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Elora

Lucifer was driving slowly, as if prolonging our arrival. I bit my lip, "There were a few guys asking about you this morning," I informed.

He looked annoyed as he nodded, "Most of them think I'm dead."

"Why would they think that?" I rushed out, concern filling me.

He glanced at me, "The clans never see me. When I go on missions, I only speak to the clan leaders," he explained.

It sounds like he's more of a rumor than an actual person, and that makes me sad. I bet they all want to see him, I know I would. But I think despite his confident, carefree attitude, I think there's a deeper reason he stays away. He goes out of his way to not be seen, even though he clearly ranks very highly in his world. "Do they make you nervous?" I asked slowly.

Lucifer smirked, "No, baby, they don't make me nervous. They irritate and exhaust me," he admitted.

I let out a small giggle. It was worth asking, but I doubted it in the first place. Eugene once used a word to describe Quin, but I think it's better used on Lucifer. Unfuckwithable, is what he said.

"Felix wants to introduce you to the clans when we arrive," Lucifer said.

I raised my eyebrows. So soon? I just got out of school. I don't know what to say, do I have to say anything? Felix said I didn't, but I don't want everyone to think I'm weird if I just stand there. I bit my lip, "What do I do?" I asked.

He smirked, "Tell them to go fuck themselves."

I gasped, "I don't think so". I squeezed his hand in mine, "I don't want to look weak or shy in front of your followers," I pleaded.

His eyes roamed the road as he thought, "You won't be alone on that stage, kitten. You'll have all of us with you. The clans already fear you-"

"Fear me?" I scoffed. "I'm about as intimidating as a teddy bear."

Lucifer raised his eyebrows, nodding in agreement, "Yes, but if any of them even look at you in a disrespectful manner, they know they'll be answering to us."

Oh. Well I don't want anyone to be scared of me either... it's nice to have a safety cushion from my guys, though. Still, I want to make a good genuine impression. If the clans suck up to me because they want to make a good impression on my guys, I'll be offended. I'm the master of sucking up and kissing ass to get what I want, and I know it when I see it.

Lucifer let go of my hand and touched my thigh, sliding his hand under my skirt. I raised my eyebrows, feeling cautious with how casually he moved. He didn't move his hand from my thigh, and I took it as a warning. "There will be rules for the next few days. If you break them, you won't walk for a week, am I clear?" He gave me a stern look.

I quickly nodded. "I know I'm not supposed to be alone."

"No, you're not. Unless you're with one of the others, you will be at my side," he ordered. "If you try to toy with us, like you did to Dane this morning, I'll fuck you in front of all the clans," he threatened.

I blushed, averting my eyes. "You wouldn't-" I quickly took note of the warning glance he gave me and covered my mouth in shock, "You would."

"If a vampire speaks to you, don't respond unless we give you permission. It sounds harsh, but because of your rank, most of them aren't permitted to speak to you unless spoken to. If they do, it's a sign of disrespect towards you and us," he explained.

"Most importantly, if you aren't comfortable, want to leave a room, or something as simple as getting a bad feeling, tell us. This is your home, kitten, remember that."

I nodded, letting the rules sink in. I have no plans on breaking them. Most of them are simple enough, and things I'd do anyways. I don't see myself going out of my way to make conversation with a random vampire. I wouldn't want to leave their sides anyways. And I was clearly not in my right mindset this morning with Dane. I don't usually act like that...

I'm still petrified and recovering from the last punishment I got. I definitely won't do anything to get myself punished again.

Lucifer turned a corner and drove down our driveway. I took a nervous breath, anxious about the clans behind the doors.

He gave my thigh a squeeze as he turned the car off, "Don't get out yet," he demanded as he got out. I stayed in the passenger seat, unbuckling my belt as he walked around the car. He put his hood up, opening my door for me.

I bit back a smile. I know he only did it because it's safer, but I'm going to pretend it was a romantic gesture.

Lucifer looked slightly offended as he pushed his head back, "Pretend?" He repeated.

