Being with Danielle so often had helped me to come to grips with my relationship with God again. I realized I had never really turned away from God; rather, I had fallen away. She told me that’s the thing about falling, you can always get back up again.
I could survive on my own and I wanted to leave Russia. So, Danielle and I traveled the world for a while before I settled down here…you know most of the rest.”
Alex took a deep breath. He was exhausted after such a long story.
Christopher sat in his chair without moving once. If he had, Alex would have heard him.
“Chris?”
“Alex, I already knew most of the story, but…hearing you tell it, well…”
“It’s all right, Chris, you don’t have to explain anything. I told the story, I got it out and will not let it remain a secret any longer. That’s what I needed to do.”
Alex tried to be brave about having dug up the memories of his past but, inside, he was still in turmoil. He had born the pain of losing his family for over a hundred years and had born it alone. It would never simply disappear. But, at the same time, he felt as if a giant weight had been lifted from him.
Miraculously, the simplicity of speaking the words aloud seemed to bring a sort of closure to his past. It was time to move on.
21
The next evening, when Alex woke, he discovered his vision had returned, a bit blurry, but he could see!
Isabella sat dozing in a chair beside his bed with Jaiden propped on her shoulder. As he stared at her, his vision began to clear even more. Once again, he was extremely taken with her beauty. Her long blond hair was pulled up into a ponytail and exposed her precious neck and shoulders. Jaiden’s small head rested on one of them.
How could he not be attracted to her? How could anyone not be attracted to her? In the short time he had known her, he had grown very attached to her.
Damn it.
He wasn’t sure how long he lay there contentedly watching her, but her eyes fluttered open and she slowly realized he was staring at her.
“Alex?”
“Isabella.”
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because I can see you.”
“Oh Alex,” she breathed, “finally!”
Alex sighed. “I really need to get out of this bed.”
Isabella gave him a motherly look. “Do you think it’s ok? Maybe I should call someone?”
“No, don’t call anyone. There isn’t anything they could do. I just want to get up.”
Carefully, Isabella rose from the chair with Jaiden. “If you say so. I’ll wait for you in the den.”
Alex nodded as she left.
He felt terribly odd after having slept in his bed. He hadn’t slept in a bed since he had become a vampire. Slowly, he pushed the covers off and pulled his legs over the edge of the bed. For a while, he just sat there in his blue and white plaid pajamas, thinking about how Chris always laughed at him because he slept in his coffin with pajamas on.
Guess that probably did make a funny picture, he thought.
He staggered into the bathroom where he took a long shower. Even for a vampire, it seemed an eternity until the hot water began to run cold. While in the shower, he examined his skin. It was still the hard, porcelain smooth skin it had been before the burns. Funny, how vampires had no scars, not even ones they had before being turned.
It felt good to finally put on some real clothes. He chose jeans and a white cotton tee shirt, going for comfort instead of looks. After fixing his hair, he ventured out into the main part of the house which he hadn’t been in for days. He found Isabella on the sofa feeding Jaiden a bottle.
“Hey,” he said softly as he strode into the room.
“Are you feeling better now?” she asked.
“Yes.” He nodded. “Much better.”
“Well, you gave us all a big shock. Everyone was worried.”
He shrugged. “Accidents happen.”
Ashamed of his half truth, he turned his head away.
“Don’t do that anymore, ok,” Isabella said.
“Yes, ma’am,” he answered teasingly.
Jaiden finished what remained in her bottle noisily. Isabella took a small receiving blanket, put it over her shoulder and put Jaiden up there with her belly against her shoulder. Then, Isabella began to thump her back firmly.
Appalled, Alex asked, “What are you doing to her?”
“Burping her.”
“She can’t burp on her own?”
She shook her head. “Nope.”
Jaiden let out what Alex thought was a huge burp for such a small baby. Isabella took her off of her shoulder and offered her to Alex. “Do you want to hold her?”
Alex moved over to where they were sitting and held his arms out for Jaiden. Even though he had become used to her, holding her still felt awkward.
Once she lay comfortably in his arms, he looked down at her and said, “Hey, you.”
Jaiden pursed her lips together and stared up at him.
“Have you been a good girl while I was sick?” He moved her into both his hands and held her up in front of his face. “I missed you,” he told her while he wiggled her just a little bit.
Jaiden burped again, then, only seconds afterward, something thick and white spilled out of her mouth and onto Alex’s shirt.
Isabella immediately burst into laughter while Alex froze.
“What do I do, Isabella?”
“Hold on.”
She took the receiving blanket and stretched over to wipe Jaiden’s mouth off. Then, she took Jaiden from Alex’s arms and gave him the receiving blanket to clean himself off with.
“Oh man.” Alex complained while wiping frantically at his shirt. “I’m going to go change.”
“We’ll be right here.” Isabella giggled.
