"I'm not so sure about that," Katie said with a shake of her head.
"There is the theory that the mates of Ancients are predestined like those of other immortals, that if the Ancients don't find their mates during the mates' life cycle, they never will."
"That's kind of sad."
"Yeah, it is."
"I buy into this preordained theory. Rhyn wouldn't saddle himself with a blood monkey he had to actually take care of voluntarily. Doesn't seem like the type who wants to be slowed down by a liability like that," Katie mused.
Daniela shrugged.
"Or he wants to use me for my talent," she added. "I could see that."
"Unlikely, since he only gets one, unless he planned on dying dead soon. If he doesn't die-dead, he'd have to spend eternity with you. Maybe it is predestined. He's the least friendly Ancient I've ever met."
"He's been in Hell for a long time," she replied. "Wait, did you say eternity?"
"Of course."
A familiar headache started, and she stuffed the last few bites of food down her throat, feeling ill for a different reason. She hadn't been able to keep a job or a boyfriend for more than a few months, let alone an eternity!
"You got whiskey?"
"We make our own alcohol. It's closer to brandy."
"Bring it out."
As if on cue, the flushed cook returned for her plate, and Daniela ordered the brandy and two glasses.
"I don't get this whole free will thing," Katie complained when the cook returned. She poured herself amber liquid and took a long swallow. "It's not really free if the choice is made for you."
"The immortals must give humans a choice. It's Immortal Code. They've been working for millions of years to get around this one; they're quite crafty at it. You may have wished your life to be different or made some statement in anger. They're better than lawyers when it comes to taking things out of context, and there are no judges keeping track of what really happened."
"It's a sham."
"It exists to protect mortals, and in many cases it does. In some, it doesn't. Just depends on the immortal."
Katie wasn't sure if the homemade alcohol was stronger than normal or if her weakened state made her more vulnerable to its effects. After two shots, she felt woozy.
"Are there any benefits to being an Ancient's mate?" she asked.