Last To Know (The Wanted)

Chapter Nineteen

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I began waking up as I heard the clatter of pots and pans. The sound was right in my ear, as if the kitchen was only meters away.

I opened my eyes and looked around, stretching. I saw to my side was Tom laying with his arms wrapped securely around me, holding me against him. He was still sleeping. I gazed around the room and saw it was a tiny log cabin room. The bed took up most of the space. There was a small dresser and side table, and then a door. I could tell the clattering was coming from the other side of the door.

I slowly unwrapped Tom's arms from around me and stood up. I was in the clothes from yesterday. It was yesterday, right? I felt like our hike up the mountain was days ago, but I didn't recognize the room or remember being here ever before.

"Hey." I heard and jumped back as Tom suddenly appeared in front of me. "Sorry, if I startled you..." he said, embracing me tightly.

"Did I wake you?" I asked, hugging him back.

"Yes. But I'm glad you did. I was beginning to get worried." He said with a sigh of relief.

"Worried? How long was I asleep?" I asked.

"Two days. I think you were just in shock and exhausted. That was the first time you really used your vampire speed." He told me, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I was asleep two days? You could have woken me." I said.

"I wanted you to get your sleep. I was studying. About new vampires. Siva lent me a journal that he wrote when Danielle was turned. He made it about new powers and handling cravings and also going into heat." He explained to me, sitting me down on the bed and grabbing an old journal off of the nightstand. "He told me your body wasn't ready for a run so long. You need more training. Anyways, you must be starving. We went hunting yesterday and we have some... food... that you would like."

I swallowed. I knew he put 'the red stuff' in my food and drinks, but I had never had 'the red stuff' on its own.

"Are you uncomfortable about it? You need it, Mais." He told me. I nodded.

"I know, I know. I'll drink it." I said, taking in a shaky breath. He smiled and leaned over to kiss my cheek.

"Good girl. Now come on."

"Wait. I thought when you change, your blood lust is stronger than ever." I wondered.

"No, it's different for... royals. We are stronger and have more control. That's how I could control myself around you when you were human."

"What's this whole thing about being a royal? Why does Kassimuss hate me so much?"

"It's hard to explain. When we are married you will know everything. I promise, Maisie." He told me.

"You never actually proposed to me. I was betrothed to you. By Kassimuss." I said, spitting his name.

"I'm sorry. I'm bad at being romantic." He sighed.

"You're not so bad." I smiled, kissing his cheek.

"I know your intentions, my love. But there are others in this house and I know you are hungry." He chuckled, pulling away. I pouted but followed him to the door. When he opened it, I was greeted by hearing the low chatter of some familiar voices.

"Look whose awake." Tom smiled, pulling me into a bright room. Everyone turned around to face us, worried looks on their faces.

"What's wrong?" I asked, holding Tom's hand tightly.

"Mufasa was killed." Siva told us. My breath caught in my throat.

"They were trying to ambush the villages. Anyways, Kassimuss had ordered that me, Siva, Tom, Nathan, and Max to go into battle as generals. We are the strongest and our military needs us." Jay explained.

"What? No!" I insisted.

"Maisie, come with me." Tom said, pulling me into another room. It was a kitchen.

"Tom, I can't let you go-"

"Maisie, listen to me. I have been in two wars before. I am an important soldier. They need me. My people need me. Loyalty to my empire is part of being a royal." He explained to me.

"No, what if you die? I can't let that happen, Tom." I began stressing, tears filling my eyes. Tom sighed and pulled me into a tight hug.

"I won't. Mais, just look at me. I will be fine. If Kassiuss needs us, we need to go. Baby, Danielle, Hailey, Talia, and Jacie all feel the same way. I will come back for you."

"When do you leave?" I asked after a moment of silence.

"Tomorrow." I heard. I turned to see Siva standing in the doorway.

"But-"

"Let's talk about it later. Drink this." Tom said suddenly, handing me a cup and holding it to my lips. He tilted it up and I felt the liquid running down my throat. At first I resisted, the liquid was vile and warm. But then, I began to taste it. I felt everything go blurry as the only thing I knew was the taste. The sweet taste of the blood.

I heard a loud growl and I didn't know where it came from. I grabbed the cup from Tom's hands and drained it, pulling it away. I looked at myself in the reflection of the window.

I gasped and ran to the bathroom, staring at myself in the mirror. My teeth were blood-stained red. My canines were grown out and sharp. I stumbled back at my eyes. They were usually hazel, and now they were vibrant brown with yellow around the pupils. I bumped into the wall, taking deep breaths.

"Maisie, are you okay?" Tom asked and I collapsed to the ground in sobs.

"Don't look at me!" I cried, covering my eyes.

"Maisie, Maisie, look at me." He tried to take my hands away from my face, but I fought him.

"I'm a monster." I shouted, running and suddenly finding myself in our room in the matter of one second. I slammed the door shut, my chest heaving as I hyperventilated.

Tears ran down my face as I curled up into the corner, burying my face in my hands.

I was a monster.

I would be a killer.

A blood-sucking demon.

That was all I would ever be from now on...