He was smiling when he awoke. His dreams in this room had always been wonderful, but it was her kisses that made him smile. She always awakened before him and she was tormenting him this evening. He ached to hold her long before his arms could move.
Louis slowly forced his eyes open, in time to see her move into his vision.
“Hi,” she said sprightly, and promptly licked his nose.
He crinkled it, briefly baring his fangs, and with enormous effort raised a hand to wipe it dry. He let the arm fall across his chest, enduring her continued kisses for several minutes.
Then he grabbed her, fully animated and using all his preternatural speed, entrapping her in his arms. She all but purred.
“Ask me again,” she whispered, as he rolled atop her.
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” she said joyously, flipping him on his back and resting an elbow gently in the center of his chest. She leaned her chin on her hand. “I just wanted to be sure I hadn’t dreamed the whole thing.”
He stood suddenly, catching her up in his arms. “My whole life has become a dream. A dream come true,” he whispered and nuzzled her hair away from her neck suggestively.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Oh yes, do it.”
And he did, allowing his sharp fangs to slowly press against her flesh, feeling her skin suddenly give way and the blood gush over his tongue. Her warmth spread through him. He shifted, holding her closer and he felt her lips move on his throat, raising every hair on his body, as his own flesh tore and his vital blood pumped into her hungry mouth.
The delicious torment of his blood draining matched the ecstasy of her blood filling him, his veins awash with sensation.
Their hearts pounded as one, thundering across his senses. And then the vision came. Yet it was as if he had opened his eyes, though they remained closed. They circled the bed to lie together in this very room, blossoms drifting about them. Then leaves, and they were beneath the twisted walnut tree, circling the hedge to come together. And the hedge was bamboo reaching to the stars and they came together and turned in each other’s arms, before bougainvillea, and hibiscus, and Queen’s Wreath. Water from the fountain in the enclosed courtyard rained down on them.
Louis’s lips kissed the wound, feeling it close, his tongue embracing her smooth skin, and he opened his eyes to the forest of her deep brown hair. She had released him and he kissed her jaw, and her chin, and finally her lips, the taste of his blood lingering there, mixing with hers. So sweet. He was lost in her eyes, her tropical eyes.
He pulled back and furrowed his brow. “Have I told you tonight that I love you?”
She looked up at him wide-eyed and innocent as he set her down. “Why no, you haven’t.”
Louis smiled as his breath seemed to leave him. “I love you, Chérie.”
“And I love you right back. So there.”
They laughed, Louis disappearing into a large closet.
“I can’t believe we forgot to bring you a change of clothes,” he called. “You’re welcome to anything I have here, but I’m afraid it’s all far too large for you.”
“No imagination,” she muttered. “Just choose a tee-shirt and a button-down shirt that are not horrid together and we’ll see what I can do with them.” She had her jeans pulled on when he tossed out the two shirts. The tee-shirt was teal and the other was white, heavy cotton, and long-sleeved.
“Perfect,” she called.
Louis emerged in light-weight black wool trowsers and a rich burgundy sweater, his black hair pulled back at the nape of his neck. He smiled when he saw Chérie. She had tucked the tee-shirt into her jeans and wore the cotton shirt open atop it, the collar up, the tails tied around her waist, and the sleeves rolled up above her elbows.
She shrugged. “Standard issue in college. This is what everyone wore. Do you think Armand would be upset if I walked around barefoot?”
Louis smiled, but furrowed his brow. “Mortified.”
She sighed and disappeared into the closet. “Spare socks?” she called.
“Drawer. Shoulder high to you. All the way to the left.”
“Thank you,” she said, carrying a white pair as she closed the closet door.
Louis was already pulling on a pair of black suede boots when she sat beside him and began pulling on the socks. She paused to watch him.
“How many pairs of boots do you own, Louis?”
He laughed. “I don’t believe I’ve ever counted them.” He thought about it a moment. “Somewhere near forty pairs, I’d guess. Perhaps more. Why?”
“Curious,” she said, pulling on her own boots. “And I keep trying to figure out how to break this to my folks. Maybe if I tell them you’re a fabulous catch...they might be able to relate to that.” She nodded to herself.
Louis was aghast. “Your parents are still alive?”
“Last time I checked.”
“When was that?”
“Last month. You and Daniel were off doing something. And God only knows where Lestat was.” She stood and stamped her feet, seating the boots around the too-large socks. She looked up in surprise. “Good God! I can’t believe I never told you about them. I’ve been meaning to, of course.”
“You measure time differently now. You’ll become accustomed to it eventually. When did you see them last?”
“Four, no, five years ago. They live in Maine now, moved there when I went away to college. Have you ever been to Maine?”
Louis shook his head as he rose.
“How about Scotland?”
He smiled, puzzled by the question. “No, though I probably should. Most of my sweaters are made there.”
“Well, think of the coldest place you’ve ever been and Maine is colder. Not exactly a haven for vampire kind. It’s great, I suppose, if you’re looking to avoid them.”
She looked up at Louis. “I’d like to tell them I’m getting married, but they would want to come and bring the entire family.” She shook her head. “Somehow, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“I’m afraid I must agree. You could always tell them afterward.”
“That’s probably wise.” She smiled and slipped an arm around his waist. “Thank you, Louis.”
“For...?”
“For loving me.”
He kissed her and opened the door, letting her pass and then catching her hand as they walked toward the stairs.
When they stepped into the living room, the gathered vampires rose and broke into polite applause.
Louis blushed. Far more of their number had arrived.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake!” Chérie muttered.
“Who is this Pete?” Armand asked David.
“Saint Peter, most believe. It’s just an American expression, Armand.”
Daniel patted them both on the shoulder and grinned. “You know you two will never live this down.”
Louis groaned.
Daniel leaned over to him conspiratorially. “Actually, you should be thankful you missed this. They’ve been talking about you-know-what for an hour.”
Chérie groaned and clung to Louis.
This did not escape Daniel’s attention. He smiled at her, then back to Louis. His smile widened into a grin.
“Come, my love,” Louis said, ignoring Daniel. “I may as well begin introducing you to the new arrivals.”
“No need to frighten the dear,” said a woman blocking their path, her long blonde hair in a thick braid down her back. She held Louis lightly by the shoulders and they kissed decorously on both cheeks. “You look well, Louis. Love agrees with you.”
“Merci, madame. It’s good to see you again, Gabrielle.” He smiled. “This is Chérie.”
“Enchantée, Marquise,” Chérie said.
“Très bien, but I understand you are just learning French, so I will not tax you. And please call me Gabrielle.” Her smile was warm.
“Thank you. Gabrielle.” She beamed.
“Yes, and thank you for answering my call,” Louis said. “From the way David spoke last night, I did not think you would come.”
She scowled and smoothed her khaki jacket. “I did not plan to do so, not for Armand’s little deception. But then I heard the other news and I knew I must come for you.”
“That is never necessary, Gabrielle,” Louis assured her.
Her deep cobalt eyes sparked. “You know I do nothing on pretense, mon cher.” Her attention shifted to Chérie. “And how is my son treating you? He behaves himself, I hope.”
Chérie’s eyes lighted. “I fear no one will believe me, but Lestat has been nothing but a gentleman. Exceedingly patient and kind, quick to add detail when I need. And I treasure the affection he gives so freely.”
Gabrielle seemed taken aback. “Yes, I can see how that would surprise the others. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I should find our dear Lestat.” She turned and disappeared as quickly as she had arrived.
“I’ve upset her, haven’t I?” Chérie asked, saddened.
Louis shook his head. “I don’t believe so. She may have been startled to finally hear first-hand the news of her son’s change. Gabrielle has fretted about Lestat since his ordeal with that demon.” He smiled. “She would never admit to having such instincts, but she is his mother, still. Come, Chérie. There are others.”
