How did he tell her the idea of being mated was less concerning to him than it had been to her? He was more concerned he would rip a human's throat out and drain every drop of their blood than he was about finding someone to spend eternity with. Isabelle was never going to know what he harbored inside him though. She could never understand, not with her tender heart, but Stefan would.
They'd butted heads more than a few times when things were unraveling between Stefan and Isabelle, but Stefan was the only one who would understand any of what he secretly dealt with day after day. Stefan was far older than the rest of them, wiser, and a killer.
Ethan lifted his gaze from his sister to the man standing behind her. Stefan's brow furrowed as his eyes searched him. Ethan remained unmoving while he waited for Stefan's gaze to come back to his. Those onyx eyes filled with dawning understanding when they latched onto him, and Stefan gave a brief bow of his head.
"I was never as terrified of it as you were, Issy, I just didn't like being around humans," Ethan told her.
She folded her arms over her chest. "But you said you didn't want it."
"And I didn't," he said. "And I'm not sure if she is my mate or not. It's only been a week, I enjoy spending time with her, but you're talking about something that might not be."
"If she is your mate, then her being human adds a whole layer of complication to something already complicated."
He knew she was only looking out for him, but he could feel his patience wearing thin. He wasn't a child; he'd heard the stories of what happened between his parents; he'd seen firsthand what unfolded between her and Stefan. "I know that, Isabelle."
"What are you going to do if she is?" she demanded.
"I'll figure it out when the time comes."
"Ethan—"
"Enough, Isabelle," Stefan interrupted kindly. "Ethan is aware what being mated entails if that's even what this is. There's no reason to harp on it until he knows for sure."
Ethan gave Stefan a grateful nod before focusing on his sister again. "See, there's nothing to be concerned about." It wasn't exactly the truth, but her worry wasn't going to do them any good. He stepped forward and squeezed her shoulder. "I'll see you later."
"Where are you going now?" she inquired.
"You do realize you are the younger sibling right?" he reminded her.
"Just a question."
"I'm taking Emma away for the day. I've found a place on the island I think she'll enjoy."
"Oh, okay," she muttered, but she didn't look at all appeased.
Ethan slapped Stefan on the arm as he walked out of the kitchen. He grabbed the helmets sitting next to the door and hurried down to the motorcycle parked against the curb. Stefan had told him it was in the garage a couple of days ago, and since traffic was often congested on the island, he'd decided to grab it for today. He hoped Emma didn't have a problem with riding on a bike, but if she did, they could always come back for the Jeep or rent a scooter. The idea of having her hold on to him as he drove around the island was too tempting to refuse though.
Chapter Ten
Emma eyed the motorcycle warily as she stepped out the door with Ethan. She'd never ridden one before, and though it had always looked like fun, she'd never actually pictured herself doing it. However, until she'd met Ethan, there was a lot she'd never imagined herself doing before, but would be willing to try now, including riding a bike.
"Are you going to be alright on this?" he inquired when they stopped beside the bike.
She took the deep blue helmet from his hands and settled it on her head. It was probably going to give her some major helmet head, but it would be worth it to ride behind him. "I've never done it before, but it looks like fun, and it can't be much different than a four-wheeler."
He nudged her hands aside when she fumbled with the strap and buckled it under her chin. "I think your friends are watching us," he told her as he made sure the helmet was on right.
"Oh, I'd bet on it!"
"Are they trying to make sure you're safe?"
"Nope, they're just nosy, but I love them."
He chuckled as he tapped the sides of the helmet. She looked adorable with the large helmet on her head and her hair curling out around the sides of it. He briefly contemplated forgoing the trip and taking her back inside to spend the rest of the day in bed, but he wanted to take her somewhere they could be alone, have some fun, and do something she might like.
"All set," he told her and stepped away. He put on a red helmet before settling onto the seat. He held his hand out to her, and she took it. "Swing your leg over."
Emma was careful not to kick the bike as she swung her leg up and over. It was taller than she expected, but with Ethan's help, she settled herself onto the seat behind him.
"Wrap your arms around me," he instructed.
Emma moved a little closer and slid her arms around his waist. She gasped when he grabbed her arms and tugged her forward until she was snug against his back.
"I'll only bite if you ask me too," he told her with a wink.
That wink, and the images his words conjured in her mind, caused her heart to do a strange little flutter. She realized if she didn't watch herself here she could fall head over heels for this man.
"I'll have to remember that," she told him and forced herself to relax against his back.
"Please do." Ethan heard the hoarseness of his voice, but he couldn't help it. Not when thoughts of biting her and tasting her
