5. Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Nero was spellbound. Eden Hawthorne was undeniably beautiful, even in the dim lights of the Uber they shared. Nothing Key had shown him had given him the truth of her loveliness—or the force of their connection.

Throughout the ages, whenever Key had a vision of Eden, she'd share the mental projection with him and occasionally, even entire fragments of future memory clips she'd seen. There were four of them, and Nero had memorized them all. In one, Eden met his panther, and in another, they held hands. She fed him in the third. It'd taken him centuries to realize the strange dish was a triangle of grilled cheese.

Then, in his favorite of the four, they shared their first kiss.

The visions were both cruel and kind—knowing that at some point, he'd experience them, but not when. For eleven hundred years, he'd waited to meet her. Now, he realized just how deeply he could feel for a woman he'd never technically met until last night.

Judging by the emotions that banked against his psychic senses, Eden was feeling similar sentiments. Suspicion still hovered on the edges of her emotional signature, but it wasn't nearly as sharp as before. Mostly, his presence filled her with comfort and the feeling of safety—and desire roamed between them. Knowing she could feel the draw to him as deeply as an immortal would was the greatest gift.

Deep within his chest, his panther purred soundlessly. Nero had been forced to keep the beast tightly leashed, not allowing the more primal part of him to surface and break his facade.

The cat could sense his mate's closeness, and every part of him wanted to soak in her delectable scent. The peony aroma had teased him all day, and now, the beast under his skin wanted nothing more.

The Uber ride was quiet, but their fingers remained entwined. As they neared Eden's apartment, her anxiety brushed against his senses. Nero loathed the fact that he couldn't ease this fear in her—but the least he could do was make sure she was safe.

Part of him wished he could simply whisk her away to the island, where she'd be surrounded by people who'd be capable of protecting her. Here in Chicago, the constant threat of another rabid werewolf or even common mortal danger would hang over his head.

Something twisted in his chest. He'd ignored his lieutenants' attempts to reach him all day, focusing instead on Eden and their shared experiences. This—finding her and ensuring his mate's safety—was far more important than anything on clan lands. He trusted his team to figure out the emergencies and to allow him some personal time at long last.

The moment the car slowed and parked, Eden's anxiety jumped. "We're here."

Nero climbed out of the car behind her, doing a psychic sweep of the immediate vicinity and scouring the area. His senses only brushed against human minds, and he didn't sense anything remiss in the building that appeared to be hers.

The illuminated sign for the flower shop was on, but the doors were closed. It was nearing seven at night, so it wasn't suspicious.

A skewer of frigid panic stabbed through him. He spun, frowning down at Eden where she'd frozen beside him. " Nero ."

"What is it?"

"That guy over there," she whispered, her voice tight and thin with fear, "I know him—he's—he's one of the guys that approached me from this fanatical group that thinks the supernatural world is real."

Nero glanced over his shoulder to where she pointed. The man was shorter, average in every way except his intense focus on the building behind them as he whispered aggressively into his phone.

"What do you mean?"

"In my lecture, remember when I said there are people who actually believe this stuff?" Eden shook her head, wrapping her hands around his arm. "The organization he belongs to approached me about joining their cause, but Nero, they're insane . They tried to convince me that vampires and werewolves were real—and that they were out to kill every human on the planet. Ten minutes after I met with them, I emailed everything I knew to the FBI. From what I know, they're still looking for these guys. Should I call the cops?"

Nero could barely believe what she was saying—and he'd lived it. To know that she'd been approached by the Citizens and that she'd spoken with them made her situation all the more dire. His mind blazed with repercussions, but he needed confirmation first.

"Eden, are you talking about the Citizens of the Light ?"

She jerked away from him. "Oh my god. Are you one of them?"

"No! Fates no—the opposite. The people I work with are tracking them, too. They're the ones responsible for releasing the wolves yesterday."

Relief flooded her emotional signature as she quickly leaned against him for support. The respite she felt by being near him was palpable—he could sense as much even without intentionally prying.

Once he could stop hiding what he was from her, he would teach her how to stop projecting her feelings. Building her a psychic shield for safety would be vital—though he didn't plan on ever allowing danger around her as long as he drew breath.

"They've killed people, Eden," he warned. "They're dangerous. They're—"

"I know, Nero—that's what so scary about it!" she said. "They're behind that explosion in New York, and the gas poisoning in Philly. They told me that vampires could melt people's minds. Nero, I found them through my research, all tangled up with ancient lore that they're taking literally. I'm an expert in their field, and they thought I'd join them. I said no."

"Thank the fates for that," he said.

Across the street, the man she'd pointed out startled and dropped his phone. As he picked it up, he locked eyes with Nero. In the next moment, the Citizens member was bolting down the street.

The panther within Nero coiled in preparation, ready to give chase, but he was too focused on ensuring Eden's safety to follow. Her hands trembled where she'd caught hold of him.

"Why did he run?"

"I'm not sure."

