Vampires of Eden (Alexander #2)

47. Alexander

CHAPTER 47

Alexander

T he night, the ambiance and Daniel beside me looking opulent and with his hand in mine had swept me away. My heart felt overwhelmed with wonder, love and joy.

The emotions hit so hard that there was no other choice but to relent and absorb the moment. To sink and relax into the truth that I’m bonded with this vampire that I deeply love. That we’re walking through this beautiful and romantic grove on a warm spring night—something that I had fantasized about so many times.

I was still floating in the whimsical haze of that revelation as we approached the conservatory. But then my mother’s vampiric essence assaulted my senses. My head cleared immediately, as if she’d slapped me again.

“My mothers are here, too,” Danny says excitedly at my side. “They invited my mothers!”

Squeezing his hand, I smile. I’m pleased that they’ve done this, but now I’m worried about what my mother has potentially said to his mothers. Has she been fucking rude? Is she snubbing and ignoring them? Is it possible for me to keep Danny away from her for the duration of the party?

“Rabbit, come on.” Daniel steps forward, pulling me toward the double glass doors. “We’ll be okay. You’d finally relaxed and now you’re stressed again.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” I roll my shoulders. It does little to ease the anxiety gripping my body.

When you spend your entire life listening to someone—doing what they say, being respectfully obedient and trying to please them, trusting them—and then they turn around and slap you because you’ve finally made a healthy decision for yourself? I can’t shrug that off.

Not that Daniel is asking me to do that. He’s not. But it’s like, my mother offends me now, and I don’t know if I’ll ever see her the same way again. I don’t quite know how to reconcile these feelings.

As we approach the doors, they swing open, washing the stone walkway before us in warm light. Two servants from my family’s house hold the doors. They smile as we approach and the gesture isn’t fake at all.

One of them offers a generous bow. “Welcome, Prince Alexander. Lord Daniel.”

“Lord,” Daniel says under his breath in a sarcastic snort that only I can hear. Well, he does very much look like The Lord of Something tonight. I nod and thank them for the friendly greeting and Daniel follows my lead.

The conservatory is built so that the main entrance is on the second floor. A wide stone staircase with an ornately-designed railing curves down to the bottom level. The entire space is open and with a high glass ceiling.

We step inside and onto the large balcony that overlooks a lush array of plants, flowers, fountains and shrubs. Everything within the conservatory is native to Eden’s diverse landscape, like an encapsulated garden of all our natural flora and fauna. The cozy, dimly-lit space is neatly arranged in whimsical semi-circles and beautifully lined pathways. The air is warm, a little balmy and smells like flowers and clean, healthy earth.

The main attraction is the one-hundred-year-old fig tree that towers over everything and reaches up to the high ceiling. Its luscious foliage lines and hugs at least half of the upper balcony, and its trunk twists and stretches down to the main floor like an art installation.

When Daniel and I step up to the railing to peer down onto the main floor, we’re met with at least a dozen vampires’ vivid eyes.

Without a moment’s hesitation, they clap. The hall is suddenly filled and echoing with warm applause and some cheering (definitely Sebastian), and I am truly taken aback. I look out at them looking back up at me, frozen in a kind of trance.

Gently, Daniel urges me forward again and I get myself together as we descend the stairs. I’ve never really felt “royal” before. But I do now with Danny on my arm and his wonderfully contented essence touching and soothing me. With his amazing cape floating around his ankles like he’s the hero in a Victorian romance novel.

Or maybe the seductive villain? I think I like that better.

My father and mother are at the bottom of the stairs on one side, and I assume that the two attractive, dark-haired women standing opposite them are Danny’s mothers. I take a deep breath, trying not to be stressed and accepting the silent calm and reassurance that Danny is offering me. Truly, his energy sparkles with a joy that’s palpable and contagious. It’s beautiful and a far cry from the man I met two months ago.

We reach the bottom and the four vampires approach us. Daniel’s mothers quickly wrap him up in a tight embrace.

My father, mother and I wait awkwardly and much less affectionately for them to finish. Eventually, they release Daniel and he formally introduces me to his mothers, who offer me a polite bow. I bow to them as well, then use some of my Cantonese to greet them properly and this makes them smile.

It seems as if our parents have already established some sort of introduction between themselves. How that went, I can’t imagine, but no one is scowling at each other, at least? I turn, taking hold of Daniel’s hand as I address my parents.

“Danny, you’ve already met and spoken with my father, but this is my mother, Lady Victoria Kendrick.” I feel stony and cold as I look at her, waiting for her to be rude.

“Lady Kendrick,” Daniel bows reverently at my side. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well.” She nods curtly. “Welcome. I hope you both enjoy yourselves tonight.”

“Thank you,” Danny says, not unaware of her terse manner.

My father surprises me when he steps forward and wraps both of us up in a warm embrace. “Congratulations,” he whispers, then kisses my temple. He steps away from us and turns to the outer floor. Champagne glasses are being hastily distributed through the crowd, and soon, another servant from our house brings a tray to the six of us standing at the bottom of the grand staircase.

