Vampires of Eden (Alexander #2)

27. Alexander

CHAPTER 27

Alexander

I have a lot of work to do.

“Start with the housing laws, then let’s seriously address taxable income,” Leoni says. She joined this endeavor two hours ago and is sitting in front of her own laptop and legal pad full of handwritten notes.

“I’m visiting the local villages and building relationships,” she goes on, “and it’s clear to me that there needs to be a cap on the income that’s being taxed in accordance with what vampires are earning. No one can get ahead because they’re always drowning in taxes! It makes healthy trade and disposable income impossible.”

I nod, making a note of her observation on Daniel’s legal pad, which now sits in front of me like a very intense to-do list. “I remember looking into the local tax situation in Oliver’s family’s realm. I was shocked at how high the annual percentage is. Much worse than Central’s. It’s no wonder the housing and communities there are deteriorating. His fathers aren’t managing the local economy well at all.”

Daniel stands from the table and stretches his arms up. “I’m tapping out for tonight. I think we’ve established a tangible start, yes?”

“We have,” I answer. “I was overwhelmed when Governor Ellis asked me for the proposal. But this is promising. Thank you both for helping.”

There’s a clear path for me to walk now. Also, I don’t feel alone in walking it. I’m amazed by how quickly Daniel and Leoni have risen to this daunting task.

“Good,” he says, turning slightly. “You’re welcome. I’m going to shower and head for bed. You’re welcome to join me, for whichever you please. Night, Leoni.”

My groin pulses as I watch Daniel leave the kitchen in silence. Cautiously, I shift my gaze toward Leoni.

She blinks. “You know he wasn’t talking to me, right? About the shower and bed part.”

Running my fingers through the top of my hair, I breathe. “I know.”

“He was talking to you, Puercoespííín.”

“I know .” Massaging my head, I close my eyes. I want him and I want to try. I told him that I would, but saying something is a lot easier than doing it. He only kisses me and my nature acts as if it’s going to burn me alive. What the hell is going to happen if we do more?

“Sooo… are you gonna go upstairs?”

“Leoni.”

“Yes?”

“Mind your business.” I roll my shoulders, then twist and stretch my neck to each side, trying to alleviate the stress.

“You may not have realized this, but Danny is constantly doing tons of mental and emotional work on himself,” Leoni goes on, unprompted. “He’s healed so much within these past two years, but… there’s only so much healing he can do on his own. He needs this. And so do you.”

I fold my arms, taken aback by her rationale. “How do you know what I need?”

She shrugs. “It’s obvious. You need a partner that can handle you. Someone sharp who isn’t afraid, easily offended or intimidated by you, cari?o. You’re the Golden Prince with a tender heart. You want real love—even if you don’t quite know what that looks like yet.”

We stare at each other and I’m bewildered by her sharp assessment. It’s uncomfortable, so I turn the tables. “Fine. Alright but, what do you need, Leoni? What about you?”

Leoni chuckles and closes her laptop. “I need a full staff for the vineyard, because I love it here and I want it to be prosperous and functional. But for that to happen, I need local vampires to trust me. And for that to happen, I need the taxable income laws to be more relaxed. I want to build a comfortable community. It can’t ever be perfect, but I have vision. The mayor of Hollywick believes in it, too.”

This sparks a specific memory. “Mayor Hart, right? The Royal Order approved her request to host the annual Summer Fête. I was at that meeting.”

“That’s right. The Summer Fête is a huge opportunity for her to show off the value of local goods and services. Last year, the mayor of Evanshire hosted the Fête, but he allowed the Akuffo Clan to hire everything and everyone from outside of Eden.”

“I remember that,” I tell her. “I wasn’t there, but I read about the champagne fountains and chefs from Italy and France in the papers.” Ollie was there, too. This is where he took his infamous photos of the derelict houses along the outskirts of the village.

“It was so disheartening,” Leoni goes on. “Such a missed opportunity to support our local ranked vamps and their talents. Veronica—Mayor Hart—wants to rectify this. We’ve been talking and I’ve been helping her plan the event, among other things.”

I admire Leoni’s efforts and that she’s always making meaningful connections within the villages. Someday soon, I’d like to do the same. “If there’s anything I can do to help the two of you, let me know.”

