BLOOD LEGACIES
Chapter 497: Keeping It Together

Chapter 497: Keeping It Together

"Hey mom," I said softly.

"Emma" she breathed, sounding relief from the phone.

"I’m fine Mom, don’t worry" I assured her, it seemed like everything I did always put her in constant fear.

"Okay," she sighed. "When are you coming home then?"

My silence was enough to answer, I wanted to tell her directly but at the same time, I didn’t want to break her heart.

"You’re not coming home are you?"

"I will... it’s just"

"I understand," she whispered. "It’s something I could get used to. You’re an adult now and you make your own choices. I just hope this is the right one"

"I’m sorry" I sighed heavily as I closed my eyes.

"Don’t be sorry honey, I know one day when you have a child of your own you will see just how difficult it is" she mused. "Jesus I think I’m more traumatized about mini Dace walking around than not seeing you anymore"

"Mom!" I chuckled lightly at her words before shivering as the cold wind blew directly to me. "Trust me I’ll be traumatized too, let not talk about that right now"

"Likewise" she paused but then she said. "Marriage isn’t all diamonds sweetie, there would be ups and downs, and one such as a supernatural relationship I don’t even want to account for it"

"You hate Dace," I said softly. "I don’t hate you if you do"

"Oh honey, hate is a strong word, I mean... trust me I’m more than motivated to smack him to heart content"

I laughed. She joined in too, it was a comic relief we both needed right now, everything had been so gloomy that I can’t remember when we joked about something. "But do you know what amazes me in all this?"

"What?" I questioned.

"He never left," she declared.

I gulped, taking in her words. I knew what she referenced and why. She might not be agreeable with him but she respects Dace for that. In that fleeting moment, I felt hope, hope that everything would get better.

"I just have some things I need to take care of and I promise to have all the time in the world with you" I promise. I’m doing this to keep both her and Vanessa safe. Even though Luther is a piece of shit he won’t hurt them as long as he thinks I’m working on a plan.

"I love you, sweetie"

"I love you too Mom" I ended the call, running a hand through my hair.

I made my way back into the mansion. Visible guards were patrolling around now, they weren’t there when I left which was good timing for me. The moment they spotted me they bowed.

This will be hard to get used to. I never considered myself worthy of such respect.

I offered a nervous smile, hurrying my steps to get to the door before my cheeks would explode from heating up. Shutting the door behind me I turned and yelped.

"Lioness," Dan said with a faint smile.

"Dan" I gulped, seeing him now felt like a red flag. Last I heard from Dace he was locked up with broken hands after he almost choked me to death.

He gave a bow before walking into the hallway, I kept my eyes on him until I could no longer see him. Well, he seemed to have changed compared to the last time he wanted me dead for his Alpha’s sake and hated me for being a vampire. I can’t tell if this change was a good thing. We’ll see.

In the meantime, I would just avoid crossing paths with him because he made me uncomfortable.

I walked the stairs, straight to the elevator placing my finger on the fingerprint and stepping in. The doors made a ding sound and the door slid open, I stepped out taking a look around, it didn’t seem like anyone was around yet I could strangely feel him.

I walked to the kitchen where the light came from, I stopped at the doorway peeking and found a shirtless Dace wearing just sweatpants. His choice for always going bare will be the death of me. He turned himself a drink from the decanter and I noticed his bloody knuckles.

It doesn’t smell like his blood, he must have been to the underground Ring. The sweat glistened on his bare back trailing down his tattoos, and his inky black hair dampened with it too. My pussy clenched at the sight of this masterpiece just the same way my heart sank to my stomach.

I can’t tell if I was afraid or aroused, it was hard to differentiate the two.

Slowly, I stepped fully into the kitchen, the silence hanging heavy as I approached, though I kept a careful distance. I chose to remain quiet, taking in the moment before making a move.

"I thought you left for home" his gravelly voice caused my heartbeat to beat faster. He didn’t sound angry or happy, I couldn’t tell until I saw his eyes.

"Changed my mind" I replied in a shifty tone.

He finally shifted his golden hazels to me, simply just watching me as he brought the glass to his lips, slowly, and took a sip.

"Why did you mask your scent, baby"

"Because of you," I said sternly. "I needed some air alone, away from you"

I moved closer to him, noticing the way his eyes darkened, but instead of stopping, I walked right past. Reaching for a glass, I filled it with tap water, the cool liquid soothing my perch throat.

I spun around, my breath catching as Dace was suddenly inches from me.

I took a step back, but there was nowhere left to retreat. My back pressed against the counter, and his hand came down, caging me in place.

"Is something you’re not telling me?" he asked.

Hold it together Emma, he doesn’t need to know. I took a deep breath before bringing my stern gaze to him.

"No Alexander"

I’m no better than him now, lying straight to his face. But what choice do I have? God knows what Luther will do if he finds out I told Dace everything. And Dace... he won’t hesitate. He’ll use it as a reason to wipe out every last vampire on earth. I can’t afford any reckless moves right now.

So please, Dace, don’t make this harder than it already is. I’m barely holding on as it is.