Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             I storm to my quarters, Uncle’s thoughts echo in my subconscious. This screwed up place won’t be my end. I refuse to let it be that way.

                             The first rational thought that comes to mind is Mae. I need her.

                             “You need to kill her.” Father and Aunt speak at the same time.

                             Screw off!

                             Did I say that aloud? My frantic eyes study my surroundings, searching for a face to confirm my madness.

                             Thankfully, the estate is as barren as my logic.

                             Once I’m inside my quarters, I open the door to my room. The bed is empty. Mae isn’t here. My jaw ticks, my hands twitch to crush everything to bloody shreds.

                             Wait... did I lose time between the Northern Wing and here? Did I perhaps kill her?

                             My stomach sinks. My heartbeat chokes the air coming in and out of my lungs. I only breathe again when a quiet humming comes from the bathroom.

                             My heavy legs can’t hold me. I slump to the bed with an exasperated sigh.

                             Dammit.

                             I’m losing it. The mere thought of not finding Mae almost undid me. What the fuck is happening to me?

                             “You will fall, Nephew.” Aunt sits by my side, an ugly smile on her lips. “I pushed you back to your senses once and I will gladly do it again.”

                             “Aaron, what’s wrong?” Mae’s haunted voice pulls me back to reality. She’s wrapped in a towel, her wet hair cascades on each side. I follow her field of vision to land on the bloodied stains on my wet shirt. I didn’t button the damn plastic coat well.

                             “It isn’t mine.” I wipe the water on my face.

                             Mae sits next to me, her bare shoulder presses against my arm. The mere touch tones some of the chaos down. I’m able to breathe a little better. “Oh, thank God.” She releases a sigh then her eyes widen, realisation finally settling in. “Did you...”

                             “Kill someone. Yes.” I capture her gaze, showing her the man she gave herself to yesterday. “The thrill of his blood lasted for only a while. A few seconds were all I got before my mind crumbled back with endless thoughts to kill you.”

                             I expected fear, screams, maybe even tears, but Mae’s eyes shine with the fire of determination. “Didn’t last night help with reining in the urges? I read somewhere that sex helps, doesn’t it?”

                             “I slipped, Mae. I don’t know what happens when I lose time but I know when I lose it. What if I killed you yesterday?” Or today for that matter.

                             “But you didn’t. You came back and offered me the most amazing night in my life.” She smiles, her small hand covers mine. Heat submerges my body, but it isn’t enough to unfreeze the coldness in my mind.

                             “I tried to kill you this morning and I’ll try again until you’re dead.” A bitter laugh escapes me. “I’m my father’s son after all.”

                             “No, you’re not your father!” She shouts before her voice takes a softer tone. “I’m sure there’s a way.” She plants a soft kiss on my mouth. Life springs my supposedly dead heart. “I love you, Aaron. Let me help you.”