Chapter 3
Alexander focused his attention on the mosaic right across from the sitting area. The painting intrigues him because of its valiant and deep colors. The ancient dragon on the cliff of the mountain, with the world below him, was looking down like some-sort of god or protector of its land.
Jasmine and Ying Fa were examining the large aquarium. It was a wall of glass, from top to bottom that reach both side of the wall that if you look up, you feel like you're underwater. It was magical that caught the twins eyes, it was beautiful. Colorful tropical fish swam happily around their home with beautiful corals and fresh water plants around them.
Alliyah found her self captured by the beauty of the silver plated piece that was as the size of the aquarium it self. The Chinese Dynasty, from old times and beyond. The Imperial Palace with its divine city around it and the almighty dragon circled the sky as its protector. It was created from pure silver. The designer have taken 5 years to finish this piece of work, another year for the buyer to received and six months before the federal allowed it be shipped to where it is now from a proper investigation. It's a masterpiece.
Han and Marcella were sitting next to each other on the sofa with Alexander but neither of the paid much attention to the beauty around them. They both have been here before, that long ago.
It was 7:25pm when the double doors the family entered no more than 10 minutes ago opened. A tall man entered the room which Alliyah recognized as Tom. He has a friendly smile on his face as he bowed politely at her parents who stood up when he walked in.
"Dinner is almost ready, please follow me…" Tom said as he led the family out the room.
The hallway as filled with Chinese history with the bright colors of red and gold. Hand painted dragons that are almost too realistic that it might come to life. The children were captured by the artist work that they have not noticed Tom or their parents stopped walking but Alliyah have warned them with her mind before they could have bumped themselves to their parents.
They stopped before the large deep red colored with golden leaf designed double doors. Tom knocked three times before turning the knob to open it wide; he backed away from the door with a hand stretched out for the family to enter.
Han entered first with Marcella beside him, Alliyah followed with Alex holding on to her hand and the twins behind them. What caught the children's eyes was how the owner of the restaurant managed to hide such a room from the main dining hall behind that curtain they entered 10 minutes ago. It was like a different world from the outside.
Alliyah was first to noticed of a coupe standing a good few feet away from her parents. They were in the same height but the man was still a tad taller than the woman, both have black hair and dark eyes.
The woman's hair was pinned up in a bun, hold up with a pair of beautiful pins, they were dragons. Her dress was like a Chinese designed patterned but it was no traditional, instead of natural straight down Chinese dress, this one reached the floor, a gown. It matched the room's theme, red and gold with an exquisite dragon that's head rested on her shoulder to her bosom. She was beautiful and no older than 60's.
The man stood tall and valiant, he has stern and serious eyes. He was wearing a deep red tuxedo with a white shirt on the bottom. What shocked Alliyah was that he looked so much like Han but older but no more than 70's.
When Han and Marcella bowed respectfully, the children followed.
"Han, it has been a long time." The man spoke like a ruler, it made the children shiver. Alex tightens his hold on Alliyah like his life depends on it. "You didn't even bother sending us neither a letter nor a single call."
Han then glared something that the children don't usually see. "You have disowned me, remember, Father."
The children were shocked but kept it to them selves but Alex was gawking that Alliyah had to close his mouth for him with two fingers.
Alex, don't be rude. Alliyah mentally warned. I am shock as any of you are but we have to remember our manners.
How can you think of manners when our Lee Grandparents LOOKING like that? Alex protested with a good point. J and Fa bit their lower lip from laughing. I mean seriously, aren't they suppose to look old? Like Nana and Grandpa Johnson!
I know what you mean Alex but remember how people always say? Asians seem to have a better much luck on their looks even though their age are different, I mean, looks at Dad. He doesn't look 40! Alliyah also had to bit her lower lip from laughing out loud.
"I might have disowned you but it didn't mean that I …"
"I remember clearly that you didn't want me stepping into your home, never to call nor see you or Mother ever again, and that what happens after I stepped out of that house was my own, it has nothing to do with any of you anymore…" Han cut him off, he sounded cool and together that it was eerie for Alliyah to see her Father angry like that. "Cone on, Father, your not that old yet."
Ming Chung Lee sighed deeply, Alliyah decided to reach out to him. The man was tired, upset, and sadden by his sons words that he wasn't sure how to bring him back. Regrets and failure crossed his mind that Alliyah couldn't help but feel bad for him. Her attention went to the Phan Fa Lee. Her mind was full of sadness and regrets as well as her husband for disowning their youngest son. She refused to do it from the beginning but could not disobey her husband.
