Kai's POV
Today marked the third day of Elaine saving me, yet I had never been able to shake off the feeling—and, of course, the memories—of how her blood had worked the magic I had spent centuries searching for.
Before, I used to think of her as my antidote, but that event confirmed it. Damien had also played a major role in keeping me from overstepping my boundaries, but he didn't give me much space to thank him as I ought to. He was cold toward me, and I kinda knew that after what happened, he was also scared of losing Elaine to me.
"Do you think she is from the special bloodline?" I asked as we walked to the motel, marking one of the rare times he even looked at me when I asked him a question.
"Those are just rumors, Kai. Don't get your hopes too high. Besides, if it is anything like that, I'd be more terrified than happy if I were you."
"Why so?"
"Because then I'd know that if the curse doesn't kill me, she would."
As much as I didn't want to believe what he said and tried to push it to the back of my mind, I couldn't deny the brutal truth in his words. She could also be a weapon fashioned against me. And knowing that she'd be so broken if she ever found out she had made things worse when she only really wanted to help made me sad.
"It's kinda unrelated, but I'm sure since he took her away, he must have done some blunt talking. It would be sensible for you to tell her the whole truth," Damien suggested.
"I still find it difficult to believe that Luca showed up to help," I whispered.
"We both know it's never just about Luca. His kind is not to be trusted easily, and the Luca we've known for centuries has never ceased to seek ways that benefit only him. We know the irresistible pull we feel toward Elaine when she's around, and I know that's because, whether she knows it or not, she is something special. Luca could have acted nice toward Elaine so he could buy his way into her heart," he ranted, making complete sense all at once.
"A few hours of being away won't be able to make a huge mess, though. Either way, I'll speak to her about it," I told him while entering the motel.
"Take care of her, and make sure you let me know when something is about to go wrong. I'll be there in a jiffy," he turned to look at me. "I'll handle her boss, so ask her not to worry about it."
He glanced at the spiral staircase, gesturing for me to leave the rest to him. I did as he said, reaching Elaine's room almost immediately and placing a soft knock on her door.
"You can come in. The door is open," I heard her yell from inside, making me smile to myself. Everything about her, down to her voice, excited even the tiniest cell in my body.
Opening the door quietly, I saw her reading a book on her bed. She was so focused that she didn't even care to see who had entered her room.
"Hi," I smiled at her, somehow hoping it wasn't bad timing.
"Oh, Kai," she jolted up, tossing the book to the side and standing to embrace me. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. I just stopped by to say hello, and… Damien asked me to let you know that he is taking care of the situation with your boss," I told her, distracting her from the actual reason I had come.
"How is that even possible? Damien could end up killing them if they get on his nerves," she was almost panicking.
"Just trust him. I'm sure he knows what he's doing."
"Okay… but it's just because you said I should. Personally, I wouldn't let him do it," she admitted while stealing short glances at my lips.
"Uhm…" I cleared my throat after she offered me a seat on her bed and a cup of coffee.
"Is everything okay?" she questioned.
"Yes, I was just thinking that maybe you could let me show you what it's like to be… tonight. I'll take you somewhere," I lowered my gaze, feeling very different about asking her out. It wasn't something I would usually do. However, I would—because it was her, and it made her happy.
"A date?" She blushed hard, closing the book she was reading and setting it aside.
"A date," I agreed, watching as she blushed even harder.
"It's a yes, Kai."
"I'm happy you didn't turn it down," I blurted out, making her giggle. "I'll pick you up by seven if that's okay."
"Seven," she repeated.
I stood to leave so I could get everything ready. I couldn't risk even the slightest imperfection when it came to her. I had put everything aside to make sure it was perfect.
"Kai?" she called quietly when I reached the door.
She crashed her lips against mine before I could fully turn to face her. My right hand found its way around her waist, pulling her even closer, while my left hand tangled in her hair, making her gasp slightly. I took full advantage, deepening the kiss as she let me explore the wonders of her mouth.
"See you tonight," I whispered when I pulled away.
She nodded and untangled her fingers from my hair.
Everything was set and ready for the night. I drove to her place in a car I hardly used anymore because I had long lost hope in the fancy things of life. I waited for her outside, only to behold her in a majestic silver dress. It was a bodycon dress that accentuated the beauty of her small waist, round and prominent curves, and a perfect ass to match.
I was so lost, but not enough to forget to kiss her lips and compliment every damn part of her.
"Thanks, Kai," she blushed, making my heart flutter.
I opened the passenger door for her before getting into the driver's seat myself and driving off.
"Do you mind telling me where this special place is?" she asked softly.
"You'll see."
Raven Hollow was what humans would call creepy because of the woods and all. However, the woods were just short routes and a hiding place for creatures of the night. We reached the area where the streetlights and paved roads ended. I parked in a safe spot and got out to open the door for her.
"It's not far from here. Because of the nature of the road, we'll have to walk a little more," I explained.
She didn't seem to mind, but I was worried on her behalf. I led her through the safest route until we arrived at the tent near the beach. She paused abruptly, taking in the sight. If nothing else, the tears in her eyes, the way she covered her mouth to stop herself from shouting, and how she threw herself at me made me proud of my hard work.
"This is so beautiful, Kai. The serenity, the location, the roses, the tent, the bonfire, and the write-up…" she started crying. "Everything is so beautiful."
I held her close to my chest, not wanting her to ruin her makeup or the happiness on her face.
"Please don't cry," I soothed her. "In the darkest state of my life, you showed up, and somehow, you lifted all my burdens—even if only for a little while…"
She gazed around in awe. "And it does feel like freedom."
"That's the thing, Elaine. Nothing feels like you," I breathed out, claiming her lips before she could say a word. She wrapped her legs around my torso while I walked her to the fluffy blanket near the bonfire.
"Kai," she moaned, making me want to shred her entire dress and take her at once. "Please make me yours tonight."
The words that escaped her lips were as dangerous as the daring look in her eyes. I did grant her request, though, carefully taking off her clothes until she had only her underwear on.
I could only please her since the night had just begun and take my time as the night unveiled itself to take her on a blissful trip to heaven. Kissing her forehead when we were done making out, I stretched myself in order to lie next to her.
I didn't know how, but something strange caught my vision from afar. Four figures in black cloaks. They didn't move, nor did they come closer.
"Who are they?" she asked, slightly terrified when she followed my gaze.
"Take this and put it on," I put a silver bracelet around her wrist that contained a tracker, quickly. "Run to somewhere safe. Damien will find you," I urged the moment I recognized who the four figures were—the four members of the ancient cult.