Page 26 of Toward Immortal Ruin

Astronomical,he chuckled.Key’s known all along it would be coming soon, but couldn’t risk the future by telling me the date.

Seems Key literally holds the keys to our destinies.Nina’s telepathic voice seemed tighter than usual.Will you tell me about Eden?

She’s sweet, a bit sarcastic, and funny. Kind in a way that doesn’t feel forced. She smiles at everyone she sees—and that’s even in Chicago. I’m half in love with her already,he admitted.We’re flying back to Oahu now.

Flying? She’s human?

Nero shifted uneasily in his seat.Yes, she’s human. We met the night the rabid wolves were released in Chicago. She was attacked.

Remmus mentioned something about a human in Chicago being targeted, but Nero, I didn’t know it was your mate.She paused.How can I help?

For now, just have Remmus keep his ear to the ground. We’re flying to my clan lands, and she’ll be safer there. TheCitizenswon’t just forget about her, though.

It’s unlikely,Nina confirmed.

For now, we’re going to ride it out in Oahu. But it can’t be forever, Nina.

Nero hesitated, knowing the colossal weight of what he was about to ask his friend. He wanted to give Eden every advantage and option available to her. This conversation—and the one he’d have with Aidan soon—was imperative. First, he had to know that Nina would willingly agree. He wouldn’t approach Eden with offers of immortality until he’d confirmed it was available to her.

Casting a prayer skyward, Nero asked the question that’d decide both his future and Eden’s.If Eden wants to walk the road to immortality, would you be her sire, Nina? Would you see to her vampiric transition?

I’d be an honor, my friend,she began, but your mate must understand the process—and the disadvantages—that come along with it. When she’s ready, I’ll be happy to have the conversation with her.

And Aidan? Do you think he’d be open to biting her should she elect to go that route instead?

If I know my brother, nothing would give him greater pleasure than to turn your mate,she replied.But in any case, I can bring it up with him tomorrow—he’s here with us this week and I might be able to steal a few minutes of his time.

A part of Nero relaxed into her certainty.I would appreciate that. Thank you, my friend.

Chapter Eight

By the time they’dgotten to the Oahu and arrived at the airport, night obscured both the ocean around them and the mountains further inland. Dawn was still hours away, and Eden had exhaustedly dragged herself through the airport gates and out to the car Nero had called for them.

She’d fallen asleep again on his shoulder and had no memory of how long the drive to his house had been. Like the class act she was, she even left drool on his shirt.

Whispering in her ear, Nero asked, “Eden, do you want to stay in the townhouse, or would you like to use my extra bedroom?”

“Bedroom’s fine,” she murmured through the curtain of tiredness she just couldn’t seem to pierce.

Nero’s shoulder bounced with a chuckle, then somehow turned itself even more comfortable. As the car rolled to a stop, he asked again “Shall I carry you inside, professor, or would you prefer to walk?”

“Nope, I’m up.”

Despite her intentions, her eyes remained closed, and her words slurred together. She murmured a sleepy thank youto the driver before slowly hoisting herself out of the car’s leatherbound interior and into the fresh, salty air of Oahu. She swayed on her feet. Jet lag had never agreed with her, and her medication only made it worse.

Nero sighed contentedly beside her. He’d taken both bags she’d packed—and Marianne’s crate—without batting an eye.

“Just a little further, and you can rest in my guest bedroom.”

She tried to thank him, but it only came out as indiscernible mumbling. Eden gave up and followed his lead. After several days with him, she trusted him explicitly. Though it should have felt odd, the last few days had laid bare her deep-seeded need for affection. Nero had given it to her and protected her when she had needed it most. It wasn’t something she’d soon forget.

With a kind chuckle, he directed her up several stairs and through a doorway, then another flight of stairs upward. By the time Nero pointed to the bed and said he’d take care of Marianne, she collapsed into the Feathertop comforter. Too exhausted to even remove her shoes, Eden laid facedown as several pillows and blankets were piled around her to make her comfortable. She promptly fell asleep.

One minute she’d faceplanted into a most inviting bed, and the next, her eyes were blinking open to a place she’d never seen before. Jolting upright, it took her a moment to remember where she was. Taking stock of herself, Eden glanced down at the nest of pristine white comforters and sheets she’d been snuggled in. Light streamed in through the drawn curtains, tinting the room in soft cerulean, and she even fancied she could faintly hear the ocean waves.

And then she looked at her watch. The time stared back at her, taunting her until the white lettering flashed out. How could it be the afternoon? Had she truly slept so long?

It’d been ages since she’d been able to wake up leisurely, without an alarm blaring or her cat knocking a plant off the shelffor her own entertainment. Stretching back into the luxurious bedding, Eden cherished every moment of bliss like she’d promised herself months ago when she was diagnosed.

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