CH 19
"That's good news!!" cries Stone as he leap from the chair with his palm flat on the table and stare down at his Big Sis.
"I'm doing the right thing , right Stone ?" said Jade
"Of course you are ! Raven is a good man! And he loves you. I'll go tell everyone" he hurry away to inform everyone.
Jade slouch back into the chair and sighs . Now , the next task is move out of her bed-chamber and stay some where else until -- until when ? Until she is happily married or until Lucus rampage through the mansion in search for her ? She highly doubt he would do such a thing because if her father is awaken by an intruder , and if that intruder is Lucus , he might as well sign his death bed . If he uses his witchcraft to lure her back into his arm --- then she have a problem but it wouldn't be one , if she block all urges and resist the temptation to taste his blood again. There are many other woman he could posses why should he persuade an reluctant one ? Eventually he will give up , right?
If new doesn't travel fast then the possibility Raven magically appear the next day would be a myth and that was when Lime walk into the library to announce the arrive of her fiancee . Jade place the book she was reading down on the table and when to greet him in the main hall . Raven appear as the charming gentleman he had always been and reach out to held her hands.
"I heard the news from your brothers" he begin with a smile and bend down to kiss her finger . She force herself to accept his sudden touch with a smile , this was not the first time he had kiss her hands but ever since Lucus barrage into her life , nothing seen to be the same anymore.
"I been thinking about this for the past days. If you still have me ---" she struggle to smile
"Absolutely! I wishes to marry you for the longest time . Nothing matter to me more than your happiness" he assure.
"You don't care what had happen to me ?"
"You are not to blame for nor will my love change because of this ...misfortune"
She was searching into his eye , for his assurance and she felt the sincere in the warmth of his hand , lightly squeezing hers in comfort and love .
"Then. Yes. I will marry you , Raven"
He was overjoy with the news and embrace her tightly in his arm . She had never touch another man in this close approximate before , other than her father and Lucus . The physical contact alarm her and she force herself not to worm out of his embrace but to accept his caress , beside, he will be her future husband , he will have the right to her body , therefore she must endure it.
The wedding was schedule two week from the day she agreed to marry him. At first she doesn't understand why everyone want to rush the date but when grandma explain about the calendar of the year and when the next full moon should be , the family decided it's best to give Raven more time to live with her as husband and wife before the big show down. Which of course , is when she transform into her true form and everyone assure her everything will be alright because the love Raven have toward her will make him accept who she really is. And then grandma came in to explain what should take place before she start feeding on her husband , at first he will be shock and might even be terrify but if Jade give him the most exclusive pleasure ever , sometime a man will bypass certain stuff .
"What if he divorce me the next day ? I mean , being suck and sleeping with a vampire doesn't happen everyday" said Jade
"He might" grandma agreed but added "That's why your performance is important . Sometime lust can blind a man"
Jade blushed . But didn't say a word. The old lady continue on.
"I have fate in this young man. I really think he the one . Even after what happen between you and that ...that monster, Raven still come around to plead his dying love for you. It's not like you going eat him alive, just suck a little blood now and then. Look at your mother and father . Love can change people." said grandma with her warm eye and gentle smile
"But ...just what if--"
"Your father will deal with the black heart then. There plenty of man out there for my little jade !" grandma interrupted with a seriously tone and by the thin of her lip , the old lady will make sure no man will treat her grand-daughter as an object , if desperate measure is needed to convince Raven , she will not hesitate to use it.
"Oh, grandma." she goes down on her knee and rest her head in the old lady's lap. Grandma stroke the length of her grand-daughter's hair and move the strand from the girl's face.
"You must trust us with this . We believe Raven is right for you."
Jade couldn't argue with that because they might be right . Her family knows what's best for her and the decision was not up to her alone, she must include her family wishes as well , that's why the secret affair she had with Lucus held a deeper guilt in her heart . They are not forcing her to anything if she doesn't agreed and so far what they offer seen fit, Raven is perfect for her .
"Yes, grandma."
Meanwhile, five hundred mile across the stretched hill and mountain . Lucus read over the inventory list and talk among his ranch worker. The blazing sun was soaking his open white collar shirt as he discuss important matter that needed to be done with the new breed of cattle . He had been independent for nearly four years now , ever since he left the tribe and swore never to return home. He love the comfort life he made here in the rural land . Some of the worker was from the tribe as well and came to seek refugee in his ranch . They live just like normal human and does daily activity just like everyone else. There was a worker running toward him , "Sir ! This was left for you at the gate booth"
Lucus stare down at the red envelope, "Open it and read it to me . I'm busy at the moment" he turn to his worker and continue the conversation .
