11. Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Nero knew the moment she'd given over to slumber. Her head lulled against him, her breathing soft and steady. He let himself simply enjoy the closeness of his mate, finally in his arms after so many years of longing.

The longer he spent around her, the more he yearned to tell her the whole truth and make things official. But it would be reprehensible to rush her or take advantage of her delicate mortal state.

Perhaps tomorrow he could broach the subject once more—this time without a potential shark attack to derail the conversation. Eden needed to know who she was with, and more importantly, what their future held.

If she was open to becoming immortal, she would have to choose between becoming a vampire or werewolf. Both had their own benefits and pitfalls, and only Eden could make that choice. Nero wouldn't influence her one way or the other.

Earlier today, Nina had telepathed him confirming that Aidan would be open to turning Eden werewolf should she elect to take that route. It was a confirmation he'd needed before he could broach the subject with her—and he'd been grateful to both immortals for offering what they had. He owed them both a great debt.

He stood with Eden cradled in his arms and stepped out of the jacuzzi. The patio door slid open ahead of them as he used his telekinesis to avoid jostling her. As soon as they hit the air-conditioned chill of his home, goosebumps broke out along her skin.

He frowned at the reminder of her vulnerability, and instantly grabbed a towel to drape over her while he padded silently up the stairs. She snuggled further into his chest, and he held back a pleased sigh.

As soon as he placed her in bed, her eyes fluttered open.

"I'm all wet! I'll soak your mattress!"

"It doesn't matter, love," was his quiet reply.

With a huff, she leapt off the bed, the towel he'd draped over her falling to the floor. He now knew her ivory skin felt baby soft. Her hair was wildly curled from the salty adventure in the ocean, adding to her allure and magnetic beauty.

Before he could stop staring, she was already stripping the sheets.

"I can do that," he offered, but she held up a hand.

"You carried me all over the beach, then in and out of the jacuzzi and up the stairs. Let's give those arms a rest, Coffee Shop Cutie." Those pale green eyes challenged him. "I think I can handle a set of sheets."

"Aye aye, professor."

He still helped, but unfortunately dripped even more water on the bed than she had. Once they finally got the soaked sheets in the laundry hamper, he led the way to the hall closet where he kept his linens and opened the door to … absolutely nothing.

The shelves that usually held perfectly folded sheets and blankets were bare except for a note from his ‘cleaning lady' saying the dryer had gone out.

Extremely conscientious of this person that didn't even exist. Nero had never had a cleaning lady. The entire farce screamed Key. She was engineering them together so that her prophecy cards fell right.

"Huh."

"That's bad timing." Eden concealed a yawn behind a well-placed hand.

"Come on." Nero tilted his head toward his bedroom. "There's another bed."

"Let me grab a night shirt and towel-dry my hair," she said over her shoulder.

Nero took the chance to sprint to his bedroom and confirm it was in an acceptable condition. When she asked where he was from down the hall, he stuck his head out.

"In here."

Eden timidly stepped through the doorway, and her eyes went wide.

Large sunroof windows were slanted across the cathedral ceiling, peeking out into the starry night sky. White walls, complementing all white comforters and sheets, called to the minimalist in him. A collection of sketches, eight in total, were perfectly aligned on the south wall, directly above the dresser.

The color was matched by other pale green accents: the ceiling, a few throw pillows, and a blanket that'd been draped haphazardly across a chaise in the corner. It was the same color as Eden's eyes.

A stunning shade, they had haunted him since he'd seen them in Key's vision centuries ago. Having her in his most personal space was almost more than he could ask for. Trying to cover his sudden unsteadiness, Nero picked up the remote.

"The skylights close with this button, and the lights turn off with this one. I'll check the bathroom to make sure it isn't a mess."

"You aren't staying?" Eden trailed off, looking uncertain. A blast of discomfort churned in her emotions, followed quickly by, "Isn't this your room?"

"Yes, but—"

"I'm not kicking you out, Nero. It's a king-size bed, with plenty of room for two. I mean—if you don't mind sharing."

One moment he was standing several feet away from her, and the next, his palm was wrapping around the back of her neck to drag her lips to his. This kiss was light and friendly, so different from what they'd shared only an hour ago.

"I'd love to share, professor. But I have to warn you; I'm a cuddler."

"I like cuddling."

"It's a deal then. Please make yourself comfortable while I brush my teeth."

Before he left, his palm gently cupped her cheek, his fingers threading through the thick coil of wild curls. He hoped the look he gave her spoke volumes and was relieved to feel the uncertainty that pooled in her emotional signature disappear.

By the time he'd returned, there was an Eden-sized shape beneath his comforter. Nero slid into the cool sheets behind her, noting her sharp intake of breath.

"Snuggler, remember?"

A giggle, muffled by the fabric, greeted him. "I don't mind."