He led her to the chess table. An enormous vampire sat studying the pieces. He glanced up at their approach and broke into an angelic smile.
“Louis!” He rose and embraced him.
“Khayman, I’m pleased to present Chérie.”
Gently he took her proffered hand in his and squeezed it with calculated care. “I’m happy to meet you. She’s beautiful, Louis.”
“And she defeats Lestat regularly at chess. Perhaps you can play later.”
Chérie smiled. “Yes, I’d like that.” She seemed fascinated as Khayman searched her eyes.
His gaze shifted to the chessboard and back. “You were five moves from mate when you conceded.” He laughed, a joyous sound, guileless. “And Lestat didn’t know.”
“Sometimes a fast opening is worth the risk,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
Khayman nodded. “Surprise can force fatal mistakes,” he said, grinning as he impulsively enveloped Chérie in his arms. “Or it can unveil infinite treasures.”
Louis was distressed to see his love crushed in the unexpected and powerful embrace. But Chérie smiled, her eyes closing contentedly, accepting the ancient vampire’s affection. She could not stop her brow from furrowing under the overwhelming pressure, however.
“Just a little softer,” she whispered, her voice gentle, devoid of any inflection, as if instructing a pupil whose talents far exceeded her own. Her smile spread over her entire face. “Yes, that’s nice.” She sighed. “Thank you, Khayman. I’m glad to know you, as well.”
Khayman beamed as he released her, touching Chérie’s hair as she smiled up at him. “Perfect for Louis, perfect for Lestat. They are happy to be near you, too.”
Louis was taking a deep breath in relief when a red-haired vampire suddenly stepped up, flesh paler than their own.
“Hello, Khayman!” she said, smiling and taking Chérie’s arm. “You gentlemen will excuse me, but I’m going to steal her out of this madhouse before you inflict any more damage.”
Chérie looked up pleadingly at Louis but she was already being drawn out the door and onto the terrace. Louis excused himself from Khayman and followed more slowly, catching up with them at the farthest corner, away from the doors.
“But call me Jesse,” the red-haired vampire was saying as Louis came to lean against the rail. “And you!” She tapped Louis gently on the shoulder. “You should be ashamed of yourself for subjecting her to that insanity!”
“Hopefully Chérie will find it in her heart to forgive me,” he teased. “My Lord! Is everyone coming?”
Jesse shrugged. “I know Maharet and Eric are on their way. Marius and Santino are in there somewhere.” She threw up one hand. “No one has heard from Pandora in years, so who knows about her. I just keep expecting to see Mael come through the door.” Her lips set and she glanced out at the Miami skyline.
Chérie gently laid a hand on her arm. “It must have been terrible for you.”
Jesse nodded, twisting the silver bracelet on her arm. “Mael loved me. It’s been hard to picture him gone.” She laughed wryly. “It makes you wonder about your own immortality, you know?”
Chérie raised her eyebrows thoughtfully and nodded.
“Have you heard of any other new fledglings?” Louis asked.
Jesse smiled and shook her head. “No, only Lestat breaks that rule. But he certainly has good taste. David was a surprise, of course. There were several who were outraged with the Brat Prince over his pursuit of David. But with this one,” she said, regarding Chérie carefully. “This one nobody is questioning.” She looked up at Louis. “It’s eerie, you know? Everyone heard about the change in you, Louis. Which is wonderful, by the way.” Jesse patted his shoulder affectionately. “But everyone seemed to expect that to happen at some point. Or at least wished it would. No, it’s the change in Lestat that’s so remarkable. Two complete turnarounds. And now Daniel.”
“What about Daniel?” Chérie asked, concern filling her face.
The red-haired vampire laughed. “Oh, nothing bad! He was always so...out there, you know? But listen to me! I’m droning on and on.” She took Chérie’s hands gently in hers. “Please forgive me. I do really badly at these large gatherings. Hopefully everyone will just spread out soon.”
Chérie laughed with her. “I know what you mean. For years, I lived alone and suddenly, wham! I have three roommates. And now all this. Somehow I get the feeling this is going to be a very long night.”
Jesse nodded, but looked up appraisingly at Louis. “Not quite your normal roomies, though. Expected or not, Louis is gorgeous like this. Oops! See? I’ve made him blush.” She grinned.
“You are impossible, Jesse,” David said, coming up behind her with another vampire in tow, blond hair almost white and wearing a dark suit with a red velvet vest.
“As are you, David,” Jesse said, pushing a wave of hair out of his eyes. “You were never so unkempt,” she teased. “So, you get to make the next introduction?”
He nodded to her. “Yes, I have the privilege to introduce our dear Chérie. Oh, that’s nearly redundant, isn’t it? Nevertheless,” he turned to the white-haired vampire, “Marius, this is Chérie.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Chérie,” Marius said, cradling her hand in his and kissing her cheek.
“No,” she said, smiling. “The pleasure is most certainly mine. To finally meet the one Lestat holds in such high regard, I am truly honored.”
Marius beamed. “Louis, I see your teaching in her.”
Louis shook his head. “I’m afraid I only cautioned her on the protocol for meeting Armand. The rest of this is a complete surprise. The accomplishment is hers alone.”
“Indeed! Quite remarkable, my dear.”
“Thank you,” Chérie said. “Have you seen Lestat? I’m afraid I missed him in the crowd.”
Marius chuckled. “Yes, he was just sitting down to a game of chess with Khayman. I think he is the only one foolhardy enough to approach him just now. Khayman is a bit on edge.”
“Then I’d better go see how he’s doing,” Jesse said, disappearing back into the villa.
Marius watched her go. “Interesting bond between those two. He kills her and now she watches over him. Of course, he is her ancestral father.” He lowered his tone somewhat. “And Gabrielle sits watching her son as if he will break. I suspect you’ve had a great influence upon him, my dear.”
“You’re kind to say so, Marius, but I’m inclined to believe that no one influences Lestat but Lestat.”
“You may be quite correct.” He startled suddenly. “You haven’t met Santino yet, have you? If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go fetch him.” And Marius too disappeared into the villa.
Chérie sighed.
Louis slipped an arm around her shoulders protectively and kissed the top of her head.
David would have led them to a stand of chairs but she shook her head.
“No, I’m afraid if I sit down, they’ll swarm all over me.”
Louis smiled. “Don’t forget you can always go straight up.”
“A lot of help you are,” she snarled playfully.
“You have spent far too much time with Lestat, my dear. That was a flawless impersonation,” David said. His smile changed to concern. “Now, how are you doing, really?”
“Quite frankly, David, I’m flustered at every turn. They seem to be converging on us and, apart from Lestat’s little coven, I was not prepared for anyone but Armand and Marius.”
David took her hand. “I understand completely. Been there myself, though I never endured such a sustained onslaught. You are doing admirably well, but why don’t you two drop into the study? I’ll come get you when Maharet arrives. No one is going in there. Armand has footage of his interviews playing on every monitor.” He glanced at Louis. “Do you remember where it is?”
“Yes, but what of Santino?”
Chérie nodded. “Yes, I wouldn’t want to offend him by promptly disappearing.”
“Do not concern yourself, Chérie,” said a tall, heavily built vampire as he stepped around David. His fathomless eyes were nearly as jet black as his shimmering hair and his voice held a faint Mediterranean accent. “I am Santino, and I too understand. We shall speak later.” He bowed and, without awaiting a response, turned back toward the villa.
“Wow,” Chérie murmured. “Charisma has a name.”
Louis laughed quietly until David nudged him gently.
“Now, quickly. Get her out of here.” David moved to block anyone else who might emerge onto the terrace.
Almost instantly, Louis and Chérie had alighted on an adjoining terrace and had ducked inside. Recorded footage of reporters jostling Armand filled the dozen monitors in the room.
