7 Chapter 6:

Awkward.

That's what it was like on patrol with Cole. All we're doing is walking through a trail in silence. At first, I didn't care but now as he walks ahead of me I couldn't help but look at his backside. And lucky for me, I know it'll be just as good as the front. Earlier in the cafe, I could feel some of it when I was all in his personal space.

Unfortunately, my knowledge of what could be a mighty dick is limited.

Folding my arms as I grew bored and then I started realizing that this wasn't bonding time at all.

"So, what are we going to talk about?" I broke the silence, kicking a rock as I kept a steady pace behind him. Not even bothering to be quiet. I'm just as fast on land as I am in the air and that confidence comes naturally. I'll happily accept a battle over this quietness between us.

Monsters, oh monsters where can you be?

I don't even know what would dare step on dragon territory anyways.

Besides humans.

Humans can be stupid.

"Whatever you want to talk about," He shrugged so thoughts started going through my head.

What did I want to talk about? Frowning for a moment I opened my mouth and then closed it.

"I don't really know, Ivy or Nyx usually do the talking for me," I shrugged, at times I can be a quiet person. Just enjoying and watching everyone around me as they went through life.

"Nyx?" That was all Cole said and I raised my eyebrows, realizing I hadn't told him anything about her.

"Oh yea, that's my other friend. She's the one we're waiting for. The three of us, we're like sisters," Jokingly, I crossed my fingers, symbolizing how close we are.

He nodded his head, but I noticed he slowed down and was walking beside me. Man, I was starting to wonder if he was even sexually attracted to me. The only sign I'd seen him bother to even look at me was that small moment in his office. After that, it was like the fact that I'm a woman was nonexistent.

The man was trying to keep me far behind the "business" line.

So, then I started thinking, what would it take for him to notice me? Obviously, tonight wasn't a night of seduction. I'd worn a pair of plain black tights and a dark grey sports bra underneath a fitted black jacket. Nothing about me screamed sexy and even as a seductress, this outfit wasn't made for that. Well, maybe if I take off my jacket.

But I have a feeling Cole wouldn't bite... or would he? He almost did when I had been in a T-shirt the other day.

"The humans that have sinned... the rapists, murderers, and psychopaths... you protect them too?" I asked, at first it was to kill any sort of mood from growing but now the curiosity on the subject grew. Where does he draw a line in protecting them?

"Just like how we have our own systems of justice for our people and expect humans not to interfere, is the same way I treat humans. Their affairs are theirs if it doesn't affect my people. The lives you have taken, the families that were dependent on those killed by your hand. Now they're alone and it's even possible that some of them might not be able to mentally accept what the person they love did. It isn't any of my business to interfere in the lives of mortals. You have no right to take someone's soul, whether they're good or bad," Cole, no, Elzrurron spoke in that naturally deep voice of his.

A captivating sound, really.

There was silence now. I didn't understand why he bothered to even have such respect for the mortals as he does so, there was no point in talking about it. But Cole continued the conversation.

"You have no care for mortal lives, do you?" He asked, pausing in his steps and so I halted my own and turned around to look at him completely.

I tilted my head a bit as if it would give me a better read on him. Cole wanted the truth from me, that I could easily sense. Lying was easy and came naturally but I decided not to add another reason for him to kill me instead of this blood bond punishment.

"I was raised in a world where humans were sheep. Pray to the ones that used the lives of others for survival. They're weak and vulnerable. When given a chance they're just as savage as any other creature. They can't even take care of the land of their home no matter if it might kill them one day. And yet... I think I have a bit of a weakness for them. It isn't their fault that they'd been created fragile," I shrugged my shoulders, turning around and continuing our walk.

It would be better if he trusted me. Giving a little bit of information couldn't hurt or change much.

Still, the way he questioned how I viewed things... did it hurt? Or is it the thought I wouldn't know how to change myself even if I knew how that caused these small pains in my chest?

"So, you came back for her..." His voice was low, but I'd heard it nonetheless. Though I said nothing and kept walking instead.

There was no need to give him too much of an insight into myself. Giving him a reason to like me would make it hard to mentally punish myself for the things I've done. Fuck just the mortals, they aren't the only victims.

