Chapter Thirty

(Derek's POV)

All throughout dinner, Luke kept staring at Reagan and I with that wary expression that I knew all to well. His unspoken worry for his daughter's safety had him on edge because this was after all a forbidden relationship.

This was a big gamble on my part, me being an Elder. Not only am I compromising Reagan's life but mine as well.

When my family, especially my father, knows about this, he was sure to go hell bent in screaming at the top of his lungs about how stupid and reckless I was in tarnishing the family name and all the things they held dear all in the name of Kolinkar legacy.

But, they had no idea that our family carried a secret that bounded me and Reagan to the prophecy.

A prophecy that may end my life.

However, I had a gut feeling my father knew something about our ancestor, Constantine. It was odd that he never mentioned about him, not even my great grandfather as well.

Then again, secrets were after all left hidden.

We decided to head back to New York tomorrow morning since we didn't know where to go from here. I think it was a sensible move for us because though we had found the answer to the prophecy, we weren't sure what the truth meant. It could be anything and this would be the time to have the parchment examined by Luke's Alerian historian friend.

The most important part of our trip back home was Reagan's birthday which was in two days. I asked her what she wanted to do and all she said was just a simple gathering with the five of us at home. I suggested a party where she could invite her friends but to my surprise, she snorted and waved it off. I didn't know what she meant by that one but my guess was that she didn't have close friends at school. Ciara and Bryson were out of the equation, if they were not that important to her now.

As we left the hotel's restaurant, Cooper and Ryder decided to wander around Santorini Island and maybe hunt as well. They asked me if I wanted to come along but I'll just hunt maybe around dawn when Reagan was asleep.

Hand in hand, Reagan and I headed to my suite but unfortunately, Luke, called for our attention.

"You two, stop," he said in a stern voice.

We stopped walking then hesitantly, I let go of her hand and spun around to face a very serious looking Luke. I wonder what he was going to say now.

'Uh oh,' Reagan said into my mind.

I glanced at her and frowned. 'What do you mean uh oh?'

She slanted her head then did an eye roll. 'I know that look. It's the I'm-protecting-my-daughter's- chastity look.'

I chuckled softly. 'Really?'

Luke cleared his throat and our heads snapped back to face him.

"Yes, Luke?" I asked, slightly wary.

Luke crossed his arms and tried to look like a scary father. "Where are you both going?"he asked, quirking his eyebrows.

Reagan blushed, a sheepish look in her face. "Um, to Derek's room?"

Luke narrowed his eyes, not pleased with her answer. "Why? You have your own room," and darted his steely gaze to me. "And you're allowing this because?"

Sighing softly, I stared at him and prepare myself to be blown to bits with his telekinetic powers. I wasn't sure how he would react to Reagan sleeping in my room. At first, it started out as a precaution due to her dreams but then, it turned into a habit that was hard to break. Right now, I am gravely concerned on how he would react especially the explanation came from me.

"Luke," I started and grabbed for Reagan's hand to reassure her. I gave it a squeeze and prayed that he wouldn't flung me all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. "It's not what you think. Ever since she was having vivid dreams, I was worried that it would do her harm so I had to be on close proximity. I love your daughter but I wouldn't force her to do something that she wouldn't like."

Luke darted his hard gaze to Reagan for confirmation. "Is he telling the truth? He didn't try to get in your pants or something?"

Oh god, he was sure straight to point but does innocent teasing count as getting into her pants? Technically, it was but clearly, I respect Reagan as a woman. I may have my dirty moments but as much as possible, I wouldn't desecrate her gorgeous body like a man whore would do on an easy lay. It's just not right.

She deserved something special.

Reagan nodded, though she was blushing. "Dad, Derek is a gentleman," she explained and I fought a snort from escaping my lips. Yeah, I am a gentleman but my stunt on the restaurant wasn't what you call appropriate. She scowled at me and I sobered up. "So far, he hasn't done anything to me and I trust him."

My heart swelled when she said she trusted me. I shot her a warm smile and she blushed ten shades of red. Damn, that was so cute.

Luke nodded slowly, not buying as of yet. "Okay, if you say so," he said then he shifted as if he was uncomfortable with his next words. "Um, are you...um...have you..."

Reagan's eyes widened, flabbergasted with her father's attempt to know if she was still a virgin or not. "Dad!" she cried. "Not in front of Derek!"

Luke held both of his hand, palms facing forward. "Chill, sweetheart," he chided. "Daddy was just asking."

Reagan rolled her eyes though the blush didn't went away. "Yeah yeah. Whatever," she said then looked away.

Unfortunately, Luke had other plans. He was definitely planning to have her spill it out at all cost. "Well, are you?"

Reagan groaned. "Fine!" she conceded, looking annoyed. "I am not a virgin anymore. Okay?"

I gulped, swallowing a lump on my throat. So she wasn't a virgin then. Well, that changes things. For the better since if we did end up having physical contact, it wouldn't hurt her. But the thought of me not being her first was a bit disappointing and felt jealousy towards Bryson. Nevertheless, I'll get over it somehow.

Luke's eyes narrowed, face livid from anger. "Who was it? Tell me so I can strangle his neck."

"I am not going to tell you," Reagan said indignantly.

"Tell me," Luke pressed.

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"FINE!" Reagan conceded. "It was Bryson."

"That Alerian boy? Luke sneered. "Wait till I get my hands on him."

Reagan turned to me with pleading eyes. 'Can you teleport us back to your room please?'

I glanced at Luke who was still ranting about neutering Bryson and chopping him to pieces then feed it to the hyenas so I took that chance while he was distracted. I concentrated on teleporting back to my suite and before you know it, we were gone. Leaving him to his fuming ramble.


