*sigh* Disclaimer: I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST PRINCE! I started writing this book nearly 2 years ago and decided that Prince had the perfect personality to play Michael's arrogant cousin to use for my book (no offence lol). No, I have nothing against Prince and again, no, I am not using Prince in my book as a tribute. May he rest in peace and all that jazz but this is not a work of spite nor tribute. It is simply coincidence that I am republishing this edited version after his passing.

Anyways, please enjoy the read and if you could take a little time to vote and comment, I'd deeply appreciate it.

Love, Elisha xoxoxo

Michael's POV

I caught her before she fell and stared down at her angelic face as my hat fell from her head.

"God, you're beautiful, Scar..." I whispered.

Her head was tilted to the side and revealed the smooth skin of her neck.

Her neck...

I stroked two fingers over the vein with a lick of my lips. The sweetness of her natural scent invaded my senses. The feeling was welcomed greatly as I inhaled deeply shutting my eyes.

"Mmm, you smell good too. Do you taste as good?" I chuckle to myself then stopped.

Come on, Mike. We've got a plan, remember? Focus!

Although...maybe...just a taste?

I looked up to the curtains around the booth and with a wave of my hand, they closed around us.

Feeding is like sex...Private.

Looking back to Scarlet sleeping peacefully in my arms, I caressed her cheek softly.

Am I really that parched?

Dammit! Did you really think you could do this having not fed for so long?! Fool!

I'd never forgive myself if I hurt Scarlet. Even if I was being driven purely by instinct.

What happened to gentleman first? You don't wanna be like your father...Or him...?

"Michael..."

Oh god. Here comes vamperic cynic. Here we go.

I rolled my eyes praying for a way out of the inevitable.

"You're hungry. You know it."

I sighed frustrated at the voice in my head and looked up to the ceiling muttering "Please, God" repeatedly to myself.

"Look at that neck."

I couldn't help but look on command...I was already loosing my self-control.

"Isn't it tempting? Aren't we weak? She'll never know. Go on."

I looked at her neck and let my fangs extend past my quivering lips anticipating blood...

I winced a little as my gums stretched uncomfortably.

I haven't done it in a while.

"That's right, Michael. This is what's right. This is what you were born to do. Take it...Take it..."

My bottom lip quivered all the more as the anticipation of fresh blood running down my throat kicked up a notch.

I sighed for what seemed like the millionth time and leaned in closer to her. Sweat began to trickle down my forehead as I tried desperately to control myself. It was a little late for that. Even I knew and yet, I continued to have this internal battle with myself, desperate to leave with Scar unscathed, but my instinct had other ideas...

Just as I was about to impale the untouched skin of her neck, my eyes flashed causing a painful memory to cross my mind. Finally, I had the strength to pull away.

Thank you, God...

This makes no difference. I'm so disappointed in myself. This is wrong. I made a promise to myself and I'm sticking to it.

"You know, Mike..." I felt his presents as he walked closer but I didn't look up.

He was stood leisurely outside of the curtain, likely sporting that annoying smirk on his face.

Lord knows how I'd take pleasure in slapping the arrogance out of him...

"It wouldn't hurt as much if let your fangs loose a little more often, cuz."

I slowly looked up at him as he pulled back the curtain, entering without my say so.

"Well, you'd know all about that...wouldn't you, Prince?"

Just like the cocky bastard he is, Prince grinned wider at the mention of his name.

Prick..

"Yeah because I actually go on the hunts. Too afraid to join the pack, halfblood?" Prince smirked.

"Why are you here, Prince?" I growled.

I glared at the cocky little sucker (pun intended) before I lay Scarlet down carefully on the booth seat and walked up to him making damn sure he could feel the hostility radiating off of me.

"Can't a brother get something to eat?"

He held his hands up pleading innocence, though we both knew he was far from it. He folded his arms as he rubbed his bottom lip.

"How about this? I'll leave. Just give up RBH." He chuckled.

"Bite me!" I snapped.

"I much rather take a bite out of that..."

Prince leant to the side to get a better look at my Scarlet, sleeping peacefully but I stepped in his line of view.

"So where'd you find this one? If you're not gonna, I'll gladly take her off your hands."

Prince rubbed his hands together and licked his lips all but tying a fucking bib around his neck.

"Leave, Prince." I muttered lowly.

He's pushing my buttons...

I stood firm and narrowed my eyes into slits.

"Nah Mike. You know I'm good at this. I can just smell every detail from here."

He sniffed the air with his eyes closed over dramatically.

"Oooo she's fresh. Spanish? Hey, I wonder if she's a good lay too." Prince cackled striking a final nerve with me.

In about a millisecond, I had him pinned up against the nearest wall with his collar balled in my fist and I could have sworn I had seen the tiniest glint of fear in his dark eyes, full of bad intentions.

"Don't you fucking touch her, you insignificant, little bastard!" I shouted in his face but he just smiled that aggravating smile my way like he was completely unbothered by my antics.

He tutted and shook his head.

"Just like your father." He sighed. "Listen halfblood, I've got a meeting to get to anyways. I don't have time to play, so I'll leave you and your precious little mortal alone..." I let go of his collar hesitantly as he looked at me blankly.

Asshole...

He patted my cheek patronisingly then started out toward the stairs.

"...For now." He winked then disappears into the shadows.

"Don't come back! Dammit!" I hissed.

I ran my fingers through my curls then looked over at Scarlet who was still laid there as if in a peaceful sleep. I walked over and scooped her up into my arms protectively.

"I'm gonna keep you safe, Scarlet. I promise." I whispered then walked down the stairs with my eyes peeled for any dangers we may run into.

When Prince wants something, he takes it but I swear he will not lay a hand on Scarlet...

********

"That sounds great, Mama, but I don't want him to leave."

"He's not going to leave us...we're going with him. We're going to live in a place called Manhattan in New York! Aren't you excited?!"

"No! I don't want to leave!"