"It's a wedding invitation , sir . The Nawahdee--"
Lucus snatch the envelope from the worker within second and scroll his eye to the fine printed words. "Bloody hell! That bastard!" he crumble the envelope with his fist , the worker sense their boss 's anger and stood silently . Lucus dismiss everyone and bombard into the house , knocking everything in his path and came to a complete halt by another sight of a red envelope on his work desk . He gritted his teeth and tighten his fist . Ah, that must explain why this pass couple night when he sneak into Jade's room , she wasn't around. He wouldn't dear search the house in fear of whom he might awaken , though he could put the whole family to sleep with some mixture of sleeping powder but he doesn't have the time to sneak into the Nawahdee and slip the powder into their foods , with all the work he have at the ranch during the day time he pretty much have his hand tie and five hundred mile is not a skip or two.
She doesn't want my blood anymore he mutter to himself . Even if she want to end this affair she could at least inform him first as least then he be warn, instead she have Raven flaunt it in his face by sending the invitation card more than once. Obviously , she doesn't know how deceiving this man is and if she think for one second that the bastard truly love her , than it's her lost not him. She is not the only woman out there who can pleasure him, therefore, this shocking news shouldn't bother him but it does. Lucus run his hand through his hair like a mad man in stress and pace the room angrily . Shit. And he was invited to attend .
The biggest wedding of the year was the most talk about topic in town and the most unsettling because of the century old rumor circulating the Nawahdee . The groom to be is a rich tycoon with an mysterious background but his family name is widely known among the aristocracy and then the sudden date of the wedding . Some even expected a early pregnancy was the issue of the rush marriage but regardless of what the scandal were , everyone that are well known in the hi-so social are dying to get an invitation because after all , the Nawahdee is the wealthiest family in the country and highly respected one. Everyone in the Nawahdee 's household was busy with the up coming event .The family doesn't adapt the country's traditional wedding but instead they follow their family tradition which require no monks and no priest . Ms. Nawahdee will preform the ritual while the guest watches and later on in the evening the reception will be held at the family 's ball room .
"Have you try on the dress yet , if it doesn't fit I'll send for the seamstress" said Prisana
"I have. It's beautiful" said Jade
"Your father have it hand-tail make from Europe. They have to rush making it , so if it doesn't fit properly , it's understandable" said Prisana , tiling her daughter chin up to meet her eye . You will look stunning. My first born getting married. And at 27 her mother laugh softly
Jade frowned , "Mother! Are you trying to say I'm an old maid ?"
"Oh, of course not" she smile with amusement .
"Well, you were a little too young yourself" Jade retorted .
"At twenty ? Not too young. Your father was 35!"
Jade wrap her arm around her mother waist ," Can I ask you a personal question"
"Anything you want to know"
"Was father your first option ? I mean ...was there other man in your life ?"
"Well, to be honest. Your father was the only man in my life but let me tell your a secret. I did not start off loving your father. I hated him first"
Jade release her mother and narrow her eye at the lady doubtfully , "How can you hate him ? He such a wonderful father and he love you so much!"
"It's a long story" was all her mother said and tap her curious nose before she left the room follow by a soft laugh . Jade was astonish by her mother confession and she thought back to Lucus. How she hated him so much when he kidnapped her but now she have mix feeling about him. She hate him and yet she crave to taste him. No. No more . She shook the thought away and goes to bed. Tomorrow she will be wed and tonight is the last time she will think about another man .
When morning arrive she was awoken by her brothers banging at the door . She grudgingly move off the bed and answer the door with sleepy eye .
"Good morning , Bride-to-be !" said Stone
"We will be your maid for today added" Lime with a little curtsy
She laugh. How childish can these two be ! The brothers muse her back into the room and Lime push her toward the bathroom while Stone prepare the makeup and dress . There were two outfit the first dress is a traditional style and the second dress is Europe style , white, ivory, low V cut neckline which is presently a fashionable style of today date, 1950. While the brother were with their Big sis, down stair all the servants was on their feet since dawn break to clean and arrange the furniture . Grandma's voice was heard all round the hallway , ordering servant around while Prisana stay in the kitchen preparing meal with the chef . The father of the bride was in the mansion's ball room, setting up the stage with the male servant while the other arrange tables , chairs , bands , signs , ribbons, balloons and all other decoration .
