Meeting Destiny; Lachlan’s Story (Annalese and the Immortals) by Annie Buff Page B

him. Whatever it takes, I want my asshole Vampire back.” With that she hugged her friend and Sophie left. The house would be strange without her.
    Michael was a perfect baby. they all ate, slept and did their bodily functions as normal.
    The night of the naming came. The party was just as Vlad said it would be: perfect. He stayed close to both Lachlan and Annalese. He missed Sophie. When the time came, Mehmet gathered everyone.
    “Honored guests, we come tonight to bear witness to the naming of the first hybrid born in one hundred and fifty years. Created out of the love that Lachlan has for his mate, Annalese, the babe came into this world surrounded by friends and family and shall rightly be named in the same company. Annalese, name your son.”
    She stood with Lachlan, Michael in his arms. “We have chosen Michael Vladislaw Dracul Tepes as our son’s name. The crowd fell dead silent. “Michael is taken from Lachlan’s middle name, and the rest is for Vlad, Lachlan’s sire and my dearest friend.”Vlad was speechless. He had to walk outside to hide the tears he had in his eyes.
    “Vlad.” Lese went up behind him and placed her hand on his back. “Is the name okay? I should have asked. I just thought it should be a surprise.”
    He pulled her into an embrace, aware Lachlan was there, but needing the closeness of his friend. “Lese, Lachlan. I am literally speechless. I am humbled by your choice. It’s a strong name for the future prince, don’t you think? Thank you both.” Vlad released her to her mate.
    Lese spoke to Lachlan in her head. Lach, I think we should start tonight. The nanny can take care of Michael. I think Vlad needs it. I’ll go to him after everyone is gone. Give me a few minutes, then join us.
    Lachlan returned her thoughts with his own. Angel, I love ye, nobody else in the world would do what yer gonna do. Yer an amazing woman. And if me sire needs me to share me mate, I can do that, but only for him. Never for another man, ever!
    She smiled at him as they rejoined the guests. She’d worn red that night on purpose. It was Vlad’s favorite color. She thought it may help set the mood. How to seduce your mate’s sire in three easy steps , she thought, and laughed
    The crowd dispersed, and she kissed her mate. “Lachlan, I love you more than life itself. Please don’t be jealous or freak out.”
    “Aye, angel, never. Not of Vlad. I’ll take Michael and feed him. Get him settled and come find me.”
    Annalese found Vlad out on the balcony. “Hey, big guy. The party was awesome.” She took his hand, interlaced her fingers with his. He looked down for a moment, then relaxed and just enjoyed the feeling.
    “Does your mate know you’re here with me?’
    “Lachlan knows where I am. I’m exactly where I should be. Would you like to talk? We don’t have to. I can just stay here and hold you.”
    Vlad fumbled for speech. “Why? Why Annalese would you choose to be here with me over your mate and son? I don’t understand.”
    She chose her words carefully. “Well, to be honest, I love you Vlad. Not the same as I do Lachlan, but I still love you. And I think you quit loving yourself a long time ago. I want to help you. I’ll do whatever you need me to, whatever will bring you back to the Vlad I met last year.”
    “Do you know what you’re saying, Lese? Lachlan would never let you.”
    She stopped him. “Yes, Vlad, he will. We talked. He knows you need help.” She touched his chest. “Let me help you.”
    Gods-damned. She was gorgeous was all he could think. And she wore red. How she knew had to be Sophie. Vlad knew what he needed, but Lachlan would never forgive him. So instead he gathered her in his arms and held her. A few minutes later, he felt lips on his neck. Oh, dear gods. “Annalese, not a good idea.” She continued to kiss and bite him. “Ah fuck.” He grabbed the back of her hair and crushed his mouth to hers. She kissed him back ferociously. The kiss broke and his eyes