Page 45 of This Blood That Binds Us

I wasn’t prepared for the sudden rush of heat in my face.

“Why would you ask me that?”

“You’re blushing, Burns.”

“Can we focus? Please?”

He shook his head. “Right! You’re right. I’m focused, and I have news!”

We took a seat in one of the concrete benches that had a view of the street and the horseshoe drive across the street. A grassy park was just behind it, with kids playing and a couple having a picnic.

In the two weeks since the night of the frat party, Aaron and I had found zero leads for the vampire in town. Nothing in the news about animal attacks or any other attacks on campus when we had checked the sheriff’s log. I had suspected someone had been in my room when I went back for the first time, but I didn’t have any evidence other than an out-of-place sticky note and a shirt on the floor I didn’t remember wearing. But I wasn’t one hundred percent sure I was thinking clearly, considering everything that was going on at the time. I was thankful for the change of locks, though.

“Well, I had an opportunity to ask Luke some stuff. I guess vampires are a pretty big deal if there is one stalking you. They aren’t very common, I guess. Not like the movies. He said they come from places of power.”

That sentence could have meant so many things. Places of power could refer to anything. Government, money, religion.

“So, the chances of me being attacked by a random vampire are pretty slim, then?”

“Slim but not impossible, I don’t think. There are probably outliers and strays. Take me and my brothers, for example. I doubt we’re the only exception.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Did he mention any kind of spidey sense for vampires?”

“I asked about that, too. Apparently, nada. And honestly, maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I don’t think it’s The Family. Luke said something yesterday he’s never mentioned before. He said they’ve killed people he knows. It just got me thinking...”

“Yes?”

“I just have a hard time believing a member of The Family would go through the trouble of stalking you on campus and not take your blood. Wouldn’t they just kill you? And if they’re so powerful, wouldn’t they just come right out and take us? I mean, we’re right here, in broad daylight. It doesn’t add up.”

“Good point.” I kicked at the concrete. “At least we have a good place to start.”

If Aaron was right, then that could be a good thing. One vampire we might be able to handle without getting anyone else involved, at least in the beginning. A straggler vampire made the most sense, and that made me feel better. One was better than a mob, and I was sure I didn’t want to get involved where The Family was concerned.

“You don’t have to worry, though. I won’t let anything happen to you. I know that’s the most ironic statement of the year, coming from me, but you can count on me.”

His smile was warm again, doing that thing where it made me feel like I was floating. It came with no strings attached. No pressure.

“Yeah, I know,” I said, slowly.

I trusted Aaron in a way I knew he wouldn’t hurt me, but I wasn’t sure I actually trusted his protection. But that wasn’t his fault. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever trust anyone else for my own protection other than myself.

“All right, I have to ask you something that’s been bothering me, and you have to answer honestly.” Aaron hung his head, and I nodded for him to continue. “Do you think I abandoned you at the party? Because, looking back, I’m annoyed that I got too drunk, and I feel like, if I had stayed with you, then none of this would have happened.”

“No. I don’t think that.”

“You’re sure?” Aaron creased his forehead. “I didn’t make you feel bad or...lonely?”

There was that word again, haunting me, even in the daylight.

I swallowed. “You don’t have to worry that much about hurting my feelings.”

“Why not?”

“I’m a big girl. I don’t need you to worry about stepping on my toes. I can handle it.”

“That’s not even a question. I know that. But if I’m being an asshole, I want you to call me out on it. Because I’m stupid, and I’m going to make mistakes. Promise me you will?”

I was speechless at first, surprised by the seriousness in Aaron’s eyes and the conviction in his voice.