Blind As a Bat [1st book complete]

Straining Confines

Jay P.O.V

We exited the same way we came, a misty hush greeting us as the hoods were removed and we were led back to the initial warehouse.

"You have ten minutes to get out of this territory before your welcome expires," the same hooded guy stated before gliding silently away into the shadows.

"Okay, I would love to learn how he does that," I stated lightheartedly, trying to end the awkwardness that seemed to have sprung up between us. "I guess we should... Go? Before we wear out our welcome."

David didn't look at me, or really acknowledge me. He just turned toward the direction we came from and began to swiftly jog back. We hadn't driven near here, parking at a club some distance from its border; not the first time we've just gone out to hit up a club, though we usually went out in a larger group. I followed, staying slightly behind him. Giving him space.

I knew that, especially as the next alpha, he was having a hard time with the fact that he had not only needed me to handle the contract, but also that I was given more respect while he was literally snubbed and looked down upon. I had totally expected him to react this way, and figured I would give him time, but I also thought that his ability to stay calm in this situation was a good skill to have as a, no the future alpha. 

As we jogged, me hoping that he will have calmed down by the time we're back at the car, I took a look at the card the guy had slipped me after shaking my hand. The card itself was coated, looking as though it were waterproof. It was all black except for a number printed on one side, the other holding the word 'FALX' with one of the lines of the 'x' extending to make something that looked like a scythe. I honestly had no idea if this mob or gang or whatever they were, were well known or not. What I did know is that I had to be careful when and even if I decided to find more out. They didn't seem to be playing any games, and I didn't want to end up gaining their attention any more than I already had.

The last words the hooded guy said also sent shivers down my spine. He had said that he couldn't wait until David became alpha. He had said that he would send someone personally the day after his coronation. And then he said that he can't wait to see how we'll have grown by that time; that he can't wait to see me again...

I shook my head and glared ahead of me. No, he was only trying to get at David more, but damn if that didn't freak me just the bit out. I pushed it aside, speeding up as the club came into view, "Want to go in for a drink or just go home?"

I looked to David, but he only kept looking ahead, so i tried again, "Long night, we should really just go to bed anyway. Need to de-stress."

When we got to the car, he unlocked the door and got in while I walked around to the passenger's side. But the door was locked, "David?"

He tossed the laptop case on the passenger's seat, started the car and pulled out quickly, making me have to jump back. The sound of the tires squealing as he sped out matched the sensation in my heart as I watched his tail lights quickly fade into the thickening fog.

Cian P.O.V

I hadn't been going to the hospital lately, and Pritcher must have liked that idea because he didn't call asking where I was at. I blinked, only irritating the gritty sensation of my eyes more. I couldn't remember the last time I had slept, the last time I had taken a break or relaxed or sipped some alcoholic blood or went outside of my office except to visit Ashe. My business was doing well; Jeffrey would have stated otherwise or, should I say, stomped into my room demanding an audience so that he could nag me about how we are behind or things that need to be done.

No, at this point, I was trying to find things to get done. Anything, anything at all to keep my mind off everything else, keep me awake or so tired that I won't dream about everything I said and did; thought about what I could have or should have done. No, even with my eyes red as burning coals, hair lank from how many days without proper showering, and skin sallow from not getting the usual proper nutrition, I still still couldn't get a few moments without the guilt and pain filleting me.