Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 162 Your Mother was Indeed a Witch
Lexi had the grace to look a little embarra*s*sed that her comment had been overheard and she mumbled an apology whilst she avoided eye contact with Bartholomew as he made himself comfortable in an old leather armchair that sat in front of his desk.
“No need to apologize, my dear, I’m fully aware of how people see us outside of these walls. Even more so those with Daemon blood, hmm? Our kind, especially those holding the title of Royal Elder, haven’t always made the best decisions in relation to your people, now, have they?” He smiled warmly as Lexi’s head shot up and she narrowed her eyes at him.
“How do you know that?” She questioned suspiciously, “I mean about my Daemon heritage. Have you been spying on me?!”
Bartholomew chuckled.
“My dear, even with my wolf’s heightened sense of smell being able to pinpoint your unique scent, I was present during the trial and the investigations that preceded it.” He explained with a kind smile, “I’m fully aware of your heritage and I want you to rest a*s*sured that, from me at least, there is no judgment or ill feeling towards you because of your parentage. It is not something that a child can help.”
“But you’re still a*s*suming that both of my parents have behaved in ways that you don’t approve of…” She bristled, her tone accusing as she folded her arms defensively in front of her..
“I never said that,” Bartholomew answered calmly before he was cut off again.
“You didn’t have to say it, your tone said everything. I can read between the lines well enough.” She sneered disdainfully, narrowing her eyes at him dangerously..
Bartholomew sighed and ran his hand over the top of his balding head as his forehead crinkled sadly.
“You will find that I tend to speak in generalizations when it comes to topics such as this, precisely so that no one can draw the wrong conclusions, similar to those that you have reached, with the words that I say.” He said wearily as he held Lex’s accusatory gaze.
“I am fully aware that your father is a Daemon Lord who has never moved against our realm, in fact, I believe that during the wars he was one of the lords who were instrumental in supporting our fight and suppressing the aggressors.” Bartholomew continued calmly as Lexi shifted slightly, an unpleasant look on her face as if she doubted his words.
“I am also fully aware that your mother was indeed a witch, with access to the ancient magicks through your father, yet still she chose to focus more on the healing and protection side of things rather than the wanton destruction that her kind is so renowned for.” Bartholomew smiled cryptically as he held his silence for a moment, allowing Lexi to digest his words as Ann looked between the two of them with interest.
If Bartholomew could win Lexi over, then perhaps she wouldn’t be as brash and defensive going forward. Whilst Ann understood the hyper-defensiveness had originated from her years of persecution as a child, unfortunately, she had a hard time trusting people as a whole now.
Hopefully, Bartholomew could set the example for future interactions, and at least give her cause to question her own firmly held beliefs about the nature of the Elders.
“So, what? You researched my parents and you’re telling me that despite all the years of oppression and abuse that my people have suffered, things will be different this time? I don’t have to be on my guard here?”
“My dear, how you behave here, well, that is your prerogative. I merely wanted you to be aware that we know where you come from and if anything, the Royal Elders judge not on your heritage, but on your own character.” Bartholomew answered seriously, “I also wanted you to know that your mother was a valued field medic and cared meticulously for our fallen all those years ago. She was a remarkable woman and you should be proud of your heritage.” Bartholomew explained, his voice full of warmth as Lexi’s face paled.
“Wait,” Ann interrupted suddenly with a frown on her face, “You knew both of our mothers?!”
Lexi glanced up at Ann and they shared a look before turning to stare incredulously back at where he sat. “How is that even possible?!” Lexi gasped as she leaned forward in her chair, her curiosity piqued and suddenly desperate to know more.
Bartholomew chuckled deeply.
“You asked how crusty a Senior Elder had to be…well…not quite old enough to become crusty just yet my dear. You see, I’m almost 600 years old.” He explained to gasps from both Ann and Lexi.
“HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!” Lexi repeated a little more loudly this time.
Bartholomew smiled enigmatically as he sighed lightly.
“I’m sure you’re already fully aware that your mother had lived a long and happy life, thanks to her bond with your father. Witches naturally tend to live a little longer than humans, something to do with the natural magic that ebbs and flows within them, but she was still a carefree teenager when I met her during the war. I believe that’s around the time that she met your father actually, but he would be able to tell you better than I can. As far as I’m aware, she lived at least a few centuries before they decided to have you.” Bartholomew said genially.
“It might surprise you to know though, that, my parentage is not cla*s*sed as ideal either. My mother was a Wolf shifter, and my father was… well… he was a vampire.” Bartholomew explained to the sound of a small gasp of surprise from Lexi, “I just want you to know Lexi, I know how you feel when you see us, and what you have been through as I too, have been in your shoes.