Vampires of Eden (Alexander #2)

3. Alexander

CHAPTER 3

Alexander

T he gavel clacks loudly as it strikes the polished wood, echoing across the large hall and reverberating off the dome ceiling. The artwork overhead is a light baby-blue color interspersed with cream and gold swirls. Like clouds, sunlight and angels.

In the past, I’d happily lift my head during council meetings to take it in because it reminded me of Oliver’s eyes. His innocent, dreamy presence.

At the moment, though, I’m focusing my attention anywhere and everywhere else.

“The motion has passed to grant Hollywick municipal with planning next year’s Summer Fête.” Governor Audrey Ellis sets the gavel down, then smiles kindly across the table. “Congratulations, Mayor Hart.”

Mayor Hart smiles as she stands with her assistant. “Thank you, prestigious council, for this great honor. We will not disappoint you.”

“You’re very welcome.” Governor Ellis lifts her red-brown gaze to address the general audience of vampires seated on benches elevated above the council-room floor. “This concludes all public hearings. The Royal Governing Board will now attend to private aristocracy matters. The general quarterly meeting is hereby adjourned.”

Clack, clack . The gavel resonates within the hall. Mayor Hart, her assistant and all the other vampires on the wooden benches stand and gather their belongings.

Slowly, everyone leaves except for the primary board members. Only Governor Ellis, my father, me, Lord Cherrington and Lady Bhaduri remain.

I sit in my designated chair with my arms folded. Knee bouncing. Restless and annoyed. I don’t want to be here, either. Yesterday at the dinner party, my mother asked what’s gotten into me lately. I’m just… sick of all of this.

Meetings, dinner parties and fêtes. Engagements and arranged contracts.

Broken promises.

Lies.

What’s the point of it?

After the oak doors slam shut, Governor Ellis addresses the council. “We only have one issue to discuss today—regarding the steady decline in our labor force. Lord Cherrington, you wish to make a proposal on this matter?”

“Indeed, I do, your grace.” Lord Cherrington stands confidently as he arranges a stack of papers. He’s dressed in an opulent tweed suit with a monochromatic herringbone pattern. His silver hair is swept back. He reminds me of a tenured professor at an ivy-league university. Someone “upstanding” who also sits on the alumni board, but probably embezzles the funds… and also sacrifices virgins in secret satanic rituals behind closed doors.

It's just the vibe I get.

“You have the floor,” Governor Ellis says.

Our table is curved in a wide arc. He walks along the outer edge. The heels of his wingtips echo noisily against the marble as he moves, handing each member a packet of papers.

I’m situated at the opposite end of the table from his designated space, so when he’s in front of me, his back is to the others .

He winks and speaks in a low voice. “I’m looking forward to spending time with you next week, my handsome golden prince.”

No.

Just, no.

I don’t unfold my arms as I stare at him blankly. What the fuck is he on? This can’t be happening to me. This can’t be real.

Unperturbed by my silence, he turns away, grinning. “Esteemed purebreds of the Royal Order, as you well know, our labor force has declined drastically over the past decade—and the situation is rapidly worsening. In front of you is a detailed proposal of edicts to help combat this pressing matter. The document is broken up into five subsegments—access to higher education, wages, taxes, land ownership and border patrol. Let’s begin with higher education…”

For the next hour and a half, Lord Cherrington guides us through an extensive proposal of what is essentially restrictions geared toward ensnaring ranked vampires. He wants to impose more rules so that the few servants and working-class vamps that we have left on this island won’t be able to leave. They’ll either be too uneducated and poor to offer anything of value outside of Eden, or they’ll be barred from leaving at the border. Outright.

“These statutes and others like them have been the essence and framework for the success of our society for centuries,” he says, having returned to his seat at the opposite end of the table. “I am of the opinion that we’ve become too lenient, and this is why we have great houses without adequate staff. Empty fields, discarded wineries and abandoned factories. It’s time that we tighten the reigns and do what needs to be done for the future prosperity of Eden.”

