The Alpha Killed My Husband

25| Bloodocinos and Pastries

‘Welcome to Vampuza!’ A tall muscular Dracula smiles, flashing a pair of deadly fangs at me.

I grimace at him, letting his smile fade a little. He promptly covers up.

Julian. His nameplate reads.

He has to be a butler or something because he politely helps me out of the car and retreats to his rightfully designated spot without so much a snort over my dispensable rudeness.

He must be used to it. I beckon. Just like the staff of Samrajya.

I’ve been one of the most peculiar, short-tempered, and insensitive Queen because I was always pissed off. My temper has tamed to unimaginable highs in the past years.

Certainly, hardships are the best teacher.

The movement is calculated and precise as if practised a million times. An umbrella was offered, and pleasantries were exchanged.

Rudransh stands a couple of steps ahead of me with Shantanu by his side. It is a man-to-man talk of the security of the First Son with the second in command of Alpha City, Cape Comorin.

I take it as a perfect opportunity to wither in the background and explore my surroundings.

Nagini is up with binoculars around her neck in no time. We are the jury.

The tower is imperial under a gloomy sky. I have already seen this angle on magazine covers and tabloids. But what the images did not cover was the enveloping picturesque beauty.

It's all bronze, bricks, and white engravings with large window panes, no balconies, but tall trees and shades.

Covered by a wide perimeter with gardens and fountains outlining its circumference, the greenery is staggering. It’s phthalo green given the continent is devoid of sunlight.

From where we stand, I can spot a circular flower garden at the centre.

The drizzles are fussing a straight vision but I can tell they are blood roses. Elegant yet mysterious—just like vampires.

The tower is plain but aesthetic. A portentous display of ancient Vamp architectural style synthesised with modern amenities. It is difficult to adjudicate its capacity from the exteriors. It has to be gigantic to nearly hide the moon.

My leaping eyes pause at a black statue at the entrance. I am rendered speechless. My head is gyrating as the evil Vampire in rage, floating amidst dark heavy clouds with his arms spread in a furore, goggles at me. The statue is wafting too. His shoulder-length hairs are smoothly tucked, and his fangs radiate under thunderous lightning.

Absalom. Nagini gulps nervously, cowering. A whimper slips through my pursed lips.

The devil was an evil ruler around 800 BCE. His greed was perpetual. He wanted to become an emperor or emperors. Sagas of his tortures are explicit throughout the pages of history. Legend says he used to feast on virgin blood every night. To meet his eternal demand, the vampires almost subjugated the Human side.

It was the very first invasion when the rules were overlooked.

The Soul of the Universe was furious at the grave noncompliance. HE almost wiped the supernaturals out had the fairies not interjected. Still, the moronic Vampire race takes pride in the m******e. In Vampuza, Absolam is an idol.

I hurriedly intertwined my fingers with Rudransh, eyes still on the demon. It could be a dilemma but I can feel the red blood-thirsty eyes on me. If I dare peer intently, I am sure I will find him licking his lips.

You are not a virgin, Sarvayoni. I remind myself.

Thomas’s handler, the palest Dracula available on the market, looms over Shantanu and Rudransh, heedless of affable manners towards VIP guests and my apparent fear.

'Welcome to Solam Tower of Absolam!' He speaks, dragging my attention away from the scary statute to his handsome face. I nearly flinch at the name that shan’t be spoken as I take a once over of the grinning Vampire.

The skies may fall, but I won’t step into that hell. I smack him mentally as I watch him with narrowed eyes.

His uniform is identical to those of the butler who opened the door for me only there are evident differences in badges weaved on his shoulder blades and the captain's hat.

He is hot. Nagini wheezes her approval, checking the vampire out from head to toe and back.

And a blood-sucking demon?

I won’t mind him sucking some part of me. Nagini moans.

Perv. I roll my eyes at her.

Nonetheless, I cannot help but compare him with Alpha who already displayed some of his talents last night. Neither there was a trace of fear nor any lack of confidence in Rudransh’s demeanour when he chit-chats with Mr Mannerless Vampire.

On anything, Rudransh is at ease as if it’s part of his morning yoga routine to hang out with the monsters. His Alpha mode is on. It’s all about the strict business and nothing else.

The ancient history of the supernaturals has witnessed a never-ending animosity between the wolves and vampires.

They are born competitors, hungry for each other’s blood. Powerful, ruthless, cunning, and selfish, a tug of war situation over supremacy persists. From the rise of time, wolves and vampires are always against each other. They very nearly, dearly, and seriously cannot tolerate each other’s sight. However, being the superpower, they often have to share platforms and make appearances on occasions such as weddings.

