Page 37 of Dark Reckoning
My vampire guard opened the helicopter door and gestured for us to get in. Shi climbed in first and settled down. I handed her the bag with our supplies for the spell, then climbed in next. Adrian slipped his hand into mine and I helped him inside. It was that level of trust that just made me want to give him the world. We settled in and buckled up. I hoped we could return before Kakashi arrived.
Chapter six
Thehelicopterbladeswhippedthe wind up around us and I could hear how loud it all was even with the doors closed. It was a luxurious aircraft with Cherrywood paneling, plush, cream-colored leather seating, and even a bar. But I was still too nervous to really enjoy my surroundings. I gripped Sage's hand as the thing began to ascend and he laughed softly and pulled me closer. Well, as close as my seatbelt would allow.
“My helicopter is a lot like this one, only it has black leather seating,” Sage said.
“You have a helicopter too?” I asked.
He nodded, then kissed the top of my head. He unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over so he could get closer to me. “We haven't had a long time to get to really know each other, have we?”
I shook my head and smiled. “And yet, it doesn't feel like it matters. I love you, Sage, and I know you love me too. If we get past all of this, we'll have—well, apparently—eternity to get to know everything there is to know about each other.”
“I feel like I already know you, though. I may not know what your favorite cereal or cartoon was as a kid—”
“It was Peanut Butter Captain Crunch and the Loony Toons was one of my favorite cartoons,” I answered, accidentally cutting him off in my nervousness and excitement.
He laughed. “What about now?” Oh man, he was so damn gorgeous and even his laugh was sexy.
I smiled. “I still love cartoons. Even the Loony Toons, but I also love anime and more adult cartoons as well. And though I don't mind Captain Crunch, it just doesn't compare to Cinnamon Toast Crunch as the king of all cereals to me these days.”
“Oh, I concur. I love the Crunch, too—Cinnamon, that is. And animation... all kinds. And Daffy is my favorite Loony Toon,” he confessed.
I beamed at him because it was another thing we had in common. “Mine too!”
Shi smirked. “And here I was thinking you were going to say Tweedy Bird was your favorite.”
I looked at her. “Why, because he's supposed to be some goody-two shoes?”
She nodded. “Thought you'd be able to relate.”
“I don't even know him, but even I can tell he probably hates that little bitch. Naw, this one likes the bad boys. Sylvester, right?” MB speculated.
I rolled my eyes, but thought about it. It was true. I never liked any of the characters that were supposed to be the good guys. I laughed. “You're right. Give me all the villains. I just found them more interesting.”
“You're not wrong,” Sage agreed, and he brought my hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it. “You know, I'm really happy that you're immortal now. I don't think I'd ever want to live my life without you.”
Aww, if that wasn't the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to me. I felt my heart swell almost to the point where I thought it would burst from my chest. Gross if it actually happened, but it was how much I loved him as well. My feelings for Sage were all-consuming. I leaned over and kissed him for all I was worth, but broke it off with a yelp when the helicopter shook.
Sage burst into laughter. “Just turbulence, baby.”
“I don't think I like flying in a helicopter,” I said.
“Just relax. Let's check out the sights. Look at the city from this amazing view,” Sage said, and pointed at the window I had been trying to avoid.
“You should call Damon and let him know we'll be there soon.”
“I'll text instead,” Sage replied, then pulled his cell out and his fingers got to moving over the screen.
While he did that, I did muster my courage to look out the window. He was right, it was a beautiful view and the city was lit up with vibrancy and life. I did wonder, what would it look like in a week if we couldn't stop the Dark God? I didn't want to think about a future where humanity had no hope. Everything we did from this point on had to be moving toward preserving our life and our world as it was.
“Okay, he is waiting. We'll go to his house first, then to the other locations. Most are close to his home except for one which is on the border of his territory. That's about twenty to thirty minutes by car,” Sage said. “I also told him to have a team ready to protect you while you do those spells.”
“Does he have a helicopter too, or does he expect Adrian to drive to all of those locations?” Shi asked Sage.
Sage nodded. “I'll ask him.” He began texting again, this time it looked like there was some back and forth. “He has one and he's offered to let you use it to travel his territory faster.”
“I guess he would have one. Most rich people do, right?” I asked. Of course, I wasn't all that thrilled to learn that he did have one. I didn't want to say it out loud, but I would have preferred to drive—hell, even walk instead of having to get inside another helicopter. And next time, I wouldn't even have Sage with me.