“At least someone turned off the sound,” Chérie said, collapsing onto a silver brocade divan. “Okay, so I am glad I wore my boots.”
Louis smiled and lowered himself beside her. He bent to kiss her tenderly.
“I’m proud of you, Chérie. The first time this coven met was to confront Akasha. This is an infinitely more difficult gathering. A coven of killers making civilized conversation.” He shook his head at the irony. “On our own private Alcatraz.”
She laughed at his jest and leaned against him. “It is what we are, my love. You cannot wish it otherwise. And at least they do not seem upset over my presence. How do you think Armand is faring?” She gestured to the monitors. “After all, he called this little gathering, didn’t he?”
Louis watched the video momentarily. “I have felt no tension, except from Jesse. But I doubt she seriously holds Armand responsible for Mael’s death.” He drew Chérie’s hand to his lips, savoring her icy flesh. “I wish I’d known him better.”
Chérie nodded and then turned to face Louis, her expression brightening. “So who do you think spread the news of your intentions? Daniel or Lestat?” She reached up and untied his hair.
He shook it free, enjoying the lustful way she watched it cascade over his shoulders.
“Lestat. He could not resist flaunting another rule broken, though at most, it was an unspoken rule. It was long presumed, by him at least, that our kind could not endure the company of our kind for any length of time.” He gave his shoulders a slow shrug. “I have never believed this because Lestat and I had tolerated each other for seventy years before Claudia tried to kill him.”
Chérie grinned. “Lestat believes you do not understand this.”
Louis laughed without uttering a sound. “Who can tell him he is mistaken? He also believes that I wanted his rigid instruction as I was born to this life, when what I wanted truly was to share all the delights of this world with him.” He kissed her silky lips. “For this, I will be eternally grateful I found you. Lestat and Armand watched me, and I can think of no more boring object of study.” He crooked a finger under her chin. “But you watch what I see and I delight in your delight. Merci, ma chère mariée.”
“De rien, Louis.” She smiled. “C’est mon plaisir.”
Louis held her close. “No, Chérie. It is quite something and the pleasure is unendingly mine.” He stroked her soft hair, trailing his hand down her arm, and meshing his fingers with hers.
They jumped as the door flew open and Daniel stuck his head in.
“There you are!” he said, grinning as he stepped inside and closed the door. He plopped into a chair opposite them. “David asked me to find you. Maharet and Eric have arrived, and she wants to speak with you.” His eyes shifted between them excitedly.
Chérie glanced up at Louis, a mild panic in her eyes. He smiled for her.
“Don’t worry, my love. Remember your ease with Jesse.”
She smiled bravely. “I will. Is she waiting, Daniel?”
He nodded. “Just outside the door. Should I let her in?”
Louis rose, smiling, and drew Chérie to her feet. There were no means by which Daniel could keep Maharet out if she chose to enter.
“Yes, please let her come,” he said. They turned so they were facing the door together as Daniel opened it.
Maharet took a step into the room, tall, her curly red hair unbound. Her skin had a radiance unmatched by any other vampire in the villa and it was slightly tanned, intentionally burnt by the sun to achieve that very hue. She wore her long, black wool tunic belted below the bodice. An amazing garment, it appeared at once both casual and formal, cool and yet warm.
She paused to embrace Daniel, thanking him for his assistance. The young vampire smiled warmly as he backed out of the door, closing it.
She smiled and drew near to take Louis’s hands in hers. He felt the incalculable strength in her fingers, so like stone, her ravenous hunger for life that exceeded even his own, and something else.... He studied her in puzzlement, his connection to this Child of the Millennia suddenly palpable. And without vision, recognition grew within him, along with the welling in his heart, as she drew him into her powerful arms. The blood tears tumbled down his cheeks inexplicably and he held tight as the world stopped turning.
“Maharet,” he whispered.
“Louis. My brother,” she said. “I am so glad to see this finally awakened in you. You, who are like me, walking through time, continually aware. Never clawing in the earth. Never giving in to madness. Never falling into perpetual sleep.”
“Always human,” he said, and felt her joy. It was his joy.
“Yes,” she said. “Though you know that is not wholly accurate. We are more than human, but it is a layer atop our humanity. And you see it all!”
Her regard for him was reverent. Through how many thousands of years had she walked, alone with this knowledge? He could not fathom it.
“Do not try,” she said, reading his thoughts as easily as she drew him away. Her eyes, a blue deeper than Gabrielle’s, searched his. He felt her love for him pouring out of those stolen eyes. And he smiled.
Without breaking their gaze, he reached out for Chérie and felt her clasp his hand, felt her trembling. But it was not fear. She too had felt the connection made, how close he was to bursting. With everything he was, he turned to her.
Tears stained Chérie’s cheeks, her gaze locked with Maharet.
“My sister,” the ancient one said with great happiness, taking his bride in her arms. “A fledgling born with this knowledge! Loving all living things, always seeing the world with fascination.”
“Never to wonder why,” Louis said, sinking onto the divan, his long legs no longer able to hold him aloft.
Maharet gently lowered Chérie beside him and he held her as she wept. Loving her, drying her eyes tenderly when her sobbing abated.
“Yes, Louis,” Maharet said, sitting in the chair Daniel had so recently occupied. “Chérie will never need to wonder as we did. For three thousand years I watched my Great Family grow without understanding completely why I watched, as you passed through your world seeing without knowing. Fighting the bitterness remains difficult.” She touched his hand. “When you cried with Lestat, you finally knew. In that dreary hotel room, it became painfully clear what was important.”
Louis sat forward, arms across his knees. “Lestat is changing, as well.”
“Only our understanding is changed. You are the same, are you not?” The red-haired ancient smiled. “And it will take longer for Lestat, I believe. But I cannot be certain. There may be a fierce outpouring when awareness comes to him, however. And the world may change. That is always a possibility with Lestat.”
He pressed a thumb to his lips, pondering her words and nodding a little, but turned when Chérie finally spoke.
“I feel so small,” she whispered. “So small.”
Louis settled back on the divan and slid his arm around her shoulders, kissing the crown of her long brown hair.
“That’s as it should be,” Maharet said quietly. “It’s how I feel, though I know the others believe me to be enormous. In power, in wisdom, in love. But we know it is not so, don’t we, Chérie?” She smiled. “Do not be afraid because the others already see you this way. Lestat has always seen Louis this way, though until recently he had made light of it.”
“I endured because he loved me so,” Louis said.
Maharet laughed gently. “You would have endured, regardless. But his love made it easier.” She sighed. “And more difficult.”
Chérie nodded as she smiled at the red-haired vampire. “Not only Lestat, but Armand and Marius saw this in Louis, as well.”
“Many of the others,” Maharet agreed. “And we should rejoin them now. Lestat grows anxious. I only needed to see for myself what I have felt from you both.” She rose.
Louis and Chérie stood, exchanging glances.
Maharet smiled. “Yes, they will look to me for a blessing of this wedding and they shall have it, though you knew you never needed such a thing. I am here for that reason as well. And to see Armand. I would have come anyway, but Lestat called me.”
“Lestat?” Louis repeated, amazed.
“Yes, he wanted to ask for my help.” The blue eyes twinkled. “Though that must have cost him dearly.”
“Dear Lord! With what could he ever need assistance?” Chérie asked.
“Your faith in his abilities is encouraging.” Maharet smiled warmly before continuing. “His preparations for your wedding are already far advanced, Chérie, though Louis only proposed last night. Lestat doesn’t believe he could sway a priest to administer the sacrament, with all due preparations and rituals, even though his powers are immense. He believes in God Manifest and his Savage Garden, but he cannot believe in the Church and he’s certain a true priest will see through whatever veil he throws up.”
