CHAPTER 2: THE FAMILY PARTY

The sun was setting, humans were walking to their various destinations. Aiden was driving home with the cake he bought from the bakery shop. He drove into the O'Connor premises, stationing the SUV at the garage before carrying the cake into the house carefully. As he stepped into the living room, he was welcomed by Colby.

“Hmm. Looks tasty.” Colby said, salivating, he wanted to eat all of it. Aiden strolled into the kitchen before settling the white-colored creamy cake on the dining table. Beckham had arranged the living room and it was large enough to contain about fifty people. Elijah was downtown, compelling humans to grace the party. They had promised that they wouldn't hurt anyone. Aiden did an excellent job by providing blood bags for himself and his siblings. He knew how to take care of his family and this was what he wanted, a new beginning.

“There is something you need to know.” Colby panicked, as much as he wanted to tell him about Marissa, he recognized the consequences and he knew that Aiden had a way of handling their problems.

“I'm all ears.” Aiden squinted heading toward the door while Colby followed. They cornered into the kitchen.

“A vampire huntress is in town. I mean I don't think we are the only vampires in this town.” Colby faltered.

“I know that we aren't the only vampires in this town and we need to be extra careful. I killed four of them before saving a gorgeous lady that would attend the party,” Aiden placed the cake on the counter and turned toward him. “Please be cool and wait until this is over before we discuss how we would get rid of this huntress.” He evaluated.

“You are the best big brother. I will be in my room.” Colby concluded before speeding toward his room. Aiden sighed. He needed to take his bath and get dressed in his usual attire, a black suit. His mind drifted to Lynette again, he imagined how they would dance together and enjoy the party. He couldn't deny the fact that he was falling in love with her, every time he thought about her, he felt delighted. He was a vampire in love.

Colby lay on his bed, he recalled what happened at the bar and how he escaped from Marissa's clutches. He also invited Amaya to the party and he hoped that she would honor his invitation. The door opened revealing Elijah who met Colby standing in front of him while breathing heavily. Elijah twirled his eyes.

“How many humans did you compel?” Colby quizzed.

“Thirty. Mostly women and a few men.” Elijah forced a smile. Colby slapped his face.

“Get out.” Colby chortled.

“Um, I got you a present and it's in the dining room. Besides, I saw the wonderful cake Aiden bought. He knows our taste.” Elijah affirmed. Colby sped to the kitchen, he came out with a brown box and quickly unwrapped it. It was a blue suit and a tie. He loved it. He hurried toward Elijah and embraced him.

“Thank you, big brother,” Colby leered. “But did you compel it from them?” He raised an eyebrow before chortling. Elijah scowled.

“You are welcome. Go take your bath and get dressed. The party is about to commence.” Elijah patted his back before walking down to the end of the hallway, the last room was his. Colby clenched his fist on the suit and gritted his teeth in excitement.

It was seven o'clock on the dot, music was booming in the living room. The crimson-like light filled the room in its exciting glow, the candles were burning in bright yellow flames. Elijah made sure that he served the guests red wine, Beckham was at the door welcoming those that were on their way. Colby was leaning on the verandah across the hallway waiting for Amaya while Beckham was holding on for Aiden to return with his mystery girl. Colby's eyes widened when he saw Marissa stepping into the living room after Beckham had welcomed her. Elijah passed her a drink and she thanked him. She was dressed in a short white gown.

“Milady, may I know your name?” Elijah teased.

“Marissa.” She answered smiling.

“What a sweet name! I'm Elijah O'Connor.”

“An ecstatic name for an attractive man.” Marissa smirked.

“Who told you about our party?” Elijah quizzed, understanding that she wasn't among the list of people he hypnotized.

“More and more questions,” Marissa attested. “Lucas.” She bellowed when her glance caught Colby who was joining the party in the living room.

“You know my brother.” Elijah swallowed hard.

“He invited me to the party.” Marissa looked over her shoulder as she ambled toward him. Elijah shrugged, as he joined the crowd who were dancing to the tunes of the playing music. Aiden joined them with Lynette who was wearing a blue ball gown. Aiden and his brothers were dressed in black suits except for Colby who was wearing a blue suit.

“Do you think Amaya is going to make it?” Marissa asked Colby as they sat on the couch that was at the end of the living room.

“She told you about the party. Probably, she got caught up with her job. It's stressful to work at the grill.” Colby shrilled.

“You think…Look at her.” Marissa gasped when she saw Amaya stepping in, she was dressed in a red ball gown with red shoes.

“Excuse me.” Colby cleared his throat as he hurried toward her. Marissa seeped from the glass of red wine she was holding.

“Amaya you made it.” Colby smiled.

“Of course, I would. I wouldn't want to disappoint a friend. I told Marissa about the party and she decided to come.”

“I see.”

“Hope it's ok with you.”

“Of course.” Colby nodded after glancing at Marissa who waved at them.

“Here you go.” Elijah smirked while passing her a glass of red wine.

“Thank you,” She eyed him. “Is he your brother? I can see the resemblance.”

“Yes, he is.” Colby answered, he took her arms leading her toward the stairs, the music stopped and they looked at Aiden who was holding a glass of red wine, he was about to make a toast.

“It has been years since we set foot in Arcadia Falls,” Aiden stated. Marissa locked her gaze on him as she sipped from the glass that she carried. “I use this opportunity to bless the union of my family, my brothers. Beckham, Elijah, and Colby. A new beginning, a new start for us and the ones we love.” He announced, narrowing his eyes toward Lynette. Colby looked at Amaya.

“That's Aiden. My eldest brother.” Colby whispered.