Alliyah shared this with her siblings.
"Son, we have many things to regret about in the past but don't we have time to mend our mistakes and forgive?" Ming asked, his eyes were now shown its regrets and sadness that Alliyah have reached over to take her Father's hand.
Han slightly turned to look at his eldest daughter, he had a stern look in his face but soften when he looked down at her. "What is it, sweetheart?"
"Dad, hatred isn't something you should feel towards your parents even if they have hurt you deeply. Why don't we give them a chance to redeem themselves for what they have done?" Alliyah smiled up to him as she spoke.
Alex took hold of his suit jacket with a grin. "Yeah, Dad, why don't we? He looks sorry enough."
Alliyah glanced over to the couple on the other side of the room, they were staring at them. Phan was looking over them, a little excited on her part for seeing her youngest son's children. Ming on the other hand was also looking but Alliyah realized that it wasn't them or her Father; he was looking at her Mother. He had a soft look in his eyes despite the stern look on his face. More regrets overwhelmed him but also acceptance.
"Hey, Mom, why don't you say something…?" Alliyah whispered to Marcella.
Marcella was taken back at her daughter's request but Han also heard it but said nothing. She wasn't sure of her self that she should say a word but she knew sooner or later, she has to. Gathering her courage, she faced the couple again and with her family behind her, she felt like she could do it.
"I know that you have never accepted the fact that your son married me but I just have a few words to say." Marcella took a deep breathe, "I don't regret any of it. Not a single moment. Han has been the best thing that ever happens to me and I love my family very much."
For the first time, Phan took a step forward; her husband looked at her in utter shock when she put a hand on his chest to stop him for speaking. Her eyes were on Marcella but it didn't show any dislike or hate, just soft and warm.
"I know you didn't regret it. I am sure that my son has been very good to you after all this years." Phan continued on as she came closer to them. "I have watched from the distance when I come to town. My son deserves happiness and that I am proud that he found his true love…"
"My only regret is that I didn't have the chance to get to know my daughter-in-law and my beautiful grand children…"
Everyone was taken back. Ming was looking at his wife with disbelief but also proud that she spoke up. Then it made him realized that his wife has been holding those words back for so many years. He walked up to stand beside her.
"I do, too regret the fact that I went over my head. I was a fool and very old tradition that I forgot the meaning of true happiness." Ming looked at Han and then Marcella, he smiled. "I am deeply sorry for what I have done. I am seeking for your forgiveness."
"We both are." Phan added.
A good minute, no one spoke a word. The adults were lost in words that all they could do was look at each other. Alliyah, Jasmine and Ying Fa couldn't do nothing more but just watched the. Alexander found the situation rather silly, he moved and stood before his Lee Grandparents.
"Hi, I'm Alexander Keith Lee. It's very nice to meet you." Alex grinned up to him, his boyish look caught Mr. and Mrs. Lee's attention, they both smiled at him.
Ming kneeled down so he was eye level with Alex, he extends his hand for a handshake, and Alex took it and shook his hand. "It is an honor to finally meet you Alexander; I am your Grandfather Lee."
"And I'm your Grandmother Lee. It is a pleasure to meet you, Alexander." Phan took Alex free hand and squeezed. "You're such a grown young man."
"I'm 10 years old this year but I'm still the smallest kid in class but I can run very fast." Alex said with his eyes shinning with excitement. "I play basketball and in the soccer team, I really like it a lot!"
"Is that so? Maybe we could play sometimes and see whose better, hmm?" Ming patted the boys head. It reminded him of Han when he was a boy, so much like him.
"You're on!" Alex grinned up to him.
"Are you really my grandparents? You don't look old enough to be called 'Grandparents'." Alex continued and eyed them both suspiciously. "You're young…"
The adults had to hold back a laugh. Jasmine and Ying Fa took hold of Alexander's collar and pulled him back to them.
"Alex, you talk too much…" Jasmine bit her tongue for her not to giggle.
"That's right, you said too much…" Ying Fa added but there was laughter in her eyes.
"But it's true! Look at them; they're not like Nana and Gramps. They don't have white hair and Gramps losing his hair! Grandfather Lee has hair and they're black, not white!" Alexander pointed out with a frown on his face looking at his sisters. "How can that be?"
Han, Marcella and Phan had to cover his mouths from laughing out loud. Ming grinned and stood straight back up looking at Alex.
