Page 57 of Wind with a Chance of Wolfsbane

“Why in the hell would Prince Dick-u-la want to protect me, and how would he even know I was flipping out?” asked Jonathan, worry creeping through him.

“I was hoping you could shed light on it, as he is currently ignoring my attempts to reach him,” said Bram.

“Could it be because you threaten to stake him every time you do speak to him?” asked Jonathan.

“Like you wouldn’t if given the chance,” countered Bram.

Jonathan grinned. “Oh, I would.”

Bram smiled. “I know.”

Jonathan took a shaky breath. “I think…I think I’m breaking, Bram. Like Lucian did. Like my brothers did too.”

“Perhaps,” said Bram with a shrug. “But perhaps not.”

“Your insight is so comforting,” added Jonathan with a snort.

“My insight is honest,” corrected Bram. “Our friendship was built on truth and trust.”

He was right.

Jonathan lifted his shackled wrists. “Don’t suppose you’d be willing to cut me loose.”

“I can feel your hunger,” said Bram. “And not just for food. This facility keeps blood rations on hand for transfusions?”

Jonathan inclined his head.

“Good. You require food and blood,” said Bram. “Once you’ve satisfied both hungers, I’ll release you.”

Jonathan snarled and stood fast, going at the bars, wanting to tear the man’s throat out for daring to deny his release. The reaction wasn’t normal or warranted. It was, however, another sign Jonathan was breaking apart mentally.

Bram didn’t so much as flinch. Instead, he merely stared at Jonathan. “Old friend, if you cannot cage the beast, I cannot uncage you.”

Jonathan fought for control and managed to push his wolf down more. He nodded to Bram. “I know. Thank you.”

“Do not thank me,” said Bram evenly. “You would do the same for me if roles were reversed.”

He was right. Jonathan would protect Bram from himself and everyone from Bram if he was a threat.

Bram glanced to the side and grunted. “Your opinion is not needed.”

Jonathan laughed. “Your demon getting cocky again?”

“And then some,” said Bram. “He rarely shuts up.”

“You always have a friend with you,” said Jonathan, snickering more. His stomach picked then to growl. “Okay. I concede. I’m famished, and I need some blood.”

“Welcome to my life,” said Bram with a chuckle.

PartII

The College Years

“What it was, whether man or beast, I could not tell.”—Bram Stoker,Dracula, 1897

ChapterSixteen

Jonathan

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