Page 56 of Beasts

“I literally told you and half the guys here to stay a few feet away from Amelia at all times and you bite her. That’s hardly keeping her safe.” He huffs, walking off out of the kitchen. Out of concern, the three of us follow him into the living room where he collapses into one of the armchairs.

“You shouldn’t be mad at Oliver, I told him he could. He actually refused, like a lot.” I say, attempting to rectify the situation.

“Sorry, Amelia.” Nolan sighs, “But you’re not a buffet, you can’t just be available when Oliver is feeling a little hungry.”

“He wasn’t hungry I just-”

“Then why did he bite you?” I literally don’t know how to answer this question without going into detail.

“Seth said he needed to before the play.” He narrows his eyes at Oliver and speaks to him directly,

“After all the shit that has gone down before, I cannot believe you willingly bit her.”

“She-” Oliver goes to say something, but stops after thinking about his words. “Yeah. But I did refuse several times.”

“But you still did it anyway.”

“Oh, Nolan, calm down,” Seth sighs, falling into the opposing armchair, “It’s like you’ve never had sex before. Sometimes biting happens.” Oliver slaps his face and I promptly grab one of the couch cushions and throw it at Seth’s head. “What? Was it a secret?” Nolan’s face is a little surprised, but he otherwise keeps his composure for the moment. Pointing at Seth but looking at us he questions.

“Is he serious?” We don’t answer verbally, just nod our heads. “Huh. I didn’t think a vampire could really be with a human, without a lot of patience I mean.”

“I have patience.” Oliver rebuts,

“As much as I have when walking behind someone on their phone.” They both share a laugh while Nolan scratches the back of his head. “Alright. Fine. I relent. But if she ends up in the hospital at any stage, so will you.”

“Understood.”

“And Amelia?”

“Yes?” I stand up straight, as if I’m somewhat expecting to be told off.

“Go easy on the poor bastard. He has terrible social skills but like I said before, he’s a good guy.”

“Hey!” Oliver shouts, but I just chuckle and nod.

Chapter thirty-one

Blood

The sweltering heat outside drove me to spend most of the day with Oliver in the attic. Contrary to my expectations, the standalone air unit up there created a surprisingly comfortable refuge. Our day was filled with music as we played piano and guitar together, our melodies harmonizing in a quiet symphony. At one point, we caught the triplets sneakily eavesdropping on the staircase, their eyes wide with curiosity. Throughout the day, Oliver seemed more at ease with physical contact, often surprising me with gentle kisses, even playfully pecking my neck.

As evening rolls around, I can hear Hugh shout out into the house that they had pizza delivered and if anyone wants some they should come down. Even though Oliver doesn’t eat normal food he comes down with me anyway. Casually, I take a seat squishing myself in next to Hendrik on the long couch. Kane and Seth are on the windowsill, looking a lot closer than they were a few weeks ago.

“What’s a Fallen?” I ask aloud, making Valentine choke hard enough he required a few back slaps on the back from Hunter and Echo.

“Why are you asking?” Hugh responds. Great, another one returning my question with a question.

“Well, I figure I’d ask while everyone was here, so no one avoids answering me. I asked Seth and Oliver, but they totally avoided it.”

“Where did you hear the term?” Nolan questions. Why won’t anyone just answer me?

“Her birth mother was a Fallen.” Seth answers him, casually still biting into his pizza and being the only one unfazed by my questioning. The room is silent for a moment and a few seconds later, most of them let out an understanding “Oh.”

“That suddenly makes a lot of sense.”

“What makes sense?” I’m so pissed. Reyes comes over and sits on the arm of the couch beside me.

“It’s someone that’s fallen from the Silver City, or figuratively at least.” Silver City? Like heaven?

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