I think about all the plans Arthur and I had.Plans he'll never be able to execute.Because he's dead.
Does Richard know?
"What happened to the bodies of the people the cult drained for food?"I ask.
"They were cremated," Tavian replies.
Somehow I don't think he means they were processed through a mortuary.
Richard must know Arthur is missing by now.He's probably frantic with worry.
"My apartment.What happened to it?"The least I can do is send Arthur's things to his father.
"The rent is being paid.You need to decide what you want to do with it now that you're becoming more lucid."
"When do you think I'll be able to go pack it up?"I won't be able to live there now.Not after everything.Too many memories would haunt me.Not to mention, my mate is here.
"We can box up everything and bring it to you," Trace says."Best not to rush being around humans this early in the process."
The now-familiar ache starts in my gums.Hunger pushes forward.
Tavian must recognize what's happening because he stands and moves closer to me."Trace, Andrew needs blood.Ransom, be my backup."
On alert, Ransom steps closer as Trace offers me his wrist.Trace doesn't strike me as the type to love pain the way Wyatt does, so I force myself to be gentle, even though my instinct is to devour.Look at me becoming a civilized vampire.
As long as we catch it early, it seems I am becoming better able to control myself.Is Wyatt purposefully pushing my hunger to the limit so I'll inflict pain?
Surely not.
But now I've had the thought, and I can't unthink it.
Chapter Five
Wyatt
Thehuntinthewoods led to a full belly and a happy wolf.I need to do it more often, my wolf needs the exercise and freedom.But I can't seem to stay away from Andrew for any length of time.The only reason I hunted this time is because my brothers and Tavian would have gotten suspicious if I pushed back.Although, I think Ransom already suspects my vice has kicked in.He's the only one that's ever witnessed some of it.
Back at the cabin, my brothers and Tavian gone, I sit across from Andrew where he is restrained once again, waiting for the hunger to show itself.
"Are you purposefully starving me?"Andrew asks.
The question takes me off-guard.This isn't the bloodlust talking.He's perfectly lucid.
"Is that what you think?"
"I was perfectly fine on the porch earlier.I fed when the urge first came on, and was able to control myself."
"You're still gaining control.You'll have good days and bad days until you level out."
"Maybe…"
His doubt lingers between us.
What if he's right?Have I subconsciously been bringing out the ravenous hunger to feed my addiction?Have I been sabotaging my mate's success without realizing it?
"Can we try giving me more time free from the restraints?"
"Let's see how you do over the next few days."
