Chapter 5

We stopped at the town hall and there are many limos parking at the entrance just so glamorous wealthy couples could step out. There are two door men who held the grand doors open and I eyed at all the security guards in black suits standing around. Wow this must be a big event if there are security guards here. A white limo parked in front of the entrance and when another security guard opened the door, a red head in an emerald green dress stepped out and then at least seven bodyguards stepped out behind her. We were parked on the other side of the road but we stayed put in his car.

"I shouldn't be here..." I whispered and Drake turned to gaze at me softly.

"No you shouldn't. But you're with me so no one can argue... If anyone asks you're my date."

"Date? You think that by making me wear a glamorous dress, driving me in an awesome car and taking me to a fabulous party is going to make fall for you. Well you are absolutely right!" I stated sarcastically and he chuckled then looked through the window. I looked over him at the large building and I can't believe I am actually going to enter it. With Roman Drake Valdymar as my 'date'. I felt him stiffen when out of another black limo a fair golden headed man around his age stepped out. He looked behind him and I almost felt like he was staring right at us.

"Stay close to me." He said then I turned around to drive up behind another limo. "That's Charles Lanshar the golden headed idiot." Drake said glaring at the guy and he shot daggers back at Drake as he walked in with what looked like his parents.

"Sounds like you're very fond of him." I said watching the boy step inside with a few more bodyguards following him.

"He and I have a strong hate for each other. It's some power rivalry that I won't bore you with but he might if he gets you alone."

"How lovely... Where are your body guards?" I asked and he smirked.

"Searching for my sister." We moved forward until we were in front of the entrance. He opened his own door before the doorman did so the doorman ran over to my side. But Drake somehow got there before him and opened the door for me. He took my hand and helped me up smiling down at me sweetly. I gulped wishing the wind would comfort me but no breeze is blown which means she's off somewhere else. I'm starting to have second thoughts about this. She doesn't really trust Drake and she wouldn't leave me alone with him would she? I took a deep breath then felt a cool breeze caress my skin and blow through my hair. I smiled knowingly then let Drake lead me around the car then he tossed his keys at one of the guards.

"I came for the dinner but I don't think I'm going to be able to eat in this dress." I whispered in his ear and I felt his body vibrate but he kept a straight face. Still holding my hand in his as if we were... well a couple. But like he said before he just needs an escort and I can't blow things out of all proportions. Not yet anyway knowing me... We stepped inside the threshold and I had to hold myself from gawking. Everyone in here is stunningly gorgeous and all so pale with vibrant coloured eyes. And to add onto that everyone is in tuxedos with little medals or fancy ball gowns and gorgeous jewellery, my eyes trailed to each and every female beauty in this wide room. And that's when it hit me. I don't belong here. They're all graceful, cultured and sophisticated. And then there's me... Coarse, clumsy and dead common. Why would Drake bring me to a place like this? Why does he think I am suitable for this kind of crowd? It took a squeeze from Drake's hand on mine to snap me out of haze. "Oh God..." I whispered to myself and I felt Drake lean over to whisper in my ear. "You're the prettiest girl out of this whole bunch." I flushed and gazed up at him. His soulful eyes stared down at me adoringly and I felt something in my stomach flutter.

"I know I owe you for saving me... but I'm so out of place." I whispered to him and he shook his head disbelievingly.

"Trust me you look the part but better, that's why they're staring."

"They're staring?" I gazed at the pale people and I saw a fair few pairs of eyes on me. As in their eyes are piercing into my soul. I made a discomforted whine but stood tall trying to seem imperial. But my knees feel like jelly.

"Yes. I thought it was because you came here with me but I have a feeling they are awed by you." I glared up at him annoyed.

"No need to be sarcastic Drake."

"Who says I'm lying?" He said and I can't tell if he's being sardonic or not.

"Who says you're not?" I responded. For a few seconds we had an intense stare down then he we he gazed at the crowd he groaned.

"I thought they were still in England..." He mumbled pulling me closer to him then dragged me forward into the glamorous crowd.

