Page 85 of This Blood That Binds Us

She sashayed out of the changing rooms with a new pep in her step, and I stood silent for a moment.

I had to stay focused. None of this was going to matter if we were all dead. I wasn’t sure what William was capable of, but I knew he was an older vampire, and I knew he was strategic. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure of his motive, either. He stated I was his only goal, but he’d had so many opportunities to take me before. Like in the coffee shop. But maybe he was playing a game in which Aaron and I posed as his little pawns. Maybe he liked to see us squirm and suffer. I had to convince Aaron to tell his brothers, and to do that, I needed to know what William whispered to him.

I quickly changed my clothes and headed out as quickly as I could. It definitely wasn’t any place I wanted to be for a long time. Something about the crowded changing room made me nervous.

To my surprise, as I walked out, my friends were waiting by the front. The boys’ faces all twisted into smiles.

“Are those...board shorts?” Presley smiled bigger than I had ever seen.

“What?” I opted for board shorts and a long-sleeved shirt. It seemed more practical to me. Plus, I had a scar to cover. “There are rocks and stuff...you know?”

“Totally. Makes perfect sense.” Luke held up his thumb.

“You look great!” Presley and Zach said simultaneously.

But I was starting to pick up on their cues and their mischievous tendencies. “Are we going to go in, or what?” Aaron avoided eye contact and turned toward the entrance.

Chelsea giggled and squeezed herself closer to Aaron. She smiled in my direction, more relaxed. I was thankful there wouldn’t be any more animosity between us.

“We aren’t trying to make fun of you.” Zach walked around to my other side and squished me into the middle of them. “Promise.”

I stumbled around awkwardly and let them lead us through the parking lot and up to the ticket booth. Aaron and Chelsea walked ahead, and I tried not to stare.

I scoffed. “Oh, I know exactly what you were doing.”

“Do tell,” Zach said.

“You wanted me to come out in a skimpy bikini to make Chelsea jealous.” I smiled a little at the thought, then quickly shoved it deep down inside. It wasn’t a competition.

“Holy shit. She’s a psychic.” Zach chuckled, sounding almost proud.

“Or she’s already getting scary good at reading us,” Luke said.

“You guys just want a front-row seat to a real life soap opera,” I said.

“Yes. Definitely, that’s it,” Presley said.

Aaron and Chelsea walk hand in hand ahead in front of me. “Is that why you invited me?”

“Oh, no. We invited you because we like you!” Luke sandwiched me between him and Zach.

“I don’t know. It seems like you guys just worship chaos,” I said.

Zach smiled. “I can see why you’d think that. But sometimes, chaos must ensue for the greater good.”

“She gets it! Damn, Kimberly, you’re already fitting in perfectly.” Presley nudged me.

Happiness bubbled up in my stomach, but I tried not to let it show too much on the surface. It was comforting to be includedin their group. But also guilt-inducing. I wanted them to know the whole truth and rid myself of the heavy weight in my chest.

The air was warm as the breeze hit my skin. The trees swayed, their branches bending softly with each gust. I was stopped abruptly by Aaron’s back.

I stumbled backward apologetically. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.” Aaron ignored me and stared straight ahead. His shoulders were rigid, his fists were clenched.

“Is that the guy?” Presley leaned around Aaron.

“What guy?” Chelsea’s voice chimed.

I peered around Aaron, where William was casually buying a ticket at the counter. He had a big bag and a tent strapped to his shoulders, and he was back to wearing his school attire.