She pushes up from the table to stand. “Oh, you being here and doing the weekend markets with us helps a ton. Ranked vamps seeing the ‘Golden Prince’ supporting their work? Not at splashy faraway banquets, but doing wine tastings and perusing the market on a Saturday morning in Bruck? It’s huge, Puercoespín. The ultimate morale booster. It gives them hope that things can change. Thank you for talking about the proposal with us, too.”

I stand as well. “Trust me, I’m more grateful to you and Danny for lighting a fire under my ass. If it weren’t for you two, I’d probably still be lying in bed, depressed.”

“Speaking of,” Leoni says as she leaves the kitchen, “don’t be too loud tonight. I have to get up early for a village meeting and the walls are thin. Danny’s room is right next to mine, so, no screaming and headboard banging, please.”

My body stiffens as I frown. “We—Nobody is?—”

“Yeah, yeah, sure.” She waves a hand as she turns the corner into the living room. “Good night, Puercoespííín.”

After my conversation with Leoni, I head to my own bathroom because there is absolutely no way in hell that I am going to insert myself into Daniel’s shower. We agreed to take things slowly, and I have no idea what my nature will do in a naked, wet and steamy shower situation with Daniel Lim. Not happening.

As the hot water sprays over me, thoughts of Danny flood my mind. The way his tingly essence rushes over and warms my skin. How the simple nearness of him sets my eyes ablaze. His subtle but complex scent of black cherries, autumn and some rich earthen flavor. Coffee or dark chocolate—I can never decide. It draws me in and I want to be closer to him. To touch, smell, taste and feel him profoundly.

This yearning brings me to a startling revelation. I’ve never experienced physical intimacy for… well, for the sheer pleasure of it? Fucking for fucks sake?

Whenever I’ve had sex, there’s been a distinct purpose attached to it. When I slept with a couple vampires before Ollie, it was practice for the bonding ritual, period. There was no emotion involved. I simply didn’t want to look like a complete novice during the ceremony.

And then, when I had sex with Ollie, it was required of us. The act was more of a performance than anything else. There was zero desire on his part, and for me, well, I was carrying out my responsibility. It’s what everyone expected of me.

What does it feel like to be physically close to someone—to indulge and touch them, to please them—without duty or obligation attached to it? Because you simply want it and, miraculously, they might want you too?

I have no idea.

Dressed in my pajamas and robe, I climb the stairs. It feels strange to be going to Daniel’s room at night. I’ve never thought of myself as a prude, but the way he kisses me has shed a light on how novice I am. Whatever I was doing as far as kissing and intimacy before Daniel? A fucking joke. Cheap tricks.

Softly, I knock.

“Come in.”

I open the door and peek inside. The room is draped with his enticing scent and hazy moonlight. Daniel’s bedroom is larger than the one I’m currently occupying, but still cozy with two rectangular windows overlooking the front of the vineyard.

Potted plants of varying sizes are clamored on the window ledges and along the floor just underneath. Some are even hanging from the ceiling and near his bed like green and lush chandeliers. I don’t know plants well enough to identify them, but it’s definitely a vibe. Like a pseudo jungle tree house. On the opposite wall, his yoga mat is rolled up and leaning against a narrow, humble-looking bookcase packed with colorful spines.

This is Danny’s bedroom . God… fourteen-year-old me is reeling inside like a giddy fanboy.

“I was beginning to think that my invitation had been declined,” Daniel says quietly, pushing himself upright in bed. He’s wearing a gray t-shirt and his dark hair is braided back and hanging between his shoulders .

“Does it still stand?” I ask, then exhale to calm my nature from bucking around in my abdomen and low at my spine.

“It does.” He flips the duvet down at the corner. The gesture reveals that his long legs are naked beneath the sheets. “Join me.”

Does he have underwear on? Don’t think about it. I untie my belt and shrug out of my robe, then lay it across the ottoman at the end of his bed.

“You don’t get hot wearing all these clothes to sleep?” he asks.

“Sometimes but, I’m used to it? Someone always comes to my room early in the mornings—usually Raphael or another servant if he’s busy. It’s better if I’m semi-dressed depending on who comes in to wake me or whatever.”

“Very little privacy, then.” Daniel’s expression is flat as I climb onto the bed beside him. When I’m settled and sitting upright, I glance over. My Adam’s apple bobs heavily in my throat.

“Are we alright?”

“I don’t know,” he says calmly. “You tell me?”

“I’m alright…”

“You seem nervous.”

