Page 61 of Bite of Vengeance

“We’re going to need a lot,” I muttered. “But we need to wait to plan. For now, we stay here.”

She bit her lip. “Is there a place I can find…” She trailed off, looking uncomfortable. “I’m thirsty.”

“Have you had blood?” I asked.

“Once. When Zan got me from PARA.”

Since my cravings mirrored hers as a new Shadow, I knew exactly how she felt. “We brought blood bags. I can take you?—”

“No,” she cut me off before clearing her throat. “Thanks, but I can find it myself. This is all overwhelming. I think I just need some time alone.”

“Don’t leave the compound,” I said, even though she wouldn’t be able to. There were so many Shadows here, and we had them watching all the entrances to make sure no one found us.

“I don’t want to leave.” She smiled, and it was eerie seeing my facial expressions on someone else. “I’ll see you later.”

She left the room, leaving me alone in silence. No noises came through the closed door, and I stood still for a moment before falling onto the old mattress. It was the first time I’d been by myself since leaving Amaros’s property, and exhaustion suddenly hit me. I wanted to find Zan but couldn’t bring myselfto move. There were no pillows or blankets, but comfort wasn’t a priority when I was this tired.

I blinked, my eyelids suddenly heavy. There was so much to plan. What if we did all this, and it wasn’t enough? My gut churned with nerves when Amaros’s face flashed in my mind. Hecouldn’tfind us. He’d kill Zan. The twins. They’d betrayed him. Whatever we chose to do, we needed to succeed.

A familiar scent drifted over me, and I let out a small groan as I forced my eyes open. I was lying on my stomach on the mattress, and I had no idea how long I’d been sleeping. I jerked in surprise when I realized someone was next to me. Usually, I was a light sleeper, so I wasn’t sure how I didn’t wake up when someone entered the room.

“Go back to sleep.” Zan’s voice was soft. “Your transition takes a lot out of you. You have to remember to rest.”

Turning on my side, I looked at him as he rested against the metal headboard. His hair was slightly damp, meaning he used the showers that I’d found before he arrived here. The water pressure was nearly nonexistent, but it was better than nothing.

“I’m not tired anymore,” I said, my voice still hoarse from sleep. “How long have I been out?”

“A few hours.” He leaned over, grabbing something from the floor. “Viggo told me you fed for the first time.”

My eyes darted to the blood bag in his hand. I licked my lips, the cravings intensifying the second the smell hit my nostrils. Swallowing thickly, I shook my head.

“I had some yesterday,” I muttered. “Let someone else have it who hasn’t fed.”

“Kali, drink.”

I raised my eyebrows at his stern voice. “I’m fine.”

“No one is going to starve,” he said, pushing the bag into my hand. “We have Shadows going to hunt. And if we have to, we can drink animal blood.”

“Animal blood? Is it the same?”

“I’ve heard the taste isn’t desirable, but it will sustain us.”

“You’ve never had it?”

“I haven’t been in a situation where I needed it.”

“Right.” I giggled. “Can’t have Kanes drinking anything other than the best.”

His eyes gleamed in amusement. “That’s not the case now, is it?”

My self-control lasted five more seconds before I tore the top off the little straw and began sucking. The metallic taste was magical, and I swallowed hungrily until the bag was empty. When I finished, I glanced up to see Zan staring at me.

“What?” I asked, feeling my cheeks heat.

He took the empty bag from me, tossing it to the floor before turning on his side to face me. Bringing up his hand, his fingers grazed my forehead lightly when he brushed my hair back. His slight touch had goosebumps erupting everywhere on my skin.

“I wanted to be with you when you had to feed for the first time,” he murmured. “I don’t want to miss anything. I wanted you when you were human, Kali, and that has only intensified since you’ve transitioned.”

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