When the guests arrive the gate open and a long line of luxury vehicle pour into the drive way . Jade observe the guests from above the window of her bed-chamber , she wore a close-fitting, brightly colored Thai silk dress for the ring ceremony and her long black hair were pin up . The guests were consist of family as well --- the human relative. It was not a secret among the human relative within the family but the elder wishes to keep the secret from their children to avoid future problem and there are those that couldn't except the family secret and disowned the family name for generation but remain silent for all due respect and their children would never know of their ancestor . Since it's rare to breed a vampire's child , the line have die out with death of other vampire's cousin and their children unfortunately were born human , therefore, the last heir to continue the breeding cycle is Jade. She turn from the window and examine herself in the mirror , the reflection was not a bride who is overjoy on the happiest day of her life but an image of a sacrifice lamb on the verge of tear. The last two week she had slept with grandma and avoid her own bed chamber , she know Lucus had came because she heard the howling of the wolf and the chanting of her name but the last couple days she haven't felt his presence. But those last couple days she have never felt so alone , so restless and so hungry. It was as if not feeling his presence had cause those disturbing emotion within her --- Oh, why can't he just die and leave her in peace !
There was a knock at the door to inform her the guest had all arrive and the ceremony is about to start. She sighs and follow the servant down stair into the main hall where everyone awaits . When she enter the room everyone was completely silent with only a soft whisper among the guest , praising how lovely the bride and groom are . Raven came forward and reach out to hold her hands , everyone applause . The ritual ceremony begin with the couple exchanging ring , then drinking from a grail with their arm lock , the water was a mixture of wine & a special herb that grandma grind . It's a tradition within the Nawahdee's to welcome newly wed with this drink , unknown to everyone except to the Nawahdee , the drink are meant to spicy the human's blood another words , sweeten it. Generation ago , their ancestor had came to realize , not all human partner are a willing candidate to have a vampire as their lover and so , they created a potion that will allow their human mate's blood to taste better when arouse, therefore increase the chances of being impregnate, though the possibility depend on the individual and not a guarantee effective . And since the potion can cause blood clog to human if drank more than once in a life time , the ancestor permit the usage to newly wed, for their first wedding night together only and never to use again on their human 's mate .
Raven press a kiss upon his bride's cheek and cause her to blush in front of her family . He doesn't have any parent or family to witness his wedding but he did invite one person. A long time rival , he want to smile in victory and secretly laugh inside at the fool .
"You are very beautiful"
"Thank You"
She smile warmly and together they held hands. Grandma end the ceremony with speeches and bless . The remaining of the guest was escorted to the mansion 's ball room while the bride and groom change their clothe. Jade was relieve to have some moment of peace as she escape to her room up stair . She dismiss the servant and drop to a nearby dressing chair . The band had started and the classical music was heard through out the mansion . The night was drawing near and the gate was close . She could hear laughter and cheer from the stair below . Within a few more hours she and Raven would be alone in this room . The thought make her heart pound and she nervously remove the dress . Strip down to just her undergarment she slip into the white wedding gown and call for a servant to help with the button and hair . She linger around the room for as long as she can , unable to settle the sick feeling in her stomach and the shaky finger. It wasn't until Grandma knock over the door and told her to get down stair because everyone is waiting , that make her leave. It was the moment of truth , if any doubt she have , she might as well forget about it because it would be too scandalous for the family if she cause speculation among the guests.
She follow her grandma into another hallway that connect the two mansion. .At the main entrance to the ballroom the silver and gold double door was close with two male servant guarding it . She hook her arm into her grandma and took a deep breath . The door was pull open and they walk into the musical sound , guests were seated in their perspective table as all eye turn . Raven stood in the center of the dance floor , he was dress in white tux with a red bow tie and beside him are her parent .
I believe the first dance is mine? said Raven with his handsome smile and boyish charm. Jade slip her hand in his and he draw her close as their finger lock into a dance position . He bend down and press another kiss at her cheek. She accept it with a smile and took the first step into the dance as the band play a softer tone.
"No regret?" she asked , gazing up into his eye as they move around the dance floor swiftly .
