exactly why I have to do what I have to do.
Fate always has a plan, regardless if it’s what we want or not.
Securing the damned sword through my belt, I amble back to where Tinksley lays and drop down beside her, fishing my pocket knife free.
“It’s the only way,” I tell her as I scoop her up once more and slice my palm open.
Blood dribbles from the now open wound, splattering onto her chest in vivid crimson droplets. My nostrils flare at the sight of it, instantly plaguing me with guilt for being even remotely aroused given the circumstances. One deep breath, then another—I constrain myself to breathe through the rush before my fangs can elongate, before instinct to devour my female kicks in.
She’s not yours yet. Won’t be at all if you don’t get on with it.
Right.
Another inhale and I’m tilting her head back carefully, bringing my fist just over her delicately ajar mouth. Squeezing. Ensuring the trickle descends where it’s intended. She doesn’t need much, but I continue letting it flow, working it down her throat with a gentle hand. I note how those decadent, tropical eyes flutter slightly at my touch, but the rest of her remains perfectly still.
Not for much longer, though.
“I’m sorry, Tinksley,” I start suddenly, heart thrashing in my chest anew as I secure one arm around her shoulders, seal my bloodied hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry. Forgive me, okay? When it’s all said and done, please forgive me.”
Snap.
Goddammit, what the hell is taking them so long? Feels like I’ve been knocking on the door—my door, no less—for a fucking century. I’m starting to get—
“Callan,” she croaks again, snapping my gaze to her beautiful face. She’s been in and out since I left the water’s edge, something I’ve not seen or experienced before with a—
That’s when the door flies open.
On the other side of the threshold stands my father, a confused yet equally alarmed expression marring his dark features. “What the hell happened?” is the first thing he inquires.
I don’t answer. I simply brush past him with a huff, hauling ass up the stairs to one of the many vacant rooms. Evidently, my lack of an answer isn’t going to deter him because he’s behind me as I’m setting Tinksley down on the bed.
“I asked you a question,” his voice rumbles.
“I’m aware of that,” I deadpan, drawing the pristine white sheets over her frail form. For a split-second I wonder if Violet should help her bathe. You know, freshen her up before she rests, but I quickly decide against it. She’s not fully aware of where she is yet, at least I don’t think she is, and all I need is her coming to mid-sponge bath. She’ll flip, and the person in closest range—namely Violet—could face unparallel danger.
“I raised you better than that, Callan. Be more res—”
“Can we perhaps not do this right now?” Spinning to face him, I pin him with my gaze. He’s got some nerve after out altercation earlier. “I have more important things to worry about than how respectful, or rather—disrespectful, you think I am.”
Cassius’ face hardens. As always, he isn’t pleased with my tone or the fact that I can give two fucks that he’s my father. What he did is unforgivable and there’s no coming back from that. I told him that a long time ago. Not sure why he continues to think that time will heal the effects of his absurdities, but hey, that’s not my problem.
Sounds like a personal one he’ll have to face for eternity.
In a series of lithe moves I didn’t see coming, he latches onto my arm and flashes us out of the room into the hall. “Last time I’m going to ask before I take matters into my own hands. What the hell happened?”
My head snaps to the now-cracked door. It’s too dark within the room for me to make her out completely, but I can just see the outline of her body beneath the sheets. “She tried to take her own life.”
“Tried?” he stresses, earning a subtle nod.
On a sigh, I turn back to my father, gritting out the words I never thought I’d hear when it came to Tinksley Bell. “She’s in transition.”
♫ Faded - Alan Walker ♫
I awake with a start, eyes snapping open, breath catching deep in my throat. Almost feels like I can’t breathe at all, like I’m caught in a noose, choking with the need for air to fill my lungs. Hand flying to