“He looks amazing.” Amaya said, taking his arms, he looked at her and they both smiled.

“A toast to us. Peace and prosperity.” He concluded before clicking his glass and seeping from it. He stepped down the stairs afterward. The music continued. Lynette ambled toward him.

“That was a great speech back there.” Lynette complimented.

“I'm glad you love it.” Aiden smirked.

“Tell me about your brothers. Elijah, Beckham, Colby. I can't wait to meet them.” Lynette beamed.

“Right,” Aiden said, leading her toward Beckham. “Um, Beckham, this is Lynette Wesley, a friend. Lynette, this is my brother, Beckham.”

“Nice to meet you and you look gorgeous.” Beckham said, taking her right hand and kissing it.

“Aiden told me a few things about his brothers and I have been so curious to meet them.” Lynette started a conversation that Beckham didn't want to venture in, he decided to continue because it would be rude of him to push her away.

“I see. What did he tell you?” Beckham started a conversation taking her away from Aiden. They looked backward and Aiden winked at her and she smiled.

“He said he had good brothers.” Lynette proclaimed.

“We are indeed the best brothers he wished for though our family has a downgraded history.”

“Indulge me.” Lynette looked at him. If there was one thing, she learned that the O'Connor brothers were one happy family even though she hadn't gotten a chance to meet all of them.

Elijah slammed the door while Marissa pulled off his shirt, he flung it away running kisses on her neck. She moaned as he lifted her and took her to the bed. He lay on top of her and she began to unzip his trousers before they changed position. He closed his eyes and Marissa seized his neck and pulled out a stake from her back.

“What are you?” Marissa asked, clasping her grip on his neck. Elijah snickered.

“What do you think I am?” Elijah quizzed.

“I know your brother 'Lucas' is a vampire and I'm going to kill all of you until none is left.” Marissa gnashed her teeth.

“You'd wish you hadn't.” Elijah smirked and they rolled over, he was on top of her and he placed his two hands on hers. His eyes turned red and his face changed.

“I'm a Vampire and you are a human. I could kill you right now, but I find you very attractive.” Elijah sneered.

“You don't know anything about me. I'm a Vampire Huntress.” She kicked and pushed him, he fell to the ground. Before she could make it to the door, he caught her and threw her on the bed. He sped toward her and punched her and she passed out.

“I'm not an average vampire.” Elijah scowled.

At the party. “It has been amazing spending time with you. I hope my brother doesn't look for me.” Amaya said as Colby led her to the exit, the party wasn't over yet, but he wanted to walk her home.

“You have a brother. That's amazing!” Colby exclaimed.

“He is the introvert type, doesn't go out, and he reads a lot and keeps secrets too.” Amaya ranted.

“I would love to meet him.” Colby asserted.

“I will be right back.” Colby told Beckham who nodded.

“Goodbye Beck.” She grinned and he waved at her. They left. Colby had introduced her to his brothers and she was glad to have met them. As they strolled down the streets, they continued with their conversation. The moon was brighter than the previous day, the streets were quiet, and Amaya enjoyed the stillness and the comfort she felt in Colby's arms.

“Right. I will tell my brother about you.” Amaya smiled.

“I hope he likes me.” He teased her.

“He will.” She grinned.

“It has been a long time since I set foot here.” Colby smiled as he placed his hands in his pocket.

“You are always welcome to the grill. How long have you been away?” Amaya asked.

“Like a hundred years,” Colby babbled. Amaya was mute, he noticed the confusion written on her face and he chuckled. “I told you, my pale face is a camouflage.” He jested.

“You are such a mystery guy and I like that.” Amaya smiled and they came to a halt, standing opposite each other.

“And you are my dream girl,” He winked at her, but she didn't notice, he moved strands of her brown hair behind her ears and she grinned. “Close your eyes.” He said.

“Alright. As long as mysteries and surprises are related. I'm in.” Amaya fondled his face before shutting her eyes.

“Open them.” Colby said after some seconds. They were in front of her house, she wondered how he knew her house. There was something about Colby O'Connor that she couldn't resist, she knew he might be one of the lurkers or a magician, but she didn't want to ruin the fun because she could read his heart. He was being honest and genuine and she didn't want to hurt him or destroy their growing friendship.

“You are very enchanting,” Amaya smirked. “What are you?”

“If I told you you wouldn't believe me. I think it should be a story for another day.” Colby rolled his eyes and she giggled.

“I would wait for that day.” Amaya smiled.

“Hmm. Good night.”

“Good night my friend.” Amaya said before pulling him into a tight embrace. He was frigid, but in his coldness, she felt warmth. She didn't want to release him, but she had to let him go home because it was late.

“I will see you at the grill tomorrow.” Colby promised.

“Sure.” She smiled.

The party had ended and Elijah had compelled all the guests to go back home. Beckham was rearranging the living room when Colby walked in, they winked at each other before Elijah hurried in. He cleared his throat and they looked at him. Aiden left with Lynette, he was going to drive her back home.

“We need to talk about something.” Elijah said. Colby raised an eyebrow noticing the fear in his tone.

“The Vampire Huntress,” Colby uttered. “I told Aiden about it. He said we would discuss it after the party. She was here.” They heard the door creak.

“You knew.” Elijah taunted.

“What's going on here?” Aiden asked as he stepped into the living room.

“Everybody calm down! Looks like we got company.” Beckham declared looking at the stairs. Marissa joined them in the living room.

“Looks like the O'Connor mansion is filled with dreadful vampires.” Marissa pouted.

“What are you going to do?” Colby asked.

“Lucas or should I say, Colby, I underestimated you,” Marissa smirked as she pulled out two daggers. “It's laced with vervain.”