Superbia

By Nicci Sefton

In this conflict filled sequeal to her books, Luxuria and Invidia, author Nicci Sefton further deepens the relationship between a soon to be wed Annabell and Derrick while enemies around them deal with pride, prejudice and survival.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Total Publishing
• Release date: Aug 17, 2011
• ISBN: 9781936750436

Nicci Sefton

Tulsa author Nicci Sefton creates a world between the living and the undead from which a love story unravels 2008 Nicci won her first national writing contest by describing her wow first kiss with boyfriend. Since then she hasn't looked back. A 2008 graduate of Tulsa Union Public Schools, Sefton now has two novels under her belt, Luxuria and Invidia. These are coming of age tales written in the vampire genre. Sefton connected with her publisher, Total Publishing and Media, through a booth at the Tulsa State Fair several years ago. Her book Series is called "The Deadly Sin Series"

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Wedding

Lucy stared at Memory as though she’d gone mad. She, Derrick, Paul, Salina, and the man that came with Memory and Salina were in the sun-room alone, while all the wedding guests were outside, chatting happily amongst each other about the decorations.

Lucy glared at Salina now. You brought us back here so I could hear about how some vamp out there was turned?

No! Memory said it was important. Salina said almost desperately.

No, what’s important is making sure the vampire she’s seeing visions about doesn’t eat any of Derrick’s relatives. Excuse me. Lucy pushed between Salina and Derrick and walked back outside without as much as a backwards glance at Memory.

Derrick looked at Salina. Could it be important enough to keep us alert about anyone’s safety?

Salina looked down at the exhausted looking Memory and shook her head. I do not believe so.

"Tell me if either of you has another vision," Derrick said. Salina nodded, and Derrick and Paul left them.

"Freaky," Paul said.

"Very. I wonder which vampire the vision was about," Derrick said, looking around as if the vampire would come up to him and introduce himself as the man who was betrayed by his love.

Don’t know, Paul said. "Hey, look who showed up."

Derrick turned to the queue Lucy was greeting. Roxanne was at the front, wearing a pink knee length dress with a bow around the waist. She looked very pretty, especially without the ratty sweat shirt and reading glasses that magnified her eyes.

They waved her over only to find Clare, Andrea, and Sarah behind her, scowling at the beautiful twinkling lights and white sheer hanging everywhere. Roxanne bounded up to them, looking around at all the guests.

"Hey," Derrick said, giving her a one-arm hug.

"Hi. Nice setup. The Crystals did a good job," Roxanne said, looking around.

You okay? Paul asked.

She nodded. Yeah, I’m fine…just awkward.

Paul put an arm around her. Hey, how do you think I feel? I’m the only werewolf here, and trust me, Paul nodded toward a group of vampires near the altar, who were staring at all three of them, particularly Paul, and whispering amongst each other, they all know.

Roxanne smiled and turned to Derrick. Nervous?

About marrying a blood sucking demon? Nope. Derrick laughed and looked up at the Crystals’ house, in the direction of where Annabell’s room was. I’m scared to death.

"I’d imagine so, Roxanne said. Well, I will leave you boys to your guests."

Roxanne left them to go to her seat, which was next to a pale man with brown curly hair. When Roxanne sat down, the man finished his conversation with his friends, a boy with blonde hair and two females, and turned to engage a conversation with her. Roxanne’s cheeks matched her hair when the man kissed her hand.

Vampire? Paul asked.

"Vampire, Derrick answered. His name is Adam, and the people he was talking to are Michael, Lizzy, and Tiffany."

Paul snickered. "Poor Roxanne. She just can’t get away from the supernatural world."

One by one, the guests filed in, and one by one Lucy greeted them with Jonathan until she checked her watch and sent him upstairs to fetch Annabell and Precious. Lucy was so excited and proud of herself for setting up this wedding, plus getting the bride and groom together. She and Jonathan’s first wedding wasn’t as glamorous as this, by any means. They were actually married by a traveling gypsy tribe in North Dakota. Twenty years later, they were married in Italy officially.

After she met Annabell, Lucy had already planned out her and Precious’s weddings. Of course, after meeting Derrick she had to change a few things, like instead of Annabell’s favorite type of blood in the beautiful crystal water fountain it was now champagne. Even Clare paid her a compliment when she came by, which Lucy took graciously before checking her guest list and not seeing the tramp’s or her entourage’s names on it.

