The Beta’s Regret

The car smelled nice, like lemon. I relaxed against the plush leather seats as I enjoyed the soft comfort it offered.

The dark ambience illuminated by the lights attached to the car gave it a homely feel.

Everything about the car was just like Lord Shevek–old–fashioned. The seats had a unique antique style that looked odd yet sophisticated, with wooden panels that gleamed in the soft light which shone over us.

The vintage style made me feel like I was in another era entirely; it was almost as if Lord Shevek was trying to preserve a part of a past era.

Was it just his personality, or were the other vampires like this? Old–fashioned, like walking models of perfection trapped in history.

I suddenly realized that the limousine was quiet. Across us, Lord Shevek busied himself with a magazine, his legs crossed in concentration.

My mother mindlessly scrolled through her phone, randomly watching video clips.

I heaved a deep breath and sank deeper into the chair. I felt a strong urge to stick my head out of the car and allow the passing wind to blow on my hair, but it’s not something I could do here.

My thoughts trailed back to Susie again, and I felt the irritation that gripped me earlier come back with full force, Why was Susie around Eros?

Where was Eros? He still hasn’t called me. My fingers clenched in anger.

A soft sigh escaped me, and I looked at Lord Shevek once again.

I was startled to see him looking at me, his eyes watching me with close assessment. I looked away immediately, but I still felt him watching me. It was like his gaze was trying to burn a hole through me.

“Are you alright, Eden?” He asked.

I shook my head, still refusing to look at him. I didn’t want him to see the anger in my eyes.

“You look pissed.” He said. “Did someone make you angry? Did I do something wrong?”

I gave him a quick glance, then managed a small smile. “No, nothing.” I tried to mask the pain in my voice. I knew Lord Shevek didn’t fall for that, but I was grateful he didn’t say anything. Neither did my mother.

After a few moments, he finally closed the magazine and gave me his full attention. I almost groaned; I thought he had given up.

“Are you sure you are fine?” He started. “I’m here for you if you ever want to talk about it.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine.” I whispered. “Just let it go.

He nodded.

We fell into another comfortable silence; the only sound was the gentle hum of the car as it moved along the paved way. I allowed myself to sink in deeper again as my eyelids began to close, and in a few seconds, I drifted off to sleep.

For a while, I was free of thoughts about Sussie.

“Eden, we are here!” Mom said.

I woke up to my mother who peered at me from her seat. I sat up with squinted eyes and tried to adjust to the light while my mother suddenly called me.

“We are?” I asked sleepily.

“Yes.” She said.

The car pulled to a stop, and the door opened. The driver stretched his hands to my mother and me, which we took as we got off the car one after the other.

The moment my feet hit the ground, my breath hitched in my throat.

Wow.

Wide–eyed, I turned, taking in every detail around me.

The first thing that struck me was how old the place looked; it had this Victorian feel to it. I saw it wasn’t just Lord Shevek’s personal taste. It was

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some form of culture. Probably from being around for way too long.

The buildings were made with fine stones and intricate carvings that I have only seen in movies and books. The streets were dead quiet, even though there were a few people that walked past.

I knew how much vampires loved their personal space. Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

I saw a few women dressed in long flowing gowns, their hair piled high on their heads, adorned with bonnets. Their hands were covered in gloves and looked elegant. The men were dressed very much like Lord Shevek, in tailored suits and long coats. They moved with a grace that was so unlike this world.

Unconsciously, I ran my hand over my hair, I smoothened the blonde strands that stuck out of place from my little nap in the car, and smacked my lips together after which I swiped a tongue over it as I tried to get rid of the dry, crispy feel.

I looked down at my clothes and almost cringed. I looked out of place with my black jacket, black jeans, and black boots.

I definitely wasn’t the idea of sophistication; even my mother did a far better job in her dress.

I frowned. Would they expect me to dress like them? I hope not. The thought was scarce out of my head when Lord Shevek cleared his throat, and I turned to him.

“I would love to properly introduce you to the coven, but first…” His eyes scanned my length. “You would need to go shopping and get dressed for the occasion.”

“What is wrong with what I’m wearing?” I grumbled.

Lord Shevek raised a brow. “Nothing, but…” He looked around. “There is a way we go about this here, and I wouldn’t want you to look out of place. I felt tempted to argue, but he was right.

Our first stop was a big boutique, large and expensive from the looks of the rich velvet curtains that hung over the clear glass windows.

When we stepped in, a small bell rang to announce our presence. At first, it didn’t look like there was anyone in it; then a woman filtered out of the shadows.

“welcome.” She smiled, her voice smooth. “Lord Shevek. It’s a pleasure to see you here. What brings you this way?”

“I would like Eden to try out some clothes.” He said.

“Very well.” The lady said and gave me a full look. “My name is Magdalene.” She came to my side and wrapped her hands in mine as she pulled me

away.

In minutes, I was standing in front of a mirror; a corset was fastening around my waist. Miss Magdalena pulled at the strings while tightening them. I gasped; it was way too tight. My waist shrank to twice the normal size.

“There, you are all done.” Magdalena said with a wide grin as she looked at me from the mirror. “Let’s show you to Lord Shevek, shall we?”

I forced a smile, trying not to make her see my unease.

She led me back outside, where Lord Shevek and my mother stood together.

“Eden.” My mother gasped.

I tugged at my waistline. “The dress is way too tight. I can hardly breathe. It feels ridiculous.”

Lord Shevek smiled, his eyes beamed with a sense of pride he couldn’t hide.

“Not at all; you look like a princess. My princess.” He said it wistfully.

I almost rolled my eyes at the look in his eyes. It was very similar to how a father looks at their 6–year–old daughters in a pink tutu and tiara.

I groaned. There was no way he would let me get changed.