Page 25 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
I sigh. Our ancestors fought and almost decimated our race over a few yards of land and some ill-conceived notion of power. And now, subsequent generations are imprisoned in a kind of legalistic, heartless merry-go-round of arranged marriages for the purpose of maintaining peace and civility.
What’s honorable about that? Why should I be proud?
This meeting will make Lord Blakeley happy, because he detests his younger sister and avoids her at all costs. Sending me for a visit means that he can dodge a hypothetical bullet by shoving me in its path instead.
For once, though, I don’t mind. What carries me through this particular day is a unique warmth in my heart, like a lamplight glowing inside my chest. Outwardly, I am invoking my purebred robot, as Alexander calls it. I nod when I am expected to and smile when it’s necessary.
But inside, I’m floating in a cloud of rosy memories. Stolen moments within the trees, standing hand in hand with the gentlest, most emotionally intelligent and mature vampire that I have ever met.
Could Aries ever feel this way about me? Is it possible that something deep within him might be stirred by our interactions? By the cautious touch of our hands, or those brief instances where our eyes meet and everything around us ceases to exist?
It’s ludicrous to wonder, but I do.
When I return to the castle, Camille is waiting for me in the front entryway. I never let her come with me to my aunt’s estate. Camille is second-generation—two generations removed from her purebred ancestry. The last thing I want is to give my aunt an innocent target for her unfounded disgust.
“I have good news, Master Blakeley.” She follows me as our footsteps clack against the marble flooring.
“Yes?”
“I have a new phone for you. Lord Blakeley is reinstating your use of electronic devices… well, only this particular device.”
“What about my cameras and equipment?”
“No, unfortunately.”
For God’s sake. I turn, glancing at her as we move. She beams, hopeful as she holds out the new phone in her palm. I don’t take it because I’m confused. “Why just this?”
“Well, I believe Prince Alexander spoke on your behalf. Since they’re away on the hunt, he complained about not having a way to contact you. As such, Lord Blakeley approved this device.”
Doubtful, I take the phone from her and stop in the middle of the hallway. The ceiling is high above us and the stone walls are covered in dusty tapestries and old portraits of my dead relatives who could never have fathomed something like a smartphone.
I look at the screen. What’s immediately apparent is that there are no apps—not any of the ones I typically use, anyway. Only the notes, call and messaging apps are loaded. The latter already has a small red circle with the number one.
Opening the app, there’s a message from Alexander. I swipe over to look at the contacts. Alexander and Camille. No one else. Not even Sash.
“Whatisthis?” I ask her. “What happened to my real phone?”
“Your father agreed to Alexander’s request, albeit with a few stipulations. He said that focusing on the upcoming ceremony and Alexander takes precedence above all else. No other distractions. Generally, I feel this is a positive turn?”
This is not a positive turn. This is a dog’s leash. I stick the device in the pocket of my slacks and continue walking toward my wing of the estate. “Thank you, Camille.” It isn’t her fault, so I won’t be crabby with her.
“Of course—and please respond to Alexander soon. He wants to confirm that I’ve delivered it.”
“Sure. My schedule is clear until dinner, yes?” I just want to go to my room and be alone for a while. I need to recharge before everyone returns to the castle tomorrow evening and I’m forced to smile through another banquet.
“Yes, but Mister Moralis has asked that you stop by his studio sometime before dinner. He has fabrics for you to approve.”
Thisis a positive turn. “Will do. You don’t need to walk me there. I know the way. And I won’t be late for dinner tonight. I promise.”
She stops while I continue forward. “Thank you, your grace.”
“Enjoy your afternoon,” I call over my shoulder. My pace hastens as I walk. I’m stopping myself from breaking into a full-on jog, because that would be ridiculous.
ChapterTen
When I get to Aries’s room, the rosewood door is open. I knock anyway, then wait.
“Come in.”
