Page 175 of Vampires of Eden

“No, it’s me. What’s—” Alexander pauses, listening. Raphael’s voice is audible from my vantage point, but I can’t hear exactly what he’s saying.

“She wasn’t supposed to be back until later this week,” Alexander says. I hear Raphael’s muffled speech again. Alexander rests back against the headboard, breathing deeply. He stares across the room where my bookcase is located, but I know he’s not really looking at it.

He’s silent for a long moment. Like, really long.

Raphael doesn’t stop talking and I wish he was on speaker because Alexander isn’t moving at all. Not reacting. He stares into a void. His naked chest gently rises and falls and it takes everything in me to stay calm.

Alexander lifts his free hand and rubs his fingertips against his brow. He takes a deep breath and his eyes close. “Just out of curiosity, who wrote this story?”

I blink. Story? Someone wrote something? Who? About what?

“Right,” Alexander says. “It makes sense now.” He finally looks over at me. Something must register in my expression because his gaze softens and he reaches to take hold of my hand.With his palm in mine, I squeeze, as if to ask what the hell is going on. Understanding, he nods.

“Raph—stop. Listen, let her know that you’ve spoken to me and I’m on my way home. I’ll be there in a couple hours and I’ll explain everything. Leave the house in the meantime if you need to, alright? Go for a walk. I’ll turn my phone back on and head there now.”

There’s another swift exchange before Alexander finally ends the call. He sets the device in his lap and looks at me. “I have to go. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry—tell me what’s happening? Why is your mother home early? And what story?” My heart races and my throat feels as if it’s closing in on itself, making it difficult to breathe. His mother wouldn’t try to keep him from me, would she? Our natures are entwined now. I can’t be without him and he can’t function properly without me. I won’t go through that again, I can’t?—

“Raven.” Alexander lets go of my hand and lifts his palms to hold my face. He brings me into his nearness and undeniable calm. Forehead to forehead. “Danny, we’re alright. Why are you getting worked up? I feel you getting stressed. Like a strange tension inside my chest.”

“Tell me what’s happening, please?”

He nods and lifts slightly, kissing the corner of my mouth before he grips both of my hands between us. “A reporter wrote an article about us and published it today. First thing this morning. He was at the safe house opening yesterday. Apparently, he saw us together on the back patio—even took candid photos.”

“Oh God,” I cut in. Dread washes over me and makes me nauseous.

Alexander grips my hands and again, a soothing wave of calm emanates from him. He explains and his words are even and unperturbed. As if this isn’t even about us and our relationship being grossly exposed to the whole of Eden society. “My mother got wind of this and came back from the mountains. She’s beencalling me, of course, and Raph’s been trying to reach me too. I need to go home and take care of this.”

I tilt my head, shocked at how unruffled he is. Alexander has been distressed around me for a lot less. “Why are you so calm?” I ask honestly.

He shrugs, still gripping my hands. “I decided yesterday that I was going to talk to her when she came home this week, so I was mentally prepared for it. Plus, you and me… we’re locked into this now. We can’t hide our relationship—even if we wanted to. As soon as I walk into a room, vampires will know that I belong to someone.”

Leaning, he kisses me on the lips again, then smiles. “And I want them to know it’s you. I love you, Danny. I always have and I… I still can’t believe that you chose me back. How lucky am I? I’m grateful.”

I sit, mesmerized by his heartfelt words. I know he feels this way because he pours these sentiments and more into me every time he feeds. I thinkI’mthe lucky one. That he’s put up with all my bullshit and bad manners.

Relenting, I sigh. “Alright, let’s do it. Let’s get dressed and I’ll come with you?—”

Alexander shakes his head. “No. You should stay here.”

“You just said we’re locked into this, Rabbit. Emphasis onwe. I’m going with you.”

“I think that my mother is my problem, and having her scream and say nasty things is not something I want you to witness right now. We are in this together, but… would you please let me handle this part? Just let me confront her on my own.”

Considering, I gnaw at the inside of my cheek. I think I should go with him. Something in my gut tells me that I should, maybebecausewe’re unequivocally linked now. We’re a pair and should face these hard things together.

But as I look into his pleading eyes… I also want to respect his feelings. Things between him and his parents sound complicated. Ifhe wants to talk to them alone, I think I should respect that and give him space.

“Are you absolutely sure?” I ask.

“Yes. It’s what we decided anyway, right? I wanted you to meet my father and you did. Otherwise, you should stay in your safe space.”

I snort. “Yeah, but that was before last night.”

“Still. I know I can’t protect you, but I can at least avoid throwing you directly in front of a careening bus. Agreed?”

I don’t agree, but I can’t easily express my looming uncertainty. “Alright,” I say, sighing. “Just… keep me updated. Call me when you can, please?”