A Stranger in the Night
Chapter 42

The morning came by so quickly. We spent hours with Jess and Draven last night talking about their plans and when their wedding would be. I was so excited for them both and it was a delightful distraction from everything that had happened yesterday but now it was time to come back to reality and face the day. Alex had told me that my parents were not aware that I knew yet but that the Queen and King would be meeting with them prior to us having our little meet and greet to update them, and hopefully relieve some of the awkwardness there would be....I was somewhat doubtful that that would happen.

Nerine had brought in several new outfits for us both to try on and wear for this special occasion. Alex had chosen a very dashing charcoal suit with a deep lavender button up shirt. The colours suited him so well and made his eyes stand out so much. I was actually finding it hard to control my urges and the warmth within my body as I watched him dress. I knew he had heard my thoughts as the cheekiest little grin crossed his face as he gazed at me in the mirror's reflection. I had chosen a chic, floor length, silk gown. It's shimmery pastel blue complimented my skin tone and blonde hair and had such a calming feeling to it. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and even more so now that I had it on. "You are indeed a vision my love.". Alex said as he crept up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and kissing my bare shoulder that was exposed as I was attempting to fix my hair in place. I giggled slightly and couldn't help but wonder if he was trying to distract me again. That smile returned to his face, "not at all...", he whispered softly into my shoulder as he continued to kiss it, making his way up to my neck and my ear, sending tingles all the way down to my core. I spun around to face him, "Enough you! We are meant to be in the great hall in 30 minutes!". Alex moved in closer to me, his sparkling, emerald green eyes almost glowing. "More than enough time..". I shook my head and brushed him off. "No. There's plenty of time for that later!". His body showed his disappointment as he shuffled away and slouched down into the lounge chair. "Fine. I was only trying to lighten the mood. You are so tense and it's understandable, but I'm just trying to help.". Just then a knock on our room's door echoed through to the bathroom. Surely they couldn't be ready for us already. Alex got up quickly from the chair and made a be line for the the door, with me only a few short steps behind him.

Another few loud bangs followed before Alex got to the door and swung it open. And there, before my eyes stood Lucas. Dressed to the nines in a beautiful black tux, his dark hair falling softly on his shoulders and his beautiful blue-green eyes staring at me. "Good afternoon you two.". A soft smile graced his face. Not once letting his gaze fall anywhere but on me. "Hello Lucas.". Alex's sharp tone could definitely be felt as he greeted Lucas. "For you to be here, I believe my parents' guests have arrived and it's time for us to greet them in the great hall.". Lucas nodded to Alex and smiled at me. "What an interesting time this is for us all.". I nodded. Not 100% sure what he meant, but very happy to see him. Alex walked out past Lucas, leaving me to follow him. As I shut the door behind me, I quickly gave Lucas a hug, which he returned swiftly. "I've missed you.". His words hit a place in my heart I had forgotten about and I instantly knew the Alex felt it as he stopped dead before turning around and moving to me to take my arm in his and begin our walk to the great hall, with Lucas several steps behind us.

"I hope your trip wasn't too bad." Alex began to engage in polite conversation with Lucas and I could tell he was less than thrilled to be doing so. "It was ok. Nothing to complain about. Your guests seem lovely.". Alex shook his head..."If you only knew.". Lucas cast a strange glare at Alex before looking to me for reassurance. "It's ok Lucas. It's just been a stressful few days here for us.". I patted his arm and continued to hold tight onto Alex as we arrived at the doors of the great hall. The door was pulled open by two servants, and as we entered we were greeted by the sight of the rest of the wolf pack, including Carter, Shiloh and Bronson - all who flicked me a quick wave and smile, then Alex's brothers - Silvano, Marco and Eligio. Draven and Jess were here also, standing very close to the King and Queen and 3 other figures I could make out near by. I believe these must be the new guests that had arrived. My family...

"Alessandro, Luna, we've been waiting for you". The Queen announced as she made her way towards us and grabbed me by the arm to bring us over to where the 3 people were waiting. The Gentleman was tall, blond hair slicked back smoothly and had golden eyes that almost seemed like they could burn through you without a moments thought. The lady was silvery flowing hair that fell past her shoulders. Her skin was as white as snow and her eyes were the lightest blue I had ever seen. They were just magical. The young lady that was with them, also had blond hair, was almost my height and had golden eyes like the gentleman. As she twiddled her fingers I could see little flecks of ice and snow jumping back and forth between them. When she noticed I had seen this, she darted her hands quickly behind her back. I smirked briefly before I raised my gaze towards the King and Queen as they began to seat themselves. The guests also joined them in being seated to the side of them, with the rest of us seated below them, formed in a semi circle and facing them.