And frankly, they aren't on my priority list either.

"Your witch, does she belong to a coven?" Was his next question. Which is only natural, I haven't given him any information on who was with me. Cole has been surprisingly more patient about it than I would've thought. Not to mention allowing an unknown witch on his territory.

"No, she doesn't. If you want to say, her coven is us," I shrugged my shoulders. Magic wasn't something I do but a long, long time ago when it had been necessary, Ivy carved sigils into my skin. And then taught me to perfect the demon spells that I'd been taught. Even though demon magic wasn't something I put my hand in. Well, aside from the weaponry work. I'll always stand by the fact that the best blacksmiths are demons.

"Is her presence here going to be a problem? For Valence?" My eyes looked to the side where Cole was walking beside me.

"He's young, not as experienced. It is to be expected, his father was killed by a coven of witches that had ambushed his small gypsy clan," Cole's voice was hard "But no, there won't be an issue and if there is, I want you to come straight to me," He held took control of the conversation and held no room for argument.

Instead of speaking I just nodded my head.

There was a small breeze tonight that blew as the short loose locks of dark brown hair that fell from the bun on the top of my head blew. The silence had engulfed us again, making everything seem a bit uncomfortable. At least on my end of things.

I'm not like Oriness, being able to tell how someone feels about you or sees you. Whether they're an enemy or an ally. Though being able to see through lies is a skill I have, there's no way I can know someone's true intentions. And right now, my life is in Cole's hands.

The sound of a twig snapping and the sounds of the crickets went silent.

Cole moved fast, pulling me toward him and forcing my back against a tree. Now, this is a position I like. The location is understandable, the thick and large leaves from the low branches hid us. Along with the thick and wild bushes.

He was close, real close.

The scent of mint, chocolate, and smoke had my senses blaring; the need to touch him burned through me. So, I put my hand on his chest, putting a bit of pressure to move him. It was like Cole didn't notice me trying to move away from him as those brilliant green eyes observed around the area.

Fuck, he smells so good... how long has it been since I've eaten?

As soon as the crickets began making noise again, I knew whatever it was that had been here was gone. Because I couldn't feel a presence, I'd say it was a vampire. It had been a predator, shifters were a no-go as they were too afraid of angering Elzrurron. Not to mention that it's a lot easier to find something with an actual soul.

There was a feeling of being watched and I didn't like it but... with this guy looming over my body like this it was a good distraction. Plus, whoever is watching wasn't bothering me. Valentino would soon find out about my location sooner or later. I'm sure I could use Oriness's safety against Cole so that I could leave and keep her safe.

Not to mention, the business of the dragons is just that. Theirs. So, whatever is out there, he can deal with it. I want no part in it. My revenge against Valentino will take time. Even though I wish to wrap my hands around his throat and just snap it in half... I can't. It would be suicide. Right now, I need to gain more strength. While my father is extremely strong because of his old age, I get stronger with the souls that I devour.

Unfortunately, I haven't been released from that soil I call prison long enough to be a large threat to Valentino, let alone kill him.

Now the dragon in front of me is in my way. Keeping me from doing exactly that.

Cole looked around one more time before his strong gaze finally stopped to look down at me. My forehead barely reached the bottom of his chin. If I wanted to pull him down for a kiss to anger him, he could stop me.

"Cole... if we stay in this position any longer I might just start clawing off your clothes," My voice was a bit thick as I enjoyed the feel of his hard chest under my hand. Yea, he's the enemy, but it's in my nature. I know a beautiful creature when I see one. And Elzrurron is most definitely a beautiful man.

For a moment as he looked at me in silence. I thought he was trying to test me but then he moved away, the heat coming from him was gone. Made me realize that despite not getting cold, the absence of his warmth is completely noticeable.

"So, patrol, huh? Is it usually this quiet? Or are we the lucky ones?" I asked with a grin on my face, completely ignoring the danger out there. Yea, I have complete faith that no one would be as stupid as to just get into a fight with Cole.

"There's something out there..." His tone was low and very, very cautious. Deep growls rumbled from his chest and I couldn't help but mentally take note of how sexy it sounded.

