Hidden Joy

Nine

Now that she had accomplished her goal of finding her father, she needed to go home. To the life she left behind. The apartment she loved and the loneliness she knew waited for her. She didn't want to leave Darius, but it seemed she needed to get away. She needed to get far away from there. She grabbed her duffel and loaded it with the clothes Nalla had given her. She could survive. A slight burning in her throat told her something was wrong. She tested her sister and waited for her to come help her. Being a vampire now was harder than she had imagined. The door opened and Nalla came in followed by Darius.
"What's this?" Nalla asked pointing at the bag.
"Not now. I asked you to come." Phoenix said softly.
"That burning you said you felt. It's hunger. You need to feed. From a male of our kind. Since Darius has bonded with you I assumed he would do the honors. I can always have dad find someone he approves of." Nalla explained. "I'll be here this time, and you will feed from the wrist. Don't worry I won't let you kill him."
She watched as Darius rolled up his sleeve and sat on the edge of her bed. He held it out to her. As if her body knew what to do it led her over to him and she sank her fangs into his wrist.

The sensation of her drinking from him about made him mad. He wanted to hold her. Cuddle her while she fed. But Nalla made it clear that this first feeding would be from the wrist. Nothing to cause a scandal with her father that wasnt already done. He had jumped when she told him Phoenix needed fed. He all but demanded he be the one to feed her. He didn't have any idea that it would turn his body into fire. He wanted to groan. Wanted to sink himself into her body and make love to her. He wanted to claim her. He wanted it all. She was just too far away. The sucking got slower and slower. He knew she was done. He needed air. He jumped up and left. The look Nalla had told him she knew how he felt.
"Sorry." he mumbled.
"Take a cold shower. Don't need anyone knowing what went on here."
He left before anything else was said. Nalla was right. He needed a cold shower but he knew it wouldn't make a difference to his body. It wanted what belonged to it. That was Phoenix. The thought of the packed duffel told him she was leaving. He didn't want her to. He left his room in a rush.
"I just need out. It's too much right now."
"You can't go home. It's not safe. Look you can bunk with me if need be. I'm sure if you ask Darius you can bunk with him."
"I just want my own space. I want to be alone."
"My mother and Beth invested in this cottage on the south end of the compound. It's hidden from sight pretty well. I'll see if she will let you go there. There is also a series of apartments off the training center."
"Thanks. That would be so nice."
He needed to find her apartment and make it safe. He headed right for Vishous. He had a file on everyone. The address had to be there. He knocked and waited while his uncle moved about.
" What is it, kid?" Vishous asked him.
"Do you have Phoenix old address?" He asked.
"You know I do why?"
"She's missing home. I figured if I returned there for some of her things she would feel more at home."
"I see. Alright I'll text it to you. But you take a partner with you. Someone you trust. A truck too. Do not go alone. No one has made it there yet."
Darius nodded and walked out. He needed Matt and Wade. His favorite cousins. The two people he trusted. He also needed his father. His father was great with locks. Great in combat. First he needed to see her. He went to her room and knocked. She let him in.
"Look, I'm sorry about your father. I just can't help but want you." He explained. "I wish I could take my time with you and get him used to us, but I can't. Now you want to leave and I can't let that happen."
"I am going to stay with Nalla. Just until there is an apartment ready for me. Since I can't go home."
"In going to get your belongings. I promise."
"In coming along then."

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Oh yes my dear readers ANOTHER chapter. I've been in the writing mood lately. This book is always on my mind!