Thanks very much for the reviews. Here is a new chapter. Hope you'll like
it. Let me know.
Chapter 7
When Cole finally got home it was past two in the morning. He was exhausted and felt as if his head was about to explode. This day seemed to last forever. All he wanted now was a hot shower and his bed; the shower could wait till tomorrow he decided. First he needed some sleep. His phone went, he sighed and picked up It might have been Nicole.
"Cole?"
The half demon groaned. "Phoebe?"
"Yes," she answered. There was a silence on the other side. "I... You are home late."
The temptation to hang up was strong but he decided against it. "What do you want Phoebe?"
Phoebe just could not find the words. She didn't expect him to pick up, didn't consider it. She'd been dialling his number every hour since dinner. She told herself that she was just worried about the girl and wanted to make sure that he would not harm her. With every unanswered ring she felt the knot in her stomach get tighter. Were they spending the night together, already?! She did not expect him to pick up the phone now?! May be she should just hang up.
"Phoebe," Cole called out again. "It's two in the morning and I would like to get some sleep. If you want to play the silence game can we do it tomorrow?
The sarcasm in his voice made her spirit more determined. "I wanted to talk to you about this girl you are seeing."
Cole mentally cursed and at the same time perked up, feeling more awake now. He should play it just right not to contradict Paige's report and at the same time not to let in that he knew about the Charmed ones little spy mission. "There is nothing to talk about, Phoebe," he replied sternly. "We are divorced. It's none of your business."
"Oh, yes it is. I don't care if you date some demoness. But this girl is an innocent and she's not safe with you."
The anger and resentment flared in Cole. And this was the woman who'd sworn to stand by his side till the death part them. At moments like this Cole found it difficult to believe that this was the same Phoebe for whom he betrayed the Source and who spared his life in the mausoleum all those months ago.
"Cole?" his ex wife's voice interrupted his reverie. "Did you hear me?"
"Yes, I did." His voice became icy. Phoebe knew this voice. She heard it before when Cole-the Source of All Evil spoke to his subordinates. "And I can just repeat what I said. Whom I date is none of your business..."
He wanted to say something else but suddenly his mind was hit by a cry. "Cole, help me! I can't control them. Please. Cole..." It was Nicole's voice. The half-demon dropped the receiver and blurred out of the penthouse.
"Cole?" Phoebe asked, "Are you still there?" When there was no answer she hung up. "He is up to something." Phoebe thought to herself. She just knew it. It was not in Cole's habits to hang up on her. She had an urge to go to his penthouse now but decided against it. She would go tomorrow. And warn this son-of-a-bitch one last time.
When Cole blurred into Nicole's hotel room he was greeted by such a sight, that he did not know whether to worry or laugh. Everything in the room was floating two feet in the air, with the smaller items gliding near the ceiling. Nicole was sitting on the bed which itself was floating as well. She had her hands outstretched. Her face was slightly flashed with drops of sweat covering her forehead. She was obviously trying to concentrate really hard on controlling her powers.
"Cole," she cried out. "Thank God. I was not sure that I would be able to reach you. And I can't get hold of my phone." She shot a quick glance to the phone hovering next to the lamp. "I don't know how this happened. I could not sleep and decided to read for a while and then I could not find my book and I was looking for it and the next thing I knew everything was flying everywhere. I only managed to prevent them from crashing into each other but I can't bring them down." Cole could hear a touch of panic creeping into her voice. The floating contents of the room soared up a few inches.
Cole decided that it was time to act. He sat down on the bed. "Give me your hands," he instructed Nicole, "and breathe deep. Close your eyes and try to clear you mind from everything and repeat after me." He started chanting and Nicole repeated his words. She could feel her heart slowing down and became aware of Cole's hands and his conscious. She also could feel the link establishing between them. The powers, which she felt brewing in her since this morning has started to flow through her hands into Cole's and his strength and confidence were flowing into her. She could feel her body finally relax. She could feel the bed move slowly downwards. A series of quiet thumps made her eyes fly open. She saw half demon smiling. "I think everything is back to normal," he remarked.
Nicole looked around the hotel room and sighed with relief. Indeed everything was back to normal. "Thanks," she smiled at Cole gratefully. "I would not have managed without your help."
