Page 90 of This Blood That Binds Us

“Yeah, that’s us. Normal family with normal family problems.” Presley walked a few steps ahead of us, but he turned around to share a twitch of his eyebrows.

“I was hoping this trip would cheer him up, but I think it’s having the opposite effect.” Luke smiled at me half-heartedly, his gaze straight ahead. “Speaking of, are you okay being here with that guy walking around?”

“Um . . .”

I wanted to scream. I wasn’t okay. I had a vampire stalker who was probably there to kill me and possibly anyone else that planned on getting in his way.

“It’s not ideal . . .”

“Are you sure you don’t want us to say something to him? We could probably manage to get him to leave you alone,” Zach said.

“No!” I said a little too quickly. “That’s okay. It’s probably nothing to worry about.”

I didn’t want them digging. Digging could be dangerous. My mind flashed back to William’s black eyes as he whispered in Aaron’s ear. I just need to get Aaron alone for a second.

My thoughts were interrupted as we reached the beach area. Natural pools of water blended into tall weather-painted cliffs. The water was an array of blues blending into a deep green. In the distance, I spied various waterfalls and water slides. More than a hundred people were scattered around, but there was room for more.

“I don’t know about you guys. But I’m ready to actually have fun today.” Presley’s smile beamed. “Let’s go!”

Presley ushered me toward the springs. I stumbled forward, almost losing balance. The others followed in a roar as they charged toward the water.

The water was cool on my skin. I let my hair down, immersing myself completely.

A cold silence rejuvenated my body. I enjoyed my one moment of peace. Upon returning to the surface, chaos ensued.

“Ohhhh, yeahhhhh, that’s the stuff.” Presley let his body float on the water’s surface.

“Finally. . .”

Luke waded in, and the rush of water hit me in the face, causing me to lose my footing.

“Kim, you can hold on to me if you want to.” Zach was a few feet away. He swam effortlessly in a backstroke. His obnoxious splashing stirred the water.

“Wow.” I laughed, letting my legs do the work of keeping me afloat. “You can talk to me like a normal girl, you know? I’m not some delicate little flower.”

“Yeah, I know, but we can’t let Aaron’s special friend drown.” Zach submerged half of his face under water, only revealing his eyes.

“Nah, I think Kimberly can hold her own. Right, Kimberly?” Luke chuckled.

I nodded in agreement. “See? Someone believes in me.

“Fine, but how else are we supposed to annoy Aaron? He’s so protective of you.” Presley spun in circles, letting his arms trail around him like an octopus.

“Trust us. Aaron hasn’t brought any woman around that he gets jealous with,” Luke said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Aaron get like this.” Zach cast a look in Luke’s direction.

“I mean, Aaron’s had girlfriends . . .” Luke started.

“Quite a few, actually,” Presley yelled enthusiastically.

“He’s also had girls that are friends. But never has he ever brought someone around like you,” Luke said.

I swam around to hold on to a rock. My shirt bubbled up uncomfortably as I moved half of my body out of thewater. I shook water out of my ears. “What are you talking about...what’s so different about me?”

Luke smirked. “I don’t know. Whatisso different?”

“I don’t know...really.” I leaned back, letting the water wet my hair again. Anything to avoid full eye contact with either.