Page 19 of Those That Don’t Exist (Hidden Vampires #1)

AURORA

I t's been two days since the party. Two days since I argued with my best friend and hurt her brother.

Everyone thinks I was the one to shove David hard enough he hit his head, that I flipped out over him trying to kiss me.

For lack of a better story I’m going along with it, lying to protect the stalker who has haunted me since my return to university - the guy I’ve had one brief, and very confusing, conversation with.

It's madness. It must be.

I don’t do this. I treasure my friendship with Claire. The thing with David might’ve been a mistake, for reasons I’m still not willing to unpack, but I think she would have been supportive had I kissed him. At least that’s what she yelled at me when she got home the day after the party.

After telling myself I’d walk back in and give some sort of explanation, I’d chickened out. I’d fled the party instead. I didn’t even bother collecting my stuff. I simply grabbed my phone and keys I’d stashed in the kitchen, and left for our house.

My mind had been reeling the entire walk. It was Bree who called me an hour later to find out where I was, if I was ok. I’d started lying my ass off.

Of course David had told them what happened on the porch, what he remembered anyway.

His version being that we’d been flirting the entire day, then he’d tried to kiss me.

He couldn’t remember the actual shove but it was an easy conclusion to jump to as he came too on the ground, and I was nowhere to be found.

I’d apologised again and again as Claire had yelled at me. She told me David was hurt and confused as to why I’d run instead of saying “no” like a normal person. I did feel bad about that part. Although it was nothing compared to the guilt filling me over wanting to slice his neck open.

I couldn’t blame Claire, she was being a protective little sister. She was also stubborn. After chewing me out a new one she has flat out ignored me for the last two days.

I’d called David yesterday to apologise. We’d talked and he was fine. We left it on good terms, agreeing that dating just wasn’t on the cards for us right now. We were still friends.

Now all I needed was for Claire to come round, this was the biggest fight we’d ever had. I was giving her space for a few days to cool off, spending even more time at the library.

So here I sit at my usual desk, books and laptop strewn across the surface.

I’m reading a chapter not directly linked to my work but it caught my attention.

It’s exploring how Fae families joined the cleansing wars on the side of the Vampires.

About how they played a key role in infiltrating the enemy lines, and on a few occasions appeared to be turning the war in the Vampires favour, until they had been ratted out and killed alongside those they were trying to save from extinction.

I’m about to return to my writing when my attention is drawn away by my name being said from somewhere behind me.

“Look it’s her, that bitch, Rory, who played Claire’s brother,” a girl whispers, but not quiet enough for my demi-Fae hearing. Shit.

“The one who hurt him?” asks a guy's voice. I don’t recognise either of them but as Bree and Claire are on different courses to me there were several people at the party I didn’t know.

“Yes, it's definitely her, I clocked her face as we walked past.”

“Isn’t she the one who had that accident over the summer too?” a second female asks. Double shit.

“Oh, yeah, you’re right. I heard she’s not been the same since. Like in the head. I mean how do you go through that, losing your only parent, and returning to classes only a few months later.”

“I can’t believe she nearly gave David a concussion.”

“I know! She didn’t even stick around to check he was ok, who does that? She’s not mentally sound, I’m telling you.”

I’ve heard enough . I grab my bag, scoop my stuff into it and make a break for it. I try desperately to act like I’ve not heard them. I act as if I’ve finished my work, and am leaving because I’m ready to.

Instead of heading to the exit, however, I head into the stacks. I don’t want them to know I’m running away and heading into the shelves of books seems like I’m going to grab my next one to read.

But as I head down the aisle and away from the open section where all the tables and chairs are I hear footsteps behind me. Are they following me? My breath quickens at the thought of a confrontation.

I don't even look, I just make turn after turn. I know this library well. I find my way to the back staircase and race down to the basement levels. I turn right, then left and a couple more rights until I’m in a back corner amongst books which barely get read.

These are old reference tomes. Only history and classics students come here, it's always quiet.

In my haste I hadn’t noticed the adrenaline pumping through my system. My fingers are shaking, my mind growling at having to resort to this - not that I would’ve had the nerve to confront them.

I was lying. I was covering for someone. I’m not that person. My breathing becomes rapid as my eyes water, tears threatening to fall.