He grinned back. "No problem."
"Did I wake you up?" she asked looking slightly guilty.
"No," Cole scowled remembering his conversation with Phoebe. "I hadn't gone to bed yet." He cast a glance to the clock. 3.30 am. "Look," he continued. "I don't think you should stay in the hotel this night. Your powers are very strong and you being emotional and tired makes it even more difficult to control them. I have a spare bedroom in the Penthouse. You can stay there for a day or two and then move into you uncle's mansion. At least you won't have to worry about explaining broken TV sets and scorch marks on the ceiling."
Nicole had to bit the impulsive cry "No", which almost escaped her mouth. Cole Turner's apartment was the last place she wanted to be at the moment. It was bad enough already. She had spent a whole day in his presence, not mentioning the little accident on the sofa in his living room. The way her body responded to him was enough for the alarm bells to go off. And it looked like in the next weeks they would be spending a lot of time together. Sleeping in the next room was way to close. As far as the young woman was concerned it would be better if there was at least an ocean between her and Cole or preferably two. But Cole was right. No matter how much she wanted to keep a safe distant from half demon she could not afford her powers manifesting themselves in front of the hotel staff. "It will be only for a couple of days," she told herself. And after that she would severely limit the time she spent with Cole. Being with him was dangerous, dangerous for her peace of mind and heart. She could feel herself being drawn to him and that was the last thing she needed. If she fell for him she would just end up hurt like with Chris and Nicole was determined that it would never happen again. But for now she would have to accept his offer. It was a better option than burning somebody into oblivion. She nodded in agreement, "Yes, you're right. I'll just pick up some stuff."
While the young woman was collecting her belongings into a small bag, the half demon was musing over the panicked expression, which he saw on Nicole's face when he offered her to stay with him. It surprised him greatly. He thought that she would be grateful to be somewhere where her powers could be kept under the control. Maybe she just did not like him. But Cole could bet that that wasn't true. He spent a whole day with Nicole and could not pick up on any hostility from her. And during the kiss they shared he could have sworn that she responded to his touch. The sight of young woman emerging from the bathroom clad in jeans and a t-shirt interrupted his thoughts.
"I am ready," she declared after hanging the "do not disturb sign" on the door handle. Cole nodded grabbed her hand and blurred out of sight.
***********************
Paige was enjoying a lazy late breakfast/early lunch. Phoebe was at work, Piper had gone to P3 for the inventory and Leo was with the Elders. That gave Paige a rare moment of peace and quiet and she was going to enjoy it. She was sitting in the kitchen reading a Homes & Interiors magazine and finishing the second of Piper's blueberry muffins, which were great.
Her cell phone went and Paige reluctantly pulled it toward her ear.
"Hello?" she said.
"Paige?" Phoebe's voice was muffled by the sound of traffic.
"Hi, Phoebes," Paige answered gaily. "What's up? Where are you?"
"I am on my way home," the middle Halliwell said.
"Home?!" Paige enquired. "Isn't it a bit early to be skiving off from work? It's not even twelve yet."
"I know what time it is, Paige." Her sister sounded slightly annoyed. "But we have to do something."
"Is something wrong?" the younger witch became immediately alert.
"You can say that," Phoebe grumbled. "I have been to Carter, Jackman and Kline and found out that Cole called in sick."
"Phoebe," Paige heaved a sigh.
"I know what you're thinking, Paige. But I also know that Cole is up to something. I spoke to him last night and he just hung up on me. He's never hung up on me before. And today he called in sick. Come on, Cole is never sick, he can't be, he is invincible."
"Phoebe!" the youngest Halliwell tried to talk sense into her sister. "How many times did you or me called in sick, when we weren't really. It doesn't mean anything. He might just want to get drunk. Or does not feel like going to work."
"Paige, that's not it. After his return from the Wasteland, Cole has been really cautious about taking days off. I don't know why, but he really tries to make a career these days. But he was out of office all day yesterday and today. And after what you and I've seen..."
"He is probably catching up on "over 18" activities." Paige finished.
The middle Halliwell decided that she had enough. "Fine Paige, if you don't believe me, I'll do it myself. But let me remind you that just six months ago you were trying to convince me and Piper that Cole was up to something. We did not believe you and where did we end up?"