Louis smiled. “And will you help him?”
“Oh yes!” she said, laughing mischievously. “I am vain enough to relish the opportunity.”
He laughed quietly and then his smile became puzzled. “Forgive me for asking, but how is it you know I proposed last night?”
Maharet’s laughter brightened. “You really have no idea how strong your voice is, do you?” She shook her head in wonderment as the blush rose in his cheeks. “You ask so I will tell you, though knowing will only cause you more embarrassment.” She took his hand gently. “Last night, you sent your happiness out to us all. That’s why so many have come, to see this in your eyes.”
Louis groaned and Chérie smiled up at him, squeezing him tightly. “It’s all right, Louis,” she said, glancing at Maharet. “I don’t think we were ever able to keep this secret.”
The red-haired vampire smiled. “No, I’m afraid not. But you two have been happily sequestered in California for a year now and this is our first chance to see you.”
“I suppose I owe Lestat another apology,” Louis said. “For thinking he had told everyone.”
“Oh, he has been far from quiet himself.” Maharet laughed. “By the way, do you want to know where he plans for you to be married?”
Chérie smiled up at Louis. “New Orleans,” they said in unison.
“You’re not guessing!” Maharet said, delighted. “Tell me how you knew.”
Louis shrugged. “A vision in blood when we rose. I’ve never taken Chérie to the townhouse in the Rue Royale, yet in the vision we came together in a sequence of places. The courtyard of the townhouse was the last of these places.”
Maharet seemed impressed. “New Orleans, yes. But his plans are for something a little grander than the townhouse.” She smiled and opened the door. “Now we really must rejoin the others.”
They followed her down the hallway and as they stepped into the living room, the congregated vampires rose, their murmurs quieting. Louis sought out his maker, finding Lestat again sitting sideways in the black leather chair. Smiling to the vampires they passed, he and Chérie moved to stand behind Lestat’s chair. His maker’s hand slowly reached up and he clasped it, fondly, and felt Lestat’s relief. Louis slid his free arm around Chérie’s waist.
Maharet touched hands here and there until she came to Armand, embracing him tenderly.
“I’m so glad you’re alive and among us again,” she told him quietly. “As is, I suspect, everyone here. But if you’ll forgive this intrusion upon our reunion, Lestat has an introduction to make.”
Armand bowed his head slightly, to her and then to Lestat.
Lestat sighed wearily and extracted his hand from Louis’s grip. He waved lazily about the room and to his new fledgling. “Everyone, Chérie. Chérie, everyone.”
Groans erupted from the group and grew more insistent until Lestat held up his hands for silence.
“Okay, okay. You want the full story, I suppose?”
Unanimous consent arose.
“Well,” Lestat said, suddenly swinging his legs off the chair and springing to his feet. “Then you’ll have to buy the book.” He grinned impishly as he circled the room. “A new edition of Louis’s book is in the works and it will include all the sordid details. Daniel’s writing it and I’m one of its editors, so you can be sure of that. But I can give you the short version, if you’d like,” he said, working the crowd like a snakeoil salesman.
Lestat was in his element, eliciting the group’s full consent before continuing. Louis laughed in delight and relinquished Chérie when Lestat gallantly offered her his hand and guided her into his chair.
“As most of you, no, all of you know,” Lestat continued, “Louis sent out a call for me last year. And I want to thank each and every one of you for relaying that message to me. Loudly, repeatedly,” he glared at Daniel, “and without regard for time zones.” Lestat turned a malicious smile on Louis. “I had the worst rest of my life that day, I hope you realize. Nasty, awful dreams!” He shuddered dramatically before winking at Chérie.
“So I was up with the sun’s demise and followed that trail of death to a dismal little corner of California, prying my way into a meager little room where Louis was still sawing logs.”
Chérie laughed at her maker’s pantomime until Lestat suddenly dropped down before her.
“Laugh now, because I’ll get to you in a moment.” And he was up again, across the room to a chorus of teasing remarks.
“Let’s skip all the sentimental mumbo-jumbo and teary-eyed revelations, shall we?” Lestat ignored their boos and hisses and ran a finger across his lips. “The crux of the matter was that poor, dear Louis had fallen madly, passionately, hopelessly in love with this mortal woman,” he said disgustedly.
Louis blushed.
Chérie was startled when Lestat slid up to her.
“That’s you, sweetheart,” he teased, kissing her chastely before striding away again.
“Now Louis had been on the verge of making her into a bloodsucking killer all on his own, when this mortal gives him the brilliant,” he drew out the word as he repeated it, “brilliant idea to get me to do it.”
Lestat stopped dead in his tracks and, whipping his head around to face them, his mouth hanging open in shock, he pounded a fist to his chest.
“Me! They wanted me to work the Dark Trick on her.” He paused to make sure all eyes were on him before continuing, each word loud and measured. “And break one of our most valued and sacred rules!” He laughed once, sharply, and scowled indignantly at Louis and Chérie.
Suddenly, he shrugged and tucked his arm behind his back.
“Okay, so they twisted my arm.” He grinned his impish best and quickly covered his head as everyone hurled jeers at him.
Slowly, he stood and brushed off his coat, tugging it into place. “Well, I did it, and a finer vampire you’ll never find, thank you very much. I done good. And I know this because I’ve been living with them for a year now and you can believe me when I tell you that they are so much in love, and so nauseatingly sweet,” Lestat grinned at Louis and Chérie before hurtling on, “that they make you wish you could eat just so you could vomit! That sweet!”
Applause erupted along with a few whistles from the younger vampires.
Lestat walked across the room to kneel before Chérie. He held up a hand, begging for silence.
“But they are in love,” he said quietly, taking her hand and pressing her fingers to his lips. “And Chérie has tamed not one but three wild beasts, as you have all seen with your own eyes. And I believe,” he glanced up to see Louis’s confirming nod, “our dear Louis has an announcement to make.” Lestat rose, quickly stepping away.
The room became deathly still as Louis came around the chair and drew Chérie to her feet. His eyes were on hers as he spoke.
“Last night, I asked Chérie to marry me.” He smiled broadly, his eyes alight. “And she accepted.”
The sudden applause startled him. Deafening. Then Daniel stepped forward, grinning and calling for quiet.
“Where’s the ring?” he demanded, and a chorus of demands for a ring erupted.
Louis looked properly ashen and Chérie was shaking her head, denying the need for such trivialities.
Lestat stepped forward and called for silence. He looked embarrassed for his fledglings. “There must be a ring, Louis.”
“There must?”
“Yes, there must.”
Louis turned slowly, his arms out. “Then check your pockets, because there’s nothing in mine.”
Lestat patted himself down and winced suddenly. He stared at Louis blankly, shrugged, and dug something out of his pocket. A small, gray jeweler’s box. He turned it over in his hands.
“Well, what do you know about that!” He looked up at Louis and flicked the box across the room.
Louis snatched it from the air. He pushed open the lid and smiled. Freeing the ring, he handed the empty box to Lestat, who was standing at his shoulder now. Louis lifted Chérie’s left hand and had the ring poised when he suddenly halted, his expression becoming solemn.
“Marry me,” Louis said, lost in her eyes.
“Oh, yes,” she whispered.
He quickly slid the ring onto her finger and she wrapped her arms around his neck, lost in his kiss.
Lestat let out a whoop and mayhem broke out.
Their lips parted, Chérie laughing. “You’re such a romantic, Louis. I can’t believe you did that!”
“Imagine how amazed I am,” he said, flush and smiling.
Lestat leaned an arm heavily on Louis’s shoulder. “You loved it and you know it. A kiss for the father of the bride, Chérie?”
She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him deeply. Lestat came up licking his lips.
“Louis,” he said, identifying the taste.