"Who?"

"Mother..." He said in fake happiness as a woman stepped towards us. She looks not much older than thirty and her hair is ash blond, tied back in a high bun, her gown ruby red with old fashioned puffy sleeves, a huge necklace holding three large rubies rested on her chest, her bone structure is all edges, and then there are her bright cold blue eyes that match Drake's exactly. She's as beautiful as him.

"Roman you finally decided to show your face. An hour and fifteen minutes late." Her voice is smooth with a drop of venom. She sounds like she could run an army.

"Fashionably." He leaned in and kissed her on both cheeks and then she looked over to me. It wasn't a look of disapproval but of odd suspicion.

"Have I met you somewhere?" She asked me.

"I don't believe so." I responded trying to be polite as well as sound like one of them.

"Mother this is Alicia my girlfriend." He said calmly and I just stiffened on the spot. I let go of his hand and picked up a glass of red wine of a passing waiter's tray.

"Girlfriend?"

"Yes." He quickly interrupted then head gestured to a few girls in the corner. I didn't bother looking but I got the message. However they seem so far away how could they hear us.

"You haven't even bought me dinner yet." I said taking a sip from the drink but it tasted a little funny. He took my glass and held it his hand.

"Alright well you're my date then." He said then drank up the whole drink in one gulp. Right then and there I wanted to slap him upside the head for taking my drink but his mother stared me with a kind smile and curious eyes.

"He never usually brings another girl as his date. In fact I've only ever seen him come alone or with his sister." She said eyeing me up and down. "Isn't that Scarlet's dress?"

"Yes she's off in Australia with her new lover." Drake stated sourly and the woman sighed honestly not surprised.

"You wear it better Alicia." She said and I smiled brightly at her.

"Thank you but I can barely breathe in this dress."

"Breathing is over rated." She said and I chuckled and attempted to take the last glass off another tray from another passing waiter but Drake grabbed it before I could.

"Would you stop stealing my drinks? Besides you have to drive me home tonight."

"It's the only thing he does when he comes to these events." His mother affirmed staring disappointedly at him.

"Well you're not tonight. I want to die of old age not drunk driving." I said taking the glass and setting it on another waiter's tray.

"How on earth did you convince my son to take you to this event?"

"Technically I wasn't told the details until he brought me over to his house. I only really met him early this morning..."

"This morning? Roman?"

"My mother is only surprised because she knows I'm not one to socialise with anyone."

"Well you're not very good at it are you? Especially when it comes to first in impressions."

"At the start I didn't want anything to do with you." He admitted and I perked a brow at him more interested than insulted.

"I knew it... And then you felt a different vibe from me compared to all the other 'dumb' students. I just think you were surprised that I didn't react the way other people would have."

"Don't flatter yourself." He said and I simply just laughed at him.

"Roman!" His mother snapped but held a smile on her pretty red lips.

"I never knew you were so socially awkward outside of home." Someone remarked derisively behind us and I burst out laughing but quickly covered my mouth when I noticed his glare on me.

"Why are you getting upset at me? I'm not the one who said it." I said then looked over behind us to see a very thin, pale girl, with ice blue eyes like Drake and his mother's, her hair is ash blond and falls in curls to shape her beautiful face, and then her gown blood red, slimming, strapless and has a slit up along her dress to reveal her left leg.

"Scarlet? I thought you were in Australia with your future father of your children." Drake said mockingly and I heard his mother scowl.

"Had to get rid of him he bored me... So you're wearing my dress." She said sighing.

"I'm sorry..." What else can I say?

"Don't apologise Alicia she wasn't supposed to be here." Drake said.

"Your name is Alicia. Pretty name... I'm Scarlet as you already know and whatever my brother has said about me is not true."

"He's only said wonderful things about you." I heard him snicker when I said that and I playfully glared at him while he tried to hide the smirk.

"Really?" Scarlet said sceptically then she and her mother shared a surprised glance as they eyed at Drake then smiled sweetly to me. "I'm sorry to ask."

