Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

UbrON

I wake with the sweet taste of nectar on my tongue. The female sleeps peacefully against me. Her body pressed to mine feels strange but not uncomfortable. In fact, it feels too comfortable. This host body is attuned to it. Craves it as evidenced by the sudden awakening of its sexual appendage.

The sensations are strange, both unwelcome and alluring. It has been some time since I experienced pleasure. The woman moans in her sleep, her brow furrowing. Is she plagued by nightmares? I reach out to soothe her and check myself. What am I doing?

I don't care about this female. She is nothing to me. I shift my body, intent on slipping from the bed, but she sighs and turns in my arms, pressing closer to me.

Her sweet scent hits me, and I can taste it, the same sweetness that coats my tongue. A tight ache grips my host body.

Desire.

Want.

The host's desire. Not mine. I don't want this female.

She smiles in her sleep, and my heart beats faster. What is this insanity?

I carefully slip from the bed and pull on the clothes my host has left on his dresser. The material feels odd against my skin. No. Not my skin. His skin.

The snatches of conversation that I've succeeded in hearing and the flashes of images are enough for me to comprehend what's happening and where I am.

For the first time in too long, I'm in full control of my consciousness.

But this is all wrong, and I'm running out of time.

I need to get a lay of the land.

The corridor beyond is silent. It's dark, but my host's sight sharpens, allowing me to see well enough.

I move quickly and stealthily, building a map of this place. It doesn't take long to cover the lower floors, and where I sense occupation, I hold back, listening until I'm certain I'm the only one awake.

I work my way to the top of what I'm now certain is a tower and into a room bathed in gray light.

Oh…what is this place?

Buildings, forests, and soft sweeping planes of land are visible through glass. Freedom…How I ache to be free.

To fly.

But that is not possible. Not until I have full control of this body, and then?—

The door opens, and a male strides in. I believe this one is named Levi.

"Hey," he says. "Can't sleep?"

I make a noncommittal sound, and he joins me at the window. "It's been a crazy couple of days, hasn't it?"

I nod.

He sighs. "Look, I don't know what my father did to your parents. I'm not sure how involved he is in all the shit that's going down, but I need you to know that I'll do whatever it takes to protect the people and to keep Cameron safe."

What do I say? I'm not sure. But it doesn't matter because he keeps talking.

"I'm not in love with her anymore, but I'll always love her and want the best for her. I'm glad you're back. I'm glad she didn't lose her mate, and I'm also glad that I might get a chance to know you…"

Is he expecting me to say something? When I don't, he continues anyway.

"We're family. I'd like to explore that, if you're up for it."

I can feel him staring at me, his gaze hot on the side of my face. I won't get away with silence this time. Family is good. Family is…strength. I answer him as I would answer my kin. "I agree. We are family."

He exhales heavily. "Great."

I nod and move away from the window. I can feel the host consciousness stirring. I must get back to his room.

"Sleep well," Levi calls after me.

But I'm already out of the door.

I succeed in climbing back into bed before my grip on my host slips and regret takes me back into darkness.

Soon. I will have him soon.