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Angelina
The banter with Luca and Salvatore was like a breath of fresh air, and I loved to tease them almost as much as they loved tormenting me. This ceremony had me concerned though. I’d never enjoyed being the centre of attention. Talking to tourists about my artwork was one thing. Being in a room full of supernatural creatures was another.
The offer to meet Antoine and his mate was very sweet. My heart was still breaking over Cassie, and I wasn’t certain if I could maintain a close relationship with another female. The loss I felt with the death of my best friend would hurt me forever. I just couldn’t imagine having another bestie after losing mine in such an horrific way. Being friends with Diane was different. She was older than me and more of a mother figure.
My train of thought was derailed when I heard Diane call out my name. She ran down the path which led from her cottage and flung herself into my arms. She cried and laughed simultaneously. I joined in with her, revelling in her loving embrace.
“Oh, Angelina, I’m so relieved. I knew you’d be safe, but I worried all the same.”
Luca and Salvatore headed inside the cottage, leaving us alone. Diane started to shiver. I needed to remember that although she had been gifted a longer lifespan, she was still, in essence, human.
“Let’s go inside before you catch a cold.” I led her up the path.
She paused outside the door. Her eyes were filled with unshed tears.
“What’s wrong, Diane?”
“Nothing, love. I’m just feeling a little emotional. I’ve been with the boys over two hundred years.” She paused before adding, “Michael and I have seen lovers come and go. Each time we prayed they’d find their mate. We were terrified they’d die before that happened.”
I held her close and kissed her cheek. “No need to worry anymore. We’re all together now and very much in love.”
“I know,” she whispered. “And I will be eternally grateful to you for walking into their lives.”
* * *
Luca
After meeting up with Diane and Michael, Angelina decided to paint and headed for her studio in our private apartments. Although Sal and I wanted to spend every moment with her, we understood she required privacy too. Moments to herself. Painting would help her with the grieving process of losing Cassie, something else to focus on. This would be the right time to contact Antoine. Donna would be the perfect person for her to meet.
Angelina’s grief over losing Cassie beat at us constantly. When she didn’t realise her thoughts were seeping out, we experienced her loss as if it was ours. Donna would never replace Cassie, but she would be a great friend and ally to her.
“Hey, dude. What’s up? Is Angelina worried about the ceremony?”
Trust Antoine to get straight to the point.
“Good morning to you too, Antoine. Astute as ever.”
“Well, I guess you’re mated now. If it had been a demon problem, you wouldn’t sound so calm.”
“Are you and Donna free tomorrow evening? We thought it would be good for Angelina to meet Donna. She’s in need of an ally.”
“Awesome idea. Hang on a minute.”
He called out to Donna, and I heard her say yes.
“The boss says we have nothing on. What time do you want us over?”
“Seven-thirty?”
“Yeah, that’s cool. See you tomorrow.”
He ended the call and I glanced at Sal, shaking my head.
“Man of few words, huh?”
“You could say that. Guess we’d better speak to Diane about dinner.” I stood up, and Sal followed me out to the kitchen, where I knew she’d be baking to celebrate our union with Angelina.
And as we expected, she was over the moon and had already started planning in her head. She always had coffee on the go, and we grabbed mugs for us and Diane. We sat at the table and watched her studying various cookbooks. Suddenly, her head shot up.
“What?” we both said at the same time.
“She’s going to need a new dress for the ceremony. I think it would be a good idea if Donna and I went with her.”
A thought came to me and I reached out to our parents. “Is there any chance Diane and Michael could come to Angelina’s welcome ceremony?”
Our mother responded, her warmth touching our minds. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. Diane is very close to Angelina, and Michael cares for her a great deal.”
“Thanks, Mum.”
“Is Angelina okay?”
Diane had known us long enough to realise we were using telepathy. “She’s in her studio. She wanted some time alone. We were just communicating with our parents. We have news for you.”
“Oh?” She put down the book she’d been studying and sat at the table with us.
“You and Michael are to be invited to Angelina’s ceremony.” Salvatore smiled a gentle smile at her.
Tears formed and then fell from her eyes. She stood up and came to us; we took her into our arms and held her.
“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to us.”
I smiled and brushed the tears from her cheeks. “I think we do. It’ll be good for Angelina to be surrounded by those who love her.”
The door to the kitchen opened. “Diane, can I help you with dinner… Oh, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Diane responded, “but it appears you won’t be the only one to go dress shopping.”
* * *
Angelina
I’d hoped painting might help me to centre my thoughts. All I kept seeing was Cassie’s broken form on her bed. My heart shattered all over again. I needed to find something else to concentrate on. I imagined Diane in the kitchen, preparing food for dinner and baking delicious cakes. It would be good to give her a hand. When I opened the door, I was shocked to see she was crying. I reached out to my mates, but they were calm and smiling.
“Dress shopping?” I asked, pulling a face. I’d never been a huge shopper.
“Yes. Michael and I are coming to the ceremony with you.”
I couldn’t help the big smile which covered my face. Now I wouldn’t feel quite so alone at this imposing event.
“You’re never alone, bella.”
When they spoke to me in this intimate form of communication, my legs turned to jelly. And as for my lady bits…
“Hmm, we can help you with your lady bits.”
“Behave, Luca.” I put my head in my hands. “Damn, I need to remember not to say things out loud.”
Everyone laughed.
“Oh, we’ve invited Donna and Antoine over tomorrow night. Then you ladies can arrange to go dress shopping,” Salvatore said.
I couldn’t help the groan I let loose. “God, I really hate shopping.”
My mates threw back their heads and roared with laughter.
“Argh, Diane. Tell them to stop,” I complained.
“Don’t you worry, love. We’ll make it fun.”
“Shopping? Fun? Seriously, those two words don’t go together.”
