Blood Ties (Blood Lust Sequel)--COMPLETED

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Love and War

Dr. Hadley took three bags of blood from me, despite her reservations. The only way she would agree to do so was if I promised to replenish my blood supply. She didn't care from whom, and even offered to give me blood herself, but I refused. I wasn't sure who I would ask to give me blood. To be honest, I wasn't really inclined to ask anyone. After what I had seen Gabriel and the others do to Havoc's dolls, I wasn't really keen to jump back on the bandwagon. My drinking blood to help reign in Linc's demon form being the exception. Though it didn't do much good. No, once his mouth was on me, the last thing on my mind was Influencing Linc. 

Dr. Hadley was right, though. After she finally withdrew the needle from my arm, I felt weak and lightheaded. I needed to get more blood, in case things came to blows with the AOD. Not that I would be much good in a fight. But it would probably be easier on the vampires if I were able to move on my own instead of one of them having to carry me. 

"Just give yourself a minute before trying to stand." She said, setting aside the blood bags with a pained expression. 

I watched as she gazed at the warm bags longingly before she busied herself with disposing of the tools she had used to take my blood. 

"Is it hard for you?" I asked, voice tired. "Being around blood?"

She stiffened a moment, then shrugged. "Sometimes. But I try to remember the oath I took-- to do no harm." 

I gingerly sat up straighter, my vision blurring for a second. "And that helps?"

"Usually. However, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't tempting." She stopped to take off her medical gloves, and gave me a wry smile. "Especially when I'm around blood that smells as good as yours."

 I gulped, causing her to laugh in a melodic way. 

"Relax, I'm not going to drink you." She waved a hand, still laughing. "Do no harm, remember?"

I chuckled wearily, humorlessly. "Right."

Dr. Hadley stood after that to give my shoulder a gentle pat, then made to leave the room. "I'll let the guys know you're done. Is there anyone you'd like me to send back here?"

I answered almost immediately. "Linc. I'd like to talk to Linc alone for a minute."

She didn't seem surprised. "Of course. I'll fetch him for you."

"Thank you." 

She left after that, softly closing the door behind her without another word. 

It didn't take long for Linc to show up. He stepped inside hesitantly, taking in the room before finally setting his grey eyes on me. 

"Guest room?" He asked awkwardly, closing the door. 

I nodded. 

He didn't stray far from the door as he eyed me, hands shoved into the pockets of his ball shorts.  Well, technically not his, but I digress. 

"You okay?" He asked, still not getting closer. "Doc said you wanted to talk to me about somethin'."

"Yeah," I sighed, staying in my spot on the bed. "I wanted to talk about your blood oath to Havoc." 

I couldn't stop thinking about what Duke had told me. Linc broke his blood oath to Havoc...for me. There had to be some way to help him, some way to save him. I had to at least try, right?

He looked like he had been bracing himself for something. After I finished speaking, the air left him in a quiet rush. "Oh, that? Nah, don't worry about it. It ain't nothin'."

I gaped at him. "It is, though." I paused to stand. "Linc, you could die."

"Eh, I've had a good run." He shrugged, nonchalant.