I chuckle. “There’s a lot running through my head, presently.”

“Anything you’d like to share?”

“No… I’m just working through some things. I’m good.”

Daniel shifts to lie back and I jump slightly from his movement. Smooth, Alexander. Nice. Danny pauses, noticing. “I’m not going to do anything to you, Alexander.”

“I don’t think you are. It’s me, I promise.” I scoot down and lie on my back beside him, attempting to make myself comfortable.

Usually, his scent is light. Barely there except for the occasional whiff when he’s close to my face. Or folded within the warmth of his mouth and the slip of his tongue when he kisses me.

Now, it surrounds me like a veil. Still soft, but more tangible and sensual, like gauze or silk playfully caressing my skin and nature. Pulling and teasing. I close my eyes and concentrate, wanting to indulge but not too much. Within reason, so that my eyes and aura don’t go berserk.

“Thank you, for telling me about the proposal and Lord Cherrington.” Daniel turns onto his side against the adjacent pillow, facing me as he speaks. “I imagine that you’re not supposed to disclose that kind of sensitive information… especially to a random first-gen.”

“You’re not random,” I say, opening my eyes and shifting my head slightly. “Your opinion and perspective are important to me. You know that.”

“Mm.” He exhales softly and the air puffs and warms the side of my face. I close my eyes again and stifle the electric sensation snaking up my spine. “Raphael told me that when you were younger, you thought I was cool and wouldn’t stop talking about my performance. That you were mesmerized.”

I snort. “Raphael should learn to shut his goddamn mouth, shouldn’t he?” Wow. He’s so dead when I get home. Why would he tell Danny about that?

“When you first came to the cottage to drop Oliver off, I knew who you were. I lied when I said that I didn’t.”

Turning my head against the pillow, the confession surprises me. “Really? Why?”

He shrugs a shoulder. “Hubris. Bitterness. I didn’t want to give you the satisfaction of knowing that I remembered you, even though you instantly remembered me. Prince Alexander Ethan Kendrick comes to our modest cottage—gorgeous, stylish and without a care in the world—I decided I should put you in your place.”

“Well, you did. Multiple times, if I recall.” I chuckle weakly. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I’m sorry.”

The weight of his unexpected words sits between us in the moonlit darkness. I inhale and my heart feels as if it’s in my throat. In my silence, he goes on, almost whispering .

“You’ve liked me all this time, haven’t you? But I kept hurting you in small, callous ways. I was kicking you when you were already down and then I yelled at you in the vineyard today… it’s no wonder you’re afraid of me. We joke, but deep down, you really believe that I’m capable of hurting you, because I already have. So I apologize, Alexander. You place me on a pedestal, but truly, I am a mess. A work in progress.”

The emotion swells in my chest, stifling and threatening to overtake me. I shake my head to keep it at bay. “You already apologized—and I was rude to you, too.”

“In self-defense,” he says. “Because I always attack you first.” He reaches, finding my hand beneath the duvet and sliding our palms together. I spread my fingers and he threads his digits warmly between mine.

“I won’t do that again, though,” he goes on. “I’m mesmerized by you, too, Alexander. I’m sorry that it took some time to catch up with you. But I’m here now, alright? Please don’t be afraid of me anymore.”

Something inside my chest unclenches and melts. I can hardly breathe from the overwhelming sensation. I turn my head away from him because the second I close my eyes, a rogue tear streams down from the corner. God, I haven’t cried in weeks.

This time is different, though. It isn’t rooted in the hollowed and broken sadness I felt when Oliver left. These tears come from something full and contented radiating in my nature.

Still holding my hand, Daniel shifts at my side. It startles me and when I look, he’s lifted above my face and with his braid swept over his shoulder.

“Do you forgive me?” he asks. As he stares, his eyes are so pale in the darkness that they look completely white, like a rainy, drizzling morning heavy with fog.

“Of course,” I say, quickly using my free hand to wipe my face. “Yes, Danny. We’re okay.”

“I think we can be better than okay.” He leans down and touches a soft kiss to my lips. Just once before he settles onto his side. “Good night.”

“Good night,” I parrot, unable to catch my breath. He squeezes my hand tighter and I return the gesture.

Gradually, my emotions subside and relax. The contented fullness in combination with his scent and warmth lull me into a peaceful sleep. Like being wrapped in love and hope.

Two things I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel again.

