Page 64 of Toward Immortal Ruin

It was almost unfathomable how much her life had changed within the last week. She’d been attacked by a magical animal, met her mate, took the leap of faith to join him in Hawaii, and found out all the fantasy elements in her books were real. If she hadn’t already been used to life-altering events, it would’ve thrown her for a loop.

Telling Nero the truth of her situation consumed her thoughts. It was essential that he be informed of what she’d spoken to Aidan about—and prepare himself for the potential fallout. Based on her conversation with the werewolf, she knew that if she died, it’d affect more than just them. The waves it’d make in the immortal communities seemed boundless.

She stretched and sat up in bed, reaching over to press the button on the remote to open the shades and let in the brilliant Hawaiian sunlight.

Her Raeth wasn’t anywhere in sight. She spotted her pants and jerked them on before changing out of her sleep shirt. Then shepadded downstairs, ready to declare open season on the mate hunt.

“Good morning, professor.”

The heavy weight of her secret settled firmly in her stomach. Banishing her angst with a smile she didn’t feel, Eden waltzed over to the man at the table. “Morning, Coffee Shop. What are you doing?”

A hint of embarrassment colored his cheeks. “Sketching.”

“You sketch?”

“That’s actually what I meant to show you yesterday,” he replied. “But meeting your father and giving you time with him turned out to be a far better plan. This isn’t half as exciting.”

Suddenly, seeing what was on his drawing pad became her main focus.

Her image stared up at her, a perfect recreation. He’d captured each line of her features, the shading reflecting the truth of her bone structure. Her eyes were nearly finished, piercing with expressivity, and the abstract curls surrounding her face only blocked in. His talent was phenomenal.

Battling against a tongue tied into knots, she asked, “Did you do this just this morning?”

“I had a few minutes.”

“A fewminutes? Nero, this looks like a masterpiece they’d hang in the Louvre. Gracious, what could you do with an hour?”

“How about I show you what I can do with a few centuries, instead? You remember when you asked if I ever had any feelings for someone else?”

Eden crossed her arms defensively, shrugging. “Yeah.”

“Can I prove that I’ve never yearned for anyone but you?”

“Prove it to me how?”

Nero extended his hand toward her, waiting patiently. As her fingers gently brushed over his palm, feeling the warmth andsteadiness he radiated, the Raeth dragged in a steadying breath. Moments later, a wave of dizziness washed over her.

She was immediately impressed. Modern lines, floor to ceiling windows, a spacious, open concept: the house was an architect and artist’s dream. Nero had teleported them into a kitchen, and while it was smaller than the Oahu gallery, it was a comparable design. This home’s style and concept were strikingly similar, but more intimate.

“Where are we now?”

“Indiana. I have a home here for when I need a break.”

“From five hundred immortal clansmen? I can’t imagine why.”

The immediate pulse of guilt that siphoned through their mating bond was a kick in the gut. Though her comment had been meant in good humor, it was apparently a sore subject for him. Cringing, she closed the distance between them and linked her fingers with his.

“I’ve always felt guilty about leaving clan lands, even if it’s only for an hour.” He shrugged. “Makes me feel like I’m failing them somehow.”

“Hey, I’m glad you have this. You need to be able to get away sometimes. From what I’ve seen, you give too much of yourself.”

Almost bashful, he brushed his lips against her forehead. “Come on, I have something to show you. It’s a refuge of sorts.”

Eden let him lead her down a long hallway. Art was strung up on the walls, beautiful works in varying styles. At the end of the hall was an open doorway.

A hint of nervousness pulsed through their bond, disclosing what the man beside her was truly feeling.

“This entire house was built around one concept.” As they reached the door, Nero opened it wide, then flicked on the lights to illuminate the breathtaking space. “My studio.”

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