Page 35 of Bite Back
ASHER
I’m a man of action. I can’t just watch Delilah sink. I need to do something about it.
I pull her onto the back of my bike, and she hangs there, limp like a rag doll. Gingerly, I slide my hands over hers, positioning her so she can grasp my waist. We snake our way through the streets, leaving New Haven and heading towards the coast.
A few towns over is a cute beach town, all red brick storefronts and windows shaded by colorful awnings, faded in the salt air.
When we round the corner to main street.
I pull up in front of the shop I’m searching for.
There’s no problem that ice cream can’t make at least a little better.
The shop’s a two story brick building. Mums bloom in the boxes under the windows, and a white and lavender striped awning hangs over the pastel pink front door.
When I jump off the bike, Delilah stays seated. I twine my fingers in hers as I lock up the bike before gently guiding her off and towards the shop. I twirl her around to face me.
“Hey.” It comes out softly, more a question than a greeting.
“Hey.” A faint smile stretches across her lips, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. I brush back the hair that’s fallen over her forehead.
“We’ll find him, Delilah.” Tears well in her eyes again. “I promise.” I’ve never meant anything more in my life.
“Promise?” Promises don’t mean much to her any more. Luka made sure of that.
“I promise.” I read it written across her features. She doesn’t believe me yet but she wants to. And you know what? I’ll take it. “You want to go in?” I gesture at the ice cream store with a dramatic flourish.
Her smile broadens into a real grin, crinkling the corners of her eyes. “Sure.” She grasps my outstretched hand in hers, and we head inside the store, shop bell tinkling behind us.
“I didn’t know they made blood-flavored ice cream.” I didn’t either, not before last night. But when I researched the area last night, I added on a search for vamp friendly eateries to my usual deep dive into the geography and layout of my destination.
“Consider me your tour guide extraordinaire.” I tip an imaginary hat, and she rewards me with another smile. “You haven’t even seen my best trick yet.”
“Oh?” She raises an eyebrow.
“Follow me, madam.” I sweep her down the block, rounding the corner.
“Oh.” Sprawling in front of us, the ocean stretches on and on, uninterrupted.
Soft waves lap the sandy shore, entirely devoid of other beachgoers.
The remnants of the sunset crest over the horizon, painting the sky in smears of golds, oranges, and pinks.
The moon hangs low, a gentle swooping crescent set among the cotton candy like clouds.
In this light, the waves look almost iridescent, each peak and crest catching the fading light of the sun and the silvery kiss of the moon, sparkling like a million gems. I’m transfixed by the scene in front of us.
Delilah walks to the end of the weathered boardwalk and ventures into the sand. I kick off my shoes and pull off my socks, my toes sinking and curling into the damp welcome of the sand.
We pad to the middle of the space and sink down. Delilah leans her head against my shoulder, and I note with a flood of gratification that she’s finished her cone. In the fading light, her hair is redder than ever.
The gentle lap of the waves drives the doubts from my mind. We have so much to figure out. But not here, not now. For now, this is enough.
The sky blooms a deep midnight blue, and stars wink in and out of view overhead. Delilah tilts her head up. “I can see more stars in the city since I turned, but this is unreal.”
I’ve never wished I was a vamp before. Not after everything that happened. But as I watch Delilah take in the sky, I wish I could glimpse what she does. Because I’m sure it’s beautiful. Just like her.