Page 53 of Guarded By Death

Before I can protest, we're no longer behind the rocky barricade but standing on what I think is called the Bow of the ship, the front.

I turn towards him as I see the shore in a faint distance, our umbrella on the sand looks like a dot from way out here.

I hit him playfully. "What about the captain?" I whisper against the strong winds.

"Passed out drunk, already checked." He shrugs and I admire the boat for a moment.

"Beautiful," I say in awe as my eyes dart to the glossy dark wood that our feet stand on, and the massive sail as it whips in the wind.

Pierce smiles before turning me out to the water, he lifts my arms reminding me of Jack and Rose as he whispers in my ear. "You are the most beautiful."

My heart flutters in my chest at the calm, perfect moment we share on our last day of vacation.

Thirty

Damnit, Zack.

That night after arriving home from Brian's beach house mom excused herself to her room, exhausted from the fun we had.

To my dismay, Pierce had to leave for the night.

He made me promise to stay in, and that he would be back around six in the morning.

I would have kept that promise.

If Zack didn't text me an urgent message needing my help.

Now, I'm in the car rushing to his house. Trying to keep myself calm as I speed down the road. If my body or mind gives even the slightest indication that I’m upset, Pierce will be sitting next to me in no time. I dial Kayla's number on my phone.

"Hey!" she answers, on the first ring. Now that I know Zack kissed me I don't want to meet up alone with him, but he's still my best friend and whatever is going on sounds urgent. Pierce will be less mad if I drag Kayla in, right?

"Hi, I was wondering if you were busy?" I say, with a hopeful tone.

I can hear her smile through the phone, "Not at all, wanna hang out?"

"Actually, I need your help. My friend from the hospital, Zack... somethings wrong."

I can hear her rummaging through something, "Say no more, I'm at the pier come get me."

Guilt floods me, "Oh no! If you're out with friends I don't want to interrupt your night."

She laughs. "Girl, I'm by myself at an ice cream shop using their wifi to study."

Small world. "Pop's?" I ask.

"That's the one!"

I smile. "Be there in five." I hang up, so thankful she was available.

I'm so nervous about what may be going on with Zack that I feel like I'm going to throw up at any minute. But, I'm keeping my heart rate calm somehow as I weave through traffic.

It's midnight. Whatever is going on, I hope I get back on time before Pierce returns.

I know he hates him, but it's not that Zack is a danger to me. Besides, to keep them both safe I will refuse to go anywhere crowded. My logic is, if it's the three of us in the car or somewhere where no one is; then a demon won't be able to enter anyone's body. Brilliant, I tell you.

My tires squeal as I slide in front of the pier, Kayla hops in with her bookbag. "Thank you so much," I tell her, peeling out once she buckles herself in.

"No, thank you for saving me from studying. I never get to go out, and I don't have anyone to go out with,” she admits sheepishly.

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