This was embarrassing. I never thought I would give in and become a victim of traditions. Yet, here I was, sitting next to my best-friend-in-the-whole-world, Faythe Harper, looking through the endless stack of bridal magazines. Each page featured a single waste-of-material; excuse me, bridal gown and brief description of its making.

Besides the gowns being extremely overpriced, I began liking them; wanting them. All the satin, ribbons, and beaded sequins were provoking the femininity within me; somewhere deep within. My marital views were not that conservative, I was just more the independent woman than the stay-at-home-clean-the-house-average-soccer-mom. I am a vampire for crying out loud!

Marriage is not in my very distant future, nor is it allowed; at least with humans. The Council would never allow any relationship other than vampire to vampire to join in matrimony. Those who wish to keep our existence a secret created that law, and it is punishable by death if broken.

I have no fear of loosing my head because I have no interest in the matter; at least I keep telling myself that. My life style does not allow me to have a relationship. I work for the Council as their guardian, or an enforcer of the law if you will. It is a dangerous line of work assigned only to those with experience, and to those who keep to themselves. No, marriage was not for me. It is for people like Faythe, who believe in such emotions as love.

Thus why Faythe dragged me all the way to this boutique on Main Street. She caught sight of this store from her office across the street and couldn't say no. From the outside it blended in nicely with the surrounding buildings. This part of town is known for being considerably well taken care of, and everything looked like it would cost an arm and a leg.

From the inside, the shop was average sized, quaint, and extravagantly furnished. The crescent sales counter stood off to the left, three grand floor-to-ceiling length mirrors on the right, spacious dressing rooms lined the back wall, and a circular padded bench sat in the middle of the room. I chose myself a spot on the bench and awaited the end of this torture.

I idly flipped through the magazine while watching Faythe twirl about in yet another dress. Her body was engulfed in a swirl of creamy white satin. I couldn't suppress my smile as she released a high pitch girlish squeal, her face alight with happiness. Her nimble fingers crushed the front of the gown to her waist as she rushed towards me. A shiver raced up my back as her warm blooded hands grasped my own, her body heat seeping through my gloves to warm my chilled skin.

That is what I love about humans; they are so warm, so happy. Faythe smiled down at me, her blue eyes wide with excitement.

"Oh gosh Lizzy," Faythe nearly screamed while referring to my childhood nickname, "This is the one! The perfect dress for my wedding! Do you think John will like it?" She gave another twirl of her skirts for good measure and gazed at me hopefully.

"Yea, he will like it. After all you will be the one in the dress." I said trying to muster just as much enthusiasm.

My ears tingled as she released another high pitch girl-squeal.

"You have to try it on Lizzy. It fits perfectly, and I would like to see how it looks on someone else before I buy it." Faythe said, almost bouncing in place.

"What? Oh, um, no. I can't Lizzy, you know I don't like dresses."

"Awe, come ‘on Elizabeth for me?" She whined.

"I refuse to wear that... thing."

"Please Lizzy." Faythe said, making a unmistakable puppy dog face.

"That is cheating. You know I can't resist that face." I gave in. "Fine just for you, but on two conditions."

"Name them!" She said hastily.

"One, I know how you think, so I'm going to tell you now before you do it. Do not buy me a bride’s maids dress. I will go to your wedding but only because I was invited; not to participate," I stated, though I had no idea how I was going to attend a wedding in the day time. I would figure it out later. "Two, do not even think about setting me up on a blind date this Saturday for our night out."

She looked as if she was going to complain but quickly changed her mind, replacing the scowl with an evil smile.

"Agreed, now follow me and you put on the dress. We both are the same size so you need not worry about that."

Regretfully I followed her into a very elaborately decorated dressing room. Each wall was covered from floor to ceiling with red velvety material and gold cross stitching. There was also a bench, a face mirror, and dress rack. We both shuffled into the room and the door closed with a silent click behind us. I sneezed softly; the overpowering smell of flowers was wreaking havoc on my sensitive nose. I leaned forward almost pressing my face to the material on the wall. The walls were scented.

