Page 124 of This Blood That Binds Us

“Heyyyy, Kimberly!” Everyone greeted me with excitement and smiles. Even those in The Legion were starting to get used to seeing me around. It was going to take time to learn all their names and faces, but the summer break would be the perfect opportunity.

Presley wrapped me in a hug and spun me. We had quite a lot of bonding time in the car, after I was let go, and we needed to get out of town. We talked about strategy, future plans, and cried together. We were overjoyed when we got the call, and we didn’t actually have to become runaways.

“Oh, Kim.. .I was just explaining to William about how excited I am that they will be living here with us.” Zach forced a smile in my direction, a small gust of wind blew his hair, and he ran his hands through it to tame it.

A long, faint scar replaced the spot where the tattoo used to be. Luke had the same one. A reminder for all of us of the lengths the twins would go to keep us all safe.

All the windows in the living room were open, and the summer air was wafting throughout the room, and the smell of freshly mowed grass was everywhere.

Finals were over. Aaron and I had to ask for an extension due to medical reasons and ended up taking our tests a week late. I passed all my classes with flying colors. Thankfully, my classes for the last semester had been pretty easy. Aaron struggled a bit but passed with mostly Bs and Cs. Luke was proud.

Luke was beside him. Laughter escaped his lips. “Yeah, we are super excited, if you can’t tell. How’s your hand?”

“You know you don’t have to ask me thateverytime you see me?” I joked.

“He can’t help it, it’s his dad instincts.” Presley shot Luke a wicked grin as he balanced himself on the back of the arm chair.

Luke grabbed Presley by his hood and pushed him off the chair. “Shut up!”

“Where’d you get the flowers? Are you guys going on a date?” Zach nudged Aaron playfully.

“No, they’re actually for someone else...” I smiled. “Another girl, actually.”

“Damnnn, Aaron, what’s wrong with you?” Presley crawled on his stomach toward us, still on the floor. “Don’t worry, Kim, I’ll get you some flowers.”

“Thanks, Pres. You’re the best.” A playful smile danced on my lips as I turned to Aaron.

“Do you guys ever shut up?” William rolled his eyes, turning his attention back to Zach.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” I smiled.

William winked at me as he leaned against the wall. I didn’t completely trust him. But neither did Zach, and I knew I could trust Zach to keep an eye on him.

The twins filled me in as Aaron recovered, leaving out no details. Even ones they didn’t need to tell me. I wouldn’t beforgetting anytime soon how The Legion actually felt about the Calem brothers and how they had been found guilty. I was thankful for Kilian, though, and his ability to see a fraction of what I saw in them. It made me a little more willing to trust them, but I wasn’t fully convinced.

“Where is everyone? I know it’s summer break, but it’s really...quiet,” I said, eyeing the empty staircase and kitchen. “That’s the problem.” Zach scoffed.

“They...relocated all other frat members...and are moving in all of their...people.” I could tell Luke was choosing his words carefully. By the look on Zach’s face, I guessed it was to avoid another fight.

“Woah, you can do that?” I said.

“We can do a lot of things. It will be a new chapter. One no one has ever heard of before.” William smirked.

Aaron reached the door and quickly turned the handle. “We should probably get going.”

“Wait! Kim, you’re still coming over later, right? Luke was going to cook you one of his old favorite dishes,” Zach said.

“Wow, thanks Dad!’ Presley joked.

“Oh, I’m definitely coming! I dashed over to Aaron’s side. “See you guys later!”

“BYEEEEEEE.”

Their voices ran into each other in a loud roar. Aaron quickly shut the door behind me.

“Oh, thank god! Sweet freedom!” Aaron jumped from the stairs and spun in the yard.

“You were eager to get out of there.” I chuckled at the exasperated look on his face.