Prey

Chapter 82

Doe's POV:

Erik jumped out practically the second we arrived, telling me to do the same.

And well, I had no reason to argue.

With the way, things were looking it felt like I was going to be the first one to return.

Given that not even all of the vehicles had arrived yet, and the slaves that usually took us back were just starting to come down the steps.

With that in mind, I wondered if Xander was even going to be awake.

Erik's hands were balled nervously at his sides as he snuck me away, the other vampires working on the girls in the vehicle he drove instead.

I'm assuming that they're going to need him back sooner or later, or at least realize that he's missing.

He didn't say a word as we stepped into an elevator I didn't know existed, though I was partially more focused and relished the fact that I didn't have to take those stairs.

They were a good... torturous workout, but not one I wanted to have to deal with right now.

Erik's next inhale came with a noticeable tremor, causing me to look up at his face.

The expression there was close to the last one I saw on Layla, though this one was a bit more... controlled I guess.

I wondered what kind of plan he had come up with, or if he has just accepted an unknown fate.

I began to walk first once the elevators opened, leaving him scrambling behind me.

Regardless of everything else, I just wanted to be back in our room.

There wasn't any joy or satisfaction coming from the thought of Erik explaining what happened to Xander.

Although I appreciated his willingness too, and I can admire the accountability, it truly wasn't needed.

Or wanted, now that I think about it.

We turned into the dead-end hallway that had my door, and I honestly thought he was about to shrivel up into nothing.

Stopping in front of it, he took a moment to compose himself before lifting his hand to knock.

"Don't," I finally said, causing him to freeze immediately.

Rubbing a hand down my face at his perplexed reaction, I sighed.

"Just get out of here," I instructed, though a bit of it could be considered a plea.

I wanted to enjoy my return to him, and I couldn't do that it if starts with this.

"W-What?" he pulled his hand back, telling me that he was at least semi-partial to the idea.

"Just go. It'll be better for everyone if I explain to him what happened instead of you trying to do it," I admitted, really just desperate to go in there, "I won't mention you and clear your name if he tries, but you'll be fine. I promise."

He just stared at me, stunned.

"And thank you," these words were a smidge quieter, "For the uh, treatment, I guess."

A few more seconds of silence and his cautious staring.

"You sure?"

I nodded a bit too eagerly.

His hand dropped, taking a slow step backward.

Finally.

"Thank you," the relief practically dripped from the words before he had sped off.