CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

A ri stood by the end of the bed and watched Sage sleep. For the rest of his life, he’d never unsee the look of complete betrayal in her eyes when he’d lifted his head after biting her.

The taste of her was more divine than anything he’d ever tasted, and she’d had to watch him lick his fangs and lips in utter ecstasy while her life fell away.

Literally.

He’d wiped his mouth and told her he loved her while he continued the transformation process, taking her blood and feeding her blood.

Rich and powerful Moretti blood.

Sage had been through a trauma tonight and he could have waited, but he could smell the drugs in her system and knew his blood would heal her. It was also far too dangerous now to leave her a vulnerable human.

Ari reached for his phone, knowing that staring at his mate wouldn’t help anything now.

Houston, we have a problem. Piper is back. In my room. Pop by when you lift your head.

The fuck? Piper was in the mansion? In Oliver’s room? The fucking king and queen were in residence. What was he thinking?

Ari parked his judgment. Knowing Piper only for five minutes was enough to know Oliver had likely been put in a situation by the sassy brat he was unsure how to navigate. And she was Sage’s sister.

His mate.

They all needed to remember that now while dealing with Piper.

Damn it.

The last thing he needed was to upset his now vampire mate.

Be there in a minute.

Brayden.

Yup, what’s up? Is Sage all right?

Yes, she’s in transition. I need you and Willow to sit with her. I have something to take care of.

We’ll be there in a few minutes.

There were very few people Ari would trust to sit with Sage while she was in this vulnerable stage, but Brayden was family. Sage was also now a Moretti, and he had no doubt the prince would protect her with his life.

It was the way of the Moretti family.

He opened the door when he heard the knock.

“Hey.” Willow smiled and gave him a quick hug. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” he said. “She won’t wake up, but I don’t want to leave her unattended.”

Brayden slapped him on the shoulder. “Go. I know the anguish well. We will watch her.”

“Oh please, I gave you permission,” Willow said, and Ari grinned, leaving the couple to their debate.

He teleported down to Oliver’s room and knocked even as he could hear the bickering through the door. Oliver ripped it open and stared at him like a madman.

“Thank fuck.” Oliver pulled him inside.

Piper came at him, and he held up his hand to stop her coming closer. He was on edge right now with his mate in transition. He shot Oliver a look, and the vampire nodded, understanding.

“Piper, get your ass back here,” Oliver snapped, and for some reason Piper did as he said.

“Where is Sage? I want to see her!” Piper demanded.

“No,” Ari said firmly. “She is asleep.”

“Why isn’t she answering my calls?” She spoke loudly. “She hasn’t been home for two days. I rang her work, and they said she doesn’t work there anymore. What is going on?”

That was interesting. BioZen had responded quickly in deciding Sage was no longer an employee. Understandable given the circumstances, but still.

“She has a migraine,” he replied. “BioZen must have been mistaken. Go home and I will get her to call you.”

Ari had no idea how long it would take for Sage to wake up, or more importantly, forgive him. It could take months before she could be trusted to contact her family.

“We’re going to have to wipe her,” Ari said instead, looking at Oliver.

“I figured. With the royals here, it’s just too fucking tricky. I’m sorry. I wanted to check with you, but you were... you know, busy.”

“Ex-fucking-scuse me! What the hell are you two talking about?” Piper said, moving closer again. Ari took a few steps away and she narrowed her eyes at him. “What is going on here?”

He slid his hands into his pockets.

“You have stepped into a dangerous place, Piper. Do not come here again. It is admirable you care so passionately about your sister, but for your own safety, you need to leave.”

Piper’s sass dissolved.

“Wait. Where is Sage? Is she okay?” Her voice was shaky as her eyes darted between him and Oliver. Ari could see real fear, for the first time, on her face.

“Yes. Sage is safe and very loved,” Ari replied, his voice lowering and genuine. “You won’t remember any of this, but know in your heart your sister is cherished.”

Piper stared at him.

“What have you done to her? Please tell me,” she pleaded, emotion filling her eyes.

Ari contemplated telling her for a moment. He respected the fire within this human and the love she clearly had for Sage. They had that in common.

But he would never risk Sage’s life. Not for anything.

He looked over at Oliver.

“Take care of it.” He walked out as Piper screamed his name.