"She isn't really." Drake interjected and she stared at him sourly before she gazed at me suspiciously.

"Why would you come here if you've only known Roman since this morning? Actually no scratch that why on earth would someone as pretty as you socialise with this unlikable thing?" She asked waving her hand at him then she gave him devious teasing glare while I heard him huff.

"To be fair he's only unlikable when he wants to be."

"True I just want to know his interest in you." She said all of a sudden standing between him and I still eyeing at him. Then she smiled almost menacingly at me. "Walk with me." She linked her arm with mine and I noticed Drake stiffen but then his mother took his arm.

"Roman come along we have friends to greet."

"And enemies to salute." Roman said sourly and his mother hushed him. He then looked over his shoulder back at me as they started walking away. "Don't worry you're safe in her care." He said.

"Why would she doubt it?" Scarlet asked no one in particular and we walked off past very pale people. Some stared at me oddly and I pretended not to notice. Jesus Drake why did you bring me here? "What is my brother like in school Alicia."

"He's known to be quite mysterious. And a little scary however the past twelve hours that I've known him I don't see the big deal." I said and she threw her head back laughing.

"You don't find him scary?"

"No, mysterious maybe..."

"Mysterious... yes I have to agree with you there. He's a big mystery to me. Not to mention an annoyance, but of course only when he wants to be."

"Why is that? Not the annoyance part but the mystery why is he so antisocial?"

"Beats me. But more importantly why is it that you talk to him?" I thought she'd why he talks to me not the other way around.

"Well I can't exactly ignore him when he talks to me can I?"

"So he came up to you asked you out and you just said yes." I don't know how much Drake wants me to say. Whether he'd want me to mention about the woods, his brother, him in my bedroom... I'll leave that up to him.

"Hey when the hottest guy in school asks you out on date how would you react?" I said sarcastically and her expression changed to disgust.

"Ewe he's my brother."

"Yeah and he's hot." I said and she giggled shaking her head at me. "Don't tell him I said that I have a feeling his already to full of himself." I searched for him and instead caught a few strangers' eyes, and Charles eyes. He shot a weird glare that made my stomach drop.

"I love you. No wonder he took an interest in you..." She said then turned to see what I was staring at. I didn't mean to stare back it him it's just he's so unsettling. He glared then at her and she must of I don't know maybe mouthed something at him because his jaw tensed. She then smiled back at me triumphantly. "Don't worry about him he's just an arrogant prick." She smirked then took a Champaign glass full of a red liquid that looks a bit thick to be wine. I took one also but Scarlet took it off me. "Better not it's a special drink... Get her some Champaign." She said to the waiter and I sighed resting my hands at my sides.

"Why are people staring at me?"

"Because you're the first real date my brother has ever brought. I can already see the women steaming with envy." These stunning women zealous of me?

"That's the only reason why he brought me here anyway."

"Ah that would explain it." She said taking a quick sip from her drink and then she closed her eyes as if she were savouring the taste. I gazed around at the beautiful couples that paced around or made small talk with old friends. All of them beautiful in their own unique way. Then I saw tanned skinned woman in a blue thin strapped dress, that complimented her curvy body shape yet small waist, her hair is dark also and resting on her right shoulder, her partner pale, tall, brunette with dirty brown eyes that eyed at every single female in this room. His partner turned her head to admire up at him with such adoration, as if he were her guardian angel. And then she turned her head to accept a drink from the waiter. When her hair fell off her shoulder to hang behind her back I saw two red dots on her neck, no they're...

"Bite marks." I whispered and Scarlet choked on her drink.

"I beg your pardon?" She suddenly snapped and before I could point out what I saw some girls came up to us and greeted Scarlet by kissing both her cheeks and Scarlet greeted them back. But not with a genuine smile. It looks too strained.

