Arachna

Chapter 23: Bonding over Blood

Lance leaned more of his weight against the railing, despite how it froze his fingers.

Eric walked in front of him, never getting far ahead, even with how slowly Lance walked. The cane clacked softly against the ground, and the sound reverberated throughout the tunnels.

Neither of them spoke. Lance ignored Eric's every attempt at conversation.

Kaela and Derek were likely getting another shower and snacking while waiting for them to return, and here he and Eric were, scouring the rotten tunnels for someone that probably wasn't down here.

Why did you bring me here? Lance asked the beast. It didn't make a sound and instead continued swimming around in his gut.

The only living things they'd encountered were the occasional rats. Unless Daniel had gained the ability to turn into one, they were wasting their time.

"So Kaela was rather invested in that conversation you two were having," Eric said after the long silence—one last desperate attempt to get Lance to talk, surely.

Lance sighed and took the bait. "I had a feeling you were listening."

"I didn't exactly try to hide it from you." He turned with a wolfish grin.

"I can't believe you told her I was an operative for the CIA."

Eric stopped and turned toward Lance. "I can't believe she didn't buy it... I must be losing my touch."

"You realize that I could just tell her you're my father."

That wolf grin disappeared, and his eyes darkened. "No." His mouth formed a tight line. "No, that would be a terrible idea. If anyone found out, even Kaela and Derek, then—"

"It would ruin your reputation? Make you look bad?" Lance scoffed and made to push by Eric, even as it hurt his leg to do so.

Eric's arm went out, stopping him in his tracks. "Because if anyone found out that you're my son, you would be in danger."

Lance rolled his eyes. "As opposed to the danger you've already put me in? Making me drive recklessly through the city streets while Rotoya gave chase?" He gestured angrily at his leg. "You are the reason I have this injury, and you are the reason why I'm in this mess to begin with." He pointed a finger in Eric's face. "So don't give me that crap. Don't pretend like you're some loving father that cares so much for his son. If you truly cared for me, you would've stayed out of my life entirely."

"You're seriously not going to let the car-chase thing go, are you?"

"No."

"And I thought you were mad because I wasn't in your life?"

"Shut up."

Eric groaned and kept walking.

The beast whispered something, but Lance ignored it. His chest tightened as much as his fists. The continued whispering in his head didn't help the frustration—the beast's purrs and growls and words. With every day that passed, it seemed whatever was inside of him became more sentient. It wasn't just adrenaline or survival instincts, the sudden rush turning him into a combat expert. That had been confusing enough. Now, it spoke to him, urged him to take actions, and discouraged him otherwise.

Lance ignored the sounds of the beast and continued forward. With every step, he threw himself deeper into his anger at Eric, who was silent behind him.

Every ladder they passed slowed Lance down as he considered climbing to the street. If Eric protested, it wouldn't matter, not when he didn't have leverage over him. But every time he considered it, the beast hissed a violent no and told him to keep going.