Page 89 of This Blood That Binds Us

“I guess this is where we part. Thank you guys for having me. Enjoy your time.” William collected himself, and my “bodyguards” shuffled me toward the back. Despite being smothered by them, William continued to make eye contact with me. “See you around.”

We watched in silence as he disappeared toward the swimming holes. A lump settled in my throat.

“Nothing we can’t handle.” Luke spoke slowly as he ushered our group in the opposite direction.

“I don’t like him.” Zach wiped the tip of his nose and rocked back on his heels.

“The guy did buy our tickets. That’s a couple hundred dollars.” Presley moved around excitedly.

“He had money. Does that make him a good person?”

Aaron’s emotionless expression never faltered.

“He’s gone. Kimberly’s safe. So, for now, I don’t think we should focus on him anymore.” Luke walked over to Aaron. “Besides, I think he is just trying to get under your skin.”

“Oh, it’s working!” Presley chuckled with a mischievous smile.

“Food! Did anyone bring food? I’m starving,” Chelsea said from behind.

We shook our heads.

I still felt a little sick from rafting, not to mention the constant emotional whiplash of dealing with William.

“Aaron can take you to the food court. We can take Kimberly to the water.” Presley’s voice raised in excitement.

I tapped my foot and looked around. I didn’t want to split up. Splitting up meant one or both of us were in danger.

Chelsea smiled. “Come on, Aaron, let’s go!” She dug her other arm into her bag and pulled out her wallet.

Aaron stared at his brothers as if they were talking telepathically. “All right. I’m coming.”

After one final look behind me, we walked toward the springs, and the boys erupted into casual conversation.

“Hey, do you think something is wrong with Aaron?” I turned to Luke. “He has been ignoring me all day, which I assume is because of Chelsea, but...he is just acting strange.”

Luke’s gaze floated to Zach and then back to me. “Yeah, we noticed that. It’s not just you. He’s been—”

“An asshole,” Zach reassured.

“Well, I just...don’t know what to do.” I kicked the dirt as we walked toward the springs. “It’s so...unlike him.”

“I grilled him in the kitchen, but he wouldn’t tell me anything,” Luke said.

“Did something happen at the campsite?” Zach walked next to me with his hands in his pockets.

I paused a little longer than I should have. “No, everything was.. .fine.”

“I just ask because, when you guys came back, he seemed off.”

“But he’s been off in general, so...” Presley said.

“W-What do you mean?” I said.

Echoing laughter, splashing, and yelling rang through the mountain’s walls as we continued on.

Something shifted in Luke’s voice. “He just hasn’t been our biggest fan lately.”

“Well, all families have issues.” I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible.