Chapter 10: Invitation

Vincent

Alyssa landed gracefully on the sand. “Hey guys, I’m sorry I worried all,” Alyssa rubbed her arm.

I ran towards her and hugged her tight. “Never scare me like that again,” I said. “I’m so glad you’re alright,”

I wanted to hold her longer, but Izzy and Annabeth pulled me off her and embraced Alyssa. “Guys, please take it easy,” Alyssa laughed.

“Are you alright?” Izzy said softly.

“Never better,” Alyssa smiled.

“You’ve been out for almost ten hours,” Annabeth said.

“That long? I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you like that,” Alyssa said.

Alyssa’s eyes stared into mine, and she knew I was worried about her, but she smiled and nodded reassuringly, showing that she was okay.

“Move aside please,” Dr. Solus said, and Izzy and Annabeth moved. “How’s your head?” He added.

“It’s okay; the headache is gone. I’ve never felt better.,” Alyssa said, but Dr. Solus checked her head just in case. The cut on her head was completely gone.

“Strange,” Dr. Solus said as he touched her head again. Everyone stayed silent as he did his work. “Nothing seems out of the ordinary; I guess you’re in the clear,” Dr. Solus smiled. “If something happens next time, you must come to me immediately. Is that clear?”

“Understood,” Alyssa nodded. “Thank you for everything, Dr. Solus,”

“Anytime, my dear. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m way overdue for some sleep,” Dr. Solus smiled as he disappeared.

“I’m never letting you out of my sight again,” Izzy said as all laughed at her. “I’m serious!”

Soon, Alyssa’s face grew dark, and I noticed a hint of rage and anger. “What are they doing here?” Alyssa pointed at Scarlet and Preston.

“They came to assess the situation.” I air-quoted and scoffed. “I have everything handled.”

“I know you have things handled, Vincent, but don’t worry about me.” Alyssa walked past me to approach Preston and Scarlet. I was right next to her.

“Alyssa, so good to see you awake,” Preston smiled.

“So now that you have it confirmed that I’m the Gold Dragon, will you leave,” Alyssa said.

Scarlet huffed. “Our business doesn’t concern you,”

“It does when your business is about me,” Alyssa growled.

This was not the shy girl I’d come to know. She was stronger, determined, and glowing with confidence. Whatever happened while she was asleep changed her. This was something I had never seen before.

“Honestly, I don’t care what you do, but if you have something to ask me, come directly to me. Don’t fucking hide the shadows and spy on me. Excuse me, I’m heading home with my mate and friends.” Alyssa stormed off.

Holy shit, that was hot!

“Are you really going to let her talk to US like that?” Scarlet seethed.

“Well, she’s not wrong about us monitoring her.” Preston shrugged.

“And that will stop,” I ordered them. “Will I have to take this issue to a fellow elder, my father?” I threatened.

“No, Prince Vincent, contacting Elder Zayne will not be necessary. I will stop all surveillance on Alyssa.

“I owe you a favor for helping Alyssa, Preston, thank you.” I nodded.

“It’s the least I could do.” Preston said.

“I hope you won’t take this wrong, but please leave Varrfarrinn. And tell my father that I miss him when you get back.” I said.

“We’ll talk to our commander, but I don’t see a reason for us to stay,” Preston said as I nodded.

Alyssa

Vincent insisted that he drive me back to Izzy’s house against the protest of Izzy and Annabeth, but they stood down after some convincing and not adding the fact that I’m his soulmate. I took a shower, and he was satisfied that I was safe. My gold dress was filthy, and I had sand in uncomfortable places, but after that warm shower, I felt refreshed. Isabella stayed true to her word and watched me as I showered to avoid letting me out of her sight.

I looked in the mirror in my bedroom and no longer saw a broken woman; I saw someone stronger.

“Alright, I get it; you have finally accepted you are, but could you stop admiring yourself for five minutes?” Dahlia grumbled. “You’re giving me a headache,”

“That’s funny, seeing as we both share the same head,” I chuckled.

“Don’t remind me,” Dahlia said.

“So is this how it’s going to be now? Are you constantly in my head?” I asked.

“That right, honey. The Moon Goddess tethered my essence to you; I am your guide, confidant, and companion. Also, I am Astarot’s fated mate, as you are with Vincent. You and Vincent are the lucky few blessed with an inner voice,” Dahlia explained.

“Now get dressed, our friends are waiting for you, or us. I don’t waht words to use.” Dahlia said, and I laughed.

I went to the living room to meet with everyone. Isabella was beaming with happiness. “About damn time!” Izzy said, “I was about to go into your room and see if you hurt yourself again.”

“Izzy, you have to stop worrying; I’m fine.” I rolled my eyes. “Stop blaming yourself; I didn’t admit how much my head hurt. The fault is mine, and I want to apologize for ruining your night at the party.”

“Never apologize for that. We’re just glad you’re alright.” Vincent cupped my cheek. I blushed at his touch; every time I looked at him, I felt butterflies in my stomach, and I hardly knew what to say.

I’m blaming the mate bond.

“My mother wishes if you would like us for dinner tonight,” Vincent said.

“Tonight?!” I gasped.

“Tonight? Vincent, she was laying on the beach all night,” Izzy folded her arms.

“Your grasp of the obvious is inspiring; it is only a suggestion. My mother never got the chance to thank you for helping Audrey and she is going better and allowed one evening at home, and she wishes to see you,” Vincent said.

“It’s not a good idea, Vincent,” Izzy protested.

“I can speak for myself,” I huffed. “Vincent, I would love to attend dinner with your family tonight,”

“Great, I’ll pick you up around 7,” Vincent said, then he left with Jacob.

“Did I hear that correctly? Do you have a date with Vincent?” Annabeth squealed.

“It’s not a date; it’s just having dinner with his family, which are royals. Oh god, what did I agree to?” I groaned.

“Well, it’s not a good idea. I understand that Vincent is your fated mate, and no force on this earth will stop your relationship from blossoming, but you might experience another dizzy spell or something worse.” Izzy grabbed my hands.

“I’m fine, Islabella. I promise,” I said as I hugged her, then stepped back. “Please promise me that you will stop beating yourself up about t, it’s not your fault,”

Izzy took a deep breath. “Okay. Now let’s find you a dress for dinner with the royal family. Queen Rosetta is a stickler for formalities.”

Izzy took me to her room, and we tried on many dresses. I chose a long flowing black dress. I nodded at the mirror.

I walked outside with Izzy and Annabeth and waited for Vincent. Soon, a limo stopped in front of the house, and Vincent exited it. He likes to make an entrance, doesn’t he? But the moment I looked at him, he took my breath away. “You look beautiful,” Vincent said before kissing my hand.

“Thank you, and so do you,” I said as he guided me into the limo.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Annabeth shouted as the limo started moving.