Purebreds and Power

Darkness had finally come, and with it came creatures from every descent. Most were held back by the spell cast on the property. Those with an enchanted invitation were allowed through.

Gideon orchestrated the chaos with precision, greeting the guests while seamlessly directing his staff. The gold gleamed while the crystal sparkled in an endless array of rainbows.

After all, Han would marry only once.

Goblets of wine and blood danced at the chattering lips of Han’s eager company. All of them waited and wondered what lucky creature would soon call him “husband.”

The majority felt Han would marry a vampire—the older she was, the better.

Others believed the Fae had been chosen. Even more still doubted the Fae’s existence despite her actual presence.

The bridal candidates had been escorted to separate private quarters after all three of the suppliants had lost their lives.

No one knew if Gideon had selected a new candidate.

And no one would.

Such was tradition.

In the past, the bridal candidates shared a room—expectant and anxious together. But too often, their closeness brought disaster—leaving the strongest standing, whether they had been chosen or not.

Some argued the merit of those ways, knowing the fittest deserved to live.

Over time, some emotion had drifted into the traditions, and the candidates were moved apart from each other. Only the bride of choice would have a traditional bridal gown placed in her room. She could then prepare to be a vampire’s wife.

Not all vampires married in this way. Bites alone secured a formal claim on one another. With those bites, mates were taken for eternity–whether blessed by fate or named by choice.

Han sat in his study, walled off by his father’s best guards. The buzz of the party served as a constant reminder of the life-altering step he would be taking.

As Han lifted his glass, he savored the fruity, spicy scent—no burn, no sting. One hundred-year-old scotch whiskey, a gift from one of the council, slid down his throat with a smooth finish, and Han appreciated the quality of the gesture.

The councilman had sponsored the red-haired bridal candidate. Han suspected the councilman knew the girl had not secured a position as Han’s wife.

Smart.

Han looked at the dark golden liquid and couldn’t help but think of Lilly’s eyes–their clarity, their sparkle.

The image of the light in them fading replayed in his mind—her limp body crumpled on the floor, James dragging her from the room…

Han shook the thought away.

He did what had to be done.

The men at the door parted, and a smiling Gideon stepped in. Dressed head to toe in formal black, his attire downplayed the excitement oozing from him. “You ready?”

Han looked at his empty glass. “As I’ll ever be.” He set the crystal down and grabbed in suit coat from the armchair.

Gideon moved behind Han and helped Han into the midnight blue tailcoat. Then Gideon inched around Han, inspecting his son—from his satin lapels to his pearl studs, from his winged collar to his white piqué waistcoat and butterfly bowtie, from his matching midnight trousers to his patent leather shoes. Gideon finally patted Han’s shoulders and beamed with pride. “I have something for you.” He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and held it out toward Han. “It was your grandfather’s. I thought you should have it.”

Han took the small treasure and opened it. The engraved gold signet ring reflected the firelight as Han turned the case. “This is yours.”

Gideon plucked the jewelry from the case and grabbed Han’s hand, dropping it in. “Your grandfather received this when he married. It helped him to assimilate to modern times. It holds magic that allowed him to day-walk.”

“But Father, I couldn’t—”

“You can. You will.” Gideon wrapped Han’s fingers around the ornately inscribed metal. “I never felt worthy of it after your grandfather died in the wars. He would want you to have it.”

“Thank you.” Han slipped the precious metal onto his pinky. “It is my honor to wear it.”

Gideon sighed and took a moment, staring at Han. “You’re getting married.”

“I am.”

“What you have done wasn’t easy.”

“Necessary, though.”

“Certainly.” Gideon picked a lily of the valley from the small vase on the side table. He broke the stem off and tucked the remaining bloom into the buttonhole on Han’s lapel. “I think your bride would like this.”

Han looked down at the simple flower and cleared his throat. “Not that I would care.”

“Oh, yes. My apologies.”

—--

Han sauntered past his guests–each angling to uncover Han’s thoughts on his nuptials.

No one could determine anything.

Just outside the ballroom, Han tugged on his sleeves, brushed his hands down his coat, and straightened his unusual pocket square. The stair fold of the fabric brought a quick grin before Han straightened his back and dulled his features.

The guests now all sat behind the closed doors.

As did his future.

Then he pulled open the doors, revealing the grand ballroom. It had been transformed.

Flowers covered every surface, soft orchestral music lilted to every corner. Han scarcely recognized his own home.

All the guests looked up from their tables at the stunningly handsome groom. On a typical day, he caught many a look, but today he mesmerized.

Han’s bride stood at the middle already, surprising him. Her beautiful brunette waves cascaded down her back—shorter than Han remembered.

Han strode toward the next big obstacle to his future.

Layer upon layer of white tulle accentuated his bride’s curves, although this wasn’t the dress Han had chosen.

And those weren’t her curves.

Not her scent.

Not her stance.

Han knitted his brows and sped up his walk.

Before reaching her, Han’s bride turned ever so slightly, and his suspicions were confirmed.

Sera smiled at him.

Standing where his bride should be.

The murmurs about Han’s selection began, and those at Chamberlain’s table shook hands, patting each other on the back. Chamberlain stared with intensity, clenching his fists and compressing his lips.

Han grabbed Sera’s shoulders, turning her fully to him. “What have you done?”

Sera patted Han’s chest. “Don’t worry, Dearest.” Then she faced the guests. “My husband here is just being eager. This ceremony is just a formality.”

She took a step forward and pulled her collar back to reveal an ancient vampire crest. “I already wear his mark.”