"Right." For a few moments it looked like Mum was about to spin out again, but she took a couple of deep breaths and managed to calm down. Angus meanwhile had taken her suitcases outside and was packing them in the boot of his car. Mark and Joe stood next to him, handing him their bags as he asked for them. Within ten minutes he had managed to get everyone into the car, and was driving smoothly in the general direction of Heathrow.
We arrived with twenty minutes to spare, and stood in the queue with Mum as she waited to book in. That done, we said our goodbyes, and they walked through the various metal detectors and into the belly of the airport. Mum looked like she was about to cry, but I knew she'd feel a lot better as soon as she arrived at her hotel, and there were no more sudden surprises waiting for her. They would be back in time for the wedding, hopefully relaxed, tanned and in one piece.
We were just about to head back to the car when Angus froze. I looked up at him, at his black eyes and his stony expression, and I felt my stomach lurch with fear.
"Vampire," he hissed. "The same one that's been sniffing around your house. What the hell is he doing here?"
We stood still, waiting, while people walked past us, pushing trolleys piled high with suitcases and bags. Next thing he stood in front of us, five feet away, as motionless as we were, while the world flowed around us.
He was devastatingly good-looking. His hair was a golden blonde colour and hung loosely around his perfect face in a shaggy, expensive looking haircut. His eyes were a piercing blue, and were framed by dark eyelashes and eyebrows. They were watching Angus cautiously, but he must have sensed my scrutiny, because those beautiful eyes glanced over at me appraisingly. Angus stiffened, and growled threateningly, and the vampire reluctantly turned his attention back to him.
"Congratulations," he said in a silky voice. "I see you found her before we did." He sounded annoyed.
Angus smiled tightly, and replied, "Yes."
Anger flashed across the blonde vampire's face, but he composed his features. "My mother sends her greetings and extends an invitation to you and the rest of your family to visit us at our residence just north of Dundee. This is the address." He extended his hand, a small card between his index and middle finger.
Angus reached out and took it. "Thank you." He spoke through gritted teeth, as if even this small courtesy cost him dearly. I could tell that he was furious about something.