The Crimson Proposition

Julia hurried to finish her packing. Calling out to Jace to hurry up as well. She rushed out of the bathroom with her massive bathroom bag and placed it by the door, along with her three other bags. She walked into the kitchen and gathered Dutch's food, his food bowl and water dish. She placed both bowls in a bag for Dutch along with a clean litter box. She rushed around the flat looking for toys, beds, and anything else he may need. She walked over to the large cat carrier and called for Dutch. "Come on baby, we are going to a new place for a little." She cooed as the large cat waddled his way towards her lazily.

She loaded Dutch into the carrier gently. "Ready Jace?" She asked as she opened the door. Jace appeared with 6 bags.

"Ready." He smiled. Julia rolled her eyes.

"We are going to need to make many trips to get everything." She chuckled as she pulled Dutch's bag onto her shoulder. "Hopefully this will all fit." She made a face. She walked out the door glancing back to see Jace trying to struggle with gathering as many bags as he could. She was struggling to carry Dutch's bag and Dutch himself. He was a healthy 22 pounds. She walked down the stairs and smiled as she walked out.

"Hello, my Lord." She dipped herself the best she could with the weight of both her cat and the cat's bag.

The Lord was all too happy to be greeted by Julia with his proper title. He glanced at her and even as she looked away he saw something that he had clearly missed before. Her youth combined with her innocence and ignorance of vampires and their true nature made her appear delicate. Delicate was not something the great Lord was accustomed to, especially for the fact that he was known to be rough in the underworld as well as the human world.

The Fortiere family was known for its vineyard and specialty wines, for its exceptional taste in vineyard management and wine tastings. The wines produced by the Fortieres was to die for and it was the reason their name had easily reached billionaire status in the 80’s. Now their old money had opened the door for each Fortiere heir to branch off and create a name for themselves. Etan had become the eligible bachelor and he was waiting for the perfect female image to stand at his side as the one and only Fortiere Lady, the Viscountess who would bring him his first heir. Vampires of course could not bring a living life into the world, not u less someone of their bloodline was still living and had the vampire blood within them. That was his plan for Julia, to bite her and hopefully impregnate her before she made the full change. But getting her into his bed was just as troublesome as biting her. More so now because she was so simply put- naive. In a good way she was naive and beyond what he could only describe as soft and gentle.

His mate Amina was right. If he took the life and joy from Julia without allowing her to fall in love with him and choose this life for herself he would greatly regret it. He would greatly regret hurting her, losing her or worse, turning her into a vengeful and evil wife. Amina was none of those things but she was unhappy, she was hurt, and worst of all she was numb. Amina had become so incredibly numb that she despised Etan and his family, and she despised what he had made her into. He hoped that would not happen to Julia, and he realized now he needed Aminas help to keep Julia happy.

Etan smiled at Julia and bowed his head slightly. He was dressed normally so he wouldn’t stand out too much and he adjusted his sunglasses to hide from the sunlight. If he wasn’t a true born he would turn to ash. “You are as stunning now as you ever were before Julia.” He said and quickly came to assist her with her bags. He put the first bag into the car and opened the passenger side for her to sit then took the carrier. “And this must be your special Prince.” He said looking into the carrier at the large cat. He tried to hide his discontent and placed the carrier all too quickly in the back seat.

As her friend Jace exited The door Etan put on his most charming smile. “And you must be Jace. I’ve heard a lot about you. I hope this trip wasn’t…too…sudden.” Etan said glancing at all of the bags with a questioning look. Did the man plan to move in? Not that he would be upset about that, he enjoyed the company.

“So Julia.” Etan said once they were all packed in. “Tell me what you are expecting to do.” He smiled and got adjusted in the front seat. “Jace maybe you also have some suggestions. We have the usual luxuries, access to the lake where we can go sailing, the southern beach and the beach house extension, we also have the orchards and plenty of parties every week. We have a ball coming up and you both will need to go shopping for that. It’s half the fun.” He then looked to Julia. “We also have the more intimate things such as private antique museum, our personal club, the yacht and the polo club where you can bet on horses. And we also have our own casino. But the best part, we have our own spa and theme park. So! What would you like to do first?”

