Page 80 of Fighting My Demons

That scared me most, not because I fear death, but what would become of him if he kills another person he loved? Myra seems to haunt him, and I don't want to be another ghost of his past.

I chew my lip while turning the shower on and stepping in, my thoughts drifting somewhere dark before I remember Tank. Why was he at my place of work?

My shower is quick, and I take my time towel-drying my hair. The three of them are arguing. Their voices are raised, coming from the living room and seeping into the thin walls.

"What do you want to do? Pin her down and taint her like a piece of cattle?" Xavier snaps at him.

"Well, what else? I put her to sleep, I may kill her. You think I want to do this again?" Latham yells back.

"It will be more painful, Latham. If she isn't willing, it would be torturous," Blaine snarls.

"He finds her before I am ready…"

Latham stops and looks over at the door when I push it open. He shakes his head before walking off. Blaine glares at him while I move nervously from one foot to the other.

"I will help cook dinner," Xavier sighs, getting up and wandering over to Latham.

I rush toward the bedroom, only slowing when Blaine's voice reaches my ears.

"No one will force you," he says, glaring at Latham.

I nod and bite the inside of my lip before getting dressed in one of their shirts.

Blaine comes in a few seconds later, placing my handbag on the dresser before walking out. I grab my phone, remembering the conversation with Addie earlier in the day. I send her a text apologizing for rushing out on her, and she rings me. I answer quickly before the ringtone starts blaring, alerting them to my call.

"Hey," I answer.

"Hey, are you okay?" she asks.

I explain the situation to her, and she goes quiet for a second. Although it feels good actually talking about the craziness that has become my life.

"If Latham says it is necessary, Bella, please do it. I know it hurts more the second time, and Blaine and Xavier will be there. They won't let him take your soul. Besides, it would probably just strengthen their connection to you. If you're that worried, drink the vial I gave you. I can give you another one once it is out of your system. I will drop it over tomorrow before you leave."

I swallow and glance at my handbag before remembering she can't see me.

"It's fine. I will see you tomorrow," I tell her.

"I will pop over around 8AM. You will be fine," she says before hanging up.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Walking over to my bag, I pull the vial out and pop the cap. If Latham kills me, any chance of having kids goes down the drain. With that thought, I place it back.

Would they even want kids? Is it actually a possibility?

Something smells delicious, and my mouth waters. Though I had a late lunch, I am still hungry.

Shaking my head at my growing appetite, I walk out to find them setting the table—Caesar salad. Perfect, because if I kept eating at this rate, especially with the way Blaine eats so many carbs, I would need new pants.

"Who were you on the phone to?" Blaine asks.

"Addie," I answer, watching Latham pour wine into glasses.

Xavier watches him, and I glance behind him to see another empty bottle on the bench.

"We leave tomorrow morning, and we are heading to Soya City. If you don't let me taint you again, you need to be under the council's protection," Latham says, and I nod, spearing a piece of chicken and lettuce.

We eat silently, and Latham is a brooding figure at the table. The tension between them is scorching hot while we eat. Although Latham never touches his food. He polishes off the rest of the bottle of wine before pushing his plate in front of me.