Page 27 of In His Veins

Massaging my stomach, I climb into the shower, doing my best to alleviate my cramps. I woke up this morning with blood on my sheets, and despite rinsing them immediately with cold water, the stain seems unlikely to lift. I suppose I should feel grateful that I’m not pregnant. What’s the loss of cheap sheets compared to getting pregnant with my stalker’s baby?

I spend so long in the shower that I realize I’m going to be late for dinner. My hair is still damp as I run to my car. I’m pulling out of the apartment complex when I call Jax. He answers on the second ring.

“Hey, Avie, where are you? You still coming?”

“Hey, sorry. I’m on my way, just a little late. Is everyone already there?” I can hear laughter in the background.

“Yeah, we’re just waiting on you, but don’t speed. We can wait.” I roll my eyes as my speedometer clocks me going 15 over the speed limit.

“See you in a few,” I say before ending the call. I tried to get out of this family dinner so many times, but my parents insisted that it was important. Despite the insane things happening in my own life, I’m as curious as ever about my brother’s best friend, Callum Drake. They’ve known him for almost half their lives, and I’ve never met him.

My brothers claim that he’s a recluse and that they are his only family, but that’s only made me more anxious to meet him. The twins left home when I was only 6 and Chase left 2 years later. It was hard not to feel a little abandoned since most of my later childhood was spent without my brothers. Now that I’m older, I’m determined to know them, which includes knowing someone they consider family.

I flip down my visor mirror and run my fingers through my hair. It’s as damp as it was 10 minutes ago. I wipe a rogue smudge of mascara from my brow bone, before folding up my visor and stepping out of my car.

Chase and Jax’s cars are the only two in the driveway as I scamper up the steps. The front door has been left unlocked for me, so I let myself in.

“Hi!” I call out. “Sorry I’m late. I would say something about bad traffic, but I think we’d all know that was a lie.” My mom appears from around the corner and pulls me into a big hug. She smells like vanilla and I let myself relax into her for a moment.

She pulls back to look at me, still holding my arms. I like to think that my mother and I resemble each other. Her hair is dark and long like mine, but she usually leaves it in a tight bun, reminiscent of her ballet days. She’s petite like me and has a soft, open sort of face.

“Oh honey, you look exhausted. And what’s with this long sleeve? You’re going to burn up in this.” She looks disapprovingly at my outfit. I brush her off before she can investigate any further.

“I’m fine, momma. What’s for dinner?” I follow her into the kitchen and freeze as I see the man standing next to my father. He’s mid laugh when he sees me, quickly settling into a smirk.

“Who-” I start, but Chase cuts in.

“Ava, this is Callum, our good friend and business partner.” Callum crosses to my side of the kitchen and I take an involuntary step back. He extends his hand to me.

“Everyone calls me Cal. It’s nice to finally meet you, Ava. I’ve heard a lot about you over the years.” I take his hand.

“Likewise,” I say weakly. His eyes are dark blue, and I can’t look away. He drops his hand first, stepping back. The room is quiet before Cal clears his throat, and then addresses my family.

“Thank you all for having me. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m happy to finally meet you.” The tension in the room evaporates as my mother ushers him toward the stacked plates and explains the food she’s arranged in a line on the bar.

My rage is nearly palpable as I watch him scoop food onto his plate. A moment later, Lucas nudges me toward the plates after Cal. I curl my shoulders inward to keep my arm from brushing against Cal, but he leans toward me.

“Care for some green beans, Ava?” he asks, holding a heaping spoon next to my plate. I glare at him, horror preventing me from speech. He shrugs before turning the spoon onto his own plate. I feel numb as I follow him down the line and don’t pay attention to anything I put on my own plate. He suddenly leans toward me again and whispers close to my ear.

“Sleep well last night?” I whip my face toward his, nearly getting distracted by his dark eyes. They’re hooded, but gleam with sick excitement. He doesn’t wait for my response before taking his plate to the dining room table. I have no choice but to follow, choosing to sit on the opposite side of the table, as far from him as I can get. The room is quiet until my brothers filter in. Mom brings in wine glasses and goes around the table pouring wine.

“How’s work going, Angel?” Jax asks as he sits down with his food. My other siblings are focused on their plates, but I know they’re listening. Jax is sitting next to Cal and, although I feel his eyes on me, I focus on my brother.

“It’s tiring, but rewarding in its own way.” I hear my father scoff quietly and I cut a glance to him. He, too, seems focused on his food. I choose to ignore him.

“I have great coworkers, too, which helps,” I add. Jax nods sagely.

“Coworkers can really make or break a job. What about painting? Been doing anything fun lately?” I chew a quick bite of my food before answering.

“Yes, actually. I’ve been working on a new series, and I just submitted them to a gallery yesterday. I’m still waiting to hear back, of course, but I’m hopeful.” Cal’s attention hasn’t left me, and I struggle not to look at him.

“That’s great! I’m really proud of you,” Chase adds. I look at him meaningfully when I respond.

“Thank you. Paige encouraged me to do it.” Chase’s look sours, making me smile triumphantly as I take another bite.

“Good luck, Ava. What gallery is it?” Cal asks. Hearing my name in his mouth makes my stomach twist. I look at him with disinterest as I respond.

“Amera Gallery.” My voice is icy, but he nods as if unbothered by my tone.

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