Mark had just pulled out his keys when the car pulled in behind him. He turned, waving to Felix as he unlocked the door waiting for him. It was early Sunday morning; Mark had been out feeding for the past hour outside the city. Felix had texted him earlier saying he would be home soon from Marzias new apartment.

So did you two break in the new apartment yet? Mark asked Felix as he came up the steps.

Christened every room. The bathroom will never be the same again.

Ugh, no need to further explain your exploitations.

Do you want to chill and game for a bit? Felix asked as he tossed his jacket on the bench near the door, much to Mark's distaste.

Sure, just let me go take my pills. And pick up your jacket.

Felix groaned, moving to hang his jacket up before going to the living room to set up the console. Mark quickly made his way upstairs. He got into his room, opening his side drawer and paused when it was void of the bottle. Taking a minute he tried to remember if he had moved them somewhere within the last day or so. He didnt think so, but his memory wasnt always the best. He checked behind the drawer and under his bed. Moving things around he started to panic as he still couldn't locate the pills. Where were they?

After ripping apart his room he ran downstairs to check the car. Maybe he took them and left them there by accident? He bolted past Felix who called out to him and out the door to his car. He opened all the doors, searching through the glove box, the console, under the seats. Nothing. Mark was in full panic now as he ran back inside calling for Felix.

Mark, what's wrong? Felix was already at the door as Mark came back in, breathing heavy.

My pills, I cant find them.

Felixs eyes widened slightly before he gave a soft smile and placed his arm on Mark's shoulder. Well, let's look for them. They cant have gotten too far.

They spent the next half hour searching the entire house with no luck. Mark was freaking out and Felix was doing his best to calm him, Edgar and Chica close by, sensing Mark's distress.

Mark, its okay. Relax. All you have to do is ask Brian for more. He had his hand on Mark's back while they sat on the couch.

Even doing that, its takes like a week to prep them and then get them here. Who knows what could happen by then.

You could ask him to try and rush them. We can even go pick them up if we have too. Besides Mark, youre aware of what will happen, so you can prepare for it. And its not like it'll be the same as last time. You can handle one week.

Mark flinched, his mind already playing the memory over and over in his head.

You dont know that. You werent there Felix. You may have seen it but you dont know. What if I hurt him again? Mark let out a pitiful whimper.

It wont, youve become stronger since then. Felixs voice was stern, as he watched Mark, eyes willing him to relax. Call Brian, see what he can do. Then we will go from there.

Mark nodded, taking deep breaths as he pulled his phone out.

Yello

Barry, its Mark.

Oh, hey. Man this is getting to be a regular things. Might give a guy the wrong impression.

Mark let out a weak chuckle at the joke before continuing. Is Brian around?

Actually, hes not even in this state. Mark felt his stomach drop. Hes visiting other branches in the U.S. to try and get a better handle on the situation with Esma. Its pretty hectic around here. Weve barely scratched the surface on her plans and we are trying to keep it as low key as possible so shes not alerted.

Mark felt like the room was spinning and he had to grab onto Felix for support who was giving him confused and concerned looks. When is he going to be back?

No clue to be honest. What do you need to talk to him about?

I need more pills.

There was a pause before a soft oh was heard through the line. I can get a hold of him and let him know you need them. Do you have any left?

No. I lost them.

Seriously? Dude. Barry sighed. Ill call Brian and talk to him. Ill get back to you when I know.

Mark thanked him before hanging up the phone. He told Felix, and they both waited on the couch for Barry to call. At some point they turned on a game, more for something to do with their hands than anything. It had been half an hour before Mark's phone rang, Mark pouncing on it and answering with a rushed hello.

Mark, its Brian. Mark didnt like his tone. Barry tells me you need more pills because you lost yours. Mark nodded, words caught in his throat before he forced them out.

Yes.

How did you lose them Mark?

I dont know. I keep them in the same place but they werent there. I searched everywhere.

I dont have any prepared back at H.Q. There was still another three months worth in the bottle you had. Brian sighed, and Mark could picture him pinching the bridge of his nose. I can get some prepped at the branch Im at now but it will take time. They dont have all of the necessary requirements here. And itll take a week or more just to get them to you.

Mark swallowed the lump in his throat. I understand.

Brian sighed again, pausing before speaking again. Could they have been stolen?

Who would steal them? And why? Felix looked up at Mark.

I dont know Mark. A lot is happening that we arent aware of right now, and it isnt like you to lose them. Just be on your guard.

Mark snorted without humour at the comment. Im always on guard, comes with the lifestyle.

That it does. Mark heard some shuffling on the other line and a voice. I have to go, I will do what I can to get the pills out to you as soon as possible. Until then, be careful. You know what the consequences are. There was an edge to his voice that made Mark cringe.

Im aware of them.

