Gavin rose from his seat and extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you. Dimitri has told me about you."
I smiled and clasped his offered hand. "I hope it was all good stuff."
"He told me you were an awesome cook and were a good friend." Gavin laughed.
"Of course, he would mention my cooking. I—"
My words trailed off as an alluring scent, impossible to resist, wrapped around me. I couldn't stop my visceral reaction. My fangs descended and my vision changed to infrared as I hunted for the source. I needed to find it; I had to have it. It was the fragrance of my beloved.
My heart seemed to freeze; my gaze fixated on the slight figure with a unique shade of blue skin. I wanted to rush over and snatch him from the embrace of my enemy. He didn't belong with him.
I sucked in a sob, hoping to hold back the tears I’d fought.No! This couldn't be happening. Not Daren. Anyone but Daren.
"Colin, you alright?" Dimitri asked.
I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head. Taking several deep breaths, I forced myself to calm down before raising my head and opening my eyes. A crushing weight settled on my chest. My heart was breaking. My beloved had his tongue down the throat of the man who tortured me.
"Colin?" Dimitri asked again.
"I'm fine. I... I have to go," I said.
I needed to be out of there. Without a second thought, I darted from the room, tapping into the supernatural swiftness of my kind.
"Fuckinghell,"Iyelled,nearly tripping and stubbing my toe as I headed into my kitchen.
The haunting memory played like a relentless loop; each replay more agonizing than the last. It plagued my thoughts day and night, and I couldn't shake it. Opening the fridge, I frowned. I only had one more bag of blood. I'd have to make a trip to see Dr. Rand for more.
I reached in to grab crimson liquid but paused at the sound of knocking on my door. I cringed.Merde, not what I needed. Maybe they'd leave if I didn't answer.No sooner had the thought crossed my mind, than another knock sounded. I sighed and threw the bag back in the fridge before slamming it shut.
"I'm coming," I called after the third knock and stomped to the door.
I flung open the door and winced at the bright hall lights. The pain from earlier ricocheted through my body. I inhaled and steeled my spine.
"Damn, Col. You look like shit," Jett said, pushing past me.
"What are you doing here, Jett?" I asked, annoyed that he let himself in.
Jett scanned my apartment before turning back to me. "Why are your lights out? What's wrong? We don't get sick often. Do you need Doc or a donor?"
"I'm fine. What did you need?" I tried again.
Jett's dark brows furrowed. "You don't look fine. What's going on, man? You haven't been down at the club in a while, and each time I see you, the circles under your eyes get worse."
I sighed. I hadn't told anyone about my beloved, that I hadn't been feeding right—any of it. I'd kept everything to myself. I didn't know what to tell Jett. I knew he was right but telling him would mean I'd have to let him know about my time with Daren, and that was a resounding "No way in hell."
My phone buzzed in my pocket, giving me a reprieve from answering. I quickly grabbed it and glanced at the screen. My cousin had gotten back to me. Maybe there was a way out of this misery I was in.
Quill:You're always welcome here, cuz. My master said it was cool, especially when I told him you could cook. So, the deal is you can come as long as you cook him a meal.
"Colin?"
I looked back up, and Jett was staring at me expectantly. "I'm fine, Jett, really. Did you need anything from me? I was going to relax."
Jett's scowl deepened, and he growled before replying, "Yes. Master Stephen wants to see everyone in his office, pronto. He said it's important."
Merde. It looks like I'm going to have to stay with a migraine. I nodded. I opened my door and waved Jett out. "Let's go. You should've said something earlier."
Jett slowly made his way out of my apartment and walked in silence down the hall. Jett broke the silence after getting into the elevator.
