Brothers Obsession

Apologies

I never anticipated the storm that would follow me when I entered Luca's life. The shadows of my past, embodied by Alistair and Lucius, loomed over us, threatening to shatter the fragile peace we had built. As the night unfolded, I found myself standing before Luca, needing to unravel the web of secrets that had woven around us.

"Luca," I began, my voice wavering with the weight of guilt. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I-."

Her eyes, usually so full of warmth, now held a mixture of concern and understanding. "Seraphina, you don't have to face this alone. Tell me what happened."

I took a deep breath, my hands trembling. "That's Lucius, he found me. I didn't think either of them would. I didn't want them to. But they did."

"I'm sorry for putting you in the middle of this." I confessed. "I never wanted to involve you in my past."

She reached out and gently held my hands, a reassuring warmth in her touch. "Seraphina, you don't have to apologize. I knew there was something in your past, something you were trying to escape. I accepted you with all of it, whatever it may be."

Tears welled up in my eyes as relief washed over me. "You don't understand. If things had gone differently, if they had decided you were a threat, it could've been disastrous."

Luca's thumb brushed away a tear from my cheek. "But they didn't, and we're here. We face whatever comes together. You're not alone in this, Seraphina. We are sisters remember?"

In that moment, I realized the depth of Luca's understanding and the strength of the bond we had forged. Her acceptance and support were the anchors that steadied me in the tempest of my past. As we faced the challenges ahead, I knew one thing for certain – I was grateful for Luca's unwavering presence by my side.

"I'm guessing he's the other brother though?" She asked glancing at the window.

"Yes." I sighed. "I'll also put him in my room. I'm sure he won't accept anything else."

-

After tucking May into bed, I closed the door, hoping the soft click wouldn't disturb her fragile sleep. I had given her an apology for how Lucius acted and assured her everything was okay.

Entering my room, I found Alistair and Lucius, each occupying their own space.

"I like your room." Lucius chirped ,"The bed is a little smaller then I'm used to, but perfect for you and I. Where will Alistair sleep?"

"Where I have been this entire time. On the bed with Sera."Alistair added, breaking his silence.

"Well thanks for saving my spot but she doesn't need you anymore. Sleep outside where you belong." Lucius retorted.

"Can you stop? I'm too tired to deal with this. I'm going to bed now. Figure it out quietly." I sighed, exhausted.

The comfort of my bed was never so inviting and soft. As soon as my head hit the pillow I felt myself fade.

-

Over the next coming days Lucius got along well enough with everyone.

As I observed them I couldn't help but be amused. Lucius struggled to keep up with May's endless energy. His once regal demeanor was replaced by awkward attempts at playfulness that seemed almost endearing.

I couldn't help but smile, recognizing the irony of it all. A vampire royal once again reduced to playing games with a child and finding common ground with a commoner. The bond forming between them was unexpected, yet it bloomed like a delicate flower in the unlikeliest of gardens. That's what mattered to me most of all, if May enjoyed being around them.

After the day Lucius came and caused a scene, he apologized to her personally and she happily accepted now bringing him into her games as well.

Lucius would often glance my way though, his eyes momentarily meeting mine, as if seeing if I approved of his behavior.

May, with her infectious laughter, tugged at Lucius' hand, showing him a picture she drew of him and Alistair.

"May. This art is delightful. But be a dear, and draw one of just me and Seraphina. His presence ruins the aesthetic." He held up the picture as if he was an art critic.

"Lucius, a moment outside?" Alistair asked ignoring Lucius' comment. Lucius looked up from the picture and they both looked at each other as if having a silent conversation. He put down the picture and walked outside.

My gaze lingered on their retreating figures, and an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. This wasn't the first time Alistair and Lucius had sought privacy, and each meeting seemed to deepen the shadows of suspicion.

I watched from a distance as they stepped into the night, the door closing behind them with a soft click. My curiosity morphed into a gnawing sense of distrust. I don't know why.

The weight of uncertainty pressed down on me, and the repeated rendezvous could no longer be dismissed as mere coincidence.

When Alistair and Lucius returned, their expressions carefully composed, another unspoken exchange passed between them. My suspicions, now fueled by the shadows of secrecy, intensified. The laughter and revelry around us seemed distant, drowned out by the pulse of unanswered questions.

As the night unfolded, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was caught in a web of intrigue. Alistair and Lucius, were up to something.

"Seraphina," Luca began, glancing my way, and taking my mind off Lucius and Alistair, "the Duke has special guests arriving tomorrow, and I'll be working overnight to ensure everything runs smoothly at his mansion."

Understanding the gravity of such occasions, I nodded, already mentally preparing for the tasks that lay ahead. As Luca delved into the details of her duties, a small voice interrupted our conversation.

"Mommy?" May, stood at the doorway, clutching her favorite stuffed animal. "Can I spend the night tomorrow Olivia's house? Please, please, pretty please?"

The request wasn't that surprising, she often liked to have sleepovers, she was well liked and had many friends. I also knew their families and mothers so I trusted them.

I exchanged a glance with Luca, who offered an encouraging smile, signaling that she was okay with it also.

Considering the unexpected turn of events, I crouched down to May's eye level. "Sweetheart, of course you can. Do you need me to take you over there after school tomorrow?"

May's smile widened, "Olivia's mom said she could take me with Olivia."

"Alright, May. But promise me you'll be on your best behavior and listen to Olivia's mom, okay?" I smiled brightly at her.

May's face lit up with joy, and she threw her arms around me. "Yay! Thank you, Mommy! I promise I'll be super good!"

As I watched May dart off to pack her overnight bag, I couldn't help but smile at the unexpected blend of duties and familial requests that defined this evening.

Then I froze and my smile dropped. I would have to be alone with Lucius and Alistair.