Chérie was beaming. “You were wonderful, Lestat.”
He wiped his mouth. “Yes, I know...oh, you mean that?” He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Good God! You’ve never seen me perform, have you? Well, when we get to New Orleans, we’ll have to rectify that. Have a jam session in the house on Prytania Street.” He grinned mischievously. “Lure in some garage band. See if we can wake the dead.” He looked around furtively and pushed Louis down in the big chair. “For now, my dear, you two should sit, show the ring, and smile.” Lestat gently lifted Chérie onto Louis’s lap. “Let them come to you, and I’ll talk to you later. We have many plans to go over.” With a grin, he was gone.
Louis wrapped his arms around Chérie and held her quietly for a moment, the other vampires in the room seemingly forgetting them as they discussed Lestat’s little performance.
“I love you, Chérie,” Louis whispered in her ear.
Before she could respond, Santino drew up a straight-backed chair. She smiled. “Santino, I wanted to thank you for your kindness earlier. I feel terrible for running out on you so abruptly.”
The Italian vampire held up one hand. “Do not give it another thought, Chérie. You seem far less...frazzled, and therefore it was worth the wait.” He extended his hand to Louis, and Louis shook it. “It is good to see you again. I would be happy to help if you seek someone to perform the service.”
“Thank you,” Louis said, appreciatively. “Lestat is making all the arrangements, though. So I will let him know of your generous offer.” He looked around at the milling vampires. “It has been a few years since I’ve seen you and some of the others. Have you heard anything of Pandora?”
Santino shook his head. “Not since we were all here the last time. Perhaps she has taken to the earth.” He shrugged, rising. “I must be going.”
“You’re not staying in the villa?” Chérie asked.
“No, there is far too much mirth for my tastes,” he said, smiling. “I have a room in the city. Perhaps I will return tomorrow night.” Santino extended his hand to Chérie, which she took, and he pressed her fingers to his lips. “It was a pleasure to meet you, carina. All you may hear about me is not all that I am, and I hope we have the opportunity to speak again soon. Good night, Louis.” He turned and made his way to the stairs.
Chérie watched him go and Louis drew her close.
“Always close your mind with him,” he whispered in her ear.
“He was the coven master who burned out Marius, wasn’t he?”
“Yes, and he enslaved Armand, wearing him down until he believed he was a saint of evil,” Louis said.
Chérie shook her head. “So sad. All those years, lost.”
“Who is lost?”
She felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked up. Her smile was joyful. “Armand! Sit with us a while. Please!”
Louis grinned. “Chérie seems to have adopted you, my friend.”
“I can imagine far worse fates,” Armand said, taking the chair Santino had vacated. He leaned forward to accept her kiss and then crossed his long legs. “She has great talent, Louis. She learns quickly, not like some vampires I could name.”
Louis laughed. “I could not see your visions then, Armand.” He narrowed his gaze. “It must have been infuriating for you.”
Armand smiled. “No, I resorted to simpler techniques. That is all.”
“Touché. Perhaps the next time the hunger strikes me I could persuade you to show me again.”
“Perhaps,” the auburn-haired vampire allowed.
“How has everyone been treating you, Armand?” Chérie asked, concerned. “They seem very glad to see you here.”
Armand tipped his head thoughtfully. “Only Jesse was a little cold with me, but who can blame her, really? Mael was quite devoted to her. I could not see how any of our kind could be drawn into that...drivel.” He gave a disgusted wave of his hand. “I could only think of how much the television news loved a good scandal, and I had very little time to think, I’m afraid. But I have seen witch hunts begin before.”
“Pandora is the only other I know of who is unaccounted for, but everyone seems to think she has gone underground,” Louis said.
“That is likely,” Armand said. “Her blood was too strong for the sun or perhaps even for fire to destroy her.”
“And your burns, my friend?” Louis ventured.
Armand laughed lightly, holding out his hand. “A rather ingenious disguise, is it not?” He winked at Louis. “Yes, I know that’s not what you meant. There is still some discomfort but it is far less than the pain I awakened in only last night. I am of course grateful to you, Lestat, and Marius.” He shrank back in the chair, frowning.
Louis’s green eyes glimmered. “That really hurt didn’t it? Armand, listen to me, please. I love you and would ease your suffering any way I can.” He smiled. “And don’t look so put out. You gave me one hell of a vision as payment, my friend.”
Armand tried not to smile, but failed. “I am sorry for that, Louis. It was...dirty pool, I know. But you make me so angry with your talk of honor. Sometimes I think you’re too good to be a vampire.”
Chérie smiled. “That’s funny, Armand. I was just thinking something similar about you.” She laughed when the auburn-haired vampire looked aghast. “And what was this vision you gave Louis?”
His smile returned, as angelic as before.
“Burning to death.”
“Ouch! I hope you saved a few horrors for entertaining your enemies,” she said, winking.
Armand laughed. “You are charming, Chérie. I look forward to seeing you with a hundred years’ experience behind you.”
“Why, thank you, Armand. I’ll mark my calendar when I get home.” She saw his curiosity. “What is it?”
“You have a calendar that goes so far ahead?” he asked.
She seemed surprised at the question. “Of course. On my computer. It can track a few millennia, actually.”
Armand’s eyes lighted. “You have a computer.” He looked at Louis as if he’d withheld a great secret. “You didn’t tell me she had a computer.”
“I was rather avoiding it, actually,” Louis grumbled.
“He thinks I spend far too much time with it,” Chérie explained to Armand. “But it’s what I do, how I pay the mortgage.”
“An expert.” Armand smiled, amusement lighting his eyes. “And still paying your own bills. That’s sweet.” He nodded at Louis. “She has no idea of your net worth, does she?”
“The subject never came up.”
The auburn-haired vampire regarded her seriously. “California is a community property state. You should ask, trust me.” He burst out laughing.
Marius walked up with another brown-eyed vampire in tow.
“What are you cackling at, Armand?”
“Louis’s net worth,” he said, rising. “And as amusing as this is, I am afraid I’ve monopolized far too much of their time. I will speak with you later, Chérie. I wish to hear all about your computer.” Armand bowed and walked away.
Louis set Chérie on her feet and stood stiffly. “You are light as a feather, my love, but if I don’t stretch my legs I’m going to turn to stone. Is there anyone on the terrace?”
“I don’t believe so,” Marius said. “Everyone has spread out over the villa and quite a few have gone into the city. Let’s walk out there, shall we?”
Chérie took Louis’s arm and as they stepped onto the terrace, Louis paused to breathe deeply of the early morning air. The salty crispness embraced his face and Chérie smiled up at him.
Marius introduced the brown-eyed vampire. “Eric, this is Chérie.”
Eric was one of those rare creatures, even among their kind, who was easily overlooked but when noticed, always required a second glance, simply to ensure he was real. His long robe, of a design still common in many of the world’s great cities, was homespun and dyed in the old ways, in the palest indigo, a color that caused Louis to smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Eric,” Chérie said, extending her hands.
Clasping them in his, Eric searched her face before drawing her into his arms briefly. He smiled as she stepped back.
“You’re so like her,” Eric said. “So like Maharet. But to see such desire and peace in one so young! The same, yet very far removed.”
Chérie became solemn. “My maker drank from the Mother, from Akasha. Are any of us here truly so distant from the others?”
Eric embraced her again, kissing her cheek. “So like her,” he whispered, smiling.
She returned his smile, warmly, as she sat in the chair Marius held for her. As Marius drew up a chair beside her, Louis wandered along the length of the terrace.
