Page 195 of Vampires of Eden

I think the jerk got what he deserved. End of story.

After the meeting, the board members spoke to both of us about having a “small celebration” to formally recognize our bonding. Alexander was dubious, I could tell, but he didn’t make a fuss. We told them yes.

Ansväd also asked if I had made my decision about playing the Elmhurst Thorn piece for his Board of Trustees at the Royal Opera House. I hadn’t made up my mind. So much has happened that I’ve barely glanced at the music or thought about it.

Nevertheless, I told him that I would interview for the position. I’m ready to try. Alexander’s eyes just about popped out of his head when I accepted the offer. I had to hold in a laugh.

Sensing my handsome and sweet mate making his way upstairs, I quickly scan myself in the bathroom mirror to make sure I’ve done this correctly. I brush my fingers at my tapered sides, needlessly smoothing them down. The only length left of my hair is in the top, flipped upward, a little wild but still contained because of the stylish precision of the cut. Alexander took me to his barber while we were in Central. I was worried he might fuck me over just because I’m first-gen and bonded with the Golden Prince of Eden. He was actually super nice and did a great job. I feel naked, but I do like the cut.

Moving swiftly, I sit on the edge of my bed and cross my leg, trying to appear casual but likely failing miserably.

The cottage isn’t completely fixed yet. The living room is under construction but on the mend. Alexander has been staying here, helping me and Leoni clean things up and also working with us in the vineyard. Leoni wants to give him and me partial ownership, but because of the laws restricting ranked vamps from having their own businesses, my share is unofficial—for now. Hopefully, we can change that in the future.

“Danny?” Alexander calls as he climbs the stairs.

“Yeah.”

“Leoni just got a call from Mayor Hart. She invited us into the village for—” Alexander steps into the room, then physically stops, blinking. He clears his throat. “For dinner.” Moving slowly, he steps toward me. His eyebrow lifts in genuine confusion. “What are you doing?”

I sit straighter and raise my chin, trying to be confident about this. “Well, the party is tomorrow night.”

“Yes…”

“And I thought I’d do something special.”

“Okay…”

The silence is awkward. I shift my gaze to the side—feeling theslick discs of the contacts move against my eyes. “I’ve been feeding from you for almost two weeks and my eyes still haven’t returned to their normal coloring. I was thinking that this might help?” I flicker my gaze back up to him. Waiting.

I ordered purple contacts from a website. It’s definitely not the same color nor effect as my real eyes, but at least it masks the ghostly pale lilac that they are now. My long hair is gone. Can I have normal-ish eyes?

Alexander takes a knee in front of me. He sets his hands on either side of my hips. “Why do you think you need this?”

“Like I said, the party is tomorrow, and I don’t want to look like some sickly thing that you’ve bonded with—I thought these might help!” A wave of rogue emotions sweep over me and I look away from him. Embarrassed that I’m still being insecure about my looks. Frustrated that my outward visage hasn’t returned to the way it was before Josefina.

Yes, I have more color in my skin and I feel physically stronger. My injuries healed from the fire within twenty-four hours. A turnaround that fast has never happened before.

But I’m… still not right. Not yet.

Alexander looks into my face. “Do you want my honest opinion?”

Knowing what’s coming, I sigh. “Yes.”

“I think your eyes are beautiful, Danny. Your natural eyes.”

“But they’re not the same as before—do you remember what they looked like when you first met me?”

He nods. “I do, of course. They were striking then, but I love them like this too. They’re ethereal to me—the color of twilight clouds. When you wear these contacts, you muffle the white light that shines behind them from your vampiric nature. These contacts make your irises look flat, like… a human.”

“Dear God. Not a human.”

Alexander chuckles and takes both of my hands in his, resting them in my lap. “That Daniel from before and with those eyes was a much differentvampire, wasn’t he?”

I smirk, understanding his point. “Yeah, he was.”

“You’re different now, in many ways, because you’ve been through a lot. I think that’s part of your beauty. Your resilience and strength. I don’t think you need these contacts, but if wearing them makes you feel more comfortable, I’ll support you.”

My heart warms and melts. This purebred vampire man. I lean, tilt and kiss his mouth. He parts his lips slightly when I make contact, giving the kiss a soft and luscious feel. We play a bit, teasing and affectionate before I raise my head and sigh.