In his carrier Dutch growled as his bright emerald green eyes scanned Etan. "Shhh, Dutch. Be nice to our host." She quickly scolded her cat. "Sorry about him, he doesn't like new people. Took him six weeks to like Jace." She blushed slightly.

Jace appeared holding 4 of the 6 bags they were both bringing. "Hello, Lord Fortiere. It is a honor to meet you." He lowered his head and his body. He set the bags down and rushed to grab the last two and lock up their flat. He returned quickly with an excited smile.

"Thank you sir." She smiled and blush crept up her neck and cheeks. "Yes he is." She smiled.

"Oh, course not. It is more than an honor to be invited to your home." Jace smiled. Julia sat in the front seat. "Women. He motioned to the bags. She nearly packed her whole closet." Jace chuckled.

"Three of those are mine! One belonging to Dutch. Don't you even Jace." Julia scolded leaning out of the car with a smile. Jace put the bags in the back seat and sat next to Dutch.

Julia sat gapping at him. "I was really looking forward to seeing the stables and more of the library. You have an impressive collection." She smiled. "I am not one for casinos or betting." She looked back at Jace.

"You already know which two I want. Spa and Theme park." Jace chuckled. "Not all of us are nerd and get turned on by a big old library." Jace chuckled from the back seat. "Though the museum does sound interesting. I for one am not a water person."

"Honestly, it all sounds amazing, though I am a little concerned about the parties and the ball....those are not normally my thing." Julia smiled softly. "Plus I have a lot to write on my book before my editor ends my life." She chuckled.

Etan drove them the few miles to the estate that was outside of town. He listened with a smile as Julia and her friend went back and forth, and he appreciated the banter between them because he learned more about her every time she spoke. Julia was going to be his wife, and he needed as much passive information as he could get. "Good, then it's settled Julia. You will need a schedule so that you can work in peace. I am a busy man but I like to manage my free time just as diligently as my work time. I have my tennis match today, so while I am doing that, you should work on your book then we meet for dinner and all four of us discuss and plan our week. The balls, and parties though you will get used to since they are every single week, and that doesn't really change. You need to meet a few people, and maybe give me a dance or two, then I will release you to your own devices."

Glancing over to her he looked into her eyes for a brief moment. "I want you to be comfortable at Fortiere manor. But know Julia... there's a reason that I am bringing you home. To my home, that is. I want you to be a frequenter of my place. Hopefully next time, you will choose on your own to come. Just let me show you all it has to offer, and you will never want to leave."

What he didn't mention was that she was going to be changed forever, and the moment that happened, she would never be able to leave. He didnt want to share that, or everything would change. Once arriving at the manor, he pulled into a large roundabout driveway. The house was over three stories high, but it was grand both outside and inside. 

Despite Etan announcing that he was home with a honking horn, no one came tto greet them at the door. Not even his usual servants. Surprisingly, Etan was far too accustomed to that meaning, and he was glad to see that the silent message had been sent. His mother was here. 

"Alright Lady and Gentlemen, let's head up.. Leave your bags here, and they will be picked up later by my crew." He smiled and opened the door for Julia and took her by the hand. He led her to the large brown doorway of the home and opened the door to step inside. 

Once inside immediately he could sense something had changed, something was different. He waited patiently at the door when suddenly from the far end of the hallway one of the servants appeared bustling toward them. "My Lord, forgive me, I was...quite busy." She said with her head bowed in respect. He motioned his head toward the car. "Right away sir." 

"Where is Ahmina?" He asked the woman. 

"The wine cellar My Lord, she will be about in just a moment." The servant said and hurried so quickly out of the door it was clear she did not want to be responsbile for giving any more information. 

Etan released Julias hand. "Why don't you and your friend take a look around? I will be back to give you a tour of the full grounds. It's always best to explore first." He smiled. Etan began to frown as he turned and started toward the wine cellar door but suddenly Ahmina stepped out of it looking flustered and rushed. 

She nodded gently to Etan in greeting and he glanced at her suspiciously. "Julia! Oh and youve brought everyone." Ahmina smiled. 