The lie tasted bitter on his tongue. Several months ago, Jeremiah and Zia had found photos of Nero and the other Accords leaders in a Citizens' member's possession. If this man had seen them, he would've recognized Nero as one of those immortals.

"Nero—I would never normally do this, but … can you come up with me to my apartment? Just to make sure no one is there? After seeing that guy here, I don't feel safe."

"Absolutely."

Eden breathed a sigh of relief, then strode quickly for a door along one side of the building. Nero followed her lead. In an effort to ease her anxiety, he asked, "Any weird roommates I should be on the lookout for? Amontillado casks in the vaults? Giant coffins with mysterious dirt?"

"My only roommate is a gigantic fluffball named Marianne. As a heads up, her preferred method of greeting is a bite."

She quickly opened the outer door and beckoned him inside. "Second set of locks. Safety and all that."

As he moved in behind her, he inhaled deeply. Her presence was electrifying to his senses. Though he wasn't standing too close, the sweet smell of peony on her skin made his mouth water, and a primal need to claim her snaked up his spine. It took all the control he had not to put his nose on her neck and inhale.

Thankfully, the second lock clicked, and Eden quickly saw herself up the stairs. It took away the source of his temptation, and he firmly reminded himself that she was currently fearful about the safety of her apartment—and they'd just met. Despite his panther's growly commentary, licking a trail up her neck would not be an appropriate way to broach the conversation they'd eventually need to have.

Taking two stairs at a time, he ate up the distance between them, then shadowed her to the third floor where a cat's meows could already be heard.

"Would you like me to go in first and check the space out? I've had special training in identifying signs of break-in, tampering, or installed surveillance."

She gave him a jerky nod. "Okay."

Taking her keys from her, Nero unlocked the door and entered the apartment. Every sense he possessed sharpened with the need to protect his mate, and the panther beneath his skin was deadly focused. Once inside, he left no door unopened, and no hiding place uncovered.

Despite Nero's ability to sense the psychic signature of anyone hiding, the Citizens had a Raeth in their employ who could shield himself. Nero wouldn't allow anyone to harm Eden—and most certainly not another Raeth.

Nothing seemed out of place in the small space, but he didn't hesitate to search the small living area once more before saying, "All clear, Eden."

She entered the apartment, looking understandably relieved to be off the street and at home. Her cat was lying in wait on the other side of the room. Eden scooped her up in two strides and gave the feline a squeeze.

"Thanks for coming up here with me, Nero. I know it's a bit on the ridiculous side, but that guy was looking directly at my apartment. And then he took off when he recognized me."

"It's not ridiculous at all," he replied. "I hate that you're feeling anxious about being here."

Eden sat down on the couch, still cradling her cat. She looked frightened, and understandably so, and Nero hated it. He sat down beside her, needing to reveal the truth of it and loathing himself for what he'd have to say.

"With what happened here tonight and what happened yesterday," he began, "Eden, I don't think it's a coincidence."

"Those wolves were rabid, Nero."

"Yes. And the Citizens control them." Despite the driving need to keep it secret, Eden needed to know. "They've been releasing them in major cities—Chicago is only the latest."

A punch of despair shot through her, and Nero felt every second of it. "But why isn't this all over the news? Surely, someone would've found out by now."

Nero's features pinched. "It's complicated."

"Yeah, I'm sure it is," she replied. "This is exhausting."

She let go of Marianne and the cat immediately crawled into Nero's lap. Though Eden frowned at the animal's behavior, she allowed Nero to fill in the blanks as he her pet purred obnoxiously.

"I'm not sure if it's going to get better. Based on what you've said, the Citizens might know that you gave the FBI a lead on them."

Eden was quiet for a moment as she digested what he'd said. "You think they're targeting me."

She leapt to her feet, stalking through her small apartment and ranting, "I never should have met with them. It was a stupid mistake. I thought they were going to give me proof of something, but all they managed to convince me of was that they were unhinged."

Nero didn't think it was the moment to reveal the other side of the story—the one where vampires were real, and her fated mate was an all-powerful immortal. Right now, the emotions she was broadcasting clued him into the fact that she needed to rant, and he needed to commiserate.

"It's not your fault, Eden," he said carefully. "They can be very persuasive, and honestly, I'm not surprised they approached you. You're brilliant, and you're a foremost scholar on the topic they've decided to be fixated on."

She collapsed on the couch next to him with a sigh. "I guess you're right."

On his lap, Marianne was curled in a ball, still enjoying chin scratches. Given Nero's abilities, most felines formed an instant bond with him, and his mate's companion had been no different.

"I do have to say, I'm surprised she's taken so readily to you," she said offhand. "My cat doesn't like anyone. Not even me."

"Oh, I'm sure that's not true."

With a sigh, Eden looked out the windows. "It's late. Is it strange that I don't really want to sleep here tonight?"

His heart broke for her. "Not at all. After the last few days and tonight's revelations, I don't blame you. Is there anything I can do?"

"My apartment is supposed to be my haven," she murmured. "My getaway. Right now, it feels like a prison."

