“Maymūna?” I asked, astounded at what he had just revealed. “But that means she’s older than you? If she’s older, doesn’t that mean—I mean, shouldn’t she—”
“Be the leader of this clan?” he finished, enjoyment at my reaction saturating ever word. “Well, in the beginning it was only the two of us, and she was my leader… until she mated with a beta. They had to leave to mate, and during her absence, I found Grace. It was obvious she was unregistered, but she was so kindhearted and pleasant, I was unwilling to allow the government to kill her, so I took her for registration before that unfortunate event could occur.
“Now, Maymūna could have easily attempted to form her own clan, but she had mated with a vampire who did not possess all of the traits of an alpha, so without that drive, any clan she might have formed could have been overtaken by an alpha couple had they ever encountered one.” He shrugged. “She chose to re-locate me, and given an alpha personality will not follow a beta, she and her mate were subject to my leadership.
“To be honest, I was rather stunned by her return. She knew my history, knew of my self-loathing and how far I was willing to go to repress my nature. I can only believe, for I have never asked, that she trusted I would accept my nature at some point, whether it be of my own choice or…”
“Whether you were forced to because you met your mate?” I simply nodded my acceptance of his story, and then cocked my head to the side. “What exactly did you do that ‘repaid your debt’?”
“I saved her mate from being destroyed by hunters,” he responded. “We accidentally stumbled across the group in a forest just outside what is now the border between Germany and France. She recognized him as her mate right away and began to attack without thinking. They both would have been slaughtered had I not taken a few seconds to formulate a plan.”
He laughed. “While I am sure she is eternally grateful, she still does not like the idea that her mate was only saved with the assistance of the being that had been her follower.”
My lips lifted into a smile. “You sound proud of yourself.”
“Oh, I most certainly am,” he responded, beaming.
NINE
My life had become decidedly surreal, and my weekend found me carefully balancing time with my mother and best friend, during which I had to explain my battered cheek, and with what was apparently now my clan as well.
I’d been surprised at how quickly Kendal had returned, and I learned he had not “taken” Cole by car or plane or any other typical method of transportation, but had run the entire way on foot. It seemed that it was not any easy journey, as Cole had not been willing to go. I hadn’t asked how this had been accomplished, but I got the impression violence was involved.
That shouldn’t have been shocking, but it was.
Yes, life had become very unreal.
In between dinner with my mother and a shopping trip with Brie, I discovered more about the history and traits of not only sexual vampires, but other breeds as well from Simon and Maymūna. And for some reason, Kendal and Grace seemed to think it was important that I learn how to shoot pool and ride a horse. The latter was rather interesting though, as I learned animals tended to be afraid of supernatural creatures, but that Grace seemed to have a “special way with them”.
And in between all the “vampire lessons”, the games and the rides, Kendal had taken the time to explain what had happened to Colton and share his view of the new incubus’ mental state.
According to the Irishman, he had been out hunting alone when he heard gunshots less than half a mile away and, taking advantage of the situation, followed the sounds to the scene. The shooter, he said remorselessly, was the first he fed on, followed by a young female who had been shot through the heart—he guessed from the sounds of internal bleeding it was the left ventricle. Then he had started Colton’s way, quickly recognizing the scent and upon checking, confirmed it was his former student.
Kendal said he had taken pity on him, and rushed him back to the manor, both he and Simon—that shocked me, and I made sure to talk with him after mine and Kendal’s discussion—working to keep the young man stable while Kendal replaced half of Cole’s blood with his own infected fluid.
He said rumors of my breakup with Cole had made it back to him, thanks to gossip of the high school’s female population, and from what he and Simon could tell, the younger immortal was more cautious around Kendal than their leader, something neither one had thought very suspicious until a general time period that coincided with my return. Evidently, Cole had taken to avoiding Kendal more and more, and I surmised these were the times he was annoying me by text.
Like my mate, he believed Cole’s obsession and mistaken belief that I was his mate most likely stemmed from the power of suggestion. Not that Kendal or Simon had suggested anything to my ex—he had simply taken the information and chose to twist it for his own deluded expectations, something my former teacher felt responsible and repentant for.
I assured him and Simon both that they were in no way responsible, particularly since neither had any clue about how possessive and controlling the young man had become after graduation. They were stunned and angry when I described the scene at the Sun Dial and how I had not been the one to select my own prom dress, Cole insisting on picking what he thought I would look best in.
Unfortunately, for all its positive and not so positive moments, the weekend disappeared as quickly as it came and found me following a familiar luxury car.
I watched the sleek Audi whip into the instructors’ parking lot, and continued driving past, even as I felt the dread that had been growing in my stomach turn into a full-rolling boil. I desperately had to hold back the urge to vomit while I held my cell phone in a death grip. I closed my eyes when I found a space and let my head drop onto the headrest, moaning pitifully to the receiver, "Do you realize what a nightmare today will be? You know, until the technical portion of the program comes up, I could take online courses!”
