How Do I Love Thee?

Past Life

When I woke up, the sun was just rising. It was quiet in the house except for Ian's soft breathing beside me. I decided it was best to butter him up if I wanted to get what I wanted out of him. But how was I supposed to do that? Fix him breakfast in bed? Sure that would work with any other man, but Ian... Not so much. I was pretty sure he didn't eat eggs and bacon.

I stood softly from the bed and walked to my closet. Aaron would know. I changed into a t shirt and jeans, noting the sore spot in my side. I would have to see Doc sometime today. I left the house silently, heading towards the training field, sure that Ian would be asleep for at least a couple more hours.

As I reached the training field everyone was already rolling around on the ground. Ever since the first battle training was no longer a fun, relaxing activity. Everyone was serious and sometimes got too rough. I spotted Aaron quickly and waved at him to come over. He spoke to the wolf he was with and then jogged up to me.

"Hey Alex." He gave me a quick hug. "Haven't seen you much for the past few days. Ian's letting you out of the house?" He smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"He's sleeping." I looked away guiltily. I was trying to do something nice for him, given it was only to get something out of him, it would still help him. I looked Aaron in the eyes, I had to let him know I was serious about this. "Listen. I'm not sure what you and Ian.... Eat, but since Ian has been with me almost every second of his time, I know he hasn't eaten." I had noticed this morning how his skin had begun to pale. "I was hoping you could help me with something."

Aaron became weary, his brows knitting together. "What?" He said slowly.

"Well for starters, what is it exactly that you do eat?"

He gave me this 'what do you think' look. "Alex, I know you're smarter than that."

I took a deep breath. "Just double checking." Okay, so blood. How was I supposed to get that? "How do you get the... Blood? Do you all kill people?" A wave of fear, not for myself but for others, ran through me.

"No of course not." Aaron looked slightly offended. "Doc gets it from the hospital. Every time they have a blood drive, he brings as much as he can."

"So you have it here?" This was going to be easier than I thought. "Can I have some? For Ian I mean."

Aaron looked a little shocked. "Um yeah. I can bring it to you after training-"

"No!" I said too quickly. "I mean I have some things to do first and I need you to keep Ian out of my hair for a while. I want to surprise him."

He looked at me skeptically then just nodded. "It's in my house in a small refrigerator in my room. Its the one you saw us coming out of before. Do you remember?"

"Yeah. Thanks Aaron. I'll see you later!" I turned in the direction of his house.

"Alex wait!" I turned back. "If you're trying to get something out of him you won't. He doesn't talk about his past life to anybody. Not even me and I've known him longer than you or even your parents have been alive. But if you're honestly just trying to help him, get the O negative. It's his favorite." He winked and returned to training.

First things first. I had to see Doc. I was sure I could find my own way there, probably. I left the training field and headed for where I thought the car was, praying that the keys were in it. As I approached the car, something felt off. I waved it off as leaving Ian alone. That's what it was. I hopped in the SUV and the keys were in the ignition. Good. I cranked the ignition and heard the engine roar to life. I made a quick u turn and headed down the road. As I entered town I realized the only time I had been to Doc's I was passed out. Maybe I could remember from the drive back.