The steady tapping of Faythe's expensive Fioni heels drew my attention away from the wall. I cast her an apologetic smile and quickly began to undress.

"Wow Lizzy, you need a tan." she exclaimed.

I blushed. I could feel her critical gaze sweeping over my body as I shed the rest of my clothes. I wanted to say "Vampire, duh!" but I just replied, "I know."

Once down to my undergarments I silently thanked myself for having the foresight to wear a pair of nice bra and panties today, and stepped into the awaiting dress. Faythe having already redressed into her jeans and top stood to the side as I situated the material.

"Here, let me help you." She said hurriedly zipping the back and tying the strings to the corset before I could protest.

"I feel like Rayne, the girl from last years vampire huntress series. What with the corset, long flowing dress, and my black leather boots." I said as the calve length split in the dress revealed one of them and its 4 inch heel.

"Shut up, you look very pretty and feminine. It is a nice change from your everyday boots and jeans." She stated.

"My boots are high fashion, I could stab someone with the heel it's so skinny!" I said hotly. This was all true. My boots were made for combat as well as to pass off as normal so I could wear them anywhere.

"Whatever Lizzy; it’s a perfect fit! Come ‘on lets go look in the mirror."

"What! No way am I leaving this dressing room in this!" I nearly shrieked.

She placed her hands on her waist and stuck one hip out. "Oh? Did we not just reach an agreement? I guess not then. Well, just so you know I have a whole little black book full of men waiting and lined up to give you your shot at love. Who knows, I just might invite them with us Saturday--"

"Okay! I'll do it. I never would have figured you as one to succumb so low as to use blackmailing." I muttered as I hastily shuffled out the doorway. I mentally asked God; oops I mean Lucifer, why anyone would allow a bridal shop to be open after hours just for Faythe. I didn't expect to receive an answer, because I already had mine. It was Faythe's doing.

I should have seen this coming. Somehow since I have arrived here today, Faythe has single-handedly introduced me to marriage on a whole other level, made me spend two hours discussing nothing but gowns, and has successfully gotten me into a wedding dress all before midnight.

She excused herself for a moment when her phone begun to ring, though she need not have worried about disturbing anyone. The manager was no where to be found and the two of us were the only customers.

The dress hugged my figure as I walked towards the three grand mirrors. The dress enhanced my assets to their fullest. I felt awkward and silly standing there in the gown and so out of my element, but I had to hand it to Faythe. I didn't look too bad.

The dress was made up of two pieces; a strapless corset top with ribbons that tied together in the back to form a small bow and a floor length gown. Both pieces were a soft creamy white with subtle beaded flowers around the bottom of the dress as well as the cups of the corset.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I wasn't beautiful, but my black hair was long and thick. My skin was pale except the light tint of pink that my cheeks turned when I blushed. My eyes were black, and my lashes long. I had a slender nose, full lips, and dainty chin. To be honest I did look charming in the dress. I ran my hands over the front, and turned around to see a vacant room.

"Faythe," I called, "are you there?"

There was no response. Even with my heightened hearing I couldn't pin point the sound of Faythe's heart beat. My eyes darted around the room looking for any sign of her, but there were none. I walked back over to the chairs that held our belongings and relaxed as I noticed her purse was gone, but a note sat in its place. It read:

'Lizzy, I had to run to the house. John brought home some very important guests, and I had to run play house-wife! Sorry, please don't be mad. See yourself out when you’re through with the dress, and don't forget about Saturday! --Faythe'

"Great. She left me here with this thing on." I mumbled to myself as I walked back to look in the mirror one final time.

I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be Faythe for a day; human, happy, and care free. Having the perfect partner, and walking down the aisle. Every woman's perfect wedding, just as it used to be mine before I was turned.

I smiled to myself. Using my right hand I picked up the front of dress and stuck out my left hand as if there were someone there to grasp it, and began to walk towards the mirror.

"It doesn't seem that bad, maybe I should reconsider my thoughts about marriage. Well the ceremony parts at least, definitely not the life long partner thing." I said thinking aloud to myself.

