Page 63 of The Blood we Crave: Part Two

We all go radio silent.

The chatter of those around us is louder now that this stiff quiet has fallen. I wrap an arm around my stomach, the temperature falling a few degrees.

Stephen Sinclair stands at the edge of the circle we’ve created. His styled blond hair is in flawless condition, blue eyes cutting through each of us as he holds a calm, poised expression on his face.

“How is the new semester treating you?” he asks coolly, as if he’s only the dean of Hollow Heights doing his due diligence and not a fucking snake in the grass.

Stephen has always been a pompous asshat. Easton gets it from him, honestly. They both walk around as if they own every place they step into. They believe they’re above anyone and everyone.

“How’s my mom?” Alistair retorts, never one to hide his distaste for anyone, no matter how to tricky the situation.

Stephen takes it in stride, grinning. “I was just talking to her. We were discussing your future as a member of the board. I hear you’re thinking of accepting their offer after you graduate?”

I watch Alistair’s jaw tick, Briar’s hand squeezing his so tight that her knuckles turn white.

“Not likely.” He speaks through gritted teeth.

“What a shame.” Stephen frowns a bit. “It would have been nice to work together. But I suppose you have your own path to follow.”

The air is so thick you could slice it with a knife. I can hear my heart beating in my ears.

He knows just how involved we are. He knows we’re onto him.

“Well, I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Give my condolences and let you know I hope they find Thatcher soon. It’s so odd not seeing him with you all.” Stephen beams like it’s a joke.

I will fucking kill him.

If he touches Thatcher, I will bury him my goddamn self, and I won’t need any proof of his guilt to do it. My fingers tighten around the material of my dress, and I feel a warm hand curl around my wrist.

Looking down, I find Alistair’s hand wrapped around my own, keeping me in place.

“Ladies.” Stephen tips his head in our direction, making direct eye contact with me. “Try to be careful. I’d hate to see any of you hurt.”

The night is ending. The music has turned softer, and couples have found their way onto the dance floor. A gentle tune that acts as a reminder that in the middle of chaos, we still have each other.

My anger had deflated after Stephen excused himself, disappearing to mingle with other socialites and board members. With him gone, I try to focus on anything but the Halo.

I smile behind my champagne glass as I watch Rook wrap Sage up in his arms, dancing more as one person than two separate people. They look so in love at this moment that I almost forgot the reason we came here.

Briar and Alistair left just after Stephen excused himself from the conversation, which means I’m trapped here because the two on the dance floor are my ride home.

Deciding to let them enjoy this moment, I slip through the throng of people and work my way up to the second level, looking down from the banister at all the people below.

I walk a little further, my heels clicking against the floor, before I see the two french doors to my right. Trying my luck for some fresh air, I press on the handle, finding it unlocked.

The frosty night air hits me immediately, and I’m thankful I went with a long-sleeve gown. However, it’s not raining, which is a miracle, considering it’s February in Oregon.

The ivy-wrapped terrace I step out onto overlooks the commons. It’s lit up with expensive fairy lights, and I can see a few people leaving the ball to walk to the cars. It’s just far away enough that I blend into the quiet of darkness, yet I can still hear the music from the party.

Below, I see a couple chasing one another in the snow. When the boy catches her, they spin, and their laughter tickles the back of my neck. I rest my elbow on the banister, overlooking two people very much in love.

Valentine’s Day has always been my favorite holiday.

The chocolate and candy are only a small part.

I adore the celebration of love in all of its many forms. Big or small, between lovers or family members. It’s more than just marriage proposals; it’s about reflecting on the relationships you’ve developed.

I love being reminded that despite all the bad, there are so many people in my life that I cherish. As a kid, I was so jealous of all the students who got to address Valentines to classmates. It was the only part of being homeschooled that I hated.

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