Blood Match

Chapter 23: Family Dinner

Leo entered the dining room with Alexi. Coming over to where Liam was standing, talking to Tristan's fiancée, he said, "Mercy, you are looking lovely as ever." He kissed her cheek.

"Leo, thank you. Welcome home, I hope we will see more of you in the coming year. Tristan has been back and forth so many times, and we are always disappointed that you don't join him," Mercy said, looking up at Tristan, who was still holding her.

"Well, I shall endeavor to correct my mistake," Leo said, smiling. "Shall we sit?" He gestured to the table. Pulling out a chair for Liam, he waited until he was seated before taking his own seat. Joseph and Kara were seated across from Liam and Leo; Liam couldn't help but notice the glances the two of them were sharing.

As everyone got comfortable, Claude appeared at the head of the table.

"Good evening, everyone. Tonight's dinner will start with an aperitivo of pan con tomate and jamón ibérico de bellota. For the vampires among us, we have a blood consommé of Iberian red deer with sherry pearls. Served with the aperitivo will be a 1982 Château Latour." As Claude was speaking, the waitstaff quietly served the table. "Buen provecho." Claude and the staff exited the room.

From behind a gorgeously crafted wooden privacy screen at the opposite end of the dining room, the sweet melodies of flamenco guitars filled the air. The music was lively and invigorating—the type that stirred one's soul. Liam felt himself being transported, fully immersed in and appreciative of the sultry, sensual music.

As everyone began to eat, the sounds of appreciation were heard around the table.

"Edward, I hope that I haven't caused you too much trouble with this impromptu Yule celebration," Leo said, looking at Tristan's father.

"Not at all, Leonidas. We were so pleased that you decided to come home—seeing the manor filled with life again makes me happy."

"It is good to have you here. When Tristan said you were coming home to celebrate Yule according to the old traditions and bringing someone special, you cannot know how happy you made me," Diana said, her eyes filled with love. "You have been alone too long, Leo; I'm glad you have found someone to share yourself with. Liam, you must tell us how you met—and spare no detail!"

Liam looked up and, after swallowing, he looked at Leo.

"It's ok, Sunshine, you better oblige them or Diana will corner you over coffee and torture you," Leo said, laughing.

"Leonidas! I wouldn't be so ruthless—I would try to persuade him first and then torture him," Diana said, smiling sweetly.

Liam started laughing, amazed at the love and camaraderie he felt at the table.

"It was about a month ago when everything changed. In the midst of a blizzard, Leo stumbled upon my gallery and saw a picture of my late husband. He was drawn in, and I ended up spending hours talking to him about my life and why I was opening the gallery. Leo, always the hero, came to my rescue and helped arrange a grand opening event for the gallery. I hadn't even thought of a name for it. Leo named it The Lifeline Gallery because we had become each other's lifeline in our moments of darkness and sadness." As Liam finished his story, he reached over and took Leo's hand.

Leo shared his thoughts: "It's only been a month, but I've never felt as connected to anyone the way I do with Liam."

"That is such a sweet story. I'm glad for you both. Liam, thank you for bringing the joy back into Leo's life. Leo has returned home, and we are so happy to have you both here to celebrate Yule," Diana said as she raised her glass. "To Leo and Liam."

Everyone echoed the sentiment. "Leo and Liam!"

At that moment Claude returned to the dining room with the waitstaff. As the staff cleared the table, Claude began to describe the next course.

"Our next course will be prawns with saffron foam and essence of Pyrenean mountain hare. Both dishes will be served with a 2010 Vega Sicilia Único. Enjoy!" The waitstaff set the plates on the table and poured the wine.

Liam watched as Kara and Joseph enjoyed their meal, eating off each other's plates. He caught Tristan's eye and winked. Liam had noticed Kara and Joseph getting closer on this trip, and he hoped that just maybe they would find their way to each other. He knew a bit about Joseph's turbulent past and how Leo had turned him around, and he wished for someone Joseph could finally share a connection with. He hoped Kara would be that someone.

