Oliver started feeling nervous as they got closer to the kitchen. One thing he hates the most is being judged. He knows that people will now have an opinion about him when they find out that he's the Master's soulmate.
The staff were already taking long glances at him as he walked next to the Vampire. Nobody ever did that. Vinny Vanderwood would never allow it but surprisingly to them, he didn't look phased.
Vinny frowned, he could almost feel Oliver's nerves. It was clear by his body language that he was nervous but it made him feel strange. He looked down to see he was fidgeting and glancing everywhere.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Oliver breathed but this made the Master stop walking.
"I don't think you are."
Oliver stopped too. Now, people were definitely staring at them. Vinny was holding a conversation with a human and not tearing him to pieces with his cold glare.
"I'm just anxious. I don't know what people will think," He felt a little stupid but it was a really big thing to happen to him.
Vinny looked back at his parents who hadn't noticed they stopped. He then stepped a little closer, making his skin tingle.
"You don't need to worry."
"It's just- this is so crazy. I haven't even let it sink in yet," Oliver looked down to the vampire's shoes. They probably cost more than what he earns in six months. He watched his feet step even closer.
"If you're not ready, we don't have to tell anyone." He was worried that Oliver was going to feel a little too overwhelmed and not cope with it very well.
"I don't mind that, I'm just worried that things will change too fast."
Vinny had a moment to think. He had an overpowering feeling in his heart to do whatever it takes to make Oliver happy. He knew he should not be going back to work. He was surprised that his dad was even allowing it to happen. But with it snowing so hard, there really is a decrease of workers at the restaurant.
"Eventually, we'll have to get this out and in the open but if you're struggling to deal with the changes, you can ask anyone to find me and I'll come straight away," Vinny said and watched Oliver with his intense eyes.
His words did make his soulmate relax a little bit. It was still incredibly strange that he was talking to the master because he's now his soulmate.
"Okay."
It was nice to see the vampire being kind to someone.
Feeling happier, they both set off down the corridor. Vinny's parents had stopped and watched them, they couldn't wait to tell people about it.
When they all entered the kitchen, It was filled with staff who were rushing around, cleaning the big hall and rearranging everything back to normal. When they saw who had entered the kitchen, the chaos very quickly died down until the word spread and the kitchen grew full and quiet.
Glances were shared in Oliver's direction but they were mainly watching the Alpha. Oliver stood nervously next to Vinny. His palms were sweating and his heart was beating very fast.
"Okay, is everyone here?" Duke asked as he looked around.
"Yes Alpha," Desmond said confidently, making a few people roll their eyes.
"Good," He looked at Oliver and gave him a reassuring smile. This helped him feel a lot calmer but people noticed and were incredibly suspicious now. But even though this news is big for him, he's glad to know that he has the support of the Vanderwood family behind him. It was strange to think like that, but now, it was true.
"So, we have some very big news to share with you all," Madison beamed. Her smile was growing. The room was extremely silent as everyone listened carefully to what they had to say.
Duke couldn't hold it in any longer. As parent's, they've waited so long for this to happen to Vinny. He deserved the love and the care from a soulmate and they couldn't wait to watch their relationship grow and form into something magical.
"Vinny," He said and took a moment. "Has finally... found his soulmate."
Oliver could almost feel the surprise filling the room.
Duke then glanced at him and motioned for him to come over.
He walked around Vinny and all eyes were on him. He felt incredibly small and vulnerable at this stage. Something big in his life was about to be announced and he barely even had time to let it register in his own mind let alone everyone else's.
"Everyone, meet Oliver, Vinny's soulmate," He smiled proudly. Even Vinny's heart stumbled slightly at his words.
Oliver watched their expressions.
Shocked and surprised faces filled the room. Most of the people had no idea that Oliver was into guys, let alone the Master. Oliver was relieved to see nobody with disgusted looks or frowns. Vinny was also happy to see positive expressions. He would've lost his temper with anyone who showed clear disapproval.
"Now you all know, I must go and face the news reporters," Duke chuckled. He knew once it was out that Vinny had a male soulmate, the news would spread like wildfire. "Are we almost ready for the restaurant to open?" Duke asked and looked towards Desmond.
"U-Um, we are almost there Alpha," He said quickly and hid his frown.