When everyone has a flute filled with glittering gold liquid in hand, Father raises his glass. “A toast, to Prince Alexander Ethan Kendrick and Lord Daniel Lim. To their inspirational love, courage, and their prudence as they guide Eden’s aristocracy into an exciting and prosperous new era.”

The small crowd lifts their glasses to us in cheers and again, I am dazed and slightly overwhelmed. Daniel nudges my side and I blink and take a sip of my own champagne.

After the toast is finished, the event shifts into a frenetic whirlwind of activity with vampires coming up to greet us.

Sebastian and his mate Piper are first, of course, and Sebastian is outwardly floored over Daniel. He’s back in one of his more dramatic ensembles, which he and Daniel bond over. Sebastian can’t stop gushing over Daniel’s floor-length cape and asks for his tailor’s information.

When I remind Sebastian that there’s a line forming behind him, he starts and looks over his shoulder. “Ah—sorry!” Piper nods and steps away, but Sebastian plunges his body into mine and wraps me in a tight embrace. The abrupt action catches me off guard, but I hug him in return.

He speaks low in my ear. “I’m really sorry about what I said at that party—Daniel seems amazing. Can we please talk later?” He pulls away to look me in the eyes.

“Yes, we’ll talk,” I tell him.

Relieved, he takes Piper’s hand and they step away.

Nadya is next, cool and composed as always with her mate, Arjun, who is also one of the most chill vampires that I know. She kisses us both on the cheek, then takes Daniel’s hands.

“Welcome to the chaos,” she says playfully. “Congratulations again, and… thank you for helping to pull my dear friend out of the darkness.”

Embarrassed, I smirk. “I wasn’t that bad.”

“You were turning into a recluse. And an asshole.”

“Wow.”

Daniel laughs openly. “I like her!”

With Nadya and Arjun gone, Ashwin steps up alone, which is unsurprising because she and her mate rarely ever go anywhere together. Another forced arrangement that hasn’t done either of them any favors. As she looks Daniel and me up and down, I warn her in a low voice.

“Be nice.”

“Shut up,” she spits. “Don’t tell me what to do.” She nods to Daniel. “Congratulations on bonding with Golden Boy. I hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into?”

“I’m pretty certain that I do,” Daniel says confidently, not missing a beat.

Ashwin smirks. “Good. I’ll see you both around, then.” She sets her shoulders back and stalks off. Something about her feels different. I could be wrong, but maybe it has to do with her family re-taking their place on the Governing Board? Discreetly, them losing their seat has been a source of shame for decades. Reclaiming that position must be satisfying for her.

Everyone’s parents are here—Ashwin’s, Lady Bhaduri and her mate, and Governor Ellis and her partner. Thankfully, the crowd is cordial and I don’t sense any obvious animosity.

Roland and Kathryn are in attendance, which Danny and me are thrilled about. Even Mayor Veronica Hart and Amber have been invited.

At the end of the line, Leoni walks up looking incredible in a short dress that fits her petite frame like a dream. Raphael trails behind her, grinning and looking like he’s her manservant. I narrow my eyes. I don’t know why but I’m slightly annoyed by this.

“Do you love it?” Leoni says, greeting us with a tight embrace. “Tell me you love this.”

“I love it,” Danny says.

“It’s incredible,” I agree. The diversity of ranked and purebred vampires within this intimate space, amicably talking and laughing… I’ve never witnessed anything like it before in Eden.

Leoni’s eyes practically sparkle in the low lights as she smiles. “This stems from the two of you. It’s only going to get better.”

“Well, little by little,” Raphael chimes in. “Things won’t change overnight, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. I need to start looking for a new job…” Raphael’s voice cracks on the end and he turns away, falsely dabbing his eyes.

I frown. “Will you stop that?”

“You should move in with me and help run the vineyard,” Leoni says matter-of-factly. “Danny wants his own house and garden someday, so when he moves out, Puercoespín will obviously move with him, and I’ll need the help.”

Raphael perks up like a meerkat. “Really? I’d love that?—”

“Wait a fucking minute!” I protest. “Don’t stand here and make hypothetical plans right in front of me.”

“They’re right, though,” Danny says calmly. “I do want my own house. It’s been a dream of mine, and Leoni will need help with the day-to-day management of the vineyard. Aren’t you coming with me when I move? We can have privacy. ”

They all stare at me as if I’m the one being ridiculous. I sigh. “Yeah, of course, but why are we talking about this right now?”

“Prince Alexander?” Evie, my father’s primary maidservant steps up to my side and gently taps my shoulder. “Your father and mother would like to speak privately with you and Lord Daniel. Can you spare a moment?”

My first inclination is to say no. Daniel must sense this, because he tilts his head and catches my eyes. His voice is soft and encouraging. “Alexander?”

Understanding, I nod. “Yes, sure.” Every time I start to calm down, the wasp nest of messy indignation and resentment inside of me gets kicked and swarms up again. What is it now? What the hell do we need to talk about in private? Can’t it wait?