"That's because my dear grandson, your Grandma Lee and I have magical powers." Ming winked at Alliyah who giggled.
Han rolled his eyes but finally smiled at his Father's antics, he looked down at his son. "Yes, your Grandpa Lee can do many things."
Alexander, as young and innocent as he is took this by heart. "Really, what else can you do?"
"Well, I can do this." Ming clapped his hand twice. The side door opened on the left side of the far end of the room where waiters in red uniforms walked in carrying trays of food. "I hope you like Chinese food."
Alexander got very excited now and went straight toward the table. Phan took both of Marcella's hand with a smile on his face.
"I know that we started on the wrong foot many years ago. As much as it was my foolish husband's mistake of disowning our son and unsupportive of your marriage together, I was happy and sad for the both of you." Phan kissed Marcella's cheeks. "Even so, it's is also my fault for not speaking out, so it is also my mistake as much as it is of my husband."
"I hope tonight, we could mend our lose ends and be a family."
Marcella was moved; she gently squeezed on Phan's hand and nodded. "Yes, I would wish that as well."
Han extend his hand toward his Father. "I was prepared of what you have done to me Father but I wasn't happy of how you reacted toward Marcella. Twenty years has passed, I am glad to see you again Father."
Ming took his son's hand with a grateful smile. "I am glad to be able to see you again, my son."
Phan looked over Marcella's shoulder and her eyes met Alliyah and the twin girls. She moved closer to them without breaking her hold on Marcella's hands.
"Darling, look at them, we have such beautiful granddaughters." Phan then let go of Marcella's hand to tuck the strand of hair behind Alliyah's hair and the other touched Jasmine's cheek. "Such lovely girls, all three of you are."
"You skin tones are like satin and cream."
"They have a Lee family skin tone. Your Great Grandmother, Sue Ling, will be so proud when she she's all of you." Ming proudly said, he looked at each girl with a gentle smile.
"My name is Alliyah Jane…" Alliyah smiled at her Grandmother.
"I'm Jasmine Kay." Jazz bowed her head a little.
"I'm Ying Fa." Fa added with a similar bow.
"We have twins in the family, how wonderful!" Phan looked at Ming with sparks in her eyes. "We never have twins before. They are the first are they not?"
"Yes, they are the first set of twins in our family darling," Ming looked at Marcella with a smile. "I believe your family's 3rd set of twins are they not?"
"Yes, they are." Marcella replied with a smile. "But they are the first who are identical."
"Oh, just wait until your Great Grandparents sees you! They'll have a ball!" Phan said excitedly.
Alexander returned just in time to hear the 'Great Grandparents' part. "We have great grandparents?"
Everyone turned to Alex who was standing just behind Phan.
"Yes, your great grandparent will arrive next week from Hong Kong." Ming answered him. "Your great grandfather Lang and great grandmother Sue."
Alex's eyes widen like a saucer and then look at his Dad, "Dad, how come you didn't tell us we have Great grandparents?"
Han looked guilty before turning to face his parents who stared at him. "What? Are what happened, I just believe that I'll never see them again so I never mentioned them!"
"With good reasons, you both know that…"
Ming shook his head. "You know how your Grandfather is like Han, or have you already forgotten?"
"And don't forget about your Grandmother Sue Ling, she won't be happy about this." Phan added.
Han looked like a bomb just went off and then guiltily looked at his children. Marcella knew about her husband Grandparents but never mentioned them her self since she only saw them once in her life. It was Han's decision wither or not to mention them to the children.
"Yes, you have great grandparents. They are only on their early 80's by now." Han said to Alex with a smile. "You'll like your Great Grandpa Land, Alex, he also like basketball."
"Really, he does?" Alex took his Grandmother's hand with a smile. "Does he play?"
"I don't think so…" Han said honestly. "His old now you know."
Ming frowned at his son. "Don't you underestimate your Grandfather son; he can still beat you in tennis!"
Phan had to cover her giggle behind her hand as her husband sent her a warning looking. Han, even though he has not seen his parents for so long, knew very well what that look meant. It hasn't changed since he was boy. He smirked at his Dad.
"You lost to him, didn't you Dad?" Han grinned. "What was the score?"
"It was a fluke! My back was hurting that day!" Ming defensively says with a deeper frown.
Phan couldn't contain her laugh, laughed out loud. "Score was 7-4 and it lasted two hours."
"Wow…" Everyone is the room stood in awe but Han laughed along with his Mother.
