Chapter 28 #2
Lanias glanced at Alek, then said, “I would say he did me the favor, he saved my life.”
Alek chuckled. “Lanias that’s a bold claim coming from you.”
“But it’s true,” she added. “I am self-sufficient, but he’s given me something I never thought I needed.”
“Hmm,” his mother hummed, looking between them. “And what is that?”
“Love, though I can’t call our relationship conventional.” Lanias returned her attention to Alek’s mother. “But it’s the first time I’ve ever felt truly desired in that way and welcomed emotionally. I don’t have to pretend to be anything with him.”
“Lady Ghia?”
“Not now.” Ghia lifted her hand, stopping one of the courtesan’s interruptions. She peered into Lanias’ eyes as if she was reading her soul.
“You’ve brought someone very interesting here my son,” she said without breaking her gaze. “I’m sure her blood nearly sings to you.”
Lanias suddenly felt the mood shift, her skin prickled. She frowned unsure of what was happening. “What?”
“I’ve lived many lifetimes, I existed before the flood came,” Ghia explained.
“I’ve seen all sorts of creatures and Beings. But this is my first time meeting your kind in a millennium, a child of Methuselah.” Her nose crinkled. “But there is something heavier within you.” She inhaled the air deliberately, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “Ah, you are Surrem.”
Lanias could only stare at her silently impressed. “I—” She glanced at Alek, but the man didn’t seem worried in the least.
“This makes me wonder naturally what a child of such a match would be like.” Ghia mused thoughtfully before she smiled. “Of course, that is for the future, I give you and my son my blessing of course.”
“I also wish to inform you that my sons will begin attending the Circle meetings officially.” Alek said, his voice holding authority.
Ghia seemed to mull over this before she gave a short nod.
“It is time. The other families have already presented their heirs. Of course, I would not make demands of you to come but it is nice when the Delgado’s are represented by the next generation.
Also, it is time your sons began searching for their mates too.
” Her tone turned teasing. “I wish desperately for great-grandchildren.”
Alek nodded. “Yes, I will inform them immediately of your desires. Now, I will take my leave.” He turned to walk away with Lanias only to pause when Ghia called after him.
“Oh, and I meant my words. I wish to see my grandchild before the end of the next year.”
Alek bowed. “As you wish.”
Lanias wondered if they were going to ask her thoughts about having children, if she and her ovaries agreed. One didn’t just pop out a baby on a schedule. But before she could say anything she was once again being swept away, and found herself sitting on her bed.
With a huff, she fell back. “Okay, I’m more than okay with your retirement.”
Alek laughed. “I thought you wished to be Queen?”
“I’d much rather be just plain Lanias, the tension there could be cut with a knife. Is that what your sons will have to deal with?”
“Sadly, yes. Many were happy when our clan was destroyed leaving only my sons and me. The other families of lesser blood built their reputations and numbers during that time. That’s another reason I insisted my sons take control of the red streets.
The loose vampires were the only ones who had no official leader, if we took them, we’d increase our numbers and power easily.
Not to mention the criminal network between the Veil and Human world is very beneficial.
It was to be the foundation for Sorin’s power before he began choosing his loyal guard. ”
“Well, let’s hurry up and get our son in that seat so momma can rest.” She groaned as she maneuvered her feet to kick her shoes off. It had only been twenty minutes, but she was already exhausted. She wondered what was happening to her.
“Interesting,” Alek noted.
Hearing this she looked up, and seeing the way he looked at her, she frowned. “What?”
“You just called him ‘Son’.”
She flopped on her stomach. “Well, if you are planning on making me a decent woman, wouldn’t that make him my stepson? Though the age thing makes it weird.”
Alek removed his suit jacket and shoes, leaving on his slacks and loose shirt. Bare foot he came to the edge of the bed.
“Unzip me,” she ordered playfully, giving a small wriggle.
He placed one knee on the bed and reached for her zipper. “Gladly.”
Once the cursed dress had been removed leaving the silky undergarment, she moved so that she was more in the center of the bed. He joined her, curling around her. The two not bothered at all by hiding away from the world.
“I’m starting to think this is my favorite place,” Lanias whispered.
“You want to know a secret?” he asked, playing with the top of her bra.
“Yes,” she whispered back.
“I think it’s already my favorite place.”
She laughed as the two of them continued talking about all sorts of things. Lanias felt a sudden clarity that maybe she didn’t hate being normal all that much.