1. Chapter 1 - The Engagement

Chapter 1 - The Engagement

Alexei

I opened my eyes as a ray of sunlight hit my face, being a pureblood vampire I do not have issues with the sun, its warmth gently coaxing me into wakefulness. The room was bathed in a soft glow, the sunlight streaming through the blinds and casting delicate patterns on the walls. Despite the drawn blinds, the promise of a beautiful day lingered.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I realized that today was the day. The day I had been eagerly anticipating, a day that held the promise of forever. Excited and determined, I sat up and took in the quiet serenity of the room.

Turning on my side, my gaze fell upon the beautiful woman beside me. Evelyn was sleeping soundly and quietly. Strands of her hair gently framed her face, and her eyelashes rested delicately on her cheeks. There was a tranquil grace in her, an ethereal beauty that made my heart swell with affection.

The room, adorned with memories of our time together, seemed to echo with the anticipation of the question I was about to pose. The soft hum of the city beyond the window, the play of sunlight on the walls – everything aligned in harmony, creating a backdrop for the pivotal moment that awaited.

I gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Evelyn's face, careful not to disturb her peaceful repose. With a gentle kiss, I slipped out of bed, knowing her penchant for sleep would keep her nestled a bit longer. Evelyn was not a fan of mornings.

Heading to the kitchen, I contemplated the calm that had settled over our supernatural community. It was a welcome change from past tensions. A thought began to form in my mind as I sipped my coffee – a notion of unity that could solidify this newfound peace in the town.

I was occupied with scrambling eggs when I felt soft, warm hands wrap around my waist.

"I'll never understand why you get up so early. You stay up most of the night because that's when you feel strongest. Yet, you still wake up so early. How do you do it?"

A smile crept to my face when I heard Evelyn's voice. I turned slightly to meet her gaze, the morning light casting a gentle glow on her features. "Well, someone has to make sure you're not late for the day, especially when there's something important on the agenda," I teased, flipping the eggs in the pan.

Evelyn chuckled, her breath warm against my neck. "You're my personal alarm clock, then?"

"Among other things," I replied, enjoying the playful banter. "But today is special. I've been thinking about something, something that involves all of us. A way to celebrate this peace we've found."

Curiosity sparked in her eyes as she released her hold on me, allowing me to turn and face her. "What's on your mind, Alexei?"

I paused, taking a moment to appreciate how the morning light accentuated the warmth in her eyes. "I've been thinking… what if we made things official?"

Evelyn's brows furrowed into a frown. "What do you mean?"

I let out a small sigh and smiled at her confused expression. "I mean that I want you, Evelyn Williamson, to be my wife."

Evelyn's eyes widened when she finally processed what I was talking about. "Oh my goodness."

"Well, that wasn't the answer I was expecting. Do you not want to marry me, my love?"

She playfully slapped her hand on my chest. "Of course I'll marry you, silly. But it'll only be on one condition."

I frowned. "What's that?"

"You have proposed properly. I mean, I know you're not that much of a romantic, but really? You won't even do the whole ‘go-down-on-one-knee' thing?" she said with a playful frown on her face.

With a grin, I took a step closer, capturing her hand in mine. The morning light danced around us, lighting the unfolding moment warmly. "Evelyn, from the day we met, my world has been brighter. You've been my partner through laughter and challenges, and I can't imagine a future without you by my side."

As I continued, her eyes softened, and a tender smile curved on her lips. "Today, in this peaceful morning surrounded by the harmony we've built, I want to ask you something." I paused, my gaze locked with hers. "Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

Evelyn's expression shifted from playful to heartfelt, and she nodded, a hint of tears shimmering in her eyes. "Yes, Alexei. A thousand times, yes."

I slipped my hand into my pocket and brought out a small box.

A gasp escaped Evelyn's lips when I opened the box. Inside it was a small ring with an emerald stone. It was my family heirloom, and I couldn't wait to put it on her finger.

"It's gorgeous, Alexei," Evelyn said as I slipped it on her finger.

I tilted her chin up with my finger and responded, "You're gorgeous." I planted my lips on hers, and we kissed.

Evelyn suddenly pulled away from the kiss. "I just had the perfect idea for when we announce our engagement."

Still dazed by the intensity of the kiss, I responded, "That was quick."

Evelyn ignored my teasing comment and kept talking. "We could invite all supernaturals to a peace treaty at the new museum and use that to make the announcement."

"That's actually a pretty great idea," I said. "I'll ask the elders of the vampire clan what they think about it. Now, where were we?" I said, planting my lips on hers again.

***

Later that afternoon, I found myself in a dimly lit room, seated across from an elder from the vampire clan. We discussed the critical task at hand – informing the leaders of all supernatural beings about the upcoming peace treaty. The weight of the decision lingered in the air as we deliberated on the most effective way to extend the invitation.

"So, Alexei," the elder began, his gaze steady, "how do you propose we reach out to the werewolf pack? It's not like sending a simple letter will cut it, especially given their recent re-emergence into the public eye."

I leaned back in my chair, pondering the challenge before us. After hiding for decades, the werewolves had just made their presence known to the world. Because of this, they were very cautious of which events they attended.

"You're right." Then it occurred to me. "What if I visited them in person? Building trust might take more than words on paper."

The elder nodded thoughtfully. "A personal touch could indeed make a difference. But you shouldn't go alone. Take someone with you. It'd be good if we had someone with a more… friendly face talk to them too. Besides, it's a diplomatic mission, and you're the mayor. You can't go alone."

He was right. I needed to go with someone who had an approachable personality. I immediately thought of my sister, Ana. Not only was she my family, but she also had a way of connecting with different people. Especially now that she's back to being her jovial self.

"I'll bring Ana with me. Her presence might help bridge the gap."

After the meeting, I entered the cool night air and dialed Ana's number.

Ana's voice, warm and familiar, answered on the other end. "Hey, brother, what's up?"

"Ana, I need your help with something important," I began, my tone serious. I explained my conversation with the elder and the decision to invite the werewolf pack to the peace treaty.

There was a thoughtful pause before Ana responded, "I'm in, Alexei. I need to go to the Sheriff's Department first, though. Today is the day for recruits to register, and I don't want to miss it."

Recruits? What is she up to?

"Oh. You could just tell Evelyn about it. I'm sure she'll let register when she hears the plan."

"Alright then. I'll see you in an hour."

"Sure," I said before hanging up.