Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Andrew
Three days later, I am still riding the high of my mate confessing his love for me. My inner rejected boy is reveling in the joy of his acceptance.
The day is passing quickly as I input more data and update some entries where I have discovered more information. Since I am unable to be out and about during sunlight hours and everyone else in the house can be, these are often my most productive times with minimal interruptions.
In the back of my mind, more excitement sits.
Wyatt mentioned things are ahead of schedule with the cabin.
I've been tempted to go take a peek, but have resisted.
I know my mate wants it to be a surprise.
I've really made an effort not to let myself dig into those memories when drinking.
I already ruined the overall surprise by finding out he was fixing up the cabin in the first place.
I want to let him have the satisfaction of surprising me with the rest. The appliances are being delivered today, so the wait should be over this evening. Just a few more hours.
My afternoon meal time comes and goes with no sign of Wyatt. He's likely been held up dealing with the work crews. Not wanting to risk an incident, I make my way down to get some of the reserve blood, and run into Jasmine in the kitchen.
"Have you seen Wyatt?"
"Not in the last couple of hours," she replies.
I would have preferred a fresh lunch, but the bagged blood will have to do.
"Would you like me to warm that for you?" Jaz nods toward the mug I'm holding.
"No. I've got it. But thank you for offering."
Once my lunch is a sufficient temperature, I bring the mug up to drink. I never get a drop. Pain sears through my body, mug falling to floor, shattering. Distantly, I register the crimson splatter, but all I can focus on is the mate bond.
"Wyatt's in trouble." I clutch my chest, then rub, as if it will fix the ache.
"I'll call the Pack," Jasmine says. She doesn't move, so I assume she's using their Pack link.
I can't wait for everyone to convene. My mate needs me now. Rushing to the mudroom, I throw open the back door and freeze. Sunlight. There's no way for me to get to him without becoming crispy.
I step away from the door to close it, but Jagger comes up the back steps just then.
"Do you need to feed?" he asks, pausing in the doorway, eyeing me warily.
It's not until then I realize my fangs have dropped.
I probably look crazed, but it's not entirely from hunger this time.
Although, if I don't get blood soon, the hunger will become more of a factor.
I might be getting more control, but I'd rather not test the boundaries of it in the middle of a crisis.
Before I can respond, Jag slowly holds out his arm. "You won't be any good to Wyatt if you're feral."
I never expected Jagger, of all people, to let me drink from him. He's such a private person. But I'm not going to question it, because he's right. If I'm going to be ready to help my mate, I need to be in control of myself.
Doing my best to be gentle, I sip carefully, taking only what I absolutely need. I don't want to take advantage of Jag's offering.
"Thank you," I say once I'm done. "Truly."
"We'll find Wyatt and figure out what's happening. Try not to worry." He pats my shoulder as he passes me on the way into the house. A wild show of affection from the usually broody man. I hope he and Richard can figure things out. After such an incredible loss, Richard deserves to be happy.
Shutting the mudroom door, I head back to the kitchen to clean up the mess, but the pungent scent of cleaner indicates it's already been taken care of. Likely by Jasmine. I'll have to thank her later.
Members of the Pack are in and out of the house quickly, but with very little talking, so I can't tell what's going on.
I've all but been forgotten in the background.
This whole waiting at home like a helpless damsel thing isn't really working for me.
But until the sun goes down, I don't have much of a choice.
A memory hits me unexpectedly, and I clutch the counter to stay upright.
Snapping. Snarling. Wolves circling. Fangs sinking into furred muscle. Blood spray. Burning flesh.
Jagger, what have you done?