Page 40 of Dear Mr. Vampire

“To no avail. No response from my beloved son hurts me deeply.”

“I didn’t have anything to say— father.” I grabbed the wine bottle and took another long swig.

“I don’t want there to be any animosity between us. You were my last child. I hold you near and dear to my heart. One mistake shouldn’t dictate our entire future.”

“I hold no ill will. I’m whole and content. You have introduced me to the finer things in life, and I will forever be grateful.”

“I’ve called for another reason. Teresa is gone.”

“Gone?”

“Yes, vanished. Oh no, I don’t mean dead. She’s fled. I believe she is looking for you. I wanted to warn you as a courtesy.”

“Thank you. I’m not worried about her. I made it clear to her ages ago, we are over.”

“I warned you about her. You defied me.”

He seriously thought that meant something to me when it didn’t. “You did. You should come up and visit me in the spring. It’s rather cold here now at this time of year.”

“Yes, I accept your invitation. I would like that. Alexander, if I haven’t made it clear, I humbly apologize for my role in the demise of your marriage.”

“I’ve accepted your apology long ago.”Fuck you, father!“I no longer have any feelings or regard for Teresa.”

“A wise decision. Son, I will leave you to your new life in Chicago. Until we speak again.”

I waited for my father to end the call. I sat there and thought about the talk. Time healed. I picked the wrong woman to bring into my family. She was a manipulative snake. It was really my poor judge of character that caused the riff in my family. Regardless, I expected more from the man that gave me life. I was over the past, but still harbored a bit of resentment.

None of it mattered. I had a new life, new friends, and a new woman in my life. My cell phone buzzed, and it was Natasha. I answered on the second buzz.

“Yes.”

“There’s someone trying to enter the club through the side entrance. They want to speak with you.”

“Someone?”

“Yes, a young man. I told Nick not to let him inside the club. He claims to be your brother.”

“My brother.” Shit, could it be him— Harlen? “He’s supposed to be in another country. How did he track me down?”

“I don’t know. I can look into it.”

“No, I will go take care of it. Keep him away from my girl.”

“Of course, that’s why I told the guys not to let him inside the building.”

“Good thinking. Thank you.” It was good thinking. It would be a major disaster if Harlen saw me with Chanel.

“Call me if you need me.” Natasha said.

“No, no, I’ve got this. Just stay with Chanel.”

“Yes, boss.”

I was already out of my office and stalking down the hall before the call ended. I looked down at my cell and accessed the security footage that was a live feed to the side entrance near the alleyway. While in the elevator, I zoomed in and I saw him. He was standing with his arms crossed and talking to my security officer, Josh.

Harlen was strong, but Josh was like me. There was no way he could push past him. Josh was a brick wall. I reached the ground level and exited the elevator. I rounded a corner that led to the side entrance of The Castle. I stepped by my men and out into the alley. There he was, Harlen Corbin.

At first glance, he was an unassuming common man. He had long dark hair, drawn back into a ponytail with raven-colored eyes and a slender build. I instantly remembered all the damage he done in my life. What was once an unbreakable brotherly bond was now a patch of ash. He was evil. He was a backstabbing bastard, and he was someone I wanted nothing to do with.

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