Strange. She and Marius were nearly equal in physical age, yet the lines were etched so much more deeply in his face. Louis glanced back at them, intense in their quiet conversation. Indeed, the hardships of Marius’ times were more pronounced, forty then being perhaps like sixty now. He smiled to himself, watching his boots as he walked. He suspected Chérie could hold her own with Marius, however, far better than he ever could. He recalled his first moment alone with Lestat’s mentor and Armand’s maker, how in awe he’d been. That he had managed to utter a syllable at all still amazed him.
Louis shook his head and sighed, staring out across the water at the shimmering reflection of the Miami skyline. He looked up when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Eric had joined him.
“You are fortunate, Louis,” he said, his breath expelling slowly. “I don’t have to tell you how lovely she is, but her acceptance is remarkable.”
“I’m constantly surprised by the depth of her love,” Louis said quietly. “I find myself praying, as I have not done in many years, that this is all not some cruel dream. I have moments of terror, when I see myself as I was.”
Eric nodded. “The hideous fiends we were. I have uttered those same prayers. Tell me, Louis. You exchange blood with her, but did you gain your powers this way?”
Louis’s cheeks flushed and he shook his head. “No, Lestat forbid it when he agreed to make her.” He laughed silently. “We really did need to persuade him. It was from him that I fed when my desire for that intimacy with Chérie grew too strong.” His long fingers reached out to Eric’s robe, smoothing the weave.
Eric grinned and looked down at his garments. “I thought you might like this color. A bit of nostalgia, eh?” He winked.
Louis smiled. “Very much so.”
“You two should retire early,” Eric said, searching the black waters as they heard a speedboat in the distance. “She has already seen much tonight. She shines so brightly, you don’t want her to burn out.”
“You were the last of us for her to meet,” Louis admitted. He patted Eric on the shoulder gratefully and returned to excuse Chérie from Marius’ interview.
“Fascinating! You should be recording all your experiences, my dear.”
Chérie smiled. “Oh, I keep a little journal for myself. But Louis and Lestat are the real storytellers,” she said, as Louis drew her into the villa. Once they had stepped through the doors she whispered, “He is inquisitive, isn’t he?”
Louis laughed quietly. “Oh, yes. He believes he has our existence figured out, but I think you have dashed a few of his theories.”
Maharet and David were talking quietly on the long divan, and he rose at their approach.
“You seem to be surviving the evening well, Chérie,” her vampire brother said.
“You’re kind to say so, David, but I’m perfectly exhausted.” She smiled. “Louis is insisting I take a little nap, even though it is hours yet before the dawn. But I can deny him nothing.”
“And I must steal you away before the others return and it becomes impossible,” Louis reminded her. “Maharet, David, good night.”
Chérie and Louis embraced them warmly before disappearing down the hall.
“We made it,” Louis whispered in her ear, but his smile instantly vanished when the door to the study flew open and Lestat grabbed Chérie by the hand, dragging her inside. “Lestat!” he growled.
But his maker ignored his protest, plopping down on the brocade divan and pulling Chérie onto his lap.
“I don’t know how Armand got this but look!” Lestat pointed a bronzed finger at the enormous television screen recessed into one wall. “I must get a copy of this tape!”
The image was instantly recognizable, a rock concert, but the view was from far away, encompassing the entire stage, on which four tiny figures moved.
Chérie squinted. “That’s not...”
“Wait, wait!” Lestat’s hand shot out. “There!”
The picture changed to a close-up of the guitar player writhing about and then changed again, closing on the singer.
Chérie squealed in delight. “Oh my God! That’s you!” She wrapped her arms around Lestat’s neck and kissed him quickly on the temple. “That’s really you!”
Lestat slipped his left arm around her waist and picked up the remote from the arm of the divan. “Even Louis got into the act.” He clicked the remote as the camera angles changed again and slowly advanced the tape frame by frame. “There’s our darling Louis!” he said triumphantly.
Louis knelt before the set, his long fingers trailing across the screen, following the curtains along the boundaries of the stage. He paled noticeably as his fingers paused over a tall figure transfixed on the singer’s antics.
“My God. I’ve been videotaped.”
His maker giggled. “Oh no! Louis’s been taped!”
“Don’t mock me, Lestat!” Louis snarled. “You may not mind having a vengeful mob of vampires after your pretty head, but I do. And I’ve been dodging them far longer.”
“Lighten up, Louis,” his maker said. “Most of the ones who were after you are dead, and those who aren’t know you were protected from the destruction and are terrified of you.” His lips slowly curled into a malicious grin. “And like you so arrogantly told me, you’re a living legend.” He clicked the remote and the tape continued playing.
Sighing, Louis rose and then sat beside his maker. “I’d like to know how Armand came upon this tape. I’d feel much better if only a few copies are in existence.”
“I hate to disappoint you, Louis, but I believe this is from the cable channel that broadcast the concert live. Every cable operator across the country probably has a copy in their vaults.”
Louis groaned. “Everyone who watched could have taped it.”
“Hey, isn’t that Jesse?” Chérie asked. A young woman had clawed her way onto the stage and latched onto the singer.
Lestat grinned lecherously. “Yes, mortal Jessica.” As she was shown being removed from the stage, he again stopped the tape. “Who else can you see, Chérie?” he challenged.
She crawled out of his lap and sat on her knees on the white carpet, studying the still image. “There!” she said, pointing to the screen. “That’s Daniel!”
“And Armand is just a little to the left,” Louis added.
She quickly found him as well. She glanced over her shoulder at Lestat. “Oh, yes! We must get copies of this tape. I want to see the entire thing, start to finish.”
Louis stood and held out his hand to her. “But not just now, Chérie. We have not quite made good our escape.”
“Escape?” Lestat asked, stopping the tape as Chérie took Louis’s hand and rose from the carpet.
Louis’s eyes twinkled though he tried to look stern. “Yes. Chérie is exhausted, you see, and I’m insisting she take a nap.”
Their maker nodded and made a dismissive gesture. “A ruse, of course.” He started the tape rewinding.
“Of course,” Louis said. “She has been entrapped in enough polite conversations for one night. We’re just going to relax in our suite.”
“And I can finally get out of these boots,” she growled, eliciting a laugh from Louis. “And I wanted to ask a few questions about everyone I’ve met tonight. Will you join us, mon père? I’d love your input.”
Lestat puzzled a moment. “Input,” he repeated, amusement playing across his face. “I like that word. There’s something austerely seductive about it. Sure! I’ll cover your backs so you can make a clean getaway.” He walked to the video player and ejected the tape, slipping it into his coat pocket. He saw their curiosity. “So it doesn’t get mislaid before I can ask Armand about it.”
Louis held the door for Chérie before following her down the hall and up the stairs. Lestat trailed, a few steps behind, checking over his shoulder every so often. He seemed somewhat disappointed when no one challenged their passing.
Keying in the combination, Louis swung the door open and let them enter. The door clunked into place behind him, reassuringly.
Chérie threw herself across the bed, one knee bent, the boot in the air. “Louis, can you please take these off me while I figure out this control panel.”
“The green button--” Lestat began, but her hand shot up to silence him.
“You’re on my turf now, mon père,” she said. “I’m a professional.”
Louis laughed and pulled off her boot. She raised the other one for him and he promptly removed it. He peeled her socks off as well.
“Oh, bless you, my love!” She wiggled her preternatural toes lazily. “Now, let’s see. This should turn on the fan.” She pressed the green button and a breeze came from some unseen oscillator. She grinned and turned back to the panel. “And holding this should increase its rate.” It became almost a wind, rustling the vines gently. “Too much. This should decrease it.” She tapped at another button until she was satisfied. “Elegant design, really. Old components, but a good interface, easy to figure out. One button to turn things on and off, and a pair to adjust the intensity. Elegant. Now it’s just a matter of figuring out what each setting does.”
Lestat watched, enthralled, as she increased the lighting and raised the protective panel to the terrace, an indicator in the far corner going from red to green.