Alex went back to his room and exchanged his white tee for a different white tee shirt, then returned to the den. He sat with Isabella and Jaiden for a couple hours until it was time for Jaiden’s nap. He decided he should make his usual visit to the church and go down to the casino for a while.
The drive was wonderful. It had not rained for some time and a warm breeze filtered through the night. It felt nice to be out in the fresh air again instead of being laid up in bed.
He arrived at the church and went about picking the locks as usual. Once he entered, a strong sense of peace washed over him. Even though it had only been a short time of recovery, he felt like it had been a long time since he had been there. He felt guilty, almost as if he had betrayed the lord and himself.
As always, he felt Danielle’s presence lingering in the atmosphere and chose to ignore her. He went to the altar where a brilliant arrangement of white lilies was displayed and lowered himself to his knees.
“Lord, I have not been able to come here to pray for the last few nights; you know the reason why. Of course, it doesn’t mean I haven’t prayed, only that I haven’t been able to be here, in the sanctuary which you have provided for me.
So much has happened lately. I am worried about Stewart; he has been gone far too long. Regardless of if he has betrayed us or if he was taken, I truly hope he is alive although I know that is almost too much to hope for if Malcolm has kidnapped him. I pray we find him soon, alive and well.
My dreams have become so vivid and strange but I’m not sure what they’re trying to tell me. I know from parts of these dreams as well as when I am not dreaming that I have fallen for Isabella already but I will not let myself take our relationship further than what it is now.
I just can’t put myself in the position to have to choose whether or not to make her a vampire, because I won’t do it. I have to make myself find something about her I don’t like, even just one thing.”
Alex chuckled softly.
“But finding even one thing may prove difficult. She’s perfect.
I know a confrontation with Malcolm is coming and there will most likely be many losses. So, please be with us
in these difficult times. Each and every one of us will need your guidance and protection. Lord God, I am truly your servant and I ask nothing more than that.
In Jesus name I pray, amen.”
Alex opened his eyes. Then, as he stood and stretched, he called out, “Danielle, you can show yourself now.”
He turned a circle, scanning the church.
She shimmered into solidity, appearing on a pew in the back of the center row. Her long black hair was pulled off to the side over her left shoulder and she wore a turquoise gypsy gown.
“Hello, Alex.”
“Hi, Danielle.”
“I see you have fully recovered.”
Alex grinned. “Like you didn’t already know. But, yes, I am feeling well again.”
He gravitated toward her and she stood to meet him.
“I miss you when you’re not around,” he told her.
“Well, Isabella seems to do more than enough when it comes to taking care of you. She was by your side almost the whole time.”
Alex smiled at the thought. “Yes, I know.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t with you as much as I would have liked to be. I have had other obligations to attend to.”
“Like what?”
“We need to have a meeting and everything will be explained.”
“Why can’t you tell me now?”
She sighed, her impatience clearly visible. “Alex, mainly, we just need to have to find a way to get Stewart home. Your injury slowed down our progress a lot. No one has heard a thing from Malcolm but they are getting impatient while waiting around for something to happen. Everyone feels it is time to act.”
Alex held up his hands. “Whoa, I’m sorry. I was just wondering; besides, I’m not allowed to go, anyway, so how is it slowing things down?”
“You are still a part of this council and part of being a council is making decisions together. So, that being said, we will meet at your house tomorrow night. Ok?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
Danielle moved forward and embraced him lovingly.
“I am so grateful you’re ok,” she whispered into his ear.
“Me too,” he replied as he released her.
“I must go, Alex, take care until I see you tomorrow.”
“I will.”
She stepped into the isle and headed toward the doors. Alex watched her shimmer back into nothingness before her hand even touched the door handle.
For a moment, he simply stood in place and stared at the spot where she had disappeared. Oh, how much he loved her. It wasn’t the same as how a man loved a woman but rather how a parent would a child or a brother would love a sister. For the first time, he wondered what his existence would have been like had he not known her. Or worse, what it would be like should she somehow have to leave him. He was under the impression, though, that she would be with him for as long as he did exist because she was his guardian angel.
Alex reluctantly left the church and decided he would stop by the casino and see how things were faring there. When he arrived, he left his car with a young valet who mentioned it had been a while since he had seen him.
He passed through the entrance doors, then by the lobby desk and into the casino. The royal blue carpeting and large glittering chandeliers gave the sinful place a romantic feel. It was intentionally placed to make the patrons feel pampered and wealthy, whether they were wealthy or not.
One of the waitresses saw him and immediately hurried toward him. She had blond hair pulled up into a ponytail and a cute round face, which accentuated her bright blue eyes. He saw youth and innocence inside her eyes and felt a twinge of guilt about her uniform.
The waitresses’ uniforms were made of shimmering silver material which appeared to look more like lingerie. A bustier covered her top area, which was laced up the middle with a glittering fabric. She wore matching shorts which were barely shorts at all and white stockings complete with the sexy garter belts.
