Page 38 of Beasts

Nolan runs both of his hands through his hair. “That man is very set in his ways. There's not a lot that we can do or say that will convince him otherwise. Fact is, I've known him a lot longer than any of you. He will only give us three choices. Either Amelia is turned or killed, or Oliver is killed in her place. He will not accept Amelia moving away, and he would definitely not accept Oliver running away, he would hunt them both down and would make sure it hurt too. Additionally, I'd like to say that we could erase Amelia's memory, but it just won't work. Unfortunately, Seth isn't here right now to explain why.” If there wasn't something wrong with me then my memory could be erased and everyone would be okay. There is a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach like something is going wrong. I don't really understand it, but I think I feel like I want to throw up. I also feel like I need to be somewhere, but I just don't know where. I don't know how long everyone has been sitting in this room trying to figure out a way around this situation, but I'm starting to feel really guilty that if there isn't one then that would mean that Oliver might have to suffer for me knowing about them. To be honest though, I think I'd be okay with dying in his place. It would mean that no one here would have to get hurt. I haven't really had friends before, but these boys are really putting themselves out there for me and I just can't let them keep doing that. “Also, where is Oliver?” For some reason I look around behind me, but he's not there. Of course, why would he be? Perhaps he still up in his room trying to sleep off the time he spent awake last night. “Amelia?”

“Yes, what?” He catches my attention quickly. Does he know that all of us spend the night in my room?

“Oliver went upstairs like half an hour ago to wake you up. Did he wake you up?”

“What, no? I just woke up 'cause it was sunny.”

“Maybe he's in his room. Can you go check?” He questions turning to Valentine. Without a word, Valentine leans from the wall and heads up towards the stairs. “I'm thinking perhaps that if we agree to go into lockdown for a little while, then he might be a bit more lenient.”

“As much as I love the idea of being locked in a house with you guys for about six months,” Byron starts, “, I don't think the blood hungry vampire is gonna be totally thrilled with the idea.”

“Maybe we can pretend that we've erased Amelia's memory.” Kane suggests. Actually, that wasn't quite a bad idea.

“His psychic will know immediately.” This sucks, this absolutely freaking fucking sucks. If you told me the only way out of this situation would be to eat lemons for the rest of my life, I would do it with a smile on my face. I absolutely cannot let these guys take the fall for me being here. I shouldn't have run away from that sorority!

“I know what you're thinking, you can stop.” I didn't even notice Hendrik had stood up and come to my side.

“What are you talking about?”

“None of this is your fault. Oliver was going to get into a lot of trouble if you hadn't stepped up and said that you were the reason that he had to include himself in the incident that happened last weekend.”

“And now he might die. How is that not my fault?”

“If you hadn't stepped in, he would have taken Oliver last night, and something tells me we wouldn't have seen him again. The truth is his father is looking for an excuse, and I'm going to say the one thing that nobody else is going to say out loud to you right now. No matter what the choice is between either your life or Oliver's, he will kill both of you.” Everyone around the room shifts uncomfortably.

“Hendrik, you don't know that.” Richard hisses under his breath.

“He already did, that's why we had a spare room you idiots! You really think he's gonna think twice about killing off one human and getting rid of the son that he's been trying to kill off for years?” It didn't occur to me that the person who was living in the house before me was someone that was killed. The guys originally told me that they moved away and that’s why there was a spare room. I can see why they would have lied at the time. Hendrik shakes his head at everybody, turns and leaves the room. His brothers begin to stand to go off to him, but I stop them promptly.

“I want to talk to him.” I say turning and leaving after Hendrik.

Chapter twenty-two

A Note

As I hesitantly push open Hendrik’s door, I’m greeted by an unexpectedly unique space. The room extends upward, revealing the hidden expanse of the attic area, its ceiling towering at twice the height of the other rooms in the house. In the center stands a triple bunk bed, an architectural marvel in itself, each level adorned with its own set of cozy, inviting bedding. The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of posters and artwork, ranging from abstract designs to landscapes, giving the room a vibrant yet personal touch.

Scanning the room for Hendrik, I find no trace of him at first glance. My eyes are then drawn to the top bunk, where a tail flicks back and forth off the edge, signaling his presence. The room has a peculiar charm to it, a reflection of Hendrik's own unique character, and I can't help but feel a sense of intrigue as I explore it with my eyes.

Climbing up the ladder to the top bunk, I sit down cautiously. “Hendrik?” I call out softly. Before me is a forlorn, patchy-patterned cat, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of sadness and reluctance. Gently, I stroke his head, trying to offer some comfort. “I’m sorry I didn’t know. He must have been really important to you.” As his tail halts its movement, I sense a touchy subject has been broached. The room's quirky decor now feels like a backdrop to a more somber story, one that I'm only beginning to understand.

“I might not have the full story, but your reaction earlier spoke volumes. Were you able to trust him with your secret?” I ask, my legs dangling over the edge of the bed. In this moment, the room feels like a sanctuary, a safe space where secrets and vulnerabilities can be shared without judgment.

Transforming back into his human form, Hendrik lays his head in my lap. I continue to run my fingers through his hair, which oddly retains a feline texture. It's a comforting act, and I find myself feeling a deep, brotherly affection for him. In this room, under the high ceilings and surrounded by the remnants of Hendrik's unique world, I feel a connection that goes beyond mere housemates or friends. There's a bond forming, one that feels like it could grow into something akin to family.

“Yeah, he knew,” Hendrik responds, his voice tinged with melancholy.

“So you were close then.”

“As close as you and Oliver,” he retorts, causing me to tense involuntarily. “I figured as much. When you mentioned your fear of vampires, I suspected Oliver would be drawn to you.”

“Why’s that?”

“He distances himself from his family for more reasons than one. Sure, he’s an anomaly in their world, but I also think he despises being a vampire. Can’t blame him, especially with a family that’s quick to eliminate his friends.”

“How often has that happened?”

“Technically, four times. But effectively, three.”

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