Without protest or any words from the guys, they got up from the table and headed down the corridor to the washroom. The moment they were away from the table, she threw her anger atme.
“I just cannot believe you would do this, River! You destroyed four lives that you had no right todestroy!”
With my forearms on the table, I leaned forward and looked her in theeyes.
“Octavia, keep your voice down. We do not want to draw attention. You can be angry with me all that you want, but it will not change what is done. And before you criticize me, you should be grateful and consider respecting the decisions of your four gentlemen before you make them feel like you do not give a fuck about what they just did foryou.”
“Watch your tone, River,” Octaviathreatened.
“Like I told you yesterday, we are not in your kingdom right now,” I remindedher.
I did not need to turn around to know that the boys were coming back toward the table. I raised my eyebrow at her, daring her to treat their decisions without care. She took a deep breath while staring at me and then waved the boysover.
“We should order some food first, and then I want to hear the whole story,” she glared atme.
The icy glare did thaw as we ate, and I explained how the boys came to me with theirdecisions.
“You left my gentlemen out in the cold forest, tied to trees, River?” Octavia angrilyasked.
“Yes, it was primarily for their safety, but also for the safety of the rest of the castle. Since I am so muchstronger—”
“Were so much stronger,” Liaminterrupted.
The boys explained that Michan was having fun on their journey, picking up boulders the size of sheep, and hurling them across the creek. Apparently, Michan had his strength enhanced. I nodded, and while I was eager to learn about their new traits, I needed to explain myself as I did not want to press my luck with Octavia’spatience.
“I stand corrected. As I was saying, at the time, I was still so much stronger, so I could secure them to the tree. Again, this was to keep them safe until my venom worked through their systems. Their bodies would be in the most turmoil during the first ten to twelve hours. Once the venom took over, completing the transformation, their bodies would begin to relax and calm down. I knew that once they hit that stage that they would be able to break free of the rope restraints,” I explained as I eyed Sean’s emptyplate.
“I cannot believe this,” Octavia said, still in disbelief. “River, do you know if they will stop aging now, or once they reach fullmaturity?”
“It is hard to say exactly,” I admitted as the barmaid appeared. “We need some more food. Perhaps more ham and potatoes, please,” I suggested and looked at the guys to see if that was alright withthem.
“And biscuits, please,” Seanadded.
“How come it is difficult to ascertain when we will cease to age?” Liam asked once the barmaid left ourtable.
“Show off,” Michan said andsmiled.
“Liam suddenly has a muchlarger—”
“Expanded,” Liam interruptedEthan.
“Sorry, Liam suddenly has an expanded use of words,” Ethansaid.
“Vocabulary,” Liamadded.
The guys were already aware of some of the changes that their bodies hadundergone.
“Klyn will adore carrying on a conversation with you, Liam,” Octavia said. I could tell that she was at least trying to shelve some of heranger.
“Traditionally, and based on experience, we stop aging around thirty years of age.” I gestured to Octavia and asked, “Do you recall when you stoppedaging?”
“It was shortly after my thirtieth birthday,” sherevealed.
“I was about the same,” I advised. “However, there are some differences here that are worth mentioning. Octavia was bitten by a full vampire, which made her half vampire. It is the same regarding Klyn. I am a hybrid, and I bit you guys. So, that is why it is difficult to say with much certainty when you guys will stop aging. I do not know the reach of my venom or theeffects.”
“So, have you guys noticed anything else that has changed for you?” Octavia asked, though I could tell that she was still somewhat shocked from the realization that her gentlemen were now partvampires.
“I think we all have noticed exceptional vision. Especially Sean,” Liam said as all of the guysnodded.
