Page 56 of Blood Lust

My wallet.

My duffel.

My phone.

I could kick myself.

“Do I need to let them find my things?” I ask, unsure what he means by deciding what to do about my death.

“Oh no, not at all. No, my dear, I mean, if you would like to return to your parents I can make that happen. We can easily develop a cover story if you wish.” I take a deep breath. Oz’s apple didn’t fall far from Leland’s tree.

“I’ve decided to remain hidden and let them assume I didn’t survive.” My throat clenches and hurts as pain constricts my chest. It is so hard to say out loud.

Leland nods and reaches his hand back to my arm. He gives it a quick rub and fatherly pat. I like him, he is kind. I can see why he has everyone’s respect and loyalty.

“Why did you make Oz stay outside?” I whisper, still confused about that matter.

A loud, boisterous laugh thunders from his belly. “He hovers.” He smiles at the fire and adds, “I wanted to meet you without the pretenses. Get to know the real you, and not the girl enthralled by the bond.”

I am briefly offended, but then I feel the truth of his words.

He isn’t wrong.

We have been all over each other and around each other. We’ve had very few separate moments since I first woke up in Oz's room. It is like we can’t help it. I need to be near him, and when I’m near him…

“Is it normal?” I wonder, unsure if Leland will know the answer.

“The obsessive compulsion the two of you share?” Throwing me a knowing look. I nod, embarrassed. “Entirely.”

A massive sigh of relief.

“When vampires find their mate, they are drawn to one another. Eventually, you will be able to stand being apart as long as you need to be, but when it’s new, all couples I’ve met go through a period where they might as well be glued to one another.” He smirks. “I imagine it’s worse in your case?”

“Why’s that?” I ask, confused. Then it dawns on me.

“He hovers,” we speak in unison, both laughing.

“So the more we practice distance, the more we can control the pull we both feel?” I am so incredibly relaxed. The drink has done me good. That, and Leland is just enjoyable to be around. I find it hard to imagine now that I had been afraid of him before.

“Bingo.” He gestures towards the door. “Eventually, the bond pull settles. You’ll still be enamored with one another, certainly. But you won’t feel like it’s something else driving you anymore.”

I smile, pleased that I wouldn’t lose these feelings that have grown, but also glad we will find a better balance.

“What about my other self,” I ask, biting my lip. “We didn’t merge.”

His face takes on a serious expression. “That is something I am unfamiliar with as well. I agree with the others that it was due to your memory loss upon turning. It can be corrected, but not until you learn to trust her. She is also you, you know.”

I frown. “She’s killed two people and wants to kill more.

Leland pats my arm again. “She won’t be able to control herself without you. And you won’t realize your full potential without her. No rush, it seems like you’ve got a handle on things for now, but it’s something to think about, Wren.”

So it is my fear of her that is causing the barrier to continue. Of fucking course it is. It doesn’t help that she is legitimately terrifying. Maybe I can find a way of communicating with her more directly.

It’s unspoken, but we both know our meeting is all but complete. Rising together, Leland embraces me and, when he lets go, he holds my head to his as he had with Oz. “I am pleased to call you daughter. Welcome to your new family Wren.”

Family…

They are exactly that, a family.

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