Page 67 of Reclaiming Quinn

Deke got that. “So you need to feed before we do anything, right?”

“No, I should be okay.”

The way Zach wouldn’t look at Deke told him there was something he wasn’t saying.

“Spill it.”

Zach shifted in his seat. “When I first came to Chicago, I would take blood from wherever I could. I tried to justify it that I needed it, but there was so much guilt. I’ve… been doing my best not to take it from anyone or anything.”

“So you’re starving yourself. And how’s that working out for you?”

“You don’t understand.”

He had a point. Deke hunted animals when in his wolf form, but he could never kill a human without due cause. Klein, though…. Deke had cause to kill that bastard, considering what he’d done to Quinn.

“You’re right. I don’t. I know what you mean, but…. Isn’t there something you can do?”

Zach shook his head. “It’s not like I can ask someone to volunteer their blood. I mean, low profile doesn’t work too well when you’re asking around for people to let you take from them, you know?”

As far as Deke was concerned, that spoke to how noble the Vampyri were. “What if I let you drink from me?”

“No.”

“But—”

“I said no!” Zach leaned in. “I’ve gone too long without feeding. I don’t know that I could stop at enough to give me back my strength. Even though I wouldn’t want to, I could drain you completely.” He shook his head. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”

But Deke did know. Working together with Zach was the only chance they both had to make it out of this mess alive. If he had to give up blood, so be it.

“I know what I’m offering, and I trust that you’ll be able to control yourself. If we’re going to fight all these wolves, we’re going to need you as strong as you can be.” He would beg if he had to. “I need to get home to Quinn, and if this helps me to do it, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

When Zach shook his head, anger bubbled up in Deke.

“So you’re strong enough now to take on however many wolves are here? I’m going to shift, and I can probably hold my own against a couple, but if they come as a group, then we’re going to die, just like the Omegas did. It’s within your power to help save us, but you’re too fucking afraid.”

Zach’s eyes narrowed. “Never call me afraid. I am Zachariah, leader of the Vampyri, the most feared warriors ever known.”

“Who is too afraid to do what it takes to save a life.”

Zach averted his gaze. “I have no desire to cause you pain. And believe me, the bite will hurt.”

“As much as having my soul torn out? Because that’s what every day without Quinn feels like. I’m offering because I need to get back to him.”

There was so much indecision in Zach’s expression that Deke was going to apologize and tell him they’d find another way, but before he could say anything, Zach was out of the chair and holding Deke against the wall.

“I’m sorry for this,” Zach whispered, a moment before he struck, sinking fangs into Deke’s throat.