Chapter 11

Emil smiled smugly at his childhood friend. It didn’t bother him that he was causing drama for his friend. Vita turned to get a look at the man in question. He was tall but not nearly as tall as Deak and did not carry the same build, but she could tell that he was muscular. He had dark brown hair that almost looked black, tied in a ponytail at the nape of his neck, and silver eyes that stood out against his fair skin. “Who’s this?” Vita asked. “Someone I knew a long time ago,” Deak growled. Emil stepped up and extended his hand to Vita, who hesitantly placed her hand in his. “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Emil, and you are?” he asked as he kissed the top of her hand. A loud growl came from Deak’s chest as Vita quickly pulled her hand back and answered, “My name is Vita; I’m Deak’s mate.” Emil’s eyes widened for a moment but returned to normal before anyone could tell he was shocked to hear that his old friend had found his mate. “That’s wonderful news. We should celebrate,” Emil told them. Vita shook her head and answered before Deak could tell Emil his feelings. “That won’t be necessary.” Emil turned to look the girl in the eyes and used his power on her. “I insist, my dear,” he said to her. Vita looked at him momentarily and took a step back closer to Deak. “You’re a vampire,” she said aloud. Emil was caught off guard by her reaction to him. Deak smirked as he stood and watched the interaction between his mate and Emil. Emil gave Vita a crooked smile. “What gave me away?” “When you tried to use compulsion on me. You assumed I was either a wolf or a human. But I’m a witch, and your parlor tricks don’t work on me. If you would excuse us,” Vita told Emil before she turned and had Deak walk her off the dance floor. Vita didn’t bother to turn and look back at the man she just met. Deak felt a sense of pride for his mate; she knew nothing about the man but could sense that he was not a good man. “I don’t think Emil has ever been spoken to that way.” Vita shrugged. “There’s a first time for everything. Besides, he tried to mess with my mind. I didn’t like that.” They walked over to the table where Madeline and a man they didn’t know were sitting with her. “Who was the man on the dance floor?” Madeline asked as Vita took a seat at the table. “An old vampire acquaintance of Deak’s,” Vita answered. Madeline raised her eyebrow at Deak. “Vampire?” Deak raised his hands in surrender. “He’s no friend, I promise.” Vita turned to the man sitting next to Madeline and asked, “Madeline, who is this nice gentleman sitting with you?” “I’m Logan; we’ve actually met already,” he told Vita. Deak looked at the man and recognized him. “The man from the portal.” Logan nodded in agreement. “Madeline is an old friend, and I wanted to catch up with her for old-time's sake,” Logan explained. He got up from his seat. “Now that I know she’s in good hands, I’ll take my leave.” He lifted Madeline’s hand to his lips. “It was good to see you again, Madeline; I hope it won’t be the last time.” He kissed her hand and then left. Madeline watched Logan make his way out of the room until she could no longer see him. “Is there a story there, Madeline?” Vita asked. Madeline let out a small huff. “Everyone has a story from their past. It’s their choice whether or not to relive it and share it with others.” she told the young girl. Vita looked down at the table, ashamed. “You’re right; it wasn’t right of me to push.” Madeline placed her hand over Vitas as a sign of endearment. “I know you didn’t mean to. The story is for another day, is all. You two should go back out there and have some fun.” “Maybe later; I think I will see what they have available to eat,” Vita offered. She looked over at Deak. “Care to join me?” Deak smiled and nodded his head. Vita got up from the table. “Would you like me to bring you back something?” she asked Madeline. Madeline smiled. “Something sweet and chocolate if they have it.” “Sounds good.” As Deak and Vita made their way away from the table, Zachary and Ruby were making their way to it. “Are you doing alright, mother?” Zachary asked as he sat down at the table. Madeline smiled at her son. “I’m fine; you don’t have to worry about me.” “Well, I don’t know about you two, but I am ready to call it a night,” Ruby admitted. “I’m sure the younger ones will want to stay; we can call for a car to take us back to the hotel,” Madeline suggested. “I’ll let Tabitha and Marco know we’re leaving,” Ruby told them. Ruby mind-linked for Tabitha and Marco. Ruby: The older folks are calling it a night; we’ll see you in the morning. Be safe, and don’t stay out too late. Tabitha: Leaving so soon!! Alright, we’ll make sure to get home safely. You as well. Marco: I’ll take good care of my mate. Ruby: See that you do; stay together with the rest of them. Tabitha: We will. Ruby opened her eyes and was now ready to leave. As they made their way to the exit, Esha stopped them. “Are you leaving already?” she asked. Zachary gave Esha a polite smile, “It’s been a great party, but we need to get back to the hotel and be ready for the meeting with the Faction Council in the morning.” Esha nodded. “Yes, you’re right. The council will meet with you at eleven. If you need to alter the time, just call me in the morning, and I can change it for you. I’ll call for a car to come and take you back to the hotel.” she offered as she pulled out her phone and sent a message to one of her drivers. Madeline walked about to her. “Make sure the younger ones get home safe.” Esha confirmed,” I’ll promise to get them all home safe. Good night, Ms. Warren.” “Goodnight, Esha,” Madeline said before walking away. The handsome bartender walked up to Esha as she continued to watch the Warren family walk out. He pushed her hair away from her neck and kissed it gently. Esha moaned at the sensual touch on her neck; she grabbed the necklace that hung around her neck and rubbed it softly. “Jasper, dear, I believe it’s time for a change in scenery,” she said with persuasion laced into her voice. “I’ll let them know we’re on our way. Will you be bringing our new guests?” he asked her. “That’s my plan. Let’s show them a night they will never forget,”