“The perfect stranger” she had said it out loud. She looked over at Dante, she had caught his attention. “That's what I called you when you walked into the bookshop.” Dante's expression softened and Tammy's own eyes went back to the portrait.
“The minute I walked in here... It caught my attention. It was as if the portrait sucked me in.” She gave a little smile as she remembered and felt her cheeks blush. “He looks like you and it gave me a little hope that maybe you would be here.”
“Perfect stranger?” Dante laughed, he was far from perfect. “He is my uncle, ” he swallowed hard. Telling her this was harder than anything else he had explained. “Look at me please, Tammy.” Tammy slowly looked at him, his eyes staring at the floor and his hands in his hair. “You remember the story my mother told you about my uncle who committed suicide?” Tammy nodded.
Dante rubbed his brow. He couldn't make eye-contact while he told her. “Well...” He paused again and started shaking his head. Why couldn't he get the words out? “Fuck!” He yelled at the top of his voice. He should of never had gone to Tammy's parents tonight, after their argument today he was so sure she was going to leave him. This was worse than him being a vampire or that dumb contract.
Tammy didn't like what she was seeing. This was something that bothered him. But what? She reached out for his hand. “Whatever it is...” her voice light. “I promise I will not leave you, Dante.”
“Promise,” She nodded and he let out a deep breath. His eyes slowly, looking back up at the portrait. “This is my Uncle Angus...”
“So, my grandmother knew your uncle” Tammy said with relief why had that been such a big deal? “What is wrong with that?”
“No, Tammy, you don't understand... Your Grandmother was his Black Swan. She was the one who gave birth to the stillborn baby.....”
Chapter Eight
“What?” Tammy squealed, this couldn't be true, there was some misunderstanding. “Surely no... Please tell me you are joking.”
“I always knew there was something else that drew me to you. When I saw you in the bookshop I knew you looked familiar and now I know why.” He gave a heartily smile. “You look the same as your grandmother.”
“How do you know what my grandmother looked like?” She snarled and folded her arms. This wasn't happening. Then it all clicked, she had known about Dante awakening... She had tried to warn her, but couldn't tell Tammy any more... God, her Grandmother was once where Tammy was today! She felt her legs go weak and fell onto the floor in hemp.
“I’ve seen photos” Dante had suddenly come down to her level. “Will you say something…? Please.”
“Huh!” Tammy couldn't talk, she couldn't move... She was in the uttermost state of shock. Her heart was beating fast and the palms of hands were sweating. She was having an out of body experience this couldn't be happening? Surely, it couldn't get any more bizarre?? Her own grandmother once married to the man's she loved uncle...
“Can't you see this is fate?” Deep in his heart he knew it was his destiny to be with Tammy and everything now made sense to him. He took a quick glance at her, she was distraught and he could understand why. He had felt exactly the same when he awoken, learning that your family wasn't actually who you thought they were.
“Fate,” Tammy laughed. “Don't you think this is sick?” A lump stuck in her throat making her flinch.
“How? Yeah, they had a baby... The baby died... She went on to have your mother and then you... Are my feelings for you sick?”
“What feelings?” Tammy looked over at Dante, his mouth turned down at the sides, his eyes full of sadness. She knew she had feelings for him, but she hadn't thought for one second he would be the first one to confess. Was this fate? Maybe an hour ago, she would have believed so, but now? Her head was in a mess and nothing she could do would clear it.
“I love you” Dante mumbled, Tammy froze again. He loved her?
“You... Love… Me?” She said it out loud. Her brain couldn't register what he had just told her.
Dante looked away. He had never felt so exposed. “Guess I do,” a smile hit his lips. He did, he truly did. “I do... Tammy, I love you.” Tammy remained still and quiet. Had he just done the wrong thing? Was this not the right time? When was the right time?
“She warned me” Tammy sighed. Dante looked at her confused, was she now blatantly ignoring what he had told her. “What are we going to do?” Tammy's eyes filled with tears, she loved him back. In fact probably more so now.
