56

It's hours later, after Charlie left to get back to the next leg of his book tour, and Angela's long since run out of questions to ask when we finally get Renee to ourselves.

Jasper mentions Cora's, and the kids are quick to say their goodbyes, making Renee promise she won't be a stranger.

Bella sits next to me on the couch while Renee studies us with a tilted head and scrutinizing eyes.

"So, you have your own list of questions?" she asks me.

I nod, and Bella tries to explain our situation. There's an unspoken amount of sexual tension, but she focuses on the draw we've felt since the first time we met.

Renee listens intently and looks at me.

I run my hand through my hair. "I've never been attracted to a vampire before." I explain, and she nods. "For the past two years, I haven't been attracted to anyone. When my ex-wife did what she did, I wrote that part of my life off. I wanted to focus on the girls."

"But things changed when Bella showed up." She answers for me and I nod.

"Yes, ma'am."

She hums and holds a silent conversation with her daughter before sighing. "Honestly, I don't know what to tell you guys."

My entire mood deflates, and Bella's shoulders fall.

We were really hoping that Renee Swan could give us answers, but she looks just as perplexed by our situation as we are.

"I can see it, the pull you're talking about." She points to the spot where Bella's leg is pressed up against mine. "Humans can be attracted to vampires. That's not uncommon. Succubi aren't just a myth. Before they put me in charge, a lot of mortals lost their lives to feminine wiles. But this is new to me. I've never heard of a singer also being a vampire's mate. I'm not even sure that's possible."

"So, we aren't mates," Bella states, and the sadness in her voice is unmistakable.

"I'm not saying that, my dear. Who's saying Edward is even your la tua cantante? Just because his scent calls to you doesn't mean he's the most enticing thing you'll ever encounter." She gives me an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to talk about you like you aren't sitting right here."

"It's fine. Please continue."

"I wish I could help, and I really wish we could contact Marcus to figure out what we're dealing with. I'd prefer if you kept this between yourselves without bringing V.C. in just yet. The two of you need to have a talk about all possibilities and what you want to do with every practicable outcome."

I was really hoping to find answers, but Renee leaves us with more questions than we had to begin with.