"We should complete the mate bond.You'll be able to sense me more strongly then, right?Maybe that will help you know when the hunger is coming and we can get a better rhythm on feedings."
"There's no guarantee that'll work right away.Sometimes the bonds are as fickle as your hunger.They take time to get into sync."
"So you won't even try?"
"Are these really the circumstances you want to complete the bond under?"
"It's going to happen regardless, whether it's now or later.May as well be now."
"Wow!I feel the romance."
"What do you want from me, Wyatt?I didn't ask for any of this.I'm trying to take back control of my life the only way I know how."
Tears run down his cheeks.Fuck.
"Baby, don't cry.I'm sorry.I know this is awful for you."I walk up to him, brushing hair away from his face.
"I need this, Wyatt.I need to know I'm getting better.I need to know I can trust you."
"I would never intentionally harm you."
"Is the current state of our bond stronger than your desire for pain?"
I put some distance between us and look away.With the episodes of bloodlust, I didn't think he'd pick up on my destructive tendencies so easily.
"You need this, too," Andrew says.
Maybe he's right.The bond could keep us both from destroying ourselves, or each other.
"Okay.This isn't how I wanted to solidify our bond, but if it will set your mind at ease, I'll do it.You have to remain in the restraints, though."
"I understand."
Stepping in close, I bring my lips to his.Our first kiss.At least we have that to set the stage for a mating bite.I keep it slow and easy, not pushing for anything more.My wolf is restless, feeling how close the bond is to being complete.
Before things go too far, I pull back.We need to do this now to avoid the risk of another feral episode coming on.I want Andrew lucid, in his right mind, when we share our bite.
Locking gazes, I see Andrew looking back, not the feral thing he becomes.
"Ready?"
He nods and closes his eyes.
My teeth elongate, then sink into Andrew's flesh where his shoulder meets his neck.I feel him hesitate before fangs pierce my skin.This time, it's controlled, not the frenzy I've become accustomed to.
The bond slips into place.Andrew's emotions wash through me – the guilt, the sadness, the fear.
This is not the kind of mating I expected, overshadowed by tragedy, but it's the one I got.Hopefully, someday, we'll find our way to happiness.
Chapter Six
Andrew
Thedaysflowtogetheras Wyatt and I settle into the bond.The good days bring us closer, the bad ones torture us both.Fortunately, the bad days happen less and less.
Tavian says I am progressing faster than most baby vamps, but he still advises caution.I'm out of my restraints longer now, but Wyatt still binds me when he sleeps or hunts.
Regardless of my progress, I'm growing impatient.I need to be free to go visit Richard and tell him what happened to Arthur.Wyatt and his family don't want him to know about the paranormal, but I won't have any peace until I settle this.