Her sister gave up. "OK, Phoebe, I get your point. What do you want to do?"
"I want to go to the Penthouse and see what's going on."
"Don't you think it's a bit too direct? You said yourself that Cole hung up on you last night. What makes you think that he's even going to open a door to us?"
"Oh, he will. And if not you'll just orb me inside."
"Oh, no, Phoebe, I am not doing that. With all these powers Cole has, he'll incinerate us before we even finish orbing.
"Fine," Phoebe retorted. "If he does not open we'll orb to the balcony and spy on him from there. Grab the invisibility potion."
*****************
Nicole stirred in bed and cast a glance at the clock on her bed stand. It was almost noon. She stretched her arms and snuggled under the blanket. She felt rested and relaxed and was very happy to see that nothing in the room was gliding, burnt or exploded. At the end it was a good idea to stay here. Nicole had fallen asleep almost immediately when her head had hit the pillow. She did not worry about setting the room on fire or exploding the TV set. And today she would move to her uncle's house, now her house. It would be so great to finally have her own place. Nicole's stomach grumbled, asking for food and she got up and headed into the bathroom. First shower and then she would wonder into the kitchen for some food.
The sound of the door bell woke Cole up. He sat up in bed and ran his hands through his hair. He could faintly hear the water running in the bathroom. It was probably Nicole taking a shower. The door bell rang again. Somebody was really abusing the buzzer. Cole cursed and got out of bed. He glanced into the pip hole and groaned. Phoebe and Paige, Ms Paranoid and Ms Obsessive or the other way around.
"Cole," he heard his ex wife's voice. "Open up, I know you're there." The half demon seriously contemplated sending Phoebe and Paige somewhere far away. Another dimension would do just fine. But it would probably bring the noble whitelighter and Ms Bossy to his doorstep and Cole did not want to have all Powers to Be after him, especially now, when he had a lot of things to sort out. He flung the door open and glared at two women in front of it.
Paige caught her breath. In black T-shirt and pants with his hair messed up from sleep her ex brother-in-law looked very demonic and extremely hot.
"Phoebe, Paige," he greeted politely, though with the distinct note of coldness in his voice. "What brings you here this time?"
"You know perfectly well what brings us here!" Phoebe brushed past him and marched straight into the living room. There she turned on her hills and faced her ex husband. "I was trying to talk to you yesterday and you hung up on me. So we had no choice but to come here."
Cole's mouth twisted into a wry smile. "As far as I remember, we did not have anything left to discuss. You told me I couldn't see other women. I told you it was none of your business, which it isn't since you divorced me. There was nothing else for us to talk about."
"There is plenty to talk about," Phoebe retorted. "You are seeing an innocent and it's our duty to protect her."
Cole started to get really tired from this conversation. "And what do you want me to do?" he asked coolly. Paige who kept quiet did not like the expression on her ex brother-in-law's face.
"I want you to stop seeing mortal women. You can easily find yourself some demoness or a warlock, I don't care." Phoebe stated.
"Don't you Phoebe?" Cole's voice was full of derision. "Because the way you are behaving tells me that you do. It reminds more of a jealous wife, not the woman who has "moved on"."
Phoebe's mouth twisted into sarcastic smile. "Don't flatter yourself, Cole. I am well over you. And I told you about it millions of times. But I won't let you harm other women who have no idea what they are getting themselves into."
The sparks in her ex-husband's eyes made Phoebe want to take a step back. "And how exactly do you want to stop me?" he asked, his voice deadly quiet.
"We'll find a solution, just like we did before." The middle Halliwell stated firmly.
Cole lost his patience. His features stiffened and he fixed both sisters with the fierce glare. Paige grabbed Phoebe's hand and was ready to orb out, but Cole waved his hand and the young witch found herself not able to use her escape power. Panic struck her. "What is it, Paige," a sneer married Cole's handsome face, "unable to flee? How does it feel to be trapped? Don't worry, I am not going to kill you like you would if you had a chance." His gaze turned to his ex wife. "If I were you, Phoebe, I would be very careful threatening me like this or anybody else for that matter. Because though you are powerful witches, you are not invincible by far. Now unless you have a vanquishing spell ready I suggest that you back off and leave me alone."