"I thought you were going to greet us." Etan said firmly. 

Ahmina swallowed for a moment before responding. "I was tending to my duties Etan, please forgive me and the staff. Come, let's not dally here. We have a guest." She smiled and walked over to Julia wearing a black overcoat jacket, and it was clear she was flustered since her face seemed flushed and her body covered in small drops of sweat. "The wine cellar is really warm and I am exhausted. I will wash up and meet you all in a few moments. Oh Julia I am so excited for you to taste the fine wine we have crafted this season, you will love it!" 

Ahmina waived to her friend and quickly ascended the stairs. It seemed to Etan that the woman was running away. He quickly followed her without a word else.

Julia smiled at him. "A schedule will be perfect. While I am excited to be able to see everything and do everything you have planned, I do have a lot of work to do for my book." She nodded to him. "That will be perfect." She looked over at him. "I may need to get some dance lessons then...I don't know how to formally dance." She blushed slightly.

Jace chuckled from the back seat. "Formal dancing no one knows how to do that as a commoner. We poor folk do that 'dirty' dancing." he air quoted dirty dancing. "Though the movie Dirty Dancing would be amazing to know how to do."

Julia looked at him and smiled slightly. "Maybe." She caught Jace's reaction in the review mirror and shook her head slightly. Julia knew that as soon as he could Jace would be on her like a fly, with questions and comments on this. Her heart pounded as they pulled up to the house.

"Where should I put Dutch?" Jace asked. He had undone the cats carrier to pet him. Keeping the cat calm through the travel. Julia was thankful that she had Jace with her. He knew her more than anyone else in the world, besides Dutch that is. Dutch knew her more. Julia took Etan's hand and smiled.


Despite Etan announcing that he was home with a honking horn, no one came tto greet them at the door. Not even his usual servants. Surprisingly, Etan was far too accustomed to that meaning, and he was glad to see that the silent message had been sent. His mother was here.

Julia smiled to Etan. "Of course." She grabbed Jace and pulled him along towards the main hall. "You will LOVE the art Jace." She stopped when Ahmina appeared. "Miss." She dipped her head.

Jace beamed. "Miss Ahmina....you are...magnificent. I absolutely love your fashion and your work." He was close to fanboying when Julia elbowed him.

Julia smiled at her. "I can't wait as well. I am a avid wine drinker." She smiled and Jace nodded next to her in a trance of what Julia would call fanboy mode. When Etan followed Ahmina Julia looked at Jace. "Let's show you the art around here. You will LOVE it. She bent down to take Dutch out of his carrier and cradled him to her best ability in her small arms. She walked along with Jace next to her.

"What on earth was that?" Jace whispered to her.

"I have no idea. But we will talk later about it all." She glanced around. "Look at this piece." She pointed as they stopped in front of a piece of art.

"Ahmina!" Etan called out as he watched the woman move exceptionally quickly up the stairs. She didnt answer, simply rushed even quicker until she had flittered into her room. She attempted to shut the door behind her but Etan burst through it. "What the hell is going on with you?" He asked, and he grabbed for her arm forbidding her from being able to grasp her evening gown to change.

"Your mother is here! What else?" She said harshly and nodded toward the adjoining door. Etan sighed deeply and released Ahmina to open the double doors to his adjoining office room. He saw his mother there, seated comfortably at the window beaming with happiness. The old woman was far too young and beautiful to appear proud of him so happiness was the only connection he could make.

"My dear son. Why have you not bitten that woman? Are you mad? Why are you wasting precious time? Turn her for goodness sake." The woman stood and went over to hug him. She loved pretending that she was a holesome mother, when honestly she wasnt.

Etan frowned. "Mother she just met me. Ahmina and I decided that it would be best if I courted her first, made her more comfortable and-"

"Ahmina and I? " She cut him off, glancing to Ahmina with a furious face. It was strange how she could change so swiftly. "Ahmina has no right to decide anything when it comes to our future. I demand that you bite that woman this evening. I am tired of squabbling for low quality blood, Etan. Your father would be so upset with you."

