Blood Servant

[Asher’s POV]

"Then hurry up and get this over with." I hissed, as Aldina’s hands began to venture up my shirt.

"That’s a good boy." She beamed, flashing her extended fangs.

Nodding, I closed my eyes and collapsed on the ground, waiting for her to take a spot beside me. Once she did, she brought her lips to my neck and allowed her teeth to dig deep into my skin.

Letting out a hiss, I felt myself beginning to drift as her endorphins began to flow through me. Images of that night started to appear, sending torrents of emotion through me. 

Back then, I was so desperate to help Leah, I didn’t even think twice about what I had to do. I would give my very soul to help her be able to reverse the curse that was put on her. That was why I sought out the help of this vampiress and her mate.

After searching high and low, I was given information on the two and didn’t hesitate to find them. However, I hadn’t expected that in the end I would have to make a decision that questioned all my morals. However, I agreed to do what it took and even promised to allow Aldina to feed on me in order to live despite the poison flowing through her veins.

In order to help Leah, I had to dabble in the dark arts, just as Brailyn had done to cast the curse. Since that day, I have felt the darkness building inside of me, just waiting to be released. Some days were better than others, but I could feel myself slipping away with each passing moment.

‘Why do you continue to fight it?’

The soft voice echoed around my mind and threatened to stir something in me. 

‘I’m not like Kelvin.’ I growled, pushing aside that tempting feeling. ‘I won’t become like him or you.’

‘So you say.’

A bubbly giggle erupted in my mind as Aldina pulled away and licked her lips.

"We need to get going. I’m sure Kelvin is beginning to grow impatient. " 

Nodding, I got off the ground and wiped the drops of blood that were left behind on my neck. Once I checked in with Kelvin, I would be able to go and check in with Haidan as well. I needed to tell her that I was resigning as beta for the pack and would leave here for good. I probably should have done that at first, but there was only one thing on my mind as soon as I reached town.

Upon returning, I went to Leah immediately to give her the remedy for her curse. She was the only one on my mind and my only concern.

"When will you realize you can’t be your old self anymore?" Aldina sighed, drawing my attention back to her. "I know you feel the darkness growing."

"And?" I snarled, beginning to move. "I am the decider of my own destiny."

Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t. Either way, it helped me remain sane and in the right state of mind. If I was lucky, I would be able to figure out a way to reverse what was happening to me, but at least if I couldn’t, I had managed to help the woman that I cared for the most.

"Whatever you say." Aldina giggled, patting my shoulder. "Aren’t you aware by now that our destinies have and always will be out of our control?"

I can’t respond as her question crashes into me. She was right. Dammit, she was right, and since I was young, it seemed as though my path always led me away from the light and into the dark.

[Leah's POV]

I don't know how long I remained on the ground under the unforgiving sky above, but it was only when Thia came out to get me that I finally snapped out of it. 

Asher didn't want me... He had openly rejected me. Even after all the trouble he went through to try to help me. 

It didn't make any sense!

"What are you doing?" Thia demanded, pulling me from the ground. "Are you trying to get sick?"

"I..." I began, but stopped.

I couldn't tell Thia about Asher. If I did, he would most certainly be banished from the pack.

"You?" Thia urged in exasperation. "Nevermind, come inside first and get dressed. Your skin is freezing. "

Nodding, I began to follow Thia back inside, where Ashton sat with Devlin at the kitchen table eating breakfast.

"What the hell happened to you?" Ashton demanded the minute he spotted me. "Why are you drenched and looking like you've been crying?"

Shit, I needed to figure out an excuse. After all, Ashton still hadn't forgiven Asher for his involvement with King Nigel. 

"I got into a fight with a friend." I quickly lied. "I've gamed with her for a long time."

My lie was weak, but I hoped Ashton wouldn't push any further.

"Yeah..." Ashton started as Thia shot him a glare. "Nevermind." He grumbled as Devlin erupted in laughter.

"Let's go get you changed." Thia announced after she was sure Ashton wouldn't question her any further. "You're going to catch a cold if you stay in these wet clothes."

"I'm not a weak human." I huffed, feeling my irritation flare.

Ever since having my lycan locked away, everyone has treated me like a porcelain doll. I appreciated their clear concern, but I hated being treated any differently from everyone else. Especially from the twins, who were nine years younger than me but could already shift into a colossal lycan.

"I know." Thia responded sagely. "But as your guardian, it is my job to make sure you're taken care of."

Rolling my eyes, I remained quiet. I wasn't a child anymore, but there was no telling Thia otherwise.

Once I was changed and my hair was dried, I found Thia sitting on my bed with an expectant look. 

"What?" I asked, plopping down in my desk chair. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

I had managed to finally fully compose myself during my shower, so now I was able to properly hide my pain.

"Are you ready to talk?" Thia asked slowly, keeping her expression neutral.

"There’s nothing to talk about." I responded instantly. "Now, I’m tired and..."

"We could sense Asher earlier." Thia sighed, cutting me off before I could come up with an excuse. "Now, how about you explain to me what happened?"