Beautiful Monster 2(20)

 
“Before you commit, I want to remind you what you’re playing for!” I said, and nodded to Amy.
 
Amy moved from her spot on the wall to open the door. The light from the emergency exit glowed down into the dark space, and Sarah emerged. Even I was impressed at what she had thrown together. Guessing at what kind of theatrics I wanted, she had donned a long red dress that dipped low and pooled around her feet. I held out my hand and she came to me, a smirk on her face.
 
The second she placed her hand in mine, I could feel it. A pain went through my heart as I compared her to Porsche’s strength but I continued my act.
 
“Porsche was a rebel Shield, it’s true. Shields are nature’s way of bringing balance to the universe. Porsche’s kind was outraged by her murder, and has agreed, for the first time in history, to collaborate with us to make sure Selene is dead.” I took a deep breath, leading Sarah to Nina. “But just in case they change their minds, it’s ok, we have a Shield of our own, a Shield who didn’t even know she existed until she came to me.” I placed Sarah’s hands in Nina’s tiny ones.#p#分页标题#e#
 
The change was almost instant, but for one so tiny and weak as Nina, I had expected that. That’s why I chose her, for the most theatrical value.
 
Nina gasped, her eyes opening wide. After a few short gasps, she began to breathe normally again, and I knew even in the back row, they could see the color coming back into her cheeks. She closed her eyes, smiling for the first time since I met her. Sarah seemed receptive to this, giving the tiny vampire a huge smile back. Finally, Nina’s eyes fluttered open and she turned to the small crowd.
 
“It’s amazing!”
 
One by one, Sarah walked through the crowd on her own, letting them touch her for themselves. If they had never felt a Shield before, and it was likely they hadn’t, then they would be impressed by her. If they had though, my bluff was called because they would know she was weak.
 
Amy came to my side, leaning against my arm as she watched Sarah bring the vampires such joy.
 
“Good job,” she whispered and kissed me on the cheek. “But next time, choreograph your crowd better. Stage looks messy.”
 
I laughed, kissing her back. “Aye aye. Maybe that senior thesis should be in directing?”
 
“Thought about it,” she answered. “But I love acting too much.”
 
“A woman after my own heart,” I said, as Sarah connected at last with Connor.
 
“It is spectacular,” he said, meeting both her eyes as both their hands clasped each other’s. “You truly are quite a remarkable woman.”
 
“Thank you.” Sarah blushed and I raised an eyebrow. Sarah was not normally a girl to blush. Beside Connor, Isabelle stood up a little straighter.
 
“You really think this is going to work?” Amy asked.
 
I exhaled. “I don’t know. But it’s all I’ve got.”
 
“It’ll work,” she said, lightly rubbing my back. “It will.”
 
I nodded and then pulled apart from her as Sarah came back from the throngs of the dead.
 
“The forms you have are admission forms. I suggest each of you fill them out, unless you actually have an arts expertise, in which case, you can fill out a staff form. I’ll enroll you or hire you, and you’ll be here the whole time. Selene is smart, and she will be watching, I know she will. However, what I’m counting on is the fact that she’s turned hundreds of vampires, and can’t remember who and what are hers anymore. For some of you, it’s easy, if she’s your grand-sire or farther removed. The others must be more careful. Classes only take place during the day, and if you choose to feed at night, you must leave this town to do so. You will have to be discreet, more discreet than you’ve ever been. And if you find cravings take you, Amy is a wonderful appetite killer. And Sarah can help you.”
 
With the girls on either side, I looked back at the crowd. They still looked doubtful, but more confident than when I had entered.
 
“Ok?” I asked, and finally got some positive responses. “Alright. Let’s do this.”
 
I handed out pens and let them fill out the forms.
 
“What about the actual Shields?” Sarah asked, as the three of us formed a huddle.
 
I shook my head. “I can’t trust them. I know they want Selene dead, and I’ll trust that they will do that. So they will be informed of the date and time of the show, and be seated around her to weaken her. Hopefully, it will be enough. And unnoticeable.”