No one speaks. The silence that hangs in the room is cold and stiff until Governor Ellis clears her throat. “Thank you, Lord Cherrington, for your ambitious proposal. There is… a lot to consider here.”

“It is my pleasure, Madame Governor. This matter has weighed heavily on all of our minds—and the consciousness of the aristocracy at large—for far too long. We should discuss the proposal at length so that we’re all in agreement. However, I have given this much thought, and I do sincerely believe that this is the best possible path for our society. It’s time to take a firm stance. Drastic measures will create drastic results.”

Governor Ellis nods, then shifts in her seat. “Lady Bhaduri, what are your initial thoughts?”

Scanning the page, Lady Bhaduri shrugs. “The proposed edicts are indeed aligned with Eden’s traditions. It certainly needs some adjustments… here and there. It’s something to work with, at least?”

“It is a starting point,” Governor Ellis admits. She taps her cherry red fingernails against the proposal, making the diamond ring on her finger glisten. She’s not nearly as flashy as her son and my alleged friend, Sebastian. But it’s obvious that the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. She looks to my father. “Your thoughts, Lord Kendrick?”

“I wish to defer my opinion to Prince Alexander. He will speak on my behalf.” With that proclamation, all eyes focus on me.

My arms are still folded as I inhale deeply, then blow out a breath. “This proposal and the thought processes behind it are exactly the reasons why we’re in this circumstance. If we pass and enforce these rules, Eden’s fate is sealed. We’re ruined.”

Governor Ellis sits straighter in her seat and Lady Bhaduri is wide eyed. Lord Cherrington chuckles as if I’ve told a joke that he doesn’t find funny, but he’s trying to be polite.

“Forgive me, your highness,” he says, leaning forward with his hand plastered to his chest, “but that assessment feels somewhat… dramatic?”

“Maybe,” I go on. “But ranked vampires are already leaving Eden in droves because of the lack of opportunities. Because of antiquated restrictions and zero potential for upward mobility. This proposal will only make our society spiral faster. Or cause an uprising. ”

“An uprising?” Lord Cherrington parrots, drawing back. “You honestly think my proposal could ignite a new war?”

“Not war,” I clarify. “But deeper civil unrest. We’ve seen these situations over and over again throughout history and across multiple cultures. You can’t oppress people into contented submission. The narrative never plays out the way the overseers think it will.”

“If you reject this proposal,” Governor Ellis begins, meeting my gaze, “then what would you suggest in its place?”

I take another deep breath, considering. Out of habit, I lift my gaze to the ceiling. The annoyance and profound sadness flare in my chest and I close my eyes. “The opposite.”

“What does that mean?” Lady Bhaduri’s voice floats from across the table, along with the melodic tinkering of the bangles lining her wrist.

“We need better wages,” I say, addressing everyone at the table. “Higher quality education, housing and more opportunities for upward mobility. It’s one thing to treat our resident vamps well to keep them local, but we should take it a step further. Create a stronger society so that other vamps come here, to Eden, because the benefits outweigh that of any other aristocracy across the continent. That’s how we change. That’s how we thrive.”

All around, I’m met with blank stares except for my father, who wears a subtle smile.

Lady Bhaduri speaks first. “That sounds… ambitious. How would we accomplish such drastic enhancements across multiple sectors. And with what capital?”

“We’d go slowly, sector by sector with a detailed and strategic plan,” I explain. “And with our capital. The combined wealth held by the royal families is more than enough to finance these endeavors. If we viewed it as a long-term investment, the return would be ten-fold considering the increased populace, industry and business opportunities—maybe even tourism.”

Presently, any foreign vampire that visits Eden only comes because of the arts (my father’s accomplishment), a specific job they’ve been hired for, or out of morbid curiosity. To bear witness to a falling vampire society. Like gawking at a historically relevant building as it slowly decays and crumbles.

“ Our capital?” Lord Cherrington scoffs. “Forgive me, your highness, for the inelegant declaration, but have you not recently forfeited your capital to the Blakeley Clan for the purpose of young Oliver’s freedom? You speak of grandiose, utopian ideals, but how could you possibly contribute to such an extensive project, given your current financial situation?”

