Another few minutes pass in silence and I say, “Thank you. For this.” I point at the grave. “I know it couldn’t have been easy to get him and I haven’t ever said it before.”
He shrugs. “I couldn’t leave him to be…with the others. It was nothing.”
I sit up and look at him seriously. “It was everything. It is everything. You will never know how much I appreciate what you did and for giving me back this.” I open my hand where I had been clutching at the wedding ring I gave to Fraser, that I had called to my palm.
Shifting uncomfortably, his face impassive, he just nods, and knowing that I won’t get any more from him than that, I drop it.
“We can go now. I’m ready,” I say.
He stands and pulls me up with him. I step into his open arms and he Teleports us back to the warm, dry hotel room in Milan without another word.
I cling to CK, even though we are back in the hotel. I don’t ever want to let him go again.
He steps back first and appraises me critically. “Feed, then bath,” he says decisively. Insulted, I look down at myself, but then I have to concede I look a mess. Muddy and wet, I definitely do not look my best.
“You’re back,” Cole’s voice comes from behind me. I turn to him and he smiles softly. “Everything okay?” he asks in concern over my freshly tear-stained face. I nod and he takes me in his arms. He smells delicious, fresh from the shower.
“I have a bath ready for you. There’s also a Feeder waiting for you in there,” he says.
I smile my thanks and step away from them towards the bathroo
m, fangs already dropping.
Taking my fill, I step away from the human and dismiss him. He retreats hastily in case I change my mind and again I wonder what makes people do this. Struggling again with the zip on this dress, I let my shoulders sag in defeat. Slouching back into the sitting room, I ask for help and all three jump up at the same time. I disappear back into the bathroom. They all follow, and I grimace. But I need them, all of them around me now. And I need more blood.
Somehow, they know exactly what to do, and silently Cole unzips my dress as CK untangles the tiara that is still miraculously somehow on my head. Devon hands me a Scotch which I down in one gulp. Letting the ruined dress fall to my feet, Cole picks me up gently and lowers me into the bath. I relax instantly, when the bubbles cover me up. CK hands me another Scotch, which I take from him. I hand it to Cole. I grip CK’s wrist instead. He knows what I want and pulls up his sleeve.
“Take as much as you need, my sweet,” he whispers.
I let my fangs descend and bite down hard. Human blood is the best medicine, but this is a remarkably close second. I drink and drink until he hisses, as he wants more from me than just the bite. I pull away and quickly snap my fangs back. Cole watches this but has the good sense to remain silent. I lean back now feeling better, physically at least. My heart is still ripped into a thousand tiny pieces, but I won’t show them my weakness anymore. It’s time to step up and put a plan into motion that will destroy the traitors once and for all.
“I need you to seduce Eloise,” I say, eyes closed, but pointing in the direction of my sire.
I feel his shock and open my eyes as he says, “Excuse me?”
“Oh, please. No need to look so scandalized, it’s not like it would be the first time,” I scoff. His features radiate confusion at my words. Not letting him deny it as I just couldn’t bear it again, I press on, “I will get to Gregor first, but she will feel the shift when I kill him, as will you. I need you there to distract her, so she doesn’t realize what’s happening and Teleports away before I can get to her. I propose we go about this in The Council HQ, that way I can get from Gregor’s office to hers in a matter of seconds before I lose my shot at her. Sod the ban,” I add under my breath.
CK is gaping at me as if I have lost my mind. Devon just looks uncomfortable and Cole is scowling at me clearly not liking this plan.
I snatch the forgotten Scotch out of Cole’s hand. Gulping it down, I hold it out for more. Devon obliges. “Wine this time. No more reminders,” I murmur.
“Well?” I snap as no one says a word. “In or out? I will get them both one way or another.”
“Aefre, this is not a good idea. I don’t want you going near him in that way,” CK says, sounding distressed.
“Well, I’m not mad keen on you hitting on Eloise, but it’s either you or Cole and no way am I sending my brand new charge into the lion’s den,” I say with force.
“What about me?” Devon asks affronted.
“Sweetie, I love you and you are devastatingly handsome, but there is no way she will buy it from you. You’re too close to me. Not to mention, she fancies the pants off Cole and well…” I trail off with a pointed look at CK, which he frowns at. Stupid man.
Devon is thrilled with my comments, while the other two sulk in the corners. Geez, I can do without the amateur dramatics right now. They should all know by now that I find them all eye-wateringly gorgeous and that I love them.
“Fine, but, Lizzie, this could backfire. What if he overpowers you and you know…before you can stop him?” Devon asks, concerned. “Even with your newfound Powers, he is still older and stronger.”
A look of disgust crosses my face. “Trust me, he won’t get that far.”
CK sighs and runs his hand through his hair. “Fine. I will do as you ask, just promise me you will make it quick, so I don’t have to…” He waves his hand about in distaste, being unusually coy about the situation.