Chapter 3 A Walk in the Garden

Carlisle POV

I felt Esme come up behind me before she spoke. "Carlisle, may I speak to you for a moment?" she asked.

"Of course. If you'll excuse me, I will resume this conversation later, gentlemen and Dr. Brock.

"Oh yes, please forgive me Mrs. Cullen and I would be insulted if you do not address me as Penelope; or Penny to my friends from now on," responded Dr. Brock.

"Penny it is; and we are Carlisle and Esme," I answered. "Have a pleasurable rest of the evening."

"You too," echoed a chorus from my colleagues in the gathering.

"What is it sweetheart? Have I neglected you too long already?" I asked Esme.

"No. There are 'others' here," she answered using our code for other vampires in the area. "But they appear to be vegetarians like us also. I was wondering if you knew anything about them."

"No, I had not heard of anything like this. Perhaps we should introduce ourselves and assure them we mean no threat as a show of respect," I mused.

"How about a walk in the garden?" she suggested. "They were near the door that leads outside."

"Let's go," I said leading the way.

But before we could take a step, we were approached by two vampires not unlike us.

"Welcome friends. I would like to extend a personal invitation from my father, Alistair Lexington, to welcome you to our territory. Are you here for the convention?" The first one spoke.

He was as tall as I was with the same skin tone slightly darker. He bore the same topaz eyes as we did signaling a preference for animals instead of people. He was dressed in an expensive Versace pinstripe suit; eloquently put together. I marveled at the red waves he wore to his shoulders. He was well toned, like an athlete or a fighter; a force to reckoned with. He exuded an overbearing confidence. His smile was large but it did not reach his eyes. I took the hand he offered for a shake and was cognizant of the pressure he applied as he shook my hand; a subtle sign of aggression.

"Yes. It is a temporary stay and we mean no harm to your lifestyle; as you can see our preferences tend to be much the same." I answered so that no one but the other two vampires would hear.

"I am Victor. Victor Lexington and this is my associate Peter Harrow. Would you be available for a small gathering tomorrow evening after your seminar? I overheard you mention it to your colleges over there." he asked politely. "I am sure my father would be excited to meet someone else like us."

"We would be delighted to pay our respects to our territory hosts. I am Dr. Carlisle Cullen and this is my wife, Esme." I answered. "What would be a good time for your coven to greet us?"

"Let's say around 3 A.M. after everything has generally settled down." Victor answered. "I can send a car for you or Peter can give you directions."

"Directions will be more than fine," I insisted.

I did not want any guests at the cottage. For some reason, I was also very apprehensive toward our new friend. There seemed to be something sinister about his underlying character. He did not have my complete trust yet.

"Dr. Cullen, would you be terribly insulted if I asked your beautiful mate for a dance while you and Peter exchange information? I promise to take good care of her," Victor crooned.

I withheld the growl that threatened to pass my lips. "That would be my wife's decision as to whether she feels up to dancing or not."

"Oh, but Mrs. Cullen, Esme is it, I must insist. I cannot allow a beauty such as yourself to be merely a flower on the wall as you Americans say. Please you must honor me with a dance," he pleaded eloquently as he led her away to the dance floor.

"Well, I…I am not sure if…" Esme stammered.

"But of course you are. If I say you are a beauty, then you must believe me, you are very beautiful." Victor retorted, brooking no more argument from Esme.

"That is not what I meant at all. Esme retorted. I was referring to your request to dance. I would prefer…"

"Perhaps you would prefer to not insult your hosts, Victor sneered quietly enough only for her to hear. His expression quickly changed. "I am an exceptional dancer and I would be pleased to show you. Come let us slash up the rug."

"Dr. Cullen, please forgive my associate's boorishness. He is merely excited at the prospect of new friends that lack the potential of becoming a meal. We don't get many travelers through here and we are wary as well as excited when the opportunity presents itself to share information. Now, let me give you the directions so that you may return to your mate after their dance is complete."

After he gave me the directions, I felt a strong urge to correct something.

"Thank you, Peter. And Esme is my wife, not just my mate." I responded irritated that they refused to acknowledge our bond for some reason.

"So what happens when you two get bored with each other? Is it wise to marry one just to keep a claim on a mate?"

"Esme and I love each other, Peter. It is not a mere mating." I answered. "We have been happily married for over eighty years, so no, I did not marry her merely to stake a claim, but to enhance a bond that is unbreakable."

"Well, you have my sincerest apologies for the affront. I am most happy for your situation and can only hope that we all find something of that nature for all of us," He replied sincerely.

With that my wife and Victor returned. I was ready to leave and I sensed the same for her. I turned to our hosts and offered our goodnights; then we left. The car was waiting and we took our leave of the party. Esme was incensed. I could feel her anxiousness.

"What's wrong love? I hope the evening wasn't a total bore for you," I stated.

"No, but that Victor Lexington certainly was a bit full of himself; quite the boorish character," she snapped.

"Esme!" I gasped amusedly.

I was inwardly shocked. Never had I heard my dear sweet wife ever insult anyone. Then I became concerned.

"He wasn't inappropriate in any manner with you was he?" I asked tensely.

"No," she answered, "but his arrogance rivals that of the Volturri in his own self-assessed importance. I certainly hope his father proves to be a much better host."

"As do I, my dear," I replied, "as do I."