Page 78 of Vampires of Eden

The ache in my chest from the combat boot softens. “I didn’t think it was possible immediately after it happened, because the pain was too overwhelming. I couldn’t see past it. But now, I… Maybe I have hope.” Even though I’m a dumbass.

Alexander nods as he looks out into the forest. The sun shifts in the sky and creates all sorts of interesting shadow play between the trees and branches. I’m expecting him to go on, but he doesn’t.

“What about you?” I ask. “Do you think it’s possible for you to love someone that’s not Oliver?”

He huffs, smiling. “I didn’t think so at first—same as you. My head and my heart were filled with him for so long. When he left and everything came crashing down, I felt… empty inside. Broken. Kind of like a glass incapable of holding water.”

“That’s poetic.”

“It’s the best way I can describe it. But lately, I don’t feel so empty. And I don’t burst into tears at the smallest poke. It’s nice… until Lord Cherrington comes around.”

I sigh. “You know, you should really figure a way out of that situation. In this day and age, there’s no way a vampire should bepurchasedagainst their will—under any circumstances.”

“When you say it like that, it makes the situation sound really dirty.”

“It is dirty, Alexander. It’s atrocious and despicable.”

“It’s the way we’ve always done things.”

“Well, then, it’s time to fucking change, isn’t it? That doesn’t make it right.” We stare at each other in a tense moment before I relax my shoulders. I smooth my hair back and take a breath. “But it’s your life. You do you.”

“That was a shift.”

“It’s not my business.” I throw my palms up. “What do I know? I’m a half-dead first-gen vampire. I have no power or say in these things.”

“Nothalf-dead.” He frowns. “You have power. What you say matters to me. A lot. I just… I don’t know if I can successfully fight the system. I want to, but it might be beyond my capability.”

A thought sweeps through my head. I turn toward him, folding my leg against the deck. “What happens if you refuse your arrangement? Leoni refused all of hers. She’s doing alright for herself.”

“Hm…” Alexander glances off. “I don’t know. Leoni’s mother is much nicer than mine, first of all. The thought of openly disobeying my mother sends an icy chill down my spine. Leoni also has a lot of sisters, so one heir fucking off doesn’t seem like too much of a loss for her parents. I’m an only child.”

Alexander sits silently for a long moment and I let him ponder. I don’t interrupt because I think it’s important for him to seriously contemplate this.

“Maybe they banish me?” he finally goes on. “I won’t get an allowance like Leoni does. I’m already semi-cut off after what happened with Oliver. So, I’d truly be on my own with no money, no housing and no skills to take care of myself… or Buffy. I have to consider her well-being, too. Litter and food cost money.”

I rub my temples with my fingertips. This vampire and his damn cat.

“And obviously, I’d forfeit my seat on the Royal Governing Board,” Alexander says. “My father is retiring soon and expects me to fill his position. If I don’t, that would be a tough pill to swallow for him and our family legacy.”

This gives me pause as I fold my arms. The Royal Governing Board dictates all the important matters across Eden’s aristocracy. Traditionally, it’s been filled with stuffy and older vamps from a generation whose values and perspectives are long outdated.

Having someone from our generation on the board like Alexander is paramount. A potential game-changer for Eden as we know it.

“Youhaveto marry Lord Cherrington in order to take yourfather’s seat on the board?” I ask, wanting to understand this insane circumstance.

“Not necessarily him, but he’s offering the most capital for my engagement. Or, if I had my own money again, I could take the seat and stay autonomous. It’s just how the archaic rules work.”

“How much money do you need?”

Alexander scoffs. “A lot. Or at least a steady income? Vaguely, I’ve been thinking about how I could generate my own revenue. Maybe if I do that and present a solid case, the members of the board will make an exception? But I have no idea what to do.”

I’m lost in thought. None of this is my business, but unexpectedly, I feel heavily invested. Alexander needs to be on the board. Eden as a society would benefit from it without question.

But not at the expense of his freedom and well-being. Not as a sacrificial lamb to some lecherous vampire that makes him miserable.

“Hello?” Alexander prompts, grinning.

“I’m here. Thinking. Let me talk to Leoni about this and see what she has to say. It’s good to put multiple heads together on complex issues.”