A warm chuckle rang in my ear. "It will not be so bad, Sofia. You only have two classes with the girl, and I doubt she will speak to you during that time. Ignore her, and I will see you for breakfast and lunch. All right?” When I heard a short purr issue through the phone, I questioned him about its cause. “I can see you from here,” he drawled. “It is such a shame I cannot taste those exquisite lips right now.”
I glanced across the expansive parking lot and could barely make out his vanilla-colored shirt as he climbed out of his shaded car. “It’s not fair that you’re being romantic with me all the way over here, when I can’t do anything about it.”
“Would you be horribly offended, mio tesoro, if I told you how delicious your backside looks in those jeans?” When I stood up straight from the bent position where I had been retrieving my book bag from the back seat of my car, his laugh deepened. “My, my, my… Perhaps I can convince Grace to create a garden full of roses that exact shade of pink. So lovely, bella mia. Do tell your friend Brianna I said hello.”
“Wait! What are you—”
“Sof!”
The line went dead just as I heard Brie call out my name, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at him—he was still at his car, and from his posture, it was clear he was watching me.
“Y’know, if she looks over and sees you ogling me, it’ll give her more to talk about,” I muttered to him under my breath as my friend came to a halt right next to me. I couldn’t see his expression, but it looked like his head was still angled in my direction as he walked to the entrance closest to him. “Thanks,” I coughed.
“Are you okay?”
I smiled at her a little too brightly. “Yep. The cold’s just messing with my throat, and I haven’t had my Starbucks yet. Sorry if I act a little grumpy.”
“So,” she drawled, “don’t think I didn’t notice you neglected telling me which friends you were with when Cole showed up, and my guess is you probably told Three you were with me.” I flinched at the mention of my mom—or her nickname
, anyway—and I accepted the arm Brie draped around my shoulders. “Tell me one thing, and I promise not to be mad.”
“Simon,” I said quietly. “We were having a very romantic dinner, and just my luck, Cole showed up. And of course, I’m stupid enough to try to get in the middle of both and stop it. You can’t imagine how glad I am this weekend is over.”
“You might want to rethink that.”
I glanced in the direction her eyes were fixed on and groaned when I saw Madison Kinley in the main lobby beyond the glass double doors. “There is a god,” I muttered, “and I’m pretty sure he hates me and is punishing me.”
She pounced the minute she saw me. “Oh, Deery!" she said in a disgustingly perky tone that disappeared almost instantly when she took a good look at the bruise on my cheek. "Oh my god! What the hell happened to you? Did you get to see Cole this weekend?"
“Thanks, Mads. Your concern is touching, and yes, I did see Cole this weekend. In fact, he’s the one who gave me this.” I jabbed a finger in the direction of my face. “I was out with some friends, he tried picking a fight with a guy friend of mine, and I got caught in the crosshairs. Other than that, I really didn’t have much to do with him.”
I felt Brie put her hand on my arm and attempt to pull me away from the little gossip, but Madison was having none of it. "So, wait! Is Cole doing okay?"
“Seriously? You’re worried about Colton Malver? I tell you he’s the reason my face looks like it was given a personal introduction to Evander Holyfield’s fist, and you want to know about how Cole’s doing? Wow. Just… wow. You are really somethin’ else, ya know that?”
I easily sidestepped her and was thankful Brie kept her steps perfectly matched to mine, but I wasn’t lucky enough to escape, as Madison was hot on our heels. "So he just randomly started a fight with your friend? Has he called you today? Has he apologized?"
"He started the fight because he was pissed, because he thought the guy was my date. No, he didn’t apologize." Brie hesitantly released my arm when she left to make her way to her first class, and I kept my attention on the blonde. "If he left last night, then I’m thinking he probably has classes today, and if he didn’t leave last night, then my guess is he’s on a damn plane. And you know what? Cole can suck it for all I care. He’s not my world, and if I can survive without him, I’m pretty damn sure you can too!”
I somehow kept my pace steady and unhurried as I walked down the first medical science hall to my classroom, holding off the petulant desire to hurl my book bag in a fit of anger. I plopped down unceremoniously, retrieved my cell from my pocket and shot off a quick text to Simon.
If I kill Mads, do you have enough money to spring me from prison?
It appears I underestimated your friend’s ability to inspire aggravation. Mi spiace, amore mio. I am sorry. Just think of me purring softly.
*blush* Have I told you I love hearing your purr?
Have I told you I love knowing how you react to it?
Simon! *eye roll* I guess you can hear the lecture starting? Ttyl.
I sat back and began taking notes on the detailed symptoms of pulmonary edema, grimacing at the idea of drowning in one’s own fluids. It sounded both absolutely disgusting and extremely painful. I couldn’t imagine a more horrifying experience. Although as angry as I was with Mads at the present, I decided being locked in a room with her for an entire day would come in a close second.
I shoved my prickly musings aside and focused on the lecture, losing myself in the science of the human body and feeling slightly disappointed when we were released to our next class, or in my case break. I just considered myself lucky that I didn’t have a ten a.m. lecture.
“Are you quite all right, mia diletta?” his voice breathed into my ear, low and alluring as he stepped flush behind me in the cafeteria’s checkout line.