Evie guides us back through a narrow hallway beneath the grand staircase where there are a series of doors. She stops at one and pushes it open, gesturing for us to enter. The room is small with one floor-to-ceiling window facing the south end of the forest. The perimeter of the room is lined with potted plants of all shapes and sizes. A set of couches, tufted armchairs and a coffee table are arranged before the window. The space seems like a cozy meeting room where its occupants might discuss plans over tea and scones.

My mother and father stand by the couches, watching as we enter. I feel wary and stressed as hell about whatever is happening. The last time I was alone in a room with my father and mother, it wasn’t great. Daniel casually reaches down and takes my palm into his and squeezes. It reminds me to take a breath.

“There are some particulars that we’d like to discuss, while you’re here,” my father begins. “Shall we sit?”

“I’d rather we keep this short,” I say to my father without thinking. The words pop out of me and I ignore my mother’s presence altogether to keep the tension in my chest from suffocating me. “There’s a room full of vampires waiting for us.”

Father nods, then glances at my mother. From the corner of my eyes, I see her take a step forward. Instinctively, I step back. I don’t meet her eyes.

“Where are you planning to live now?” she asks. “You haven’t returned home for nearly two weeks. Will you remain at the álvarez Vineyard?”

“We haven’t decided yet,” I say flatly. “But it’s likely.”

“Won’t that hinder your responsibilities with the Royal Order in Central? Being so far away?”

“The drive isn’t bad. The meetings are only quarterly. I can handle it.”

“What about aristocracy events—parties and luncheons to maintain your presence and relationships? Poker nights and brunch with your friends?”

“Again, those are things that I’ll handle. They’re not something you need to worry?—”

“ Alejandro .”

That name and the familiar roll of her tongue feels like a leash around my neck being snapped tightly. I flinch and look up like a trained animal—my anxiety spiking in my chest and throat.

To my astonishment, her eyes are pleading and… sad? Definitely not an expression I’m accustomed to seeing.

“Lamento haberte golpeado, ?sí? ?Deja de ser tan indiferente conmigo! ?Cuántas veces te he llamado y no contestas?”

A stiff silence hangs in the air as we all stare at her. I’m shocked by her apology, but I’m annoyed that she’s suddenly speaking Spanish when she knows Father can’t. Daniel understands fluently, but she doesn’t know that. It’s fucking rude.

“Victoria, we talked about this.” My Father’s voice is solemn beside her.

Mother visibly bristles and rolls her eyes. Reluctantly, she half-heartedly translates her own words for him. “I apologized—I said I’m sorry that I hit him.” She lifts her gaze to focus on me. “How many times have I called you and you don't answer? How can you be so cold and indifferent?”

“You apologize for hitting me, then immediately follow that up with, ‘Why are you being so mean to me?’ It’s always about you, isn’t it?”

“Alejandro—”

“Everything is always about how you feel. You apologized once. Congratulations. But I’ve been apologizing to you my whole life! Any choice I’ve made that you disagreed with, I’ve had to apologize for it and I’m sick of it. Why do I have to be held responsible for your feelings all the time? Your disappointment, your confusion, your pride and reputation. Why is it that my feelings don’t matter to you at all?”

She stands, gawking at me, speechless.

“You still don’t get it,” I go on. “You’re either apologizing because Father told you to—or because you feel bad, not because you care about and are genuinely remorseful toward me.”

“I do care about you!” she says, finding her voice and stepping forward. “Of course I care about you—you’re my only child and I brought you into this world.”

“Okay, then instead of trying to make me feel guilty because I disagree with your opinions, why not celebrate the choices I’ve made that give me joy? Why can’t you just be happy that I’m happy?”

My mother stops again, blinking. She looks back toward my father and his expression is opaque. When she whips her head toward me and Daniel, she takes a visible breath and smooths her hair so that it’s elegantly draped behind her shoulders. “I didn’t ask you to come back here to fight with you. I just wanted to… I wanted to ask some questions. Obviously, now isn’t a good time.”

“Right,” I say, turning and meeting Danny’s eyes. “Let’s go.” He nods and follows me toward the door.

“I’m not perfect,” my mother calls out as I take hold of the handle. I pause and look over my shoulder as she goes on. “I… I am remorseful for what I did, and what I said. I am. Your Father has explained many things to me and I’m listening, okay? But I can’t—I’ll never be some perfect cheerleader of a mother, Alexander. ”

“Of course you won’t,” I say, taking hold of Danny’s hand. “I’m not asking you to be any of those things. I’m asking you to think about my feelings sometimes, instead of constantly projecting your own. I don’t want your feelings to be my burden anymore.”

The room is silent as me and Danny leave, closing the door behind us.

He squeezes my palm. “That was… not too terrible.”

I huff, cynical. “Wasn’t it?”

“It was progress. The two of you have to start somewhere—and at least everything has been laid out on the table. As a fellow recovering asshole, I know that these things take time.”

Smiling, I dip and kiss the space beneath his ear. I don’t feel particularly good about that conversation with my mother, but when has Danny ever been wrong?

“Will you dance with me?” I ask, wanting to change the subject and lighten the mood. “We’ve never danced together before.”

Danny glances at me from the corners of his pale eyes. Sexy and playful and reminding me of twilight clouds in autumn. My perpetual autumn solstice.

“I’d love to.”