More footsteps sound from nearby, making my heart jump in my chest. I quickly wipe my cheeks and turn to scan the books beside me, tracing a finger over their spines.

I’m not reading the titles though. I’m listening hard.

The footsteps are soft but getting closer.

I brace myself for them to turn the corner.

If it's those assholes from upstairs I may have to confront them this time in order to escape.

Everything goes quiet for several seconds. I release a slow breath in relief, thinking that whoever it was has walked by.

“Red, why are you upset?” a deep voice rumbles to my left. I already recognise it. Ty. My whole body freezes.

I keep my face staring at the books, one finger still tracing the spines.

“Who upset you?” he asks a second question. It’s gentler this time but it’s a lethal sounding calm.

I sense him step closer to my shoulder, feel as he brushes my hair back out of my face with gentle slowness, hooking the strands over my ear. The touch sends a shiver down my spine.

For a second, a voice in my head tells me to let my glamour drop. Which is ridiculous, I haven’t let it down in months around my best friends, why would I want to in front of this stranger. But something in me doesn't like that he’s touching the fake colour.

I remember to respond to his questions.

“I don’t know what you mean.” My voice is steadier than I thought it would be.

“Red, I can see you’re crying. Please tell me why?” He softly applies a little pressure to my shoulder so I have to turn to face him. My gaze meets his and through watery eyes I see the concern pouring from those deep blue irises.

“My life’s a mess right now.” My voice isn’t strong this time.

Ty simply folds me into his arms. I’m immediately aware of being surrounded by his scent, his muscular body. We’ve had one conversation, this should be awkward as hell, but it isn’t. I can’t stop the sobs as my body relaxes into his embrace.

“Sshhh, it’s ok. It’ll be ok.” He holds me against him, resting his head on the top of mine. He lets me just cry into him, it's a cathartic release. I’ve not let anyone see me this vulnerable since my dad died.

Eventually, the tears slow and he pulls back, although keeps his hands on my arms. I want to push straight back into his chest. Instead, I wipe my face with my own jumper sleeve to dry the tears. I must look so bad right now. He must think me crazy.

“I’m sorry,” I whimper.

“Don’t be.” He brushes his hand down my arm. “I’m just concerned. What’s wrong?” He sounds like he genuinely cares.

“Claire’s not speaking to me. I took the wrap for you for David’s fall.

She thinks I hurt her brother. And it feels like everyone on campus is talking about me again.

A group of people were sitting behind me and saying…

” I can’t finish the sentence. “I got freaked out and ran. That’s without what I really felt like doing to David.

I feel like I’m going insane every time I think about it.

” I quietly spill everything I’ve been stressing about. Ty just listens.

“What were they saying?” he asks when I’m finished. “The people upstairs, what did they say?”

“Dumb shit really. I shouldn’t let it get to me. They also recognised me from this summer…” I trail off as I realise what I was about to say. I don't know if Ty has seen my story in the press, or heard about it through the student gossip.

“From you being in a car wreck?” Any hope of him not knowing dies. Great, he’ll pity me like everyone else. I close my eyes and nod.

A low growl erupts from Ty. I look up to find a blazing fury in his eyes and his jaw locked tight.

“Are you a shifter?” I question him. His growl is so animalistic it reminds me of the wolf shifters. Not that I’ve met one as the only remaining pack lives in the Northern Isles but they’re active on social media.

“No. Not a shifter,” he says with a shake of his head. The anger disappears into a wry smile. “It would be fun though, ripping into those pricks with fangs and claws.” His face goes murderous, it makes me chuckle which seems to surprise him.

“Me talking of murder makes you laugh?” He raises an eyebrow, moving a palm behind me so I’m trapped against the bookcase. It reminds me of the fence the other night.

“You joking about it? Yes, although it's a bit of an overreaction.”

“I’m not joking,” he says with real sincerity in his voice, “anyone who hurts you deserves to be put through pain.”

There’s no joking tone in his voice, or his expression. I don't know how to react. Before I can, he breaks the silence between us.

“I’m sorry but I should go.”

“Already?” Sadness washes through my chest, I like being cocooned by this guy. He makes me feel like the world has been put behind glass. It's still there but it's shut out. Just for a little while, I can breathe easier.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t even planning on talking to you today.”