"Mother-" Etan started but he decided from the glance on her face that it was not going to be good if he attempted to defend his wife at the moment. "My love," Etan said to his mother kindly. Ahmina stepped away, she knew that his mother was the true love of his life, if she wasnt he wouldnt try so damn hard to please her. She wondered what Julia would think about that. "I have brought Julia here with all of her things, this is her home now, and she will remain with me. I will woo her, and give her time to choose me so that our relationship will be wholesome and real...not forged or fabricated. She will be here all month."

"You have three days." The countess said with bashful eyes. "If you don't turn her by then, I will have your cousin turn her. You wont want her to be a zombie now would you? You know he has a hard time stopping before humans get permanent brain damage."

The threat came out so simply it truly pained Etan to hear it. His mother was cruel like this only when it jeopardized her own well being. Etan turned to Ahmina and noticed his former "wife" was already dressed in a new set of clothing, a black simple house dress that showed no truly fashion, she wore no jewelry and makeup, basically making herself look less beautiful so that Julia was the looker for the evening. Etan nodded slowly. "Fine then, three days. If she has not been turned by then I will find another alternative."

"You better." The countess said angrily and she turned to Ahmina. "The last thing we need is another female dead weight around here. The coven desires true warriors and leaders, not foolish women that concern themselves with fashion and money and whatever else she fondles with all day. Working like a pathetic human."

Ahmina fought a smirk. She was amused by how much Etan's mother loathed her, despised her, and simply hated her guts for no honest reason. As the countess exited to her own part of the estate grounds without being seen by the new guests Etan turned immediately to Ahmina. "What have you been doing? I know when you are up to no good Ahmina."

Ahmina smiled. "Can we just go to dinner please?" She asked, neither confirming or denying his silly suspicion. She started for the doorway and then for the stairs and Etan begrudgingly followed behind her. Once downstairs Ahmina went straight to Julia and took her hand.

"My dear Julia, I am so glad to see you again!" She embraced Julia and pulled her to walk beside her. "Let's go have some dinner, I know you both must be hungry. We can get to know one another a bit and I can tell you everything you should know about Etan. He is such a handsome man, and of course is interested in you." She said with a wink to Etan.

Guiding Julia into the dining room they waited for their chairs to be pulled out and dinner was being served as they sat together. "Julia, I want you to know that this is going to be the most amazing vacation of your life. For now we are just going to enjoy a meal." Ahmina waited for everyone to dish their plates. "So, Etan was a college boy. He received a degree in Business Law at Harvard. It was such an experience. He was always one to study a lot, and never really did anything else with himself besides work on his educational goals. Tell me Julia, does an educated man persistent in his studies interest you? He will be modest if we ask, but he absolutely loves sticking his head into a great book. I was wondering if he could take you on a private tour of his personal office upstairs? Strange I am scheduling all of his dates but he is just so busy that I have to do all of his courting for him." Ahmina was being sarcastic but Etan was upset simply listening to her go on and on.

"I dont need your help, Ahmina." Etan said angrily.

Ahmina lowered her gaze. "I am only trying to be a supportive ex-Wife. We are divorced and I want you to move on Etan. What sense does it make lying any longer? We are out of time."

Etan felt his eyes go wide and he turned to his guests. He knew that his mother had spurred this new turn of Ahminas goal to tell their guests the truth but he wasnt sure what caused her to become so damn bold. "Ahmina...dont do this."

"Julia. Etan wants to marry you. He needs you to be his wife so that he can claim ownership of your family's blood drive transportation company. He's desperate, and he wanted to woo you and fall in love with you but it seems we are out of time. It will be an arranged marriage of course. So, what do you say?" Ahmina blurted. She then stabbed at her salad and forcefully ate it. "I wanted you to fall in love with him, I wanted him to charm you and allow it to be your decision but apparently you have no time to decide. Arranged marriages happen all the time. Its not as scary as it seems. you dont need love to be together, I am walking proof. We were married for many years before we divorced, happily on two separate sides of the world. So! What do you say hmm?"
Ahmina turned to Julia with large happy eyes. "Whats love got to do with anything anyway?"