Brian sighed once again, his voice softening a bit. Ill keep you posted. Take care. He hung up before Mark could respond.

Mark took a shaky breath as he lowered his phone, rubbing his temples his eyes closed.

Do you think they could have been stolen?

Mark opened his eyes, looking at Felix. I mean its possible. Its not like the existence of these pills are a secret, but they would have to know Im taking them, and what purpose does it even serve? As far as they know I could have more somewhere else.

Theres a lot going on that doesnt make sense right now.

Brian said the same thing. Mark muttered.

Im just saying its a possibility. This cant just be bad timing.

Felix, what am I going to do? It only takes a week for the withdrawal to start to set in and by the sounds of it, it's going to take longer than that for Brian to even make them.

Make sure you feed more regularity. That will help. And you can probably nab some blood bags- Mark I know you don't like it but you have to be ready to make some sacrifices.

God, Felix I haven't had human blood since... Well since the last time. I hate it, it's too addicting. And without my meds, it could be disastrous.

You're going to start craving it either way. At least that way you have a reserve when it's too much. I know your feelings towards it but would you rather the baggie or an actual person?

Mark knew he was right but he still despised the idea of it. Alright. I'll go tonight.

Trust me Mark, it'll be okay. Youll get through it.

Mark wasn't very hopeful but he appreciated the sentiment. They spent the rest of the day gaming, not that either was particularly invested. When it was dark Mark left to go to one of the hospitals in the city - one besides St. Germaine for obvious reasons - slipping past security with ease into the blood banks. Mark wasn't sure if it was just his mind playing tricks on his but even the smell of it tempted him. He quickly stuffed them into the bag he brought and snuck back out.

When he arrived home he stashed them in the garage fridge. He didn't want them in the house, too easy for him to catch the scent of it. Felix was already in bed and Mark figured he'd try to get a couple hours himself. God knows he wouldn't be sleeping for the next few weeks.

He had managed to fall asleep, but he wished he hadn't. His mind replayed that horrid night from so many years ago.

He was back in that wretched tent, tied up alone. He had stumbled upon a tribe and they had immediately known what he was. Outnumbered, they captured him and bound him in restraints that were stronger than the steel he knew today. It was then he first experienced the withdrawal of the medication.

He had recently severed ties with Brian and his team. They had just established themselves and at first Mark had agreed to be part of the small group, remembering Brain from his time in Spain when he had first met Jaq, but after a while he left. He preferred working alone and wasn't prepared to take order from someone else.

While he had been there, Brian had showed him a serum he had concocted. It was meant to suppress blood lust.

While you still need to feed, it takes away the desire for blood. Or most of it at least.

Mark had needed a separate serum. His seemingly enhanced abilities contributed to an enhanced blood lust, so the drug needed to be changed accordingly.

So when I'm taking this I won't be tempted by the smell or taste of blood?

You may still get a small itch for it but nothing compared to what you feel now. But I should warn you. If you take this, you must continue to take it, unless you are able to wean yourself off properly. The consequences are dire.

Mark had dismissed the warning, excited to try this new drug. And it worked. He found his craving was reduced to almost nothing. The problem arose when he left.

Mark hadn't been on it for very long, but it didn't matter. After he left, he had also stopped the drug. He didn't want anything to do with them, any connection. He figured he could handle whatever withdrawal he would go through. It had been just over a week when the blood lust started to creep back in, and then he had been captured. He had been in that tent for who knows how long with no way to feed.

That had been the one and only time Mark had been deprived of blood without the medication. Even in the Russian camp, he managed to feed on animals at times during outside work hours and at that point, Brian had made the serum into pills that he managed to keep hidden on his person while prisoner. He had been weak the minimal feedings, and it had been painful at times, trying to resist the need to feed on those around him but he managed with the help of the pills.

At first it was like an itch you couldn't scratch but it quickly turned into more. Mark had gone periods of time without blood, and while it was horrible, it was nothing compared to this. Mark's throat had burned intensely, often leaving him screaming in pain, voice ragged. It spread through his entire body, his soul screaming, begging, for blood. His body needed it and because he wasn't taking the serum, his lust started to affect his mind.

He would thrash against his bindings, growling and moaning. His teeth extended and retracted on their own volition, no longer able to control it. He would have visions of his family, of Lukas. He saw Jack a few times. Each time he begged them to release him, but they just stared at him, eyes void of emotion, never speaking a word. Eventually he ignored them.

He soon learned the tribe was going to starve him of blood, let him slowly wither and die. Mark didn't know how long it would take, not knowing of anyone to die of blood starvation, but it was slow and painful, only enhanced by the withdrawal.

He would have moments of reprise when he was given food and water, the nutrients barely even a substitute for what he truly craved. He wasn't sure why they would feed him if they were intent on letting him starve from blood. He speculated it may have been their own curiosity or possibly they were simply that cruel. Regardless, it kept him alive during his time there.

