“Really, Mother? I would have expected you to be on their side.”
Yeah, I bet he did. “I know you’re upset with me because I had a perfectly reasonable freak-out over losing twelve years with my kids. And I get to be shocked by your sexual escapades because a week ago you thought girls were icky and you played with action figures. I know you’re being all self-righteous—you get that from Dad, too—and think I’m looking down on you or I’m disappointed that you turned into a reckless manwhore who drinks too much. You were always going to turn into that. It’s in your DNA. Judgment works two ways, my son. You wanted me to walk in and immediately accept every loss I’d been handed. Guess what? As the humans would say, I’m only human, and I have feelings, too. So no, I am not going to sell you to some companion you don’t even know so your dads can feel better. Also, I suspect they’re thinking you’ll be a better fighter on companion blood. Your dads aren’t all huggy when it comes to things like this. They’re ruthless, and while they love you, if they can solve three problems with one companion, they’ll do it.”
“Zoey, he’s not in love with anyone,” Danny pointed out.
“Yes, he is. He’s in love with Mia, and until we’re one hundred percent sure he won’t see her again, he can’t even think about taking a companion. And when he does, it will be his choice.” I was putting my foot down.
“I’m not trying to…” Dev began and stopped at the stare I gave him.
“All right. Lee’s choice.” Danny knew when I couldn’t be moved.
Lee finally looked at me, his expression softening. “Thanks, Mom.”
It was time to lay everything out for my son. I had made my decision. “Also, I’m informing you now that I will no longer be pursuing a separate timeline. I’ll look for Sarah from this timeline and this plane. So you should get used to seeing me, and you should understand that I’ll likely disappoint you again.”
Lee reached out and his hand found mine, his lips turning up in a half grin. “I doubt you could ever truly disappoint me, Momma. I’m glad to have you back. And perhaps someday I’ll let Dad parade a host of lovely companions by me, but I need some time. I’ll make you a deal. Dad can find someone to help me through the turn. Not a companion. I don’t want a permanent relationship, and I definitely don’t want to deal with the addiction. Female. Male. It doesn’t matter.”
He was talking casually, but I heard the pain behind the words. “Sweetie, why not Dean? I think he would be okay with feeding your needs.”
“He won’t do it because he feels for Dean.” Neil had put down his fork. He’d managed to finish the whole tray of food while we were having our family drama. “He’s not ready for that kind of a relationship, and he doesn’t want to hurt Dean.”
“Uncle Neil shoots and scores.” Lee sighed. “I’m not ready. I do feel something for him, but it’s not right. Something inside me says it’s not time.”
I squeezed his hand. “Okay. We’ll find someone.”
“Hey, if I wait a couple of months, maybe Nim’ll get her body back,” Lee said with smirk.
I shuddered and released his hand.
Lee stood, chuckling. “I’m going to grab another beer and then I’ll take a nice nap. I hear these fold down.”
“There’s a small bedroom,” Neil said.
Lee shook his head. “Nah. Dad hasn’t fed, so I think they’ll be using that. See, I do know you, Mom, and I personally think it’s gross. Uncle Neil, do you need another sandwich? You seem to have gone through the three you just made.”
Neil nodded. “I can totally eat.”
Lee gave him a thumbs-up. “Then we can feast while pretending my parents aren’t doing freaky stuff.”
“You have summed up much of my life with your mom,” Neil agreed. “I’ll come with you. I think I saw some cookies.”
Danny stopped Lee. “I’m only trying to watch out for you.”
Lee nodded slowly. “And I’m your son, and you should understand no one’s going to force me into a marriage. Give me time. Hell, I’m not even sure of when I’m going to transition. I might put it off for a couple of weeks and see how I feel. Rhys convinced me I’m going too fast. I get that from my other dad.”
Dev shook his head. “You get that from your mother. And you can transition when you want.”
“As long as we can control it,” Danny said. “That’s why I need you to be careful. You’ve never seen what can happen when a vampire turns. It’s violent, and the vampire can’t control himself. It’s why it’s incredibly important that I oversee your turn.”