed and I felt her energy almost searching mine, to find out what Alaric had found. She dropped my hand and for a second, she looked like she had seen a ghost. She stepped back and made her way to her chair. I could tell from her energy that she instantly closed herself off from anyone reading her. Alex raced over to her as did Draven. "What's going on? Mother! Are you ok?". She nodded and shooed them back. "I'm ok. Just felt a bit light headed. I just need to rest.". From Alex and Dravens' reactions, I could tell that they didn't believe a word of it but nodded in agreement. Not wanting to press their Mother into talking about something she didn't want to. "Dear, take me back to the House. I need to lay down.". The King stood and offered her his arm, we all bowed and curtsied at them as we watched them leave. Something was going on, and we needed to get to the bottom of it.

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