His words are like a dagger plunging into my chest. I hate hearing Oliver’s name come out of his mouth like this. With contempt. “Suggesting fair housing laws and open boarders for ranked vampires is hardly ‘utopian.’ And my financial situation is temporary and not of the council’s concern at this time.”

“Even still,” Lord Cherrington presses, “this fanciful idea is unquestionably expensive. And with the way you’ve misused the funds entrusted to you?—”

“Lord Cherrington,” my father’s polite but stern voice makes the elder vampire pause. “We are here to discuss the ways in which we can better our aristocracy as its leaders. Not scrutinize Prince Alexander’s personal expenses. The initial proposal has been presented. Shall we take a vote?”

“Agreed,” Governor Ellis says while swiftly taking hold of her gavel. She taps it once. “Esteemed council, please express your vote on the proposal in question. Pass or reject. Prince Alexander?”

“Reject.”

“Lady Bhaduri?”

“It needs a bit more work, Lord Cherrington. Some editing? Reject.”

“I also reject,” Governor Ellis states. Clack, clack, clack . “The proposal is denied. Prince Alexander, I request that you formalize your ideas in an official proposal for the council’s consideration, perhaps, by next quarter? The notion has merit, but I agree that it feels quite lofty in its ambitions. We need to see a detailed plan.”

I have no idea how to execute this alone and in my current and mildly depressive state, but fake it until you make it, I guess. “Understood.”

She nods. “This concludes today’s meeting.” Clack .

Standing, I stretch my arms up and fail to stifle a yawn. God, I feel awful and heavy. When my father is at my side, instinctively, I turn to face him. He rests his palms on my shoulders and squeezes.

“ Kr?usviin anch ,” he says quietly in his native tongue. He cups my head, pulls me forward and kisses my forehead in the same way he’s always done since I was a child. Despite the fact that I’m taller than him now.

Well done.

“ Gravvis, Pap?n .” He wants to retire, badly.

He’s been on the Royal Governing Board for decades and is exhausted.

Lord Ansv?d Kendrick never wanted to be King of Eden. He would much rather immerse himself deeply into the world of music and arts. And so, he does. Attending shows both locally and abroad, rubbing elbows with esteemed conductors, producers and creatives. Discovering new talents and showcasing them in his Royal Eden Opera House, which serves as a veritable menagerie of his favorite musicians.

I’m slated to take his position on the Governing Board. It would have naturally happened following my… my marriage to Oliver. Since that’s never happening and I’m broke, it’s up in the air. The elephant in the room that none of us openly acknowledges.

Well, Lord Cherrington acknowledges it.

Cheerfully.

Can I still take my place on the board with no personal capital and without being mated? I’m not sure. At this point, only time will tell.

When my painful, dry and awkward as hell lunch date with Lady Batista is finished, I run back to my room, throw on my royal-blue wool trench coat with the high collar and copper accents and discreetly head toward the back of the estate where my car is parked. I check my watch as I move down the hallway. 3:45. I’m leaving a little later than I’d like, but I should still arrive on time.

There’s a fancy cork board full of hooks that stores all the keys to every vehicle associated with the house, whether it be my car or my mother’s (Father doesn’t drive and prefers to be driven around), the chauffeur car or the riding lawnmowers for the landscapers. Standing in front of it, I lift my hand toward my designated hook, but my car keys aren’t there.

“Are you looking for something?”

“ Goddammit Raph.” Clutching my fingers to my sweater at my chest, I take a deep breath. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“You’re always so jumpy, little rabbit. Where are you going?”

“Out. Have you seen my car keys?”

“Out where?” He opens his palm and my keys are in the center. “I just had it washed for you. Why are you being sneaky?”

“I’m not sneaking. I’m going for a drive.” I’m absolutely sneaking. I step forward to take the keys, but as I reach, he closes his hand into a fist and drops it to his side.

His expression is serious. “You’re not taking Oliver to the airport, are you?”

“ No . Give me the keys.”

“Do you promise? You wouldn’t lie to me, would you, Lexie? I didn’t raise you to tell lies.”

