~ Constantine ~
“Why do you suddenly ask about Helena?” I wrinkled my forehead. “Let’s get back to the bed first. I want you again.”
We talked no more. Victoria sparked my appetite for her tonight. I didn’t understand, but her confession of loving me moved my heart. That was why I poured my seeds into her womb. If she were pregnant, I would marry her.
Though I said to Ethan that I wouldn’t marry Victoria because she was my mistress, it changed after tonight. Living as a bastard, I didn’t want my child to live as one. Besides, Victoria’s sacrifice had been a lot for me.
For the first time, she was different in my eyes. I had never asked Victoria about her virginity, but tonight I wanted to ask her. So first, we made love three times, then when I hugged her, I asked, “Victoria?”
“Yes?”
“Who was your first man?”
Victoria opened her eyes and stared at me. “Why?”
“I want to know.”
“I don’t know his name.”
“What?!”
“Should we continue this?”
“Sure! I am curious.”
Victoria let out a long sigh and stared at the ceiling. “I was a human when a vampire raped me and then turned me into a vampire afterward.”
“I see ….” I tightened my grip. My Victoria was raped ….
She touched my cheek. “What? Now you pity me?”
“You have suffered a difficult life.”
“I did, but I survived.”
“You are truly a survivor, darling. I am proud of you.”
Victoria said nothing. “Sometimes, I wished to die. The rape memory is terrible. I often had nightmares because of that.” Then she touched my cheek. “But since I became your mistress, I had never had the nightmares again.”
“Victoria ….”
“The children you gave money … They are still my relatives…. They didn’t know me at all. Yet knowing you helped them warmed my heart. After that, I knew I wanted to follow you wherever you go.”
“It was nothing. I mean the money. I have plenty of them.”
Victoria smiled and kissed my lips. “It’s true, but not all will help those poor children. You helped them.”
“For selfish reasons.” I didn’t want Victoria to make me a hero in her mind.
“Still, you helped them when they needed it the most. Thank you, Constantine.”
I turned her body. “It won’t change my plan, Victoria. I will still have Helena as my mate and marry her too. She will be my first wife.”
“I know. I accept it.”
“Why?”
“Because I can’t lose you. Can’t you see? You’re my reason to live. Without you, I won’t have any reason anymore.”
I said nothing. It was even more potent than when Victoria said she loved me. I hugged her tightly. “You sacrifice everything to be with me. I don’t know what to say.”
“I know you don’t love me. It is okay. I won’t ask for your love. But let me be by your side for the rest of your life. I won’t ask anything else.”
I kissed Victoria’s lips tenderly. “You are an amazing woman. Victoria, I promise I will let you stay by my side for the rest of your life.”
Then I made love with Victoria for the first time. It was sweet. I didn’t love her since I was incapable of loving. However, if I could love someone, maybe my feelings for her now were closer to being called love.
***
~ Helena ~
Ethan sent me home the first thing in the morning. I was happy since there was no more grudge between us. I pulled Ethan’s hand. “My mom will be happy to see you.”
“How do you know?”
“She told me she liked you.”
“Ah, I’m glad then. Maybe Freya has already thought of me as her favorite son-in-law.”
I giggled. “Well, I think so since you are the only one my mom has.”
When we were inside the house, I called my mother. “Mom? I’m home. Ethan is with me too.”
But my mother didn’t come to the living room. Maybe she went outside.
“Maybe your mother is still sleeping.”
I shook my head. “No, she usually wakes up at dawn. Maybe she goes somewhere. Let me check in her room first.”
I walked to my mother’s room, but she was not there. Was it because she knew I was with Ethan, so she went elsewhere?
I returned to the living room. “My mom isn’t in her room either. So, maybe she goes somewhere.”
“Call her.”
“Right! Why can’t I think of that?”
I immediately opened my purse and got my phone. Then I called my mother. But unfortunately, she didn’t pick up the call.
“Maybe she is busy. Wait for a while before calling her again.”
I nodded. “Yes, maybe my mom is going to the market and choosing some vegetables and meat there.”
“Does your mother love cooking?”
“Yes, also, she may expect a special occasion.”
“Like what?”
I grinned. “I have great news. So, last night, I told my mom I didn’t want to live without you. I also asked her if it would make her less worried if I had been married to you.”
“Ah, I see. So, did Freya say yes?”
I nodded and smiled. “Yes! But she asked for three months so she could have more time with me.”
“She is an amazing mother.”
“I can’t agree more.”
That was when my phone was beeping. I checked it; my mother texted me. ‘Sweety, I can’t talk, so I texted you instead. I will go to my friend’s house for three days. Don’t worry. I’ll be home soon.’
I frowned. It didn’t sound like my mother to stay at her friend’s place.
“What happened?”
“My mom stayed at her friend’s house for three days.” I stared at my phone.
“So? Maybe she wanted to ask her friend’s help to prepare for our wedding.”
I let out a sigh. “You’re right. I felt it was weird since my mom had never done that before.”
Ethan laughed and hugged me. “Since your mother wouldn’t be at home, why don’t you stay with me? I need to bring you to visit my pack and introduce you to my people. What do you think?”
My heart was racing fast to hear that. “Maybe not now.”
“Why not?” His voice sounded disappointed.
“I need to learn about werewolves and your pack first. After Red’s first reaction, I wonder if your people will reject me.”
“No, they won’t dare since I have announced that I have marked you.”
“Please give me more time. Then, when I am ready, I’ll meet your people.” I squeezed Ethan’s hand. “I want to be the best Luna they have ever had, but I don’t think I can do it now.”
He finally nodded. “Okay. But Red and Ernie are behind you. So, no need to worry. Eventually, my people will accept you.”