"Don't you dare threaten me," Phoebe hissed in his face. "If anyone you should remember that it's dangerous."
The reminder of how she vanquished him, the physical pain and the even stronger emotional pain of her betrayal made Cole lose his temper. He was about to send both Halliwells flying into the wall when a soft voice interrupted them.
"Cole? Oh, I am sorry I did not know you had visitors."
Cole turned around and saw Nicole standing in her night gown in the living room. Her eyes looked at him and there was so much worry and care in them that Cole's features immediately relaxed. "Don't worry. We are finished here." He waived his hand in front of two sisters and eyed them with contempt. "Phoebe and Paige were just leaving." He did not have to repeat it. The younger witch felt the barrier around her vanish; she grabbed her sister's hand and dragged her out of the penthouse. Phoebe obeyed. She was too shocked having seen another woman in the Penthouse. A woman wearing a night gown! Cole had another woman staying with him.
When the door closed behind two witches, Cole heaved a sigh. He was so close to using his powers against the woman who he thought was the love of his life, his soul mate. When did it all end? Was it all his fault that sweet and innocent girl like Phoebe turned into the bitter and cruel woman who just left? If that's the case he was indeed pure evil.
"I am sorry, Cole," he heard a soft voice behind him. "I did not mean to interrupt."
The half demon shook his head. "No, you did not interrupt anything, which was worth continuing. Actually," he gave her a sad smile, "you appeared just in the right moment to prevent me from doing something I would have regretted later. So," he looked up at her, "I should really thank you."
"Glad to be of service," Nicole smiled so broadly that for a second Cole got caught up in this smile. She was so beautiful and so innocent. She radiated such warmth that all he wanted was to hide in her embrace and forget everything in her kiss. Cole shook his head. He could not go down that route again. He would not spoil the life of this girl by bringing his dark soul into it. All the love he had for Phoebe did no good to both of them. And he'll do his outmost best to keep a safe distance from Nicole, safe for her and for himself. He seriously doubted that his sanity would survive another betrayal.
Chapter 7
When Cole finally got home it was past two in the morning. He was exhausted and felt as if his head was about to explode. This day seemed to last forever. All he wanted now was a hot shower and his bed; the shower could wait till tomorrow he decided. First he needed some sleep. His phone went, he sighed and picked up It might have been Nicole.
"Cole?"
The half demon groaned. "Phoebe?"
"Yes," she answered. There was a silence on the other side. "I... You are home late."
The temptation to hang up was strong but he decided against it. "What do you want Phoebe?"
Phoebe just could not find the words. She didn't expect him to pick up, didn't consider it. She'd been dialling his number every hour since dinner. She told herself that she was just worried about the girl and wanted to make sure that he would not harm her. With every unanswered ring she felt the knot in her stomach get tighter. Were they spending the night together, already?! She did not expect him to pick up the phone now?! May be she should just hang up.
"Phoebe," Cole called out again. "It's two in the morning and I would like to get some sleep. If you want to play the silence game can we do it tomorrow?
The sarcasm in his voice made her spirit more determined. "I wanted to talk to you about this girl you are seeing."
Cole mentally cursed and at the same time perked up, feeling more awake now. He should play it just right not to contradict Paige's report and at the same time not to let in that he knew about the Charmed ones little spy mission. "There is nothing to talk about, Phoebe," he replied sternly. "We are divorced. It's none of your business."
"Oh, yes it is. I don't care if you date some demoness. But this girl is an innocent and she's not safe with you."
The anger and resentment flared in Cole. And this was the woman who'd sworn to stand by his side till the death part them. At moments like this Cole found it difficult to believe that this was the same Phoebe for whom he betrayed the Source and who spared his life in the mausoleum all those months ago.
"Cole?" his ex wife's voice interrupted his reverie. "Did you hear me?"
"Yes, I did." His voice became icy. Phoebe knew this voice. She heard it before when Cole-the Source of All Evil spoke to his subordinates. "And I can just repeat what I said. Whom I date is none of your business..."
