Love Letter to Alex (Benedict Jacka’s Alex Verus series)

Today’s Character Love Letter goes out to Alex Verus from Benedict Jacka’s series of the same name. Urban fantasy heroes bring the swoon, and Natassia from Literary Escapism is ready to claim Alex for herself.

Alex,

Do you remember the first time we met? Frankly, I don’t. Perhaps because I remember the first time I saw you—the Council sponsored mage’s ball at Canary Wharf. I was wearing a white feathered dress that showed off my pale complexion, realizing earlier in the night that even mage Brits love their understated fashion and confidently wishing I had chosen something that stood out a bit less, as many other mages of our caliber did that night. I recall hearing a hush come over the crowd and I turned to see you enter in this exquisite dinner jacket. You looked the picture of elegance but it was not until I saw you dancing that I nearly lost my breath. The way you dance is a true testament to your upbringing and it makes me nearly thank the Dark mage you were apprenticed to. For when I saw your hips move and your lean body standing with power and grace, I knew I must get to know you in more ways than one.

You know me, Alex. I don’t speak of my feelings easily. Perhaps that’s the true reason I’m writing a letter. What I will say freely is you have blown me away. I am not afraid to admit my failings. I regarded you as I would many diviners, as someone who had little to do with the real world. It is you that taught me differently. You showed me with patience that there are limits to being a battle-mage; that stealth and investigation are sometimes, or usually, the best option. You showed me how to be prepared for everything. You reminded me that I was not alone in the grey area- distrusting both the Council and Dark Mages.

You’re funny! I know that seems random but it’s not. As I write this I remember all the times you made me smile despite being in danger. You made me get over myself, and for this type a, that’s saying a lot. You may not be the most handsome man, though I find you that perfect amount of ordinary guy good looking. You may not have tact and be horrible with women but truth be told, you’re not horrible with me. I find you your absolute sexiest when you digress on your theories of Elsewhere and magical trinkets. Do you open up about your past? No but that doesn’t bother me like it does others. We all have a past. I admire you for overcoming yours.

I know that you will think age is an issue despite only being eight or so years older than I am. After all, I am the same age as your apprentice. However, unlike Luna I know the magical world we live in; the sordid past and the dangers yet to come. I am your equal Alex Verus and there are many things we can teach each other. Perhaps the one we’ll learn together is to not find love as a weakness, and if all else fails, at least we can have fun trying.

Not Quite Yours Unless You’re Mine,
Natassia

Blog: Literary Escapism