Chapter Nine

4 months after arriving in the forest 

 Ivana's lips feel cold as mine moves across hers. Just as much as I developed feelings for her, I also realized how evil she truly was. I watched as she killed and tortured creatures and a handful of humans. As much as I want to leave her and not participate in her heinous activities, I also feel drawn to her, and I don't know if I have the strength to leave. 

Once our lips pulled away, I saw my reflection in her eyes. I am smart enough to fully comprehend that this relationship is different from my last. Allie was the one who sought protection from me, and I felt obligated to keep her safe in the group home. Now I seek protection from this vampire, she is the only thing I have in this forest, even if it doesn't quite make sense.

My heart eased a little when I noticed her eyes were calm and she wasn't thirsty. Even though I could look away from the killings, I could not escape the sounds. The cries from the creatures will always haunt my nightmares, and eat at my soul. 

"Are you hungry, do you want to take a trip to the grocery store outside of the forest?" 

I run my fingers through her hair. I wonder how many innocent creatures or humans I would save by just answering no. 

"I am fine."

"Smoke, I won't harm anyone."

I rub my nose against hers. I love the smile on her face. It made her seem tamer, more lovable than a vampire. 

I nod. "My stomach knows it could use some food, and my heart can use a trip."

She laughs. "Aren't you glad we found each other?"

"I am, but I thought you wanted to be a one-woman clan."

She flips her hair to the side. "Well, I guess you did ruin those plans."

"Some plans are meant to be broken."

We walk for what seems like an eternity, but that was okay with me. Then we finally reached the little store that seemed out of place. 

I felt relieved the parking lot was nearly empty, and without humans there, I know that my little vampire can control her thirst. 

The door charms as my hand opens it. The store smells of fresh cleaning supplies. My eyes scan the store in every direction, and I only see the girl behind the counter, who at this moment I will try to protect. I look at Ivana, who surprisingly seems very at peace. I recognize the girl as she rushes towards me, and my eyes follow her. 

Her body feels warm in mine, a feeling I have grown to no longer know. 

"Alls, what are you doing here?"

"I got a job to help pay for college."

My hand gently rubs her cheek, and all of the feelings I buried inside come rushing back to me. 

"I am proud of you."

"Why don't you come back to visit?" She pulls away. I notice her hand instantly hit her hip.

"I couldn't."

"That answer isn't good enough Smoke, why?" she yells. I hear the pain in her voice. 

"Because you deserve better."

"This is your Allie." I hear Ivana's voice. It was a hiss, the voice she uses when she wants to play with her prey. 

Allie looks up at me with watery eyes. I am sure she thinks she is my girlfriend. Well, she kinda was. 

"She's off limits Ivana," I growl. The wolf inside me turns insane, growls, and guards the girl I am so deeply in love with. 

"Maybe this is where you prove your loyalties to me, Smoke."

I slide Allie behind me. "This could be what rips us apart."

"She's just a girl." Her words were deep, and her fangs became visible. 

Suddenly, my body is on fire, and I feel the fur covering me from head to toe, and my mouth is growling with saliva as I leap forward. 

"Back off!" I hiss, with a deep voice, trying to demonstrate my power. 

"You're going to let her come between us? I gave you companionship, I offered you protection."

"You're deciding this!"

I take a peek at Allie's face, and she is terrified. I feel so torn. Maybe this would be the motivation she needs to leave me in the past. 

 Ivana moves forward, and I feel myself ready to strike. I don't want to hurt her, as I have also developed feelings for her. 

"Ivana please"

She looks at me. "Would you hurt me?"

Her voice chimed in my heart. "I don't want to, I love you, but I can't let you hurt her."

She nods. "Go Allie."

I watch Alls give me one last look, before she dashes from the store and disappears from view.