“Right, boys, there is something we have to discuss,” I say and turn all business-like on them. They look at me in surprise, as the mood had been light. They both sit up straight as they can sense a serious conversation coming, so I begin, “We are a team now, the three of us. Well, four of us. There is a lot to accomplish in the next few weeks and a lot more besides to come. I need you together, with me, and with each other. I know this situation is strange, but we all have to make it work. There can be no dissension, no jealousy, no bitching, and no chink in the armor. We all have to be on the same page so whatever issues you have, you need to air them now. Do you understand me?”
Silence.
“Do you understand me?” I say louder this time and they both nod at me.
“Cole? Do you have an issue with Devon? If so, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“I don’t have an issue with you,” he says to Devon. “I know you belong to her and I get it. I need a minute to get used to the idea of being in a relationship with her and you,” Cole states, a bit embarrassed.
I give him a soft smile. “Devon, do you have an issue with Cole? Speak or shut it.”
“No issue. I’m fully secure in our relationship,” he says, and I believe him. He wouldn’t say it otherwise.
“Fine.” Now comes the big question. “Do either of you have an issue with Constantine?” They both look away in confirmation.
“Speak,” I snap.
Cole bravely goes first. “I don’t like him. He hates me and I’m worried you will leave me for him. I see how you are together. It’s a lot to live up to.”
Before addressing his issue, I focus on Devon. “What about you?”
“I don’t like him. And he hates me, too,” he says with a snort. “But that old news aside, now he gets to have you to himself for two whole days. It’s not fair,” he pouts like a sullen child.
Softening as I turn to Cole, I say, “Baby. I love you. I told you that I’m not going anywhere. You are my husband and my charge. I need you, as I need them, and we will make our own history.” I kiss him softly. He seems happy with my words and he relaxes.
Rounding on Devon, I snap at him, “You should know better than that.” He looks annoyed at my treatment of him being so different to Cole. “I see you every day, we work together, we go home together. Before I met Cole, we spent every minute together. Cole was right before; every day is sire time for you. I don’t get that. I don’t get to see my sire every day whenever I want to, and you begrudge me a couple of days? Most of which I will be trying to catch up on the work at The Council, which by the way, I have no fucking idea what that entails. Let alone plotting the demise of two of its members and wondering what comes next.” Having raised my voice to a shout now both of my boys are looking fearfully at me, hoping I don’t use my Power on them in this small aircraft. Yes, my words were said to Devon, but they were also for the ears of Cole as neither one of them seems to care about me, only themselves. I know that sounds ridiculously selfish of me, but when you’ve been taking care of yourself for centuries, like I have, it is what it is.
I draw in a deep breath and summon, from god knows where, a packet of cigarettes and a lighter. I pluck one out and light it. Cole looks at me in earnest, but Devon just shrugs and takes one too.
“I get it,” he says. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I do have it good compared to you. I am lucky enough that you stay by my side and more importantly, that you want me there,” he says, knowing exactly what I want from him, as usual. I surrender and take his hand across the table. “Thank you.”
Cole clears his throat and says, “I’m sorry too. I guess I have been so wrapped up in how I was feeling, I forgot to think about how all of this change is affecting you. I love you.” He takes my hand and kisses it gently.
Satisfied that my temper tantrum has worked for now, I sit back and finish my cigarette in peace.
F inally landing in Los Angeles, we make our way to X-tasy for blood. I’m inwardly climbing the walls with the craving my newfound Power has bestowed on me and my two boys are starving as well.
Being daylight still, it’s quiet, but that suits me just fine. After talking to the manager, we sit and wait while he rounds up what he can for us in the way of Feeders. I twirl my charms around impatiently until we are finally ushered into a back rooms. “Will you be all right on your own?” I mutter to Cole and he nods.
“I’ve got the hang of it now,” he reassures me.
“Okay,” I say and disappear into the room where my Feeder is waiting. As I approach him, my fangs descend and taking an unconventional stance, I sit him down and straddle him. It’s the best position, the most comfortable.
He looks alarmed, but soon forgets about everything else except the bite as I suckle deeply from him. Listening to his heart, I pull back seconds before he would pass out, having gone beyond the limit, but needing more than usual. I feel stronger and less bitchy when I climb off him and pat his head patronizingly. “Thank you,” I say cheerfully and go in search of the other two who should be finished by now.
Cole is standing alone in the corridor looking worried and then relieved when he sees me. “This place gives me the creeps,” he whispers, and I laugh.
“Feel better?” he asks.
“Much. Where’s Devon?”
“Dunno. Haven’t seen him.”
Shaking my head, I sense him close by and push open the door of the room I expect to find him in.
“For fuck’s sake, Dev. Really?” I inquire as I see his Feeder give him a hearty slap around the face.
“What?” he says, rubbing his cheek. “She offered me a fuck, I refused. Can’t help it that she’s a psycho.”