Upon Waking (Youngling Series) by Ashley Mason Read Free Book Online

income. How she had managed it she wasn’t sure but she was definitely thankful.
    A few minutes later they pulled up to the club and the driver helped them out before saying good night quietly and driving off. Gone was the long line and velvet rope, a single bouncer manning the door. He was dressed in a black tux, his large arms crossed over his chest with a clipboard dangling from his fingers.
    “Invitation?” he grunted, sparing a small glance at Tessa and Penelope in their finery. Tessa slipped the folded piece of black paper from her bodice, silently handing it to the vampire who unfolded it then stepped away from the door. The two women glanced at one another before heading inside. The lights that normally lit up the hall were gone, replaced with the burning torches that Tessa had seen on her way down to the basement the week before. The inner door was open and they could hear a piano being softly played inside.
    “Oh wow.” The inside of the club was drastically changed. Everything was lit by the thousands of candles, the small flames visible on every surface and even up in the ceiling. Heavy red brocade was hung along all the walls, the alcoves shrouded in darkness giving their tenets the illusion of privacy. The dance floor and bar were still there but everyone seemed to be drinking from long stemmed goblets filled with a dark liquid.
    Blood.
    Nearly every person in the room was a vampire. Tessa could feel their power pulsing around her, welcoming her into the flow. The strength of the vibe from every vampire was different but one thing was certain. They were all more powerful than her. A few humans loitered around, each accompanied by a vampire. Everyone was in costume ranging from 16-19 th century dress, an elaborate mask covering their face. At least Tessa and Penny fit in.
    “Ladies, you are looking divine this evening.” A man had glided up to their right, a small smile on his face. It was the hair that gave him away.
    “Elijah.” Tessa's voice sounded breathy even to her and she mentally slapped herself. It was like she couldn’t control it. It was like he stole the very air from the room. It was entirely frustrating.
    If she had to guess she would put his costume at around the 16 th century and it looked very authentic. His tunic was a deep shade of teal with a black leather jerkin with tab sleeves that fit across his broad shoulders snugly, black corded leather lacings holding the front and sides closed. Black leather breeches encased his muscular legs and black leather boots came up to his knees. His white hair was braided and pulled over one shoulder and silver bracers adorned his wrists. An elaborate feathered mask covered the top half of his face but she could see clearly his ocean colored eyes and when she locked gazes with him she thought that her knees might give out.
    Tessa cleared her throat, refusing to acknowledge the fact that they appeared to have planned their outfits to match for the evening.
    “You look very nice Elijah. Can you tell your brother that I appreciate the invitation?” Elijah chewed on his bottom lip, allowing his gaze to roam slowly up and down her body.
    “Indeed…did I mention how amazing you look?” Tessa sighed heavily, looking down at her own costume.
    The color of her gown was depressingly close to that of Elijah’s tunic, a deep turquoise that was stunning against her white blonde hair. The bodice was strapless and savagely boned with a slightly dropped waist and heavily bustled skirt. The front panel split to reveal a shimmering gold lace insert, the color of which matched the majority of her half mask and the golden cloak that was draped delicately around her pale shoulders. Her long hair was intricately braided over shoulder, small diamonds laced through it twinkling in the candlelight. She was stunning and she knew it.
    “Yes, I do believe you mentioned it. Now-“
    “Would you dance with me?” Her mouth snapped shut and Tessa threw a desperate glance