He wanted to say something else but suddenly his mind was hit by a cry. "Cole, help me! I can't control them. Please. Cole..." It was Nicole's voice. The half-demon dropped the receiver and blurred out of the penthouse.
"Cole?" Phoebe asked, "Are you still there?" When there was no answer she hung up. "He is up to something." Phoebe thought to herself. She just knew it. It was not in Cole's habits to hang up on her. She had an urge to go to his penthouse now but decided against it. She would go tomorrow. And warn this son-of-a-bitch one last time.
When Cole blurred into Nicole's hotel room he was greeted by such a sight, that he did not know whether to worry or laugh. Everything in the room was floating two feet in the air, with the smaller items gliding near the ceiling. Nicole was sitting on the bed which itself was floating as well. She had her hands outstretched. Her face was slightly flashed with drops of sweat covering her forehead. She was obviously trying to concentrate really hard on controlling her powers.
"Cole," she cried out. "Thank God. I was not sure that I would be able to reach you. And I can't get hold of my phone." She shot a quick glance to the phone hovering next to the lamp. "I don't know how this happened. I could not sleep and decided to read for a while and then I could not find my book and I was looking for it and the next thing I knew everything was flying everywhere. I only managed to prevent them from crashing into each other but I can't bring them down." Cole could hear a touch of panic creeping into her voice. The floating contents of the room soared up a few inches.
Cole decided that it was time to act. He sat down on the bed. "Give me your hands," he instructed Nicole, "and breathe deep. Close your eyes and try to clear you mind from everything and repeat after me." He started chanting and Nicole repeated his words. She could feel her heart slowing down and became aware of Cole's hands and his conscious. She also could feel the link establishing between them. The powers, which she felt brewing in her since this morning has started to flow through her hands into Cole's and his strength and confidence were flowing into her. She could feel her body finally relax. She could feel the bed move slowly downwards. A series of quiet thumps made her eyes fly open. She saw half demon smiling. "I think everything is back to normal," he remarked.
Nicole looked around the hotel room and sighed with relief. Indeed everything was back to normal. "Thanks," she smiled at Cole gratefully. "I would not have managed without your help."
He grinned back. "No problem."
"Did I wake you up?" she asked looking slightly guilty.
"No," Cole scowled remembering his conversation with Phoebe. "I hadn't gone to bed yet." He cast a glance to the clock. 3.30 am. "Look," he continued. "I don't think you should stay in the hotel this night. Your powers are very strong and you being emotional and tired makes it even more difficult to control them. I have a spare bedroom in the Penthouse. You can stay there for a day or two and then move into you uncle's mansion. At least you won't have to worry about explaining broken TV sets and scorch marks on the ceiling."
Nicole had to bit the impulsive cry "No", which almost escaped her mouth. Cole Turner's apartment was the last place she wanted to be at the moment. It was bad enough already. She had spent a whole day in his presence, not mentioning the little accident on the sofa in his living room. The way her body responded to him was enough for the alarm bells to go off. And it looked like in the next weeks they would be spending a lot of time together. Sleeping in the next room was way to close. As far as the young woman was concerned it would be better if there was at least an ocean between her and Cole or preferably two. But Cole was right. No matter how much she wanted to keep a safe distant from half demon she could not afford her powers manifesting themselves in front of the hotel staff. "It will be only for a couple of days," she told herself. And after that she would severely limit the time she spent with Cole. Being with him was dangerous, dangerous for her peace of mind and heart. She could feel herself being drawn to him and that was the last thing she needed. If she fell for him she would just end up hurt like with Chris and Nicole was determined that it would never happen again. But for now she would have to accept his offer. It was a better option than burning somebody into oblivion. She nodded in agreement, "Yes, you're right. I'll just pick up some stuff."
While the young woman was collecting her belongings into a small bag, the half demon was musing over the panicked expression, which he saw on Nicole's face when he offered her to stay with him. It surprised him greatly. He thought that she would be grateful to be somewhere where her powers could be kept under the control. Maybe she just did not like him. But Cole could bet that that wasn't true. He spent a whole day with Nicole and could not pick up on any hostility from her. And during the kiss they shared he could have sworn that she responded to his touch. The sight of young woman emerging from the bathroom clad in jeans and a t-shirt interrupted his thoughts.