It was usually a young girl who brought his food and water. Mark never really got a good look at her, groggy and delirious most of the time. She had a soft voice though, calming almost. She would speak to him during these sessions whenever it was just the two of them, but Mark never registered what she said. He didnt even remember what language it was.

It was weeks later when he had finally escaped, and that was where his nightmare started.

He was in the tent, surrounded by darkness. Even his hallucinations were nowhere to been seen. He no longer had the strength to use any of his abilities and he found himself numb to everything. His body and mind were wrecked and at this point he just wanted it to end.

He felt before he heard the person beside him, fiddling with his bindings. He paid no mind until he felt them loosen. Mark's arm dropped to the ground followed by the other. After a moment he twitched, moving them slowly. His mind started to wake up as he realized what was happening. He was free, his body was free. His mind was on autopilot as it sprang into action, it's only focus to escape. His senses came back little by little, still very weak, and the only thing he could focus on was the smell of the person in front of him, and the intense feeling of their fingers on his face.

Mark hadn't even thought about it. He immediately pounced on the person. He covered their mouth before they could scream and he extended his teeth, ripping into their throat. Mark's vision changed and he was viewing the scene from above. He looked like a beast; hunched over a tiny form, grasping them for dear life as he lapped up the blood from their body.

As he drank, he felt his strength returning. His sense came into focus and his mind sharpened. When he finally pulled away he had blood dripping down his face and all he wanted was more. He needed more. After weeks of nothing, Mark wasn't sure if he'd ever get enough. He was about to leave the tent, intent on ripping apart the people that did this to him when he looked down at his victim.

It was the young girl who had been feeding Mark for the past weeks. She didn't look older than sixteen. Her body was drenched in her blood, mouth open in a silent scream. Her eyes stared up at Mark unseeing.

Bright, blue, lifeless eyes.

Mark gasped as he shot up in bed, a strangled scream on his lips. His eyes shot around him, taking in the familiar sight of his room that was interchanging with the tent he had been confined in. My house, L.A., California USA, 2017. He repeated it in his head, reaffirming his location while trying to wipe the image of Jacks dead eyes from his mind.

Mark choked on a sob. It had been three hundred years but the image was still clear as day in his mind. He had killed her, killed his love reincarnated and he hadnt even hesitated. Her body splayed on the ground after being ripped into by a monster. She had been a kid, barely an adult. She had let Mark go and he had repaid her with a painful, gruesome death.

I didn't even know her name.

Mark curled around his pillow, dry sobs wracking his body. He wanted to go crawl into bed with Felix but he restrained himself. He didn't deserve comfort. He deserved the pain he felt. He had been trying to make up for that night his entire life, knowing he never would.

He calmed down after a while, face dry. It seemed he had no more tears to shed anymore. He laid awake in bed, knowing if he went to sleep he'd see her again, or Sean. When the sun started to rise he forced himself out of bed and tried to find his pills again. It was useless but he tried anyways. He needed to do something.

He eventually fell back into bed. He didnt think he'd be leaving it anytime soon. His phone buzzed from his side table and he ignored it until it buzzed again a few minutes later. Sighing he rolled over to check it. He had two texts, one from Wade and one from Sean. He opened Wades first.

Hey, just confirming you'll be at the dress rehearsal Friday. The wedding rehearsal starts at 10 am sharp.

He sent off a confirmation before opening Seans message.

Hey man! Are we going to meet one more time this week before the wedding on Saturday? I wanna go over the ques and stuff.

Mark groaned. Shit he forgot to tell Sean about the rehearsal. They'd be going over the line up and placements then.

Hey, I totally forgot that the rehearsal for the dinner and social is Friday night. Well be going over ques and sound check. Are you good to meet then?

He got a response a few minutes later.

No problem. Booked the whole weekend off anyways. Send me the address and times. Do you want to meet before that at all?

Mark looked at the text thinking of the best way to answer it. The less he saw of Sean until he had his pills the better. With his nightmare/memory still fresh in his mind, he wanted to keep as far away as possible.

It's at Hespill hall on McCreery St. The dinner starts at 5, so I'd show up around 4:30 or so.

I'm pretty busy this week with wedding prep, so I'll see you Friday.

Dropping his phone he flopped back onto his bed. He was still drained but he had pushed his emotions down, ignoring them for now. He had other issues at hand. The wedding was in less than a week and he was going to be in a room full of people. He was pretty sure the withdrawal wouldn't be in full affect until later but it didn't change the fact that we was going to be around excited, high energy crowds of people, blood pumping all night long. He would have to make sure he fed every day this week. He was not going to hurt anyone.

He was not going to hurt Sean.