I clenched my jaw. “Roark, I said I would be there. You don’t need to play mind games with me.”
“I wasn’t–”
“Yes, you were. I’ll do what I want to do, what’s best for me. I will see him today.”
“Three hours.”
“I’ll be there.”
Roark hung up, and I shook my head in annoyance. Now he was trying to make sure everyone pleased his brother so he didn’t act out? Kind of reminded me of a spoiled brat, but I knew that wasn’t the case. If Drake didn’t have a reason to fight the demon, the demon would win. He would take over and there would be nothing left of Drake.
Ethan sighed. “Well, I guess we’d better hurry through our tour. I forgot you had plans with Drake today. I doubt he wants me there, but I think I should be. He’s unpredictable, Sophie.”
I knew he was right. I should bring someone with me. If anything, I should at least have someone close by in case something went wrong. But having my current lover there would just make everything awkward.
“What about if I bring Brian?” I asked.
Thinking for a minute, Ethan nodded in agreement.
We looked around the rest of the manor. I admired the original woodwork. The wooden floors creaked a little bit, but it wasn’t annoying. It was an old home, so that was expected. I didn’t see a reason for such a big place, but I could tell Ethan was in love with it. In truth, so was I. I pictured the kids growing up in this house. It was exactly what I needed. Unless I wanted to drive, I’d just have to magically appear in and out of the Witch campus.
“This is a wonderful place, Ethan. Thank you.” I smiled, leaning in for a kiss. When he returned it, I weaved my fingers through his hair. “We should make love in every room.”
Ethan pulled back and grinned. “That sounds like a plan. Let’s start now.” He began to tug on the hem of my shirt, lifting it up until my stomach was exposed. I laughed, shivering as his fingers caressed my skin.
“Maybe we should wait until the place is clean.” I shimmied away, avoiding his hand when he tried to grab for me.
“Afraid of a little dirt? I thought you liked it dirty?” He grabbed my arm, pulling me into him so I was flush to his chest. “I don’t think I can wait for you to come back from Drake’s.” He nipped my bottom lip.
“But you have to. I have to check in at the office, then get ready to meet him for lunch. Why don’t we go out to dinner tonight?”
Frowning, Ethan looked away. “Don’t you think that’s a bad idea? Especially with the demons running loose in the city?” He seemed nervous, which I understood. He was concerned for my and the babies’ safety. Still, did we have to lock ourselves up? Hell, there was danger everywhere. Even more for the humans, yet that didn’t stop them from leaving their homes and enjoying themselves.
“I really want to go out.” I pulled away from him, heading toward the front door. “Let’s talk about it more after I get back from Drake’s. Maybe we can come up with a compromise.”
Nodding, Ethan followed me. The expression on his face told me he was determined to get me to realize I should stay home. But he didn’t know me very well if he thought I was going to stay locked away like Rapunzel.
Chapter Fifteen
Brian pulled up in front of the Vampire mansion. He looked up at it and smiled. “You ready for this?” he asked.
I slowly nodded. “As ready as I can be. What’s the big deal?”
“Well, the demon inside of him for one.”
Shrugging, I reached to open the door. “Are you coming inside, or will you be out here?”
“I think I should be inside, even if it’s in another room.”
Nodding again, I climbed out just as the door of the mansion swung open. When I saw Drake walking out, I smiled, nervous about what his mood was like today. He came down the steps and reached out his hands, a big smile on his handsome face. My breath caught at his beauty.
“I’m glad you came, Sophie.” Drake pulled me into a hug. “Though bringing your captain was unnecessary.”
I didn’t say anything, not sure how to respond without pissing him off.
The embrace warmed me instantly, my body molding to his. I breathed in deeply, taking in his scent. I missed him.
He pulled away and looked down at me, cupping my cheek. Then he kissed my forehead, grabbing my hand. “Let’s go inside.”
Brian followed close behind, stopping in the foyer. He sat in one of the chairs against the wall. He waved to me to show he would be okay for a while, holding up a book he brought. At least I didn’t have to worry about him being bored. It was nice knowing someone was there, just in case.
Drake led me into the main dining area, the table full of food. Fruits, meats, vegetables of all kinds. The scent filled my nose, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
“This smells wonderful!” I told him, releasing his hand so I could investigate the food some more. Reaching for a few grapes and some cheese, I shoved them into my mouth, as if I hadn’t eaten in days. I moaned. “So fresh. I love it.”
Chuckling, Drake came up behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. He rubbed them for a few seconds before pulling away. “I know you love your food, so I made sure there was a variety. I want you to enjoy yourself.”
Tentatively, he reached out, placing a hand on my stomach. I couldn’t stop my initial reaction of taking a step back, but he pretended not to notice, his hand warm on my belly.
“I can feel them moving. It’s amazing how fast you’re going through this