That was a good thing, because Nero's instincts were screaming mine and he didn't have the heart to deny his panther any longer. The beast surged forward in his eyes as soon as Nero's arm coiled around Eden's waist, yearning to jump out of his skin and curl up beside her.

He gently tugged Eden's light frame across the expanse of bedding between them and into the protective coil of his body. His mate fit perfectly, her curves complimenting his every rugged angle. Inhaling, he savored the sweet scent of peony that tickled his senses.

After she fell asleep beside him, he reached out through the mental links that connected him to his people. Each bond was briefly examined to ensure his people were content, happy, and healthy. Then he verified the security wards he'd place around his territory were unbreeched and functioning. Earlier today, a blip along one ward had been cause for concern, but when Zia had checked it out, she hadn't found anything out of place.

Nero's duty was to protect the hundreds of people who counted on him, and he considered it his honor to do so. For the first time in his long life as a sovereign, he made a place in his heart for something more important than his responsibilities to his clan: the woman in his arms.

It was a monumental shift, but he had full confidence it was the right step to take. Their mating bond would cement it into place. His wait was finally over.

Once more, he stole a leisurely inhale to enjoy the sweetness of her aroma, and went to sleep.

***

By the time Eden's sleep-ruffled bed head appeared downstairs the next morning, Nero had been up working for hours. Already, he'd had two telepathic meetings with potential clan members, and before that, he had troubleshooted a housing issue with Zia.

Reclining in his chaise lounge, he instantly brightened when she entered the room. "I slept like the dead," came her still-drowsy greeting. "I think I could get used to your cuddles, Nero."

"I like the sound of that cuddle part. Can I get you some coffee? Some fruit?"

"Not just yet, thank you. I'll let myself wake up a bit more."

Rubbing her eyes, Eden's yawn preceded a series of stretches before she collapsed onto one of the couches and closed her eyes. Content to have her near, Nero returned his attention to something Remmus had sent over.

A photo of a wolf in Chicago had begun circulating on the internet. While it was incredibly blurry, it was still photographic evidence of the Citizens' actions. That spelled trouble for immortals. Remmus had been scouring the net for additional insight, but he'd had little luck so far other than one questionable news source that'd run the article.

"What is Coffee Shop Cutie working on today?"

Nero grimaced before he responded. "A bit of unfortunate research."

"Well, doesn't that sound ominous."

Eden hopped to her feet, trotting over to look over his shoulder. When he pulled up the blurry photograph that accompanied the article, she sobered. "Was that the one that attacked us?"

"It looks like it."

She hummed. "I'm glad you took care of it. I wouldn't want it hurting anyone else. That bite was killer."

Dread filled him, thick and potent, a suffocating hand collapsing around his throat. While Eden continued to scan the article over his shoulder. Attempting to speak through the sudden fear that'd consumed him was nearly impossible.

"What—what did you say, Eden?"

She didn't seem to understand the magnitude of what she'd just revealed. "It wasn't too bad, I guess. Just barely a nip, but it was vice-like. Fortunately, my coat saved me from the worst of it."

"Did it break the skin?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't very deep." Her glass-green eyes continued to read, the flippancy of her voice at odds with the severity of his. "I got my updated rabies shot, though, just to be safe. The bite was under those Band-Aids I was wearing last night."

Without warning, his hands delicately enfolded her extended arm. Three small spots dotted the ivory skin, and the instant Nero gingerly ran his thumb across them, the werewolf trace seeped into his senses. He stared, transfixed, at the marks that'd forever change her life.

Nero had failed to protect his mate. She'd been hurt, and he hadn't been there to stop it. He had been too late, and any choice she would've had had been stolen from her.

Deep below his consciousness, his panther roared to the surface, yanking at chains he'd tangled over the beast to keep him from taking over. Distressed, the beast snarled, fixated on seeking his mate's safety. With an audible psychic snap, the restraints broke, and he trembled with the force of withholding the change.

"Hey, it's okay, Nero," came Eden's calming voice. "I'm alright. You made sure of that."

Only capable of nodding, he gently set down his laptop and closed his eyes. With every ounce of will in his body, he withheld the change. In a terse telepathic communication, he barked a command at Luna.

Come to my home. See to Eden. I have to shift.

Luna would know Nero's control was wavering. She sent him a psychic equivalent of a nod, and he took the moment to rise to his feet.

"Forgot to check something outside," he lied. His eyes remained closed, shielding Eden from the vibrant green of his panther, and his voice was so coarse with his animal it was nearly unintelligible. "Be back soon."

The tips of his fingers tingled with the oncoming change as he slid open the glass door. Taking off at a sprint, his legs pumped until he was certain he was no longer in view of the house.

Then he let his panther take control.

Leaping into the excruciating euphoria of the shift, Nero's bone and muscle reformed within seconds. Fingers sharpened to claws. Blunted human teeth became two-inch-long daggers. His center of balance forced him to all fours, and then his paws were tearing into the manicured lawns.

