Vincent and Eve walked next to each other while people's movements slowed and stopped seeing the couple. They watched them until the couple disappeared at the end of the hallways.
At first, it had only been Vincent Moriarty's presence that had caught most of the women's attention. The pureblooded vampire was a sight that no one could resist looking at, especially with his dual style—one-half of his hair, combed backwards, showed the sophisticated gentleman in him. In contrast, the other half of his dishevelled hair showed the wickedness in how he looked and smiled.
And as much as the female guests admired the pureblooded vampire, but like a few men next to them, Vincent's presence daunted them. They had heard rumours about his cruelty, where his hands held more blood than anyone else in this place.
Eve felt eyes following them, and she heard Vincent say, "Put your arm around mine."
She did as she was told because she could feel nervousness creeping up her legs and trying to shake her. She asked in a low voice,
"Do people often stare this blatantly?"
Vincent chuckled at her words and said, "It isn't every day people get to see someone like you here. It is a good and a bad thing."
Eve frowned and asked, "Why do you say that?"
She appeared confident, blending far more into the higher society than needed as if appearing to be a wealthy man's daughter, but her nerves were erratic, and she took a deep breath.
"The women in here cannot help but clutch on their men's arm, worried that you might steal them," Vincent smirked at the thought of it, and Eve's eyes shifted from the front to look at him. "It seems like you are a thief tonight, and it would be extremely hard for you to get to Hart."
Eve wanted to disagree with Vincent because she had caught sight of a few beautiful-looking women on their way. Her eyes searched for Mr. Hart as they continued to walk, and it was then did she notice a couple walking towards them in the opposite direction.
She asked him, "Who are they?"
"Councilman and an ex-companion," responded Vincent. Ex-companion? Eve asked in her mind.
The man who came to them wore a grey suit and had his hair combed to one side, while the woman appeared slightly taller than the man because of her pointed shoes. She sized up Eve with her green eyes before she greeted Vincent,
"A pleasure to see you here, Vincent," her lips were tinted pink, and there was evident haughtiness the way she carried herself.
"Isabella," Vincent acknowledged the woman.
"Good evening, Vincent. I thought you were going to miss this evening's soiree," said the councilman. "I hope you don't mind me asking Lady Isabella's company this evening."
One corner of Vincent's lips pulled before a grin appeared on his lips. He said, "Is that why you brought her to the soiree? Don't mind me, Isabella and you look fantastic together, and I usually like my company the most. I already have an excellent companion with me this evening. Have you met Lady Genevieve?"
Lady Isabella was waiting to see Vincent fight with Spencer for her affections but instead was left stunned. She had been trying to gain affection from the pureblooded vampire, but apart from drinking her blood in the past, he didn't care after it. Her eyes fell on Eve, and it narrowed, wondering who this new woman was.
Eve felt the woman's glare while she put a polite smile on her face.
The councilman was focused on Vincent to notice Eve earlier. When he looked next to the pureblooded vampire, his eyes widened on looking at the blonde woman. He thought Isabella was the prettiest, but this woman was on a higher level.
When Eve went to offer a slight bow to them the same time, Vincent placed his hand on her lower back, making her back straight that stopped her from bowing.
"I don't think we have," murmured the councilman and introduced himself, "I am Spencer Hawkins. It is a pleasure to meet you, milady."
Spencer picked up Eve's hand and kissed the back of her hand, leaving Eve stunned. But she didn't react, as she knew it was a common greeting in high society.
"Pleasure is all mine, Mr. Hawkins," Eve politely replied, noticing his eyes wander near her bosom with a smile.
The councilman forgot about Isabella, as he was more interested in the woman standing before him. Eager to know more, he asked,
"Where are you from, Lady Genevieve? I don't think I have seen you—"
"Since when did you have squinted eyes, Spencer? Or is the lady's eyes on her bosom?" Vincent pointed out without regard to who would feel embarrassed by his words.
Spencer's eyes quickly snapped at Vincent's face, and he cleared his throat, "I was looking at the embroidery on the lady's dress."
"I didn't know you were interested in turning into a seamster. Maybe Lady Genevieve would be kind enough to pass you the seamstress address later," Vincent remarked with a bright smile before walking past them with Eve next to him.
When Eve and Vincent entered the place where the soiree was taking place, Eve noted the chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, and the room was lit moderately, without using too many candles.
Vincent turned to Eve and asked her, "Do you know what's the important key characteristic to the people who belong to high society?"
"Being shameless?" Eve asked and saw Vincent grin and show his fangs to her. She muttered, "I am sorry, it wasn't for you."
"I know," Vincent's lips curled before he said, "It is arrogance. It is an accessory everyone wears."
"It isn't pretty, "Eve replied, and Vincent nodded.
"You don't have to wear something just because it is pretty. Not unless you are trying to impress someone," he stopped a maid carrying a tray of filled wine. He picked up a glass and offered it to Eve.
"I am good, thank you," Eve refused, and her blue eyes continued to look around the place.
"Suit yourself," replied Vincent and drank the entire glass before picking another one. When Eve gave him a look of worry, he said, "It takes more than eight glasses for an ordinary vampire to get drunk and far more for a pureblooded vampire. Don't worry. You are too stiff, you know."
"Would you prefer I drink two glasses like you?" Asked Eve.
"If you can, why not," Vincent challenged her while looking straight into her eyes. He didn't look at her face, but her very eyes that many didn't. Eve tore away her gaze from him and looked at the guests.
Some of the guests were already looking at her discreetly, that had Eve take a deep breath. Some vampires and vampiressess looked at her as if she was a treat they wanted to sink their teeth in when they didn't even know that she was a mermaid. It left an uneasiness in the pit of her stomach.
Eve's eyes then fell on Noah and Lady Anaya, who stood next to the Duke. They were in the company of another couple, discussing something, and smiling. When she looked away from them, she caught sight of the Head of the Inner Circle. Clayton Turner walked towards them, and he said to Vincent,
"Good that you are here. I need to talk to you about something, follow me."
"Can't do it here?" Questioned Vincent, Clayton's eyes shifted to look at the familiar well-dressed woman next to Vincent.
"Good evening, Ms. Barlow," Clayton greeted her, and she returned his greeting with a bow. The young boy then turned to Vincent and said, "No. It's confidential."
Vincent said to Clayton, "I will see you in a minute."
Without another word, Clayton left the place. Vincent turned to look at Eve, who stared back at him with a hint of worry in her eyes. Eve knew Vincent couldn't be next to her all the time, but she hadn't expected for the guests to look at her with intentions that gave off ill intentions.
He said, "Let us keep the vultures away from the little one, shall we?"
Before Eve could grasp his words, Vincent stepped closer to her. His hand reached for her neck, curling from one side before bringing her closer to him. She felt his breath below her ear, and he bit into her skin.
Eve's eyes widened, as it wasn't just the first time he had taken a bite from her neck, but he had bitten her in front of everyone in the room. A few who caught sight of this, murmured about about Vincent's actions.
Pulling away from Eve, Vincent licked the blood off his lips. A slow, wicked grin made its way to his lips when he heard her heart shake. He breathed next to her ear,
"Now, no one will dare to touch you in my absence."
* *
Note->18 chapters ahead of this chapter.
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