"Okay we have half an hour, so get on with it everyone," He smiled before turning to Oliver. "Are you okay to get back to work?"
"I can't believe you're making him do this," Vinny muttered and crossed his arms.
"It's okay, I know that nobody can take my place, there isn't enough staff," Oliver said quietly.
Vinny sighed before braving his nerves and rested a gentle hand on his shoulder. It sent warmth straight up his arm. Oliver's heart stopped at his touch. It felt so warm and inviting.
People were watching them as they rushed around, doing their jobs. They could barely believe it.
"I'll come back just before every two hours, or... every hour," The vampire said. "And I'll be in the dining room mostly all day so if you need some time out, don't hesitate to come over." He was feeling really gloomy about leaving him, but he had to work.
"Okay, I will. Thank you... Vinny," Oliver smiled. It's still strange for him to say his actual name to his face. But he started to feel pretty heavy-hearted about leaving him too. It was so unusual for him to be feeling like that.
Before they separated, they wanted to hug but it would probably cause quite a stir for Oliver so Vinny gave him a little smile. That shocked the staff more than anything.
Oliver watched as he turned and followed his parents out of the kitchen.
As soon as the door shut behind him, people came over and immediately started congratulating him and pulling him into hugs. There was no negativity in sight.
"Wow Oliver, I literally can't believe it," One guy said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, I didn't even know the Master swung that way." A girl grinned before giving him a hug.
"Neither did I." Oliver smiled at how nice everyone was being. "It's all really weird still, so I just want to let it sink in for a bit."
"The master is so hot, I'm really jealous," A girl chuckled. "I didn't even know that you were gay!"
"So like, have you kissed?" Someone asked and Oliver shook his head in amusement. "What's he like? I bet he's such a good kisser-"
"Are you serious? I literally just found out like half an hour ago," He replied before Desmond stepped in.
"Alright, everyone, get back to work," He snapped while shooting daggers of hatred at everyone.
Vinny hovered outside the kitchen for a few extra seconds, just to make sure everyone was okay with Oliver. When he saw that everything was fine, he turned around to see his parents watching him.
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" He muttered while crossing his arms. Duke scoffed but of course, they are used to his attitude.
"Would you not like to come with us?" Madison asked.
"No," Vinny said bluntly. He didn't hesitate before turning around and walking towards the dining room. He hated talking to anyone let alone news reporters. They always try their hardest to suck up to him and impress him.
Madison turned to her husband.
"Poor Oliver," She chuckled before linking her arm with him.
"Yes, but not once has he shown that tone with him," Duke smiled as they headed towards the front door.
"He would not dare to be like that with his soulmate, especially if the bond is strong."
"He has no choice but to love him but he'll still be grumpy with everyone else."
"That's just something Oliver will have to accept. I bet he'll have our son wrapped around his little finger in no time."
They both chuckled but it would probably be true. Vinny will fall head over heels for that boy and Oliver will have all of his love right in the palm of his hands.
"Ah Charles," Duke smiled as he approached the front door.
"Duke, Madison," He smiled and bowed politely. Charles has been a butler for the Vanderwood family since he was seventeen. And now, he's seventy-eight. So because he has been working for the family for so long, he doesn't need to address them with dominant names. They consider him as a close family friend.
"How are you this morning?" Madison smiled.
"I'm very well thank you. And yourselves?" He asked.
"Very Very well," Duke smiled.
"Oh?" Charles questioned.
"Well, Vinny found his soulmate."
Charles could see the clear excitement in their faces.
"I'm so pleased for him! Who has the pleasure of falling in love with your son?"
"Well, his name is Oliver," Duke smiled.
"A He? My goodness," Charles chuckled. "Hold on a second, it's not young Oliver who works here is it?"
"It is." Madison smiled at his reaction. They just can't wait for everyone to know. Maybe they are so eager because they were so worried he wouldn't find anyone? And, it's extremely unusual and exciting to see him develop close feelings with someone.
"That's fantastic. Oliver is a lovely boy, I'm very happy for them both," Charles beamed at the news.
"I'm glad to hear it," Duke smiled before stepping closer to the door. "Right, we need to talk to these reporters outside. They are still outside aren't they?"
"Yes, and I'm sure there are more than this morning," Charles said before opening the door.