Armand and I pulled into the parking lot. The lot was still empty. The sign for repairs was still on the front doors. The only thing that was different was that the lights around the building were on. Normally they were off when the club was closed. I got off the bike and handed the helmet back to Armand, still shaky and breathless from the ride. I walked up to the front door and tried the handle. Sure enough, the doors were unlocked. Armand stopped me before I went inside. "Do you think it is wise to go in? We don't know who might be in there."
He was right. I opened the marks between Logan and me. He was standing inside with his people. The marks were shut quickly by Logan, then the door opened.
He was standing there in black leather pants and a white silk shirt with his hair down, "Kitten, how can I throw you a surprise Birthday Party if you peek with the marks?" He gave me the look a parent gives a child when the child has found the Christmas presents. I smiled my sweetest smile. "Logan, I am sorry. Armand is being overly cautious tonight. He wanted to inspect the place before we entered. So I decided to help by making sure everything was all right inside."
"One day, child, you will learn to trust your instincts before you do anything else. It is in your blood to know your surroundings." He looked from me to the people coming up behind us. I knew it was the partygoers Abby invited.
"You have many for a date tonight, wee kitten."
I looked to everyone behind me. I could feel anger and fear rolling off Darcy and her date. I smiled at everyone then turned around to face Logan. "Abby decided that I don't turn twenty-one everyday. So we are all going out clubbing tonight. I just needed to check in with you and see if you can let a couple of your vampires off on good behavior?"
Logan laughed merrily at my little joke. "I will let some of them go as long as you stay here for a few minutes to celebrate with us. A few of them went to a lot of trouble to make this party a success." He held out his hand to me. "Come, wee kitten, let us go and see what my people did for you tonight."
I looked to Armand to see if he didn't mind. Armand narrowed his eyes at Logan then looked to me. He nodded an okay. I took Logan's hand and went inside. The others were close behind.
"Why are we here, Armand?" whispered Darcy behind my back.
"To pick up a few vampires who were invited." responded Armand. He was smiling and I could tell he was enjoying feeling Darcy's fear. Once we were inside the main room of Wild Dreams, I noticed who Darcy's date was.
It was James the werelion who attacked me yesterday. He blew me a kiss and I turned away quickly. I heard laughter behind me. I looked to Logan and he has a questioning look. "Are you all right, my kitten?"
I looked back at James and Darcy. They were watching me very closely. I looked at Armand and I heard, "Those pricks better be careful or I will show them who's the dominant one here."
I still cannot figure out how I can hear Armand's thoughts. I looked back to Logan and answered his question. "I will be fine. It’s just a lot of people here to celebrate my birthday.
I didn't think I would ever have an actual party for me."
I smiled and looked down to Logan's hand in mine.
"The only party I ever had was when I was nine."
I could feel a soft hand cup my chin. It was cool to the touch and soft on my face. Logan lifted my face to look at him. "Anastasia, you are the most precious thing that has ever come into my life. I will celebrate you any chance I get." He bent low to my face. There was a low growling behind us. Logan lifted his eyes a little to look at who was behind us. "Armand, you will not deny me the chance to give Anastasia a Birthday kiss?"
"Just one kiss" he growled out. Logan finished what he was set out to do. He kissed me lightly on the cheek.
"Happy birthday, wee kitten" Logan whispered.
"Come, Anastasia, open your presents." Logan walked me into the middle of the room. On the table was a small pile of packages. I opened each of them slowly. The first two were old books of poetry. The third was a music book with all the popular songs on Broadway. Then last was Logan's present. I told him he already gave me a gift two days ago. He said that I needed a present to open on my birthday. I opened it. It was a green cloak made of soft wool.
How does he find this stuff? I know he doesn't have house elves working night and day. But it can make a person wonder sometimes.
"It’s beautiful. Thank you." I gave him a small hug. Abby sat down next to me.
"I feel bad. I didn't get you a present." I laughed and told her that taking me out tonight was a good enough a present as any. We stayed long enough for Logan to decide who was going along with us. He decided that the best couple to go was he and Shannon. Shannon was learning how to be one of his soldiers. What good way to learn than to be out among the people.
We all were in the parking lot and Michael offered to drive the vampires. Darcy and James were not amused. "Why do we have to take them along?" Darcy hissed rather loudly.
"Ana's father asked that two of them tag along tonight. In case we run into the rouge shifter tonight." Armand answered. "You don't have to come along. Last I checked this was a party to celebrate Ana's Birthday. Not to torture the younger pard members." his voice was low when he said the last.
"Then why were the wolves invited?" James asked.
Armand went closed to James and said, "I invited Michael and Gabriel tonight. Darcy, who invited herself, had invited you. If you do not like the company we keep then get into your car and leave." The words were spoken quietly but there was an undertone of anger and possible violence.
James didn't back down. He stepped closer to Armand and growled out, "Don't push me. You may regret what happens."
"Is that a challenge lion?" Armand wasn't going to back down. I didn't want this to happen but I couldn't involve myself when a challenge was issued. The two men stared each other down for several minutes. Each was playing to their own tune.
The first move was made.
James struck out with a hand shaped claw.
He went to scratch Armand across the chest.
Armand blocked the attack.
He countered with a blow to the abdomen.
James doubled over and Armand foot swept him to the ground.
James was on the ground in a matter of seconds after the fight started.
Sometime during the scuffle, Armand's right hand changed into a claw and managed to slice open James' left arm.
First blood was drawn.
If James were to continue the fight, it would be to the death.
I watched silently waiting for the outcome. James sat up growling low in his chest. He stood and backed away. "I won't forget this."
He walked away, Darcy following on his heels. When they had reached the green Ford Explorer Darcy turned around and looked at us. She was not happy at all.
I smiled because I was happy she was gone. Armand walked and stood next to me. I looked him over to make sure he wasn't hurt. The only blood he had on him was James'.
The Explorer peeled out of the parking lot . Oh, wow, I am really impressed, not!
I grabbed Armand's and Logan's elbows.
"Gentlemen, now that the excitement is all over let us commence with the partying."
Armand and Logan looked at me and laughed.
Abby bounced up with Jason, he said "You girl, definitely know how to brighten any night."
We left Wild Dreams parking lot following Jason's pick up. We went to several clubs except one.
The one where Betsy was attacked. It was an after hours club called Enchanted Forest. It was owned and operated by the Fey. This was the last place we were
going to tonight.
Index