"Good old Gramps still can't beat, huh…" Han put a hand on Ying Fa's shoulder, "Fa here could run for his money, wouldn't you dear."
"Ying Fa is really good at tennis!" Alex pointed out looking up to Ming. "She won three championships in a row in the young adult's competition!"
Ming and Phan looked at Ying Fa who turned crimson but smiled at them.
"Oh really, is that so?" Ming smiled at her. "Who else has talents in sports?"
Marcella answered him, "Jasmine is in the volleyball and tennis as well. Alliyah prefers arts and computers but she plays basketball and tennis as well."
Phan and Ming smiled at the three of them.
"That's wonderful, wonderful indeed!" Phan said before clapping her hands once. "Why don't we sit down and begin dinner before it gets cold, hmm? We can chat while we eat. Come now, let's sit."
Phan and Marcella chatted with the girls while Ming, Han and Alex talking together. Dinner was delicious and something that the children could get use to. Alliyah have reached back to Ming and Phan like she did earlier but now it was different than before, the heavy burden in their hearts have lifted and slowly disappearing. Looking over to her Father, he was calm and content that he is now talking to his Father. Their family is finally complete, she smiled.
You know, I could get use to this… Alliyah heard Jasmine said in their mind link. I mean, they're both good people and very sweet as well.
Yeah, I can get use to this my self. Ying Fa agreed.
They're cool, Jazz, did you bring the camera? Alexander asked.
Yes, I did, after dinner, ok? Jasmine sent him a blowing kiss.
Alliyah smiled as she continued to eat, listening to her Mother and Grandmother about the latest fashion with the twins.
Yeah, I can get use to this my self. She sent warmth to her siblings, they responded by doing the same.
------
Jonathan VonClair looked down the city streets. He was in the body of an owl on the highest tower like a predator looking for its prey. Everything seems to be normal below but he knew better. One master vampire one of his minions still lurks the darkest corners of the city.
He feed early that night but the beast inside him screams for freedom that he could barely hear himself think. Tightening the leash and forcefully pushes the beast down inside, he knew that it won't take long for the beast to break free. That is unless he finds the only woman that would be with him.
He knew of her, he was could scent her in the crowd but he knew that it was not yet time. She was young, too young to be with him and too fragile for him. Even though he agreed to meet, he knew that he couldn't do more than that for now. Not until she reaches womanhood, even though everything inside him screamed to take her.
No, he will not rob her off her innocence. He will patiently wait; she needs him as much as he needs her. She was her other half, they belong together.
It has shocked him to find out that she was the one, from long ago they have meet. He did not expect such a child carries such talents nor a child awakens the beast to find his mate, she was so young. But here they are, ten years has passed, her only eighteen years of age. She is too young for him yet, too young for his claim.
It took a lot of his energy and effort not to burst into her home and forcefully take what is his but for her happiness, he must be patient. He heard that one of his people have found his lifemate as well but she was no older than sixteen, a babe to their people, but also, the girl have suffered so much that she denies him of his rights of her. He cannot imagine the pain that one of the males must have felt, the suffering they must be facing.
The owl flapped his large wings before taking off; the soft blowing winds tickled his feathers like little fingers. As he circled the downtown area, knowing very well that the master vampire was near by with his minion. The minion will move as soon as the master believes that the hunter finished scouting the area before sending his follower out.
The undead have become very clever of how they think and act. Jonathan received news that they are know traveling in pack and also have the abilities to hide their presence from the Carpathian males but they are what they are, the vampires.
What are you doing? Her voice is alluring and innocent. My family and I are having a great time.
That's wonderful, baby, Jonathan sent her a smile that reached his eyes. I am almost done with my work. I'll be meeting you as soon as I am available.
Ok, let me know when you are coming, alright? Alliyah then backed away from their link but Jonathan stayed near in the back of her mind, always protecting her from the shadows and at her side.
He landed on the roof of a convenient store and shifted back into his original form but stayed in the darkness. Everything was too quite for his own taste; the vampires are planning something for him. The vampires are being clever and smarter lately, it worries him but he knew he had to act fast before his enemies do.
The only problem is, he can't seem to sense where they are.
"This game of hide n' seeks is starting to irritate me…" Johnathan closed his eyes and focused his mind on the task of finding his enemies. They are around somewhere the vicinity, they must be hungry and craving for blood now but there was yet no sign of any attacks. The smell of blood would have alerted his senses but so far nothing yet.
