Page 96 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
“Here you are, you’re grace.” Tall, lanky and with warm brown skin, Roland moves toward the bed and sets a pile of towels and linen atop the bare mattress. “If you need anything at all, just let me or Kathryn know. We’re truly, deeply honored to have you here—what an incredible turn of events.”
I couldn’t agree with him more. What would have happened if I hadn’t confronted Lord Blakeley? If I hadn’t stood my ground and forced his hand. Would I be asleep in my tower in the castle right now? Curled up and crying my eyes out about how miserable my life is? Grudgingly complying with his plans for me?
What if Alexander hadn’t barged into my room that morning and found the pictures? That’s the moment that triggered all of this.
Alexander… God. I need to make a decision about him.
The area surrounding the safe house is lush and woodsy. A perfect environment for respite. However, the house is in rough shape. Broken or missing shutters and worn paint plague the outside. Squeaky floors, doors and outdated furniture pollute the atmosphere inside.
Even still, there’s something cozy about the ambience. A delicate, quiet peace. The house has amazing character. Once they get it fixed up, I have no doubt that it’ll be a huge success.
My room is on the second floor. It’s spartan but decent with two twin beds neatly tucked in opposite corners. A writing desk and chair made from warm maple wood sit just beneath a large picture window. The glass offers a bright ray of natural sunlight and a view of the dense woods. The cottage has multiple rooms like this one, plus a large old-world kitchen, a potential medical office and outdoor space for recreational gardening and lounging.
“Thank you so much for letting me stay,” I tell him in earnest as I sit on the desk chair in front of the window. My clothes are too filthy to sit anywhere else. “I know this is unexpected, and I don’t have a plan yet for my next move, but I appreciate it more than you can imagine.”
Seriously, the kindness I’ve experienced within the past few hours. First Hudson, then Camille and the other estate vampires, now Roland and Kathryn. Why should I be so fortunate?
“Your grace—”
“Please, just call me Oliver.”
Roland nods. “Oliver. It’s alright. You don’t need to have everything figured out. That’s what we’re here for, to help other vampires in need who might be lost. You’re our first official guest! And, truly, this house wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for you. Those photos led to a level of exposure that I never could have fathomed.”
“I’m really happy to hear that.”
“You’re welcome to stay for as long as you need, and we’ll keep your presence here a secret. My only concern is that we don’t have access to blood that’s high enough to properly nourish you. Our donors thus far are typically lower-ranked vampires. Unfortunately, I don’t have purebred, or even high-quality first-gen nourishment to offer and sustain you.”
I wave my hands. “Ah, no, it’s alright. Maybe I can try some new blood? I won’t know until I test it.” I smile, wanting to reassure him.
He shakes his head with a grave expression. “Nooo, I’m very sorry, but youcannotsuddenly introduce blood into your system that is predominantly comprised of human DNA. Your body will suffer greatly. This isn’t something for you to play around with.”
God. What the hell am I supposed to do? “I’m fine for now. Let’s not worry about it.”
“Oh, I’ll worry about it, your grace. A lot.” He rubs his fingers into the top of his short hair. “Let me discreetly ask around.”
“Thank you. I’m so sorry to burden you like this.” I’m tired of being helpless. I’m twenty-two years old and it’s like I’ve done nothing to fend for or take care of myself my entire life. I know it isn’t healthy to beat myself up over this, but it’s difficult not to.
“We’ll get it figured out,” he says, heading toward the door. “I apologize for the state of the room and… well, the entire house.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s great. There’s a lot of potential here—it’ll be fantastic when you get things fixed up and officially running.”
“IfI can make that happen.” He smiles weakly, shrugging. “We got a lot of initial support to buy the property. Having the funds to renovate it is another matter. Unless some miracle occurs, I’m afraid I might have bitten off much more than I can chew. Anyway, I’ll let you get settled. The bathroom and shower are just across the hall.”
“Thank you,” I say again. “I’m sure something will work out? If I can help in any way, let me know.”
“Thank you, your gr—Oliver.” He grins, then turns and leaves the room.
When the door is closed and I’m alone, I slouch and run my fingers into my hair.
I’m free, but…
What the hell am I doing?
What am Igoingto do?
Where do I even start? How do I survive?
I haven’t fed since last Monday. I told Roland that I was fine because I didn’t want to create added stress. But it’s almost been a full week and I feel the irritation of hunger in the back of my throat. A dry, painful and itching sensation that I am not accustomed to at all.