She had pushed Memory’s vision out of her mind. She knew every vampire here and, of course, they all had issues about being turned, but wouldn’t act on that rage here. Especially with Annabell in the vicinity. But her annoyance towards Memory was shot down by the last guest in line.

It was a young lady with auburn hair in a purple dress and hat, looking around at the decorations as though they disgusted her. She was with a much older man, who introduced himself and his daughter as John Wells and Amanda Wells.

Thank you for inviting us. Amanda and Derrick have been friends ever since Edna and Lewis took him and Simon in. Amanda made a huffing sound and scanned the crowd.

Lucy saw her spot, Derrick, and her face darkened even more.

It’s a pleasure having you. Please sit anywhere you like.

Amanda pushed between them and went to sit farthest away in the back row. Mr. Wells frowned and shook his head.

Forgive my daughter. She didn’t want to come. You see, she and Derrick dated and it didn’t work out. He’s a nice boy, I like him; but my daughter was very much attached and I’m afraid she hasn’t been quite herself of late.

It’s not a problem. Please enjoy yourself. The moment Mr. Wells left her, Lucy plucked Roxanne out of nowhere and dragged her to her side.

Excuse me! Roxanne yelled. I was talking to someone.

Yes, I know and he’s not someone who’s into commitment unless it’s for eternity.

Roxanne’s eyes widened and looked like she was about to scream, but Lucy silenced her with a look.

What do you want? Roxanne asked.

See Little Miss Lavender over there? Roxanne looked around towards Amanda, who was watching Derrick like a lioness. Who is she?

I don’t know. Want me to find out?

Who can get the information better than you? Lucy said, putting a hand on Roxanne’s elbow.

Roxanne stiffened, but gave her a small smile before walking over and sitting next to Amanda Wells. Lucy walked around the perimeter of seats, keeping one ear on the two girls.

Hi, mind if I sit here? Roxanne said, sitting without an answer from Amanda.

"Guess not," Amanda said, not looking at her.

So I’m guessing you’re friends with Derrick.

You could say that.

What else could I say?

Amanda turned and narrowed her eyes at Roxanne. Who is this Annabell girl? I’ve never heard of her.

She moved here two or three years ago.

From what I hear, she’s quite beautiful.

Very.

Smart.

Smarter than most.

And rich.

Her real father died and left her and her adoptive family an inheritance.

Hmm. Amanda looked around again.

The girl I met was…

Her sister, Lucy. Her other sister is the maid of honor.

Derrick looked up from talking to Mrs. Stout and saw Amanda staring at him. Lucy saw him grab Mrs. Stout by her shoulder and turn her, whispering frantically to her.

Amanda smirked. Looks like he didn’t know I was coming.

Roxanne frowned. Did you receive an invitation?

Oh, yes. Amanda’s smirk became more pronounced. I think the reason he’s unhappy to see me is because he knows I’ll make it difficult for him to say ‘I do’.

Roxanne let out a small chuckle thinking Amanda was kidding. Why’s that?

Because Derrick is still in love with me.

Lucy’s hand smacked into her forehead. You’ve got to be kidding me.

Derrick made a bee-line for Lucy the moment he saw her. Why is my ex here? And why is Roxanne talking to her.

She’s crashing the wedding.

She’s crazy.

Lucy’s eyebrows shot up. No kidding. You should’ve heard what she just said.

Can we get her outta here before Annabell comes down?

Without her causing a scene? I doubt that. Lucy glanced at Amanda. What’d you do to her?

I didn’t do anything! Derrick said defensively. She was too clingy, and back then all I wanted was to work on my writing.

I got the impression she was clingy, but geez. Lucy tuned in on Amanda and Roxanne. She’s persistent.

What’s she saying?

She’s debating on coming over and talking to you.

Liar, Derrick said, shivering all over before glancing at Amanda to see her staring directly at him with a predatory look in her eyes.

Don’t worry, it’s time to get started.

Thank goodness, Chance said, coming up behind them. He was wrestling with his tie. This tie’s killing me.

That’s because you tied it wrong, and had you come to me sooner, I’d have been able to fix it. Lucy slapped his hand away and tied the tie correctly. Okay, go up to the front while I cue everyone in.

Derrick and Chance nodded before going up to the front

Places everyone, Lucy shouted, waving her clipboard in the air. She turned and saw Chance’s hands twitching towards his tie. Chance, I swear if you loosen your tie again I’ll hurt you.

Chance dropped his hands and smiled sheepishly at Derrick. I can’t believe you’re getting married, and to Annabell, he said, thumping Derrick on the back.

