"I know it's a lot, and I'd hoped to take things slower. I don't know exactly what happened to Zander. I have an idea what happened, but Zander was attacked. He's in critical condition," Colin replied.
"Is Zander a vampire, too? Does he know about me?" I asked.
Colin shook his head. "No. He's an imp, and no, he doesn't know about you yet. Things with Zander are complicated. I messed up, and to be honest, I thought I lost him forever."
"What happened?"
"He was seeing someone I consider my enemy, and I didn't approach him, even though I knew he was my beloved. I denied him, in a way."
"I don't understand. Why wouldn't you talk to him?"
"Talking to him would mean I'd have to admit to things of my past. Things that I've been trying to run from. Things I'm embarrassed by. I know I should've sucked it up. I should've gone to him. I was a fool," Colin said dejectedly.
I didn't know how to respond. On the one hand, I hated seeing Colin like this and wanted to comfort him, but on the other hand, I was petrified and confused about all of this.
As if sensing my feelings, Colin clasped my hand. "Please give us a shot. Please."
I peered into his tear-filled eyes and sighed. I couldn't walk away, not yet anyway. "I need time, but I'm willing to see what this is all about."
The sound of a throat clearing caused me to jump in my seat. Colin and I turned to the source.
Quill gave a small smile. "Sorry to interrupt. We're landing, and they need you to put on your seatbelts."
I nodded and quickly moved to comply as the plane rapidly began descending. Quill turned and moved back to his seat, and Colin fastened his belt before grabbing my hand again. I gave him a little squeeze. This was all so insane, but I didn't have much to lose. Apparently, this Zander was also my "soulmate." I owed it to myself to find out more.
The plane quickly landed, and Colin jumped from his seat before rushing us off the jet and into the back of a giant SUV in minutes. We drove through the streets of Denver, not speaking for several minutes before Colin broke the silence.
"We'll be coming to my coven soon."
"Your coven?" I squeaked.
"Don't worry. No one will hurt you, and Quill will be watching over you. I have a lot of friends here." He paused, and I knew there was more. He wore the same expression from earlier. The "I have to tell you something that I don't really want to." expression.
"What is it? Just rip off the band aid. It can’t be as bad as telling me you’re a vampire,” I said.
Colin exhaled loudly. "There may be some raised voices. I don't know why, but I think some of Zander's friends blame me for this attack."
"What! How could they possibly… you were several states away. Why would you hurt him?" I asked.
"They think if I'd had stayed, this wouldn't have happened. In a way, they may be right. But I wanted you to be prepared in case they act stupid. Quill will be there and will watch over you."
"We're here," Quill said from the driver's seat.
I glanced out the window, and I turned back to Colin. "Your coven lives in a hotel?"
"Yes. I'll tell you all about it later. I promise," Colin said with a smile.
Quill pulled into the parking garage and easily found a spot. My stomach rolled with trepidation. I didn't know what the hell I was thinking. I shouldn’t have come here. I should’ve stayed in Chicago. I was second-guessing myself. I glanced back to Colin, who was exiting the vehicle.That was why I was doing this, I said to myself,for Colin.
I turned back around and opened my door. This was going to be an experience. Colin had said I'd be safe, but these were vampires, and God knew what else.
Colin walked to my side and wove his fingers with mine. I looked up at him, and I could see the love shining in his eyes.
"You ready?" He asked.
I nodded. "Let's go."
He smiled back and pulled me beside him as we followed Quill into the hotel. My jaw dropped, and I stumbled at the magnificence. The lobby was gorgeous. There was a vast ornate fountain, grand stairways, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