"I am ready," she declared after hanging the "do not disturb sign" on the door handle. Cole nodded grabbed her hand and blurred out of sight.
***********************
Paige was enjoying a lazy late breakfast/early lunch. Phoebe was at work, Piper had gone to P3 for the inventory and Leo was with the Elders. That gave Paige a rare moment of peace and quiet and she was going to enjoy it. She was sitting in the kitchen reading a Homes & Interiors magazine and finishing the second of Piper's blueberry muffins, which were great.
Her cell phone went and Paige reluctantly pulled it toward her ear.
"Hello?" she said.
"Paige?" Phoebe's voice was muffled by the sound of traffic.
"Hi, Phoebes," Paige answered gaily. "What's up? Where are you?"
"I am on my way home," the middle Halliwell said.
"Home?!" Paige enquired. "Isn't it a bit early to be skiving off from work? It's not even twelve yet."
"I know what time it is, Paige." Her sister sounded slightly annoyed. "But we have to do something."
"Is something wrong?" the younger witch became immediately alert.
"You can say that," Phoebe grumbled. "I have been to Carter, Jackman and Kline and found out that Cole called in sick."
"Phoebe," Paige heaved a sigh.
"I know what you're thinking, Paige. But I also know that Cole is up to something. I spoke to him last night and he just hung up on me. He's never hung up on me before. And today he called in sick. Come on, Cole is never sick, he can't be, he is invincible."
"Phoebe!" the youngest Halliwell tried to talk sense into her sister. "How many times did you or me called in sick, when we weren't really. It doesn't mean anything. He might just want to get drunk. Or does not feel like going to work."
"Paige, that's not it. After his return from the Wasteland, Cole has been really cautious about taking days off. I don't know why, but he really tries to make a career these days. But he was out of office all day yesterday and today. And after what you and I've seen..."
"He is probably catching up on "over 18" activities." Paige finished.
The middle Halliwell decided that she had enough. "Fine Paige, if you don't believe me, I'll do it myself. But let me remind you that just six months ago you were trying to convince me and Piper that Cole was up to something. We did not believe you and where did we end up?"
Her sister gave up. "OK, Phoebe, I get your point. What do you want to do?"
"I want to go to the Penthouse and see what's going on."
"Don't you think it's a bit too direct? You said yourself that Cole hung up on you last night. What makes you think that he's even going to open a door to us?"
"Oh, he will. And if not you'll just orb me inside."
"Oh, no, Phoebe, I am not doing that. With all these powers Cole has, he'll incinerate us before we even finish orbing.
"Fine," Phoebe retorted. "If he does not open we'll orb to the balcony and spy on him from there. Grab the invisibility potion."
*****************
Nicole stirred in bed and cast a glance at the clock on her bed stand. It was almost noon. She stretched her arms and snuggled under the blanket. She felt rested and relaxed and was very happy to see that nothing in the room was gliding, burnt or exploded. At the end it was a good idea to stay here. Nicole had fallen asleep almost immediately when her head had hit the pillow. She did not worry about setting the room on fire or exploding the TV set. And today she would move to her uncle's house, now her house. It would be so great to finally have her own place. Nicole's stomach grumbled, asking for food and she got up and headed into the bathroom. First shower and then she would wonder into the kitchen for some food.
The sound of the door bell woke Cole up. He sat up in bed and ran his hands through his hair. He could faintly hear the water running in the bathroom. It was probably Nicole taking a shower. The door bell rang again. Somebody was really abusing the buzzer. Cole cursed and got out of bed. He glanced into the pip hole and groaned. Phoebe and Paige, Ms Paranoid and Ms Obsessive or the other way around.
"Cole," he heard his ex wife's voice. "Open up, I know you're there." The half demon seriously contemplated sending Phoebe and Paige somewhere far away. Another dimension would do just fine. But it would probably bring the noble whitelighter and Ms Bossy to his doorstep and Cole did not want to have all Powers to Be after him, especially now, when he had a lot of things to sort out. He flung the door open and glared at two women in front of it.
Paige caught her breath. In black T-shirt and pants with his hair messed up from sleep her ex brother-in-law looked very demonic and extremely hot.