"Annoying little insects…"
He turned into vapor. He rode the winds to the busy sidewalks. There was nothing unparticular strange about anything but he could feel it deep inside that something was wrong, his hunter instinct tells him other wise. Danger was near and it's about to strike.
A far away scream reached his ears. Jonathan growled and cursed under his breathe as he moved around. His unbelievable speed will have him reached his destination but he must be cautious as well for any type of trap. Then, he smells the fresh drop of blood.
He took the sky in one leap and turned into an owl. From the deepest and darkest part of the alley maze, he found the vampire. Feeding on an innocent child, she was no more than 7 years old. Jonathan scanned for the Master Vampire but couldn't sense him anywhere but he doubt that he was also far.
He dove right in to the alley maze. Sharp talons extended and with his quick reflexes, he dug deep on the vampire's neck.
The vampire screamed in pain, he stopped feeding on the child and dropped her to the dirty cold floor of the alley. He quickly turned his how body around, decaying fangs and claws. Then a moment of shock when he came face to face to the hunter of the city, he took a step back from him.
Jonathan was no fully on his tall manly figure with his fingers shaped like sharp talons, he was ready to strike again.
"You have turned your precious life into ruins the day you took a human's life away and turned your back on your people to become what you are today." Jonathan's voice held power and lethal that the vampire shook his head like a beating dog for him not to listen. "It is a shame that you have not patiently waited for you own lifemate to be born for you could have the leisure of happiness and much greater power than you are now."
This vampire was a young one, no more than a year perhaps but he is still dangerous. Jonathan watched the vampire trying to back away from him, back to his master.
"How can you talk when you, yourself hunter, do not have a lifemate of your own?" the vampire taunt him with his decaying teeth showing but he snarled at Jonathan, "Do not talk of power because you have NO idea of what it is like!"
"Being a vampire is being free from the Dubrinksky Family! Free of being their dog!" the vampire circled Jonathan. "Come join us brother. Feel the power that we could gain!"
"We do not need the Dubrinksky to run our lives no longer. Let's over throw him and rule!"
The vampire didn't see him. Jonathan made a quick move with his hand extended and went straight to the vampire's heart. Screaming in pain, the vampire drew his hands up to strike the hunter but Jonathan was too quick for him. The dark beating heart of the vampire with acid like blood dripping in his hand, the lighting soon strike from the heavens and destroyed it. The vampire fell to the ground like a solid statue but chocking for air as Jonathan walked right up to him.
"Do not speak ill of the Prince for you have no right to even say their name." Jonathan glared at the vampire. "Be gone from this world to the next evil one."
He sent the vampires remains into flames and turned into dust before turning his attention to the little girl on the ground.
She was still alive but vague that her breathing was short. Jonathan quickly left his body to examine her from the inside. He read her mind as he worked. She was taken from her bed while she slumbers by the vampire to feed. Destroying the trace of vampire from her blood stream and healing the marks in her small body, Jonathan also changed her memory.
After finishing, he returned her home without any complications. She was asleep and dreaming of a nightmare that she will soon forget by morning.
The master vampire must have run into hiding after Jonathan killed his last minion but he won't stay hidden long. There will be another night like this soon and the hunter will be there to greet him once he does.
Alliyah, I am coming your way now. He sent her a smile of reassurance and the image of him driving towards the Hotel. Is your family gathering over?
Her innocent laugher answered him. There was something about her laughter that moves his cold heart. No, I'm afraid not. We are now on my Grandparents suite on the 31st floor and my little brother discovered the large flat screen TV and video games…
Then, we shall have our time tomorrow evening. Tonight, I am afraid that I do not wish to disturb you while you are creating a bond with your new found family. Jonathan mentally touched her cheek. Do not fret, we have tomorrow night to meet.
I'm sorry about this, it just happened so suddenly but I thank you for being so understanding, Jonathan, I thank you! Alliyah smiled at him happily that it warmed every part of his body to come alive. I'll call for you once we are done here but I have a feeling it will take a while yet…
Do not worry, I do not mind, have your night of fun and I'll talk to you later this evening… Then Jonathan breaks their link. He had to be careful that his enemies won't catch any of that; he didn't want Alliyah to get involve no matter what nor put her family in danger.
Tonight, he will hunt those who feed on humans and taken their life. He will find the master vampire and destroy him for that he cannot fail. To protect, honor and to his loyalty to the Prince of his people, he shall be victorious…
---
A/N: Thank you for reading and supporting this story! Please, continue to review and let me know of what you think.