Chapter 28
Apprehension
As I gaze into Nathanial’s eyes, I let the air escape slowly from my mouth. “Your family is amazing. They care so much for you and only want happiness for you, like they’ve found with one another. It amazes me how completely accepting they are of me, without really knowing me,” I confess.
“I’m very lucky. I do have a wonderful family, and now I have a wonderful girl as well. Nothing could ruin this. I have the perfect life.” He grins from ear to ear, showing off his perfectly straight white teeth.
Nathanial grabs us some sodas from the fridge, along with the pizza delivery menu. We head to the family room and get comfortable on the sofa again. “I’m glad we have some time alone. I think we have a lot to talk about now. I want to know everything about the woman I’m in love with, and I have some questions I’m hoping you will answer. I want to understand your past so I can better understand the present and future.” He lays out his intentions in a sweet and calming voice.
Then Alexander interrupts my thoughts. “Sophia, be careful. He’s suspicious. Florence’s memory implantation did not fully take. The picture he saw of our family...he will not let this go. I think you should tell him, but tread lightly I’ll be just outside if you need me. He does seem extremely calm and content, so I believe it’ll be okay.”
With Alexander’s warning, I begin to freak out inside. Something I just hours ago I hoped to keep from him forever is about to be revealed. How will he react? Will he be frightened by me? Repulsed? What am I going to do? How do I tell the man I love that I am a dangerous hunter that wanted to drink his blood, and that I am over a 130-years-old? Is he going to be disgusted by me?
“Calm down, Sophia! It’ll be okay.” Alexander’s calming thoughts enter my head.
“Your family is truly wonderful. I hope you know how lucky you are to have a family that cares so much,” I say, trying to avoid the inevitable and knowing full well I have said that before.
“I do. I just always worry that I can’t live up to their expectations. You also have a great family. They seem very caring, and I know I don’t know them well, but Alexander is probably one of the best friends I’ve ever had,” he confides in me.
“They are wonderful. My family is a great support system. They never judge and always help when one member makes a mistake instead of turning it into a lecture opportunity like so many other families do. Well with the exception of Danika, I tend to be a little hard on her.”
I really want to ease into this, and I can tell Nathanial doesn’t want to push me, though I can sense his growing anxiety and know that it will soon come out. I don’t want to lose him, but that is what will happen as soon as he finds out that I am nothing more than a monster. My family has just got settled here, and now we’re going to have to leave already.
Alexander speaks to me again. “Okay, seriously, sis. I told you it is going to be okay. You need to calm down, even just a little. Do you want me to come in and get you?”
Because our minds are linked, I respond back, “I can’t help it. All I can think about is losing him and what happened to Caspian when he lost Ashley.”
“That was different. She had no idea what he was, what any of us are, and she died because she didn’t know the risks. It’s better this way. Nate will be aware and can learn what to watch for.”
Alexander is right, but I can’t control my feelings. I have never been so terrified in all my years. I know it will be better if Nate knows the truth about me. It will be safer for him, and if he stays with me, at least he will be fully informed and it won’t be under false pretenses. I try to mentally prepare myself, and it helps that Alexander is nearby.
Nathanial and I look over the takeout menu and ease into the conversation, both knowing it may be uncomfortable. He pulls a knitted afghan over us and just cuddles for a while as we chat. I know this can’t last forever, so I try to prepare for whatever might come next.
Immortal Embrace Page 28