"Scarlet darling!" A tall girl called out. She's got light brown hair that is curly and falls down to her shoulders, her eyes golden as well as her slim gold dress that reveals so much of her chest area... I'm afraid that if she jumps in fright one of her breasts might fly out. Her skin is pale like every body else and she has a beauty spot just above her lip just to add to her beautiful self, her make up isn't over done, just simple pink lip gloss and sparkerly gold eye shadow, all in all she's the most graceful and beautiful girl I have ever seen in my life but there's a stubbornness I can sense from her not mention the way she holds her head high as if she owns the world.

"Eve how wonderful to see you." Scarlet said a little dramatically and finally that waiter came with my drink. "This is Alicia, mingle chat while I... yes..." Scarlet scurried away leaving me to fend for myself with all these beautiful girls surrounding me. They took no notice of me actually just pretended I didn't exist. Thanks a lot Scarlet.

"Look at her go. She's such an attention seeker." One of them said and I took a sip from drink.

"She reeks of desperation." Another said.

"Yes, you almost have to feel sorry for her." Eve said and mentally I worded out bitch. They all stood in front of me in a row pretending I'm not there listening and I am holding myself back from pouring my drink down the back of her dress. But I don't want to punish the dress for having such an awful wearer. "To think one day she'll be my sister in law." I almost choked on my drink. What? Sister in law?

"Remember Eve you are the ex of Roman. There is no guarantee he'll want you back." I stood there stunned. Oh my God. This golden girl is Drake's ex...

"Believe me May he wants me. I'm perfect for his wife; I'll be able to help him rule. Even if it means dealing with his slut of a sister." I took a big gulp from the drink this time to help swallow the harsh words.

"Eve you must not say such things." May said, she's got brown eyes and a pointy nose and dark chocolate brown hair that is tied back in a high bun, with black feathers sticking out, in fact her whole ball gown is full of black feathers. As if she was queen of the crows.

"But they are true." Some little blond girl said ready to start gossip. "She goes around like pass the parcel." Keep your cool Alicia... This would be easier if the wind was breezing through me. But you have to admit that's the most stupid thing someone has ever said. "She was planning on eloping in Australia today. But now she must have moved on to chase after some other man."

"She just hungers for sex. She's bad company besides no man could ever love someone who's so baggy down there." Eve commented and May gasped while I stiffened. "Look at her now ready to pop her breasts out for Cameron..."

"Alright can I just ask something?" I questioned out loud and they all turned around to face some just realising I was standing there. "Does Scarlet's love life have any effect on yours?" One was about to ask but I quickly asked. "Has she slept with one of your boyfriends? Has she broken the hearts of your crushes or brothers, nephews, cousins....?" They stood there stunned as if I grew an extra head. Except for Eve who glared at me as if I had no right to speak to her. "Has she slept with one of your fathers?" The blond squealed in shock. "See her life has no effect on yours. So I suggest you talk about something a little more intelligent and worthy of your time or just simply..." Don't say it... "Shut the fuck up." Now I've done it... I smiled and walked around them to find some kind of window. Just to hear her calming words and probably get a scolding. Instead Scarlet found me and had a big grin spread from ear to ear.

"I wish I had your balls." She said and I laughed as her cheeks turned a little rosy.

"No balls make you more sensitive." I said then leaned in to whisper. "This was the power of the pussy." She laughed loudly or should I say squealed loudly before covering her mouth completely shocked by my words. "Hang on... you heard what was said about you?"

"It's been going on for a long time... Thank you so much Alicia no one else would ever do that for me. Not even Drake."

"I acted on anger and disgust... is this, what the world has really come to?"

"Their world yes, Eve has been after my brother ever since he dumped her last year. He probably invited you to seem like he was with someone else just to get her off his back."

"She has not given up."

"Clearly... What's your last name?"

"It's Angel." I said ready for the alcoholic joke.

"AA ha just like my brother." She laughed and I laughed with her. "Alicia you are now officially my angel. Roman has to deal with it." I giggled taking another sip finishing the drink up. How many drinks before one can get really drunk? Suddenly loud classical music started playing and I saw a live band on a stage at the far end of the room.

"Dance with me?" I recognised Drake's soft whisper in my ear and I almost shivered. I turned to face him and couldn't help but flush at our closeness.