As the plates were cleared from the first course, the music took on a more lively tenor. As the first strains of the song burst forth from behind the screen, Mercy pulled Tristan up and away from the table. Tristan smiled and laughed when Mercy whispered in his ear.

They both stopped a few feet from the table and faced each other. Tristan bowed to Mercy and she curtsied back.

Liam wasn't sure what was happening until he saw Tristan explode into a blur of graceful energy. Liam found himself amazed as he watched this six-foot-four tank of a man dance with the grace of a flamenco dancer. Mercy followed him and complemented his every move. The dance was sensual and matched the music perfectly. Tristan raised his hands and began to clap in rhythm to the music, and soon everyone was clapping along as he and Mercy danced and whirled around the floor. As the last strains of the music ended, Tristan pulled Mercy in and executed a flawless dip, which he sealed with a kiss. The entire table erupted in applause.

As Tristan and Mercy returned to the table, Claude came out to introduce the next course.

"Your next course is specially prepared to take into consideration the uniqueness of the company at the table. For the mortals here present—white truffle risotto with aged Manchego and delicate black Périgord truffles with edible gold leaf. For our immortals here present—warm Blood Velvet made from Alpine chamois. The course is accompanied by a 1945 Château Mouton Rothschild. Enjoy," Claude said, as the waitstaff set the plates in front of the guests. Everything was done with precision and impeccable synchronization.

As everyone began to enjoy their course, Tristan's mother winked at Liam and then turned her attention to Leo.

"Leonidas, it has been so long since I heard you sing—won't you grace us with a song?" Diana said, smiling at Leo.

"Yes, Leo, sing for us!" Joseph and Kara said, almost in unison.

Leo looked at Liam. "Shall I oblige them?" His eyes had gone soft, and Liam could feel the love radiating from him. He found that he was holding his breath.

"Yes," Liam said, when he remembered to breathe again.

Leo stood up and moved in front of the screen that separated the musicians from the guests and gave a nod. The music changed—the gentle sounds of a grand piano drifted over the guests as Leo began to sing.

Lost in shadows I roam,
through endless times alone.
Seeking where our hearts belong,
in the echo of a song.

Through the sea of stars so wide,
I sail with hope as my guide.
Whispers of you fill my dreams,
in my heart—or so it seems.

Through the sea of stars so wide,
I sail with hope as my guide.
Whispers of you fill my dreams,
in my heart—or so it seems.

I'll find you one day,
through the darkness we will say.
Our love will light the night,
together we will shine so bright.

Even if it takes forever,
I'll never say never.
For in your eyes I see
a world where we are free.

Through lifetimes we wander,
our souls growing fonder.
A destiny that calls,
eternal love that never falls.

Footsteps in the sand,
reach for your hand.
No matter where you are,
I'll follow like a shooting star.

I'll find you one day,
through the darkness we will say.
Our love will light the night,
together we will shine so bright.

Through the sea of stars so wide,
I sail with hope as my guide.
Whispers of you fill my dreams,
in my heart—or so it seems.

I'll find you one day,
through the darkness we will say.
Our love will light the night,
together we will shine so bright.

---

When the song ended, Liam was already on his feet, tears flowing down his cheeks. It only took a moment for him to cross the distance, and then he was in Leo's arms, kissing him tenderly. When they parted, Leo wiped the tears from Liam's cheeks.

"I love you, Sunshine. I will never love anyone the way I love you," Leo said quietly.

"I love you too, Leonidas De La Cruz—with all my heart, from this day to my last day." Liam drew Leo in for another kiss.

The dining room burst into applause as people remembered to breathe. Mercy, Kara, and Diana all had tears in their eyes and were dabbing them with the corners of their napkins.

"It seems I arrived just in time," a voice said, entering the hall.

"Mama!" Joseph screamed, getting up and running to the woman who had just entered. Joseph caught her in a warm embrace, picking her up and spinning her around.

"Put me down! I swear you will never grow out of being a big kid!" she said, laughing.

Joseph put her down and took her hand. He looked at the people at the table, smiling from ear to ear. "Everyone, this is Doña María Santa Muerte, my sire."