Page 112 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
Soon, we arrive at the Teatro Donizetti, which is one of Bergamo’s primary opera houses. It stands imposing and lit with warm spotlights emphasizing every inch of its creamy stone façade—every clustered column, scalloped ledge and arched venetian window.
As I step out of the taxi with my bouquet and rolling suitcase, I can’t believe I’m here. In Italy and finally meeting Aries again, face to face.
Already, I sense him, despite the crowd of well-dressed humans and vampires, each with their own distinctive perfumes, odors and auras. Aries’s sumptuous essence cuts through all of it like a blade. Like an electric charge to my body and senses. It makes my nature dance and the hairs on my arms stand on end.
My plane was delayed. I’m late, but still right on time for the show. Aries has left a ticket for me at the box office. This is the last night for the production that he’s designing for, so he warned me that he’d be busy backstage until the end of the performance.
“Ah, you must be Oliver—young lover to our Aries.” A first-gen vampire that looks relatively young herself watches me through the ticket office glass, haughty.
“Um, excuse me?”
She stands, briefly tapping and whispering to the vampire beside her. A second-gen whose eyes brighten with interest before he smiles and waves. This is getting weird.
The young first-gen woman leaves the box office. Soon, she steps through the main doorway to the building and gestures for me to meet her there. She’s refined in her burgundy jacket, black tuxedo slacks and shiny wingtip oxfords.
When I’m in front of her, she looks me up and down, then grins. “Is this an Aries original?”
“What? Oh—my suit? Yes, Aries made it.” Self-consciously, I smooth my blush-colored tie. This suit was meant for a wedding, but Sylvie said she thought it was appropriate for an opera house as well. Especially in this case, with it being the first time Aries and I have seen each other in almost a year.
“Lucky you. It is perfection, per his usual work. Follow me, your grace? I’ll store your luggage in our cloak room until after the show, if you please.” We drop the luggage off first, then I’m guided up a flight of stairs, past several humans and vampires alike, who nod politely when we make eye contact.
“You’re pretty famous around here,” my guide says as she stops and draws back a heavy red curtain. “Everyone is excited to meet you.”
“Everyone?” I ask. Why in God’s name?
“Yes.” She gestures for me to walk through the gap that she’s created. “We’ll be having a night out to celebrate the end of the production. I hope you’ll join us?”
“Ah, sure. Wow.” I’m perched high on a balcony just near the stage. The theater twinkles with bright lights, smooth marble surfaces and golden accents. Red velvet chairs and ornate moldings. The ceiling is a dome fashioned to look like the blue skies of heaven with wispy clouds and angels.
“Premiere box seating for our special guest. Welcome, and please enjoy the performance.” She bows, then disappears as the curtain falls. I glance back at the auditorium in awe, impressed at the architecture and design. That someone I know—someone that I love—is part of this.
Still holding the bouquet, I sit in the tufted chair, taking everything in because it feels unreal. Aries’s essence serves as a gauzy overlay for the scene, gently caressing my nature and making my heart beat with anticipation.
I turn and look behind me because suddenly, he feels even closer. The velvet draping to my balcony is pulled aside. In the same moment, I lose my breath.
Like a vision in my most fulfilling dream, he’s there. Tall and elegant in his dark maroon suit, Aries holds the curtain with one hand. Backlit by the hallway lights, he stares at me with his beautiful midnight-blue eyes.
Abruptly, I shoot up from my seat and set the flowers on the cushion, because every nerve in my body is electrified. Christ. He looks even more striking, long-legged and Greek-god-like than I remembered.
“Hi,” I say, but it comes out hoarse because my heart is in my throat.
Without a word, he lets the curtain fall and stalks toward me. I barely have time to lick my lips before he’s on me with his large warm palms cupping my head. His long fingers thread within my hair and his mouth covers mine.
Our connection is soft, at first. Slow and intentional. But as I exhale and grip the satin lapels of his jacket, he presses into me with an overwhelming desire. This kiss reminds me of cream. Like a fresh strawberry set atop a whipped swirl, when the weight of it sinks deeper and deeper until it’s completely submerged.
It feels as if he wants to taste the very core of me. To understand my soul.
My eyes burn behind closed lids as I moan. His scent is delicious and swathed around me like a jasmine cloud. My nature churns and sparks, threatening to release its full weight after so many months of dormancy. Aries’s hands still grip my head, but I pull back from the luscious kiss and take a breath. When he opens his eyes, they’re alighted like sapphire.
“I take it you missed me?” I whisper, smiling.
“Mm…” He leans, rubbing his nose into mine and closing his eyes. He kisses my cheek, then my jawline, before caressing his lips toward my ear. “You came to me.”
“I said that I would. We made a promise.”
“I’m grateful.” He laces his arms around my waist. “I’m honored.”
Lifting to my toes, I wrap my arms around his shoulders as he pulls me tightly into him. Warm, firm and so soothing.