His terrifying roar shook the very earth around him, and a collective silence immediately followed. Even the Raeths who'd been outside had stilled, their eyes fixed on the black blur shooting along behind the row of oceanside homes. No one wanted to mess with his predator, and rightly so.

Debilitating fear translated into anger, his panther's hiss betraying the twisted web of complex emotions that ran red hot within him.

Had Key known of the bite?

Something told him that she didn't, but it wouldn't be the first time Key had withheld her visions for the sake of some grander plan. Only months ago, he'd seen one of his lieutenants nearly killed on account of her cryptic manipulations.

The panther let loose another unholy roar, his mind faced with the bitter conclusion.

Eden had been bitten by a rabid werewolf. That meant she was going to turn.

***

Claws gashed gapping wounds along the palm trees that dared to be in his way. Nero's inner rage had boiled over in the form of physical exertion.

He needed to speak with Aidan as a matter of urgency.

Though his panther detested the teleport, Nero didn't have a choice. He didn't know how long Eden had left. She was so small, so easy to tire, and he knew nothing of how the change would affect her. He couldn't allow any more time to be wasted.

He teleported to Paracel. Somewhere, a fountain bubbled, and distantly, he heard voices laughing. To his already fried nerves, it was like the sounds of nails on a chalkboard.

Enough of that.

One single, terrifying roar from his panther immediately silenced the mirth. Gideon and Jeremiah, Paracel's leadership, immediately ran into the hall. And, bringing up the rear, was Aidan.

Even when faced with the alpha werewolf, his panther wasn't giving up control. In a show of barely concealed aggression, he bared teeth at the assembled audience.

He could hear Gideon's voice, low and nonthreatening. "Why is there a panther pacing in the great hall?"

"It's not a panther," was Jeremiah's cheeky reply.

"Sure looks like a panther to me," Aidan commented. Out of the corner of Nero's eye, he could see the massive werewolf crossing his arms, reticent.

"It's Nero."

At least the red-haired Elemental could sense Nero's presence. As part of his clan, Jeremiah was the closest thing to an ally he had here. He might need it.

"I've never seen his cat before." Aidan's voice contained a note of awe. And then, "Has your sovereign lost his mind, Jeremiah?"

Nero gave a second angry bellow. Eden didn't have time for him to waste on a clown show. All three of them had taken up positions on the wall, adopting positions of nonchalance and waiting him out. His panther could see straight through the pretense. If Nero made any threatening move, none of them would be caught unaware.

"Hard to tell. I'd bet it has something to do with his mate, though," Jeremiah joked, that defiant grin brightening his features.

"So it's official?" Gideon asked excitedly.

"Not yet."

At that, the panther paused, blinking over at Jeremiah. Nero took advantage of the moment of cold terror and wrestled back control, shifting back, and locking eyes with Aidan's.

"We failed!" A mixture of anger and outraged pulse through Nero's veins. "That rabid wolf in Chicago managed to bite Eden before I got to her!"

"Calm down, Nero," came Aidan's placating tones.

"I can't calm down when my human mate has been bitten by a werewolf!"

Aidan cursed, his mind clearly racing with the repercussions.

"I thought I had time with her, that she'd get to choose and then …" he growled. "The full moon is only days away. Why couldn't I sense it?"

"Until they transition, the newly bitten continue to read like mortals, Nero." Aidan's jaw clenched. "Is she in good health?"

"Why does that matter?"

Sudden anxiety blasted from Aidan, making Nero reel from the impact of the strong emotion.

"Because not everyone makes it through the change. Before we even consider a candidate for becoming wolf, they must prove they're healthy enough to even undergo the bite."

Nero's chest constricted; his breath locked in his lungs.

Not everyone makes it through the change . The warning kept repeating in his mind, like a poisonous mantra. Understanding the concept and accepting it were two very different things. He warred within himself, attempting to wrap his head around what the werewolf had said. No matter which way he looked at it, every well-laid plan seemed to be crumbling at his feet. How was it possible that once bitten, she might not survive? He'd only just found her.

"You have to tell your mate what's going to happen." Soft, almost apologetic, Aidan's voice met his ears. "She can't go through the change alone, and she especially can't do it in ignorance."

The werewolf closed the distance between them and gently gripped his shoulder. The touch was caring, the gesture of a man who knew the worth of physical contact.

"Nero, look at me."

It took everything in his power to come out of his frozen terror and face Aidan. "We have to tell her the truth. And we have to know if she's healthy."

"I—I don't know," he sputtered. "I just met her, Aidan. She doesn't even know about the immortal world yet. About me and her. I can't lose her."

Aidan's tangerine eyes searched his, but it was Jeremiah who responded, the Elemental rounding to Nero's side to grip his other shoulder. "We're going to work this out, sovereign. Eden will be okay."