Derrick ran his hand through his hair. I know. It’s great. Who’d have thought?

He glanced at Lucy, who winked at him. She was the match-maker of the family. She was wearing a blood red, strapless bridesmaid dress with a headphone in her ear. Annabell had made a deal with her and Precious. If Precious was the maid of honor, Lucy could be the planner.

Derrick and Annabell had decided to have their wedding just after sundown so that she could invite some of her…controlled vampire friends.

So are you nervous? Chance asked, eyeing the drop of sweat slowly falling down Derrick’s brow.

Uh…no. Derrick lied.

Who wouldn’t be? Chance said, looking out at the crowd. He then turned to Paul and thumped him on the back. Well, that just leaves you and Precious.

Paul’s eyes widened. What?

Well, I assume you and Precious will marry sooner or later. Me and Monica’s wedding’s in January. She wanted a winter wonderland wedding, Chance said, rolling his eyes.

Do her parents approve? Derrick asked, remembering how at the beginning they weren’t so keen on their daughter dating someone from another race.

Oh yeah, they’re cool now, Chance said. Chance’s gaze settled on Annabell’s mother, who was being escorted by an olive toned man with black hair to the front row. Who’s that? he said wide-eyed.

Annabell’s mother, Josephine De Leon, and her…boyfriend, Anthony.

What? I thought she died, Chance said, not taking his eyes off her.

No, that’s Jonathan’s second wife. They divorced before we were five, Lucy said, running up to them. Mine and Precious’ mother died. The rumors switched our mothers, but it had nothing to do with another guy. Okay, she’s ready and, CHANCE!

What? I didn’t touch my tie? Chance said, jumping back.

No, your collar’s all screwed up. She yanked him toward her and straightened it. Ok, the music will start soon so be ready, she said, smiling widely and skipping over to the bride’s side where she would be standing behind Precious. Derrick gulped loudly and took a deep breath.

The music started playing, and Lucy turned her back on the audience and spoke into her headphone. Derrick took a deep breath again and turned toward the back of the aisle, as did everyone else. Precious appeared in the archway, beaming widely. She started walking down the aisle in step with the music.

Paul glanced at Precious. She looked over at him and smiled shyly at him holding her bouquet closer to hide her face. Paul smiled and looked up at Derrick. He was smiling from ear to ear, but was turning blue. Paul nudged him, and Derrick let out a big breath of air.

Everybody stood and they could see movement at the back of the aisle. Then Jonathan appeared with the most beautiful vision Derrick had ever seen, and that’s including when he first saw her.

Annabell stood there, glowing like a star on a Christmas tree. She wore a flowing white satin dress with a corset back. The sleeves hung off the shoulders in a drape of lace that made the dress look almost medieval. The dress itself was an A-line that flowed to the ground so fluidly that as the wind blew, it made her look even more like a dream.

Precious had twisted her curls up in an elegant bun with a few locks of stray curls dangling down and pinned half of it back with the rose Derrick had given her a year ago; still stained by his blood, but giving it an even more glorious look to it, then draped it with Annabell’s mother’s lace mantilla veil.

Derrick felt himself stop breathing as Annabell and Jonathan slowly made their way to him. He could see Annabell biting the inside of her lip, trying not to smile too widely.

Everyone murmured their approval of the bride and smiled at her. Even Clare seemed too much in awe over Annabell’s beauty. Derrick glanced over at Annabell’s mother and saw her dabbing hurriedly at her eyes with a red handkerchief Anthony had given her.

Annabell could feel the world stop with each step she took. She tried to remain calm, but what she really wanted to do was run down the aisle to Derrick and fling herself in to his arms, But everyone had forbidden it for their own reasons. Precious, because it would ruin her perfect hair, and her mother had said she did not wait 200 years to see her daughter gallop down the aisle like an Olympic racer.

As though reading her mind, Jonathan tightened his grip on her hand on his arm. Annabell hid a giggle and glanced up at him out of the corner of her eye, seeing the tiniest wink and smile. Annabell looked back up at Derrick. They were nearly there, and she felt the butterflies zooming around in her stomach as though they were on steroids. Finally, they reached the little platform and she turned toward Jonathan.

He removed her hand from his arm and lifted it to his lips and kissed it. He then looked up at Derrick and gave him a warm smile and a nod. Derrick returned the gesture and then extended his hand for Annabell’s. She took it and stepped onto the platform, facing Derrick.

Hiya stranger, Annabell managed to say without cracking her voice.

