Page 82 of Love Heals
Jared squeezed his hand again. "Don't worry about it. Whatever I forgot, it was worth it."
"You're saying that because you don't know better."
"I'm saying that because I know it's true." And before Silas could shake his head at him, Jared grabbed his chin and pressed their lips together. He didn't let go either, not until he felt the tension drain from the vampire he loved. Then he fixed him with his gaze. "In exchange for your life, it's a small sacrifice."
Silas didn't seem to know how to respond to that, but that was fine with Jared. Silas didn't need to say anything. He only needed to get better. At least his skin didn't look burned anymore...
"Are we going to tell Vlad what you found out?" Remy asked from the driver's seat. "That we know where to go for the prophecy?"
"Do you think that's a wise idea?" In Jared's eyes, Vlad was a bit of a wildcard. The vampire had helped them get rid of Silas's sire, but his motives... those still remained somewhat unclear.
"I get the feeling that we might need him there," Remy said, although he didn't sound happy about it.
"A feeling or a premonition?"
"It's hard to tell anymore," his little brother admitted.
"Maybe that's because you don't sleep."
"I sleep as much as I have to."
Jared didn't believe that was true, but he didn't bother voicing that thought. There was no point in fighting with Remy. Especially not while he needed to be grateful to him and his magical talent. If Remy hadn't had that dream, if he hadn't opened that door...
Jared didn't even want to think about it.
* * *
When they made it back to the house, Vlad was sitting on the front steps. He was studying something in his hand, but whatever object he'd been looking at, he tucked it back into his pocket the moment the car drew near.
"I guess that answers our question of whether or not he'll be involved," Remy said as he parked the car. Still, he didn't sound happy about it, but not displeased either.
"I don't mind as long as he doesn't hurt anyone," Jared said with a side-glance at Silas. Vlad had threatened the younger vampire before. A memory that still made Jared's blood boil.
"I don't think he will." There was a hint of uncertainty in Remy's tone that Jared didn't like, but it was so subtle that he wasn't sure if he was imagining it or not.
For now, he got out of the car, then helped Silas out before approaching the vampire in front of the house.
Vlad rose as they approached. The sunlight didn't seem to bother him at all. Another testament to how old he was? Jared didn't have time to be thinking about Vlad, though. The vampire by his side was still affected by sunlight, after all. "Let's get you inside," he said to Silas. Silas nodded, pressing himself against Jared's side.
"I've been waiting for you to get back," