Chapter 34 #3
“Well, let’s hope we don’t feel the need to end his existence. From what I am gathering, most people seem to have liked Xavier. Anytime his name is mentioned the room grows heavy and people start to replay memories in their heads. He meant something to everyone.”
“Most of us had a good relationship with him; he was a good guy. Private, but he never let his work partners down. He cared for people and didn’t rush to anger.
A controlled guy, with honed people skills.
He was always willing to help and hated seeing people in pain. Not like a vampire at all really.”
“Do you like to see people in pain?” I asked curious as to what he meant.
“I don’t normally. However, if someone has crossed me or took something from me, hurt something or someone that I care about—I would take a lot of pleasure in their pain. Especially if I am the one inflicting it,” he said this very matter-of-factly.
I picked up my glass and took a drink; it was fruity and sweet. Different than the usual beer or whiskey. I liked it but these were also the drinks that didn’t let you know you were drunk until it was too late. I set the glass back down and smiled at Maddox.
“You coming?” I said as I lowered myself into the pool.
I loved the weightlessness that I felt when I was in a pool. I began to swim away from the side of the pool toward the deep end when I heard Maddox jump into the pool behind me. I turned just in time for him to pull me to him and press his forehead to mine.
“If someone ever tried to take you away from me or hurt you in any way, I need you to understand that you are going to see a side of me that might scare the shit out of you. It will never be directed at you—that, I promise. I am protective by nature but with you I am fiercely so. I am going to warn you and apologize now because when you chose this life you subjected yourself to all the ugly that goes with it. I am here to protect you from that.”
“You can’t protect me from all the ugly.”
“If it tries to touch you I can. If the ugly in this world targets you, it will pay for it dearly. I will not negotiate with someone who dares to hurt you. They will serve as an example. I just need to know that you will forgive me when you see me do unforgivable things. I do possess animalistic qualities, and this one is quite literally feral.”
“I want a fiercely protective man that is only soft with me and the life that we create together. One that would destroy anything that threatened that. Deep in their soul that is what most women want—even if they won’t admit it. I could probably forgive you for anything if you loved me that much.”
“I do,” he said, and then his mouth found mine. I wrapped my legs around him and kissed him back.
* * *
The next morning, we woke up and cleaned. Charlotte was up early and wanted to tell me about her conversation with Alexander.
“When this whole thing is over, he wants me to move in with him.”
“In Louisiana?” I asked to make sure that was where Alexander lived and not just where he happened to be at the moment.
“Yes, and you two could come visit because we have the house there that grandpa left us,” she said in a cheerful tone.
“If you are sure then I will be happy for you. Of course, we will come and visit.” I hugged my cousin tightly.
“I love you, Joslyn,” she said as we separated.
“Do you want us to leave the leftovers in the fridge, and you can pick at them? Or do you want us to throw it out now?”
“You can leave it. I won’t have to cook anything before I leave on Thursday.” She walked toward the fridge to take a look.
Maddox was loading the dishwasher, and I started wiping down the counters. Charlotte heated up a plate of food in the microwave.
“Don’t start the dishwasher. I will just add my dishes when I’m finished and start it,” she told Maddox, as she sat at the counter to eat.
“So, you and Alexander worked everything out then?” Maddox asked, as he turned away from the counter, facing Charlotte.
“Yes, we did. I don’t know if you heard me tell Jos, but Alexander wants me to move in with him. You guys will have to visit; we have a house in Louisiana.”
“Yes, I remember the house in Louisiana. Of course we will come visit,” he said, thinking out loud.
“Charlotte, we need to get going. Our flight is in two hours. I have a lot to get done tomorrow before everyone arrives on Tuesday.”
“I will fly out on Thursday morning and hopefully see you when I get there.”
“If not, I will make sure that Bonnie is available. She can show you where your room is. I will make sure your dress for the gala there. I love you, Charlotte,” I said as I slid on my shoes.
“Are you ready, baby? I already put our bags in the car.” He picked up his phone off the counter and slid it into his pocket.
“Yeah, I don’t want to get held up by anything and miss our flight,” I said as I walked back to hug Char goodbye. Maddox slid his shoes on and came to stand next to me.
“Why are you guys flying commercial? What happened to the plane?”
“It’s back at the airport near the compound. Routine maintenance to make sure it’s ready for Tuesday. It will be used to transport some of our guests,” Maddox answered.
“Makes sense. Okay, well I will see you Thursday, Jos. I’m so happy, thank you again for everything.”
“No problem. I’m happy for you and I will see you Thursday.”
“See you Thursday, Char.” Maddox nodded at my cousin and took my hand.
We left through the front door and got into the car. “Do you think that Alexander is going to be good to her?” I wanted Maddox’s opinion of Alexander.
“Well, I have never dated Alexander so I can’t be sure.”
“Oh, you mean the dark brooding vampire isn’t your type?”
“No darling, that is your type.” He smiled at me and continued. “She does seem very happy with him, and he was willing to take her back. After so many years, unless a vampire can see a future with you, they aren’t going to waste their time playing games and stressing themselves out.”
“Okay, I thought maybe you had been around him long enough to witness how he treats women he dates.”
“He isn’t abusive, and he doesn’t waste time sticking his nose in the air. He respects women and has never done anything questionable in my presence so I would say that he is a pretty good guy.”
“That’s what I wanted to know. Thank you for sharing.” I gave him a sarcastic look. He pretended not to notice and continued to watch the road.