Derrick chuckled and kissed her hand and wrist. The priest cleared his throat and began the ceremony. Both will admit they had no idea what the priest was saying because…well, they weren’t paying attention. They were still too busy just gazing at each other. It wasn’t until Paul nudged Derrick that he realized it was time for the vows.

He looked around as though he had just realized everyone was there and went red. He looked back at Annabell and rubbed her cold hands, looking into her transparent eyes.

Annabell Lee De…Crystal. He had almost referred to her by her real last name, forgetting all the humans who knew her surname as Crystal. I’ll admit we had a very rocky start. Not knowing if we’d live through the bad times. Annabell and everyone who had heard the story gave a little laugh at the mention of that horrific episode.

But I never gave up, because I knew you were my blue eyed soul, my other half, the key to my heart. I know that it won’t be any easier from here on out, but I knew if I was willing to scale up to your bedroom window to win you back, to face both your exes, fly halfway around the world, and look into the pit of hell just so I could be with you forever, then all I need is the light of your love to wash away the dark times in our past, present, and future.

Mrs. Stout burst into tears and clung to Mr. Stout, who even dabbed away a tear, as the rest of the audience sighed. Lucy put a hand over her heart and felt Jonathan’s presence behind her. She turned halfway toward him and leaned against her own husband. Jonathan put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

Annabell’s lip quivered and, again, she had to control her emotions and not fall into Derrick’s arms. The priest smiled warmly down at Derrick, then turned towards Annabell. It still disturbed her that a priest was smiling at her, as though her past didn’t matter. If only he knew her confessions…

Beautifully done. And now the bride’s vows, if you please, he said. Annabell opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She was still in awe over Derrick’s vows, and suddenly felt her own weren’t as deep. Go on my dear.

Precious made a face and nudged Annabell with her foot. A little squeak came out of Annabell’s open mouth. Derrick gave her a quizzical look, but she cleared her throat and raised his hand to her cheek.

Derrick Clark, I also admit that we didn’t see eye to eye on most things. We bickered; my father hated you, as did my sister. Precious smiled shyly at the crowd. There were times in our relationship I did think it was over for good, and that I would never see you again, but I should’ve known you’d never give up…even though I had. But I shall never doubt our love again. It’s overcome so many obstacles that would normally tear most relationships apart. I know that I will love you with all my heart. I will follow you wherever you go, even if it is to Hades.

You know my secrets and you know my world is a dangerous one, and yet you still seem to want to be a part of it, and that is more precious to me than my own life. I shall never doubt, I shall never leave, and I shall never stop loving you.

Derrick Clark, I take thee to be my eternal husband, and to walk with thee until the end of time.

Derrick’s eyes were glowing at her, and Annabell knew her eyes must look almost white or growing black. The priest asked for the rings, and Jeremy stumbled forward and held up the little pillow. Annabell bent down and kissed Jeremy on the cheek and took Derrick’s ring. Jeremy went scarlet and ran back to his mother, burying his head in her arms, grinning from ear to ear.

Annabell and Derrick beamed at each other as they slipped their rings on each other fingers saying their ‘I do’s’. The priest then took both their hands, and they turned toward the crowd, still gazing at each other.

I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Derrick took Annabell’s hand from the priest and pulled her into a kiss. Annabell felt herself melt against him as his lips moved across hers. Her eyes drifted shut, and she hadn’t even notice she dropped her bouquet. Paul snatched it up before it hit the floor. Derrick held her tight and tried to bring Annabell’s face even closer.

She was his now. Forever.

Ladies and Gentleman, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs.—

Annabell let out a horrible cry of pain and wrenched back away from Derrick. An arrow had pierced her arm and was sticking out of her dress. Another arrow shot toward her, but Precious pushed her out of the way in time and caught it in her shoulder. She let out a horrible roar and fell to the floor. Paul rushed forward to help and shield her as the rest of the guests went into a frenzy, trying to get out of the line of fire as more arrows shot toward them.

Lucy and Jonathan were at their side in moments. Derrick shielded Annabell and looked at her arm.

Are you okay? he asked frantically.

Yes—Derrick, get down! A stake came flying through the air at him, and Annabell grabbed him, and, in moments, they were on the other side of the courtyard.

Annabell grabbed Derrick’s face and looked him over thoroughly for any scraps. Are you okay?

I’m fine, but what’s going on? Derrick asked, looking around and seeing men in camo with crossbows and guns attached to their sides and backs, running into the courtyard, tearing up the wedding decorations.

Annabell looked at the riot with a red outline