Page 60 of This Blood That Binds Us

Luke followed behind me, and my confidence rose. I didn’t want to admit to Kimberly how nervous I was. If her theory was true, William was dangerous. Questions had to be answered.

As we neared the top of the steps, Luke slapped me on the back. A pat of reassurance. Guilt ruined any ounce of comfort it brought me. I hated lying to him, despite every lie he’d ever told me to my face. This was different. He told them to keep me safe. I was putting us all in danger.

As we reached the top of the stairs, I slackened. There didn’t appear to be anyone up there. The lighting was dim, and the stage lights cast a light show over the ceiling above us, the cool blues and greens long gone. The ceiling was red, and the lights above danced a warm orange. We stepped out onto the wooden floor that made the distinct sound with every step.

“Is that him?”

Luke, the more observant one, spotted him leaning into the corner, who was almost completely disguised by darkness.

“To what do I owe the occasion?”

William’s voice was cold.

“I’ve seen you around before.” Luke took a step forward, and I followed close.

“You have. I’ve attended some of your fancy parties,” William said.

“What do you want with Kimberly?” Luke took another step forward, keeping a protective stance over me. “Whatever it is, I think we can come to an agreement here. You need to leave her alone.”

I matched his stance. “He’s right. This ends now.”

“Oh, so hedoesspeak? Hiding behind big brother, are we? Typical Aaron,” William said.

“I’m not the one hiding,” I said.

“You’re right. How rude of me.” William stepped into the red light, only half his face showing. Something dark lurked in his eyes.

Luke must have sensed the shift. He leaned in closer to me. His shoulder pushed me back a half step.

“Now I thought this was a party? Why so serious all of a sudden?” William smirked, his eyes never leaving Luke.

“You’re one of us.”

Luke’s voice was the one that was icy cold this time. I wasn’t used to it.

William scoffed. “I’m nothing like you.”

Luke talked through gritted teeth and looked at me. “This was your secret. You knew what he was, and you didn’t say anything.”

“Well, technically, I didn’t know for sure...I had an idea, but I wanted to be sure.”

William took another step toward us.

Luke’s voice was shrouded in worry. “We need Zach.”

“Too bad he’s all the way across the building. I don’t know much about you, Luke, but I do know that you’d never leave your poor little brother up here to fight alone.” William’s eyes bore into mine.

“Who are you? What do you want?” Luke said.

“Isn’t that obvious? I want the girl,” William said.

I shook my head. “If that was true, why didn’t you take her before? You had plenty of opportunities.”

William’s eyes finally met mine, his pointed teeth peeking behind a confident smile. “Are you sure you’re not just jealous you weren’t the only one to taste her?”

I wasn’t prepared for the wave of anger crashing into me. Within seconds, I was shaking from head to toe.

Kill him.Kill him.Kill him.Kill him.