“Basil, Lana, give us the room,” Master Stephen commanded.
Basil and Lana rose from their seats and bowed before turning to leave. I watched as they left the office and waited for the door to close before speaking.
"Master, I…as…." I stumbled on my words. I didn't know how to say what I needed to.
"What's going on, Colin? You look pale and you have dark circles under your eyes. Forgive the expression, but you look like shit," Master Stephen said.
I took another deep breath. "As much as I want to fulfill my duties, I'm not in the condition to do so. I'd like permission to leave the coven and visit my cousin in Chicago."
Master Stephen's dark eyes rounded. He was a powerful vampire. His personality was always severe and master of control. It was rare for anything to surprise him, and by his expression, I had. "What happened, Colin? Why the need to leave?"
Did I tell him? He was my master. He'd know if I didn't tell him the truth. I closed my eyes, bowed my head, and whispered, "I have no appetite, sir. I've been using an IV for my blood. The thought of a donor, of…. I'm weak, sir."
Silence filled the office. I wondered if Master Stephen heard me, but I was too chicken to raise my head. I didn't want to see the disappointment.
"Colin. Lift your head and look at me," Master Stephen commanded.
I did as he ordered, all be it slowly. There was a softness in Master Stephen's eyes—a tenderness I'd only seen when he'd looked at his little wolf-shifter mate.
"Have you met your beloved?" he asked.
I flinched. He hit the nail on the head. I didn't reply. I couldn't say the words, so I nodded.
"When? Where? Who?" Master Stephen said.
"Several weeks ago. I can't claim him. He's with someone else. I need time away. Please, sir. I need to leave," I said.
"Running isn't the answer, Colin. Fate always has a plan. How do you know they aren't available? Have you talked with him?"
Guilt filled me. I didn't speak to him. The little imp didn't even know I existed. I avoided him like the plague. But that didn't stop me from finding out everything about him. His name was Zander and he was good friends with Gavin. It was part of the reason I pulled away from my dragon friends. I didn't want to chance running into him. The word on the street was that Zander and Daren were an item and getting closer each day—that tore me up even more.
I peered up. "Master, please. I can't stay. You said Fate has a plan. I feel it in my heart. I need to go," I pleaded.
Master Stephen released a heavy sigh. "I think you're making a mistake. I want that made clear," Master Stephen paused. I nodded, and he continued. “But I won't keep you here. You may visit your cousin. However, you will keep me updated on your condition. I want Dr. Rand to look you over, and I want reports from the Chicago coven you'll be staying with. You aren't the first vampire to fight the bond, and I'm sure you won't be the last. It will be hell. Are you sure you want to give up your beloved?"
I didn't reply right away. I thought of what I was doing. Did I want to? Hell no! Was it the only choice I had?
"I'm sure."
"Then go, see Dr. Rand. I'll inform Lana to remove you from the rotation. Remember, I want to know how you're doing. Don't skip out. If you do, you'll piss me off."
"I won't, sir," I said, rising to my feet.
As I began a respectful bow, Master Stephen's hand halted me, drawing me into a comforting embrace. "Come back home when you're ready. You always have a place here, son."
I clung to him, and my emotions swelled. To me, Master Stephen was more than just the leader of my coven; he was like the father I never had, especially after my own parents disowned me for not meeting their expectations. The weight of his words, full of genuine care and love, touched the very core of my heart. I slowly pulled back. "Yes, sir. Thank you."
I turned and headed toward the door. I felt lighter somehow. I had finally made a decision. I was no longer in limbo. It was time I said goodbye to Zander and Walden. This was the right choice. I knew it was. It had to be. I hoped it was.
Chapter Two
Zander
Standinginfrontofthe large mirror, I adjusted the spikes of my hair and straightened my shirt before scowling.
“Oh, my god! What did you do to your hair? And why do you have those clothes on?”
I turned at my little brother Zin’s shout and placed my hands on my hips. “What’s wrong with my hair and clothes?”
