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Always is a long time. Hopefully they catch Ethan soon.

23

I sleep surprisingly wellfor witnessing a vampire staking. When I wake, I lie in bed, listening to a robin chirp from the blue spruce in the front yard. Other than the bird, the morning is quiet.

The clock on my phone says it’s twelve to six. It’s my favorite time of day, especially in the summer when the sun rises early. It’s still cool outside, and everything smells like damp earth and fresh dew.

The daylight coming through the curtains is subdued, and when I push them aside, I find heavy clouds and the promise of rain. If I’m going to get out this morning, I need to go now.

I get dressed, brush my teeth, wash my face, and slather on sunscreen just in case, eager to spend a few quiet hours in the misty garden. Once I’m ready, I slide my phone into my back pocket and leave my bedroom, walking quietly past Noah’s hall so I won’t disturb him.

I’m almost to the stairs when a groggy “Where are you going?” nearly scares me half to death.

I whirl around, my lips parting as my eyes sweep over sleep-rumpled Noah. He wasn’t lying—he’s not in pajamas. Instead,he wears soft, breathable workout shorts. His T-shirt sits slightly askew, making me think he just pulled it on.

His feet are bare, and his short hair is rumpled.

“Do you have an alarm on my door?” I demand.

Noah smiles, his eyes a little hooded. “I heard the water running in your bathroom.”

“I was just going into the backyard to work for a bit.”

“Let me grab shoes, and I’ll go with you.”

“You don’t really seem like the gardening type—though I won’t object if you’re offering to pull weeds.”

“On second thought…”

I smile. “You don’t have to go with me.”

“Ethan has people monitoring the place.”

My good mood dissipates. “You think they’re watching the back?”

“I think it’s possible, yes. In fact, it’s likely.”

“But won’t they be vampires? It’s past dawn. I can’t believe that many people have volunteered for the clinical trial of the daylight medicine.”

“It’s overcast. Final stage vampires can’t be out long, but they can be out.”

“Okay.” I force a smile, knowing he’s right. “Grab your shoes, and we’ll go together. I’m going to make a smoothie while you get ready.”

“Don’t go outside without me.”

I grunt, turning toward the stairs, feeling very much like a prisoner in my own home.

I’m just twisting the top onto the blender cup when Noah steps into the kitchen. I glance at him over my shoulder. “I made enough for both of us. I figured I’d pour out your portion when it was finished and then add blood to mine.”

He rests a hip on the counter, crossing his arms. His biceps bulge,incredibly distracting.“I don’t want a smoothie.”

“Well, I didn’t want steak before, and you told me to deal with it. So suck it up, because smoothies are what I’m making.”

He doesn’t answer, and I turn on the blender. The frozen banana pieces and strawberries whir together.

“I have subscription bouquets and store orders to deliver tomorrow,” I say loudly, so he’ll hear me over the roar of the blender. “And I forgot I have flowers for a wedding at the end of the month that I need to plan. Thankfully, I pruned my roses early in May, and they’re doing well, so there should be plenty.”

I jolt a little when Noah’s arms wrap around my middle. He’s so solid.