Frank’s P.O.V

I watched Blake go as my mother pulled her away. I knew full well I couldn’t join them whilst she was meeting Gerard’s grandmother. Elena was a strong and wise peer who surprisingly was very relaxed when it came to us younger peers breaking the rules. I remembered once that Gerard had been instructed not leave the house and to interact with humans for a few weeks because his instincts were high after the girl he thought was his one had died. When I went to his room he wasn’t there and his parents hadn’t seen him either, it took us two whole hours to find in him the bar where he first met her. His parents had him in the study screaming at him whilst Elena sat in the corner smirking watching them. When his father asked her what she thinks she just laughed and told them to lighten up and let the boy live. I knew Blake would be fine with Elena and hopefully she will help my mum to trust her. I made my way around the usual peers, introducing myself to the newly inaugurated peers and giving them useful advice to surviving life as a peer.

I next came to a gentleman I hadn’t met before who just stood staring at me with a twisted smile on his face. He had cheekbone length hair that was blond and greasy, his beard had speckles of orange in it and he had a lip piercing similar to mine.
“Oh Frank this is Dorian Stephens.” My father spoke as he introduced me to the sleazy looking guy in front of me, I extended my hand in a polite manner as he shook it with a rather weak handshake.
“Nice to meet you Dorian.” I smiled politely as I pulled my hand away and discreetly rubbed it against my leg trying to rid myself of his invisible germs.
“Dorian is expected to become a peer very very soon, maybe you could advise him on the best way to ensure he gains the status Frank.” My father smiled before excusing himself to talk to some family member from far away.
“Oh well you just got to play by the rules and show them you are willing for peace with the humans.” I smiled looking around I quickly found Elena but my mother and Blake was nowhere to be seen. I spotted Gerard and looked round hoping that Blake was talking to Anna but Anna was enthralled in a conversation with Gerard’s younger brother Mikey and his new girlfriend.
“Speaking of humans, is it true?” Dorian’s gruff voice rang out for the first time. I turned to look at him quickly, not being able to get a read on him.
“Is what true?” I questioned looking at him.
“That the girl who is your companion is the glitch my mother and father tried to hunt?” He smirked looking up at me.
“I don’t see how you think that is of your business. Last time I checked you were only very very soon to becoming a peer and not yet one. Another tip of mine, don’t piss off a peer who can stand in the way of that Mr Stephens. Believe me, you mention any of that again and I will ensure they find any dirty secret that you’re trying to hide. And I will strike that match leading to your death.” I spoke calmly as I leaned in closer to him smirking.
“Wow buddy, she’s got you bad. I’ll take that as a yes then. Maybe it’s not me you should be giving advice too Peer Iero. Word of warning I’m pretty sure the only match you are striking is the one to your own death.” He smirked as he walked off into the sea of people leaving me stood there seething.

I quickly made my way over to Edith who was busy serving some of the younger peers, who’s first gala it was.
“Edith I need a word.” I spoke to her as I held her elbow gently taking the tray off her and handing it to another waitress as I pulled her lightly to one of the side doors and opening the door for her following her in.
“I need you to do something for me.” I looked up at her as I heard her zip start to undo as I quickly put my hand over hers. “No not that my dear.” I smiled down at her as she blushed and slid the zip back up.
“Then what sir?” She asked, eyes fixed to the floor.
“You don’t need to do that to me Edith. You don’t ever look at the floor with me.” I spoke to her softly as I walked over to the computer in my office turning it on as she stood awkwardly in the room. “How long have you worked here?” I questioned glancing up at her from over the computer screen as she nervously shifted in her spot thinking.
“About ten years sir.” She smiled slowly as I mirrored the smile.
“You’re one of the only ones I trust not to kill, hurt or misjudge here in this house. I trust you with my life Edith and right now part of my life could be in danger.”
“Are you talking about Blake?” She asked quickly worry washing over her face.
I nodded slowly, “it is Edith. Do you like her?” I asked typing a few words on the computer as I caught her nod.
“Permission to speak truthfully?” She asked slowly as I nodded the permission. “Sir she is a young scared vampire who needs guidance and love from her own kind. Love, protection and guidance I think you can offer her sir.” She bit her lip nervously.
“I think so too Edith.” I smiled as I motioned to her to come over to the computer where there was a picture of Dorian up on the screen. I noticed her study the picture. “This man is at the party and I believe he has something to do with Blake’s past. I think he’s here to hurt her.” I looked up at her to see her squinting at the screen focusing. “I want you to keep an eye on him from afar, if you see him approaching Blake then come find Gerard or I ok?” She nodded “I want you to go upstairs and change into a ball gown tonight you are a guest you’re not working.” I looked at her just as she looked nervous.
“But sir I don’t own any gowns just my maids uniform.” She mumbled.
“In the spare room, should be something to your liking.” I smiled as she nodded. As she was about to leave we both heard a familiar scream coming from next door. I jumped up and ran to the connecting door swinging it open to see my mother feeding from Blake. “Go.” I looked at Edith quickly before walking in and pulling my mother away from Blake quickly. “What the hell mother?” I screamed at her quickly licking Blake’s wound on her neck to heal it as my mother wiped the blood away from her mouth with the back of her hand as Blake tugged on my sleeve.
“She needs protection. We have come to a deal.” My mother spoke coldly as Blake nodded looking down at the floor.

Notes