If I remember right, it's .04% of the population of the world. The 'infected'. Is that what they're called, still? Probably. I'm just an average student. Some people even call me 'the emo kid'. I have a place in the world, though it may not be big, I want to keep it. I won't accept it. I can't be one of them. I have enough problems already.
~ • ~ • ~
So what if I hurt him? He obviously doesn't care. But that's not my point. I don't understand him, but I understand something, all right: if I let him stay here, he'll get caught. He knows what I am. I know what he is. Even if I'm one of them, too... well, I'm used to hiding it. I'm good at it. But he isn't. And he didn't even know he was one of them until I told him. That's pathetic.
"It's amazing enough that he wasn't already found out and incinerated." I said, shrugging.
"So what're you going to do about it? Just give him a few tips and leave?"
"Well, no. Dipstick. What kind of person would I be if I let them burn him?" I replied, a faint smile of my face. It was a lie. I was nervous.
"You know... helping him puts you in danger of being found out, too. They'll take you to the lab." He sighed.
"I know." I said, shrugging. The lab is, well, torture. I'd rather die.
"Then why are you doing it?" He asked.
"Because I like him." I said briefly.
"There's plenty of other witches to drink from." He stated. "I just don't want you, my best friend, get hurt."
"I don't just like him for his blood. I'm sure it's something else about him." I said, getting offended. 'It couldn't be that. At least... I don't want to think that's he only reason why I want him around'.
Ari and Soren's adventures continue as Soren struggles with his new vampiric urges and a coven of witches attempts to recruit Ari for their own ends.
*****
As dark dreams plague Soren, Ari finds his new abilities difficult to control. Something is awakening within him, and as his power grows, he attracts the attention of a group of witches who call themselves the Hecataeon. They believe Ari is an emanation of the goddess Hecate - a physical manifestation of her power - and they want that power for themselves. With their relationship facing challenges from within, Ari and Soren must find a way to unite their strengths before external forces tear them apart.
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NOTE: This book is the sequel to Bound by Blood.
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Content Warning: Light violence, language, and sexuality. PG-13
Cover designed by Adam Budny