Chapter One
Wyatt
"I'llkillyou!"
This isn't the first time Andrew has said it, and it likely won't be the last.
"Yes, I know.You'll drain me dry and shred my corpse."
Joke's on him.If I wouldn't be leaving behind a pack who would mourn me, I'd probably let him.
It's getting more difficult by the day to keep that particular darkness at bay.I'd been doing so well, resisting the urge to give in.My life has revolved around pain for as far back as I can remember.Somewhere along the way, I started craving it.That's a dangerous road to walk.Let yourself surrender too far one time too many, or with the wrong person, and there's no coming back.
I look at the fading bite marks along my arms and wonder how much more I can allow him to take today.
The pack members, my family, have been taking turns bringing me bagged blood to help feed Andrew, but I still let him feed from me more often than I should.I may be a shifter with enhanced healing, but he's a newly turned vampire still learning self-control.If I let things get out of hand, he really could be a threat.
But the lure of the pain he gives me is wearing me down.I put some of that down to the fact we're Fated Mates.The bond hasn't been completed yet because Andrew can't consent in this state, but the pull between us is there.I think that's part of the reason he appears to hate me so much.Part of him instinctually wants to drain me, but in his moments of lucidity, he can't.The bond won't let him.It's a weird contrast, the bond making me willing to give him what he wants, but at the same time, keeping him from taking it.The only time he's truly a danger to me is when he's lost in the bloodlust.That hunger overrides everything.
Andrew thrashes in the spelled shackles continuing his threats, but I ignore him.If I don't block it out, the guilt will eat away at me.He's suffering, and I am feeding my cravings off it.I should let myself feel guilty, but I can't afford to spiral.I exist in some kind of horrendous limbo, precariously balancing my darkness and Andrew's sanity.
A knock pulls me from the precipice of temptation.I'm both grateful and annoyed in equal measure.
"How is he today," Tavian asks when I open the door.
"Spicy as ever," I reply, moving aside so the vampire can enter.
"I brought more bags."Tavian hands me the cooler.
Once the blood is stored away in the kitchen, I do what I always do on days the vampire visits – lurk in the background waiting for him to leave so I can offer my body up.
"Hello, Andrew," Tavian begins.My cousin's mate is always so patient with him.It's strange to see Tavian this way because he's usually full of mischief and snark.
Andrew stops his stream of vitriol and eyes Tavian.
"You remember me."A statement from Tavian, not a question.
My mate is becoming more lucid for longer periods of time, and his memory is improving.Andrew nods in acknowledgement, but remains quiet.
"Do you remember who you are and what happened to you?"
We've gone over this numerous times.I think most of it is starting to stick.
"I'm Andrew.I was turned by some cult flunky after being kidnapped."
"Yes.Do you remember who he is?"Tavian nods in my direction.
My mate eyes me for a few seconds.I can practically taste the pain he wants to inflict.Instead, he covers it with a more acceptable response.
"He's Wyatt.He brought me here to keep me safe."
"He did.There are people who would kill you if you were left out of control on the streets."
Andrew throws a skeptical look my way, but Tavian doesn't give him a chance to get a word in.
"Wyatt is also your mate.Do you remember what that is?"
"I remember."