I pause, deflated at the mention of Oliver and the fact that he’s leaving tonight. The reality that I’m not going to see him. Maybe not ever again. I haven’t even responded to his text messages from last night.

The familiar tightness constricts my chest and throat, but I force it down. I am not going to cry in this hallway.

“I’m not lying,” I say tightly .

Raphael makes doe eyes at me as he relinquishes the keys. “Just tell me where you’re going.”

“I already did,” I repeat, turning and grabbing the handle to the garage door. “Out for a drive. I’ll be back shortly, alright? You don’t need to worry.”

Stepping through and leaving Raphael behind, I check my watch again. 3:50. That conversation cost me five extra minutes.

My destination is just outside of a little town called Nantshire, which is thirty-minutes away from the main city and toward the western shore. I’ve done this drive three times now, and I really enjoy it. Initially, I went to see Oliver just after he’d escaped from a literal dungeon. The second time was to have a preliminary meeting of sorts.

The landscape of Eden is beautiful. I complain about the culture of my home aristocracy—like any native to anywhere does. But I can also appreciate and revel in its good points.

We have spacious lavender fields and vineyards backdropped by craggy mountains. Summer brings an array of luscious green trees sprinkled all throughout our cities, towns and even into the rolling hills. Everywhere you look, whether it’s a humble cottage in the village or a stone building in the city, the scene is dotted with trees, flowers and plants. Ivy vines trailing ancient brick structures. Colorful bursts of hydrangea, lilies or geraniums lazily wafting in the breeze.

As I navigate the winding road, the woodlands are barren and lightly dusted with snow because we’re in the final weeks of winter. There’s an austere beauty here. The exoskeleton of almost every tree is exposed, while the conifers are powdered with a soft layer of pure white frost blanketing their needles.

Roland and Kathryn’s house sits alongside a narrow dirt road—the kind where only one car can traverse the lane at a time. The property is pretty far from the main road and village, and is encircled by towering trees. Like a secret hiding place deep within the forest.

Pulling up just beside Roland’s car in the gravel driveway, I’m surprised to see a second vehicle. A white delivery van with no distinctive markings. Maybe they got a second car since our last meeting?

I lean, then glance up through the windshield. The view of the two-story home is like something out of a child’s storybook. Mossy awnings hang from the enchanting river stone fa?ade along the lower level, while the upper-level features multiple sets of framed, double-arched windows.

For all this, the house could be in much better shape. The paint is visibly peeling from the white frames of the windows and doors. And despite its initial “earthen” charm, the river stones are in desperate need of a power wash.

Curious, I crack my window. It’s nearly silent. The only sounds are the clear, cheerful echo of birdsong and the gentle white noise of a rushing stream somewhere nearby. Winter silence.

This place feels like a slice of heaven. Tucked away from the ostentatious glamor of Central Eden. Immune from the pressures of mating, money and power struggles. Out here, it’s just nature. Peace and quiet.

I check my watch again. 4:22. I have a little time, so I steel myself, take a deep breath of the damp, frosty air filtering through the cracked window, then grab my phone from the cupholder. With a few taps, the speaker is activated as the line rings.

Once. Twice. Three times.

“Hello?”

My stupid heart skips from the mere sound of his voice. Practically leaps. Even after all this time and everything that’s happened.

I’m such a fucking idiot.

Swallowing, I shake my head to get it together. “Hey, sorry I didn’t respond yesterday. It’s been busy.”

“That’s okay,” Oliver says too loudly. There’s a lot of rustling and commotion in the background. “I just thought—well, we hadn’t spoken at all since you connected me with Sylvie. I messaged you a couple times, but you didn’t respond.”

Those familiar, disturbing emotions rise up and overcrowd my chest, throttling me. Guilt and shame. Failure, rejection and grief. It’s like they’re always there, ready to swallow me whole at a moment’s notice. Like a flash flood or a devastating avalanche.

I don’t respond to his messages because it’s too hard.

I have to let him go, right?

I can’t keep holding on like this and… hoping. It’s idiotic and pointless.