“What’s this one, Louis?”
He stretched out beside her on the bed and peered at the little window next to the settings wheel.
“Attitude. It changes the angle of the light.”
“Far out! What do you think?” she asked, turning her head and rubbing noses with him. “Barely dawn?”
He murmured his agreement and watched the shadows increase dramatically, the light taking on a warm glow as she lowered it to match the attitude.
She rolled off the bed and stood. “Oh, look at what that does to Lestat!” She bounced over to their maker, laying her hands on his chest and looking up into his blue-gray eyes. “That’s perfect,” she whispered.
Lestat stared down at her, captivated. “Louis, I was wrong about this room, it seems. Chérie says it’s perfect.”
Louis came to stand before Lestat. He reached out and pushed the yellow hair away from his maker’s face. “It is perfect. Your hair is positively golden in this light. And you would never leave the room if you could see what it does to that tan of yours.”
Lestat searched his warm green eyes for several long seconds. Louis draped an arm around Chérie before gently kissing their maker. Lestat stroked the silky black hair and then leaned against his fledgling, temple pressed to Louis’s unblemished cheek.
“You have always known exactly what I need, Louis. And you give it to me.”
“I cannot help adoring you, Lestat.”
“Nor I,” said Chérie, leaning her head against his chest.
Lestat wrapped his arms around them both and held them tightly. “And I can no longer pretend I don’t relish it. Perhaps with the others, but not with you two. You are dear to me.” He sighed deeply and roused himself. “But enough of this. You have just become engaged!”
Chérie smiled up at him, accepting his kiss. She drew him to the divan near the terrace door.
“How do you like the ring?” Lestat asked as they sat, glancing at Louis, who lowered himself onto the carpet at her feet. “He went to great care in having it made.”
Chérie blushed, embarrassed. “I hadn’t even thought to look at it, I was so enchanted with the delivery! You two were so wonderful.”
“Yes, we were wonderful. Now look at the ring,” Lestat commanded impatiently.
She did and her mouth fell open. Atop the white gold band was a deep blue stone, cut in a curved teardrop and set somewhat at an angle.
“It’s beautiful, Louis. I’d guess it’s a blue topaz but it’s too dark.”
He shook his head slightly. “Cut sapphire, my love. And it was the cut that took some care.”
“It’s part of the wedding set he had made, so you won’t see the whole effect until later,” Lestat said before Louis gave away the surprise. “And how much later, children? If all goes as planned, you could do this in as soon as seven months.”
Chérie frowned. “A winter wedding? Can we push it out a little farther, so everything will be in bloom?”
Louis smiled, nodding. “I like the sound of that.”
“How does the third Tuesday in May sound? That should be well into Pentecost.” Lestat shook his head and continued under his breath. “Never cared for Lenten weddings anyway, so much like funerals with all those lilies.”
Louis looked up at Chérie and smiled. She appeared puzzled.
“Tuesday? Isn’t Saturday the normal day for weddings?”
He shook his head. “Créole weddings are traditionally held on Monday or Tuesday evening.” He shot a questioning glance at his maker. “And in the home.”
Lestat grinned. “That was only after the Americans invaded and you have no muddy streets to blame for such laziness now, mon petit.” He sighed impatiently. “So. The third Tuesday in May. Are you agreed?”
Chérie smiled at Louis and nodded happily. They turned to Lestat.
“Perfect, then,” he said, shaking his head. “There are so many things to go over now that everything is finally,” he glared at Louis, “out in the open.”
“Oh, forgive me, but not now, please,” Chérie pleaded. “I want to hear it all, but after all that has happened tonight, I would be of no help whatsoever.”
“So young and yet so wise. Your maker must be proud.” Lestat grinned smugly.
A gentle tapping sounded at the door.
Lestat sprang to his feet and was instantly yanking open the door. “It’s Daniel,” he called, stepping aside to let their ward enter.
Daniel was looking at Lestat oddly as he crossed the room.
“Yes, I am stunning, aren’t I?” Lestat sighed, his eyes alight. “But this is hardly news. Sit, Daniel, and tell us what everyone is saying.”
“Well, the one thing they’re all wondering is when the wedding will be and where,” Daniel said, lowering himself onto the divan beside Chérie.
“Third Tuesday in May,” Lestat said, dropping to the carpet and lounging against Louis. “And I’m not saying where.”
“New Orleans, of course,” Louis said, smiling at his maker’s surprise. “But we won’t press you further.”
“You’re guessing!” Lestat accused.
Chérie shook her head. “Shared vision early this evening. We know it’s New Orleans, but not where.”
“That was most everyone’s guess anyway,” Daniel said. “And they’re taking bets on whether Lestat will be father of the bride or best man.” He laughed.
“And why can’t I be both?” Lestat asked indignantly.
Daniel chuckled. “That was Jesse’s prediction.”
“No, mon père,” Chérie said gently. “Louis will need you by his side the entire time. Daniel can give me away.”
“Me?” Daniel seemed thoroughly surprised.
“And why not you?” she challenged.
Daniel shrugged. “Okay, I’ll stand in for Lestat. But he still gets all the bills, right?”
Lestat glared at him. “Of course.”
“And that is the last of the wedding details that will be leaked for the time being,” Louis said. “Nothing else has been finalized, nor will it be tonight. What are they saying about Chérie?”
“Wait, wait!” Chérie interrupted. “I don’t think I want to know what they’re saying, unless there’s a threat I should know about.”
“None that I heard,” Daniel assured her. “Though I don’t trust Santino for one moment.”
“Protective,” Lestat murmured. “That’s sweet.”
“Be nice,” Louis chided. “He has grounds for concern. By the way, Santino has very graciously offered to officiate over the proceedings.”
Lestat laughed dryly. “He would not want anything to do with what I’m planning, so I must find some equally gracious way to decline.”
Chérie smiled. “No grand sabbat then, I take it?”
“No, ma petite. I would not subject you to all that. Now quit fishing!” Her maker smiled warmly.
Daniel cleared his throat impatiently. “I would like to spend some time with Armand before sunrise, so can I get on with this?” Lestat waved him on. “Thank you. The one thing that struck me as odd was that there were quite a few who could not imagine Chérie hunting.” He grinned. “One even seemed worried she might starve herself rather than kill.” He clamped a hand over his mouth, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
Chérie laughed aloud. “Oh, dear! Maharet was right. This will be difficult to live up to. I certainly can’t hunt with each of them just to prove I’m very much a predator.”
“Well, I did let it slip once or twice that we had been hunting only last night,” Daniel said and then frowned. “Such blatant voyeurs! They wanted details, but I don’t kiss and tell, thank you.”
“Bless you, Daniel!” Chérie snuggled up to him and kissed his cheek. “Hopefully, that will circulate.”
“Oh, stop!” Daniel said, giggling. “Armand will smell you on me and then he’ll never let me rest.”
“Oh, I can’t resist!” she said, jumping to her knees on the divan. She held Daniel tightly, chomped her lip, and kissed him full on the mouth.
Beneath his protests, Daniel instinctively sucked on her lip, drawing on the tiny trickle of blood.
She drew back, nose-to-nose with Daniel, slightly out of breath from the effort. “Tease him with that. Now, get out of here while you can.”
Lestat was caught up in a fit of laughter.
Louis, smiling, shook his head as he walked Daniel to the door. “Thank you. They wouldn’t speak freely around us and I suspect it was the same with Lestat. At least now we know she is safe. But one more thing,” he said, resting his hand lightly on the door. “What do they think of a vampire wedding?”
Daniel glanced back at Chérie on the divan and at Lestat, rising to his feet.
“Amused,” he said, pulling the door open and grinning broadly. “They’re amused.” He slipped out into the hall and disappeared.
Louis closed the door.
