The Witch And His Wolf // Kai Parker

Eight - The Ties That Bind

The Ties That Bind

Kai woke up with a start, his head pounding and his body aching. Not from hunger—the usual kind, anyway—but from the gnawing emptiness that came when he hungered for magic. He dragged himself out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom, his reflection glaring back at him like an unwelcome guest. Hollow eyes, disheveled hair, and the dark circles under his eyes made him look like a shell of himself. He splashed cold water on his face, trying to shake off the exhaustion.

No magic, no energy.

It wasn't just a craving; it was a need, deep and unrelenting. Siphoning magic was like breathing to him. And lately, everything had gone wrong. Abbie had been on edge ever since the body was found, and Jo was still pissed about the car incident. She wouldn't let him siphon her—not that he'd asked. Begging wasn't his style.

But he needed it. Desperately.

Kai smirked at his reflection. He always had a solution, didn't he? If Jo wouldn't let him siphon, and Abbie was too paranoid to get close, then there were other options in the house. He dried his face, straightened his shirt, and made his way down the hallway.

He moved down the hallway quietly, his bare feet barely making a sound on the creaky wood floors. He didn't need to think too hard about his target; it was obvious. Matthew's room was the second door on the left, and the faint hum of a lullaby toy playing inside told Kai that the youngest of the Parker clan was already awake.

Pushing the door open with a soft creak, he peeked inside.

"Kai?" Matthew's round face popped out from under the blanket, his stuffed bear clutched tightly in one arm. His messy blond hair stuck up in every direction, and his blue eyes were bright with curiosity.

Kai leaned against the doorframe, putting on his best "big brother" smile. "Morning, Matt. Couldn't sleep in, huh?"

Matthew shook his head, holding up his bear. "Barry wanted to wake up early. He said it's a good day to play."

Kai chuckled as he stepped inside, his movements casual and relaxed. "Smart bear. You're always looking out for him, huh?"

Matthew nodded proudly, hugging Barry close.

"Hey, you know you're super special, right?" Kai said, crouching by the bed. His voice was light, almost playful, but his eyes flickered with something sharper.

"Uh-huh," Matthew said, his little head bobbing eagerly. "Mom says I'm really special."

Kai grinned. "She's right. And because you're so special, I think you can help me with a magic game. Wanna try?"

Matthew's face lit up. "Magic? Like yours?"

"Exactly." Kai rested his arms on the edge of the bed. "It's super easy. All you have to do is hold Barry tight and think about happy stuff. I'll do the rest. Deal?"

"Deal!" Matthew chirped, hugging his bear even tighter.

Kai reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against Matthew's arm. The surge of magic hit him instantly, spreading through his body like a warm, electrifying wave. His shoulders relaxed, the ache in his chest easing as his energy returned. Matthew giggled, squirming at the strange sensation.

Kai gave him a playful pat on the head. "You're a champ, Matt. Thanks for the help."

Before he could pull away, a sharp voice snapped through the air.

"Kai!"

He froze, glancing over his shoulder. His mother stood in the doorway, arms crossed and her sharp glare locking onto him like a heat-seeking missile.