Smashing my palm against my forehead, I clench my eyes shut. Keep it together, Alexander. “You did. I’m sorry, Ollie. It’s… I’ve been busy. Are you at the airport now? Is everything all set?”

“Yeah, I’ve gone through security and am heading to my gate, I think? I went through security , Alexander—at an airport! I’ve never been in an airport until today!”

In a curious turn, I chuckle. The tumultuous flood inside my chest ebbs. “I think you’re probably the only creature throughout history to be excited about airport security.”

“There were no issues, you know? Everything went smoothly and now I’m officially on the other side. It’s really happening.” His voice is so full of wonder and excitement—in a way that I’ve never heard him speak. Pure, unfiltered joy.

Why wouldn’t I do everything in my power to help give him this moment? How could I ever regret my decisions?

The only thing I regret is that I didn’t see this part of him sooner. That I failed to see this need from the start. Maybe, if I had noticed earlier—if I hadn’t been so arrogant, stupid and selfish, I could have…

No.

Stop it.

“It’s really happening,” I repeat. I take a deep, silent breath and blow it out. “I’m excited for you. It’s going to be an amazing adventure.”

“It’s incredible—and scary, but good,” he says. “Okay, I don’t know exactly where I’m going, so… I think I should hang up. I need to pay attention.”

Again, I laugh. “That’s probably a good idea. Have a safe flight, Ollie. I… Just take care of yourself.”

“You too. I’ll send you a message when I get to Bangkok, okay? We should keep in touch. I know you’re busy, but, still. Sometimes?”

With my eyes closed, I rest my head against the seat. “I’ll respond. I promise. Goodbye, Oliver. Safe travels.”

“Thanks—and thank you, for this. For everything, Alexander. I mean it.”

Dropping the phone in my lap, I end the call and clamp my eyes shut. Fighting the rush of dark emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

This moment feels like the closing ceremony to a vital era of my life—maybe the most important era? Truly, it is the end of something that I’ve tightly held onto for so long. And I… I don’t know how to carry on?—

“Hey.”

My eyes flash open and my heart pounds and races after a loud tap on the driver’s side window breaks my train of thought. On the other side of the glass, a pair of ghostly, lilac-hued eyes set in a pale face stare back at me. If it wasn’t for his bright orange parka, I’d assume that I was looking at a literal ghost.

My voice is pitched embarrassingly high from shock. “D-Daniel Lim?”

His eyes narrow. “Why do you say my first and last name every time you see me? Like we’re in the waiting room of a doctor’s office.”

I blink, my heart still racing. “What?”

“What are you doing here?”

Jesus, this vampire man rattles my nerves. Every goddamn time. I clear my throat and look straight through the windshield, trying to calm myself down. “I have a meeting with Roland.”

“About? ”

I frown and glance back at his narrow face. “Well, that’s… not really any of your business, is it?” The better question is, what the hell is he doing here?

Unbothered, without another word, Daniel stands straight to where my only view of him is the puffy chest of his ridiculous coat. He walks away and toward what looks like a worn path of treaded snow snaking into the barren woods.

“Ah—fuck.” Panicking, I check my watch. 4:35. Swiftly, I unfasten my seatbelt, hop out of the car and brush and smooth my coat as I make my way toward the front door. Glancing toward the trees, I see Daniel’s gaudy jacket in the distance.

The truth is, I admired him when I was younger. I thought he was exceptionally talented and… I don’t know. Poised? Cultured and elegant in a way that commanded the respect and attention of everyone in the room.

Many Eden purebreds subscribe to the notion that ranked vampires are beneath purebreds, because their vampiric bloodlines are no longer pure.

When I first saw him, it was as if Daniel was a direct challenge to that notion. This vampire? He isn’t “beneath” anything. I don’t know what the hell it was, but something inscrutable and heady sang through me that night, like a dark and glittery enchantment.

He inspired me and I prattled on about him for weeks until my mother put a hard stop to it.

Now, though? Daniel is just… a creepy ass vampire in an ugly coat, wandering around the woods in the dead of winter.

Life. You never know.