Touched by Moonlight Ch. 02

This is my second submission and a small part of what I hope will be a continuing story. It can stand alone but it follows Kissed By Lightning.

A very big thank you to Inverted Fool for editing this chapter.

You're positive comments have inspired me to work even harder. Glad I finally found such a great editor.

I've got a lot on the way, stay tuned. Don't forget to comment or send me feedback!

**

The huge hall was tall, opulent and extreme, just as the vampire society was in general. Every inch seemed to be covered in variously hued marble, statuaries throughout the room, diamond chandeliers hung in a row. The thick dark columns wound through the main hall, into the other halls, and set a precedent for exclusivity. It was breathtaking. No less breathtaking than the variety of vampires in attendance who populated the halls, visible through the open doors of the grand rooms Luciano passed.

There were distinguished males in fine Tuxes, male servants in all black attire and like all of his kind they were all beautifully youthful. And then there were the women. All of them in the same room like this could leave no doubt to their lack of humanity. Their overwhelming beauty glowed against the marble and the chandeliers. Their unearthly beauty was even more breathtaking than the statuary or the diamonds that hung over their heads. They wore exquisite clothes and jewelry, some wore more of the latter than others. Most of the evening gowns adorned by the women were old, classical, although he found himself pleased to recognize several modern styles which were much more revealing. Although those were the females he should stay away from.

Luciano's grey gaze moved swiftly over the females in the room. Their eyes shifted in his direction as he passed, a predatory gleam in their eyes, their heated thoughts prickled at his skin. After so many years he'd grown bored of it all, the bubbling of champagne filling his senses was more enticing than the women themselves. Baffling really, he'd never minded before, usually he'd enjoy their lavishing attention, their heated stares, but tonight they only irked him, edging on the darker side of his vampire, which was unusual. In the deepest part of him, where his vampire dwelt,, the creature that ached for blood and chaos was usually silent amongst these events. His inner vampire had been a hell of a lot more vocal as of late.

His spine stiffened as he felt the heat wave from a especially bold female. His beast shifted inside his mind, fangs extended. Luciano shook off the strange reaction. His vanity wasn't one to turn away a female so he aimed his well structured smile in her direction. Many of the single women present had been his lovers at one point or another, he knew he was an amazing lover and reveled in their need of him. Their society was highly promiscuous and who could blame them. They were physically fit, aesthetically perfect, had outmatched endurance, lived countless decades in boredom, could not contract any of what the human knew as sexually transmitted diseases and had trouble creating long lasting romantic relationships. Oh there were matings of course, but it was a rare occurrence to hear of a couple who was actually madly in love. It was usually all purely transactional, used to further a family line in physical power or wealth.

Luciano frowned as the perky blonde beside him chattered on, oblivious to his growing annoyance. Worse yet was the overly friendly blonde glued to his other side, who kept responding to the chatter. He let out a sigh as Natasha Suleile and Isis Winal clung onto his arms. It annoyed him when one female tried to stake her claim on him so publicly, but they both knew he'd only brought Natasha as a favor to her father. Her father, Damian Suleile was a distinguished member of the current council and, although he was transitioning out, the male had strong influence over their society and very few could deny him, especially in regards to his daughter. Mr. Suleile had called him at the last minute, asking if he could pick up Natasha from his home and escort her to the ball this year. Luciano of course, considered it a great honor for such a man to trust the safety of his daughter to him. Didn't mean he had to like being around her. He let out an annoyed sigh.

"There isn't much I dislike as much as attending the archaic ceremonies tomorrow, but the ball is always to die for. Don't you agree, Luc?" His eyes roamed the hall as he gave her a short nod in response. The violin and piano made such a sultry combination, he wholly approved of the band for this evening. He knew they'd played covers of modern music made into classical spins.

At least the music was good this year, In all truth, he really did detest going through the motions of these archaic traditions. The Sacred Maidens were— well he'd never really stopped to ponder much on such creatures. They were revered as powerful, untouchable pure females who lived to serve the race, to provide the highest breeding and were the only ones equipped to feed an elder, but he knew better. Luciano had seen one of those females snap. From afar he'd been able to see the unconscious bodies at her feet, and the madness in her eyes, as power crackled around her like a venous snake waiting to sink it's teeth into anyone who approached. He'd watched from a healthy distance on the recon mission he'd led and he'd watched as another Maiden dressed in white robes appeared and rightly took the mad female's head.

