Chapter 59: Chapter 59

Ryder’s parents lived in Chicago. They owned a penthouse in the rich part of town, and when Elena and Ryder stood in the elevator, her nervousness made a return. Part of her wanted to turn back and leave, but she couldn’t.

When they reached the penthouse, they were greeted by two vampires. Their semblance to Ryder was uncanny. Even though they were older than him, they looked youthful and didn’t have a single wrinkle on their attractive faces. Elena’s nervousness spiked as soon as the vampires’ attention shifted solely to her. Her soulmate’s parents studied her curiously, gazes darting from her dress to her braided hair, and lastly, to her hand that was linked with Ryder’s.

“Good evening,” Ryder said, inclining his head.

“We’ve been awaiting your arrival,” his mother smiled. She exuded a regal aura that Elena found intimidating—old vampires like her tended to be the most dangerous.

“Please come in,” Ryder’s father said. Just like his partner, he had dressed up for the occasion, wearing a silken dark blue shirt and elegant pants. They both wore matching rings, and Elena concluded that they were married. Perhaps they were soulmates, too? They seemed close.

After the door fell shut behind them, Ryder started introducing everyone. “This is Elena, my soulmate,” he said, squeezing her hand since he knew she was on edge. “My mother, Jennifer, and my father, David.”

“Nice to meet you,” Elena said. “And thank you for your invitation.”

“You look lovely, darling,” Jennifer chirped. “It’s great to see you. I have so many questions,” she began to ramble, excitement shining in her blue eyes. They were of the same shade as Ryder’s.

“Calm down, you will have more than enough time for that later,” David chuckled. “Why don’t we go to the dining room? Dinner has been served.”

“Oh, right. Thank you for the reminder, honey,” Jennifer said. Like the other vampires, she took note of the nervous heartbeats of the young witch. Ryder had warned them—he wanted them to take it slow.

Elena held Ryder’s hand snugly while they followed the two vampires through their lavishly decorated home. It was plain to see how wealthy they were—not only could they afford a penthouse with an amazing view, they also had spared no expense when furnishing it. Elena wasn’t used to this kind of environment since her own family had not been wealthy, so she was floored by her surroundings. However, she also had to admit that she preferred her current home, which was less luxurious but had a garden filled with plants. She adored nature and couldn’t imagine living cut off from it.

Jennifer and David led them into a spacious dining room with large windows on one side, overlooking Chicago. Since night had fallen, countless city lights illuminated the dark backdrop.

“Take a seat. We’ve ordered dinner from a restaurant nearby since we don’t cook any meals and never use the kitchen,” David explained with a laugh. “I hope you will like it, Elena.”

“Thank you,” she answered and sat next to Ryder, across from his parents. “That’s very kind of you.”

Dinner smelled fantastic—and like the rest of her surroundings, it seemed to have cost a fortune, so it would be a waste not to dig in… right? Ryder smiled to himself while he watched her load her plate with food. The vampires ate a little bit as well, but it was clear Ryder’s parents preferred the blood in their wine glasses. Elena held herself back from cringing once she saw them drinking the viscous liquid—and she noted that Ryder also had a glass filled with blood. Upon noticing her confused glance, he elaborated.

“I can drink any blood I want. While it doesn’t quench my thirst, it still tastes nice,” he said, a smirk growing on his lips. “But of course, it doesn’t compare to yours.”

She turned bright red when he winked at her, quickly staring at her plate. Why did he flirt with her in front of his parents, of all people?

Jennifer’s giggle made her look up. David and she exchanged an amused glance. “I hope our son is treating you well,” she said.

“He’s very kind to me and taught me many new things about vampires. I… um… like him.” Elena saw Ryder smiling from the corner of her eye, but her attention was diverted by his mother, who was ecstatic about her little confession.

“You do?” Jennifer gushed. “Aren’t you the cutest? Have you thought about marriage yet, darling? I will help you pick a dress.”

“Mother,” Ryder grumbled. “Keep yourself together.”

“What about children? When will you have children?” Jennifer asked unabashedly.

Elena froze and became as stiff as a board. She was embarrassed and about to deny the question, but Ryder was faster than her.

“Elena and I prefer to take our time. There is no need to rush things.”

Jennifer exhaled, shaking her head with a small smile. “You act too much like your father, young man,” she teased. “Well, I’m glad you two have found each other. It took long enough. What a surprise it was when Ryder called us to tell us he united with his soulmate. I couldn’t wait to meet you, Elena darling.”

“She wanted to leave Kuala Lumpur straight away,” David chuckled. “But I talked her out of it. We would have missed our friends’ wedding, and they would have been disappointed if we had ditched them.”

“Did you have a pleasant stay?” Elena asked. “I haven’t visited Kuala Lumpur before.”

“Yes, it was great,” David answered, setting his wine glass down on the table. “We went sightseeing together. There is a lot to see within and around the city. I would say the trip was worth it.”

“I can only recommend it.” Jennifer agreed. “But enough talk about us, I want to know more about you, Elena. Ryder mentioned you like flowers?” She rested her chin on her hand and studied the young woman curiously. A peculiar sparkle shone in her eyes.

Elena put down her chopsticks. “Yes, I own a little flower shop. It’s closed for the time being, though. I enjoy gardening, anything that has to do with plants. Our garden is very big, so I have enough space to grow all kinds of flowers.” She spoke with excitement in her tone, and her enthusiasm brightened her green eyes.

“You moved in with Ryder’s clan, didn’t you?” David asked.

“Yes, a few weeks ago. They were quick to accept me even though I’m not a vampire,” she explained. “I was surprised to find out that Ryder owns a piano. We’ve played together.”