Tasting Darkness

Chapter 13

Restless, I tossed and turned all night, not really getting proper sleep. The tugging sensation of knowing they were so close was pulling me to seek out my mates, the bond urging m e to seek them out, knowing they could replenish my powers. I t must have been the early morning hours when I heard the twist of the shared bathroom door.

My mind instantly became alert as I looked in its direction. I let out a breath when I realized it was Kalen and not one of the others. He stops when he notices me sitting upright in the bed before hesitating.

“Did I wake you?” he whispers, and I shake my head. He looks over his shoulder toward his room before quietly shutting the door. For some reason, his presence didn’t scare me, I found his aura comforting, and I wanted to keep him safe and close t o me for some reason. Kalen walks over to the bed, sitting down on it, and I move over, so he has more room, and he lays on his side facing me.

“Sorry, it is the bond,” Kalen says.

“You might get me in trouble, though,” I tell him, thinking of Darius’s threat.

“I can go?’ he says, and he rolls about to get out of the bed. When I grip his arm, he stops. He didn’t want to go, and honestly, I didn’t want him to leave. It had been years since I actually met someone I wanted to be around.

Kalen was the first normal interaction I had had since leaving school. Being the strange girl who stuck to herself in school didn’t win me any friends, and for years the only friend I had was a stranger I spoke to online. It was the only way to vent m y frustrations, and I regretted leaving my tablet behind. I wonder if I could get access to a computer here? I knew it wouldn’t be anytime soon if they did agree, and I doubt they would let me use it to speak to my friend over the internet, whoever they might be.

Kalen lays back down, and I observe him the best I can in the darkness, yet curiosity is eating at me.

not like them. You don’t seem to

I figured you

he found us,” He paused like he was locked in his memories, his aura turned depressive, and I held my tongue, thinking it

running even if you had no reason,” he says simply before

again before I grab his hand, his magic coming to life beneath mine, yet I don’t take it. I couldn’t bring myself to break his trust.

when I place his hand on my cheek. His thumb brushes beneath my eye softly, and I close my eyes. Sleep finally

found the spot where Kalen was empty, looking around the room. A prickle up my spine alerted me to someone in the room before his voice did. “Looking for someone?” Darius asks, and I shake my

up; you have five minutes to get dressed; put these on,” He says, chucking

slipped the jeans on which fit perfectly and a white blouse. How did Lycus know my size? I

pushing the door wider. I glance down at my feet. Only socks on, and I quickly glanced around once again but found no shoes. Darius, however, didn’t care as

with all the twists and turns. I could hear the murmuring of men behind the doors, and I raced to keep up with Darius before we went

I froze. More men file in behind me, bumping into me, and Darius grips my arm, his nails digging

The other thing I noticed was there was

to hell, Aleera, don’t think my men are your friends or will be your friend. No one likes a traitor,” Darius leans down. His stubble brushed my