Inner Demons- ON HOLD

Chapter 16.

Xander's POV

My mother had sent word that she was being watched and was never able to get back to Emma to relay my message. My heart dropped at the thought that she was left alone for so long with no hope. I just hoped she didn't think I'd given up on her. I read mom's note over and over, realizing it was now or never.

My dear Alexander,

The time has come. Be in the normal place at 7am. She will be there. This is it.

Love,

Your Mother

My heart raced and I checked the time. I hadn't slept in days it seemed and I had no idea. 2am. I had five hours. Five hours to prepare for the fight of our lives. I nodded shortly and walked over to lie down in my bed, willing myself into a restless sleep.

I woke three hours later, slightly more refreshed and hopped out of bed. I picked up the phone and called for one of the employed humans to be brought to my room. I needed to feed, and I much preferred to do it from a willing participant. Ten minutes later, a young female arrived at my room. Her eyes widened as she realized who's room she was entering and I gave her a tight smile, motioning to a chair in front of my large leather one. She walked over silently and sat, waiting for her instructions.

"You are willing to let me feed on you, yes?" I asked quietly, making my way to sit in front of her in my chair.

She nodded quickly and held out her arm for me. I took it, looking into her eyes to confirm. "I have to warn you, it may not be gentle. It's been two days since I've fed and I may not be able to stop my roughness. I assure you, I will stop though."

She nodded again and looked down to her wrist before looking to the floor, preparing herself. I took a calming breath and bit down into her flesh, feeling the warm metallic liquid fill my mouth. She inhaled sharply, but did not move away. I took several short sips, trying to fill my needs first. I felt the bloodlust creeping into my consciousness and I fought it back, taking several more drags. I felt the strength slowly returning to my tired muscles and my senses sharpening. I fought the urge to sink my fangs deeper into her and took one more long sip before removing her wrist from my mouth. She held her wrist and waited, eyes trained on me patiently. I bit into my wrist and let her take several sips until she was ready to pull away.

After her wound heeled, I stood and gave her a short nod. "Thank you." She gave a tight smile and walked out of my room, shutting it quietly behind her. I sat back down, feeling the blood beginning to course through my veins. I was feeling more and more like myself and I needed every ounce of strength I had for what was coming.

I checked the clock again. 5:45. I sat down, trying to walk through exactly what to expect. My father would surely stack the room with guards. He had to know I'd try and interfere. I had to assume General Cole would also be there to enforce. I knew my father was planning to use her blood, to use the cure running through her veins. The prophecy stated that it could turn anyone human if they drained her. Even if my father didn't plan to have them drain her, there's no way I could get enough blood back into her to save her. I'd have to heal her quickly which meant I had to be able to get to her fast. One thing was clear. I needed help. I couldn't do this alone. I made my way to the cages, expecting several armed guards, only to see that they weren't there. Only the one stood at attention in front of the door.

What the hell? Where are they? This can only mean one thing. She's already gone.

Panic raced through me. Why had they taken her so early? It was still thirty minutes until time to meet. I tried to shake the negative thoughts and crept forward before I flashed against the guard, hitting him hard against the head. He dropped like a rock and didn't move. I yanked the gloves off of his wrist and searched his pockets for the keys.