It was going good until I got cocky and started strutting back and forth like it was a cat walk. My boot caught on a loose fold of material and I tripped. Someone caught my hand before I fell, pulling me upright with enough force to cause me to loose my balance. I fell against a very masculine chest, and felt one arm drape around my waist tightly.

Peering upwards I watched the artery in his neck almost hypnotically. The joyous ebb and pulse of his life blood making me lick my lips. I fed earlier, but I was taught to appreciate a decent smelling being when you see one. The smell of cologne reached my nose; it was oddly enticing and mixed nicely with the rich smell of his blood. I inhaled deeply and froze. My back stiffened and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.

Vampire.

Slowly I pushed myself away from his chest as my mind began to work itself into a panic. How could I have not sensed him or smelled him? Something clicked, and I remembered the answer from listening in on a council meeting. The older a vampire is the better they can cloak their scent, as well as hone their abilities. I tried to act as if I hadn't noticed and move away. I stopped only when the arm around my waist didn't budge.

My eyes traveled almost unwillingly from his neck to his strong jaw, soft full lips, average nose and high cheek bones, and to his eyes. They matched his hair perfectly. I got a little weak in the knees as those two deep brown orbs-- like milk chocolate pools, studied my face, my lips, and burned a trail down my neck to my bosom; most of which was clearly visible because of the corset. A blush heated my face.

It was too dangerous to look him in the eye for long so I chose to stare at his lips instead.

He looked to be in his mid twenties when he had changed, which makes two of us. In any other situation I would say he is extremely attractive, but I knew his youth was only the effects of the change. I could tell he was old; at least by a few centuries.

"Can you let me go now?" I asked hesitantly.

He smiled devilishly and quickly released me from his grasp. I gave us both a few feet of breathing room, although I had a feeling if he were up to no good that would never be far enough.

"Thank you for catching me." I mumbled, trying desperately to keep my voice from shaking. I was scared, which for me is a first. I had a right to be. This vampire was old, and in my world old meant dangerous. I backed away from him slowly, but he matched each step I took with one of his own. The soft clack of his; no doubt expensive, shoes jarred my nerves with each step.

My back softly bumped the wall and I could have screamed. He kept coming, pinning me to the wall with his eyes. His gait was relaxed, slow, and predatory.

I cleared my throat softly as I found it was too dry to talk. "What do you want?" I asked shakily, "Stay back. I'm warning you! I am an enforcer for the Vampire Council and any harm done to me is punishable by law with--"

His slow throaty laugh had chills creeping up my spine and oddly little shocks of excitement. I gasped loudly when he appeared suddenly in front of me, looming over me by a good five inches. His scent enveloped me and I openly inhaled. My eyes slid to half mast, and my hunger roused. I felt that aching, burn deep within my chest and my mouth began to water as I felt the first shift of my eye teeth lengthening.

My conscious wanted me to run, to flee. I had never run from anyone before in my life, but I was considering this vampire. Only the old ones can affect other vampires like this; overwhelm them and bring them under their control. The sheer power he was exerting was a clear sign that he was no weakling.

I nearly cried out when his thumb softly stroked my jaw and down to the curve in my neck, his touch feather light. My heart beat in my chest like drum. I could hear the rushing of blood in my ears as he stared at me. I couldn't look away. Slowly he leaned down to whisper in my ear. His lips brushed the rim of my ear briefly, and my stomach felt like it did a flip. I held my breath.

"You smell good." He whispered in a masculine voice that would conjure thoughts of bodies, bed sheets, and sex.

His canine nicked the tip of my ear. I quivered when his tongue devilishly trailed around the edge of my ear to the cut.

"You taste good too. I could just eat you up, but I won't. Not now." He said darkly placing a firm hand against my jaw. I began to breathe again only when he began to turn away. "It seems I came here for the wrong reasons. Don't leave town little lamb."

Just as he arrived he disappeared, but not before grabbing a set of keys from the sales counter. I sighed in relief and my legs buckled. I sat on the floor in a pool of white satin skirts too scared to say anything; to frightened to move. My heart still raced beneath my breast bone, and for good measure. I had just become his prey!