Fated(67)

A beautiful vampire swept across the room to stand before us. Her waist length hair was a deep chestnut brown and her expressive black eyes swept over me curiously. Her eyes moved to Stefan, lingering on him much longer than I would prefer. She motioned with her hand for us to sit down on the sofa closest to us. Smiling curtly, she turned and walked back to slowly lower herself on the couch facing us. The other vampires took their seats, still silently observing us. Stefan led us to the couch, pulling me down beside of him. He was still holding my hand, his grip possessive and soothing.

“Josephine, I am Sofia Mancini. You have already met Adolfo and Lenora,” she addressed me, her voice soft with a thick Italian accent. She inclined her head towards the two other vampires. “This is Derek Collier and Nigel Ryan. We are all on the Council and are very interested in meeting you. Let us sit and talk.”

At the mention of Derek's name, Stefan's body stiffened slightly. Surprised at his reaction, I wondered if this was this the same Derek he'd spoken of when he returned from his last assignment.

I didn't have to speculate for long since the look on Derek's face said it all. The dark haired vampire might have been handsome if not for the arrogant sneer on his sullen face. His gray eyes burned with resentment as he glanced first at Stefan and then to me. He snickered when he observed our joined hands, releasing a bored sigh and crossing his arms under his chest.

My gaze turned to Nigel. He was ruggedly handsome and his shoulder length light brown hair was tousled. Expressive hazel eyes flickered over us, nodding slightly. He was a large muscular man, appearing to be uncomfortable sitting on the small leather sofa.

“Hello?” My greeting came out sounding like a question, my heart racing wildly. The Council of vampires continued to visually observe me as if I were an anomaly, their faces a mixture of curiosity, aggravation and envy.

“Stefan, this is the woman from your visions? The one you have been searching for?” Sofia questioned him, leaning towards him in interest. Her lips turned up in a tight smile as she shifted her attention on me, her dark eyes were hard and filled with dislike as she scrutinized me. I could feel a tingling sensation against my brain, as if she was making an attempt to push her way inside. She was obviously unsuccessful as she sat back deeper into the couch, glancing at Derek and her brows pulling together into an affronted frown. She glared at me, appearing to be furious that her ability didn't work on me. She must be the telepath Stefan had spoken of.

“Yes,” Stefan answered simply, turning slightly to look down at me, his handsome face serene. Our eyes met for a moment and a small smile touched his lips. “This is my fated.”

“Josephine, how do you feel about Stefan? You know about what we are and you are not afraid?” Nigel spoke up, his voice inflected with an Australian accent. His heavy hand rubbed his chin as he watched my reaction.

“Tell him the truth, vackra.”

Sitting up straight, I felt my jaw jut out in defiance. “I know that you're vampires. I'm in love with him, even considering to have him change me so we can always be together. As for being afraid, I've been more scared in the last 24 hours than I've ever been since I've met him.”

“We apologize for our abrupt invitation. It was necessary to meet you.” Nigel leaned forward with his forearms against his thighs. “We need to assess if you are a risk and your abilities.”

“My risk? I love him,” I snapped, looking around the room at each vampire. “I have no intention of telling anyone anything about your existence.”

Stefan squeezed my hand lightly. “Josephine. I know you are angry. Do not let them provoke you.”

Sighing, I squeezed his hand back. They were intentionally trying to make me angry. I needed to stay calm and answer their questions.

“And why should we believe you?” Derek asked coldly. His voice had a southern drawl that reminded me of Georgia. I didn't fail to miss the note of sarcasm in his voice. “You are just a human after all.”

“You don't have to believe me. Here's the thing, Derek. I have no one to tell. My adoptive parents died four years ago and I have no living family. Prior to meeting Stefan, I lived a solitary life. I have my own issues, let alone causing problems for you.” I was proud of how non-nonchalant I managed to sound, even though my stomach was twisting in knots with anxiety.

Derek eyed me for a moment, his gray eyes flat as stone. He looked towards Stefan and his eyes turned harder. A sinister smile broke across his face. “Stefan, you know the risks of choosing to play with your food.”

Derek's words caused a deep growl to resonate in Stefan's chest, his jaw clenching and the muscles in his neck were tense and corded.