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"I know you are all interested in why we have gathered everyone here today. As you are all aware, we had our meeting with the Council and it didn't end quite as we expected it to, and I am only too sure they will be returning again to us soon. Which is why I have arranged for our guests to join us. This is King Gustav, Queen Lenora and Princess Margriet of Tremere House.". As the King finished speaking, I followed Alex's actions as he and the rest of the ones seated stood and bowed to the Tremere Clan members, before returning to their seats. It was at this point I could feel my heart like it was in my throat and getting ready to jump out and splatter on the floor. Alex gripped my hand a little tighter before kissing it and laying it back down onto the arm rest of my chair. I looked back up towards the Clan Leaders as I met the Queen's gaze, as she nodded to me and smiled. "We have asked the Tremere Clan to join us as we know what lies ahead and requested their assistance in protecting their own.".

The room broke into whispers and discussions before the King stood, commanding silence and holding his hand out to me. "Luna, my dear, would you please come up here.". I gulped and squeezed Alex's hand. A reassuring warmth came from his hand, his smile did not leave his face and gesturing to me it was ok. I stood and slowly making my way towards the clan leaders. The King took my hand and walked me over to where their guests were seated. The three rose to greet me. I was trembling and I could feel the ice forming in my hands. I wiped it off quickly before putting my hand out to greet them. The King continued to speak, "Our dear Luna, is also a Princess of Tremere House.". The room broke out into loud discussions and chatter at the news. King Gustav stood and approached me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Yes, Luna is one of my daughters. Luna however, was not born vampire unlike Princess Margriet....she was born human.". More chatter exploded in the room, but was short lived as the King began to speak again, bringing everyone back to silence and hanging on his every word. "I am sorry Luna. We had to give you away. But it was only to protect you. Being part of our family and being born human would have left you vulnerable and we wanted to protect you from any danger, so we sent you away to live with your Mother's sister.". I snapped quickly, "Wait! Aunt Judith was not a vampire. I know that for a fact. She used to curse out vampires all the time and you're trying to tell me, her own sister, my flesh and blood was one of the ones she despised the most.".

Queen Lenora stood and slowly moved towards me, both her hands reaching out for mine. "I was not born a vampire either dear. Your Father turned me hundreds of years ago. I had to leave you with my sister for your own protection, but had I had known what you went through and how she treated you, I would have never put you in that situation. But I am glad I did.". My heart stopped for a second at her words, before she continued. "If I hadn't, you wouldn't be here now.". I nodded. It was so much to take in. I gestured to my chair and she let go of my hands and watched me as I walked away. Draven was the first one to interrupt the silence that lingered, "OK, so, hooray! We found Luna's folks. Ummm, I wanna know, like, surely you were keeping tabs on her this whole time. Like why didn't you keep a better eye on her!". Alex punched Draven in the arm, hard. Draven sooked as he began to rub his arm, "What? You can't tell me you weren't thinking it!". Alex nodded and grabbed my hand as King Gustav began to speak. "Yes, we kept a close eye on her, but once we found out about her and Alex, we stepped back a little, knowing she was in good hands. And also too, knowing your wolf pack was also on hand to look after her, made things a little easier.". Again I could feel my anger swelling, "A little easier....a little easier! What the fuck! I'm so glad things were a little easier for you! But what about me! I wandered through most of my adolescent years on my own. Had to look after myself and struggle through some very tough times. Why didn't you come and help me when she kicked me out or when I was living on the streets for those 3 years. The Queen's face began to frown, "Yes dear. You are right. We should have stepped in more. And we regret we didn't. But we don't want to get caught up on the past. We are here now and want to move forward with you.". I was so angry, I could literally feel ice cubes forming in my fists. Alex grabbed my hand and attempted to pull me closer to him. I was so angry and threw my hands up in the air causing a shower of ice and snow to fall on everyone in the room. I ran towards the doors and threw them open, running towards the front doors of the House. As I went to pull them open, I was almost thrown back by the burst of energy that flew the door. Alaric and several men in cloaks stood before me. 2 men grabbed my arms whilst another gagged me. "Good evening Luna. Such a wonderful pleasure to see you again. I was in the neighbourhood and thought you would like to accompany me, back to the Council. You know. Just a quick visit.". As he ran his fingers down the side of my face, I tried my hardest to scream but only muffled sounds come out. Before I knew it, I was being forced into the back of a large black sedan before it pulled away from the House. "No need to panic child. This shouldn't take to long at all.".

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