"I'm sorry." If anything, he was driven to help her rectify the problem. "I'm pretty sure the hotel I'm staying at has a vacancy. Do you want me to ask?"

"No—no. That's ridiculous."

The sound of a car honking outside made her jump.

Everything in him drove him to see to her needs, but latching onto her tightly when she was already this flighty would end poorly—for both of them. She needed to lead the direction for their relationship, not him. He stood up, reaching out his hand. When she took it, he gave it a squeeze.

"We're going to figure this out."

Fervently nodding, she straightened her spine. And then she asked, "Would you mind staying the night here? The couch is comfortable, I promise."

"Eden, I—"

"I understand that we've just met, and I know you barely know me," she pleaded. "But I'm spooked, literally, and I know you're one of the good guys. Having you here would be a load off my mind. I don't want to freeze, Nero. Please."

Nero searched her face, subconsciously reading her emotions. What she'd said was true—she was fearful, as she had been since they're returned to her apartment, but there was a yearning behind it that was unmistakable. Eden wanted him here tonight, and he wouldn't be able to deny her.

"I'd be happy to."

"I've got an extra toothbrush, if that helps."

"Very much."

"But nothing in your size."

He grinned. "There's a Walgreens just across the street. I can go grab a few essentials and come back—unless you want to go with me."

Eden's response was immediate. "I think I need a few essentials, too."

"Solid choice, professor."

After stowing Marianne in the bathroom, Eden and Nero went back downstairs and returned to the sidewalk. The brisk lick of February air invigorated his senses, but she popped up her collar and stuffed her hands in her pockets.

Without thinking, he reached out and snuggled her against his flank, intent on getting her partially out of the wind. When he realized what he'd done, he internally cringed.

Thankfully, Eden didn't recoil. She cuddled against him like they'd been doing it all their lives. When the group around them started moving, they followed, but she remained plastered against him even after they entered the store. Eden breathed a sigh of relief.

Instead of walking off, her hand somehow found his. With a squeeze, she led him back to the small section of clothing near the back of the store, primarily tourist-type items.

"Find anything you like?" Eden asked, looking through the small shelf of paperbacks a couple of feet away.

"I haven't found anything in XXL yet."

She scoffed without heat as she abandoned the books and walked over. "Oh, I think we can find you something."

With far more energy than he'd expended, Eden rooted through the hangers. He watched her, grinning like a loon, as she sorted through shirt after shirt in search of something he could use.

"Ah-hah!"

Eden pulled out an "I Heart Chicago" shirt—in hot pink—with far more panache and satisfaction than the situation called for. She looked at him with an air of triumph, and he couldn't help but beam.

"I love it."

She chuckled. "I'm just kidding. There's a blue one right here."

"Absolutely not. I'm taking the pink. I was your first choice, and I'm going with it."

Snorting, Eden said, "It takes a very secure man to wear hot pink. I'm in awe, Nero."

"I live to impress."

As they strode down the hall toward the checkout, Nero grabbed a toothbrush and toothpaste. Eden kept her eyes glued to the candy section, making a little noise of pleasure when she found the one she wanted. It nearly made Nero howl, which would have been entirely un-pantherlike.

She turned to him completely unaware of her effect. "Lorna Doone cookies. My mom used to get these all the time when I was little. We'd eat them whenever we'd go on vacations, and it was always special to me. I don't actually even like the taste of them, but it's such a sentimental thing when I find them. That's probably a weird thing to say."

"Not at all," he replied. "Sometimes that's where the strongest memories are—tied to smells and tastes. I can still remember exactly how my mother's food used to taste, and how our barn used to smell after rain. It takes me right back, and I feel like I'm a kid again."

"Sometimes I wish I could go back, you know? Tell my mom all the things I should've told her before she left." Eden's fingers tightened on the box of cookies. "I miss her. So much. I feel like my world stopped turning after she died. The earth kept going round and round, but I was still rooted to the same spot."

Nero knew the feeling well. "Death has a tendency to do that. Losing the people closest to you is hard—and it never really gets any easier. Sometimes that pain hides into the background, but it's always just as sharp when it comes back to the front."

"You lost someone, too, didn't you?"

"My parents. It's been ages now, but I still remember that day like it was yesterday." He smiled as old memories surfaced. "When I was a kid, I used to be really hard on clothes. A new pair of shoes every other week, holes in my pants, tears in my shirts. My mom was always sewing on knee patches."

He frowned, realizing the truth of it. "I haven't talked about my mom in years."

Eden linked her hand with his. "I'm glad you could."

"You're easy to talk to."

"Back at ya, Coffee Shop."

The spark between them escalated, and when she twined her fingers around his, he was absolutely ensnared by her. His panther brushed against his skin, threatening to leap forward and drag his rough tongue along her cheek. The beast had a one-track mind and strong impulses.

After paying for their things, they went back out into the snowy weather. He tightened his fingers along hers, hating that she'd be cold.

A telepathic hail from Remmus caught him off guard. The oddness of the request was so strange that he lost track of where he was in relation to the street.

And then he walked out in front of a bus.