Diedrek

I walk out of my quarters knowing Kyla is well cared for. Her brother Darius wouldn't allow anything to happen to her. For that I am grateful. I straighten my shoulders preparing for the next fight in my mist. I know her Uncle and cousins will not approve of her staying here in the castle with me at my father's return.

Hopefully, they won't be as stubborn as my blood mate, and I can get them to agree to all my terms. Our end goals are the same, making sure Kyla is safe once my father returns.

I should feed before I attempt to do this, but there's a slight problem with that. I don't crave anyone else's blood but hers. Since I have tasted her, she is my pure delicious obsession. I find myself licking my lips with only the thought of biting into her delectable skin.

"You have to feed." A quiet voice comes from behind me.

I turn my head, having forgotten Satine was with me. "I know, and I will once this is over." I go to take another step when she stops me with her hand along my arm.

I look down at the offensive appendage, her hand that is stopping me from doing what needs to be done. "Be very careful Satine, I am not in the mood." I warn her.

"That is because you have grown weak these last couple of days. You haven't eaten from anyone other than Kyla, you need to feed." She mentions, with her other wrist close to my face. Showing me just what she expects from me. "I will not feed from you." I say in disgust.

If I do it would make me like them. I am no monster, and I swore to her many years ago I wouldn't treat her in such a way. "You are nothing like them. You are not taking I am simply offering." She moves her wrist a little closer to my mouth.

My eyes make their way to hers. I study her a moment to gouge how serious she is in this moment. She gives me a little smile of encouragement. "Why?" My word barely comes out of my mouth.

"Because Diedrek this is not only for you but for Kyla. She's grown to be my friend, and I care for her just as much as you. If we can do this, succeed in bringing my uncle and your brothers down than I will have nothing to fear in the future." Her last few words come out so soft I could barely hear them myself.

Its then I realize just what she's saying. It's not just about me and Kyla, there are others who have suffered from my father's and brother's hands. Satine being one of the worst ones. With that I will do this for her, I give her a reassuring smile, reach for her wrist, look into her eyes once more. When I see she's truly okay with this, I look to her wrist before bringing my mouth to her skin. I bite down, tasting her life source fill my mouth.

I only take a few drawls from her, making sure not to take any more than necessary. Once I have had enough to help strengthen me, I pull back and lick the wound. Making sure it closes. "Thank you, cousin." I say as she brings her wrist to her chest and holds her arm close to her body.

With tears in her eyes, a smile on her face, she nods to me. Once the moment is over, she has regained herself, we continue walking the corridors. It takes us a good twenty minutes to get to where we need to be. Once again, I find myself standing outside of the witch's cabin.

I hear Satine take a shuddering breath next to me. "I hate this place almost as much as I hate them."

"I know." I look over at her.

"You can stay out here if you want to. I may not need you to be inside with me. Just having your essence at proximity should do the trick." I tell her honestly.

She shakes her head at me. "I am tired of being afraid Diedrek. I want to be of use. And if this helps then so be it." She straightens her shoulders and begins to walk up on the porch.

I cannot help the smile that grows along my lips. It turns out that having Kyla as a friend has helped my cousin in ways I hadn't known about. She's becoming just as stubborn and head strong as my blood mate.

Once she is in front of the door, I walk up beside her. Knocking on the door, it doesn't surprise me when it opens on its own. I hear nothing, but I know the witches know we have arrived. Trying not to psyche myself out with this, I step into the run-down cabin.

The door closes behind us, Satine grabs a hold of my arm for comfort. "It's okay." I whisper in her ear.

"Yes, we will not hurt you. We know better than that." One of the witches says from the shadows.

"We need your help with a matter." My tone books for no argument.

"Yes, I can see that. Come into the room more and stand face to face."

Satine looks to me with worry in her eyes. I pat her hand, giving her all the reassurance, I can. I take her hand and lead her to the middle of the room. I face towards her and hold her hands in mine.

I feel someone step up behind me, grabbing onto my shoulders. As I see Bunny do the same with Satine. She jumps with freight and her hands fall from mine. "It's okay." I still see the fear in her body and face. She has one arm wrapped around herself, with tears welling in her eyes. "Satine looks at me." I make my voice hard, so she will do as I ask.

She's too far gone in this moment. The past is in her thoughts. I should have warned them not to touch her. I take a few steps forward, crowding her into my body. "Satine." I shout, gaining her attention.

She pauses, her body shaking. I slowly bring my hands to hers and look into her eyes. "You're okay, I would never allow anyone to hurt you again. They only need to touch our shoulders for the projection spell."

Her eyes are bouncing between mine. The second she sees the truth held within them she nods her head a little. Taking deep breaths, she follows me back to the middle of the room. I await until she's ready. Once she opens her eyes, I can see the fear there, but something else as well. I can see trust held in her eyes for the first time in years.

I hold out my hand to her palm up. She slowly brings hers into mine. She swallows and closes her eyes. I study her breathing and once it's evened out, I nod to Bunny. The young witch once again touches her shoulders. Only this time she has a minor flinch, nothing more.

Knowing she's okay, I close my eyes and say the words I need to say for this to work. Everything feels like it's speeding. I feel as though my body is spinning around and around. Faster and faster. Until finally it stops. Everything seems so quiet.

"How the hell did you do that?" I open my eyes and standing in front of me is Lucas. His eyes are open wide, as is his mouth in shock.

"It's a fancy trick I'm sure your father knows all about." I tell him.

"That I do." Out walks Broderick, with his other two sons and some of his finest warriors.

"What is it you need? Is Kyla doing all right? Nothing's happened to her, has it?" The older man is growing panicky.

I lift my hand to show him there is nothing to worry about. "Just being stubborn to the bone."

They all laugh at that. "That sounds like Kyla." Lucas says with a smile on his lips.

"Well let's cut the bullshit. What is it you need then?" Broderick folds his arms over his chest. Giving me his most stern look.

I do just that, "My father is going to be returning soon, and I have a proposition for you."