Page 78 of This Blood That Binds Us

Aaron moved his hands over his face and groaned. I kept careful watch on William’s proximity. It wasn’t looking good. I couldn’t protect Aaron, and I couldn’t run. I fought the negative voice in my head and my stiff muscles. I’d fight with whatever I could.

“Shut up!” Aaron groaned and placed both hands on the side of his head.

“How long has it been since you’ve tasted blood? I’m guessing it’s been quite awhile,” William said.

Aaron’s hands shook harder at the mention of blood. His body stiffened as he glared at William.

“I just love the young ones. You are so easy to mess with.” William was speaking to Aaron in almost a whisper until his gaze landed on me. I clenched my fist to stop them from shaking. “So...reckless.”

White-knuckling, Aaron pulled his hands through his hair. “You need to leave.”

William’s lips curled with insidious laughter. “You’re making this too easy. Maybe I should just go ahead and—”

As William turned to push back Aaron, I stumbled back at his advance. In the blink of an eye, Aaron placed his hand on William’s chest, stopping him completely. His once-slumped shoulders pulled down and back. Aaron’s head no longer swung low, as he was fully alert. He didn’t look like the same man I knew as he stared William down.

“Stay away from her, or I will fucking kill you.”

A shiver went down my spine. The words came from Aaron’s lips but sounded nothing like him. He stood like a statue. His once violent shaking had stilled.

The forest went silent.

William stepped back, keeping his eyes on Aaron. His face was more serious. “Now, now, no one has to die today.”

He placed a hand softly on Aaron’s shoulder and leaned in close to his ear. With black eyes, he stared at me, whispering something unintelligible to Aaron. Aaron stepped backward, his rigid body relaxed. He deflated before my eyes until he seemed small in comparison to William.

William licked his lips with a chuckle. “This has been fun...but I think it’s time I leave you two to enjoy the rest of your night. Just wanted to pop in for a quick hello.” He walked toward the trees and paused right by the tree line. “I will see you guys around.”

He turned to me with a crooked smile before disappearing into the brush.

Relief washed over me, and I let out a breath.

Aaron stood by the fire, staring at the ground with hunched shoulders. I rushed over to him.

“Aaron! Are you okay?”

The warmth returned to his skin. His face was a mixture of confusion and worry.

“Talk to me. Come on,” I said.

He grabbed my arm to steady himself.

“I’m sorry . . . I don’t know what that was.” He stared past me into the trees. “That . . . was . . . weird.”

“Aaron!” I waved my hand in front of his face and looked behind me, fearful William would come back any second.

His head snapped up, and I could tell he was really looking at me again. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

“That’s the question I’m asking you!”

His fingers were soft as he held my arm. “No, I’m okay. Are you hurt?”

He frantically searched me, squeezing my shoulders.

“Do you not remember? . . .” I said.

“I do. It’s just . . . My head feels foggy.”

The color returned to Aaron’s eyes, and my wobbly legs stilled. He looked like himself again.