"Wow, you live here, in Vista Tower? Places here go for over a million dollars, probably more. I could never even dream of living in a place like this," Reggie said as he stared at the large glass building.
I glanced up at the building before driving into the underground parking. The structure was imposing; it was, after all, the third-largest building in Chicago. Reggie was right. It would be rare for him to live here; it would be rare for most humans. The Vista Tower was the building the Chicago Vampire Coven called home.
I pulled into my cousin's guest spot and parked the car. "You ready to see the inside?" I asked, looking at Reggie.
Reggie squealed and opened his door. "You bet I am. I can't believe I'm going to see the inside of the Vista Tower."
I chuckled. I loved seeing Reggie's excitement. I walked around my truck and grabbed his hand. Reggie immediately threaded his fingers with mine. I loved touching him. Even something as simple as holding his hand gave me joy.
I guided him down a narrow walkway and into an elevator. I pulled the key card my cousin had given me upon my arrival out of my pocket and inserted it into the control panel. Buttons illuminated the board, and I was able to get us off and running. The elevator would open directly into his home.
I was excited to share this place with Reggie, but I was more excited to introduce him to my cousin. Quill knew how difficult a time I was having, coping with my separation from Zander and my use of drinking from a bag.
The doors dinged open, and Reggie gasped. I did the same when I first saw my cousin's place. He had a grand entrance with high ceilings, white marble floors, and a huge crystal chandelier lit the foyer.
"Colin? Is that you?" my cousin exclaimed as he rounded the corner. "Where the hell have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you." He paused and took a step back. "You look good. The dark circles are gone from your eyes. Did you finally find a d—"
"Quilliam," I interrupted. "This is my beloved, Reggie. Reggie, this is my cousin Quilliam, but everyone calls him Quill."
Quill's eyes rounded, and his mouth dropped. "Your beloved?" he whispered.
"Hi…um… it's nice to meet you," Reggie said nervously, holding his hand out.
Quill stared at the outstretched hand, then glanced back to me while his mouth opened and closed like a fish.
"Quill," I growled quietly.
Quill shook his head, and his silky black hair brushed his shoulders. "It's nice to meet you, too," he finally said before he shook Reggie's offered hand.
After the greeting, Quill looked back at me. His green eyes darkened, and his expression sobered. "You need to call Walden."
I scrunched my brow and frowned before asking, "Why?"
"We've been trying to reach you all night. It's important, Colin," he said.
I pulled my phone from my pocket. "It died, and I didn't have a charger. Do you know what happened?"
"Yes." He pulled his phone out and handed it to me. "Call the last number on there. It was Basil. It's important, Colin."
I didn't like how he said those words. A cold shiver shot down my spine, my heart pounding loudly in my ears. I turned to Reggie. "Give me a second."
Reggie bowed his head in acknowledgment, but his face was marred by worry. I was worried, too. I took a deep breath and dialed the number.
"Hello?" Basil's voice filled the line.
"Basil, It's—"
"Colin! Thank fuck!. We've been trying to get a hold of you. You’re needed back here, like yesterday," Basil interrupted.
My heart raced; each beat echoing Basil's urgency. "Why? What happened?” I managed to ask, my voice laced with confusion.
"Listen. We need you back. We have the King of the Fae ready to go to war with us, the prince of the Fae and his dragon mate are ready to go to war with us, and to top it off, the dragon king is ready to kick everyone's asses because they’re acting like idiots and annoying him.”
A cold weight settled in my chest. "What the hell happened, Basil?" I shouted, my voice shaking with a mix of anger and fear.
Reggie flinched beside me, his eyes wide with surprise. I placed my hand on his shoulder and mouthed, "Sorry." I didn't want him to be scared, but the trepidation I had at calling was now overshadowed by dread.
"It's about Zander," Basil whispered. "It's about your beloved. He was attacked and nearly bled dry. He may die."
