Page 154 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

“I don’t think we have a choice. We have enough problems without adding a monster to our list.” He shrugged. “Thea is safe here. The wards guarding the court will keep a monster out.”

“We leave innocent vampires to die?”

“No, we just tackle one problem at a time.”

“I should get ready for this party,” I grumbled, reaching for the box he’d delivered. “Is this a present or…”

“I suppose we might as well find out.” Julian popped open the lid, swearing when he saw what was inside.

That boded well. I opened mine, my brows nudging together as I stared at the simple white mask inside. Under it was an invitation printed on thick vellum. I plucked it free. “Wear the mask and find yourself at the Midnight Carnival,” I read, turning it over to find the other side blank. “Well, that’s cryptic.” I tossed the card into the box and reached for the mask. “What the hell is this about?”

Julian’s jaw tensed as he stared at his own mask. “Nothing good.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

THEA

Pregnancy was...fun. I clung to the toilet like a life preserver, the porcelain cool against my fevered skin as I shook from the heaving. It hit every evening like clockwork. I didn’t know why they called it morning sickness, but I was thankful it kept to a schedule. I practiced cello around the same time. When my nausea inevitably hit, I was alone. Julian’s concern over how I felt was sweet, but I didn’t need an audience.

“Should you go to this stupid Rite?”

I jerked up to find Aurelia watching me from the doorway to the bathroom. “I’m fine.” I pushed myself off the ground to prove it, hoping she didn’t note my shaky legs.

Her hawkish eyes pierced me. “I can see that.”

“Why are you here?” I asked gently as I flushed and started to the sink to brush my teeth. She’d been avoiding me since our return yesterday. Turning the tap, I lifted my eyes to wait for her answer—and froze. She was dressed for the evening, her glossy hair loose over her shoulders, her lips painted red, her gown... “You look stunning.”

I meant it. The black gown and the lines of kohl sharpening her eyes honed her brutal beauty rather than softened it.

She shrugged, but I spied color creep onto her cheeks. “The sooner tonight is over, the better.”

Finally, something we agreed on. I cupped water in my palms and washed my mouth. Patting it dry with a soft towel, I turned to her. “I suppose I’m supposed to be ready by now.”

“Should you go?” she pressed, eyes skirting to the toilet she’d just caught me throwing up in.

“Don’t worry. It happens every night, but I’m always fine after.”

“Still... does Julian know?” Her voice strained on his name. She’d had mixed feelings regarding my mate before we’d run off to the island. Now, I suspected they’d settled firmly into negative territory. That she was bringing him up told me exactly how concerned Aurelia was, even if she struggled to show it.

“He knows, and I suspect he feels it through our bond, but he respects that I don’t want him hovering over me the whole time.” He would if I let him. Beautiful, frustrating, overprotective vampire. I headed into the bedroom. “I should find something to wear.”

“You haven’t picked a dress?” she asked as I followed her.

“Just because I am going this evening doesn’t mean I’m looking forward to it. Attendance is mandatory. Sabine needs us there. Not going might send the wrong message.” The message that the Council’s attack had intimidated me. Screw that. “I assume the closet will have something for me. Isn’t that the point of having a magical wardrobe?” I opened it and found a variety of simple dresses, flowing tops and matching pants, all in various shades of cream and beige. Not a gown in sight. I pushed the hangers apart, my fingers lingering on the buttery soft fabric of the outfits. But all the gowns it had presented me with upon my earlier arrival had vanished.

“It seems your closet agrees with me.” Aurelia folded her arms over her chest, a haughty smile playing on her crimson lips. “You should stay home, resting and comfortable.”

“I’ll just wear this.” I plucked the most formal option—a set of ivory pants and a wispy matching top. I frowned as I studied it. It was the best I could do. I imagined Sabine’s face when I showed up in the outfit. It might be worth it to be comfortable, a luxury not afforded by the first two Rites.

Aurelia groaned, striding across the room. She picked up a black box and brought it to me. “It won’t matter once you put this on.”

Bracing myself, I flipped open the box and found a white mask and an invitation that I read to her, “You’re invited to the Midnight Carnival.”

“One of our oldest traditions in Venice,” she explained. “It seems the Vampire Council made it a little more... interesting.”

I picked up the mask and turned it over. There was nothing unusual about it. It was plain, boring even. I placed it on my dresser and opened the top drawer. “I’m not certain this will do much to—”

Aurelia gasped, doubling over and clutching her ears. She struggled to raise her head. “What. Is. In. There?”

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