Ok, ouch. I must visibly wince because he quickly adds

“Don’t pout, little Red, I need to get some other things done so I can talk to you like I said I would the other night. I have deadlines to meet, but later in the week I should be able to manage a couple of hours.”

How had I forgotten he’d promised me an explanation.

“You’ll tell me everything.” I make it a statement, not a question.

“Yes. I’m sorry you’ve had to lie, I’m even more sorry for the pain it’s causing you to keep our little rendezvous a secret, but you mustn’t tell anyone.” He’s suddenly edgy, like he needs to get away.

“When can we meet again?” I try to demand but my voice is still a little weak.

“Can I have your phone?” he asks, putting out his hand. I do as he says, unlocking it first. He takes it and opens a new contact, putting in his details.

“This is my number. Don’t change it to my real name. I’ll let you know when we can meet. Don’t call me, but if you need me, message me. Ok?”

I look down at the screen. He’s named himself as Red’s stalker. I smile at the inside joke. I look up to thank him for helping me vent but there’s nothing but an empty passage between the two stacks of books.

He’s far too good at disappearing.

After grabbing a few books I do in fact need, I decide I’ve had enough for today and start walking back to my dorm, typing a message to ‘Red’s stalker’ as I head up the street away from campus.

Thank you

I go to tuck my phone away but get an instant reply.

Red’s Stalker: Anytime Red. I don’t like it when you cry.

I don’t respond straight away but as I’m nearing my house a while later I brave it and type something back.

Did you mean it?

Red’s Stalker: mean what?

You’d take down my enemies with teeth and claws?

It brings a smile to my lips as I remember his indignation on my behalf, like he actually cares about me.

Red’s Stalker: 100% Red, I’ll slaughter anyone you order me too.

My smile widens at this little joke. It’s insane to feel happy my stalker is on my side but here we are. A tiny spark of something ignites in my chest as I reread our messages. I hope that whatever he has to tell me doesn’t snuff it out.

“She’ll come around eventually, give her the week to sulk,” Bree says. She’s leaning on the kitchen counter shovelling rice into her mouth.

It’s the following evening after my run in with Ty in the library. We haven’t texted again. I’m sorting laundry to shove into the machine in the little adjoining utility we have.

“I feel bad, I honestly do. I wish she’d talk to me. I hate that we’re fighting. It's been another day of complete silence between us.”

“You know she can be like this. Remember when she got a below perfect grade last year and she ignored both of us for a week?” Bree reminds me. She’s right, Claire does sink into herself whenever she’s unhappy or working through something. “Have you spoken to David at all?”

I sigh as I pour the detergent in and switch on the machine. “Yeah, we've been messaging a bit, we’re good. I’m not even sure what got into me if I’m honest. I low key liked him but have never thought of taking it further.”

“Yeah, he’s hot. Not worth the drama though.” Bree smirks at me.

“Yeah, I got that.” I roll my eyes at her. “It was nice though, having someone interested in me again, and not just because I’m the poor orphan girl.”

“Maybe you should try dating again, it’s been a while.”

“We’ll see,” I sigh. Ty flashes through my mind as I move back across the kitchen, heading for the archway to our living room, and the stairs. Bree catches me before I get far.

I hear the clang of her bowl a second before her lithe arms wrap around me, she grabs me from behind in a vice-like hug. Heat slams into my body at her proximity.

“It’ll be ok, you’ll see. Come out with me this weekend, it’s a ballet crew outing but we’re bringing extras.”

“Yeah? That sounds good.” I turn, hugging her properly. I inhale, causing her scent to fill my nostrils. My mouth waters.

“Don’t touch anybody.” Ty’s voice rings in my head. Shit.

“Great,” Bree says as she releases me. I squash the urge to close the distance between us again and tilt my head into the crook of her neck so my lips are closer to her skin. So much for no more sinister thoughts. I force myself to step backwards.

“Right, I’ve still got a paper to finish tonight so I’d better get upstairs and write.” I force myself to walk away. My head instantly clears once I’m out of her range. I turn back as I reach the stairs. “Thanks though, for still being my friend.”

“Always, Rory. We may fight but us three are joined for life.” She beams at me before returning to her dinner.

Feeling too drained to study tonight I pick up my favourite novel instead, opening it to one of my most reread sections. I get lost in the pages for a while before my phone dings.