Luciano felt the flute of champagne press against his hand and took a sip, letting his eyes roam the room. He was a predator and these were his prey. The vampires around him danced and had hushed conversations, the politics at play exhilarating. Best yet, they had no idea he was so attentive, so perceptive to their intentions. He'd risen in the hierarchy of his kind, not just by the name he'd been born to, but by his lethal, incomparable strength in defense and strategy. Most of them saw only his pretty face and didn't bother to delve deeper.

A scent caught his attention, something decadent, sweet and tender, made his mouth water. His body stiffened, his eyes narrowed and a second later his eyes found her. 'Katrina.' Her body twirled on the dance floor and Luciano felt the air get lodged in his throat as he choked. He felt Natasha's small hands rub his back soothingly, sending her healing energy into his body. He gave her a curt nod, shaking her off and moved through the edges of the dance floor.

His eyes burned at the sight. The Michael Costello, Elizabeth black lace dress hugged Katrina's body like a glove, with a high neckline and delicate capped sleeves that brought attention to the elegant arch of her shoulders. The fitting of her dress was heavenly elegant and enticing. The long mermaid bottom twirled as she moved. Most startling, as she danced, she revealed the dangerously low back, hanging precariously close to the edge of her ass, the large gap of the back showcased her beautiful creamy golden skin.

Heat inflamed his senses, the room faded until there was only her in his sight. With a sideways glance his eyes narrowed at Katrina's tight smile towards the male companion who'd just twirled her like she was a fucking disney princess. 'Asshole.' The dangerous predator inside him seethed, his blood boiling as the male's hand landed on the center of her bare back, his keen eyesight noted the way the males fingers rubbed against her back.

A hand touched his chest lightly, snapping him out of his tunnel vision, he hissed in anger. His vision expanded and the noises filtered through his ears once more. He shook his head, excused himself from Natasha and Isis, headed towards the closest bar. Luciano leaned against the bar, letting out a hard breath, the edge of the bar snapped beneath his palms. He took several minutes to contain his breath. A servant asked, "Sire, is there something I can be of assistance with this evening?" Luciano glared at the man who'd approached him, the servant almost quivered in his boots at the gleam in those dangerous eyes. Luciano sent him a nod of his head and immediately, the attendant understood. After all, it wasn't the first time the familiar servant had seen to his request.

Luciano took a long hard tug at the whiskey in his hand and turned around, just in time to see a young chambermaid whispering into Katrina's dance partner's ears. He leaned back and fought the grin that threatened to spread through his face as he watched her dance partner give Katrina a curt bow and left her stranded in the center of the dance floor.

**

Katrina let out a relieved sigh, watching General Kendrick exit the floor quietly. She brushed a tendril of hair out of her face and moved towards the back of the room, thankful for the small reprieve. She'd been accosted since she'd arrived. Her cheeks warmed as a light wind caressed her naked back. In the grand scheme of things, it was right up her alley but something about this dress made her feel... Wicked.

There was still tonight and she was unwilling to let it go to waste. Her brothers moved through the dance floor with their partners, a twinge of sadness flustered inside her before she brushed it off. 'No. Not Tonight.

She moved through the large room, towards the plush sofas in the back, her eyes lit as they landed on Luella Petroik, just who she was looking for. She was Katrina's closest female friend. 'More like, Only.' Understandably, Katrina was not well liked amongst the high ladies of the court, mostly because Luciano's numerous love affairs made his one and only female friend a target for their venom. Comes with the territory. Even now, Katrina held her head high ignoring the shushed whispers as she walked towards Luella.

