Read Online 06 Love Bites - My Sister the Vampire by Sienna Mercer - Free Book Online

countryside as it sped past the car. Dark, forbidding forests and heavy grey skies. It was so unfamiliar and just made her think how Jackson was thousands of miles away.
    ‘Holy Water!’ Ivy whispered to Olivia.
    As they drove up the semi-circular gravel driveway, Ivy realised that the Queen’s estate made her grandparents’ house look like a shed. The two of them peered up at the sculptures of eagles with their wings spread, perched on the top of the stone turret above the entrance.
    ‘It’s incredible,’ Olivia whispered back, but she wasn’t really looking. Ivy wondered if her sister’s mind was somewhere else.
    Horatio pulled to a stop and climbed out to open the car door. Ivy emerged to see fouruniformed staff waiting at the ornate iron doors to greet them.
    As she stepped out of the cold wind into the grand entrance, there was no sign of the royal family, but an older woman was calling out to a man who was adjusting light kits and reflectors at the bottom of a sweeping gilded staircase.
    ‘Perfect, daaahling!’ she said and swept her floor-length blue coat behind her. The golden flower embroidery on it flashed in the light. Her stark white curls were tamed by a wide clip with an enormous blue and green peacock feather.
    Ivy knew that incredible style. ‘Georgia Huntingdon!’ she said.
    The woman whirled around and her blood-red lips split into a wide smile.
    ‘Ivy, darling!’ She floated over and air-kissed her on both cheeks. ‘And Olivia!’
    Olivia looked startled to see the editor of
VAMP
magazine.
    ‘As soon as I heard you two were in Transylvania, connecting with your noble roots,’ Georgia purred, ‘I simply
had
to capture the event.’
    ‘And we were happy to let her,’ the Countess said, air-kissing Georgia.
    Mr Vega cleared his throat. ‘I wish you had consulted me first, Mother,’ he said quietly.
    The Countess looked horrified to have upset her son. ‘Oh, darling, I –’
    But she was interrupted by a voice from the top of the red-carpeted staircase.
    ‘I thought the palace would be the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot,’ said Prince Alex, who was watching them from above. He bowed to his guests before stepping lightly down the stairs. He wore a black suit jacket over a whiteT-shirt and jeans – he somehow looked modern and classical at the same time.
    Ivy realised that everyone else had dropped into a little curtsy or bow and she hurriedly followed suit.
    As usual, one step behind,
Ivy thought.
At least Georgia is familiar, like a little piece of home.
    ‘Welcome to the palace,’ Alex said to everyone, his glance lingering on Olivia.
    Olivia curtsied again. ‘It’s an honour.’
    ‘The honour is mine,’ he said and reached out to kiss her hand.
    Georgia leaned in to Ivy. ‘Looks like your sister has herself a royal admirer!’
    The realisation hit Ivy like a stake in the gut.
Alex likes Olivia!
A second thought followed almost as quickly.
But Olivia has a boyfriend.
    Alex started pointing out features of the gardens at the back of the house, framed byenormous windows. He kept looking at Olivia intensely.
    ‘Oh yes,’ she said, ‘how pretty.’ Her breath misted on the glass as she gazed out at the garden. She had no idea how closely Alex was staring at her.
    Georgia clapped her hands and three assistants with racks of clothing hurried out from a side room. ‘This feature is going to be even bigger than your first! I simply must have you on the cover of
VAMP
again.’
    ‘Oooh, costumes!’ Ivy breathed, wanting to grab a rack and run away with it. Georgia had fabulous taste.
    ‘Of course, this rack is all in your size.’ Georgia winked.
    ‘Ivy.’ Mr Vega motioned her over. ‘Are you OK with all of this?’
    ‘Are you kidding?’ Ivy replied. ‘A chance toplay dress up with the
VAMP
magazine closets? As long as someone nudges me when I’m putting my foot in it – which I know is pretty often – this might be the best part of my trip!’
    Mr Vega nodded. ‘If