(Reagan's POV)


Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I sighed and rubbed my face out of embarrassment.

My dad sure put me on the spot.

I wondered what would Derek think of me about not being a virgin anymore. Who he be turned off? Would he still want me even though someone had already popped my cherry?

I groaned. How could I face Derek now?

'Ma cherie?' Derek called into my mind. "Are you okay in there? You seem to be taking your time.'

I blushed and racked my brain for a reply. What would I say?

I couldn't think of any so I just replied. 'Uh, in a minute.'

With a sigh, I fixed my shirt that I borrowed from Derek and looked at my reflection once again.

If Derek was disgusted with me then, I don't know.

I flicked off the lights then went out of the bathroom but stopped. My heart was pounding a million beats per second and was on the verge of passing out as I stared at the gorgeous man in bed.

Derek was leaning on the headboard wearing only his black sweatpants, showing off his ogle worthy abs.

He was the embodiment of sexy.

I felt a blush creeping into my cheeks. "Hey," I said and walked over to the edge of the bed then stopped, not sure what to do next.

What was wrong with me?

Derek smiled and propped off the headboard then crawled towards the edge of the bed. He sat up then gestured for me to sit on his lap.

Hesitantly, I sat awkwardly on his lap. This had him roll his eyes and re-positioned my legs as if I was straddling him. He had his arms securely wrapped around my waist for support while my arms went around his neck.

With a contented sigh, Derek nuzzled his nose against mine and murmured. "There is no need to be shy, my beloved."

I slowly relaxed myself from the tense position and smiled. "Sorry," I apologized. "Dad's intervention got to me."

He chuckled. "Don't be. He was just concerned that's all."

I rolled my eyes then frowned. I wasn't sure if it was okay to ask him this question but what the hell. It's do or die. Derek sense my change of mood. "Is there something the matter?" he asked, a frown on his face.

"Um, are you okay about me being...uh..."

He chuckled, low and deep. Damn that was sexy. "Reagan, you don't need to worry about it. I am a bit disappointed but I'll get over it," he assured me.

I was slightly relieved that he was okay with it yet, the thought still lingered. I nodded and smiled. "Thank you."

He smiled then his expression turned serious. "Reagan, there is something that we need to talk about."

I tilted my head to the side. "About what?"

He sighed. "It's about when you turn into a full Galerian."

I frowned at this. Is there something that I needed to know more about?

He went on. "Reagan, our relationship is actually illegal in Alerian and Pureblood law. It is forbidden for two kinds to consort with one another."

I panicked. Our relationship was illegal? Was he implying that we should break up and pretend that nothing had happened? To forget about our feelings and move on? No wonder he looked serious but letting me straddle him was just him breaking it to me gently. 'How considerate of him,' I thought bitterly.

I attempted to get off his lap but he was quick. He held on tight, not wanting to let go. "I know what you are thinking, Reagan." he said as he tried to restrain me. "I am not breaking up with you."

I fought the tears that was threatening to spill. "Then what are trying to say then?"

He sighed then stared straight into my eyes. "The punishment for such crime is harsh. For Alerians, its life imprisonment. For Purebloods, its..."he hesitated, not really sure if I wanted to hear it.

"What?" I croaked out. "What is the punishment for purebloods?"

He closed his eyes as he struggled to speak. "Life deprivation. They'll bury me alive and deprive me of blood till I'm dry as a husk," he said in a shaky voice. "It's worst than death itself."

I breath caught in my throat. That couldn't be true! A punishment that harsh just because for loving someone that was not of his kind? That's unbelievable!

Finally, stream of tears rolled down my cheeks, frightened for him. "Derek, that's not fair. They can't do that."

He opened his eyes, worry clouded in his dark blue orbs. "I know that's why I wanted to talk about you turning into a Pureblood Galerian."

He went on. "Reagan, if we play our cards right, we can somehow convince the tribunal that you are an exemption to the law. I mean you are part pureblood so that has to mean something. Its about time that they should know about the truth. "

Staring at him, I didn't know what to say to his idea. Turning into a pureblood Galerian was a big move for me, a choice where I am going to be immortal just like Derek. Not only that, the fact that I would be living off blood for the rest of my life was something to deliberate for a long periods of time.

"Derek, I don't know what to say. I mean sure I want to be with you but the thought of feeding on blood is just...I don't know weird I guess," I said then bit my lip.

He leaned his forehead to mine, a pained look on his face. "Beloved, I don't want to lose you."

I didn't want to lose Derek either. But I needed time and my birthday was fast approaching but could I really?

"What if they don't believe us, Derek?" I asked, with a shaky voice hating the thought of being separated from him. "What are we going to do?"

He held on a determined expression, not willing to back down. "We are going to convince them no matter what," he said sternly. "We have to and I am going to be with you along the way."

With a nod, I softly spoke my compromise. Its the least I could do for us, to survive in this forbidden relationship. "Give me three days."

He leaned back, looking confused. "What?"

I sighed and spoke again, my voice strong and even. "Give me three days after my birthday to think it over."

He wanted to say otherwise but then he hesitated. With a sigh, he slowly nodded. "Of course."

I smiled at him gratefully and then hugged him tight. Just three days to think it over was all I needed from him. If you think about it, it was a sensible compromise unless if he was in a hurry then I'm screwed.

"I love you, Derek." I murmured into his neck. "Thank you for understanding."

He kissed the hollow part at the base of my neck and I shivered. "As I love you, ma cherie," he said softly.