It's not a bad thing, Lucifer isn't the most romantic or loving person, that's all. He shows it in a different way. He loves with looks, and small gestures. It's special and specific to him and his personality, and I prefer his unique love language over stereotypical romantics.

I gave him a pointed look, "Did you get all that, or do you want me to verbalize it?" I joked.

He grabbed my hand, the smallest smile making its way into his lips. "I've got it," he placed a small kiss to the top of my head as he lead me inside.

I noticed his demeanor change as we entered the manor. He looked on guard, and irritated. He wasn't exaggerating when he said he doesn't like being around the clans.

I can't wait for this little meet and greet to be over so we can leave everyone. Not for me, for him. I'm sure the only reason he's going to make an appearance in front of the clans is for me.

We stood outside the doors to the ballroom, and I glanced up at Lucifer nervously. He ran his hand through my hair, tidying any wild curls that went rogue throughout the day.

"Ready?" He asked.

I nodded, wrapping my other hand around his forearm, clinging to his arm.

He opened the door and it creaked loudly. I internally cringed as what felt like a million red eyes immediately fell upon us.

Felix said there would be about a hundred men... there's easily three hundred. I desperately wanted to retreat, to take off running to my room. But I can't act so childish when this means so much to my guys.

I made it a point not to make eye contact with any of them. It's easier if they're just bodies in a room, and not hundreds of people judging my every move. I thought I knew pressure before, but now, I realize that I've never known true judgement.

I can feel the skepticism radiating off of every wall in the room. My palms got sweaty and Lucifer ran his thumb over my hand as he walked deeper into the room.

Keeping my posture straight, I walked with him, glued to his arm. I looked ahead of us, at the rest of my guys. They look so handsome! They're all dressed in suits that cost more than most people's cars. They're sitting on a stage at the front of the ball room. The chairs weren't exactly thrones, but they were very old and fancy looking. Where did they get those from?

Duke locked eyes with me and gave me a comforting smile that made me relax a bit. Quin and Eugene were looking around the room, and I didn't miss the harsh glances they were sending. Theo was grinning at me as he sent a flirty wink my way. Is he trying to make me blush in front of all these people? Dane was lightly tapping his index finger on the arm rest of his chair, watching Lucifer and I as we walked through the tables of vampires. Felix was standing at the edge of the stage, giving me a proud look.

Halfway through, I started picking up quiet whispers that people were saying.

"I thought he died?"

"That's her?"

"Are they all boning her?"

"This motherfucker disappears for hundreds of years, and shows up in a hoodie and sweatpants."

"I can't blame them, look at her ass."

"It's unnatural. I won't bow to a teenage human."

"She's cute, but I doubt they'll keep her for long."

"Who's that with her?"

"She looks kind, give the kid a chance."

"This must be a joke; she can't even walk on her own."

"If I join their clan do I get to fuck her too?"

"I excepted more from our king than a five foot preteen."

I... don't think I can do this. I'm trying to focus on some of the nice things people are saying, but the bad outweighs the good. Their comments are insulting and rude. I know I shouldn't take anything personally, but my feelings are hurt.

Suddenly, I couldn't hear what anyone was saying anymore. I could hear voices, but it sounded like everyone was speaking in a different room. Huh? I glanced around, looking at a few of them.

Their definitely talking, but I can't understand a thing. Their voices sounded muffled, like a big pillow was placed over their faces.

Oh no. Am I sick? My hearing went out!

"I'm doing it," Lucifer sad in my mind.

I raised my eyebrows, looking up at him. I didn't know he could do something like this, but I'm grateful. I'm nervous enough as it is without the hundreds of vulgar comments.

I saw movement and looked at the strange again. Theo was standing up, saying something to the crowd. He looked angry, and strangely threatening. I wish I could hear what he was saying.

"No you don't."

Theo has never been good about keeping his composure. All my guys are protective, but Theo has no filter, so I can imagine the threats spilling from his lips.

We finally got to the stage, walking up the three steps. I was grateful to be away from the tables of vampires, but now they're all staring up here.

Lucifer gave me my hearing back, and it felt like I was pulled up from underwater. I blinked a few times, noticing how quiet it is. There's no more loud chatter, or whispering.

