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Julian studied the building. Wisps of white light whipped along its panes. “So much for being discreet.”
“Thorn doesn’t do discreet.” Rafe laughed.
“Remember the dragons,” Greyson said as he adjusted his straw fedora.
“The pool water should help diffuse the energy,” Julian told them. “If things go sideways, flash out.”
“You know it,” Greyson agreed.
“There must be twenty cars lined up over there,” Rafe commented. Several yards from the glass structure, valets attended to luxury cars and limousines.
“My guess is about forty to fifty people, give or take. Some creatures might be able to flash depending on their abilities.” Julian gave a soft squeeze to Cassia’s hand and led them across the yard toward the conservatory. A crunch sounded beneath his boots as he stepped on a branch. As they moved closer the music grew louder.
Within seconds they reached the entrance. Julian’s beast stood ready to attack. It wasn’t just the magick alone. A slight twinge of Hell zipped over his skin like electricity, leaving the hairs on the back of his arm standing up.
A flock of pelicans stood watch near the door. Women dressed in hot pink bikinis with matching feathers wrapped around their necks greeted partygoers. A trio of bare-chested drummers beat a rhythm on taiko drums.
As they approached the walkway, the entrance door swung open revealing a woman wearing a colorful red and white kimono. Her iridescent pale blue skin sparkled in the light. With great reverence, she placed her palms together and bowed toward Julian.
Out of courtesy, Julian returned the gesture, bowing with his arms to his sides. “We are here to see Thorn Rachille. Desdemona Hesperia brokered our meeting.”
“Prince Lobos. Konnichiwa. My name is Sayuri. Thorn is expecting you. I regret to inform you, however, that he will be late.”
“Do you know when he’s expected to return?”
“I anticipate his arrival within the hour. He has asked me to be your host during the event.” Her gaze painted over Cassia. “I see you all have complied with the dress code.”
“We appreciate your hospitality,” Julian told her.
“May I ask who is in your party?” A flash of fire flickered within her deep brown eyes.
“Yes, of course. This is my mate, Cassia.” Though polite, Julian asserted his dominance. Sayuri would most likely convey to Thorn who attended. “This is Greyson Dragavei of Romania, and Rafe Beaumont who is under my care. Dominique Moreau. She reports to Kade Issacson of New Orleans.”
Sayuri nodded. “Arigato. We are honored to have you at The Sanctuary.”
“Arigato gozaimasu.” Julian nodded in return.
“You speak Japanese, Alpha?” she inquired.
“Choto. I’m afraid I’ve spent too much time away and I’m a bit rusty.”
Sayuri smiled and gestured toward the entrance. “Dozo agatte kudasai. Tonight’s festivities await.”
Julian and Cassia exchanged a whimsical smile as they followed Sayuri into the open-air glass conservatory.
“This is The Sanctuary.”
Overgrown vines and bright colored flowers climbed its walls, twinkling white lights illuminating the enormous circular indoor pools. Mechanical red and green hummingbirds fluttered to and from strategically placed red gardenias which ascended from the floor to the ceiling.
The scent of Asiatic lilies drifted in the air, a soft Hawaiian melody echoing from a quartet of ukulele players. A beautiful woman wearing a sarong began singing, her voice light and soft.
“It’s beautiful,” Cassia commented. “This place…it’s so…”
“Heiwa.” Peace. Julian nodded.
“Hai.” Sayuri radiated happiness as she continued to address them. “The performance this evening is designed to be an immersive experience. At this moment we wish for guests to absorb the healing energy of sound and water, to inhale the purified air. We believe in connecting to Mother Nature. Many of our rare tropical plants have been internationally imported for this evening only. As you can imagine most human authorities would not be pleased if we introduced a new species to their ecosystem. We take great care of Mother Earth by returning her foliage to their homes where they can continue to flourish.”
“That must be quite a feat,” Greyson remarked.