"To this? In these shoes?" I whispered back to him but then I noticed Eve walk our way. Silent and stealth as a vicious lioness.

"Roman?" Eve tried to act as if seeing him was such a delightful surprise.

"Let's go." he breathed acting as if he hadn't heard her but we all new he had especially Eve. He pulled me along by the elbow further into the crowd over to an area where we were closer to the stage.

"So that's your ex?" I whispered to his face and then I felt his right hand place itself on the small of my back, then my right hand was entwined with his left.

"I'd rather not talk about it here. Everyone in this room has working ears that love to pry." He whispered back as I placed my left hand on his shoulder. We swayed to the music and I noticed how ice cold his hands are, how is it they still remain so cold? I stared up at him and then with my hand going against me it tucked a stray hair from his forehead back in place.

"I hope this gets better." I said and he chuckled.

"Unfortunately it all depends on who is running these events." He said then suddenly spun me around and for a split second my feet weren't touching the ground. I yelped and giggled when he placed me down feeling my cheeks flush. He grinned down at me with his flashy white teeth and I noticed how fang like they were. He really would make a great vampire.

"You managed to make this night fun within two seconds." I laughed and he pulled me in closer so my body was squashed against his. I controlled my breathing and gulped down what felt like a frog in my throat.

"This is the first time I've had any fun here." He admitted to me and I licked my lips.

"Why have you already had few too many?" I whispered to him and he chuckled.

"Well yeah and uh... I'm here with..." He paused because Eve had walked right up to us. I mentally groaned but literally huffed in disappointment. Was he going to say what I think he was? He's glad that I'm here. That made me smile to myself and what made my smile broaden was the fact that Drake still hadn't let me go.

"Roman Mr Shmit asked for you."

"Mr Shmit?" I questioned giggling at the name and Drake lightly shushed me hiding away the smile.

"Tell him I'll be with him later." Drake said dismissing her but she stayed put.

"Might I remind you that if Mr Shmit doesn't get what he wants he'll just come right over here. And we all know his weakness with younger prettier little girls." She said grinning sinisterly down at me. Then for split second her eyes were black but they changed back to gold. I glanced at Drake to see if he'd seen what I saw. And I found that he was looking at me the entire time.

"Alright," he said stepping away from me. "I'll be right back."

"What am I supposed to do in the meantime?" I asked him.

"Just quickly head for the ladies to fix up your hair." Eve answered but I didn't want to look at her eyes. There is something wrong with the people here. I've seen bite marks on someone's neck, Eve's eyes turned demonic and now I'm just noticing a few guys in the back corner starring at me as if I'm a piece of meat. Although I think that's just male horniness acting up. And the bite mark... no I definitely saw that bite mark. Drake pulled out my phone from his trouser pocket and I stared at it confused.

"I grabbed your phone just in case."

"So you want me to Facebook while you're off socialising?"

"Come along Roman he's waiting." Eve said and then she licked her bottom lip sensually. I sighed rolling my eyes then backed away.

"Ok I'm going to find Scarlet." I said and before I could listen to his protest I just started walking off. I gazed down at my phone and annoyingly at that second that's when I knocked into someone. "Sorry..." I said then stiffened. Charles, blond haired man that Drake doesn't like. His mortal nemesis...

"Watch where you're going next time." He snapped then he squinted at me as if trying to remember where he's seen me before. "Ah Roman's girl." He spat and all the hairs on the back of my neck rose at his cruel voice. "I know you talk, after hearing your foul words before so come on peasant. Enlighten me." He got out a cigarette from his trouser pocket and held it between his thin lips now probably searching for a lighter. For those few sparing seconds I just repeated that word in my head that kind of stung a little. Peasant. I know what I am to these people but I don't need some pompous asshole reminding me that I'm not even one of them. No offence... but it's typical for a blond. But he has such pretty emerald eyes it's really such a shame.

"I doubt you're allowed to smoke in here." I said dully and he made a huff, a big gush of air blowing out his nose. He looks like he's been bottling up a lot of anger for a long time. His expression so sour on his handsome face.

