Page 83 of This Blood That Binds Us

“Um.” I stood out of place, not knowing what to say.

On one hand, it seemed completely reckless for me to agree with William on the loose, doing god knows what. But technically, finals weren’t going to stop because of my vampire problem, and being with Aaron’s brothers was the safest place we could be. I just had to get Aaron alone and convince him that telling his brothers was the smartest thing to do.

The fear I felt about telling them dimmed, and I was starting to wonder if William had planted the idea in my head, that telling them was a bad idea to buy himself more time. But why would he need to do that?

“Great! It’s going to be so much fun.” Presley wrapped his arm around my shoulder and stared at Aaron. “Sooo...Chelsea, you’re coming too, right?”

“Of course I’m coming.” Her eyes met mine as she spoke. “I’ll be in the car.”

We waited in an awkward silence for her to leave. As soon as the door shut, Presley went running.

Aaron chased after him. “What was that!?”

They ran through the kitchen and all over the living room, knocking things over.

“I couldn’t help myself!” Presley’s voice echoed by the stairs.

“Hey, this looks fun!” Luke appeared at the side of the room, leaning against the wall, holding a beer.

“Are you kidding?” Zach laughed and headed to the fridge.

“What? What did I miss?” Luke asked.

“The opportunity was staring me right in the face! It was worth it—OW!” Presley groaned.

Aaron had grappled Presley into a headlock. Presley grunted with the tight grip. Aaron maneuvered him around to punch him a couple of times in the arm.When he let him go, Presley skipped away with a smile.

“All of you are to blame for the drama that is about to unfold,” Aaron said through clenched teeth.

“I didn’t know she was your girlfriend...” I smiled, keeping my tone light.

I didn’t want to think about Presley’s comment, not when they were so many other things going on, but I couldn’t help it.

“She’s not. She’s just been telling people that,” Aaron said.

Presley laughed. “She knows it’s not true, either. I just thought I’d humor her.”

“Well, I don’t think she likes me very much.” I gave Aaron a sheepish grin.

“Oh, don’t worry, she doesn’t like anyone.” Zach placed his beer bottle up against the counter and hit the top of it. The bottle cap flew to the other side of the room.

“Yeah, even us sometimes.” Presley rubbed his arm.

Aaron sighed, searching for his keys. “Kimberly, I will come pick you up in an hour, okay? Two hours max.”

Our eyes met, and I wondered if he could see the fear in my eyes. Being split up felt wrong.

He gave me a reassuring look before turning back toward his brothers. “Will one of you walk Kimberly home...please?

“You don’t have to do that.” I instantly got up from my chair.

“Oh, of course.” Presley smiled. “Allow me. I’m a perfect gentlemen.”

“Do you think we’d let you do that after you just got mugged? What kind of men would we be?” Luke strode toward the front door, beer still in hand.

There was no use in arguing with them. All three of them walked me to my dorm, and I spent the next two hours in the common room, where there were plenty of witnesses.

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