VINCENT
I peered at my watch and heaved a sigh. "Ugh! Don't tell me they're actually doing it in there."
Lauren, who was on Cameron's lap, giggled. "Well, that'll be fun. I wonder what noises little Cubby will make."
"His name is CALEB!" Dominic slammed his fist on his chair's armrest.
The room fell silent but knowing Lauren, it wouldn't last even for half a second.
"Okay. That was awkward. Just chill." She said, rolling her eyes.
Valentine, who was tapping her feet uncontrollably on the floor, pushed off the couch and sighed. "I'm going in. They can't seriously be wearing one suit for over 20 minutes."
"Who knows? Damian might be taking it off him." I said only as a practical joke but some people took it personally.
"Shut your damn mouth!" Dominic closed his fist around my shirt as he sneered.
Okay. This is getting out of hand.
"Someone get this guy off me before I turn violent." I said calmly.
"Alright, loverboy. Hands off the vampire." Brynn said, gently pulling Dominic away from me.
When I turned, Valentine had already walked away.
She returned with the duo a few minutes later.
"Ah. The people we were looking for." I mused, only to tease Dominic and the foolish prince took the bait.
He rose off the couch like it was on fire and strode to where Caleb was. "Where the hell were you?!"
"In the —"
Caleb didn't get the chance to complete his sentence before Damian stepped in front of him blocking Caleb's view from Dominic and vice versa.
"This is a renowned establishment and not a whorehouse where you can voice out your opinions, Prince Dominic." Damian said, tight-lipped.
I noticed Caleb's eyes go round in shock. Oh, he didn't know.
Damian took a step closer in an attempt to whisper but I heard everything alright.
"Just how many things are you hiding from Caleb, D?" Damian tuts. "You're losing. You know that, right?"
"Asshole!" Dominic snapped.
He raised his fist. Something I didn't think he'd actually do and I heaved a sigh. What the heck, Dominic!
Before his fist would reach Damian, who was ready to beat Dominic's teeth out of him, I stepped in.
"Need I remind you that you don't touch the Imperial family, Prince Dominic." I said, making Caleb more confused.
"Can someone please explain to the chick what the heck is going on?" Valentine palmed her forehead.
"I'll do the honours," Lauren smiled, then turned to Caleb. "By Imperial family, we mean The Silvermist Imperial family, rulers of the Vampire Dominion while Dominic is the Crown Prince of the Mermaid Island."
Caleb probably felt like the weight of the world crushed him because he had a horrified look on his face. Without a world, he dashed out of the room.
"Caleb!" Dominic called out.
"Don't!" Damian interposed. "He'll be back."
"This is all your fault!" Dominic yelled.
"Relax, buddy," Brynn rolled her eyes. "I'll have my fairies follow him. He won't be out of sight and besides, there's only one place he can run to in this city."
The journey back to our hotel was nothing to write home about — A graveyard made more noise than we did.
"I can't take this anymore. Stop the car." Lauren said all of a sudden.
"Wait — Why?" Cameron asked, confused as everyone who didn't ask.
The car stopped and she grabbed his wrist and pulled him with her.
"The tension in here is as thin as ice and I'm horny so see y'all later." She slammed the door to the limo and walked away.
"Um… that was awkward." Valentine scoffed.
"No. Hilarious is the right word." I laughed.
Dominic cleared his throat and the car moved.
I cleared my throat and looked out the window.
Ernest threw a worried glance at me through the rearview mirror and I nodded for him to go on. The wedding's about to begin anyway.
The limo arrived at our hotel and I thanked the stars. Finally, I'll get some air. But before I get a chance to step out of the car, Dominic, slammed the door in my fucking face.
"Hey, fuck face!" I yelled as I kicked the door down. "What's your problem!"
Valentine came up in front of me. "He's heated. Let him cool off."
"I'll cool him off if that's what he wants." I made a move but Brynn's snaked her arm around my waist.
"Shh. Let's not attract more attention to ourselves, babe." She whispered behind my ears and pulled me away before I said another word.
That fucking merman. He was lucky I didn't kill him.
I spent the rest of the afternoon, drinking old whiskey and playing poker with old humans in the hotel bar. The room was large enough to fit 100 people and we were packed. Of course, there was AC but you get what I mean.
I got the entertainment I needed. Humans were amusing to be around with. In less than 10 minutes, I'd cool off. You don't see that happen in Aethoria.
"All in!" A human CEO yelled for the fifth time that evening. He'd had a four losing streak and I was the lucky winner. I'd cheated of course but seeing that the man didn't give up made me want to play more.
"Sweet!" I laughed, nearly knocking the glass of whiskey beside me.
I almost made a raise when a hand grabbed my arm.
"It's almost time. We should get ready." Brynn said, leaning against the table.
Oh shit. I'd forgotten about the BLOOD CEREMONY.
I peered at my ice watch. It was almost midnight.
I muttered low curses. I'd skip this win.
"Sorry, fellas," I rose to my feet. "Duty calls."
"Ahh." They all roared in protest.
"I know. I know," I smiled mischievously. "I'll be back soon. In the meantime, give all my wins to Mr. Wilson."
Mr. Wilson was the losing CEO. His amber eyes brightened up for the first time that night and he smiled. "Thank you, sir."
I blurred out the rest of the words as I left the room with Brynn. Waiting for us in the hallway was Valentine and Dominic. He had an unreadable look on his face and I wondered if he'd "cool off" now.
"You good?" I asked, stuffing my hands in my pocket.
Dominic murmured something inaudible and looked away.
Valentine cleared her throat and began. "Lauren and Cameron said they'll meet us at the venue. Damian's already there. That leaves… Cubby. Where the hell is he?"
We all turned to Brynn and she turned slightly, pressing one finger to her temples. Her face went pale and I got the message before she announced it.
"Brynn, where's Caleb?" Dominic took a step forward.
Brynn swallowed hard. "That's the problem… I — I don't know."