“Can I get ya something to drink, Mr. Lucas?” The cute waitress held a tray of drinks on her silver gloved right arm.
“No, thank you. I’m fine,” Alex said sadly.
“Well, just let me know if you need anything.” She strode away but threw a smile back at him over her shoulder as she approached some customers playing slot machines.
He walked the floor for a while, still conflicted about his casinos. Would it really hurt him so much to sell the chain? He could make enough money off of that to give Jaiden a decent lifestyle.
“Alex. Alex!”
Hearing his name, Alex turned to see Chris weaving through the crowd. Chris wore his suit for work and carried a radio in his right hand.
“Hey, Alex,” Chris said when he finally got close enough for Alex to actually hear him without Chris having to shout.
“How are things going here?”
Chris grinned. “Running smoothly as always.”
Alex glanced around awkwardly. “That’s good to know. I haven’t been here for a while.”
“More like, you haven’t been on the main floor for years.”
“I came here the other night for a few minutes,” Alex confessed.
“That’s surprising.”
“Yeah, it is…Chris, what would you think if I told you I am considering selling?”
Chris didn’t appear to be shocked by the question at all. In fact, he looked like he had foreseen it. “I would tell you that you need to do what is best for you. I know this place makes you crazy.”
“It just…makes me feel like I helped corrupt all these people. I don’t want to feel like that anymore.”
Chris raised his eyebrows. “Well, why don’t you sell it to me? I don’t care if I corrupt people.”
Caught off guard, Alex found himself spinning the idea over in his head. Chris could run the place. In fact, he already did. Yeah, this could work, it’s perfect, actually.
“It’s up to you, Alex. But, I have enough to buy it and I can make sure the charities who depend on your donation each year still get them. They are the only ones who benefit from your ownership. You have been more than generous toward them.”
“It’s dirty money, though.”
“Who cares? It’s dirty money that gives helpless people a chance in life. That doesn’t matter right now, anyway. Come on,” he begged, “sell it to me!”
It was time for Alex to raise an eyebrow. “Seriously?” he asked.
Chris nodded. “Seriously!”
Alex paused for a moment, and then slowly extended his hand to shake on the agreement. Chris grasped his hand eagerly and they shook. Then, Chris grabbed Alex and pulled him into a man hug.
“Thanks, man, you won’t regret this!”
Alex wasn’t a guy, vampire or human, for man hugs, so he pushed Chris off of him.
“Enough, Chris, get off me.”
22
That morning, Alex went to sleep in his chamber, choosing the feeling of security over the feeling of comfort. He had forgotten how comfortable a real bed could be.
When he woke in the evening, he made his way through his maze and into his bedroom. He knew he had people coming over for the meeting so he dressed quickly and hoped he would have some time with Isabella and Jaiden before everyone showed up.
He found them in the sunroom again. Isabella sat with Jaiden on the very same bench where she had been the last time he had found her in the sunroom. Again, he rapped softly on the door jamb before entering.
“Hey,” he said softly.
Startled, she jerked her head in his direction. “Oh, hi. You surprised me.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” He sat beside her on the bench. Jaiden was awake and appeared to be staring intently at Isabella.
“It’s ok. I’m just glad you’re up and about.”
“Yup, I’m feeling one hundred percent today.” He reached over and touched Jaiden’s little hand. The mixed scent of Isabella’s peach perfume and the metallic smell of her blood wafted into his nose. It n
early drove him insane.
Suddenly, Alex wondered if he could be happy simply being friends and roommates with her. He feared it would be nearly impossible. Never, since Catherine, had he felt such intense want for a woman.
“Alex, you’re spacing out again.”
“Sorry.”
“It just worries me, especially after you were so sick and all.”
Damn it, I wish I could just tell her, he thought. He was struck hard once again with guilt; he hated the lies. “Yeah, I understand. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, for crying out loud. I just want to make sure you’re staying healthy now.” She tilted her head up toward the stars. “God, I am such a nag!”
“No, no you’re not. You’re motherly.”
“Like I just said, nag.”
“Well, I don’t think caring about people’s well-being is nagging. So, get over it,” He said teasingly.
She stared him directly in the eyes. “Alex, I just wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to be here, and also what you did for my family.”
Alex couldn’t believe she was thanking him. “Believe me, Isabella, if it wasn’t for you, it wouldn’t be possible for her to be here.” He nodded down at Jaiden. “There is absolutely no way I could do it alone.” He focused only on her eyes. “I should be thanking you.”
She sighed. “I know you couldn’t do it alone but you could have chosen someone else and I just wanted to say thank you for choosing me.”
“I am more than glad you are here.”
Her lips spread into a smile. “Really?”
“Really” he assured her.
A moment of awkward silence followed where they were looking into each other’s eyes but neither of them knew quite what to say.
A perfect moment to kiss her.
Then, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” Alex sprang to his feet. “It’s probably the council; we’re having a meeting tonight.”
Birth of Jaiden Page 13
