Chapter 354: Nothing at the Park
Meredith.
With Valmora’s reminder about vampires echoing steadily in my head, I considered my dressing, wearing only a knitted sweater, a pair of jean trousers, and minimal makeup.
Deidra had put up my hair in a neat updo, and I had chosen the simple necklace Dennis had gifted me when I passed my swimming classes, letting it rest against my collarbone.
The soft scrape of my sandals echoed faintly against the polished floor as I walked down the long hallway toward the entrance.
Just then, the familiar little voice called out to me, followed by hurried footsteps.
"My lady!"
I stopped in my steps and turned to see Xamira sprinting down the hall, her dress fluttering around her knees, her green eyes wide with hope.
She clutched my hand as soon as she reached me. "Take me with you. Please?"
Her face was so earnest I almost laughed, but I crouched instead, brushing her hair from her forehead.
"Xamira, where I’m going isn’t a place for children."
Her lips wobbled into a pout, and before I could blink, tears welled and spilt down her cheeks. My heart jolted.
I drew her into my arms immediately, stroking her hair as her little sobs shook against me.
"Shhh... no tears, hm? What if we make a deal?" I tilted her chin so she would look at me. "Tell me what you would like me to bring back for you."
Her sniffles slowed. "Ice cream. Chocolates... and a teddy bear."
I smiled, wiping her cheeks. "Consider it done."
Just then, her nanny arrived breathlessly and bowed her head. "My apologies, my lady." She gently pried Xamira from my arms.
The girl looked back at me, whispering, "Goodbye, my lady," before trailing reluctantly with her nanny.
I exhaled deeply, smoothing down my sweater, and turned back toward the heavy doors. My steps carried me outside, where four sleek cars waited, engines purring.
The window of the second car slid down, and Draven’s golden gaze caught mine. "Come in."
Despite myself, a small smile tugged at my lips. I crossed the driveway, opened the passenger door, and slipped inside. The door shut with a soft thud, cocooning me in his familiar scent.
Before I could say a word, Draven leaned in, pressing his lips against mine in a firm, brief kiss that still left me breathless. He pulled back just enough to murmur, "Why did you delay?"
I brushed my fingers along his arm, answering softly, "Xamira didn’t want me to leave without her."
Draven’s eyes softened at my answer, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward as if he already expected it.
"That little girl has you wrapped around her finger."
I scoffed lightly, leaning back against the seat. "And what about you? I’ve seen her crawl into your lap with all her dolls, and you sit there as if you are carved from stone—pretending not to enjoy it."
He chuckled under his breath, that deep sound vibrating through the quiet hum of the car. "I don’t pretend. I simply don’t give her the satisfaction of knowing she has conquered me."
I tilted my head, arching a brow at him. "So, you admit she has?"
He gave me a sidelong glance, golden eyes glinting, and didn’t answer.
Instead, his hand found mine on the seat between us, warm and steady, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a rhythm that made my heart slow.
For a moment, the world outside—the looming city, the shadow of vampires faded. It was just him and me, enclosed in this moving bubble of calm.
I squeezed his hand gently, whispering, "You always know how to distract me."
His lips curved faintly. "That’s the idea."
---
The convoy rolled smoothly along the road, but inside the car, it felt like stillness, like a pocket of quiet before the storm.
The city was loud, alive, buzzing with a rhythm I hadn’t heard in weeks. Horns blared in the distance, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and exhaust clung to the breeze.
Arriving at our destination, we stepped out of the car. I caught sight of Dennis and Jeffery emerging from the one behind us, both stretching their shoulders.
Draven’s men stayed behind, watchful from the shadows of their tinted windows.
Draven’s presence was grounding, even here, with all these humans darting about their lives as though the world wasn’t one breath away from chaos.
He spoke low, his voice steady and commanding, "First, we take a walk through the park to see if there is anything out of place."
He divided us quickly. "Dennis, Jeffery—you take the west side. Meredith and I will head east."
"See you guys later." Dennis waved at us before turning his back to us and leaving with Jeffery.
Draven’s hand slipped into mine with that natural ease that always disarmed me, and he led me forward, weaving us into the flow of people entering the park.
"Your heart," he murmured after a few steps as his eyes briefly flicked to mine. "It’s pounding. I can hear it."
Heat rushed to my cheeks, though the knot in my chest didn’t loosen. "Of course it is. We are not exactly out here to enjoy the sunshine."
He gave me that calm, infuriating half-smile. "Well, I don’t think you have to worry much with me right next to you."
I pressed my lips together while trying not to melt into his reassurance.
The park was filled with life—children running across the grass, couples walking hand in hand, vendors calling out prices for candied nuts.
Heads turned as we passed, eyes trailing us. Some were curious, others cautious, their gazes lingering too long. But I was already sued to that attention.
And their stares couldn’t compare to the weight of what we were searching for.
We circled the park twice, but nothing tugged at Draven’s senses—or mine. There was no strange movements in the shadows, no cold, sharp pulse of danger lurking nearby.
Only laughter, chatter, and the rustle of leaves stirred by the autumn breeze.
Draven finally slowed, his eyes sweeping over the green one last time before settling on me.
"There is nothing here," he said with certainty. Then his gaze softened, a rare shift. "Come. Let’s stop by the mall and get a few things."
I blinked at him. "The mall?"
"Yes," he said simply, already angling us back toward the street. "Would you like to buy something?"
I almost said no—but then I remembered Xamira, her little hands tugging on mine, her pout, and the tears that had quickly turned into demands for sweets. The memory made me smile despite myself.
"Xamira asked for chocolates, ice cream, and a teddy bear."
Draven’s lips curved faintly as he clasped my hand tighter, leading the way with his unshakable stride. "Alright, then. Let’s go to the mall."
I glanced back over my shoulder. "What about Dennis and Jeffery?"
"They can take care of themselves," he said without hesitation. "And if there’s anything, they will reach me through the mind-link."