She'd spent decades perfecting the mask she had to wear at these functions, carefree, oblivious, Luciano's tag along. She bristled almost immediately, her eyes moved, landing on a furious Natasha, whose green eyes glittered with venom. Katrina dismissed her, thinking back to when Luciano walked in with Natasha and Isis, practically draped over his body. What he saw in those two would forever escape her. Katrina had been aware he hadn't seen her. 'Did he ever?' The doubt saddened her, mostly because it was true. Luciano never searched for her in a crowd amongst these affairs. He had no need to, he never lacked for female company and she'd always respected his space.

Katrina plastered a smile on her face as she approached the group lounging on the sofas. Luella's face brightened noticeably as she neared.

"Katrina darling. It's so very lovely to see you." Luella's voice was low and warm as she stood to greet her. Katrina's body collided with Luella and melted as Luella's arms embraced her. "It's been a long time, Lue." Katrina kissed Luella on the cheek. Luella brushed a tendril of hair behind her ear and smiled affectionately. "We've much to catch up don't we kitty. Now sit. My children are someplace afloat.... Have you seen Zane? He's an awful devil tonight, I insist you save a dance for him!" Luella laughed at Katrina's frowning pout. Katrina watched mesmerized as Luella spoke and chatted with the people surrounding her, they hung on her every word, Luella quickly dismissed the posse to give the two females some privacy.

Luella was a close friend of her father's and had been present for most of Katrina's life. Naturally she'd grown to be close friends with her and her son, not so much her daughter. Their obvious differences in age only made for an even stranger relationship. Luella Petroik was one of the most distinguished Elders in their court. Widowed and left to raise her two children alone, while simultaneously building an empire in the pharmaceutical industry. She was fiercely protective, brilliant— fearfully so, and loved a dirty martini on a good day. Katrina had always gravitated towards her the most during a function like this. Most individuals behaved well around Luella, keeping their noisy chatter to themselves, which of course both Luella and Katrina preferred.

"Katrina, darling. You know how I loath when you daydream on me." Luella sipped from a glass. The scarlet blood looked enticing.

"Forgive me, Lue. I got lost for a moment. I have not seen Zane or Elvira. Although I'm glad Elvira hasn't found me yet..." Katrina cordially accepted the offered glass of AB blood. She watched the crowd over the rim of her glass. In all honesty, she was glad Elvira hadn't found her. If there was anyone who hated her fiercely and for no good reason, it was Elvira. The poor girl took one glance at the relationship Katrina had with her mother and decided Katrina was to blame for their disconnect. Luella had spoken to Elvira on numerous occasions about her behavior towards Katrina and, although in front of her mother she was civil, the moment Luella disappeared Elvira became a snake. How such a rotten child could come from such an incredible being, she'd never understand. Luella, of course found it all rather amusing. Katrina took a sip of her drink at Luella's loud laughter.

"Katrina. I will miss this. I hope you know... I will miss you." Katrina's hand froze, Luella's whisper was low enough that only she'd heard. Her eyes widened as panic raced through her. She shook it off and smiled wildly at the Elder. 'Play it off.'

"Lue. What do you mean? Don't be—-"

"Enough, Katrina. I think it's about time we stop playing this charade, don't you?" Luella's voice was like steel, chiseling at the front Katrina had kept all night. Luella's brown eyes bore into the side of Katrina face for several quiet moments. Katrina straightened her spine, she looked up at the woman she'd considered a second mother, an invaluable friend and nodded.

A heavy silence fell upon the two women as they watched the vampires around them rejoice. "Walk with me, darling. I must see the moon on a night such as this." Luella's voice twinkled as she rose, the elegant dark blue gown she wore showcasing her open shoulders and golden blonde hair beautifully. It was subtle and bold.

Katrina followed after Luella as they stepped out and onto the patio. The patio stood high and looked over the maze of gardens, beautifully lit by strings of light. The moon was especially round tonight.

"Katrina. How scared you must be, but how brave you are... Darling, If I could, I would pay any amount in the world to spare you this..." Luella leaned against Katrina, whispering into her ear, careful not to let the sound carry. She brushed her fingertips down Katrina's cheek.

"You are one of my most loyal friends and I will grieve when you are gone, but never doubt that you will always have a home in the Petroik house." Katrina nodded, unable to voice what only her family knew.

"Thank you. For being my companion, my confidant." Katrina took a deep breath and smiled at Luella, unwilling to allow the last moments they shared be sad ones.

