* Thomas's story starts from when he leaves Chloe's room in the chapter Hypocrisy and Pride in the first book, Forbidden Fruit.*

Thomas's POV

  I sigh as I close, Chloe's door, hating not being able to talk to him about what's going on. But, he has his own cluster fuck to handle and there's no need to add mine to the mix when he can barely handle his own.

   I make my way slowly down the stairs, not rushing my departure, though I feel my Slip nearing closer with each passing hour. Whether it'll hit tomorrow or the day after I'm not sure, but I need ensure I'm safely away from Chloe and the home I finally made for myself all those year ago.

   Nearing the door at the end of the hall, I lightly tap on the door with my knuckles, knowing too much strength with have the door flying off the hint if I'm not careful.

   "Come in!" I hear Chandler answer and open the door, swiftly stepping inside, not bothering to close the door, much to Chan's annoyance. My naturally blank face can't help the twitch of my lips at the frown Chan sports. His pretty face looking too enticing to hold such a expression.

   "Chan." I greet, preparing myself for the monthly fight thats sure to ensue, though at this point I don't know what to expect seeing as Chloe didn't put up a fight. Maybe he was too worried about Alex leaving him last night. I only hope my gentle prodding helped him in the right direction seeing as he wouldn't see me for the next week.

"Tom." He greets back, finishing whatever paperwork he has sprawled across his desk. His leans back against his chair, bringing the pen to to his lips. If I hadn't known him for damn near 30 years, I would've thought the act suggestive. Now, though, I take it as it is, his thinking face.

"It's time for me to leave." I keep my words cold and crisp as always. Everything about me almost freezing in temperature, my body never being to produce heat, my heart not able to beat until I find my Bond. Just the thought has me ready to hurry this conversation along so I can be on my way to find my soulmate that's been escaping me for months now.

   For the past couple months I've gone to Enchanted territory to get my share of negative energy, the second time I went there though, I almost went feral on my friend Nysa. There was the smell of campfires and rain, the strangest combination but one that had me crazy to find the owner because I know that scent belonged to my Bond.

But every time I go, I only get faint scents, it's almost like they know I'm looking for them but don't want to be found. Or maybe the small troublemaker is too shy to make the first move. My lips twitch in contentment, I can't wait to find my little one, they'll be the most spoiled Enchanted that roamed the earth.

Chandler watches me, but doesn't call me out on my softening expression. Though it's not obvious, only the twitch of my lips and thawing of my eyes. Real emotions are always hard for Vampires to show and feel until they find their Bond. It's like being reborn again, I'm told and I can't wait to start my new life.

"How long will you be gone?" Chandler asks, his gaze steady but thoughtful.

"My usual six days, I believe. Nothing should hold me up." He bids his head the pen being brought down from his mouth and set on the desk, as if he knows what's coming. And he does. "Let me pay rent before hand. In case I'm there longer than I expect." I brace myself for the incoming fight, Chan never wanting to take my money because I'm always back in time before it's due. But the gentleman in me, doesn't want to inconvenience Chan if something holds me up.

"Okay." Chandler agreed instantly.

" You need to let me pay ahead Chan, we don't kno- okay?" When my brain finally catches up with the fact that Chandler said okay and not no, and I am surprised and instantly anxious even though it's what I wanted.

"Okay, you can put your rent. But only half, I'm sure you'll be back by the middle of the month." And now I know exactly how Chloe felt when Chandler brought up his Link.

"How did you know about Chloe's Link, Chan?" I ask suddenly. My eyes touch every inch of his face hoping for an answer, but as always his eyes are closed off and blank as he shares a small smile.

"The same way I know the one of the Enchanted is your Bond. And that as punctual as you are, you may not be coming back home in time." The words would leave me breathless if my body could be so, shocking me to my core. But instead of pressing him, I respect his silence and instead, reach into my jacket pocket to grab the cash there. I spilt it in half and slide it across the table to the owner of the apartments.

"Keep an eye on Chloe." And though I say it every month, not one person could miss the steel behind my voice today. The circumstances are different and I'll be damned if something happens to him in my absence.

His eyes meet mine as I stand up, not meaning to tower over him, but my height of six one doesn't help, his small nature making it impossible to avoid  especially with him sitting down.

" I can't protect him from himself and you know that. But I will try my hardest." The words, though true, makes me more and more anxious to leave Chloe alone. But I'm sure he'll be fine with that wolf of his. I nod in answer to Chandlers declaration, and head back to my room to grab my grey duffle bag stuffed with things I'll need over the next week. Securing my room, and sliding my extra key under Chloe's door I make my way out the building heading towards Nysa's house before we start our trek towards the Enchanted, that's in the Southern part of the city, where freeloaders and trouble makers alike dwell out, making it a hotspot for slipping vampires.

    Reaching Nysa's street, I climb up the steps of her house, not bothering to knock as I enter her house. I follow the sound of her footsteps until I reach her bed room where she's sitting in a swarm of clothes like every month. I sigh as I walk over to her to pick her up and sit her in a chair so I can pack her bags as I do for her every time.

    "Thomas!" She exclaims coolly. Only a fellow vampire could pick up the attempt at warmth and friendliness in her tone. "You've finally arrived, please take care of my clothes, you always do better than I. " Nysa pouts obviously distraught over not being able to pick up the right outfits for our week long trip. Pausing I turn to her, biting my lip in contemplation. "Spit it out, old man. We don't have all day." I roll my eyes at her antics but answer her anyway.

    "I don't think I'll be coming back in time this month, Nysa. Something tells me I'll find them this week." My admission has her back straightening and he attention focused on me, rather than the sea of clothes floating in her room. Being the only person that knows about my Bond residing in the Southern part of the city, she instantly understands the weight of my words.

     "This is it?" Her voice that of a hushed tone. It brings reverence to the conversion, and if my heart could thud it would be. I nod my head in agreement slightly smiling at the awe that crossed her eyes before it's swallowed by her usually icy expression. She looks down at her feet, her pale white hair covering her eyes for a second before she looks back up with a look of determination in her gaze. " Well then what are we waiting for, pack my back so we can get going, Tom!"

   Her enthusiasm makes me chuckle as I pick up her empty duffel bag that matches mine, and start packing her clothes into it neatly, her watching over me so I don't mess it up. Nysa curls up on the chair and she asks me a series of questions about my Bond.

   "Male or female?" I raise my eyebrows but continue anyway.

    "It doesn't matter but preferably male." She hums her agreement before she shoots me another question.

    "Top or bottom?" I snort almost dropping her bag in the process.

    " I am not a bottom. My mate with definitely be some shy little one that has a mischievous streak. Maybe he'll be part daemon, part angel." Before I'm ever finished speaking, Nysa is shaking her head at me, squinting her eyes.

    "No, no that doesn't sound right. I don't think your Bond is going to be as you think they are." She speculates still scrutinizing me in her gaze.

    "Ah, but what does a dumb blonde know about anything?" I ask jokingly as I zip up her bag and motion her up. She throws a pillow at me head, standing up, but I dodge easily before catches it and throwing it back into the chair where it belongs.

    "Cocky bastard." I hear Nysa mutter making me chuckle quietly as we exit her house and towards her car. Most people that live within the center of the city, walk, the cars only beings used to the outskirts of town. Though running would be much faster than using her silver R8, it's not as practical with a storm heading out way.

   Stepping into the drivers seat and situating ourselves, I can't help the anticipation that has my lips twitching up into a real smile.

~~~~~~~~
Thomas is on his way to find his Bond. How does Chan know everything? Is Nysa right?

Thoughts?

Comments?

QOTD: What state do you live in?