“You know who I am, don’t play the fool.” Just as the voice spoke, images flashed before his eyes, Star cackling crazily in each scene. He was slashing at something like a mad butcher, blood splashing everywhere, including over himself. He recognized the place and the person he was stabbing continuously.
Thornton Miller.
Star thought he had gotten over the dreams from his last life, of seeing himself kill Thornton, but lately, they would resurface even when he was awake.
“This is who you are, a killer,” the voice taunted. “I'm going to take back what you took from me, and soon, he will be mine.”
Star shook his head and repeated the word no. The images played continuously in his thoughts, and he wanted to scream but couldn't muster the energy. He felt too weak even to move. However, seconds after it began, it stopped when strong arms encircled his waist. Star snapped his eyes open and breathed deep, thankful he was in the shower.
So, was it my imagination?Star was so confused he wasn't sure what to think. He looked down at his hands and noticed that the bruises were fading, and he shakingly rested his hand on Anubis's.I need to find out how I got those bruises.
“Hey, baby,” he heard Anubis's voice whisper in his ear. His lover's scent calmed Star, and instantly his emotions quelled. He turned and buried his nose in Anubis's chest.
“You're home,” he whispered.
“Yeah, I was missing my baby.”
Star raised his head and stared into Anubis's face.Should I tell him what just happened?“I missed you too.”
“Are you okay? Your eyes looked red, like you were crying.”
Star nodded, holding back whatever he was about to say. “I just feel lonely without you.”
“Well, I'm home now.”
Anubis kissed him on the forehead and continued to hold on to him. Star stayed by his side, clutching Anubis even when he fell asleep.
* * *
"Do it,”Star heard the hypnotic voice in his ear whisper. “Do it, and you can be free! It's time for me to take my place beside Anubis Ahket!”
At hearing Anubis's name, Star snapped his eyes open and gasped when he saw the knife in his hand poised over his wrist. Shocked, he dropped the object and started backing out of the bedroom. Once he got to the door, he ran, not caring which direction he was heading. He needed to run and stay away from Anubis until he could figure out what was happening to him.
Was I about to kill myself?
* * *
Anubis rolledon his side and reached over to pull Star into his arms but found the spot on his lover's side cold. Sitting up in bed, he scanned the room, not seeing any sign of him. Anubis sent out his senses, trying to feel Star's presence, but couldn't. Getting out of bed, Anubis froze when he saw a knife on the floor. Picking it up, he was confused about why it was there. Without another thought, Anubis ran around the apartment calling out Star's name but grew concerned when no response came.
Heading back to the bedroom, he heard Star's cell phone vibrating on the nightstand. He walked over and picked it up, seeing that Vivienne had called and texted him at least ten times. Since they were ahead of their shooting schedule, Anubis gave the crew a few days off and planned to take Star on a mini vacation to celebrate the start of his new business adventure. But he wouldn't mind putting it off if Vivienne had something come up for Star. Anubis looked at the knife in his hand and wondered for the second time how it ended up in the bedroom.
Star, where are you?
He didn't suspect something was wrong. Heknew. Star never let his phone be too far from him, no matter where he was.Especially since he enjoyed watching VikVok videos and playing games on the damn thing. Anubis took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to feel out his mate through their magical bond. He hated to admit it, but as much as they were together, their bond was a bit weak, not on his end but Star's.
Anubis chalked it up to Star not understanding the whole mating thing, and was giving him time to adjust. He couldn't fully feel Star's emotions when they were apart, and he couldn't communicate with his mate telepathically. Each time he tried, he felt as if there was a block between them. Anubis had hoped that Star would trust him enough to let him in more, but it seemed they needed more time.
Anubis did not doubt his affection for Star. Nor did he question Star's for him, but even he knew something was wrong. He remembered how Star had been acting quite clingy the past few weeks, especially since he returned from California.
I knew something was bothering him. I should have pushed him last night when he said he wasn't crying.
With no luck in tracking him down, Anubis gave up.
“Chase, come to me,” Anubis called out, and the grim reaper appeared in front of him.
“Lord Anubis, this is unusual...” he started, but Anubis raised a hand, stopping his ramblings.
“Have you heard from Star today?”
