Page 35 of Forty Deaths Till Us Part

“Constantine, you are playing with fire. I thought you had given up on your death wish.”

Constantine shifted slightly in his seat and the material creaked as his leathers rubbed against it. “I have not had such thoughts since Cassara finished her training.”

Cass grunted. “Yeah, but you were a total hardass when you were my mentor. I honestly thought you might kill me some days.”

Constantine turned to stare at her. “I ensured you were the best. Few could take you in a fight and I trust every one of those men. I had to ensure your safety since Rene insisted you remain with him.”

The muscles ticked in Cassara’s jaw, but she was wise enough not to argue. Everything he said was true; only his motives went unsaid.

“Honestly, Cass, I am not sure how you resist him.”

Cass blinked before focusing on me. “Excuse me?”

I glanced at Constantine’s muscular form and handsome features. “With the exception of Rene, he is the sexiest man I have ever seen.”

Cass slipped her hand to her eyes. “Jesus Raven. You can’t say that in front of him. His entire head might explode from a comment like that. It can barely contain his ego as it is.”

Constantine smiled, and I had to return it. “You are quite fortunate to have such a loving and honest bride.”

I laughed as Rene brought my fingers to his lips. “I must agree with you, since she admitted I am more attractive.”

Cass threw her hands in the air in exasperation. “What are you, two pre-pubescent boys?”

Constantine leaned toward her. “If anyone could make me feel young again, it is you.”

She punched Constantine’s arm. “What has gotten into you? Stop it before I stake you.”

Constantine laughed. “I always enjoy it when you try.”

Cass mumbled something under her breath. “... geezer with a spear.”

Constantine’s smile faded to be replaced with a look that made me shiver. “We are here, Cass. Are you ready?”

She nodded and her serious face matched Constantine’s. “You are Rene’s attendant, so you have the honor of announcing their status and how you want them to refer to Raven in formal situations.”

Constantine nodded. “I have decided.”

He opened the door to the vehicle when it came to a stop and waited for Cass to join him. They stood like sentries at the side of the limo as we exited, then stood shoulder to shoulder as we approached the entrance to the mansion.

Constantine opened the front door and held it for Cass before Rene and I entered. “I wish to announce the entrance of Rene and Raven Roth. They have completed their bonding ceremony and I entreat any who oppose this union to challenge me.”

My heart raced as I entered the grand foyer of the opulent mansion with my hand gently clasped in Rene’s. All conversation hushed instantly, and the air held an oppressive tension. I had no idea what had transpired while we were gone, but it was obvious they had not expected to see Rene again. At least not alive. Anticipation and fear crackled like electricity as the members of the vampire clan glanced toward the hallway. They were waiting for something... or someone. The silence was palpable, like a collective breath held in suspended animation, as they accepted the undeniable truth of our bonding.

The return of Rene’s vitality was a testament to our shared strength and the eternal bond we had completed with the ceremony. His recovery from the treacherous compound killing him was nothing short of miraculous, a testament to his resilience and the depth of our connection. The trial of those events had only solidified our connection, and now we stood before our clan, with our destinies intertwined for all time.

The clan was rendered speechless, despite being used to the subtle changes of power and nuances of politics that coursed through the vampire world. They had witnessed a miracle,from the transformation of a witch to Rene’s less-than-subtle courtship of me. The recognition of our bond and my new standing within this clan and every other rippled through the room like a gusting wind.

Hushed chatter broke out around us as Rene and I exchanged a knowing glance. Our silent conversation spoke volumes. We were a united front, two halves of a powerful whole, and ready to face whatever challenges the future would bring. The quiet strength in his gaze mirrored my determination, and was enforced by the two leather-clad sentries that now stood beside us. The clan members were gradually recovering from their surprise, and began to nod respectfully. Most were in a silent show of respect for the connection we had solidified, but whispers of disapproval rustled in the air like leaves in a growing gale storm.

Several clan members darted out of the way as Dimitri entered the foyer. His eyes roamed over Rene in anger before he briefly focused on my dress. “It appears your bonding has stabilized the progression of the disease. I will cancel the assembly immediately.”

Rene released my hand. “I told you not to call an assembly. Are you telling me that you ignored a direct order?”

Dimitri flinched under Rene’s furious gaze. “You were infected. That compound has killed every other vampire afflicted. I had no way to confirm you were in your right mind.”

Rene placed his finger in the middle of Dimitri’s chest, and all the chatter ceased. “I am not just any vampire, and you know it. You are a coward and care nothing for this clan or the well-being of our species. You intended to use my attack to gain power. It is pathetic and a childish waste of resources.”

Dimitri’s lip curled. “I have served this clan admirably and will continue to do so.”