Page 190 of Vampires of Eden

Alexander

It amazes me that the more I give of myself, the more Daniel settles and unwinds.

I’m in awe as I sit here, watching him. He’s standing in the bathroom with the door open, so the view from the bed is perfect as he brushes and smooths his raven-black hair into a low ponytail. Wrestling with the breakage as best he can. He’s wearing a soft, forest-green t-shirt and briefs, and he’s humming.

Humming. The air of contentedness suddenly radiating from him is palpable despite his earlier distress. Regardless of the fire, the article and my crazy mother.

All these years I’ve been ashamed of my feelings for him. Suppressing and ignoring them.

Suddenly, it’s… good for him. Exactly what he needs. And me, too.

“Are you ready?” he asks, walking back toward the bed with a thoughtful expression.

“Sure.” I don’t want to talk to my father, but I trust Danny and value his perspective. When has he ever led me wrong?

He steps over to the nightstand. “Should we call from my phone or yours?”

I shrug. “I don’t think it matters, honestly.”

Daniel smirks. “Great, dear. Thank you for the invaluable insight.”

I know he’s officially on the mend when he’s back to being snarky. “My father is not going to say anything that I want to hear. The device that his voice is coming out of makes no difference.”

“Alright, fair enough.” He deliberates for a second more, then picks my phone up and turns it back on. He crawls onto the bed and sits at my side with his legs folded, facing me. He smells like coconuts because of his hair oil, but also autumn and blackberries and wood-fire.

It’s all very soothing and seductive and I still cannot believe that I get to touch this man. That I’mbondedwith him. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined him climaxing just from my feeding. The way his blood and body sing to my nature is bewildering. He moans and whines, uninhibited in the throes of ecstasy and it is fucking delicious.

My phone rings on speaker and Daniel’s white-lilac eyes flicker up to mine as we wait. On the third ring, the line picks up.

“Michin, vied aust saiid nän? Aust kleinz?”

Daniel hesitates, looking at me with his lips parted in a slight panic.

I sigh and respond in English. “I’m with Danny. You’re on speaker and I’m fine.”

“Hello, Lord Kendrick,” Danny says, leaning slightly into the phone in his palm. “Is everything okay?”

“Daniel, hello—no, everything is not okay. Are you well? I heard news of the fire at the Álvarez cottage yesterday. Please tell me that you and Lady Leoni are unharmed?”

“We’re both fine,” Daniel assures him. “I had some minor injuries, but I’m healing quickly. We’re safe.”

Father breathes an audible sigh of relief over the line. “I am very pleased to hear this. I have been distraught since the moment I heard. Strongly, I feel that this is not a coincidence—thatsomeone with selfish and sinister intentions has made a desperate move. A terrible mistake that they will soon regret.”

Daniel locks eyes with me in a weighted moment before he says, “Yes, we think this was intentional, too. Leoni saw someone driving away from the vineyard as she approached. She’s looking into it.”

“Rest assured, I have also initiated a rigorous investigation. We will bring justice to the arrogant monster behind this reprehensible act. That being said, I have requested an emergency meeting with the Royal Governing Board. I would like the two of you to attend—and Alexander, I would like you to submit and present the proposal.”

Frowning, I fold my arms. Now is not a good time for this. He wants me to come there so that, what? The board can chastise and berate the two of us in an official forum? Someone just tried to kill Danny. There’s no way in hell I’m bringing him into the epicenter of Central Eden politics.

“Alexander?” Daniel prods gently.

“Why?” I ask. “I’m supposed to deliver the proposal in two weeks. Let’s wait until then, when things die down.”

“I believe that time is of the essence,” Father counters. “We should act now. You and I have finalized the proposal. It is ready, so there’s no need for further delay. I also feel strongly that it is prudent to formally announce your bonded relationship. To quell the rumors and scrutiny with an assertive declaration.”

Shaking my head, I look away from the phone. I don’t like this plan. Why should we jump on a stage and explain ourselves because someone else crudely stuck their nose into our business? Why should I further risk exposing Danny to harm?

Sensing that I’m done with this conversation, Danny breaks the stiff silence. “Um, Lord Kendrick?—”