Chapter 103

*Ivan*

I woke up with a start as my eyes flew open. Drake, Keo and Caleb surrounded me with worried looks on their faces. I was breathing heavily trying to remember what happened when it hit me.

*Ari?* I asked, worried about her.

*I'm here. Are you ok?* She asked.

*I am now.* I said, relieved.

"What happened? You just passed out suddenly and I tried to reach Ari and it was like she was blocked." Keo asked, worried.

"Sorry. My parents wanted to talk to us about the mate bond. Apparently we needed to be unconscious for that." I explained.

"Your parents? What?" Caleb asked, shocked.

"Umm. Right. So Ari and Keo's Mom did something when my parents died. It was in case I was mated and long story short they were able to explain things to us about the mate bond." I explained.

"I think I'm more confused." Caleb said.

"I'll try to explain it later, Caleb. Right now, Ivan needs to get home and sleep. He's gotta get back in the morning and he was out for a little while out here." Drake intervened.

I looked at Drake, "Thanks. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Don't worry. They were able to tell me they were taking you for a moment beforehand. It was still freaky. They said they would fix the lock. I take it they did?" Drake asked.

"Yes. At least I think so. There was a lot they explained. I think I'm still trying to absorb everything. But we should be good on that front. There's a bit more, they were able to give Ariya and I back some of our memories. Not any of the important or super emotional ones but the rest we have." I said.

"Well that's a good thing for us, not so much for Boss. I don't know how much Boss is going to like that he doesn't have anything useful." Drake said, worried.

I growled, "He better get over it."

"Just be prepared, Ivan. He might not react so well. You need to get home and get some sleep though. We can make a plan tomorrow." Drake said.

I nodded, put my shirt and shoes back on and headed towards home.

*You ok, princess?* I asked Ariya.

*I'm hungry and really tired. I think your tiredness is rubbing off on me though.* Ariya told me.

*Yeah. I feel like I'm going to pass out. Is that what the other feeling is? Your hunger?*

*Yeah. I'm sorry. I wish you didn't have to feel it. I try to ignore it more than anything. But it's getting worse.*

*Don't be sorry, Ari. It's ok. First thing tomorrow when I get there, put a barrier up and feed from me. Take as much as you need. I can handle it.* I told her.

I felt the desire that Ariya felt to feed strengthen and I realized I probably should have waited to say something. I could feel her canines ache as if they were my own. My body shivered and I felt my eyes switch to my wolf eyes. I felt Ariya's desire to feed fade and confusion take its place.

*What was that?* Ariya asked.

*My wolf is responding to you.* I laughed.

*That felt weird. Like you wanted it to be able to happen now.*

*I do, princess. But I'm not next to you.*

*Tomorrow though.*

*Yes, tomorrow for sure.*

I managed to make it home and started pulling my clothes off. Throwing them in the laundry. I could feel Ariya's curiosity peak.

I laughed, *I need to shower. You know, after the running, rolling around in the dirt, fighting Caleb for fun.*

*Don't mind me. I'm just here for the ride.* Ariya laughed.

*No funny business, princess. I'm exhausted.* I laughed, hopping into the shower.

*Ok, so how about we go over what your Mom and Dad said?* Ariya offered.

*We should try to figure out the ability thing as soon as possible. It could give us an edge when we try to escape.* I said.

*Definitely. It is something that I need to work on, but I also need to remember what it's like to do anything for the first time. Boss might eventually see me using my abilities. It's better if he thinks I'm doing something for the first time over actually mastering it already.* Ariya said.

*I agree. I'm also going to need you to teach me how to use them at times too. Which means we're going to have to figure out how to practice it together.*

*I think it might make sense to see Drake, Keo, and Caleb more often. You could practice what you learn with them, they could teach you some things and then because I'm with you, I can also learn at the same time. I'll have to practice in person. But maybe I can switch places with Keo and try it here and there.* Ariya said.

*I wonder if we can switch places.* I thought.

*I never thought of that. I don't know if it's possible but it's worth a shot to try. But Ivan, we're going to have to figure out how to get it to where we can fight each other a bit.*

I growled, *I don't like it much. I don't want to fight you. I don't want us to hurt each other. But I get it. It's the only way to hone our skills. Boss did say I would get my own day to basically do whatever I wanted. Maybe with his new idea I'll still get that day. We could train if no one is around.*

*I know you don't like it but if the opportunity comes up, don't hold back. I can take it, remember. Besides, if anyone is around and you hold back they might figure out that you're Ivan.* Ariya said.

*I don't think I'll have that luxury, Ari. I'm not me when others are around. It's going to be Justin that fights you.* I growled.

*Then I'll have to fight hard against you when you're Justin.* Ariya giggled.

*If he hurts you* I growled.

*Then I'll learn something and you can teach me how to counter later.* Ariya told me.

*I just wish that part of me was gone. Then I wouldn't have to worry about it.* I growled.

*Yeah but if Justin was gone, then that means you are the one that will have to hurt me.* Ariya countered.

My heart broke. I knew she was right. I couldn't hurt her though. Did that mean they would figure out who I was? If that happened then they would torture her in front of me. I wouldn't be able to protect her. What was worse? Being the one to hurt her or watching her get hurt? I hated this. I felt my anger rise. As fast as it rose, I felt Ariya trying to calm me.

*Ivan, I would rather you end up breaking a bone or knocking me out because we're trying to make me stronger than to risk you getting found out and then us never getting out of this place. I have to get used to the feeling anyway. The more often it happens, the more I'll be able to deal with the pain. It's temporary for us. It doesn't last. If I can fight through that pain or even fight when things are broken, then no one can beat us.* Ariya said, trying to comfort me.

*I don't want you to ever be scared of me though. I'm not trying to hurt you and make you think I'm only ever going to do that.* I said, sadly.

*I won't. I know you love me. I know you wouldn't do anything that I'm not consenting to. But if Boss decides on torture, you have to do what he says. We will figure it out as it comes. For now, it's not something to worry about. Justin is the one that will be doing the harm. Not you.*