Lucifer walked me over to Felix, where he let go of my hand, giving me a pointed look as he leaned against the wall in the corner.

I looked up at Felix through my lashes as he wrapped his arm around my waist. His face got stern as his gaze shifted to look at the crowd, "If Theo didn't already; let me make this very clear. If any of you have a comment about Elora-"

"The princess," Theo added.

"You can come to Quin, Theo, Eugene, or myself at the end of the day," Felix finished. I hope no ones stupid enough to make a comment. I have a sneaking suspicion that conversation would be one sided and very very short.

All the men averted their eyes, clearly intimidated. Not so tough now...

"Gentlemen, many of you may have heard rumors or speculation of my clan recently. The truth has gotten twisted and over complicated," Felix said. I watched him in awe, admiring how confident he is in front of a huge crowd. "The truth is simple; we fell in love with a human."

I raised my eyebrows, unable to look away from him. My heart fluttered at the confidence in his tone.

There were a few hushed mumbles, and it was clear I wasn't the only one caught off guard by Felix's openness.

Felix glanced down at me for a moment before he looked back to the clans. "I don't expect you to accept her, but you will respect her. You may not like that she's a human, but over the next couple days you'll quickly see the qualities that she possesses that will make her a great queen."

Go on...

"Elora is everything that we're not. She is kind, gentle, and forgiving to a fault. She somehow sees the good in everyone, even the cruelest of vampires," he said.

Awe say more nice things.

"She's our perfect match in every way. As vampires we all have darkness in us, a lifeless hallow that plagues our chests. After thousands of years, we found our light in the most unexpected person," he looked down at me with a small smile.

Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.

He looked back at the crowd, "I've never failed you. I've made decisions and sacrificed many things to keep our kind strong and thriving. I haven't always been kind or understanding, but with her, I'm learning; we all are," he glanced at my other guys.

"You may see her as a weakness, you may even be daft enough-" I flicked his arm at the rude remark. He was doing so good. A few chuckles were heard in the crowd and Felix smirked down at me. "You may be closed minded enough to think having her as your future Queen makes your own clans weaker," he corrected. Better.

"Trust me when I say, there's not a weak thing about her. Under the pink frills and blonde curls, she's as stubborn as Quin is. She's as understanding and patient as Duke. She's intelligent like Dane. Like Eugene, she is cunning and quick witted. She is as calculating as Lucifer. She even mastered the impossible task of putting Theo in his place-"

Someone in the crowd let out a holler, cheering as they joked. "Finally!" The crowd of men let out their laughs, teasing Theo.

I smirked behind me at Theo, as he just shook his head with a cute smile. He loves the attention, he can't fool me. Theo smirked at the crowd, waving them off, "We get it, I'm obnoxious, shut up," he chuckled.

Felix and I shared a look before he continued his magnificent speech about how wonderful I am.

"I know she will be a great leader. I've always lead with hatred, discipline, and a massive appetite for destruction. She will lead with grace, poise, and patience." He looked around the crowd for a few seconds for emphasis. "For thousands of years, everything has been the same, and it's time for a change. With Elora by our side, she will be a light amongst all vampires," he said proudly.

Okay... I know I can't get pregnant, but I'm going to let him try his hardest tonight. The things I'm going to let this man do to me are infinite.

I didn't know he thought that way. I honestly can't believe he said so many nice things about me, when his words are falling upon deaf ears. They have their minds made up-

There was a sudden noise, and I looked in the crowd. A man, who's eyes held much more wisdom then his young face shows stood up. He has his eyes locked on me as he smiled, "Adelfí psychí," he said as he raised a glass.

Huh? Everyone in the room I looked between me and my guys. As if they had just realized some thing, still unbeknownst to me. The faces that intrigued me, were the ones of my guys. They also looked at the man in wonder.

I looked up at Felix, "What does that mean?" I asked.

"Dimitri is like me, kitten. He has a gift. He can see everyone's aura." Lucifer said, but even in my mind, his voice sounded far off, like he was thinking about something else.

Felix slowly looked down at me, a calmness in his eyes I don't see often. "It means soul mates."