Chapter 22

**Odette’s point of view: Time to meet my mate the Emperor…**

When we were the only ones left, Alex made his appearance through one of the hidden doors that was closed moments before. With his tall figure he took long strides towards us. I quickly took this time to observe Alex’s attire for today. He wore a black leather overcoat, with a black buttoned up shirt, black tights and knee length, black leather boots.

The room instantly became a few degrees warmer, when I felt Alex glancing directly at me, with a smug grin on his face; the moment he realized I was watching him!

I couldn’t suddenly look away, that would have just made my embarrassment worse, so instead I just gave him a shy, little smile. But he in return winked at me, with the grin turning in a full smile. I thought to myself, how can I stay embarrassed, whenever this gorgeous man smiles at me, with that beautiful, soft hazelnut eyes of his…

When Alex finally stood in front of us; Xavier who was silently observing everything from a distance, suddenly reappeared next to me. He first gave Alex a deep and respectful bow, then he turned in our direction and did the same with us, before silently leaving the room.

I quickly snapped out of my chain of thoughts and turned my focus back on my parents.

I could see the uncertainty and hesitation, reflecting in both my mom and dad’s eyes, when I walked up to Alex and stood by his side.

Alex glanced down at me with a soft and knowing expression in his eyes, before taking my hand in his and giving it a slight, reassuring squeeze. Then he turned his full attention back to my parents.

Alexander: “It’s an honour to finally meet you.”

Out of respect for my parent, Alex took his time and gave both my mom and dad a deep and honourable bow, before he spoke again.

Alexander: “Allow me to formally introduce myself. Odette calls me Alex, but my given name is Alexander Nikolai Vladimir, king of the vampires and emperor to all living creatures, throughout the three realms.”

Alexander: “After many centuries alone, I was finally blessed by the heavens with an immortal mate. Your wonderful daughter, Odette; was chosen to be my fated love.”

Then Alex lifted up my hand and planted a soft kiss on my knuckles, as a confirmation of our relationship.

Mom smiled softly and just stared at us with a knowing look in her eyes. My dad’s face turned very pale and his eyes quickly darted from me and then to Alex, before turning his anxious gaze back to mom.

Not even looking in his direction, mom instantly felt my dad’s anxiety and quickly grabbed hold of his hand and squeeze it tightly, before she calmly turned sideways and made eye contact with him.

Mom’s touch slowly calmed my dad down. Afterwards they both bowed their heads to Alex. Then mom looked in my direction and slightly signalled me with her head, to break the awkward silence, that befell us and start the conversation back up.

Odette: “I know this must be a shock to you, it was for me too; when he told me his true identity last night. Even tho he is the Emperor, he is also my second half and therefore part of our family now.”

With a slight blush forming on my dad’s face, he cleared his throat and stood upright again, before speaking for the first time in Alex’s presence.

Charlie: ‘I apologize for my rude behaviour, your majesty. My name is Charles but everyone calls me Charlie and this is my lovely wife Sofia. It truly is a great honour to meet you.”

With a warm smile on his face, Alex directly approached my dad; while extending his arm and firmly shaking my dad’s hand. When my dad felt the sincerity in Alex’s actions, his eyes lit up and a big smile appeared on his face, while he also shook Alex’s hand with a new-found eagerness and warmth, that engulfed his whole being.
T
hen Alex turned towards my mom and gave her a warm and welcoming embrace. With a soft smile on her lips, mom pulled Alex closer and hugged him lovingly, like a mother would do with her own son.

It filled my heart with extreme happiness to witness my parent, excepting Alex as one of us.

Alexander: “Charlie, Sofia as my new family members, you can just call me Alex from now on, as I told Odette, there is also no need for you to bow your heads at me.”

Mom and dad nodded their heads in agreement with Alex’s words, while each gave him a warm and understanding smile.

Afterwards, everyone relaxed a little and Alex took us to a cosy lounge, where we spend some time in front of a large burning fireplace. I sat next to Alex on one of the large, comfortable dark blue sofas, that were situated in front of the fireplace. Mom and dad sat down on the sofa, across from us. In the middle of the two sofas, there stood a dark, wooden side table.

A large silver tray was placed on the table, with a delicate, blue porcelain, tea pot and cups. Alongside the steaming hot tea, delicious biscuits and other small bite size snacks was served on matching blue porcelain plates.

After we settled down and warmed up a little in front of the fireplace; we ate and drank some of the delicious refreshments. Mom and dad also started to converse more easily with Alex and after a while, everyone laughed together and was making some light conversation with each other.