God, he was such an asshole for thinking that about his mate. Maybe Bennett’s size was why he’d held back all along. He’d have to think about that. If that was the case, then he owed Bennett an apology.
Lucas gripped the back of his neck and stood on his tiptoes as he came in for a kiss. He could feel Bennett’s hard length against his stomach and that alone made him want to climb his mate like a tree. Lucas had been about ready to give a little jump and wrap his legs around Bennett’s waist when Bennett broke the kiss.
“I have to get back out there. I’m sorry, baby.”
“Later, then,” Lucas said smiling.
“I need you to promise me something, though,” Bennett said with a seriousness Lucas had never seen.
“What?”
“Promise me you’ll protect yourself. Keep yourself safe.”
Wait, Bennett thought Lucas wouldn’t protect himself when the time came? “I…” Lucas started to say that he would, but then he thought about himself in certain scenarios. He thought about himself when the vampires had been chasing him and realized he hadn’t really protected himself. He had protected other people only. “I’d die for you, Benny. You know that, right?”
“I do. Now promise me you’ll keep yourself safe.”
“I just do what’s instinctive. I’ll promise to try.”
Bennett frowned. “You’ll start training with Gabriel tomorrow afternoon. And your sessions with Mom will get bumped up to three times a week.”
“Um, okay. Knowledge is power, right?”
Bennett nodded once and pulled away, grabbing his hand as he made his way out of the living room. Lucas followed. “I’m concerned for your safety, baby. I need you to help me keep you safe. It would kill me if something happened to you.”
And there was the one reason Lucas had for keeping himself alive when the vampires came.
“I see what you did there,” Lucas said and stopped Bennett’s forward progression. Lucas was starting to understand what the meeting they had was about. “It’s about the healing thing, isn’t it? It’s in my nature to protect others, even at the expense of myself.”
“That’s what Mom said, yes. And we think that if you’re threatened, you’ll run.”
“Not without you, I won’t. You know that, right?”
Bennett let out a breath and smiled, pulling Lucas against him once again. “I wasn’t sure until I heard the words to the song you sang.” That’s why Bennett had asked him if he had sung that song to him. He wanted to make sure he meant every word. In Bennett’s mind, it confirmed Lucas wouldn’t leave him behind.
“I think we’re finally figuring each other out,” Lucas lifted onto his toes, placing a small kiss on the underside of Bennett’s jaw. “I promise, Benny. If it keeps you safe, then I promise.”
Chapter Eighteen
Nicolono stepped out of the shower, grabbing the towel Jules handed him. Jules wouldn’t even look at him anymore, not since he had forced Hacen and Thomas to bond and then kicked them out of the coven. They’d be back for Jules and when they came Nicolono would kill them both. He would kill anyone who got close to Jules.
He may not have wanted him anymore, but he wasn’t going to give him to anyone else. Jules was his. He’d show him exactly how much of a slave he was when he finally had the male witch in his grasp.
Nicolono had killed two of his followers for failing to get what he needed. His coven knew he was serious about the witch. He would pay any price.
Damn Silvia and her fucking curse. He couldn’t even get it up for her anymore and she was the one he wanted since Thomas had meddled with his head. Wanting Silvia was far worse than wanting Jules and not being able to have him.
He could admit to himself that he had made a mistake when he’d forced Thomas to help him. Bringing such a powerful warlock, one who had such a strong influence on the ancestors, hadn’t been a good idea. He’d find someone he could manipulate easier.
It would not do to want his crazy wife as much as he did. It made him vulnerable.
He’d have to pay her a visit and try to reason with her yet again.
He handed the towel to Jules, who winced at the sudden movement.
Nicolono rolled his eyes. “I will not do permanent damage.”
“Yes, sir.” Jules took the towel and then took a step back, his head down, looking at a spot on the floor as if it were fascinating.
