same age.
“Vanora,” Roman said with delight.
When she spun about to see her brother, she covered her mouth with her hands. He was so handsome in his black trousers and white dress shirt. She instantly went into the arms that had held her and comforted her throughout her life. Overwhelmed by emotion, she clung to him. The thought that she could lose him flashed through her, and her throat tightened at the thought.
“It’s so good to have you home, Vanora.” Roman kissed her forehead, cuddling her close.
Closing her eyes, Vanora leaned into his embrace. Regret filled her. How could she have taken so long to come home? “It’s good to be here.” It was the truth. Her brother and sister didn’t resemble the monstrous creatures she had seen that fateful night. She had allowed that image to mar her memories and now she wished she had been stronger.
“Armando, I’m so glad you came tonight. We’ve missed you!” Roman released Vanora from his grasp to greet his friend.
“Roman, we need to talk,” Vanora started before Alisha gave her another tight hug, nearly cutting off all feeling to her limbs.
“There’s plenty of time to talk,” Roman said, winking at her.
Armando was very still and silent throughout the entire scene, but Vanora felt his golden gaze urging her on.
“It’s important.” Vanora drew a deep breath.
“Here you are, darling!”
Carlotta’s presence flooded the room as she grandly entered dressed in a red crushed velvet gown that clung to her sensuous curves. As she sauntered toward Roman, a long red chiffon sash trailed behind her, wavering like a flame. Her jet black hair was skimmed from her face and twisted into a chignon, revealing her dark, lovely eyes.
Roman ardently kissed Carlotta, then turned her about, his arms about her waist. “Look, my sister Vanora has arrived.”
Carlotta made a great show of kissing Vanora on both cheeks, much to Vanora’s discomfort. One elegant hand gently caressed Vanora’s face as the vampire smiled her sly, yet charming smile. “I’ve heard so much about you from Roman and Alisha. You fled before we could become friends. And now here you are!”
Vanora didn’t like the seductive creature touching her and deliberately stepped away. Forcing her lips to spread into what she hoped would look like a friendly smile, she said, “I’m pleased to meet you again.”
“Of course you are!” Carlotta leaned against Roman, staring up at him adoringly. “We’re family.”
Roman affectionately kissed Carlotta’s cheek while, behind Roman, Alisha rolled her eyes.
“Vanora, we’re having a party tonight. Carlotta and I are going to announce that we plan to live as man and wife from this night forward. “ Roman was positively beaming with happiness.
“That’s just great,” Vanora managed to say, glancing quickly at Armando. The vampire appeared annoyed by the whole conversation.
Carlotta’s gaze captured Vanora’s, drawing the girl into their luminous darkness. “Tonight is a night no one will ever forget,” she said smoothly. “I can promise you that.”
The rest of the conversation had been small talk and meaningless. It had been very apparent that Armando and Alisha did not want to speak of the impending threat against Roman in front of Carlotta, so Vanora was forced to wait.
When at last Carlotta and Roman departed to oversee the final party preparations, Vanora frowned at how wrapped up in each other the couple appeared to be. Roman was madly in love with Carlotta and that fact annoyed Vanora. It complicated everything.
“Can I trip her into the pool?” Alisha rolled her eyes.
“I’ll help,” Vanora offered.
“Both of you...behave.” Armando admonishment was filled with annoyance.
The sisters glared at him.
Armando glowered back.
“We have a purpose for being here that has nothing to do with the party,” Armando reminded them.
“Right. Saving Roman’s stubborn ass.” Alisha lifted her eyes to the heavens. “God made no one more stubborn than our dear brother.”
“I think I can match him. I’m going to try my hardest to get him to listen to me.” Vanora knew it would be difficult, but she was determined.
“I’m so sorry the party is happening tonight.” Alisha took Vanora’s hands into her own. “After all that has happened, I’m sure you’re not up for this.”
“I’m here for Roman. If I have to put up with a party so I can talk to him, I will.” Vanora squeezed her sister’s fingers, then drew away. “We might be running out of time. Armando had to kill two vampires on the way here last night. They were attempting to kill me.”
“They didn’t hurt you!” Alisha seized Vanora’s arms and studied her with terror in her eyes.
“I’m fine. He got them before they got to me.” Vanora cast a look in Armando’s direction to see his somber gaze was on her. “He was my hero.”
“I did what I had to do.”
Alisha gave Armando a sharp look. “Have you told Roman?”
“I haven’t had a chance. Obviously.” The seriousness of the situation weighed heavily on Armando’s face and posture.
“That woman,” Alisha grunted.
“To talk to him I need her to not be clinging to his arm.”
“So true. Okay, Armando, the plan is we distract Carlotta long enough for Vanora to talk to Roman.”
“Agreed.”
Vanora clenched her hands at her side, her resolve solidifying. “I’ll get him to listen to me.”
“I’m ready to leave,” Alisha said, her blue eyes filled with resolve. “I have a bag upstairs and money stashed.”
“If all else fails, you may have to leave with Vanora.”
Vanora shot Armando a startled. “And you?”
“I’ll try to protect him,” Armando answered.
“What about coming with us?”
“I’ll follow.”
“Will you?” Panic filled her at the thought of both Armando and Roman dying due to her brother’s stubbornness.
Alisha laughed, wagging her head slightly. “Oh, I can see you two are right back where you were.”
The vampire and Vanora glanced at each other, then both pointedly looked away.
“Exactly where you were...”
“Before too many guests arrive, we need to separate Carlotta and Roman,” Armando said firmly.
“Let’s do this,” Vanora said, then strode out into the hallway.
As soon as Vanora reached the rear of the house, she knew that pulling Roman away from the party was going to be difficult. Already vampires were clustered under the tall heat lamps situated around the pool. The night air was pulsating with music and conversation.
Vanora glumly glanced toward Armando and Alisha. “I think the party has started.”
Alisha swore, but then plunged into the party to enthusiastically greet several the guests, leaving Vanora standing next to a statue of Venus.
Loud, hypnotic music with a Latin flair pumped out of speakers, electrifying the night with its energy. Sheila and Alexander were already eyeballing the deejay, and Vanora suspected Sheila would soon take over the music. Multi-colored lights flashed all around the pool, glinting off water. Small tables were scattered around the patio and several vampires were already seated. Roman and Carlotta were busy welcoming their guests, looking completely in love with one another. Vanora hated Roman’s blind infatuation and Carlotta’s satisfied expression.
