Cole raises his eyebrows. “Correctly?”
“On Holy ground, with a healthy being,” I explain.
“Healthy as in not bleeding to death from a fatal wound?” he asks wryly, and I nod. “Exactly.”
“Will I wake up and go on a killing rampage?” he jokes, but there is a seriousness behind it.
I smile and say, “Not likely. The older and stronger the sire, the more controlled you will be when you wake. I adjusted straight away, as CK was over seventeen hundred years old and an Initial to boot. I come from the strongest bloodline and with a thousand years under my belt, you will be just fine.”
Ever competitive, he asks, “How long did it take Devon?”
“He was ravenous for about two weeks, but I was younger then and…different. It will take you less time to control the cravings,” I reassure him.
“Different? What does that mean?” he asks with a frown.
Hm, well, I suppose he needs to know.
“Erm, I encouraged him to kill to feed. I wasn’t always the restrained creature I am now.” I shrug. “I told you that we eventually had to evolve, but it wasn’t always the case.”
He blanches at my words but seems to accept them. He clears his throat. “I see,” he croaks. There is silence as he processes, then, “Will I get a ring? Like yours and Devon’s?” he asks suddenly, choosing to bypass the killing spree I sent Devon on.
Quite relieved not to have to explain the behavior of young me, I chuckle at his worry. “Yes, my love.”
He looks relieved. “How exactly are they made?”
“I will explain it to you, but can we get out of the bath first? I’m going all pruney,” I pout.
He laughs. “Of course, my love. I could do with another drink.”
“Get one for me too, please?” I ask, and he nods.
I step out of the tub and reach for a towel. Wrapping it around me, I head into the bedroom. Glancing at the clock, it says 5:30 PM, two hours until dinner.
Shedding my towel for a long satin robe, I grab my phone and head into the sitting room.
Cole is at the bar, towel slung low around his hips. My breath catches as I admire him unnoticed. But then my phone buzzes in my hand and the spell is broken, as Cole turns around and sees me. He smiles and walks over to hand me my wine. I smile my thanks and check my phone. My heart thuds as I see a message from CK. I open it, not quite knowing what to expect: “I don’t like him. xoxo.”
I snicker at his words, making Cole raise an eyebrow in question.
I message back: “You don’t like anybody! xoxo.”
I take a sip of wine and wait: “Not true! I like you. xoxo.”
“P.S.: And Nico.”
I grin like a fool knowing we are okay as another message pops up:
“P.P.S.: Will be back tomorrow by lunch, we have much to discuss. Ti amo, mi amore xoxo.”
I message back: “I like you too. I’m glad, see you tomorrow, mi amore. xoxo.”
He sends back the kissey-face emoji and I relax. He must have taken my words about not making this a Holy union seriously and he sees that everything will be fine and remain as it should be.
“Constantine?” Cole asks.
I nod. “Yes. Everything is fine. He’ll be back tomorrow around lunchtime. I hope it will be calmer then.” I sigh.
He folds me into his arms. “Me too. I love you.”