Page 22 of Sandro

I shrugged as I chewed another bite. “I’m good,” I said once I’d swallowed. “But Sandro might. I can’t say for certain how hungry he is though.”

“Very well,” Rio said. “I did have a few questions for you, but it can wait until you are finished.”

I set my bowl down on the counter, and after wiping my mouth, I gave the warlock my full attention. “What questions did you have?”

Rio glanced down at the bowl, then back at me. “It can wait until you’ve eaten.”

I shook my head. “It is rude to eat while the two of you are not. I grabbed a bowl of cereal because the two of you were busy.”

I spared Sandro a glance and found him scowling. That had me focusing on him and wondering if something had upset him. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

Sandro met my eyes, and the scowl seemed to deepen. Apparently, I’d upset him. “You’re eating cereal.”

I nodded. “Yeah. I like cereal when I can get it. Is this one my favorite? No, but it keeps the stomach from growling. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night, and I think the time change is finally catching up with me. I didn’t want to overstep and cook something, so I’m having cereal.” I honestly didn’t think it would be this big of a deal, but apparently, it was. I should have asked if they wanted something to eat. I got that, but I was hungry, and I was feeling a bit dizzy.

“I don’t see anything wrong with cereal,” Rio said. “What type is your favorite though? I can get you any.”

“No, these are fine. Pastries are good too.” I looked over at Sandro. “Pastries, yeah?”

“Rio, we appreciate anything you wish to provide for us for breakfast while you’re here.”

“Excelente! You eat. I’ll provide food and, at the same time, ask my few questions.”

I sighed. There was no way I was going to get out of this, I guess. I picked up my bowl and took it over to the table and sat down. As I started eating, there was suddenly a selection of pastries and coffees. There was more juice, and I smiled as I grabbed another glass of that.

“What questions did you have?” I asked when Rio sat down with us. He took a pastry and a coffee before leaning back in his chair.

“Last night. I need to know what happened from your perspective.”

I looked over at Sandro. “It’s all right to tell him,” Sandro said. “I remember some, but not all of what happened, to be honest.”

I nodded before shrugging. “I’m not sure why or how, but I guess Sandro was having a nightmare. Or maybe a flashback or something. He was moaning. But it wasn’t a good moan. It sounded like he was in pain. I came to check on him, and he seemed like he was in pain. When he moaned again, I touched his shoulder and said his name to wake him up. The next thing I knew, I was on my back under him, his eyes were glowing red, and his claws were pressing on my neck. I said his name again, and his grip on me loosened a little, but my leopard was already coming out, and I shifted. I moved to the corner of the bed, hissed, growled, and even swiped at him. I kept hissing and growling, and eventually, he seemed to wake up.”

“At any time, did you feel as if you were in danger?” Rio asked.

“Of course he did,” Sandro answered for me. “He shifted, and they do that when they feel threatened.”

I sighed. “At first, a little, but only because Sandro didn’t seem to be awake. I wouldn’t have shifted, but my leopard didn’t give me much of a choice. He just sort of came on out. I couldn’t do anything about it.”

Rio smiled at me. “I hope you are reassured when I tell you that Sandro doesn’t pose any risk to you. He’s going to argue, but don’t listen to him.” I giggled at that. “He was most likely having a flashback, or I guess you could say he was reliving what happened to him in his dream. He’s done it before, but I’ve never approached him as you did. But he hesitated, and even in that state, he recognized you.”

“But what if—” Sandro started, but Rio interrupted.

“What did I suggest to you?” he asked, only he didn’t give Sandro a chance to answer. “If Sandro was to claim you, as I’ve suggested to him,” Rio said, looking directly at my mate before he turned back to me. “Then you would have your mate bond in such a situation. You would be able to connect to him on a level that you cannot now, and it would be easier to wake him and, most likely, quicker. It will come with some not-so-pleasant memories though,” Rio said.

I nodded. “I understand that,” I told the doctor. “Sandro has told me what he went through and what they did to him. How he was stabbed and shot. A lot,” I added.

“Yes. His injuries were extensive, and he’s still recovering to an extent.” Rio gave Sandro a pointed look. “I’ve told him many times, as have others, that he would heal a bit more quickly if he would drink from a donor. It’s a known fact that blood directly from the source is always more fulfilling than blood from a cup.” Rio glanced at Sandro again. I noticed that my mate was looking anywhere but at us. “It’s time for him to get help, move on as best as he can, and heal. Now he has you and most likely will have a family of his own soon enough. If that’s not reason enough to get better, I don’t know what is.”

“I got it, Rio. Understood,” Sandro said as he grabbed the doctor’s arm and started pulling him away. “Thank you for coming and for all of your help. I’d like to discuss things with my beloved and see how he would like to go about things going forward.”

“Good. You need to claim him. Also, don’t worry about everything having to do with the coven right now. Master Vincent knows where you are and why. He sends his congratulations. You probably already know that though.”

“Yes. I saw the message on my phone this morning when we woke.” Sandro stopped, dropped his hands from Rio, and nodded once. Thank you for coming and answering questions about my concerns.”

“Of course.” Rio looked my way. “You still have my number. Please don’t worry about the time in either place if you have questions or need me for anything.”

“I will. Thanks, Rio.” I raised my hand to wave, but he was gone before I could get my hand halfway up. That left me alone with Sandro. I stared at my mate for a moment before sighing. “It’s all right, Sandro. I’m not going to hold you to what you said earlier. I understand you most likely said it just to appease me. I don’t expect you to claim me, and I won’t ask again.”