Chapter 101

Almara’s POV

Robert and I step inside the luxurious space of what I used to consider a mansion has now never felt more like home. I exhale a sigh of relief and want nothing more than to take a hot shower and curl on my bed with Grace beside me.

The only thing that would complete that cozy image is if Arthur could be here to spoon behind me. Alas, him not being here while Robert is, is the very reason I can’t go off and recuperate in the safety of my own home.

I turn to Robert who appears to already be making himself comfortable. He’s taking long strides across the foyer and goes to plop himself down on the sofa. “I suppose I will call your parents to let them know their grandchild has been born and that Arthur is in trouble.”

“Don’t mention that I’m here. I want that to be a surprise.” Robert says while kicking his feet up and crossing his arms behind his head. I nod, but his eyes are closes and I don’t think he can see me.

Elenor picks up on the second ring and before I can even finish telling her of the arrival of her granddaughter, she tells me they are on there way.

In no more than fifteen minutes, Roman and Elenor enter through the room. I hear Elenor’s voice of praise trail down the corridor before she sees us. “Oh, oh wonderful! A girl! A baby girl.”

I rise to greet them, but stand just in time to see the look of shock on their face when they see Robert.

“What is he doing here?” Roman asks, but by the harshness in his voice I’m not quite sure he truly wants an answer. Luckily, I don’t have to. Robert extends his hand to shake Roman’s, but Roman doesn’t take it.

“Very well,” Robert says and gives a deep bow instead. “Good to see you, Father.” Elenor clings to Robet’s arm, seemingly afraid of what Robert might to.

“I asked you a question.” Roman says, straightening his stance.

Oh boy this is going to get ugly. Lily says and I quickly shut her down, not needing the extra anxiety about the whole situation.

“Where’s Arthur?” Elenor piques up as if now just noticing the absence of her son. I take this at an opportunity to hopefully redirect everyone’s attention on what really matters, which is finding Arthur.

“It’s sort of a long story, but Arthur got bit by a vampire.” I offer as a sort of explanation, just ripping the band-aid off.

“Oh, dear.” Elenor moves from her husband to grip the back of the couch, her face paling.

“I think he’s going to be okay. He didn’t drink any blood.” I’ve heard before that only after drinking blood once someone is turned is what seals the deal. If Arthur didn’t give in to his temptations, there’s still hope this curse can be reversed.

“Where is he now?” Roman asks, his knuckles cracking as he makes a fists down by his side.

“We don’t know.” Robert shrugs, pulling everyone’s gaze back on him and I wish he would just stay quiet.

Roman moves quickly and grips Robert’s shirt collar in a tight first. “What did you do with him you jealous prick.” Robert snarls his lips and I quickly move up next to Roman.

“Nothing. I swear. Robert actually helped me get back here. I was being help captive at Noah’s, he’s the one who bit Arthur and for the safety of our baby, Arthur sent us away while he went into hiding to try and rid himself of this disease. That’s when Robert found me wandering my way home.” The words spill out before I have anytime to organize them and I can only hope I make some sense.

“Let him go, Roman.” Elenor says and, reluctantly, Roman listens. Roman brings his hands up to his dark hair and pulls at his scalp out of frustration.

“We have to find Noah and we have to kill him.” Roman says to no one in particular.

“Arthur already did that.” I say quietly.

“Good.” Roman answers without missing a beat. He turns his attention back to Robert. “Well, thanks for bringing our daughter in-law back to us. You can go now.” Roman narrows his eyes, “And never come back.”

Robert makes no effort to move and Roman doesn’t spare a second. He grabs Roman by the shirt again and forcefully drags him down the hall. Too stunned to do anything, Robert seems to let it happen. Elenor and I stand unsure of what to do as we hear the front door being pulled open and slammed shut.

“May I hold her?” Elenor asks, already slipping her arms around Grace.

“Uh, sure.” I say. I hand Grace off to her grandmother, feeling completely vulnerable without her in my arms.

“Now that the trash is out,” Roman says, wiping his hands clean as he reenters the room, “where were we?”

“We should get together a search party.” Elenor says, not taking her eyes off Grace. “Roman and I know some very highly-skilled wolves who can sniff anybody out.”

“I think that’s a great idea.” I stammer. “Do you mind if I invite a couple people myself? They’d want to help make sure Arthur is safe.”

“Of course.” Roman agrees. He moves to stand next to Elenor and look down at Grace. Maybe having a baby is a one-way ticket to always getting a ‘yes’ to things I want.

“Excuse me.” I say and move past Roman and Elenor, though they don’t’ seem to be mind a moment alone with their grandbaby.

I quietly slip out the front door and am surprised to still see Robert standing outside on the front porch. “Did that go as your planned?” have to admit it was both satisfying and cruel to watch Roman take one look at Robert and have his escorted outside, slamming the door in his face.

Robert let’s out a low growl to let me know he isn’t happy. It’s funny, in the past I would be much more concerned about his feelings, but right now I don’t care. All I care about is finding my husband and it seems Robert is going to add more drama than needed to that task.

“He’ll come around.” Robert says as if he’s sure of the fact. I shake my head, but don’t press any further.

“I came out to thank you again for giving me the ride home, and for seeming authentic about wanting a better relationship with your niece.”

“I didn’t do it for you, Almara.” Robert replies. Of course he didn’t. I know Robert only wanted to be close with his niece to heal whatever familial trauma wound that needs healing as well as be close with his father for his own personal peace.

“Well, we’re organizing a search a party so I think it’s probably best if you leave. People are going to show up and ask questions if they see you standing outside.”

“Then I’m staying.” Robert says and plants his feet on the ground.

“Robert, that’s not fair to Roman and Elenor.”

“Fair? You want to talk about fair?” Robert asks, his voice rising as his eyes flash with embers of anger. I regret my choice of words as soon as I say it.

“Fine.” I say, putting my hands up not wanting to deal with this right now. “All I’m saying is, I don’t think this will achieve what you want.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. I’m staying and I’m going on that search party.” Robert tells me leaving no room in his tone for argument.

I shake my head and go inside. This is going to be a disaster.