The sun rises and shines brightly through Daniel’s windows in the morning—through the ornamental gaps between the leafy plants and casting the room in green-gold light. I wake up first, or rather, my nature forces me up. It twists and writhes hot at the base of my spine like some restless and starved entity.

It compels me to do something—to push through all the worry, apprehension and reservations I’ve been wrestling with and give it what it wants. As if it’s sick of me and my cerebral bullshit.

My energy beats like a drum in my ears and chest as I turn my head to look at Daniel. He’s still on his side facing me, asleep. His typically sharp features are smoothed and relaxed as he holds my hand. He didn’t move all night, except… maybe he’s even closer now? His knee is bent and resting on top of my thigh.

He’s insecure about his appearance. He comments that he’s too thin, too pale and his eyes aren’t the color they used to be because he’s malnourished. His hair is all he has left.

None of that matters to me. I think he’s beautiful. The poetic line of his jaw and the soft swell of his lips. The lavish fan of his darker-than-black lashes against his pale skin as he sleeps.

Truly, he’s just as striking to me as he was the first time I saw him—maybe even more so, now? Because I know the strength of his character. His intuition, intelligence and self-awareness. His humility and spirit. His confidence inspires me and truly, I just…

I love him.

I always have. Admiring him in my younger years, my heart was full of something I couldn’t comprehend. If my feelings had been allowed to grow back then instead of shamed and swiftly amputated, I might have eventually understood them better. Understood myself and my nature.

Now, with every cell in my body, I know that I want to be closer to him. To wrap him tightly in my essence and make him part of me—to appease this ancient entity that yearns to become one with the vampire it desires. He wouldn’t be malnourished with me, because my blood would satisfy him and provide whatever he needed.

My body and nature tell me this, but mentally, I back away, because it feels dangerous. The influence of my purebred energy is profound—and much more so to a first-gen vampire. I can’t imagine Daniel ever willingly submitting to me in that way.

I would never ask him to.

Gently, I squeeze Daniel’s hand in mine. I should probably head back to my room. “Good morning.”

Daniel’s eyes flutter open and focus on me. With the sunlight filtering in the room, I can see the delicate lilac hue of his irises. A twilight sunset over an icy lake. “Morning,” he says drowsily. “Did you sleep okay?”

“I did,” I say, distracted by his knee caressing and dragging up my thigh. His hand gripped in mine. “You didn’t move all night.”

He breathes in a laugh. “I don’t move, typically, and it’s a problem. Poor blood circulation makes me numb and stiff, so I have to be careful about how I fall asleep. It’s best if I’m on my back.”

“Then why are you on your side, silly?” I ask, smiling. “Are you numb now?”

“I am,” he says, stretching his spine and groaning. “Your aura and presence are like a roaring citrus fire. My body refused to turn away from you. I’ll take whatever exposure you’ll give me at this point.”

My breath hitches. The air is warm, sunlit and stagnant as I stare. “Do you really want to be exposed to me? To my energy? ”

Daniel blinks slowly. His eyes flicker down to my mouth before they trail back up to meet my gaze. “I do. Very much.”

“I just… If I relax even a little, I don’t know how well I can control it. How much will flow from me.”

“We won’t know until you try.”

Swallowing, I lift to my elbow, then gently roll him onto his back. He winces when he lands and his braid gets caught beneath his shoulder against the pillow. Carefully, I pull it free. The weight of it is hefty in my palm and soft to touch, like a silk rope.

I’m distracted by it until I meet his eyes in the silence. His pale stare is intense and… longing? His lips are parted and his chest rises and falls in shallow breaths.

The hunger in my nature pulses and before I can deliberate, question or refuse it, I lean into Daniel and kiss him. An irrefutable spark flashes with the tender touch of our lips and I pull up, surprised.

Daniel’s gaze is unwavering as he lifts his palms to my face. Another puff of air passes between his lips and he whispers. “Please don’t stop.”

He closes his eyes. I lean down once more, pressing into him and fusing our mouths together.

He tastes like an autumn night by a fire. A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and a raging, haunting thunderstorm. The kind that feels dangerous but thrilling. The sensation and imagery of him races through my body profoundly. All consuming.

Even if I wanted to pull up again I couldn’t, because Daniel’s fingers wrap and grip the back of my scalp, as if he refuses to let me run away.

I won’t, though. Not this time.

Not anymore.