“It's history, Tammy” he whispered. “Me and you are good together. I enjoy spending all my time with you. You get me like no one else does. We have a connection and I will do everything in my power to keep you.”
Tammy gasped. She knew he meant every word. Tammy moved closer to him, he was right. It was history-- history only they would ever know! If he wanted her then he would have her forever. Tammy wrapped her arms around Dante's strong neck and fell onto his chest. His scent and his fingers playing with her hair. How could she give him up?
She looked up at him through her eyelashes, his dark eyes looking down at her. “I love you too.”
***
Dante tucked Tammy into bed and laid down beside her, it had been a long emotional day. Twice he thought he had lost her, but yet she was still here. They lay facing each other. He took in her beautiful face and finally felt relief. He never thought he would love her like this. Everything about her dragged him in.
He looked down at her left hand, she wasn't exactly his yet. He hadn't fully processed her quite yet. That was the next thing to do. He didn't care what others thought. She was going to be his, maybe next week, next month, he wasn't sure but it would happen soon.
“What are you thinking about?” Tammy smiled, her hands locking with his.
“When I’m going to get down on one knee and propose” he smiled back, bringing her hand up to his lips. He watched her cheeks blush, how he loved that. “After all, that is what you wanted,” he placed a kiss on her hand.
Tammy loved the way his soft lips felt against her skin. “The going down on one knee thing?” She teased. “I didn't think that was your style.”
“Oh my dear Tammy, you have no idea what my style is” he raised an eyebrow in a suggestive manner. “You look really tired,” he let go of her hand. “You should sleep.”
“No!” Tammy cried, grabbing hold of Dante as he attempted to move off the bed. “Stay with me tonight... Please!”
Dante tilted his head to the side. “If I stay, you won't sleep and we will end up talking all night.”
“Not if you...” Her eyes locked with his that feeling began just like before. She felt something being taken away from her and her eyes became heavy. “Hold me all night, please,” she yawned and suddenly everything went black.
The sun flooded through the bedroom window and Tammy began to wake up. Dante had practically watched her sleep all night, he was afraid to let her go or sleep himself in case he woke up and she was gone. Her tiny body lying in his arms was the best feeling in the world, every now and then during the night he had given into the urge to kiss her soft lips.
“Morning,” she smiled as her eyes fell on Dante. He surely was a mesmerizing sight to wake up to. Even with bed head he was unbelievably handsome and he loved her. He wanted her to be his wife. Tammy could feel herself going giddy. On the other hand, she had so much more to learn about his lifestyle.
“Morning,” his eyes brightly staring down at her. “I'm going to head downstairs... You better wait a few seconds,” he gave a wink. “Don't want my parents getting the wrong idea.” Tammy watched as he walked out of the room.
She stretched out. Last night was the best night's sleep she'd had since coming here. Then that contract filled her mind. She didn't want to sign, but if she was going to stick this out she didn't think she had much of a choice. She pulled back the covers and her feet hit the soft cream carpet. How life had changed in such a short amount of time. The life she had once lived se
emed like a distant memory. She still missed the bookshop, she wondered if there was a chance she could go back to work, like she would even tell anyone about Dante, after all she would be exposing her Grandmother's secret too if she was to tell anyone. Tammy shook her head, she wouldn't tell anyone anyway. She was devoted to Dante and would never think of hurting him or his family.
Tammy walked into the bathroom and began to run the bath. It had been a while since she'd had the time to relax. From now on she wasn't going to let anything about Dante's life freak her out. She was going to be strong and not allow anything to make him think she was about to leave him. She couldn't leave him anyway. Her feelings for him had seemed to of grown over night. She wanted to be the perfect wife to him, she probably couldn't live up to his mother, and she would give it a good try.
Tammy felt refreshed after her bath and headed towards the kitchen as she grew closer she could hear voices.
“Tammy is not signing anything” Dante's voice boomed with a hint of annoyance. “So, just stop going on about it.”
“You can not be serious” his father yelled back. “This is not only for you it protects everyone. Your mother signed it, why should things be different for Tammy?”
