Page 28 of Map of Pain
Nick curled into the comfort despite the horror still coursing through him. Tears mixed with blood as he pressed his face against Gianmarco’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry,”he sobbed, words slurred through his damaged mouth.“I’ll be good. I promise I’ll be good.”
“I know you will,”Gianmarco soothed, continuing the gentle stroking.“You’re learning.”
The memory wavered, then cracked.
Weight against his chest—real, present, warm. Nick’s eyes opened to find Luka crouched in front of him, one hand resting over his heart.
Luka demonstrated taking a deep breath through his nose and releasing it through his mouth, his jade eyes patient and calm.
Nick’s breathing slowed as he focused on Luka’s hand against his chest. The weight was perfect—heavy enough to feel secure, light enough not to trigger panic. He became aware of the cool kitchen floor beneath him, the distant sound of a refrigerator humming, the faint scent of dust and abandoned spaces.
“I’ll be good,”Nick whispered, the words strangled.
Luka’s expression shifted—not disappointment or anger, but something that looked almost like pain. His brow pinched, lower lip drawing inward as if bitten.
You’ve upset him. Look away. Ask for forgiveness.
Luka’s hands moved with deliberate slowness, crossing at the wrists in front of his chest before extending outward. He mouthed a word Nick recognized:‘safe’. The vampire pointed at Nick and repeated the gesture, his expression earnest.
You’re safe.
The meaning registeredclearly, cutting through the fog of memory and pain. The hunter, distant now but never gone, stirred in response.
Never safe with a monster—
He hasn’t hurt us.
His muscles ached from maintaining the cramped position beneath the table. The kitchen floorleft indentations in his knees, and his neck throbbed from being held at such an awkward angle. Nick studied Luka’s face, searching for deception or manipulation, but finding only patient concern.
Luka remained still, waiting for Nick to make the first move.
Nickslowlyuncurled from his defensive position, joints popping as he shifted. He placed his palm against the cool floor for balance, using it to push himself up and out from beneath the table. Each movement felt like navigating a minefield—deliberate, careful, ready to retreat at the first sign of danger.
As Nick emerged, Luka took three careful steps backward, creating space without turning away. He made the gesture again, this time a small smile forming on his lips.
“S-safe,” Nick echoed.
Nick felt himself coming back, the fragments of his mind settling into something resembling order. His heart still raced against his ribs, but the crushing panicreceded. He blinked, his vision clearing as the farmhouse kitchen came into focus around him.
The room was larger than he’dinitiallyregistered—spacious with worn wooden floors and faded yellow walls. A sturdy oak table dominated the center, surrounded by chairs that had been collected over decades rather than purchased as a set.
He took a slow breath, letting his gaze drift across the kitchen counters with their chipped tile and ancient appliances. Everything looked lived-in, used, cared for despite its age. Nothing like Gianmarco’s sterile penthouse or the Society’s utilitarian safe houses.
Nick kept Luka in the corner of his vision, watching his movements without appearing to stare. The vampire settled into a careful crouch nearby, still giving Nick space while remaining close enough to help if needed. His expression was patient, concerned but not pitying.
Something that might have been safety tried to settle over him. The feeling was so foreign he wanted to push it away, but part of him was too tired to fight.
Maybe you can trust this. Just a little.
“Where did the other two go?”Nick asked.
Luka glanced toward a door at the far end of the kitchen, then made a driving motion with his hands. His expression remained neutral, but Nick caught the slight tightening around his mouth—concern, perhaps, or caution.
Nick nodded, processing the information. Ophelia and the man with white braids left,possiblyto handle the aftermath at the hospital. He wasn’t sure if their absence made him feel safer or more exposed.
Luka rosesmoothlyand moved to the refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of water. He approached Nick with unhurried movements, extending the bottle with a slight nod.
