Staring out the window, I take in the dark sky while I wait for dawn.Another day of being stuck in this cabin.Now that I am lucid the majority of the time, I'm going stir crazy.Wyatt has given me books to read, and while I love folklore and mythology, even I need a break to do other things.I miss hiking and camping – being active.
The creak of floorboards signals Wyatt's start of the day.Before anything else, he'll bring me blood.I'm guessing a bag today.I've made a game of sorts out of guessing between fresh or plastic pouch.Anything to stave off the boredom.
"How are you this morning?"Wyatt asks, walking into the room with a blood bag.
Called it.
I take it from him when he holds it out, then accept his good morning kiss.
"Still myself, so I guess that's a win."I tear into the bag, guzzling the red fluid.
Wyatt releases the restraints."I'm going to hunt, and I think you are ready to come with me.The bag will take the edge off until we find something in the woods.It'll be light soon, so we won't go far."
After disposing of the empty bag, my mate strips down to prepare for a shift.I turn my gaze away.We're official now, and as much as I'm drawn to him, I'm also hesitant.We barely know each other.It feels rude to ogle him.
"Come on.Let's have a breakfast date," he says, reaching for my hand, fingers tangling together.
I expect him to shift into his wolf once we're outside, but he walks silently with me in naked human form to the woods.In the midst of the trees, he pulls me to a stop.
"Close your eyes and listen.What do you hear?"
According to Tavian, some new vampires nearly go mad from sensory overwhelm.My heightened senses are coming in slowly, which has given me more time to adapt.
Following Wyatt's instructions, I tune in to the space around me, surprised to find out how loud the quiet is.The flap of wings, leaves rubbing together, animals rustling, the creak of branches – all things I may not have heard as a human unless I was right up next to it.The silence I'd have observed as a human has come alive for me as a vampire.
"I hear everything," I whisper in amazement.
"Try to focus on the animal noises.Move the other sounds to the background."
My mate is patient while I grapple with the exercise, even though he must be starving.
"There's something to the left," I say, once I filter through everything else.
"Good.Is it moving toward or away from us?"
"Toward."
"By the sound of the movement, how big do you think it is?"
"Bigger than a mouse, but not as large as a deer," I answer with a sigh."Not very accurate, am I?"
Wyatt muffles a laugh.
"What?"I open my eyes and look at him, enhanced eyesight letting me see him clearly in the dark.
"Still so human.You sighed, yet you don't need to breathe."
"I am out in the woods trying to hunt something in order to drink its blood.Not very human if you ask me."
"It's important to hold on to your more human traits so you don't become something sinister.I think that's what makes Tavian different from many vampires.There is still a spark of humanity in him."Wyatt stares out into the woods."Paranormals have enhanced strength and senses that, when used with no moral compass, can be destructive.Their longer lifespans can turn them indifferent, uncaring, and often cruel.That spark is the difference between being peaceful and being monstrosities."
Silence falls between us.
Because of the mate bond, I can feel the weight Wyatt carries inside him.Someday, I will ask him about the things that burden him, but now isn't the time.Dawn is coming, and we need to catch our breakfast.
Chapter Seven
Wyatt