I wasn’t unaware of the stares my battered face was getting, just as it had been all morning. "I’m okay. I just got a little frustrated with Mads. You heard her asking about Cole, right?" I blinked in surprise when I heard an extremely soft growl rattle from his chest then stop short. "Simon?" I whispered warily.
"I ask your forgiveness, bella mia. I am simply feeling somewhat... possessive. I recall you saying it was not a trait you favored in your… ex."
The embarrassment in his voice was obvious, and I felt my heart go out to him. I couldn’t imagine how much worse our situation was for him, to know only a detached, clinical point of view of who and what you are, but not emotionally understanding your reactions when logic was telling you something completely different. He wasn’t used to his instincts and feelings. He was always calm and controlled, so I felt certain his reactions were probably bewildering and disconcerting to him.
"Simon," I said in the softest voice I could, knowing he’d still hear me, "you don’t need to apologize to me.
“First, the difference I’ve seen so far between your possessiveness and his is that you simply don’t want to share me with another male. Cole was possessive in an entirely different way. He wanted all of my time to himself. He didn’t want me to spend time with my friends, didn’t want me to have any hobby that didn’t revolve around him. He didn’t even like when I’d want to go shopping with Brie.” I smiled, despite the fact that my back was to him. “If I remember correctly, it was only because of you that I left your house and met up with her and my mom.
“It’s in your nature to not want to share me with another male, and it’s also in your nature to protect me. You’ve already explained that to me, so I understand.” I turned to face him, still talking as quietly as I could. “So far, I find it rather endearing I mean that much to you. If I feel you’re ever getting out of line, I’ll just sic Maymūna on you."
I could actually feel the vibrations of his surprised laughter. "Why do I have the feeling telling you she was originally my registrar and handler was a bad idea?” He bent his head, his lips coming incredibly close to the shell of my ear. “You mean the world to me, cara mia. I could never, as you say, get out of line where you are concerned. Your happiness ensures my own." He was silent for a moment, though whether it was to let me take in and process his words or if he was simply savoring the moment, I wasn’t sure. "How are you faring, Sofia?"
I hesitated, not wanting to worry him, but apparently my momentary silence was enough to catch his attention, because he immediately inquired as to what was wrong. I exhaled noisily and came clean with him. "I don't why, but I don’t exactly feel comfortable being away from you. I know it’s going to sound melodramatic, but it feels like there’s a chunk of my soul missing."
He sighed, sadness showing in his lavender eyes, and it made my heart ache even more. "I am sorry, amore mio. I pondered whether or not today would be difficult for us, but to what potential extent, I could have never guessed. Perhaps, if I had allowed myself to feel as a vampire, in place of trying to experience life as a human, then I would be more prepared to help you through this."
I shook my head. "Simon, I don’t want you to think I’m trying to placate you or excuse you or whatever, but from everything you’ve told me, it seems like you did what you thought was best for you, and that’s all anyone can ever do. You were trying to be better than what you felt you were, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of, just as there is no reason for you to be ashamed of how you're feeling. It's okay. We'll figure it out together, and in the end, everything’ll be fine."
I was glad to see the smile that had disappeared from his face returning, though this time with a slightly sheepish hint to it. "How is it, mio tesoro, that someone so young can be so wise, or that I came to be blessed with such a treasure as you?"
I smirked. "I guess you’re just lucky like that! Though as far as my supposed wisdom is concerned, well… that is something that comes and goes.”
I was thrilled I’d made it through the biggest part of the day without any major confrontations with Mads, though there were constant looks of horror, shock, and assumption amongst others—I pres
umed the knowing looks came from people thinking I had an abusive boyfriend or something, which wasn’t too far off the mark, I guess, considering he was an ex.
Still, even with the continuous, uncomfortable staring, I made it through the day. I had just one lecture remaining, and if I could make it to and from without any run-ins, I’d be home free. I’d see Simon in only a few hours, so I doubted there was anything that could happen that could bring me down.
"Deery!"
I grimaced at the high-pitched voice that trilled from behind me as I walked down the corridor.
Just one hallway! Why couldn’t fate intervene for the length of one single hallway?
"Sofia!" Madison squealed as she all but bounced up beside me, reminding me of a mentally challenged rabbit on speed. "I noticed you were texting someone before class began. Was it Cole? Did he apologize? I know this has got to be hard for you."
I rolled my eyes and picked up my speed, wobbling slightly in my high-heeled boots as I tried to dodge the mass of people in my way. I tried to keep my expression neutral while she chattered on and on about how horrible my life would be without Cole, and I was overjoyed when I made it to the main lobby and saw Brie sitting at one of the large tables. Maybe once it was two against one, she would stop bugging the shit out of me.
I could not make it to the table soon enough, and just as a thrill of hope shot through me that I would be able to get rid of the gossiping parasite, it happened.
I saw it as if it were occurring in slow motion.
In my determination to detach Madison from me, I’d nearly broken into a run, my heel catching on the loose strap of someone’s dropped book bag. I lost and could not regain my balance and plunged face forward onto the square corner of the table. I felt the sudden stinging rip of my flesh at the inner corner of my eyebrow and vaguely realized it was the same side as my already bruised cheek.
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