"Phoebe, Paige," he greeted politely, though with the distinct note of coldness in his voice. "What brings you here this time?"
"You know perfectly well what brings us here!" Phoebe brushed past him and marched straight into the living room. There she turned on her hills and faced her ex husband. "I was trying to talk to you yesterday and you hung up on me. So we had no choice but to come here."
Cole's mouth twisted into a wry smile. "As far as I remember, we did not have anything left to discuss. You told me I couldn't see other women. I told you it was none of your business, which it isn't since you divorced me. There was nothing else for us to talk about."
"There is plenty to talk about," Phoebe retorted. "You are seeing an innocent and it's our duty to protect her."
Cole started to get really tired from this conversation. "And what do you want me to do?" he asked coolly. Paige who kept quiet did not like the expression on her ex brother-in-law's face.
"I want you to stop seeing mortal women. You can easily find yourself some demoness or a warlock, I don't care." Phoebe stated.
"Don't you Phoebe?" Cole's voice was full of derision. "Because the way you are behaving tells me that you do. It reminds more of a jealous wife, not the woman who has "moved on"."
Phoebe's mouth twisted into sarcastic smile. "Don't flatter yourself, Cole. I am well over you. And I told you about it millions of times. But I won't let you harm other women who have no idea what they are getting themselves into."
The sparks in her ex-husband's eyes made Phoebe want to take a step back. "And how exactly do you want to stop me?" he asked, his voice deadly quiet.
"We'll find a solution, just like we did before." The middle Halliwell stated firmly.
Cole lost his patience. His features stiffened and he fixed both sisters with the fierce glare. Paige grabbed Phoebe's hand and was ready to orb out, but Cole waved his hand and the young witch found herself not able to use her escape power. Panic struck her. "What is it, Paige," a sneer married Cole's handsome face, "unable to flee? How does it feel to be trapped? Don't worry, I am not going to kill you like you would if you had a chance." His gaze turned to his ex wife. "If I were you, Phoebe, I would be very careful threatening me like this or anybody else for that matter. Because though you are powerful witches, you are not invincible by far. Now unless you have a vanquishing spell ready I suggest that you back off and leave me alone."
"Don't you dare threaten me," Phoebe hissed in his face. "If anyone you should remember that it's dangerous."
The reminder of how she vanquished him, the physical pain and the even stronger emotional pain of her betrayal made Cole lose his temper. He was about to send both Halliwells flying into the wall when a soft voice interrupted them.
"Cole? Oh, I am sorry I did not know you had visitors."
Cole turned around and saw Nicole standing in her night gown in the living room. Her eyes looked at him and there was so much worry and care in them that Cole's features immediately relaxed. "Don't worry. We are finished here." He waived his hand in front of two sisters and eyed them with contempt. "Phoebe and Paige were just leaving." He did not have to repeat it. The younger witch felt the barrier around her vanish; she grabbed her sister's hand and dragged her out of the penthouse. Phoebe obeyed. She was too shocked having seen another woman in the Penthouse. A woman wearing a night gown! Cole had another woman staying with him.
When the door closed behind two witches, Cole heaved a sigh. He was so close to using his powers against the woman who he thought was the love of his life, his soul mate. When did it all end? Was it all his fault that sweet and innocent girl like Phoebe turned into the bitter and cruel woman who just left? If that's the case he was indeed pure evil.
"I am sorry, Cole," he heard a soft voice behind him. "I did not mean to interrupt."
The half demon shook his head. "No, you did not interrupt anything, which was worth continuing. Actually," he gave her a sad smile, "you appeared just in the right moment to prevent me from doing something I would have regretted later. So," he looked up at her, "I should really thank you."
"Glad to be of service," Nicole smiled so broadly that for a second Cole got caught up in this smile. She was so beautiful and so innocent. She radiated such warmth that all he wanted was to hide in her embrace and forget everything in her kiss. Cole shook his head. He could not go down that route again. He would not spoil the life of this girl by bringing his dark soul into it. All the love he had for Phoebe did no good to both of them. And he'll do his outmost best to keep a safe distance from Nicole, safe for her and for himself. He seriously doubted that his sanity would survive another betrayal.