Tammy looked down at her feet, she really didn't want to be trouble and she had never refused to sign it, Dante had come up with this all on his own. He really did love and trust her. He was willing to get rid of the contract for her. Tammy's stomach flipped over, what had she done to deserve a man like Dante? Even though he was a vampire, nothing about it scared her. In fact, she was in awe of him.
“Tammy?” Dante asked, walking out of the kitchen. She had been so lost in her thoughts she had forgotten to move. “Why are you standing there?” His hand reached out and he moved a strand of hair away from her face. “Did you hear what me and my father were talking about?”
“Yes,” her voice small. “I'll sign the contract if that is what your father wants.”
Dante let out a little sigh and grabbed hold of Tammy's hand, leading her into the kitchen. Sir Renaldo looked at Tammy. She gave a little smile which he returned. Telling by his expression he knew Tammy had been stood outside listening. Dante pulled out a chair for Tammy and she sat down. He moved away and quickly returned with the breakfast special, bowl, box of cereal and milk.
“Eat!” He demanded and took the chair next to her. “I was thinking,” he began, happy that Tammy was sorting out her breakfast. “Could I and Tammy borrow the penthouse in London?”
Sir Renaldo looked over the top of his newspaper. “Why?”
“Well,” Dante gave Tammy the smile and once again she thought she was going to choke on what was in her mouth. “I thought it would be nice to get away--- just us.”
“I don't think your mother would approve, Dante” Sir Renaldo folded up his paper and Tammy was now wishing she was invisible. “Your mother almost had a heart attack when she found out where you slept last night.” Sir Renaldo's eyebrow rose and Tammy's cheeks flushed bright red.
“We didn't have sex!” Dante snapped. “I want to take Tammy away and make a grand gesture of something.” He stared at his father, hoping the light would come on in his head. Finally, it must have clicked as his father gave the biggest smile he had seen in a while.
Tammy sat looking from one to the other, completely confused about what was going on. She looked back down at her cereal and carried on eating. Must be vampire thing, she thought to herself.
“So?”
“Okay, I will clear it with your mother. If you would excuse me.” With that, he left the room, leaving Tammy and Dante alone.
“What was that about?” Tammy asked.
“Just a little something my mother will approve of,” he laughed. “What do you want to do today?”
Tammy looked up into his dark eyes and almost combusted from the look he was giving her. “I want you to show me the photos of my grandmother. Then I will sign the contract not for you, but for your father.”
“There is no need” Dante's expression fell and his tone hardened. “I trust you.”
Tammy gripped hold of his hand. “I know you do, but please, me signing this contract will give your father peace of mind.” She gave the girly smile.
He tilted his head to the side, how could she win him over with that smile. “Fine!” He scowled. “If this is what you want.” He couldn't wait for the London trip, Tammy was going to be swept away.
“She does look like me” Tammy smiled, as she laid on her belly flicking through a photo album Dante had brought to her. Dante laid next to her, his head resting on his elbows and his eyes not moving away from Tammy.
Tammy eyes were fixated on the photo of her Grandmother stood smiling, her arm linked with Dante's uncle. They both looked very much in love. Tammy ran her finger over her Gran's face.
“You said Black Swan last night?”
Dante gave a little laugh, it had been a while since Tammy had asked a question and it was very much welcomed. He had missed quenching her thirst. “Black Swan is what we call our donors.”
Tammy's eyes moved away from the photo and at Dante, she wanted to hear everything. Get lost in his mysterious world, which was soon becoming hers too.
“We choose to treat our Black Swans with nothing but respect and care. They are our life line and we don't want anything to hurt them or scare them away.” His lips curled up in an amused manner. “You could say... You would become my most precious possession.”
Dante was interrupted by a knock on the door, the pair of them turned to find Sir Renaldo standing in the doorway, for a second Tammy held her breath and her heart began to beat fast with fear. Gran?
“Tammy, you have a visitor waiting for you in the hall.” Tammy felt her jaw drop open in shock. Who would be coming to visit her, she turned to look at Dante who was still smiling in his special way.
