“You have to fight. Your son needs you,” I told him, running my hand down his arm and grasping his hand in mine.
His eyes widened. “Son?”
Nodding, I smiled. “My grandmother showed me what they would look like as adults.”
Straightening, Drake nodded, bringing my hand up to his lips and pressing a kiss on my knuckles. “You’re right. I need to fight because my son needs me. I will always be here for you, Sophie. I love you more than anything. You have to know that. This fight with the demon is starting to turn me into a completely different person.”
I doubted that. I’d come to realize that with power came a different Drake. He felt like himself again, but I wasn’t about to point that out. I didn’t need him spiraling down into a pit of depression and letting that demon take over completely. Drake had to fight. I was determined to see him through it.
When I glanced back at Ethan, the pained look on his face let me know he realized Drake would always have a piece of my heart. If I wanted to leave, he knew he’d have no choice but to let me go.
Ethan stayed by me, but gave me the space I needed. I could tell it was getting to him, but he maintained control. It meant a lot to me, realizing he would do anything to make me happy. But I knew I couldn’t continue to hurt him with my unrelenting need to support Drake.
Pulling away from Drake, I smiled. “I’m always here for you. Just know that your child can’t wait to see his father’s smile.”
When his phone rang, he reached into his pocket and pulled it out, sighing at the name on the screen. “I must go. I would like to see you again. How about lunch tomorrow?” he asked, gesturing at Ethan. “Bring the Mage. We can have lunch and discuss our children.”
Feeling that might be a tad awkward, I reluctantly nodded. “Sure. At the mansion?”
He raised the phone to his ear. “Yes.” He turned and stepped over the Magicteers who still lay on the steps.
I shook my head, disappointed that Drake’s mood seemed to go to extremes when it came to me. He had his highs and lows.
Ethan walked over to the Witches, feeling for a pulse. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed the medical team, requesting they send someone over for two injured Magicteers.
I looked up, seeing Drake standing on the sidewalk, watching us. He smiled, magic sweeping around his body. When he disappeared, I glanced down at Ethan, who stared at the spot Drake just was, a scowl on his face. I couldn’t help but feel like he thought the Vampire was up to something. Part of me felt the same, but I had to trust that Drake’s intentions were good. Or maybe it had been the demon talking the entire time.
Encouraging Drake was the right thing. Despite everyone insisting it was impossible, considering he was in the clutches of the demon, I had to believe there was a way. Drake’s son needed him. I needed him.
Chapter Fourteen
It was early when Ethan woke me up. He said he had a surprise...right before he ravished me. Afterward, I lay there, out of breath, not believing how vigorous the sex had been. My hair stuck up, and my skin was covered in a sheen of sweat. I laughed as Ethan caressed my hair.
“Think they went for a ride?” He chuckled when my mouth fell open, then placed a kiss on my lips and got out of bed.
“So that was the surprise? I mean, I loved it, but I was kind of expecting something big.” I sucked in a breath. “I mean–”
“I see how it is.” He walked into the bathroom.
“You know what I mean. Yours is huge! It’s everything a girl could want.” I sighed, getting up to go after him.
He laughed as he turned on the shower. “I do have a surprise, but we need to shower first.”
I watched as he stepped into the shower. “I’m not good with surprises. Unless it’s food.”
“You’ll love it. I promise.”
Still skeptical, I climbed into the shower behind him. “I should probably check on the training for the Magicteers and Nightshades. Then make sure all the necklaces have been made. I haven’t received mine yet.”
Ethan turned me so my back was under the water. “You can do that later. This morning is about you, about us. We need some time alone without thinking about Drake.”
I frowned. “We have to think about him. We have demons approaching the–”
Kissing me so I would stop talking, Ethan grinned. “I know, but I want you to see what I found.”
“Oh... So it’s not more sex?”
“I didn’t think that was a surprise anymore. It’s part of the whole package.” He grinned when I rolled my eyes. “Now, be quiet so I can explore your body without any mention of demons.”
ETHAN DECIDED TO DRIVE me where we were going instead of magically appearing. He said it added to the anticipation. It was kind of strange because no one really ever tried to surprise me. I didn’t know how I should act.
Taco climbed onto my thigh and huffed out smoke, angry over having to get up early. I told him he could stay behind, but he just stared at me as if it was a stupid suggestion. Whether I liked it or not, I was stuck with him.
We weaved in and out of traffic. Every time Ethan hit the brakes, Taco dug his claws into my leg. I’d yelp,
