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Closing my eyes a sting in my chest throbbed. I couldn’t blame him for how I’d been raised. I understood where his guilt came from. Where his ache lived. “It’s okay,” I murmured. “I know if you could’ve come for me, you would have.” And somehow, I knew that was true.

The way he held me, like I was something sacred, something lost and finally returned, told me everything. His arms spoke a promise no words ever could: He would never let me go. And I felt the same. I didn’t want to be without him, not ever again. We both pulled back from the hug, slowly, reluctantly. After a long moment of simply soaking in each other’s presence, I realized something:

I felt lighter.

Lighter than I did after Mark left.

Knowing this part of myself, him, was filling a hole I hadn’t even realized was still so hollow. Kleitos gave my back a gentle pat before asking, “Any more questions before we head in? I did say I’d try to have you all back before noon. We should be hitting the road soon.” His voice was calm, but I could tell he was trying to keep it steady. Trying to stay in control.

I nodded, because yes, there was one more question burning inside me. “You said it took you a century to find her,” I murmured, keeping my voice low in case it was still a secret. “Does that mean… you know where she is?”

He gave me a coy smile then, that familiar spark returning to his eyes, his confidence snapping back into place like a second skin. “Now that,” he said, “is a better question... for another day. I will answer it. Just not right now.”

I deflated just a little, unable to hide the disappointment. But I didn’t press. I wouldn’t question his timing, not when he’d already given me so much. “Okay... if I can’t have that answer,” I said, eyeing him sideways, “then how old are you?”

That earned a full laugh from him, amusement lighting up every part of his face as he threw an arm around my shoulder, pulling me in as we walked back toward Arianna’s cottage. “Do you have a guess?”

I pursed my lips, thinking. “Maybe... 200?”

“I’m flattered you think I’m that young, son,” he chuckled.

“Since when is 200 years old young?” I scoffed. “Okay, fine. If that’s a spring chicken to you... 500?”

“My mother is an Original Vampire, son. Do you really think our history is only 500 years old?” he said, still grinning.

I groaned. “I’m never going to get this right. Just tell me.”

He smiled as we stepped onto the cottage porch. “I’m 3,021 years old.”

TAINTED| CHAPTER 31

Symmetry

Alexander’s POV

When we entered the cottage, Arianna had re-lit the fireplace, this time stacking double the wood from before. The fire crackled warmly, casting a golden glow across the room, where everyone looked up at us with quiet curiosity. Bomani was seated on the floor with his knees up, speaking to Valentina in hushed tones. She was perched elegantly on a delicate wooden chair, her posture relaxed but alert. Despite the natural command Bomani always seemed to exude, there was a softness to him in this moment, gentle, yet still in control. If he walked through Ash Town like this in broad daylight, no one would suspect a thing.

He rose smoothly and crossed the room toward Arianna, his hands gliding down her shoulders in what looked like an affectionate gesture. My head tilted slightly, curiosity piqued. She rolled her eyes but didn’t move away, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. As she stood, her back brushed against his bare skin. He inhaled deeply before stepping away, almost reluctantly.

If I hadn’t been paying attention, I might have missed it.

A smirk played on my lips. Is this Arianna’s mate? That very thought made me want to tease her mercilessly. But I’d need more proof before I went around blowing up her spot. Still, the idea was… oddly sweet. They stood tall and steady beside one another, united. Bomani’s larger frame towered over hers, making Arianna, for once, look small and almost fragile beneath him.

Gazing into each other’s eyes for a moment, they finally turned their attention back to me and Kleitos. Whatever softness Arianna had just shown quickly vanished as her gaze landed on me. She glided across the room, her expression hardening into something sharp and expectant. Her eyes flicked between me and my father. “Are you going to tell us anything?” she asked, her jaw tight.

“Lighten up,” I shot back without hesitation. “I’ve had one hell of a day. Can’t we get along for just ten minutes, oh mighty Arianna? Demon overlord supreme?” I added with a smirk, chuckling to myself.

The shift was immediate. The air in the room lightened as laughter bubbled out from the others. Arianna even cracked, just a little. Her shoulders rose and fell in a slow breath as she shook her head, lips twitching with the ghost of a smile. “Don’t tell me what to do in my own home,” she snapped, though there was far less bite than before. If anything, she sounded… relieved. “But I am curious,” she continued, her eyes narrowing again as they danced between Kleitos and me. “What the hell was that? I gave you your little father-and-me moment, now go ahead and explain.”

Another chuckle burst from my chest at her phrasing, and now I was the one rolling my eyes. I shook my head, trying to suppress the laughter as Kleitos placed a hand on my back, patting gently to settle me. Once I calmed, I glanced over at him, hoping he’d take the lead in explaining. His expression was soft when our eyes met, his hand falling from my back with care. He gave me a small smile and nodded, quietly encouraging me forward.

In that silent exchange, I understood, he didn’t want to reveal his past, and I wouldn’t betray that. It wasn’t anyone’s business but ours. I’d tell Valentina in private, maybe, only when time would allow it.

Walking toward her I offered my hand. Gladly taking it, she rose to meet me. Brushing my fingers along the silk at her waist as I guided her in front of me. Her back met my chest as I pulled her down with me into the chair, letting her settle in my lap like she belonged there.

The innocent gesture sent heat flooding through my chest, threatening to pull lower into my core. I let my eyes close, just for a moment, savoring the feeling. Drawing her tighter, I leaned back against the hard wood of the seat. Valentina’s scent washed over me like a wave. I had to catch myself from burying my face in the crook of her neck. As if to punish my restraint, she pressed her full weight into me, tilting her head back so it could rest on my shoulder. Her lips curved into a soft smirk as her hands found mine, pulling my arms around her waist again.

If only I could hear her thoughts…