"Regret ? No way! You're a prize" he grin down at her
She sigh inwardly. Raven is prefect for her . And that's how it should be---Jade felt a chilling presence and quickly turn to glance over her shoulder and couldn't draw a breath . There was a man watching them with his black smokey eye . The devil itself . He stood 10 foot from them with his arm across and leg braced . She pull herself from Raven and turn toward the intruder . There was loud whispering and conversation among the guests as curious eye fall upon the stranger dress in black from the combat boot up . Very inappropriately for the occasion . The music had stop when the stranger stroll in unannounced and looking as if he out to kill . The family was quickly on guard as they recognize the man as Lucus but they remain quiet , not wanting to cause a scene in fronts of so many people in the room .
"Then I'll have the last dance with her" said Lucus with a voice as cold as his eye.
Jade was shock and couldn't react . She turn to look at Lucus with pleading eye as she slow shake her head and then back to Raven , who by now had turn red with rage . The brothers rush in and without a words they came toward Lucus , each grab his arm and try to drag him away but the man didn't even budge , the brother was pushing a mountain as they struggle with all their strength . Lucus violently shook his arm and the brother fumble to the ground , he cross over Lime and came face to face with Raven.
"I think you took something of mine and I want it back" said Lucus , this teeth clench intensely and fist tighten at his side
"She was more than willing to be mine" Raven smile as his word suggested other wise and it took all the strength Lucus had not to throttle the bastard .
The air thicken with violence that's threaten to explode as the two men glare at each other as if they were century old rival . The guests was at a stand still with whispter speculation of what was going on . Jade was horrify with the thought, that Lucus might expose of their affair to the public ear and bring shame upon the Nawahdee's name . Oh! Why didn't he just crawl in a hole and die!
"That's enough young man. Please leave my house this instance." came her father booming voice .
Grandma reach out to touch her son arm and whispering in his ear, "Not in front of the guests. You can't expose him here or else they know about his abduction of Jade and then our family will be ruin . And don't use your power . Our secret is at risk here"
"Mother, then what do you suggest I do ?"
Grandma was about to answer her son when Lucus shouted back ," I'm not leaving til my wife stop her wedding"
The guests was shock and gasp among themselves. The brother was on their feet and curse the bastard. Prisana went to her husband side and said You have to do something . He is making a laughingstock out of our daughter
Jade was so embarrass her back was stiff as a board and her fist was in a bolt . Raven was irritated and piss off like a mad man but he remain in his role as the gentleman . Lucus shrugs his shoulder and presume is arrogance walk toward the bride .
"Let's just stop this house playing game and go with me" he held out his hand as if he was prince charming .
She wanted to claw the smug of his face , "This is my wedding and that's my husband and I'm his ..wife!" she bit out crudely and the sound of her voice earn the groom approve as he flash a victory smile at Lucus .
"Do not push me..." Lucus warn with his gritted teeth as his patience is running out . He could not endure another of Raven victory smile and this woman is making the biggest mistake of her life for marrying the bastard!
She nervously glance around the room , horrify by the growing whisper of the guests watching them , making speculation and the embarrass look upon her family face . She could not let this man ruin her life "I ..do not know who the hell you are ! Leave me alone!" she screamed with a face so red , it was hard not be shook up by the tone of her voice .
He snapped and grab her arm tightly as he piece into her teary eye . Unable to control the raging emotion he undergo for the past days . The announcement of her wedding make his heart ache with the need to throttle her little neck and the violence inside his head make him a stranger to himself . Right now , she make it clear how a stranger he is to her but even with that confession he doesn't care because he had grown to attach to her to give her up to another man without a fight.
"Sweetie" he was talking through his teeth , "Of course you know me . We have a dirty little secret together" his voice was harsh and she gasp at the possibility he will shame her in front of so many people. Tear was streaming down her face as she plead with silent lip for him to keep quiet .
Raven couldn't stand the fact Lucus was touching his bride and tore the two apart . Jade clench to Rave side as her face wet his white tux . The brother attack Lucus from behind and the three went into a fist fight . Aum shout for the servants to come and help . Everything went chaos with the guests screaming and docking as body was thrown on the table and breaking chair . Lucus fought in hand combat with ten men with unbelievable strength and speed , he swirl round and does high kicks . The turn up table was use as a shield as more servant came in to fight against one man . Some of the guest ran out the door while other hide under table and corner . It was out of control with every smash as body of body drop to the floor wounded but the wild man still have the strength to fight more .
