Page 102 of This Blood That Binds Us

“I’m sorry . . . I don’t . . . know what that was.” I jumped off of him and grabbed my chest.

My heart was hammering against my ribs, and I was seconds away from a full-on mental breakdown.

“Okay, what the fuck was that?” Zach’s voice was close behind me. “I’ve never fucking seen anything like this before.”

Luke forced me to sit up, and he leaned on his knees in front of me. “I need you to tell me the truth...Have you drank blood in the last month?”

This time, I didn’t hesitate. “No. No, I lied at the carnival. I couldn’t do it...I couldn’t control it, and I was afraid. I should have just said something.”

I ended up hurting the one person I most wanted to keep safe. The irony wasn’t lost on me. Nausea shot up to my throat.

“I’ve never seen anyone not drink.” Zach directed his conversation toward Luke.

“But he just had blood when he bit Kimberly.” Presley was back up to his feet, combing his hands to tame his hair. “Why is he still all...scary?”

“That probably only helped him regain a little control.” Luke frowned. “He needs more. A lot more.”

“I can’t do this. I’m done. I can’t do it anymore.” I shook my head, wanting to wake up from the nightmare I was living.

“Aaron—”

“No. I’m done. This is too much. If she’s dead...I’m dead. If I killed her, it’s over for me. I can’t keep killing people...especially the ones I care about.” I touched my hot face. “You’re just gonna have to go on without me because I’m done. I can’t live with myself anymore. I want this to be over.”

“Look at me.” Luke pulled my hands away. “You didn’t kill her. You want to know how I know? Because you are you. You are still Aaron. You care about her. I know you do. So, that’s why I also know she is out there somewhere, and we’re going to find her.”

I searched for doubt in his eyes. There was none.

“But . . . how . . . how do you know? How are you so sure?” I choked back tears.

I felt five years old again. Begging my brother to help show me a way to get back on my feet. But of all my rock bottoms, this was the lowest. I didn’t think there was a way to keep going.

“Because I’m your older brother. It’s my job to be sure. We need you.” He gently held out his hand, palm facing up.

But I knew it wasn’t meant to help me up. I placed my hand on top of his, and he sandwiched it with his other hand. I completed it with my left hand. It never failed. When Luke held out his hand to me, it felt like he was giving me some of his strength.

“No one is dead. We’re going to find her. I promise.” Luke smiled.

I wiped the wetness from my eyes. Luke always kept his promises.

“What if she ran away and went to the police?” Zach said.

Presley was next to him, still rubbing his neck.

“Then...we will figure it out.” Luke pulled me up from the pile of dry leaves and prickly branches.

“I-I don’t think she would do that.” Presley shifted nervously.

“She just discovered vampires exist. It’s probably her first instinct,” Zach said.

Presley talked through gritted teeth. “I was going to keep this secret for longer, but considering the circumstances have changed, I feel like I have to say it...Kimberly.. .knew we’re vampires.”

My older brothers both turned to me. “You told her?!”

“What were you thinking?!” Zach snarled.

“No, I didn’t!” I interjected.

“Aaron bit her!” Presley gave me a sorry expression. “I’m just trying to help.”