I ’m lounging against Cole in the bathtub, fiddling with the ring that I have now firmly on my finger. No way am I giving CK another chance to take it from me.
“I think Devon might be right, you know,” Cole says slyly.
I turn my head over my shoulder to look at him. “About what?”
“Constantine.”
“What about him?” I ask, perplexed.
“That he’s jealous. That kiss goodbye earlier, was less marking his territory and more making his claim,” he says.
Having just taken a sip of champagne, I end up spitting it out into the bath water as I snort in amusement. “He’s not jealous. He doesn’t even know the meaning of the word. Trust me on that,” I say, but even I can hear the tinge of bitterness in my tone. “The kiss was just something to annoy you, forget about it.” Although, I’m not completely sure about that myself now after what he said outside.
“I think you’re wrong. Clearly, Devon does too,” he responds matter-of-factly.
Getting a bit irritated now, I sit forward and turn around to face him. “You two are both wrong,” I state clearly. “And don’t side with Devon. It’s creepy,” I add.
r /> He gives me that half smile. “Okay, I’ll drop it as you seem to be in denial,” he says smartly, to which I splash him in the face. He sputters, laughing at me.
“Creepy?” he asks. “I thought you’d be pleased we are getting along.”
I smile now, mollified by his humor. “Yes, creepy,” I repeat. “Don’t get me wrong, of course I’m pleased you are getting along, but it’s weird to see. It was really strange for me to see him flank you,” I add, frowning.
“Flank me?” he asks puzzled.
Lost in the earlier memory, I drag my attention back to Cole. “When he sensed the threat to you, he rose and stood in front of you, just to your left, his strongest side. He flanked you, to protect you,” I explain. “It was a rare sight to say the least.”
Cole looks mildly surprised. “Oh. I guess I didn’t realize that’s what he was doing. He must like me,” he adds with a small smile.
I return his smile. “Consider yourself honored. He’s very self-serving and doesn’t like to share.”
“Share?” Cole asks after a beat.
Oh, crap, I didn’t think before I spoke.
“My attention, Cole. He can be just as territorial as CK. Worse, if he’s trying to protect me. That’s why I am so surprised by his actions today,” I add, trying to draw the conversation away from my slip.
“I’ll take your word for it,” he shrugs, but looks contemplative which makes me think he will be okay with things. “This isn’t going to be as easy as all that, is it?” he asks sadly.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s not just going to be a case of you turning me and we live happily ever after. There are all these complications, complexities and politics. Things I know nothing about,” he says, angry now.
I stare at him for a moment. “No, it’s not easy in the beginning. But I will teach you. That’s why it’s so important for a sire to stay by their charge in the first years and vice versa. To teach, mentor, help make the transition easier.”
“Will you prepare me? Before, on what to expect?” he asks, almost afraid.
“Oh, my love.” I place my hands on his face. “Of course, I will. I wasn’t planning on just doing it. There are things you need to know about how you will feel, after. I had to learn quickly and the hard way. I won’t put you through that.”
He looks at me, those beautiful, smoky blue eyes gazing at me curiously now. “Will it hurt? Will I know that I’m dying?”
“Dying? No, baby, you won’t be dying. You’ll be transforming. The loss of your blood is for you to shed away from your mortal coil and to ascend to a higher being. And no, it doesn’t hurt. It just feels like you are falling asleep.”
At least that’s what I’ve been told, having been passed out cold myself when CK turned me, I couldn’t say for sure, but I leave that part out.
“How long will it take?” he asks. “The process.”
“The act itself takes a few minutes, the transition can take up to three days depending on the age and strength of the sire, and if it is performed correctly.”