Hupotasso (Vampire Bachelor Games #2)

78

78

The waiting seems interminable, but thankfully I’m not alone in my anticipation.

She’s been found, but I know this is only the beginning. I only hope she has it in her heart to forgive me.

“A son,” I stare out the window down the long drive. “An heir.”

“He’ll be beautiful and Angie will love him like no other,” Mother says quietly.

“Yes,” I shake my head. “Angie. She tried to tell me she was innocent so many times, Mother, and all I could do was think the worst. All I’ve ever done is think the worst — do the worst.”

In the reflection of the window I see Mother shake her head.

“Falcon, darling, we all make mistakes, I’m living proof of that. She’ll forgive you.”

“She’s too good for me,” I mutter. “Too good for any of us.”

“You’re better than any man I know,” she comes to stand beside me and places a hand on my shoulder, “and I think you know how you can show her that.”

“I don’t know how to proceed, Mother. I’m all at sea. You know I’d buy her anything, give her anything. If she needs space, time apart…. whatever it takes, I’ll do it.”

“There’s something more tangible, something more important to her than gifts or space, Falcon. Something you can do to regain her trust. I think you know that.”

“Yes. Cancel The Games,” I nod. “I can prove I deserve her trust by supporting her wish to put an end to the public bloodshed, the destruction of the brightest and best. But you and I both know it could take another thousand years for any real change to be made to the rituals of The Families.”

“Time is something you can give,” she smiles.

“You and she are so much alike,” I sigh.

“In our love for you, yes,” she says gently.

“If she still loves me. How could she possibly, after all I’ve put her through?”

“You once told me it didn’t matter one way or the other,” Mother whispers. “You were adamant vampires don’t require love — and that you could never love a human. Has that changed?”

Turning, I lean forward and kiss her gently on the cheek. I don’t recall having done such a thing, even as a small boy, and her eyes instantly brim with tears.

Spinning back to the window I square my shoulders and raise my eyes to a speck of dust on the horizon. The car carrying my son and my wife, speeding towards the estate.

“You know it has.”