Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT

 

Eric

 

Everybody was looking at the bride with widened eyes. I knew best than that since I couldn’t take my eyes of my mate—in a glorious sequin beaded cocktail dress with flutter sleeves, and an updo hairstyle covered with flowers. Her soft makeup that highlighted her pink, cross-bowed lips, and her stunning chestnut hair made her look like a goddess. My sexy vampire mate.

Nonetheless, Jessica looked stunning. The wedding theme was fairies and butterflies. My mom's white wedding dress had shiny, fake colorful butterflies, and tiny red roses sewed to the tulle. She and her maidens wore flowers in their hair.

My dad looked nervous in his burgundy jacket and black cotton pants, just like an elf king without the pointy ears like Jessica had described him when she saw him from afar.

It was night, and everybody in our city and nearby communities had gathered next to the throne to celebrate the king's wedding with Jessica.

The ceremony was simple. A veteran witch laced their hands together with a red ribbon, and they promised to love, respect, and treasure each other, for as long as they live. Once the rings were exchanged, they kissed, and the crowd cheered. The party ensued after.

The musicians played with happiness their instruments while the guests gathered around the several tables where food was served. Some tapped their feet to the rhythm of the music while others ate and drank.

I was seated next to dad, holding Beth's hand while she chatted with Anna, and I watched Jessica feed father as she talked to me.

We were all happy. A type of happiness that you don't want ever to end, but you know that can't last forever. By the amount some were drinking, it seemed that they didn’t want to keep their memories of that night. I did. It would be the first night that I had Beth in my bedroom, sleeping with me. Not only that, it was the day we told everybody that Jessica was here to stay, and our family was blessed with having Anna and Kevin joining us.

I wished I could frame that moment forever. Put it in a bottle and freeze the time. We could be real elves and fairies in the woods, having fun in an endless winter night. Nevertheless, time doesn’t stand still, and a day turned into a week, and it was time to fly to New York with Beth.

 

***

 

It’s been a while since I’ve come to New York. The city was still loud and a mess as I remembered, though. Still, I could notice a sparkle of excitement in Beth’s eyes for being here.

Beth was nervous since she held my hand really tight while staring outside the window of our SUV. The building brought memories to her that she shared in her mellifluous voice. She pointed at the coffee shops where she liked to have her coffee with her sister, the streets where she liked to buy clothes, the theater, they watched movies and ate popcorn.

Listening to her sharing all those memories made me happy. Her untainted memories of her sister and her. I shouldn’t feel melancholic still my mind couldn’t help picturing her carefree and unhurt. I was also worried that the memories with her sister might leave her depressed. It was clear that Beth had the old sister’s syndrome. She believed that she should protect Marie from being the youngest. George, my older brother, was like that with me. Due to what Alaric had done to mom, I became an orphan before reaching adulthood. Dad became depressed and revolted with the world. It was up to George to raise me and deal with all my tears and fears. He overprotected me, and I felt cheated when he left to live his life with his mate. I believed that he had abandoned me.

“We are almost there,” Beth said, leaning closer to the window. “I wonder how everything looks. I don’t have a key, but we have a concierge.”

“I called first to let them know we were coming.”

Beth looked at me. “It crossed my mind that they might have sold all my things for not paying rent, but we were transferring automatically and there was plenty of money in our bank account.”

I cupped her hands with mine. “Everything is going to be okay. I just need you to tell me that you aren’t going to be sad once you enter your loft and realize that it’s empty even if full of memories of you and your sister together.”

“I’m okay.”

I smiled and changed the subject. “What’s your favorite place in town?”

“SoHo, it’s beautiful. Harlem is also really special.”

Raising our hands, I placed a kiss on hers. “Do you miss living in a big city? Affinity is tiny compared to this.”

“It was fun to live here, but I rather live where you live. It’s also less crowded. Marie was the one who liked confusion and noise. She always liked to live in the big metropolis where the nights were just as agitated as the days.”

“We are leaving once we pack everything, maybe I’m being paranoid.” I sighed. “I wish I could walk around with you. Go to the Broadway and the Central Park.”

“It’s not safe. I know. Don’t stress about it. We can go somewhere else when you have free time.”

“Yes, you are right. I’m slightly more occupied with dad and mom leaving on their honeymoon to Japan.”

“Oh, Marie loved that store.”

“Let’s not talk about her anymore.”

Beth tilted her head to the right and blinked. “Why not?”

“She had you for more than two hundred years. It’s time that I know more about Beth and not your sister.”

She giggled. “Are you jealous?”

I gave her a lopsided grin. “Just a bit.”

Wrapping her arms around my neck, she kissed my lips. “You already know a good deal about me.”

“I want to know much more.”

“You will. My former home is filled with memories of me and my sister. Wanting or not, she was a fundamental part of my life. We were inseparable, so there’s no me without her.”

“I know she’s your sister, but she sounded as if she was a little spoiled.”

Beth shrugged. “We all have our flaws.”

“Not you, you are perfect.”

She caressed my hair. “I’m not perfect but I’m a lot better since I found you. You make me want to be better. Plus, I’ve never been this in love before. Dr. Kent says it’s the best time to mate because sex will be even better.”

I chuckled. “Are you teasing me now, in this car?”

“Oh no. I meant.” She bit her lower lip with slightly red cheeks. “I’m saying that we are making signs of progress and that being in love is easier for my sexual healing.”

I laughed harder. “I like that description of what we are doing at night: sexual healing.” I stroked the hair from her forehead and placed a kiss there. “You are doing fine, darling. Plus, I said I’d be patient.”

“You are and I’m happy, really happy about being here with you.”

“I’ve never been this joyful in my life either. I could spend my entire day staring at you and enumerating all that’s perfect about you.”

She averted her eyes to my chest. “Don’t be foolish.”

“I’m not foolish. I love your eyes, your nose, your lips, your smile.” I breathed. “The beauty mark on the back of your neck and the one on your right shoulder. I love how silky your hair is and how soft your skin feels when I touch it with my lips. I’m completely and utterly fascinated by you.”

Hiding her face against my chest, she hugged me, and I put my arms around her. She didn’t say anything else, and I remained silenced, content for just holding her.