I crossed both arms under my chest with a roll of my eyes.

Of course, there's something out there.

There's always something lurking in the shadows, just waiting for someone to attack.

Instead of getting all hyped about what might be out there, I continued to lean against the tree and blew out a huff of air.

This is what I came for.

One would've thought there was another reason behind asking me to go on patrol with him. A part of me had wanted him to take this opportunity to maybe release some sexual tension but no, that wasn't going to happen. The other side of me was raging with a need to get Cole to recognize me in the way of a woman and not a demon. Since the night in his office, he's been giving me these blank looks and I feel as if the man is ignoring my sex appeal. It's like the man was just trying to hurt my ego.

As a demon, I've got a big sense of pride and he really knows how to hurt it.

As my eyes scanned the area, I decided to pull out some of my power. My sight was enhanced but in a different way. Around me, I could see the life energy and with one glance at Cole, it was like his soul was on fire with power. It looked so... delicious.

But that wasn't the reason I was doing this. This stupid patrol shit is now extremely boring, and I just want to go home.

Looking around I noticed everything was dark, as it should be but there were dark patches of shadows. And I knew what that meant. Technically vampires have no souls but they're from Caligo Orbis, which is one of the very few ways of translating the actual name into human languages. A dark place filled with nothing but nightmares and terror. It's where a lot of the darkest creatures in the world come from.

Even dark magic.

This means their souls are like shadows, nonexistent for those who aren't strongly connected to the spirits. Of course, I could, seeing as how I do eat them. I've never been to Caligo Orbis myself. The only person I know who's ever been there is Ivy. And nothing about the place sounded good.

I haven't eaten an actual meal in almost a week and because of the situation I'm in right now, there's no way I'm at my strongest. At the moment... there was only one food source.

Pushing myself off the tree I walked over to Cole and without waiting for him to react, swung my body in front of him and wrapped my arms around his neck. He was shocked for a second but then froze, perhaps looking at something in my eyes. In the reflection of his own, I saw the glowing purple orbs he was looking at.

"I just need a little..." My voice didn't hold any seductive power to it as I gave him a moment to pull away from me, the need to see his reaction growing deep. Then I slowly took a careful sliver of his soul, closing my eyes and enjoying the feel of flames rushing through my blood. It was a powerful and very filling buffet from such a small intake. A strong grip on either side of my hips squeezed and almost caused me to sigh at the feeling.

It wasn't enough but I don't want to hurt him and leave him vulnerable.

I opened my eyes a little to gaze up at the man, for once being able to sense a bit of lustful energy from him. Though its easy to say it might only be happening because I'm eating off of him.

Gods... just a taste was enough to remind me of how hungry I am.

Then as I stopped feeding, unfortunately, I grabbed Cole's ear and tugged down gently. Taking the hint, the big man whose body practically hid my entire figure, bent down. And if he wanted, he could engulf me with his arms.

Lifting myself up a bit I put my lips just a breath away from his ear, purposely enjoying being so close.

"They're watching us, Cole... it's eight of them in the east. I think they're waiting for a command from their general. We both know if you get close enough, you'll be able to smell the scent of death that follows your prey," I spoke in a low tone while bravely pressing against the dragon.

A growl escaped his lips as the hold Cole had on my hips squeezed again, the only thing keeping the rest of our bodies from melding together. I'd like to think it's because of me but I could tell the dragon within him didn't like the sound of intruders.

This little moment would last for just a second and if I was right, the creature behind this little gathering of leeches was the man who seemed to oversee the mission of taking down Cole and his people. Or perhaps there's another goal to all this. Either way, there are only four vampires that Valentino trusted enough to even have a hand in this. Each of them is troublesome in its own way.

"Be on alert, demon. I'll be back..." And just like that, I was alone.

Standing in the dark.

Great, leave a weakened demon to the enemies.

It only took a moment before I sensed another presence. Folding my arms under my chest I let out a little sigh, turning around just as Dexter appeared in front of me.

Fast, faster than any vampire that I know of.

"Dexter..." I muttered with a raised eyebrow.

Fuck.