"You have nothing to fear, darling. You will be spectacular! Now, we must go find my son before the night is over." Luella dragged Katrina behind her, both women laughing as they entered one of the adjoining dance halls. They walked in towards the main hall where the largest ballroom was, people moving out of their path as they noted Luella coming.

Katrina's gaze subconsciously moved through the halls, noting Luciano's boisterous laughter as he twirled a sultry redhead across the floor. Katrina tucked her eyes, unwilling to watch until she bumped into a hard, solid wall forcing her gaze to raise. "Zane! Boy, How could you just bump into a lady like that? Have I taught you nothing?" Luella's voice was hard but her eyes twinkled in amusement.

Zane smile sheepishly and brushed at his already messy light brown hair, a nervous habit. "Mother, you were dragging her left and right before I saw her properly. Although how I missed such a beautiful sight is beyond me. Greetings, lady Morvant." Zane leaned down and kissed Katrina's outstretched hand making Katrina giggle. He was a fool.

"Sir Petroik." Katrina mocked and curtsied. Zane's chuckle brought a broad smile to her face. "Now you kids go out and have a couple of laps around the floor while Mother finds a man who knows how to make a proper Martini! God knows most vampires don't." Luella winked and pushed them out into the dance floor. Katrina laughed as Zane twirled her out, before bringing her in and dipping her, totally against the beat of the music. She caught a glimpse of gunmetal grey before he flipped her back up, her body snapping forward, pressing close to him.

"So tell me, what have you and my exasperating mother been up to? I hope she isn't getting you into any trouble tonight. After all we have a long day tomorrow, you know, watching the Maidens go at it like psycho's on rice." He placed his hand on her bare back and soon they were moving to the waltz. The modern upbeat piece was charming.

"Oh well if you must know, we feasted on small children after we set a village on fire and then we danced naked while praising the moon. Honestly, pretty common stuff. What about you, Zane darling?" Katrina let her body be guided by Zane's expert dance movements. They moved around the room like two perfect pieces, after all they'd been doing it long enough.

Zane gave her a dubious look before twirling her again and bringing her close. Zane and Katrina had spent many of Luella's sleepovers dancing in the living room at the beck and call of his mother. For decades, Luella swore that Katrina would end up with her son with all her meddling. There's nothing Luella enjoyed more than playing matchmaker.

How sad that his classical handsome face inspired no attraction, she felt as if she were with Joshua. Zane's casual light demeanor was always refreshing to be around. "You should not tease, Katrina. That woman would totally and completely dance butt ass naked out in the moonlight! I do not give a damn how young and gorgeous she may look! She is my mother!"

Katrina laughed at his objections. To this day Zane could not, and would not, acknowledge his mother as a being of the opposite sex. Luella was a mom, not a divine creature with sexual desires, to which Luella agreed. Katrina laughed harder, in response he twirled her suddenly, earning a small squeak from her. She reached up and brushed a loose hair behind his ear.

"Zane, forever is a long time to be alone." Katrina said tenderly. Her eyes watched his light brown eyes and not for the first time, she wondered if those were his father's eyes. She'd never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Petroik, as he'd died in battle many decades before she was born, but she'd often wondered what kind of man he was and if he had loved Luella as much as she still loved him.

Zane smiled, watched Katrina tilt her head back while they spun. Zane had always found Katrina beautiful, but it was her energy, her enthusiasm for life and natural affection towards the people she loved, that made her so. He was fortunate enough to find himself a part of that group. Her adoration of her mother had always annoyed him, mostly because they both tended to get into all sorts of trouble he had to bail them out from, but he'd loved that his mother could make a friend and confide in a female of worth. After all there wasn't anyone quite like Katrina.

Zane knew his sister and her were at odds most of the time, mostly due to Elvira's unrestrained jealousy. He let out a sigh as he watched Katrina's golden skin glow in the dim lighting. He loved his sister with a force that was not outmatched, but Katrina had wormed her way into their little family and had taken root as his adoptive younger sister. He smiled, coming to a halt, placing a kiss to her cheek softly before bowing shortly in respect.