Summer raised an eyebrow as Lucien approached her, a hint of surprise in her voice. "You're here early."
Lucien couldn't help but admire her, his eyes lingering on her beauty. How could one woman be so enchanting?
"You're the definition of beauty, empress. I'm thrilled to meet such a stunning woman like you," Lucien said, genuinely captivated by her presence. Summer responded with a graceful smile.
"You flatter me, Mayor," she replied, acting a touch coy.
Lucien's grin widened as he spoke from the heart. "This isn't flattery, Empress. I'm simply stating the truth. Your beauty is unmatched; it surpasses the world's top beauties... you're ethereal." He couldn't help but praise her. Summer, dressed in a simple, polka dot blue mini dress, radiated a stunning glow.
This is the first time someone has praised me so much, and it's quite nice." A cheeky smile played on Summer's lips. "Come on, let's go," she said, heading towards his Benz.
Lucien couldn't hide his delight as he followed her.
***
Beatrice slouched in Diana's bathtub, the water soothing her new body, cleansed of the splattered blood. She couldn't help but smile, reminiscing about the original owner of the body, who had begged for mercy, but Beatrice had reveled in her torment. She had let her victim run to the town's border, giving her false hope, only to catch and kill her.
Diana's gentle hand brushed through her hair, causing Beatrice to flinch momentarily before relaxing. Diana tenderly lathered lotion into her hair, washing it with care.
Beatrice grinned. "Ah! I missed this, your gentle hands on my hair. It's been so long, Diana."
Diana quipped, "I see no one caters to your wishes down there." Beatrice chuckled, but a glint of fear flashed in her eyes.
"I worked for a monarch as soon as I crossed over, as a pathetic servant," Beatrice hissed, emphasizing the word 'servant.' Diana sensed the dark aura emanating from Beatrice, and she gave off the smell of death. To soothe her, Diana continued massaging her scalp.
"It's okay, Beatrice, you're here with us in the land of the living," Diana reassured her, her laughter cutting through the tension.
Beatrice responded, her tone laden with longing, "It's really good to be back again. I can smell fresh blood everywhere, and it's not like down there, where everyone is dead, and the master only brings human blood once a week as a treat."
Diana couldn't help but notice the slip in Beatrice's words, her reference to a 'master.' This was new, and it raised questions in Diana's mind. She considered what Beatrice had experienced during her time away.
Beatrice realized her mistake and burst into cackles, quickly followed by uncontrollable sobs.
Diana wrapped her arms around Beatrice from behind, channeling her soothing powers to calm her. Beatrice gradually stopped crying.
With a cold detachment, Beatrice asked, "How are my children, Diana?"
"They are fine, and Lucien has taken them under his wing."
She knew that Beatrice would understand the implication. Lucien was manipulating her children, ensnaring them in his control, and they dared not defy him, knowing that he had taken their mother's life.
"What did he say to them after I died?" Beatrice inquired, her tone void of emotion.
Diana's voice carried a somber tone as she shared Lucien's version of the story.
"He told them that you were killed by Faes for meddling in their affairs, that you'd disobeyed his orders to wait before investigating, and that your actions led to your children going on killing sprees, resulting in the deaths of all the Faes in town."
Diana recalled the bloody day, the loss of friends, and the horror that followed. The next morning, the news headlines read: "Zoo Lion Escapes Due to Carelessness, Kills 127 People in Elysium."
Beatrice couldn't help but laugh dryly. "That's my husband, always the cunning one. He uses one problem to solve another, killing two birds with one stone."
Curiosity lingered in Diana's mind as she wondered about the body's original family. "What will you do when the family members of this body come to see her?"
Beatrice turned to her, smirking. "It's been a long time since I had a feast, and this will be my welcome-back party."
***
The art workshop proved to be a splendid occasion, not only a display of artistic expression but also a charitable event. The guest list was brimming with influential figures, each given the chance to unleash their creativity and paint their emotions.
Summer immersed herself in the activity, her canvas capturing the image of the mountain she and Damien often hiked to. It was their sanctuary when life became burdensome.
There, amidst nature, they'd lay bare their worries, spending days camping and rejuvenating their spirits. It was a cherished time for the mother and son.
Lucien admired her work, appreciating the depiction of a stunning sunrise. "That sunrise is beautiful," he complimented.
Summer responded with a warm smile.
"You're a woman of many talents, Miss Hadrian."
With a teasing grin, Summer quipped, "Please, call me Bela. I think we've grown closer than mere surnames, haven't we?"
Lucien's grin widened, and he nodded.
It appeared that they were developing a certain closeness, their interactions growing more free and relaxed.
"Of course, Bela. You can also call me by my first name."
Summer raised an eyebrow, her teasing smile in place. "Really? Don't you think the press vultures might get the wrong idea if they hear me addressing you so casually?"
Lucien met her gaze, his eyes filled with desire. "Well, I don't mind if they speculate about us like that."
Summer arched an eyebrow and smirked playfully. "Careful, Lucien. With the way you talk, I just might bite."
With those words, Summer refocused on her artwork, seemingly oblivious to the impact she had on the vampire.
Lucien struggled to compose himself, concealing his evident arousal from the prying eyes of the press and the other influential guests.
The art workshop concluded with a grand award ceremony, and Summer's painting claimed the sixth spot. She received a tiara crown and a bouquet of lovely flowers. As the paintings were auctioned off, the proceeds were pledged for charity, or so they claimed.
Summer, however, had her doubts about politicians and their true intentions, often using such events to maintain their power.
"That was such a lovely event," Lucien said as they settled into his car.
Summer agreed, her tone earnest. "Indeed, it was beautiful, and I genuinely hope the money raised will reach the poor orphanages and those in need."
"Rest assured, the funds will be directed to them. This is my town, and I take care of the people." He puffed out his chest with pride, and Summer leaned closer, placing her hand gently on his chest.
"You're such a kind man, Lucien," she said with a warm smile. She moved closer and planted a kiss on his cheek.
It lasted only a few seconds before she pulled away, leaving Lucien in a state of both frustration and excitement.
The desire to forcefully claim her, as he had with other women, lingered in his thoughts, but he knew he needed patience. Summer was not an ordinary woman; she was a close friend of the head alpha. Any attempt to take her against her will would bring swift retribution. She was also his pathway to vast power across continents, so he had to suppress his desires and act like a gentleman.
"I'm glad you're warming up to me and seeing who I truly am," Lucien said, hiding the deeper, darker thoughts within.