Chapter 69: New Orleans

Chapter 69: New Orleans
Vincent

After our ordeal with Peter and Stephen overseas, we returned to America. I decided to make our new home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Vampires are expected here, and humans know what to expect if they come here. I am trying to get all of the hordes to agree not to hunt humans anymore. At the same time, I am trying to convince humans to donate more blood. It is wearing on me and taking away time with my family. My argument with Nelly earlier still weighs on me, too. But I can’t let her be independent just yet, not until I know all threats are gone. 

I sigh as I sit in the dimly lit, plush interior of the aged library at Blancvue Mansion, in my favorite armchair, a crystal glass filled with a rich, crimson liquid held loosely in my hand. My eyes, shadowed by the low light, were fixed on the crackling fire, deep in thought. Yet, there was another truth I'd been evading to tell my wife, one that had been gnawing at my insides for months - my feelings for Alec.

Alec entered the study and poured himself a glass. "It's time we talk, Vincent," he began, his voice low and steady. He took a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving mine. "About Nelly."

My grip tightened on my glass, a muscle in my jaw twitching. "What about her?" I asked, my voice deceptively cool.

“I know how much you love her, and how conflicted you are about keeping her inside this house,” Alec says. 

"What are you saying, Alec?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alec leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his eyes intent on me. "I'm saying that I... I care for her. In the same way you do. In a way that... terrifies me." He closed his eyes briefly, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips. "But more than that, I'm saying... I can't. Not when I know... when I see how you feel about her."

My chest ached, a mix of tenderness and longing swelling within me. "Alec... I never knew… it was to this extent."

Alec held up a hand, silencing me. "And I never expected you to. We've both had our secrets, our burdens to bear. But this... this is different." He stood, walking over to the fireplace, his back to me. "I could... I could leave. Put some distance between us, between you and Nelly. Give you both the chance to be happy."

My heart faltered at the thought. Alec was right, his love for Nelly was different, but it was no less intense, no less consuming. And the thought of losing Alec, of never having him in my life again, was unbearable. "No," I said, standing and crossing the distance between us. I placed a hand on Alec's shoulder, turning him to face me. "We'll find a way through this, Alec. Together. Nelly is special. There has to be a way for us all to stay together."

Alec's eyes searched mine, seeking the truth in my words. Finding it, he nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Together," he agreed.

Our understanding had barely begun to settle when the library door creaked open. Nelly stepped in, her eyes wide with distress. "Vincent, I… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to intrude..." Her voice trailed off as she took in their intimate stance, her gaze flicking between Alec and me.

I dropped my hand from Alec's shoulder, stepping back. "Nelly, it's not... We weren't..." I stammered, at a loss for words. I glanced at Alec, who merely shrugged, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Nelly's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with a sudden fire. "You weren't doing what, Vincent? Sharing secrets? Kissing?" She strode into the room, her heels clicking harshly on the polished floor. "Or perhaps you were discussing how to deceive me further?" She stopped in front of me, her chest heaving with emotion.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Nelly, it's not like that. Alec and I were... talked about... you." I hesitated, glancing at Alec, who gave me a small nod of encouragement. "Our feelings for you."

Nelly's eyes widened, her surprise clear. "Your... feelings?"

I reached out, cupping her cheek, my thumb stroking her soft skin. "Yes, Nelly. Ours. Alec and mine." I paused, giving her a moment to absorb my words. "We both... care for you. Deeply. You know that I love you. Alec does too, just beyond that brotherly love you both had before you were taken."

Nelly's eyes flicked to Alec, who stood watching us, his expression unreadable. She turned back to me, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion, longing, and desire. "I... I don't know what to say," she whispered.

My thumb traced her lip, a smirk playing on my lips. "Say you'll let us show you," I murmured, leaning in to capture her mouth in a searing kiss. Nelly melted into me, her hands clutching at my shirt, her body pressing against me. “I have kept secrets from you. Alec and I had been lovers when our pets failed to please us. But you…you changed it all. I need you.” I stepped closer, my hand snaking around her waist, pulling her against me. "But know this, Nelly... I won't stop. Not now. Not ever when it comes to loving you and keeping you safe."