I’d expected Thomas’s gaucho to be some hulk-looking Dracula with bright sparkling fangs and blood-thirsty eyes, probably in a tailcoat scurrying to get a plate and scoop. Or a grinder to have a blooduccino with eyeball servings. However, my premade convictions are challenged.

The vampire who awaits our security team and us on the tarmac is far from that. On anything, he is the opposite. He is a tall thirty-five or something Vampman in an impeccably tailored suit, a caitifly handsome face with a neatly trimmed beard, a steaming cup of tea, and a shiny pair of boots.

‘Security Chief Gabriel,’ the vampire says, extending his free hand to Shantanu who shakes it with a matching attitude.

‘Hope the flight was not troublesome.’ He asks, looking past our shoulder at an arriving car.

‘Smooth like butter minus the check-out scrutiny and night sky!’ Shantanu nods savagely.

Way to go, buddy! I am team Shantanu. Anyone in?

‘Big events bring big threats. I hope you know it all, Beta Shantanu.’ Gabriel smiles, condescending. Asshole!

‘The Mercedes is for you and your team for the duration.’ Shantanu nods curtly, leaving space for Rudransh to step up.

‘Cut it off! We have already been through it.’

Gabriel releases Shantanu’s hand to pin us under his predatory gaze. His eyes flicker between Rudransh and me.

‘Mr Shenoy, Mrs Shenoy,’ He says. His face lightens up. ‘Welcome to Vampuza. Gabriel Tampilton, First son’s officer-in-charge.’ He greets, forwarding his hands.

He gives me a tilt as he waits patiently for Rudransh to accept it who deliberately stretches moments before shaking it. I give him a nod. Behind us, an attendant unloads our luggage and carries it off in the direction of a sleek Limousine.

‘Nice to meet you, Gabriel.’

Gabriel pulls a small tablet from his jacket and pivots on his heel toward the waiting car. He is in a hurry. I stare at his back, speechless, before hastily refusing to be impressed by a grown vampire whose job is handling the first son’s schedule and sucking the blood out of tapestries, no matter how cool he is or how long and smooth his strides are.

Rudransh shakes his head a little and catches up, sliding into the back seat as Gabriel checks the mirror.

‘You aren’t coming?’ Gabriel asks, pointing at the car.

I violently nod my head and I trip-topple my way to the car as fast as the wobbly pencil heels can take me.

‘You will be staying in the guest quarters at La'rive. Tomorrow, there is an engagement ceremony in the afternoon, followed by the wedding at five. The evening will be a ball. There will be a mocktail party at Pheonix by midnight.’

‘Okay,’ Rudransh says. He very politely adds though it could have been worse and chuckles when Gabriel rolls his eyes.

'You know how Thomas is.' The security chief adds, scratching his temples.

'Oh, come on! It cannot be that bad. I thought you might have gotten used to it already since you have to arrange it every two years.' Shantanu snickers sliding into the passenger seat.

I think I am missing something here.

‘You have got a very fortunate ass there, Tanu.’ Gabriel playful punches Shantanu's shoulders. The air is easy. ‘he doesn't fall in love every other day.’ He points at Rudransh who simply shrugs it off with a wink.

‘Psht! Says a man who is already fostering three wives.’ Shantanu hoots.

‘Whatever! For now, you are coming with me to the Palace of Versailles, Alpha Shenoy. Mr Thomas wants to meet you and your bride.’

‘On Blooducino and Pastries?’ I blurt out.

The males stare at me astonished as if I have grown two heads. From my peripheral vision, I can see Rudransh gawking at me with eyes popping out of the sockets.

I wait for the Alpha to start bandishing anytime. I lower my eyes at my laps somewhat mortified.

Maybe Vachaspati was right. I don’t deserve to be taken anywhere. Minutes in a foreign land, I have already insulted the most prominent ruler of the land, made a fool of myself in front of my enemy’s sworn antagonist, and about to add some more to the list.

Hehehehe.

You guess who giggles shamelessly. It takes a minute before the silence is pierced and guffaws echo.

'What has gotten in her head nowadays? Her humour has—'

'You tell me! After the bug bite, but I love it.' Rudransh shakes his head, pecking on my cheeks lightly. He ruffles my hair a bit, making me groan in annoyance.

I clench my fist to the side so I don't end up smacking him.

'She is cuter plus sexier when she isn't fretting over her schedule or scrolling through that stupid i********: or whose dress has outshone at the Gala. It is like Moon Goddess has finally answered to my prayers. She is being surprisingly attentive. I am so in love with you, Aary. You drive me crazy.' He speaks through the chuckles, making my heart pick up speed.

'I suggest she tame it a bit. Thomas is an awful scumbag when it comes to dark jokes. He doesn't like sarcasm or insults especially by a lady.' Gabriel warns playful. I make a mental note of it.