Page 11 of Those That Don't Exist
I’m not sure how I’m keeping the rage or panic out of my voice. Both emotions are barely leashed beneath my skin, if Atlas doesn’t agree, he is dying tonight, I can see it in Adicious’s stance.
Finally, Atlas seems to submit. His shoulders drop, he looks away from me. Adicious preens under the submission. By sheer willpower I keep my fangs raised.
“Kneel,” he commands. Altas hesitates but compiles. I want to jump in and rip my friend away. I want to protect him from this but I keep myself in the chair.
I’m blood bound.
We wouldn’t make it out the door to this room let alone off the property before the whole pack descended on us, and killed us both. I have no illusion that we would just be beaten, or denied blood for several months. We would be executed.
Adicious opens a vein in his wrist and holds it to Atlas.
“Do you promise to serve me and place your bond above yourself at all costs?”
It's not a required part of the process but this promise he made us all give is designed to break us, make us fully submit to him.
Atlas shoots one last look at me, a quick question. I give the barest of nods and he lowers his lips to Adicious’s outstretched bleeding wrist.
“I do,” he says as he closes the final space and drinks.
A little while later,the tension has eased somewhat although it's never fully gone. Some of the guys are still around drinking alcohol or blood. I’d wanted to leave but knew my absence would be very much noticed.
Atlas had tried to talk to me after he’d been introduced to each member of the pack, and his cuffs were removed, but I’d quickly pulled Mitch into the conversation and left them to get to know each other. Thankfully Mitch understood my glaring look as I stepped away, and kept Atlas away from me.
Even though he is now blood bound I will need to be careful to not seem too close to him. I instead go to the bar area and grab the nearest bottle of clear spirit, I’m not feeling picky. I down several mouthfuls, the familiar burn welcome. I do try not to drink these days because I don’t want to risk a relapse but today has been too much. I do stick to the regular stuff, however, not the stronger Fae stuff. I’m about to take another swig when Adicious shouts over.
“Hey, which club was my side project going to tonight?”
I take a second to breathe before responding.
“Rips.”I can't lie, Adicious would know it.
He turns to Ronan across the room.
“Ronan, go watch, let me know if she bites anyone.”
“Yes boss.” Ronan is quick out the door but not before giving me a smirk. I have several more mouthfuls of the spirit in my hand and send a silent prayer to the universe that tonight is not the night Red starts showing any of our behaviours.
CHAPTER 6
AURORA
Pushing my way into the dining hall, through the glass door, the buzz of my anxiety rises. It crackles under my skin.
It’s been a couple more weeks and my diet hasn’t improved. I still haven’t told anyone. Coffee has become my main sustenance.
Tonight, however, I wasn't going to get away with not eating. Following last week's club night, Claire and Bree had declared that once a week we would put in the effort to do something fun together - third year was no joke and all our schedules were insane. We needed to make sure we got time together.
Unfortunately, tonight's choice was Claire’s suggestion. It was to hang in the student cafeteria on their weekly pizza and wings night. I’d just come from the gym, hoping a gruelling workout would trick my body into being hungry, but as I walk through the diner the smell of melted cheese and hot sauce just makes me want to hurl.
It takes me a while to spot Claire and Bree. I scan the multiple long cafeteria tables first, where we usually sit. I know they’re here because they messaged me. Sliding the ring on mythumb as I chew on my bottom lip I’m about to bail when I spot them in a booth on the far side.
The table is completely hidden in pizza boxes, they’ve got enough to feed an army. I slide into the seats with a smile and tell them as much.
“I couldn’t decide. If I’m giving myself a night off, I want everything,” Bree garbles, whilst stuffing the biggest slice of pizza into her mouth. I can’t help but chuckle. Bree meticulously feeds her body for her dancing life, but she goes into full binge mode every once in a while.
Claire, who’s reading something on her phone, starts practically bouncing in her seat, drawing my attention. I give her my attention as I grab a plate and put a slice of the meat feast pizza in front of me.
“They said yes!” she practically bursts. Bree and I shoot confused looks at each other. “My parents, they said yes to the Hallow’s Eve Party!”
