Predator

Chapter 24

1. August, 7 pm

A girl with a face as pale as snow stood under the brightest light. She wore a gown that seemed to glow like an ember in comparison, but when she smiled it was brighter than any diamond.

She appeared to be celebrating judging from her  gleaming eyes and laughter, though the room around her was dim.

An unknown man reached for her hand and kissed her fingers. He said something only they could hear before leaving towards the balcony.

I'm not sure if she had any intention in following him since I approached her before she had time to make a decision.

"Im glad you're having fun." 
Her lips curved slightly into a smile before turning toward me.

"Long time no see, brother."

"Yeah..." I muttered, looking back at the ball. "It's been a month and a half."

"That long?" She said as she walked up next to me. Her voice was soft, yet she sounded so cheerful all the same. "We should go upstairs and talk for hours. Alone." She chuckled as her hands traveled to my shoulders.

I shifted between my left and right leg while the uncomfortable feeling overwhelmed me.

"Why are you acting like this?"  I asked, still avoiding looking directly at her. "It isn't like you."

Lina laughed. She turned her attention away from me, taking in a deep breath of air. "What are you talking about, I'm always like this."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"No, you don't act like that," I insisted. "When we talked last time you were just... Nevermind. I'll get you a glass of water."

"No. Don't go."  She grabbed my arm tightly. "Let's dance together, okay?" Her words made me feel uneasy even more.

I glanced towards the royal family only to see Lord Leroi glaring daggers at me.

"Fine." I shrugged and turned my eyes back on her.

"Good." A wide grin split on her cheeks as she took hold of my hand and let me a few steps closer the where the vampires danced but not close enough for it to be a problem.

She moved her hands down my arms and then rested them around my waist. I reached down for her hands and removed them from my body. If we are going to dance I would much rather prefer hand-in-hand dancing.

"You know how to pick 'em, huh?" An unfamiliar man said as he approached us. His tone was friendly enough, but his eyes held a dark tint of hostility and a cruel edge.

My grip tightened around Lina's hands.
The man chuckled and then continued speaking. "I am sorry to interrupt but I arranged a little bit of Lina's time on the balcony, but she never came. I guess you are the reason why."

His gaze switched between Lina and me.

"Who are you?" I asked.

He smirked. "Not here to make small talk with you, just came here for her."

"So what?" I said through gritted teeth. "Leave now."

Lina gasped and tried pulling on my hand but I didn't budge. Instead, I placed one of my hands on the small of her back and pushed her slightly behind me.

She looked back at me and mouthed, "Brother, please."

"Brother?" The stranger repeated with an unreadable expression on his face. "Is this how you treat your own sister? Well I suppose when the number of females is tight you can ignore some boundaries." He laughed. "I'll make you a deal, I will let you have her first and I'll have her afterwards."