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I’ve never been particularly rebellious, but I feel like some boundaries need to be drawn.

“Piper,” Noah says quietly. “It’s fine. Go sit by your dad.”

Not today. My father and I are practically in a staring match as I lower myself next to Noah.

I canfeelNoah cringe.

“So.” Dad’s eye twitches. “Noah.”

“Yes, sir?” Noah asks, his tone calm and collected. But I know him well enough to hear the nerves in his words. He sits up straighter, giving Dad his full attention.

He wants my father to like him, poor guy.

“How long have you been avampire?” he asks, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Three years. We were tracking a rogue group, and I was attacked.”

Though Dad doesn’t believe a word of it, Mom looks incredibly uncomfortable.

“You said you were a hunter, right?” Dad says.

“I was, sir, yes. I was recently promoted.”

“Sure.” Dad smiles. “How do you kill a vampire anyway? Silver bullet? Or will any old bullet do?”

“Dad,” I snarl.

“Silver is a myth,” Noah answers.

“Good to know.”

The doorbell rings, interrupting the conversation.

“Thank goodness,” I breathe, bolting out of my seat. “I’ll let him in.”

Dad follows me to the door.

“Brian,” he says, nudging me to the side. “Thank you for coming over this late.”

The sheriff’s hair and goatee are peppered with gray. He’s tall and imposing, and he looks like he had a long day. I feel I should apologize for wasting his time, but I’m not sure how that will go over right now, so I keep my mouth shut.

“It’s not a problem, Robert,” he assures him.

“Come on in,” I say. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“No, I’m good. My wife has dinner waiting. I told her this wouldn’t take too long.”

We lead him into the living room, and Cassian and Noah rise.

“Sheriff Thompson.” Noah shakes the man’s hand. “Good to see you.”

I watch Dad, waiting for his reaction.

“You as well, Montgomery.” Sheriff Thompson then nods to Cassian. “Mr. Chevalier.”

“Youknowthem?” Dad demands.

“How much have you told him?” Sheriff Thompson asks Noah.