"He incredible father!" cried Lime with sore mouth and then flinch with the pain of talking.
"At this rate, he will tear the whole building down !" said Stone while shaking his head out of conscience .
Their father took control and went after the mad man within minute . Lucus dock the intend pouch from the demon and does a back flip until his feet land on one of the table . He squad and view his battle field . Dozen of man was on the floor moaning and grunting in pain .
"Listen old man" said Lucus and watch the demon 's nose flare up with annoyance. "If you let your daughter marry this man you will regret it"
"Who are you to judge. You came into my house uninvited and destroy my daughter chance of happiness and wounded my people. I should had never release you" said Aum as he shook his fist at the young man.
Lucus jump from the table and stood before the demon with unraveling eye , "I might not be perfect but I can promise you this , your daughter will always be safe with me"
The father snorted , "You're the most dangerous of all"
"I would love to stay and explain my good quality but I have a score to settle with your daughter" said Lucus , then flash a fury glance at Jade .
"Over my dead body" she mutter .
Lucus begin to chant rapidly as his finger bend into an ancient sign," Aah may se te na hi coom ma ra .."
"NO! Everyone cover your ear ! Do not listen to it "! cries Jade .
Within second there was a loud yawn from everyone before their body fall into a deep slumber . Jade desperately try to shake her father and family to conscience but it was no use as she watch everyone around her lay down on the floor and sleep.
"What are you doing !" she shouted
"I disguise myself as one of the chef , so I can drug the food with a sleeping potion and with the sound of my chant they will immediately fall to sleep." he explain his step by step plan , making her gape .
"Then why I'm still awake !"
"Because , my sweetie . I did not drug the food that was send to you and I make sure of that"
"Oh! You bastard! Why are you doing this to me ? Look what you have done ! " she swing her hand toward the damage in the room and the people he hurt.
"It's because of you !" he bit out harshly and charge toward her like mad bull , slamming her body against his chest . She can feel the pounding of his raging heart against her and bitterness of his tone ," I do not give a damn if you marry any filthy man out there but I do give a fuck if you marry Raven!"
He said he doesn't care if she belong to another as long as that person isn't Raven. The deep hatred he had toward Raven , she does not understand but one thing for sure , he doesn't care about her and he even spit it out in her face as if she an object of his own posses to be given to whom he want or not want . "Oh you..you --"
And then he kiss her . With all the angry he felt inside and the passion he couldn't control . He wanted to hurt her with his lip and teeth but yet he couldn't summon the will to do so . Instead he took those bloody lip of her hungrily as if he was starving with only a taste of her can save him. She was thrashing her head away but his hands still her head in a firm grip and continue to drink and suck her lip . There was tear wetting his palm but he didn't care because he mad . Mad because she chooses Raven over him and mad because she didn't have the guts to tell him . He yank her head back and their eye lock.
"I made up my mind." he was breathing hard ," I'm taking you to the Tiberian's tribe"
She was so out of breath from the kiss and was unable to speak but he read the question in her eye.
"Sweetie, I'm taking you to my mother. I'm going make you belong to me , solely . You will become my soul-mate and I will forever in your mind . Night and day"
She shook her head to protest but he pay no heap and carry her outside , "Wait! My family and my husband--"
"Shut up ! Another words from you , I'll put you to sleep!"
"I'm a vampire ! I can kick your ass ! I can throw you across the sky , I can ---"
He pause his track and stare down at her ," You will come with me! ." He put her down and rip his shirt apart.
'Wait ! What the hell are you doing !"
With his nail he claw his chest and the wounded area begin to bleed . And then he carry her into his arm . She gasp loudly as he slam her face toward his open wound and muffle her voice against his chest
"I can ofter you blood my sweetie . Suck as much as you want . Just come with me"
She push her face away and stare up at him as if he had lost his mind, "You stupid oat! You think you can buy me with blood ?" she kick and wriggle until he lost his grip and she was on her feet "I'm not going anywhere with you!"
"What will it take for you to come with me" he was losing patient
"After what you did ? Embarrass me in front of the whole town by crashing my wedding and not to mention you poison everyone in the house!"
"I put them to sleep . It's a difference."
"Make no difference . I'm not going anywhere" she cross her arm and plant her feet to the ground.
He was left with no choice and dig into his pocket , dust the sleeping powder over her face and chant .
So she's gonna marry Raven