He scowled. “The two are not mutually exclusive.”
I arched a brow. “So you’re saying you don’t want to bite Emelyn yet?”
“Fuck you. You know I don’t.” He shuddered, the mention of his betrothed always a surefire way to sour his mood. Our parents had designated the match over a decade ago,
forcing our families to bond throughout the years.
Emelyn Jyn made Ryan look like a tender princess.
“It’s different for you and Ella,” Kols added. “You actually like your chosen mate.”
My lips curled. “Oh, I more than like her.” Keeping my hands off her had been quite the challenge these last few weeks. I wanted to give her time to learn to trust me and to adjust to her new reality. The way she kissed me grew increasingly eager, confirming our mutually deepening feelings. But we weren’t quite there yet.
Unlocking her power seemed to be the key.
Kols took a long sip of his water and set it to the side. “All right, so you think her gifts are wrapped up in this abusive childhood, right?”
I nodded.
“Why not take one or two of those obstacles down and see what happens,” he suggested. “Maybe it’ll loosen her up a little.”
It was something to consider. I just didn’t know how to do that without ruining the long-term game. We had the entire Darlington crew right where we wanted them—believing I was her new tormentor and suitor. Ryan and Carmen were in heaven watching our back-and-forth play, wondering how I would pull this off in the long run.
It meant I had to talk to them frequently.
But at least it kept Ella safe from their torment.
“I’ll consider that option,” I eventually replied, meaning it. We could always take down Dash or Charlie first, but it would have to be subtle.
“I stand by option number one, T. Bite her.”
With a theatrical sigh, I pulled out my wallet to toss some bills on the table. “Right, well, you’ve been very helpful,” I drawled, standing.
He waggled his brows. “Feeling thirsty?”
Yes. I hadn’t fed my darker urges enough over the last month and needed to change that tonight. “What gave me away?” I asked. “The eyes?”
“And your mood.” He added some money to the table and stood as well. “Actually, I could use a bite. So I’ll join you.”
“Suit yourself. I was just going to a local bar.”
“I have a much better location in mind,” he replied. “Come with me, little brother. I know just what you need.”
“I’m taller than you,” I pointed out, waving at Belinda behind the bar before following Kols outside. “And I don’t want to get laid.” Well, I did, but not by a random chick. I wanted Ella and only Ella.
“Well, you might not want to, but I do.” He led me to a fancy sports car—one he’d borrowed from the garage of the Darlington residence. We kept it as a base for the family, which was why I’d taken up residence for school purposes. “You can feed without fucking, and I’ll do it the preferred way.”
I shook my head, sliding into the passenger seat beside him. Refusing him would be a moot point. He’d just talk me into heading out with him.
“You could invite your Ella to join us,” he suggested, causing my blood to warm.
“And have her watch me feed from another woman? I’d rather fuck a gargoyle.”
He grimaced. “Ouch, dude.”
“Truth, dude,” I returned.
Kols started the car, then paused, his expression darkening. “Actually, we should bring her.”