Blood Oath (O/O CLOSED)

“It’s a bit late for that..” I mumbled, accepting the spoonful of soup.

I have to admit something. During my training, I asked my mentor if I could erase someone’s memory using my hypnosis. He said it was possible. Unfortunately, not at my level. If I were to do it… I might end up erasing everything.

And God knows how much I want to erase whatever Colton said to him from his mind.

“I won’t cuddle with you then,” I declared, feeding him yet another mouthful of soup.

"Aw.." I made a pouty face, though it came out a little sadder than I intended. "Shouldn't I get more cuddles if I'm sad?"

“Finish this soup quickly and eat your medicine, then,” he tapped him on the nose. “I’ll take you to bed and we can cuddle the entire day.”

I did as I was told, scarfing down the last of the warm meal and wiping my mouth on the back of my sleeve. "Can we cuddle, now?"

“Your medicine,” I reminded him, tossing it to him while I went to get some water. I returned and gave the glass to him, too.

I drank the medicine as quickly as I could, spluttering a little as it went down. "Now?"

"Now," I smiled as I set the glass away and took him in my arms, holding him tight. Hope and Copper joined in, cuddling with Hope's tails around her mate. "That better?"

"Much…." I murmured, sinking into the embrace. My eyes drifted shut as a contented sigh passed my lips. "I love you, Kaden…."

"I love you, too, Andreas," I murmured, kissing him on the forehead. "Rest."

"Tell me about your day…" I whispered, snuggling closer. "I want to hear how everything was."

"Well… I worked on my hypnosis," I answered, running my fingers through his hair. "I actually managed to control someone for a second."

"That's great…" I murmured lovingly, leaning into his expert touches. "I'm happy for you.."

“It was just one second,” I said, kissing him on the head again. “My day was uneventful, honestly. I missed you.”

"It's an accomplishment nonetheless…" Craning my head to press a kiss to his jaw, I sighed a second time, only this time more melancholy. "I missed you too…."

“Well, I’m here now,” I pulled his head on my chest. “So don’t be sad.”

I fell silent for a few moments, listening to his heart beats. "I'm worried about Elle… and Colton…"

I sighed, massaging his scalp. “I’m worried about Elle, too. I hope she’s can do this.”

"Same here.…" I sighed again, chewing my lip.

“She’s going to be fine,” I assured my boyfriend. “She’s strong. She’ll get through this. We’ll help her.”

"If Colton doesn't make it," I whispered softly, "It will destroy her. You know it will."

“If he doesn’t try, of course he’s not going to make it,” I bite back. “Elle’s not dependent on him. She’s her own woman.”

“I know,” I whispered, my voice getting quieter by the second. “But she loves him, Kaden. If I died, wouldn’t it break you?”

“That’s different,” I argued. “That’s different in so many levels. He’s giving up. He’s not even trying anymore. Not even for Elle.”

“Kaden.” I pushed myself into a sitting position and looked him directly in the eyes. “Kaden, neither of us have any idea what he’s going through. To have that thing in your head for so long? Who knows what it’s told him… maybe he thinks he’s a danger to Elle, and that’s why he’s not fighting. Maybe he’s learned something we haven’t and that’s why he’s not fighting. If I was in his position and I was so tired and done with life that I gave up, would you hate me?”

I gritted my teeth, but I could offer no argument. Andreas was right. I did have no idea what he was going through. I had no idea how much he was suffering. That thought never crossed my mind. I was thinking too much of Andreas and Elle to even think about the prince.

“No. I could never hate you,” I said quietly, running a hand through my hair. “Whatever he told you that day… it left you shaking. Elle’s been down. And you both are important people in my life. I hate it when you both are out of it.”

I exhaled a soft sigh, lowering myself back down against his chest. “I know…. I’m sorry. But you need to stop taking it out on the Prince—it’s important to Elle that you two get along. And if he doesn’t have a lot of time left… then we both have to try and make as much peace with him as possible. For Elle. Alright?”

I exhaled heavily.

“I’ll try,” I murmured. “I’ll try to get along with him. Okay? Don’t apologize.”

“Thank you…” I murmured, letting my eyes drift shut once more. “But I am sorry. For not behind stronger.”

“Strong for what, exactly?” I inquired. “Andreas, you are strong. Never doubt that again.”