Bloodlines

Chapter 1- Leaving His Heart Behind

WARNINGS: Minor Supernatural Violence

Kai walked into the hospital. He could feel her presence calling out to him. A police officer stepped forward to stop Kai.

"Malachai, wait. We agreed on you speaking to Bonnie, but this isn't a good idea," he reasoned.

He glanced at the officer and broke his neck with a flick of his wrist. Then he continued his search.

Soon enough, he found the source of the power he felt. Kai froze in the doorway.

"Lake," Kai said softly.

His daughter lifted her eyes to see him. She smiled warmly at her father before tears filled the brim of her eyelids.

"Dad," Lake whispered, getting out of the hospital bed.

She ran into his arms, holding onto him tightly. Kai hugged her close, squeezing his eyes shut.

She was okay. His little girl was safe.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did anyone hurt you," Kai asked, checking her over for injuries.

"I'm okay," Lake reassured, "I didn't think you'd get my message."

"Of course, I got your message. I promised you that no matter where I was, I would find you," Kai said, "I meant that, Peanut."

"Kai?"

He looked over at Bonnie. She had a stuffed toy bunny in her hand and a scowl resting on her face.

"Mom, dad is back," Lake grinned.

Bonnie's eyes softened for her daughter.

"I can see that, sweetheart. You mind giving your mom and dad a chance to talk," Bonnie asked.

"Is everything okay," Lake asked, looking back and forth between her parents.

"Everything is fine. I just need to speak with momma about something important," Kai said, "Go lay down."

Lake pouted at being dismissed and went back to her hospital room. Bonnie closed the door to smother most of their words.

She could still hear what was said. They were terrible at speaking quietly. Lake knew her parents didn't get along. She could never understand why.

Maybe it was something she did. Did she not love them enough? Perhaps if she was stronger, they wouldn't argue so much about safety.

"What the hell are you doing here," Bonnie asked, crossing her arms.

"I was coming to speak with you. But I felt my daughter calling me," Kai said.

"She is not your daughter! She is my daughter," Bonnie snapped.

The flame in her eyes made Kai doubt his desire to apologize. He took a deep breath.

"Look, Bonnie. I want the same thing you do, in regards to Lake. I want her to be safe," Kai said.

"You want her to be safe? Then stay away from her," Bonnie said.

"She needs her father," Kai said.

"Her father?! As far as I'm concerned you're just a sperm donor, Kai," Bonnie spat.

"Bonnie, you cannot keep my daughter from me," Kai said, getting frustrated.

Bonnie scoffed and shook her head.

"Y'know what? Fine, I won't," Bonnie said, "But how do you think she's gonna react when she finds out what kind of man her 'father' truly is."

"I've changed," Kai said.

"Good for you, Kai! The thing is, you changed a little too late to stick around," Bonnie argued.

Kai averted his gaze from hers.

"I know I hurt you..."

"Hurt?! You destroyed everything good about me. I will not let you destroy her too..."

Bonnie turned away from him to stop her tears from falling. Kai reached out to grab her shoulder.

"Don't fucking touch me," Bonnie snapped, slapping his hand away.

The door to Lake's hospital room opened. She peeked her head out.

"Is everything okay," Lake asked softly.

"Yeah. Listen, I have to leave for a while. I will be back for you though, okay," Kai said, kneeling in front of her.

"Where are you going," Lake asked.

"A little trip. I want you to take care of yourself and be good for your momma," Kai said, blinking back his tears, "Always remember I love you, peanut."

"I love you too, dad," Lake said, hugging him.

Kai hesitated to let her go. Finally, he stood to his feet and reluctantly walked away. He had to remind himself to keep walking.

Don't look back. Don't turn around. Just keep walking forward.

That day, Kai left his heart with his daughter. And she never saw him again.