"That's all you got? No wonder you're here with Valdymar." He said the name with poison and I think this is his weird way of insulting me. Because I am here with Drake... what I am instantly picked on? How is that fair and why would they be picking on any of his dates anyway? No one knows me but yet has already settled their judgment. I am unworthy of their regal and fabulous presence. Then he held up the golden lighter to me. Engraved on are the initials C.L. "Light it for me." He ordered and I stared at him disbelieving.

"I don't respond when I don't hear please so... you have hands use them." I smiled politely then stepped around him to strut off. But I stiffened in shock when he appeared in front of me again; I gazed over my shoulder to where he was and now stared up nervously at where he is. He moved faster than the average human.

"I said light it." He demanded in a lower tone. I nervously took the lighter to my dismay and just lit it. All the while he stared intensely at me burning holes in my face. Does he hate me for being here with Drake? Is it a typical automatic assumption that I'm bad because I fraternise with his enemy?

"Satisfied?" I said holding myself together even though I want to break away and hide in the girls' bathroom.

"Never am." He clearly declared.

"Clearly, now if you don't mind..."

"I do mind." He interrupted then blew out a puff of smoke in my face. I coughed fanning it away hopelessly with my hand. The smell is bad and I don't want to die just from breathing it in. And I also don't want to die from the hands of the blond.

"Well if you want me to stand around here don't blow that shit in my face." I said trying to breathe in clean air but that smoke spread around me as if trying to trap me in its misty awful smelling clutches.

"Alicia isn't it?" He suddenly asked but one could tell that he didn't really care who I was. He probably is just wondering what a 'peasant' is doing at such a fancy party like this.

"No it's a lighter." I said and I doubt the sarcasm is going to keep me safe. I held his lighter out to him but he didn't take it he just between it and I. Then with one slick movement he managed make this night more horrifying. He flicked his black blazer to reveal his trouser pocket and held that pocket open.

"Put it away." He demanded slyly then his eyes directed over to someone but not long enough for me to see because instantly he locked my eyes with his.

"I... I don't want to." I said feeling like a small child.

"Put it in my pocket." That's inappropriate and I'm afraid that he might have a deadly creature in there that my might chew my fingers off. What does he get of this? The pleasure of a girl's hand near his crotch? Or maybe...

He is trying to tick someone off.

Drake must be near watching, I don't know where and am afraid to search but if he is watching why isn't he saving me? What do I do? He looks like the type that will chase if you run. A long minute went by so I decided to step right up to him; I glanced down at his crotch but then gazed up and tucked the lighter into his blazer pocket over his heart.

"There. Enjoy your evening Mr Lanshar." I said as strongly as I could then attempted to walk away gracefully. But instead I stumbled when he suddenly and not to mention forcefully grabbed my arm and yanked me back. I gasped in shock especially since he almost pulled my arm out of its socket. His eyes darkened to a moss green and he looked ready to snap.

"Don't you dismiss me just because you're here with his royal anus." He growled and stared up at him with anguish probably covering my face.

"Charles!" Scarlet came out of nowhere throwing her drink in his face then she sank her teeth through the sleeve of his blazer into his arm and he cried out in pain. Releasing his grip on me and Scarlet stood next to me and held moth my shoulder in her perfect pale manicured hand. I gazed up at her in astonishment then noticed the blood dripping down from the corner of her mouth.

"Scarlet you have..." She quickly went to wipe away his blood and when her lips parted I saw her... fangs! And with a blink of an eye they were gone and her mouth closed. Her ice blue eyes sharply glared at Charles.

"Lay a finger on my girl again and I will rip out your heart to show you how cold it is. How it's practically stone for it feels nothing other than strong hatred." Such a poetic threat. "Now stay away from us." She hissed and pulled me away past curious eyes that either went up to Charles or glared at me.

The outsider

I have never felt so despised in my life.

Their piercing evil gazes made me feel small so I tried just avoiding their looks and frowns. But they're everywhere... I regret coming here.