Braden turned to Alec. "Okay, that went very well. The graveside will be very short, then we have the reception at your house. My staffers are setting everything up. There will be finger foods and drinks for the mortals. You'll just need to greet people, let them offer their condolences, and then we'll be done. How are you holding up?"
The car pulled out as it followed the hearse graveside. Alec looked blankly out the window, not seeing the stately embassies along Embassy Row. They slowly drove to the Virginia countryside for the burial. "I'm going to need to feed soon, Braden."
Braden nodded at him, noting how pale he was, which had been good to facilitate the image of Alec's mourning. "I'm aware. Just hold on until tonight, and I'll take care of it."
Alec nodded as the stream of cars pulled into the cemetery and he exited the car, watching, once again, as the casket was removed from the hearse, and carried graveside.
Shade and Kate were chauffeured by Dante, who followed behind Alec's car. As they pulled into the cemetery, everyone exited. They stood along beside Alec as the only family. Shade looked at his longtime friend and noticed his pale skin. His need to feed was evident. Shade only hoped his beast could hold out. Alec appeared more distracted than mournful, and Shade wasn’t buying the accident story. He hadn’t had time to speak with Alec privately, and wasn’t sure what he’d divulge when he did. Not that it mattered, at least not in the vampire community. A mate was considered a master’s property, and if things went south, it was a master’s prerogative to release her, or in rare circumstances, destroy her. But, regardless of the outcome, it was off limits to question a master’s treatment of his mate.
Alec stared blankly ahead as the priest said his final words over Rissa's casket and the spray of lilies was removed. They stood silent as the casket was slowly lowered into the ground. Alec stepped forward and scooped up a handful of dirt and tossed it into the grave, as Shade, Kate, Cory, Mateo, and Hyde followed suit.
Max watched the proceedings from a distance, remaining shadowed from view. He knew there would be consequences for Rissa once Alec knew the truth, and he couldn’t help but gloat at the outcome. The bitch finally got what she deserved, but he knew it was still no easy task. For a master to destroy his mate, he must destroy a part of his own soul. For the first time since the Battle of Bel Rosso, Max felt a measure of justice.
Max took note of Shade standing alongside Alec, along with his mate and a young half-breed. The half-breed looked uncomfortable and out of his element, and Max zeroed in on him, watching his every move. They all left the graveside and returned to their cars, and Max teleported out, formulating the next idea in his head.
The crowd dispersed, as they all moved back to their cars. Some of them would return home now, while others would continue on to the Canton's home in Georgetown, to shake his hand, and offer their personal condolences to the Senator, and to glean any gossip. There was the question on everyone's mind now as to whether Alec would continue his bid for the Presidency, and everyone wanted to be the first to know the answer. This was Washington D.C., after all, and politics always came first.
77
Once back at the Canton residence, the long line of guests followed Alec inside the house. Shade instructed Mateo and Hyde to keep an eye on the crowd. Alec took a stand near the door and greeted people as they came in, offering their condolences. The mourners then moved through the room, seeking out the table filled with food and fine wine for the mortals.
Shade turned to Cory. "Look after Kate for a minute. I need to get inside Alec's study and get us some Midnight. I won’t be long, just stay by her side."
Shade made his way to the empty study and found it locked. "Cazzo!"
As he spun on his heels, he bumped into Santos, who quickly unlocked the door for him. "Thanks, old man. I think Alec is in desperate need of some Midnight, and I know I sure as hell could use a drink myself."
As Shade started to fill three wine glasses, Santos interceded and told him he’d take it from here. Shade nodded and returned to Kate, kissing her on the cheek. "Santos is coming around with our drinks. How are you holding up being on your feet?"
Kate took his arm and leaned into him. “I’m okay.”
She wasn’t used to wearing heels anymore, despite the closet full of designer shoes. Around Bel Rosso, she was in sandals or boots. Santos appeared with wine for them, and they each took the offered glass, sipping discreetly as the crowd filed past them offering weak smiles to these strangers. Kate recognized many of the faces from the news, as she scanned the crowd, and then saw one face that stood out over all the others.
Jacks stood patiently in line, wearing a black dress, black hose, and black heels. The color was appropriate, but the style wasn’t. The dress was a little too tight, and a touch too revealing, and Kate huffed, thinking that was probably as discreet as Jacks ever got. She nudged Shade and nodded in Jacks’ direction as she spoke softly, "Well, look who showed up."
He looked in the direction Kate indicated and saw Jacks. He wondered where she was working now. He knew she wasn’t in the States. Jacks caught his eye when she felt him starring at her and gave him a slight smile. "She was Rissa's protector for a time, Kate. She is just paying her respects to Alec. Pay her no mind."
Kate thought to herself the visit had little if anything to do with respect.
Shade chuckled softly as he picked up on her thoughts, and watched as Jacks approached Alec.
Jacks took Alec’s hands, and offered her sincere sympathy. She’d come to let him know she was here for him, but she wasn’t the least bit sorry for the loss of that blonde bitch. Jacks never did see what he saw in her, he deserved so much more in a mate.
Alec looked up from the line of faceless people as he shook their hands, or accepted the kisses of the female mourners, some of them whispering to him, "Call me." He chuckled to himself, if these mortals only knew. Jacks approached him and offered her hand, which he gratefully accepted, locking eyes with her. He felt his mouth water, as he remembered the taste of her blood across his tongue, and his body was calling out for nourishment.
"Jacks, how very good to see you." He was well aware of the eyes on them, so he kept his greeting formal.
Jacks looked at Alec, he looked worn down, tired. She had followed the news reports of his campaign and was aware of the conflicts between him and Rissa hinted at by the papers. From her short stint at living here, she knew all was not well between them. There was already a lot of speculation in the vampire community that Rissa’s death wasn’t an accident. "Alec. I’m sorry to hear about Rissa. I came to give my support."
She could feel the sparks rise up through her arm as she shook his hand, slipping him one of her cards with her newest contact number. "If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call."
Laying her hand on his shoulder, she pressed her cheek slightly against his and hugged him gently. It was a gesture that wouldn’t draw any attention from the crowd.
Alec inhaled her scent and could feel the pulse in her neck, as she laid her head next to his. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, resisting the urge to feed. "Thank you, Jacks. Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me. Perhaps, I’ll see you soon, under better circumstances."