Cole
Iâd anticipated she would eventually realize I could read her thoughts, but I hadnât expected it to happen so soon. As a vampire, she was my pet, and I could easily refuse to answer her questions or simply ignore them. But I wasnât sure I had the heart to do that.
If I revealed the truth, it might inhibit her from thinking freely. It didnât help that she was gazing up at me with those wide, innocent grey eyes.
Things were spiraling out of control and I needed to tread more carefully. Everyone was already suspicious of me, and I had the Caines to worry about. Kaden was curious, but he was a loose cannon and couldnât be trusted with any secrets.
My little doveâs mind was a whirlwind. Her thoughts were so scattered, I couldnât decipher them. She was grappling with whether she could trust me, and a part of her was hesitant because of what I am.
I yearned to tell her everything, but it was too soon. I needed to ensure her safety and earn her trust. But wait, who the fuck was Raven?
Now, I had no choice but to tell her the truth about my power, especially if I wanted honest answers.
âWell, yes. Certain vampires gain special abilities when they drinkâ¦fresh blood. Since I drank your blood, I can read your mind. Iâm also stronger than most vampires, faster, and my senses are more heightened.â
Her eyes widened in surprise, and she immediately tried to control her thoughts, but it was futile. Her mind was a sea of questions, and I simply nodded at her, giving her the go-ahead to ask away.
Perhaps this would help her trust me more.
âYou said certain vampires, so not everyone has these abilities?â
âNo, little dove. Other vampires might become a bit stronger, but nowhere near my own strength.
âI told you in the beginning, Iâm very old. My family was among the first vampires; therefore, I was already stronger, faster, and probably more intelligent than most others.â
âIs anyone here that has those same abilities as you? Are there more like you?â
I didnât need to read her mind or feel her emotions to know she was scared. Her eyes and body language said it all. Iâd never seen someone as tense as her.
I quickly sat down beside her and took her small hand in mine. I was sure I felt like ice to her, but I needed her to understand that she was not in danger.
âYou are safe, little dove. You are safe here, with me. I wonât let anything happen to you. I would have preferred not to drink from you at all, but because I did, I will be able to sense you.
âIâll know when you are scared, happy, and even sick. In a house full of vampires, this is really helpful, not that I think that Iâll need it.
âEveryone knows you belong to me and if even a single hair is harmed, they will pay with blood.â
She scooted closer to me and, to my surprise, leaned her head against me and let out a small sigh. I released her small hand and began to stroke her from her head down to her shoulders and arms.
Her heartbeat, which had been racing so fast I thought it might burst from her chest, was slowing down and her breathing was calming. I knew she wasnât asleep, but my touch seemed to soothe her dramatically.
âCole, why do youâ¦why do you care for me so much? Iâm just a human pet,â she asked in a quiet and gentle voice.
I wasnât sure how to answer. I didnât want to lie, but I couldnât reveal everything to her. It was too dangerous.
âAll will be revealed in time. For now, just know that you are safe here.â
She didnât respond, but it wasnât long until she was fast asleep. She really was a little bird, so fragile, having lived so long in a cage. This wouldnât be too much of a change. A gilded cage is still a cage.
Once my work and business were finished, we would go home. I just had to keep the vultures at bay long enough to get everything done.
I was lost in thought when my phone started to vibrate. I had a meeting with Brayden and Kaden. I normally didnât have meetings in my room, but I wasnât going to leave my lovely pet here alone.
A quick text to Brayden was all I needed. I slowly stood up with Olivia in my arms, one hand under her neck and the other under her knees. The good thing about being who I was, was the fact that I had this suite.
I walked to the second bedroom and gently placed her sleeping body under the blankets.
I was walking out of the room when the knocking started. I closed the bedroom door and walked to the front area to let them in. Kaden rushed in first, of course, probably hoping to see my pet.
âSheâs asleep, Kaden. Now please sit down so we can get this meeting over with.â
Brayden was right behind Kaden, but was much calmer. Iâm sure he was curious too, but he knew more, not everything, but I trusted him more.
Both of them took a seat on the couch. I let out a breath and walked to my desk to retrieve the paperwork.
âOkay, letâs get started. I have the reports frââ
âSo Cole, tell us about your new petâ¦â
This was going to be a long night.