A Vampire for Christmas(36)
Other than being a little tired as her body adjusted to its new way of acquiring and processing energy, she felt great. Her muscles were strong, her vision was better than before, her mind was sharp and her bond with Trace was even more powerful. She hadn’t wanted to say anything to him yet, but she felt certain that their union—as his people, now her people, liked to call it—would someday produce a child. A Westfalen heir. The prospect thrilled her.
When she awoke after the transformation to changeling was complete, Trace had fallen to his knees, an emotional wreck. She’d learned that he hadn’t left her bedside since he rescued her from Sebastian. If she’d ever had any doubts how he felt about her, she needn’t have worried. Again he apologized for wiping her memories last year and for what she’d gone through because of him. She’d laughed, stroked his hair and told him how much she loved him.
Yesterday, everyone present had remained quiet and reverent throughout the various proceedings. When it was her turn, however, she’d boldly walked to the stone podium, her hair covered by the hood of her robe, its hem trailing out behind her. In a clear voice that echoed throughout the chamber, she’d read the speech she’d written with Vik’s help. It outlined all the reasons Trace should be sworn in to the North American Council.
One of the elders had brought up concerns about the Westfalen family’s commitment to Council philosophy because of the business with Trace’s uncle and now, his cousin.
What’s contained in a man’s heart speaks more to his character than his lineage,” Charlotte had replied. “Trace has demonstrated time and again that he believes in what the Governing Council stands for and isn’t afraid to fight for his beliefs.” She held out her arms. “I’m living proof of that.”
In the end, Trace was voted in. Today marked the day he took his oaths.
How do I look?” he asked now.
He towered over her, his shoulders proud and strong. The red lining of his cape, which signified his family’s lineage, brought out the blue in his eyes, she noted, even in the dim light of all these candles. His muscular bare chest begged for her to run her hands over it, but she restrained herself. There’d be time for that later. Lots more time, she thought with a smile, considering her extended lifespan.
Just about perfect,” she whispered. “You look very vampirish. And very sexy.”
A guard dressed in full military regalia stepped out of the shadows. It was time.
Trace pulled the hood of her robe to cover her hair, his fingertips brushing her jawline. “And I can say the same about you.”
The guard cleared his throat.
Ready?” Trace asked her.
As long as you are, I am.”
The ceremonial chambers were packed, with rows of people lining the walls, making the space feel even smaller. A human had never witnessed the swearing in of a Council member before, although technically Charlotte wasn’t human any longer.
Trace’s voice boomed out strong and confident, sending shivers of pride skating down her back. This was her man, she thought. The man she was spending the rest of her life with. His grandmother would be proud of him, as well. Charlotte was sad Vik hadn’t been able to make the trip over to witness this.
After reciting his allegiance to the Governing Council, Trace picked up the large pillar candle in front of him and approached the eternal flame burning from a pit behind the altar. He lit his candle, then carried it to a wall, where he placed it alongside dozens of others. When he turned around, everyone clapped and cheers rang out around them.
It was official then. Trace was now a member of the Governing Council. She couldn’t wait to show him how proud she was of him.
THE SHOES. They stay on for now.”
He chuckled when he noticed Charlotte’s hand pausing on the strap of her heels. Trace had asked her to wear the lingerie he’d bought her for the Christmas party since he hadn’t been able to fully appreciate it back then. And he’d bought her a new dress—red, this time—which she’d worn under the ceremonial black robe today.
But—”
Don’t worry, you’re not going to be doing any more walking.”
He swept her into his arms and carried her into the hotel suite. His footsteps pounded on the hardwood floor of the hallway, echoing the tempo of her heart. When they entered the bedroom, he kicked the door closed and set her next to the bed.
She reached around to unzip the dress, but he stopped her. “I’ll do it.”