Page 62 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
“Oliver.”
“What?” I look up from my breakfast plate and at Alexander beside me since he’s the one who called my name. He nods toward Lord Blakeley. When I scan the table, everyone is staring at me. “Y-yes?”
“Where is your silly little head today? Do you not hear me speaking to you?”
“Sorry… could you please repeat what you said?” I have no idea. The last time I was listening, they were gossiping about someone in Alexander’s extended family. I zoned out and started replaying the details of last night in my mind because, well, being naked with Aries is much more interesting, isn’t it?
Lord Blakeley rolls his steel-colored eyes. “No. I’ll get my answer directly from the source. Camille, please ask our guest to join us?”
“Of course, your highness.” Camille steps away from the wall of servants and assistants, then scurries from the room.
Nobody says a word and they all resume eating. Utterly confused, I flicker my gaze to Alexander, questioning. He’s no help either as he offers a weak shrug, then stuffs a slice of toast covered in apricot jam into his mouth.
Would it have been so difficult to repeat whatever he’d said? Why does he show such disdain for me when I swear that all I do is whatever he fucking asks?
Ten minutes later, I get my answer. Setting my fork down, I mechanically look toward the entryway, because I smell him before I see him. We haven’t fed from each other, but already, the scent of Aries is permeated inside of me, like a jasmine mahogany glaze covering my inner walls and senses.
Soon, he appears alongside Camille. He’s poised, casual but handsomely dressed, and he’s definitely paler than when he first arrived. Seeing him in the bright daylight and set against the dark pattern of his shirt somehow emphasizes this fact. Aries steps toward the long table full of my and Alexander’s families and offers a deep bow.
“Good morning, your highness. You requested to see me?”
“I did. Have breakfast with us. My daughter’s mate couldn’t join us today so you can sit beside Sasha.” He gestures toward the empty seat next to Sasha, which is directly across from me.
Aries doesn’t miss a beat. “Of course, your grace. It would be my honor.” Fluidly, all long legs and self-assured stride, he moves toward the seat, pulls out the chair and sits down. Sasha’s eyes meet mine in an obvious look that screams panic. I ignore her but adjust in my chair and take a deep breath.
Stay calm. Act natural.
What does natural even mean for me? Disinterested? Aloof? I can’t remember anymore. There’s no way that I could pull off either of those dispositions in Aries’s presence. Given the things we’ve done in secret, my nature is too sensitive and attuned to him. Feigning neutrality in his presence is impossible when every atom and cell in my body is celebrating his nearness.
“How are the suits coming along?” Lord Blakeley asks. “The designs you sent for my approval were impressive.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Aries offers a polite nod just as someone from the kitchen sets a full breakfast plate in front of him. “Everything is on schedule. I’ll have both gentlemen ready well before the ceremony.”
“Good man. I’m excited to see the final result. It isn’t often that we entertain such… progressive company. Aries—or do you prefer ‘Mr. Moralis’?”
“Aries is fine, your grace.”
“May I ask how old you are?”
“I’ll be ninety-five this year.”
“Astonishing. To be nearing one hundred but still unbonded. Please, forgive my ignorance, but I must inquire. How do you manage this lifestyle? Do you not worry about where your next feeding will come from, particularly when you travel to new locations such as this one?”
Around the table, everyone’s attention is centered on Aries. Lord Blakeley has asked the question more politely than Alexander, at least. But it still feels uncomfortable and invasive—especially at a breakfast table full of strangers.
“Typically,” Aries begins calmly, matter-of-fact, “when I travel, there are many others who enjoy a similar lifestyle, so it is not difficult to obtain a quality feeding source.”
“And how do you find Eden?” Lord Blakeley asks this question with a devilish glint in his eyes.
Aries smiles, fluffing out his napkin before laying it across his lap. “Eden is much more conservative than I had anticipated. But I am well, your highness.”
“Ha.” Lord Blakeley claps his hands. The elaborate ruby on his ring finger glistens in the morning sunlight. “I suspected as much. Your complexion is that of a vampire who’s in desperate need of a good feeding—despite your admittedly very complacent outward demeanor. We shall take care of it. You are our honored guest, after all. Benjamin! Come here, please.”
The viscount’s primary manservant steps away from the back wall and smoothly approaches the head of the table. Ben is close to my age but older. He’s first-gen, has a hefty, strong body and bright round eyes. Once he’s beside Lord Blakeley, he bows. “Your highness?”
“Please feed our guest.”
Ben nods, then purposefully steps toward Aries’s side of the table.
