Reckless Abandon - The Secrets of Avelina Chronicles 2

30: Damian

In Avelina, things were starting to wind down to a nice, quiet lull after Damian's return from Mumnfield. The elders had been informed of his decision to change the way the clan houses were represented and of his decision to punish traitors to the clans and the Master with the orb. He informed them of his decision to become involved with the human Mayor, to gain more support for vampires amongst the human community. Not everything had gone down well, but no-one questioned his right to make changes to the way their community worked. The other task he had accomplished, soon after his discussion with Kaitlin, was joining Knox in the council meeting room and interviewing the vampire recruits that Reinhart had turned.

Not one of them liked their new life. Everyone complained about not getting to compete in their swim competition, not getting to say goodbye to their family or their girlfriends. It was such a bore. Damian cut them off. He refused to listen to another word unless it answered his questions.

"All I want is a show of hands. Raise your hand if you to be a human again and return to your lives?" He asked with a weary sigh. Everyone put their hand up. Some were cheeky enough to raise both hands. And within two hours, he had administered the cure that he and Knox had concocted almost three years ago, completely reversing the vampire condition. Each innocent victim was taken into a minicab, where they were to wait for Damian, who was about to make a visit to the Mayor. He was sidetracked on his way to the black sedan that would take him separately from the college boys, by Knox, who wished to speak to him quickly before he left.

"It's very important father. About my union." He reminded him. Damian sighed and stepped away from the car so they could talk privately.

"I'm sorry, Knox. I forgot." He apologized

"That's all right. You've had a lot to think about." He accepted the apology with a smile. He didn't care that his father had forgotten about the talk they were supposed to have. He had plenty else to think about; his union was small potatoes compared to the loss of leadership and two wars on his doorstep. "I wish to take a wife. But she's human." Knox began nervously, not sure how his father was going to take the news.

Knox had only told his mother about Violet, a few moments before and her instant reaction had been panic. She had ordered him to speak to his father before he reached the car, because the news might change his decision to talk to the Mayor.

"That is no problem Knox, as long as she understands the consequences and accepts our life." Damian reasoned, only to be surprised when Knox started stammering.

"Mother warned me to speak to you before you left to meet the Mayor. The girl I love and wish to unite with... Father, it's Violet...the Mayor's daughter." Knox revealed uncertainly. As soon as his mother had explained the plan to work with the Mayor, he knew that his relationship with Violet could jeopardize everything. Damian was stunned for a moment, wondering why Knox hadn't even told him of a relationship. Never mind one with the Mayor's daughter that would very soon kill her. But, he passed it aside in hope that Knox and Violet knew what they were doing.

"I see. That does complicate things, doesn't it. But, if she's made her decision, I can't stop you. Not if you love each other." He decided that the Mayor didn't matter. Knox was his son and his happiness came before politics, especially if this girl, Violet had already made her decision. "We'll go through the union ceremony when I return. You might want to take care of things while I'm gone." Damian winked at Knox as he about turned and left through the side door, leading into the garage.

He was happy to let Knox turn Violet while he was away and claim ignorance if the Mayor complained. After all, though he sanctioned all unions, he had never stopped anyone from being together when he knew they truly loved each other. It just wasn't in him to deny love anything. Knox was so surprised that it took him a moment to register what had happened, before he rushed back upstairs to his old bedroom. Violet was nervously waiting for him, waiting to hear his fathers decision. He burst into the room with a grin and closed the door behind him, before approaching his girlfriend.