“Perfect!” Lestat whooped. “I wouldn’t want them taking it seriously until it was too late.”
“Yes, you predicted their reactions with amazing accuracy, Lestat,” Louis said, returning. “I would not have believed their acceptance had I not witnessed it.”
“How long have you two been planning this anyway?” Chérie asked.
“Three of us,” Louis corrected. “Daniel was in on it.”
“Tonight was completely spontaneous, Chérie.” Lestat grinned. “But if it tells you anything, I’ve been carrying that ring for more than a month, waiting for Louis.”
“It had to be perfect, Lestat. And last night, it was.” Louis smiled as he pulled Chérie to her feet and stroked her cheek. “Your blood is unique, my love. You should be more careful with it. We can’t know it’s effect on an old coven master.”
“He is correct, Chérie,” Lestat agreed. “Armand is covetous in this way.”
Her mouth fell open and she planted her hands on her hips, regarding them fiercely. “Such hypocrites! You can say that to me, straight-faced? Knowing full well that only last night you allowed him to fasten onto you both?” She laughed at the irony, seeming to enjoy their contrite glances. Her gaze narrowed. “Sluts!”
They both went ashen.
She glared at them a moment longer and then clamped her hands over her mouth, bursting out laughing.
“You are so easy,” she teased, grinning impishly.
Lestat made a face and Louis nodded. They instantly had her lifted off the floor and tossed onto the bed, falling atop her. A playful growl emanated from Lestat as he subdued her wildly flailing legs. Louis grinned broadly, his fangs revealed, as he finally caught both of her hands and pinned her writhing torso to the bed. His head whipped back, hair flying, as she fearlessly snapped at him with her lethal teeth.
Chérie struggled furiously, but against them both, she was powerless. She tipped her head back and laughed, defeated.
“God protect me from twenty-year-olds!”
Her maker laughed lustily.
“Do you know what she did to me this evening, Lestat?” Louis asked, holding her hands firmly against her chest. “She rises before me, but does she let me sleep?” He shook his head slowly, his lips pressed firmly together and eyes ablaze with mischief.
“Oh, merde,” Chérie muttered, her eyes growing fierce. “Don’t you dare, Louis!”
“Oh, yes, my love,” he said, extending his fingertips, seductively touching the vein at her neck. “You most assuredly have this coming.”
Louis slowly gave his hair a flip, baring his own throat.
“You tease,” she hissed, squirming anew.
He smiled and brought up a knee, his leg across her chest to hold her prone, freeing his hands completely. “It is worse than that, my love.” Louis half-turned, tipping his head and presenting his exposed neck to their maker, close behind him astride her long legs.
Lestat’s powerful fingers closed on Louis’s throat, stroking the pallid flesh until the vein stretched taut. He turned his fiery gaze on Chérie.
She let out a low shriek as she watched Lestat run his tongue along the vein in Louis’s neck and sink his sharp fangs through the resilient skin, allowing the blood to gush noticeably before pressing his lips to Louis’s flesh.
Louis’s hand shot up, grabbing a handful of the golden hair. A mortal gesture. His lips parted as his maker’s arms encircled him, so freely caressing his body. Lestat’s mouth moved on his flesh, setting off an exquisite tingling across his skin, slowly drawing out his blood in ever deeper draughts. His fangs bared as the intimate pulling grew increasingly tighter, his breath coming shallowly as he neared the point of weakness and its luscious, floating laziness. But his eyes remained on Chérie, fixing on the desire he saw in her eyes, love, blood lust, hunger.
He gasped as Lestat withdrew his fangs and moved his tongue over the gash, staunching the flow, the strong hands lingering across his chest as his maker unwrapped himself.
Chérie lay quivering under Louis as Lestat slid up to her, tantalizing her with Louis’s warm blood on his lips, kissing her, parting her lips and then tracing their silky surface with his tongue. He drew back a fraction.
“You love this taste? You want more of it?” Lestat pressed his cheek to hers, mercilessly. “Do you feel how it burns inside me, Chérie?” He drew out her name, voicing the endearment seductively.
She twisted, fangs bared, to gash at his throat hungrily, but he was out of reach. “Not yet,” he whispered and slowly removed his coat.
Louis reached out to unbutton his maker’s shirt and Lestat allowed it, holding himself still. He closed his eyes as his fledgling’s long fingers slid over his exposed chest and spread his collar wide.
Louis moved back and held her legs until Lestat slipped an arm around Chérie’s waist. Their maker pulled her off the bed, immobilizing her arms against his chest as his free hand firmly held her chin. He smiled as her heart pounded against his.
“You see, my dear. I hunger yet and I wish to be filled.” And he stabbed his fangs into her neck, penetrating the vein viciously.
Her eyes flew wide and she breathed in sharply, her hands frantically grasping at her maker.
Louis watched her eyes roll back momentarily as Lestat drew savagely of her blood. Her lids were half veiled as their eyes met over their maker’s shoulder, her passion for him burning.
Lestat pulled up almost imperceptibly, his tongue lapping up the pooling blood as his fangs slid out.
“You may belong to Louis, heart and soul,” he whispered, his lips brushing her flesh. “But your blood belongs to me.” His tongue circled the wounds on her throat. “Never forget. Your blood is mine.” He pressed his teeth through the same wounds, reclaiming her blood. Lestat lifted her and turned so she was no longer pinned.
Her arms surrounded Lestat, clutching his back as he drank deeper, her desire feeding him as much as her blood. With one hand she reached out for Louis and, when he took it, he could feel her weakening, drained as he was drained. She drew him close behind their maker, their lips touching.
Louis felt the heat of their blood radiating through Lestat’s shirt and smelled the blood as it was drawn from Chérie. His hunger crested and he pulled the golden hair aside, burying his face beneath it, kissing his maker’s scorching flesh. Such delicious warmth! He felt a shudder cross Lestat’s back as he pressed his lips to his maker’s throat and drove his fangs through the taut skin.
The blood seared his parched throat, roaring through his icy flesh. He felt its spreading warmth as he heard his maker’s heart join his, pounding. So different this blood, from mortal blood. The power of it pulsed through his veins, seemingly stretching their surface as it became his blood, feeding him. Loving him.
Another shudder crossed his maker’s back and Louis’s lips pressed firmly to the wound, feeling the tingle it elicited.
The vision came, startling him. Flying across the starry sky. Chérie with her mortal arms around his neck, eyes alight in wonder. But it couldn’t be his neck! Rolling, tumbling below the thin clouds. Joy in her eyes. Falling, the air tingling his flesh, falling to stand before himself. Proud to see such fury in his own eyes, so piercingly green! Fury becomes love as he watched himself twirling Chérie to the deafening pounding of their hearts. Their three hearts! A vision shared through their maker!
Louis slowly drew his tongue over the punctures on Lestat’s neck and gently kissed away the last of the blood. He lay on the bed, rolling to look up at his maker.
Chérie was still fastened onto the other side of his neck, locked in the swoon. Lestat’s pleasured gaze sought Louis, his hand reaching. Louis intertwined his fingers with his maker’s, and smiled as he felt the powerful heartbeat through his warm palm.
How I love you both! It was all he could think, and his lips moved with the silent words as he stared into Lestat’s shimmering eyes. They appeared almost green, bathed in the golden light.
Lestat gasped and squeezed his hand hard as Chérie released him, her lips tasting his neck repeatedly.
Louis reached up and gently pulled them both down to lie with him. His hand snaked out for the control panel, pressing the button to lower the terrace panel against the imminent sun. He sighed when the confirming beep sounded reassuringly.
“Such delectable input,” Lestat murmured as his fledglings tangled their limbs about him.
They snuggled in against each other’s warmth and slept, passing unnoticed between mortal and Death’s sleep.
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