Page 113 of Fractured Fate

He shut the water off and stepped out of the shower, ignoring the ache below his waist. Lifting his jeans, he dug out his cell phone. If he was going to stay with Charlotte, he needed reinforcements.

Aiden:

Emergency. I need blood. Now.

Lukas:

What? Where are you?

Aiden:

Charlotte’s house. Don’t tell anyone. Can you bring me a few packets?

Lukas:

Yeah, but are you good?

Aiden:

No.

Lukas:

I know where she lives. Blaire showed me once. I’m on my way.

Lukas:

Sanguis manie?

Aiden:

Soon. It’s starting.

Lukas:

Where you gonna put them?

Aiden:

I’ll hide them in her fridge. Leave them on the porch and text me when you do. I’ll slip out and get them.

Lukas:

K. On my way.

Aiden was thankful his best friend didn’t push for more information beyond what was needed. He didn’t have the mental fortitude for a long text conversation. It was hard enough to text with unsteady hands.

He toweled off the best he could with how severely his arms shook, slipped on his boxers again, and then lowered himself to the floor. He kept his back to the corner of the bathtub and wall, legs drawn up to his chest. Trembling hands threaded through his hair and clenched as he lowered his forehead to his knees.

He couldn’t leave the bathroom until Lukas arrived.

He wouldn’t put Charlotte in danger.

Even if his instincts clawed at his throat like a rabid animal at the edge of starvation. Even if the cravings for blood clouded his mind with sick thoughts, he would never act upon it.

After what felt like hours, his phone vibrated on the floor, and he snatched it up.

Lukas: