“I’m-I’m sorry, Reggie,” George said with a tremble.
Colin glanced back at me, and his light green eyes from earlier were tinged red. I didn’t know what that meant, but I couldn’t help but smile at Colin. He was doing this for me. I didn’t care if his eyes turned red; he saved my life.
Colin smiled back and turned back to George. “Now I’m taking Reggie home. He’s been through a lot and won’t be in for the next few days. Do you have a problem with that?”
George shook his head. “No, no problem at all. He was supposed to be off anyway. I’ll make sure he gets paid for today, and he can have tomorrow off with pay as well.”
My mouth dropped. I’d never seen George so amiable and never expected him to pay me while I was off. Was this the same boss that had berated me and called me names since working here?
“Good,” Colin said as he turned back toward me. He flicked off his expensive coat and gently wrapped it around my naked shoulders. “Let’s go,mon chou. Let’s get you home.”
I didn’t know what ‘mo shoe’ was, but I nodded and walked forward. Colin placed his arm around my waist and hugged me close as we left the alley. Colin’s embrace made me feel safe like I mattered and was precious to him. I didn’t know if I was dreaming, but I knew I didn’t want to wake up if I was.
Chapter Four
Colin
Iwasstunned.Icouldn’t believe it. After last week, I thought my life was over. I didn’t know how it was possible, but here I was, standing next to and holding my beloved. Master Stephen’s words echoed in my head. “Fate always has a plan.” And she did. She knew that there was another part of my soul that needed to be found.
I glanced down at Reggie. He was about five inches shorter than my six foot one and had shaggy brown hair. He was a little on the hefty side, but he was perfect. I loved his shape. He contrasted nicely with Zander, who had a muscular body in a compact frame. I loved both and desired them more than anything.
I wanted to whisk Reggie back to Walden so we could bond with our third right away, but he was human, and I knew it would take time. Besides, I still didn’t know how I’d get close to Zander, especially after I hurt him, and he rejected me. I suppose I denied him first by not talking to him sooner, but that’s another story, I thought.
“Here I am,” Reggie said, breaking me from my thoughts.
I stopped, taking a moment to study the aging brick façade. The metal railings bore the weight of time, their once-sturdy forms now cloaked in rust. Plywood masked the emptiness behind several windows, casting a shadow of unease over the entire complex. The urge to take him to the safety of my home intensified.
“Thank you for saving me and walking me home,” Reggie said as he pulled away from me.
He wasn’t getting away from me that easily. “I’ll see you up—” I stilled, and my mouth went dry. I had to fight my vampire nature from breaking free. The succulent scent of Reggie’s blood flooded my nostrils. I grasped the edge of his jacket. Reggie resisted, clutching it close, but I managed to peel back the flap. A low hiss escaped my lips. Fresh scratches marred Reggie's pale, pristine skin.
“I didn’t know you were injured,” I forced out. I reached out and gently ran my fingers over the wounds.
Reggie shivered at my touch and attempted to close the jacket. “They’re just little scratches. I’ll clean them up in my apartment. I’m fine, really.”
I gave my head a tiny shake. “Let’s get you to your apartment and tended to.”
“You really don’t have to. I can manage.”
“I want to. Come on,mon chou.Lead the way,” I replied.
I could feel Reggie’s unease, but he wrapped the jacket back tight around his waist and turned to the front entrance. I followed him up the old stairs. The walls were dull and dirty. The clamor of shouts and heavy thuds reverberated through the corridor from behind closed doors. My concern for my beloved’s safety deepened; I had to get him away from this place.
“I was supposed to be off today. I didn’t get all my cleaning done,” Reggie said, opening his flimsy door.
“That’s alright. I’m not here to judge,mon chou,” I said.
Reggie darted inside, calling over his shoulder, "I’ll be right back," before disappearing through a nearby door.
I smiled and looked around his home. His apartment was, in a word, small. I could fit two of his apartments into one of my rooms. I didn’t see the mess that Reggie mentioned. To my eyes, the space was kept neat and orderly. He had a full-sized bed placed in one corner, and right beside that was a tall dresser.
I continued to scan the room. It was all one area, in a studio layout. The kitchen was more of a kitchenette with a half fridge and only three overhead cabinets. But the feature that stood out was his massive gaming desk that he had tucked opposite his bed. He had three monitors, an oversized desk chair, and neon blue LED lights lit up the area. It was an impressive sight.
“You like to play video games,” I said after hearing the door open.
I turned to face him. He was now wearing a gray cotton t-shirt, and he held my jacket in his hand. Reggie bit his lip and nodded slowly. “Yeah, I like to play. Um… do you?”
I shook my head. “I’ve never played. Growing up, I didn’t have any games. What game do you play?”
