Page 79 of This Blood that Bonds Us
“Kimberly’s birthday,” Aaron murmured.
I could never forget. The hike there and our time spent at the lake. All five of us with the unwilling William to accompany us. The Calem boys serenaded me as my birthday present, and I’d never stopped thinking about it. The sight of all four of them and the love they shared overwhelmed me. Silently, I’d hoped it would rub off on me.
My face warmed and tears stung my eyes. “Luke made the best cake I’ve ever tasted.”
“I really miss Zach’s pissed-off scowl. He’d be so annoyed we decided to run off and lay in the snow,” Presley said.
“Luke would love the lights,” Aaron said.
“He’d probably tell us to journal this moment, to write about it in our diaries and tell all our feelings.”
We all laughed. I couldn’t see their faces, but their grief fell into mine. We’d broken our golden unspoken rule to not speak of the twins.
Presley’s laughter sputtered to an end, but a roughness stayed in his voice. “Do you think it was worth it? Sometimes, I wish Blackheart didn’t exist because then it wouldn’t feel like this.”
That place wasn’t their beginning, but it had been the start of something for them. Zach and Luke were secretive, keeping a distance, but finally we’d worked together as a team. They’d pulled back the veil and let their brothers in. It left a mark on them, and it certainly left a mark on me.
“It was worth it. It was just the beginning, Pres. Not the end.”
“You really believe that?” Presley asked, voice breaking.
“More than I’ve ever believed anything else.” Aaron’s voice was strong as he squeezed my hand tighter. “We’re going to get them back. I promise.”
“But what if it costs . . . everything?” Presley asked.
“I’m all in,” Aaron said with a finality and sureness that startled me. I’d needed that answer from him, and his brother did too.
“Me too.” I grabbed Presley’s hand just above my head.
We would get them back, whatever it took. The thought should have scared me, and I knew it would haunt me late at night, but I couldn’t be scared holding the hands of the people I loved most in the world. Instead, as I stared at those bending lights, I felt what could be described only as unfortunate, powerful hope.
Thirty-Three
Presley
“This looks exactly like the Cullen house inTwilight,” I said as we pulled up to a building surrounded by fluffy white trees.
If only Kilian was Carlisle Cullen. That would have made my life way better. Why couldn’t Kilian be a hot vampire doctor?Such a shame.
“It does.” Aaron ogled the house like it was the first time he’d made that connection.
I let Kimberly and Aaron show me the house while I noted all the exits and looked for hidden passageways or secret basements.
“Presley, it’s a pleasure. I’m appreciative of your support.” Kilian held out a hand that I refused to take.
I looked to Aaron for help, and he patted my shoulder reassuringly.
“I’m only here because I want to get my brothers back. Aaron said I don’t need to be nice to you.”
“No politeness needed.”
“Well, I’m here. Can you give me the super speedy version of what’s going on?”
“Right now, we are gathering intel and getting a clear view of the area your brothers are being held. We will have a map of the island soon and hopefully something for the castle grounds. We have witnesses who have seen your brothers. And we’re still evaluating the amount of people they have at their disposal.”
“You’ve seen them?” My heart was beating me up already.
He nodded. “Yes, we have a visual confirmation.”
