Page 36 of Life Blood
“The family gave no sign they had any intention of helping Elle like this. It still seems too suspicious for me. I think we all need to stay alert. Humans don’t just do benevolent shit like this and then leave the area. We’ve all been alive long enough to know that.”
I wasn’t really paying attention to Zac’s excuses, I was too stuck on the fact Jen’s parents did this for mom and me after Jen told me how they felt about us.
“Jen’s parents don’t hate me.”
I did NOT just say that out loud.
“No,” Zac answered with an annoyed expression. “Why would you jump to that conclusion?” He folded his arms and looked at me like I was a moron.
“I don’t know, Zac,” I returned his glare, “I think it was because of a phone call from my best friend telling me that I was a horrible influence on her.” My eyebrows shot up, and I felt tears trying to ruin my hard expression, “Forget it.”
Zac’s lips tightened, and he stood. His honey-blonde hair and cinnamon eyes probing down at me. “Either way, you’re safe. Sorry to tell you, but you’ll be staying here with us until your mom gets out of rehab,” he tossed a napkin on the table, “and until I can figure out why they suddenly decided to do this. I’m out of here.” He stated then took off in a blur.
“What the hell is wrong with him?” I asked under my breath to Braden.
“Why don’t I go and find out before Braden does,” Logan said from across the table with a wink.
Nice. Super vampire hearing.
“No,” I looked at Braden realizing that Zac was about to physically get his ass kicked by him, “I don’t need anyone fighting over me for having to stay here.”
“Aww, the poor little human doesn’t want everyone fighting over her. Get over yourself.” Val said as she rolled her eyes.
“Oh, go fuck yourself,Val,” I said as I felt my blood boiling beneath my skin. I was done defending myself to a group of vampires who had issues with me. They could sort this out on their own. “I’m taking a walk.”
“I’ll go with you,” Braden, Logan, and Cole said in unison.
“Listen, am I safe on the property alone?”
“Yes. We can detect any form of danger that is headed your way,” a pleasant guy with spiky black hair said. “The Banners can sense if you are in danger sooner than the rest of us. Their bond to you gives them that privilege. I think going for a walk alone might give you some time to clear your head. Maybe it will give everyone here a chance to do the same as well.”
“We haven’t been introduced, but thank you,” I responded as politely as I could manage.
“I’m Lucas,” he raised a pint glass filled with dark beer toward me, “Nice to meet you, Elle. I’ll get my coven under control. Sorry for the insults.” He shot Val a glare and nodded at Cole, “Sorry, but you know howsomeof my crew can be.”
“If we didn’t know that, half of your coven would be dead right now,” Braden sharply intoned toward Val.
“Thank you for dinner, Cole,” I said, “I’m talking that walk now.”
I was out of the tension-filled room in record time only to be caught by Braden’s hand. “Let me go with you.”
I turned to face the vampire that, after tonight, I vowed to never piss off. “Can I just have some time alone? This is all a bit too much, and I really need my food to digest tonight.” I laughed, and his expression softened.
“If Zac comes anywhere near you with his piss-poor attitude, I will kick his ass after I’m done with Val.”
I touched his arm, “Leave them alone. I’m sure this is just as fucked up to them as it is to me.”
Braden looked at me sympathetically, “I won’t sit around and let anyone treat you like that.”
“Unless they’re going tokillme?” I smirked, “Trust me, I can handle them and the insults. I’m just glad my mom is safe.”
“Two people in Lucas’s coven are in San Diego watching her just in case this is some weird trap for you. We’re not taking any chances.”
“I really can’t thank you all enough for that.” I stepped away, “Now, I need some fresh air and time to figure out my new life that has seemed to change in like five seconds.”
“I get it,” Braden half smiled. Damn, he was sexy. “Boots will be your buddy for the night. I can’t get the cat to leave your room.”
I laughed. “Good. I’ll enjoy having something normal around.”
