If he could just stopneedinghim…
That meant drinking blood from another being. His stomach roiled at the thought.
“No. I have to try,” he told himself as he walked into the bathroom. Minutes later, he stepped out, dressed in fresh clothes, and made his way to the kitchen.
He paused just inside; he hadn’t set foot in there since he’d lost control weeks ago.
Now, he felt different. In control. He could drink someone else’s blood.
He had to try,he repeated in his mind as he crossed the room and reached for a bottle of wine from the rack built neatly into the cupboard. He grabbed a glass, setting it down on the counter.
The kitchen door creaked open behind him.
“Pour me some,” Blade said casually as he stepped in, dragging out a chair at the island and dropping into it.
Alexander glanced over his shoulder. Blade looked…. impeccable as always, but tonight there was something extra.
“Where are you going, all dressed up?” Alexander asked, reaching for a second glass.
He poured the wine smoothly, filling both glasses before he turned toward the fridge.
“Out,” Blade said, leaning back in his chair. “It’s cloudy, snow’s falling… perfect weather to go into town.”
Alexander gave a small nod as his fingers closed around the bag of blood. He twisted the cap open with a faint click and poured a small amount into each glass. He quickly sealed the bag and returned it to the fridge.
When he turned back around, Blade was watching him.
“Are you able to drink other blood now?” he asked.
Alexander didn’t answer.
Instead, he picked up his glass, and he lifted it to his lips. The smell hit him before the glass even touched his mouth. His stomach roiled as he jerked the glass away.
“I guess not,” he said in frustration.
He turned to the sink and dumped the contents out, the mixture of wine and blood splashing messily against the basin.
With a heavy sigh, he set the glass on the counter and reached for a cloth, scrubbing at the mess with more force than necessary.
“Is it not getting better?” Blade asked. “You’ve been going to the werewolf every night, I thought…”
Alexander’s fingers tightened around the cloth. “I’m not getting better. It’s getting worse. And…” He trailed off.
“And what?” Blade prompted.
Alexander slowly turned to face Blade. “I’m supposed to be going after my bride, but I’m not. Frankly, I’m not even sure I want to.” The admission hung between them. “You told me I was going to meet my bride during the war.” Alexander stepped closer to the island, bracing his hands against it as his gaze fixed on Blade. “What did you see?”
Blade frowned. “You don’t think it’s her.”
Alexander flushed. “No. I’m not drawn to her. I’m not even sure I ever was. When I’m with her, all I can think about is him.” He scratched his head vigorously. “And it doesn’t help that I’m bound to him by blood. It’s fucking complicating everything. I’m supposed to feel something for my bride. I don’t feel anything. I don’t want to…”
“You don’t want to fuck her,” Blade interrupted.
Alexander groaned and dropped his head into his hands, his elbows braced on the. “I wasn’t going to say that,” he muttered through his fingers. “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with you.”
Blade leaned back in his chair, chuckling. “I’m not naïve. I know what happens between two people who are attracted to each other. And I’ve done things with men. A lot of men.”
“Stop,” Alexander said, dropping his hands down to glare at him.