RIVER VALLEYS PAST

Chapter 2

"Don't you look handsome" Victoria smiled, pulling her son's cheek. He groaned, slamming her hand away from his burning checks. It wasn't burning from embarrassment, are being fluttered. It was burning from the many check pulls he's gotten since he got here.

"Mother, we've been over this" Elijah whined, backing away from his mother's out stretched hands. Ignoring her pouting lips and pleading eyes. It was very rare he saw his mother. With everything that was happening back home, he needed to get away from the stress of thinking what if, and live in the moment. Even now, knowing that he has a mate wasn't helping the situation. He had let her get away, but it was probably for the best.

He's never seen himself worthy of having a mate. Finding Rebecca, was hard on him, and letting her go didn't help either. But it felt like the right thing to do. Now he had to live with his decision whether he liked it are not.

"Don't be such a baby" she said, tucking a strand of her dark curls behind her ears. Twisting the cap of her lipgloss, gently dabbing her lips and puckering. "Besides, I want to make sure my young man is the best looking groomsman out there, who knows maybe you'll find your mate and finally give me some grand babies" she gushed, dropping her lipgloss in her clutch, clipping it closed before turning to face him.

The word 'mate' left like a stab in the chest. As if someone was digging into his stomach, turning it slowly and painfully. He shrugged, turning away from the vanity that had him on full display showing off his well tailored red and white suit.

"Mother can you not bring that up today, of all days" he asked, resting his hands on the small of her back, leading her out the door. The cream and gold hallway was empty, their footsteps echoing throughout the hall, as their heels clicked against the marble tiles leading to the elevator.

"I know you hate when I bring it up, but a mother always worry about her child's love life" she said in a defensive motherly tone, lifting her hands in surrender. His fingers pushing against the down button. Watching patiently as the elevator number whined down.

"Not something you should worry about, everything will fall into place eventually" he tried to convince her. The elevator dinged, slowly opening to reveal a small human child stand by a lady with pride visible in her gaze. The mother was so indulged in their conversation, that she hadn't realized the moment Elijah and his mother entered the enclosed box.

"Mommy, why are those people so white" the little girl asked, gesturing towards Elijah who was fixing to cufflinks on his suit. His gaze finding that of the small child tugging on her mother's elbow length sleeve.

"Bethany, that's not nice" he mother scolded, turning up to meet the gaze of Elijah fixated on her, her cheeks redden at the sight of his unearthly appearance. "I'm sorry about my daughter, she's as blunt as they make them" the lady joked, trying to lighten the mood. Elijah's stone cold expression didn't make it any easier for the poor lady. Something about her aura was weird. But as quick as the feeling came, he brushed it off.

"It's okay sweetie, I don't mind, my pale beauty is what keeps me looking young" Victoria smiled, gazing down at the small child. "And you my dare, you are too cute for words" tapping the nose of the small child causing her to giggle showing off her missing tooth. "Seeing kids makes me want more" Victoria pouts, turning to face her eldest son.

"I think you have enough" he shrugged, turning away from the lady who had held his gaze the moment it met.

"You too seem like an amazing couple" the lady said. Her gaze falling to her feet, snapping upwards soon after to meet her gaze in surprise as Victoria laughed.

"We're not a couple" Elijah stated bluntly, as the elevator dinged open revealing the luxurious lobby filled with occupants. It was a regular Tuesday in the hamptons, Elijah's worse day of the week whenever he visits the human towns.

"I know I look young but please" Victoria gushed, cupping her cheeks as Elijah rest his hand on the small of her back walking with her out of the elevator that was being filled with teenage girls oggling at Elijah as they brush past him.

"Oh, I'm sorry" the lady shrugged, turning her head away from them, leading her daughter out of the elevator. "It was great meeting you" she said, her daughter pulling from her grasp. Her tiny feet padding against the marble. Elijah's eyes widen as he tinny arms wrap around his legs.

"Bye mister" the child grinned, gazing up at him with a toothless smile. Something about her smile warmed his heart. Raffling her brunette curls, she chuckle. Releasing her hold on his leg, rushing into her mother's open arm.

"Bye cutie" Victoria smiled, waving as they went their separate ways. "Adorable creatures aren't they" she smiled, the cool breeze caressing her fragile skin as the hotel doors close behind them. Leaving them on the streets of New York.

"I think of them as odd" Elijah said bluntly, helping his mother into the black range rover waiting for them. Once she was settled in, he slid in after her closing the door.

"You think everyone is odd" she said, flipping him off. Slowly turning to face him as the car took off. "So, that girl was pretty into you, too bad she thought we were dating" she said, flipping her curls over her petite shoulder. "It's a curse to look this beautiful at my age" she gushed, cupping her cheeks blushing at her own comment.

"Oh brother" Elijah groaned in a low tone, rolling his eyes. He knew his mother very well. She was one of the many who worried about her looks and appearance when it came to being around others. She'd dress in fancy clothes and jewelry to show the world her natural beauty.