Page 31 of Obsession

Each encounter with the men felt like stepping on thin ice for Ren. A dangerous dance that she couldn't afford to stumble on.

“Oh, I am terribly sorry Grayson, time had just gotten away from me while I was reading.” Ren said while she crossed over to Grayson.

She left Callum to finish rolling up the last piece of parchment they had been studying while looping her arm in the corner of Grayson’s.

“What is on the menu for tonight?” she asked.

“I believe the chef has a new creation for you to try this evening.” He said.

“I’ll meet you there.” Callum said before moving away so quickly that he left a small breeze in his wake.

“Is everything alright between us Gray?” Ren asked.

“Fine.” Grayson answered.

“That doesn’t sound fine. Are you sure?” She pulled back slightly to have him stop walking.

“What do you want me to say? That everything is fucking rainbows and glitter? Well it’s not!” He raised his voice.

“I could tell there was something, but I …” she trailed off, not knowing what to say.

“We are brothers. We will always be brothers in blood, we share in that, though we were of no relation before the blood curse. We will always be tied together as long as we walk this Earth.”

“I understand that,” she said.

“What you don’t seem to understand is that we have never in all the years we have been in this situation. One where we are torn between our found family and the woman we love.”

“You love me?” Her eyes tear up slightly when she pick up her chin and looks into his appreciative gaze.

“Of course I do. . .To death if needs be.” He said in an ominous tone.

Thirty-One

Despite the unseen danger, Ren clung to the ray of hope that Callum offered, believing what he found held merit. Their intimate discussions and shared secrets created a bond between them, one that was as dangerous as it was comforting. It heightened the intensity of their growing love. Callum’s curiosities about her and her story, were like an aphrodisiac Ren could taste on her tongue.

“I still am having a hard time grasping that there is anything magical about me. How can I help to bring it to the surface?” she asked sincerely.

“I honestly don’t know.” Callum answered while pouring another glass of wine for Ren.

Every time she felt trapped in her own skin, Callum figured out a way to help her shed her doubts. They often found themselves craving one another, the taste of this forbidden alliance was bittersweet, a potent cocktail of fear and anticipation.

“Have you noticed that Bastian and Grayson have gone out hunting more often?” Ren asked.

“I honestly haven’t paid any attention to their coming and going. My focus is and will always be you.” Callum handed the wine glass to Ren after swirling around the glass and smelling it.

“How is this bottle?”

“It’s actually a good vintage, not too acidic. I think you’ll enjoy this one.” Callum said.

She took a long sip and let the flavors explode on her tongue.

“It’s rich and full-bodied with hints of oak and dark cherry, a bit of spiciness from somewhere. It’s smooth yet complex like a well told story that you just don’t want to end.”

She giggled as her cheeks turned red. She felt comfort with him in that moment.

Yet, the looming threat of discovery hung over them, the tension in the mansion growing thicker with each passing minute.

Ren's life had become a high-stakes game of deception, her freedom balanced precariously on the edge of a knife.

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