Page 69 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
I draw back with my nose upturned. “Stop calling me that.”
His gaze is frisky. “You don’t like it?”
“No.”
“Are you sure, my young lord? I am but a humble servant to your needs. To your sweet and delicious essence that resonates like moon-dust and sugared peonies.” He inches forward, grabbing my waist and pulling me toward him. I writhe, half balking at his absurd description but half turned on by his playfulness.
“Stop,” I protest, laughing and giving very little resistance. “You know it’s not like that.”
With my waist in his grip, he wrestles me down onto the bed as he settles on his knees, trapping and straddling my thighs. “Isn’t it precisely like that?” he says. “I find it sexy.”
“But I don’t see you that way. You’re not my servant. And you’re always stressed about the difference in our rank, or me manipulating you with my aura, which I would never—”
“Oliver. Early on, I might have made some unfortunate assumptions based on your station and circumstance that I should not have. Now that I know you better, for heaven’s sake, you don’t even…” Aries pauses, then shakes his head. “Darling, where vampiric bloodlines are concerned, you are my superior. This fact cannot be denied. However, ifIchoose to lean into and embrace this truth, the power between us becomes aligned. It is stabilized. Do you understand?”
I stare up at him like he’s crazy. “No.”
He leans down until his face is inches above mine. His voice is low and seductive. “You will, in time. Sleep here tonight, with me. We’ll make sure that you’re back in your room before sunrise?”
My response is muffled because as soon as I part my lips to answer, Aries is there, covering my mouth in a desirous kiss and dipping his tongue into me.
Soon, I forget about everything. The constant pressure and disapproval from Lord Blakeley, the confusion and weirdness surrounding Alexander.
All of it disappears.
ChapterTwenty-One
Lighthearted music fills the air and the sun shines golden and warm in a partly cloudy sky on the day of Upper Avalon’s celebratory fête. Royal purple and striped navy blue and silver tents beautifully line the village green. The colors represent Alexander’s and my families’ crests, respectively. Scalloped awnings flutter in the soft breeze as each vendor showcases some unique form of amusement.
There are several tents that offer challenging games of wit or strength for prizes. A tent for wine and whiskey is packed full of vampires, then there’s another for “bloodied” candy apples and treats. One vendor offers to do a free aura reading to determine the fortitude and deeper essence of a patron’s vampiric line.
I enjoy fêtes. Stiff banquets and balls are boring. It goes without saying that I’m not a fan of combined family meals. But something about the cheerful, simplistic nature of a traditional village fête usually makes me smile.
Not today, though. Today, a weight is sitting at the pit of my stomach. Heavy dread and discontent. I can’t shake it.
Tomorrow, we’re all leaving for Central Eden. Both Alexander’s family members and mine will be there for five days, doing yet another full-blown tour of breakfasts, banquets, balls and garden parties. This time, the festivities are for the amusement of the Kendrick Clan’s local aristocracy.
I’m not looking forward to it for many reasons, but primarily because Aries won’t be with us. He’s nearly finished with Alexander’s suit, so he’s been instructed to remain at the castle until we return. At that time, he’ll do a final fitting before his assignment in Eden is over.
It’s the beginning of the end.
Every time I think about it, I feel like my insides are being raked out until I’m hollowed and raw. I can’t face it. I know that I have to, but it’s stirring an anxiety and sadness inside like I’ve never known. The distress is burrowed so deeply that I don’t know how to manage it.
All I can do is pretend that it’s not happening. Which isn’t the healthiest response.
As we stroll the green, Alexander walks beside me with his palms clasped behind his back. He smiles and speaks to every single vampire that we pass. Sometimes, he initiates a friendly conversation.
I do not, but I nod politely. For the past week, he’s been… I’m honestly not sure what he’s been. More respectful toward me? Well mannered? His behavior has shifted again. It makes him a little easier to be around, if I’m honest.
“Hey, isn’t that your brother?” Alexander nods in the direction diagonal from where we stand. I look, and Thomas is there, sitting alone on a bench just off the brick-lined path and in between two purple tents. I wasn’t sure if Lord Blakeley would require him to attend this event. Considering it takes place within his mate’s realm and where they reside, it would have been odd if he wasn’t here.
“Do you want to talk to him about sibling stuff?” Alexander asks. “I can wait here.”
I’m not sure that I do. Seeing Thomas feels like a superstition—or rather, some kind of ominous omen, especially when I’m already unsettled about our impending departure to Central Eden. The air and mystery surrounding my brother feels dark because of my childhood memory of his disappearance then horrifying reappearance.
However, I’m an adult now. I should probably act like one and say hello. “I’ll be right back,” I tell Alexander, then walk toward the bench.
When I’m close, I half expect him to see and greet me first. He does not. As I approach, he’s staring off into space. I’m within a couple feet of him, and he doesn’t even notice me. “Hey, Thomas.”
