This goddamn three-piece suit is driving me insane. Like, really insane.
I swear, it's getting on my nerves a little too much. The vest feels stuffy, and the collar is so tight it feels like someone's trying to strangle me. Thank God, I somehow managed to escape the tie; no puppy eyes are going to make me wear one! Not even over my dead body!
Even when Miria dragged me to events in the past, I never had to wear such over-the-top clothing. To be fair, I suspect it was thanks to her cheapskate nature. My stepmother just didn't want to spend money on me, but my husband isn't like her. No, he has to be the exact opposite.
Yesterday, Mister was quick to bring out the credit card when we were out shopping and just as quick to disregard the price of a three-piece suit from a renowned brand.
…He could have put that money on the kids instead! Come on!
"Dad! You look so awesome!" Ellena squeaks, and I lower my eyes to meet hers, snapped out of my thoughts.
There're stars in her gaze, like she's meeting her idol or something, and I sure as hell don't know how to respond to a kid's adoration.
"Don't you think your uncle looks awesome, too?"
James leans against me, propping himself up on my shoulder. I feel my mouth twitch, but I'm not going to complain when his timely intervention has saved me from replying to Ellena. Her attention diverted, she forgets about me and fangirls about her uncle instead. He's too pretty for words, apparently.
"I gotta say," I wince at Eve's teasing voice, "my daughter knows what she's talking about. You three look absolutely gorgeous."
She gives us a thumbs up with her free hand, the other busy holding onto a sleepy Elois. He had been throwing tantrum after tantrum these past few hours, making his displeasure known.
The boy isn't exactly happy with the idea of me leaving the house without him, continuously asking what if I don't come back this time, too.
I've been wondering when the kids would make a fuss about me coming home a day later than planned. Now, I guess I know.
"Are you sure you will be alright, though? I could come with you, if needs be."
Well, looks like their mother is just as worried.
Girl, I'm not some porcelain doll, and you know your ex-bed partner is a patriarch. With him by my side, I doubt any vampire will be able to lay their hands on me and still have their heads attached to their necks the next instant.
Jordan has shown time and time again how protective he can be. I'd be more worried about the vampire clan than me if you asked me, but oh well.
"It's not necessary. I'd rather you stay at home and take care of the kids, just in case."
Just in case? I frown at my husband's wording, but decide not to bring it up. James doesn't say anything, either, although I still feel him stiffen on my shoulder.
So, there might be some more traitors left. Gotcha.
When we come back, I'll have to take note of people's eyes. If another dimwit has thrown their loyalty in the trash and pledged it to a vampire instead, I'll find them. I haven't noticed any for now, but I also wasn't in the mind to go around the house, scrutinizing people's eyes, not when Jordan was bedridden.
My bad, I know.
"Anyway, let's get going, or we're going to be late."
And that wouldn't do, right? Before leaving, though, I've got to give Ellena her hug, or she's going to burst out crying.
"Be kind to your mom, ok?"
She nods, her tiny fists gripping at my coat. It's a brand new one that goes well with the suit Jordan has bought. Yeah, the guy had fun furnishing my closet a bit more yesterday, but whatever.
"You have to let him go, sweetie."
Ellena jolts at her mother's reminder, and she lets go of me with a cute pout pursing her lips. Then, she latches onto James, and the vampire, too, has to pacify her before she lets go. The only one who doesn't have to is Jordan.
With a wave of her hand, Eve closes the door behind us. We make our way to the car, where Todd is waiting. He's the designated chauffeur, like always.
"It went relatively well! I didn't think Ellena would allow us to leave."
"Yeah, me neither."
I have to agree with James on that one as I climb into the backseat. The vampire takes the other side, while Jordan sits in the passenger's seat.
A moment later, Todd ignites the car.
We're halfway out of the driveway when a ding echoes.
"Isn't that your phone? Why aren't you answering?"
Your bad habits are showing up, James. Probing is like a second nature to him, and my answer is a shrug.
"It's probably just a scam message anyway."
Only four people know my phone number, and I'm sitting with three, while I doubt Eve has the time to text me when she has to tuck in her kids.
But another ding resounds, and I cock an eyebrow. The scammers are being persistent today. Well, whatever.
After the third ding, though, I finally pull out my phone from my pants pocket. What does Eve want now—
I freeze after glancing at the notifications on my screen. It's not Eve, and although it's a number and there's no name, I know right away who this is. How did Bryan get my number? I haven't contacted him yet, so how…?
"Everything's alright?"
"Yeah, of course, everything's alright."
It doesn't really matter how Bryan got my number. He ended up contacting me first, and I don't know how to react. My first instinct is to pretend I haven't seen the notifications, but then his words pop up in my mind. I feel like if I ignore him this time around, our bond will get severed for good. Scott, don't break the wonky bridge your brother has built for you.
So, I swipe open my screen and read through the text messages.
+1 (911) 912-9113 16:45
How on earth did you get invited to Sir Akerley's mansion?! No, wait, that's probably thanks to the bloodsucker who was with you last time.
I almost choke on my spit. Right. Bryan's bluntness is even more apparent in text messages. I had forgotten.
But how does he know about the dinner…? Through his job, maybe?
+1 (911) 912-9113 16:46
If possible, you shouldn't go. That's a bad idea.
No shit, Sherlock! I'd also like not to go if it were possible, but I don't have much of a choice here, do I?
+1 (911) 912-9113 16:49
If you ignore my warning and still go regardless, be careful of Sir Akerley. He's a lunatic obsessed with special blood, as much as he's obsessed with his grandson, and rumours are going around that he has found quite a rare blood recently. Apparently, a certain vampire recovered from wounds he shouldn't have, and that has piqued his curiosity. I don't think I need to say more.
A somewhat warm feeling bubbles up in my stomach. So, the big brother is worried about his little brother's safety, eh? I feel a smile stretch my lips. I hesitate a bit, then type back:
Me 16:54
Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Or more like my husband knows what he's doing, and James is also coming.
I press send. My thumbs hover over the screen for a bit.
Me 16:55
Thank you.
"Dude, you look silly with that smile on your face." Oh, shut up, James. "Who was it?"
"My brother. And it seems like there's another reason why I've been invited to tag along."
"Oh? Mind enlightening me?"
"A certain vampire has quite a big misconception about how you managed to pull through your injuries and not die. I guess I've been elevated to a premium blood sack, or something. What an honour."
Jordan doesn't say anything; he doesn't need to. I can feel his seething anger, and James quietly retreats into a corner of the backseat. Not knowing what Jordan's species is doesn't mean the vampire cannot tell the demon is hella dangerous. He's figured out that much while staying at our house.
Well, might as well light a candle for Sir Akerley.