“Go and see who it is,” he urged her on. “I'll wait here for you.”
Tammy climbed off the bed and followed Sir Renaldo down the stairs. Standing in the middle of the hall, gazing around taking in the beauty of the place was her friend Jenna. She hadn't spoken to Jenna in at least two weeks and that was only by phone. Jenna finally looked at Tammy and gave a big friendly smile. She had a slight tan, and then Tammy remembered why they hadn't spoken. Jenna had just come back from her honeymoon.
“Tammy,” her voice sounded excited and she gave a little clap. Tammy took the last step and Jenna was right next to her, hugging her hard that Tammy couldn't breathe.
“Jenna,” she managed to pull away. “What are you doing here?”
Jenna folded her arms. Tammy suddenly became aware that Sir Renaldo was still standing on the stairway. She quickly linked arms with Jenna and escorted her outside.
Jenna removed her arms from Tammy's grip and flicked her long blonde hair. Tammy could tell Jenna was on the prowl for some gossip. “What am I doing here?” She scowled. “Explain what you are doing here?” Once again Jenna crossed her arms. “I went to go and see you at the bookshop and Mrs Waters told me you had moved in with the freaks.”
“They are not freaks!” Tammy protested.
Jenna raised an eyebrow and her bright blue eyes widened. “Really? Diana Lewis said she got invited to some party here. She saw you here and said she hasn't seen you since.”
Tammy shrugged. “I have been busy.”
“Not working as Mrs Waters said she hasn't seen you in a week.” She squared her shoulders and stood up straight. “Spill, what is going on?”
“It's my fault,” Dante stepped outside, he had been listening and decided Tammy needed some help. He looked at Jenna, every inch of her screamed spoilt brat. Obviously, she thought she was above Tammy. Dante's arms reached to Tammy's waist and he pulled her into him. “You're right, we did have a party and I had the pleasure of being introduced to Tammy.” he placed a kiss on Tammy's cheek.
Jenna's jaw dropped open. “You mean you have a boyfriend, Tammy?”
Tammy narrowed he
r eyes, was it unbelievable that she could actually meet someone.
Jenna rubbed her forehead, trying to get to grips with what she was seeing. “It's just you said you didn't want to settle down. What's with the suddenly change?”
Tammy let out a little sigh. Of course Jenna would be concerned. How many times had she drummed it into Jenna's head that she wasn't interested in men? Then Jenna goes away for two weeks and comes home to discover Tammy with someone. Even in Jenna's defence, Tammy would be asking questions too. Probably more than Jenna was asking. Tammy thought about her response without giving anything away.
“I met Dante” Tammy smiled, looking up to him. “Surely you understand.” She gave Jenna the sad face and Jenna's expression softens.
Jenna looked at Tammy and Dante and could instantly see how happy her friend was. She had never seen Tammy like this. She understood what Tammy was saying. She had felt the same when she had met her husband, finally meeting the one was a life changing moment and she didn't have any right laying down the law to Tammy.
“I'm sorry,” she mumbled. “I didn't mean to behave like that. It's just well...” She placed her hand on her chest and smiled. “I am so happy for you.” Dante moved out of the way as Jenna hugged her best friend.
“I'll leave you two alone” Dante said, as he walked back into the house.
Jenna pulled away. “Wow, he is good looking!”
Tammy felt her cheeks blush a little. “Not everything is about looks.” She sat down on the steps that led to the front door. “Are people really talking about me?” Suddenly feeling very conscience that she might have brought some unwanted attention to Renaldo's. Sir Renaldo was probably going out of his mind right now. She had to sign that contract quick, just to show him she was taking all of this seriously.
Jenna sat down next to her friend. “Yes... Some think they have kidnapped you!”
Tammy looked shocked. “What?” She spat, “That is ridiculous! You can go back and put them straight.”
“You have to admit, Tams. This is a little strange.” Jenna began to swirl her wedding ring round her finger. “You made this whole song and dance about not wanting anyone. Then two weeks later you've moved in with someone-- and his parents!”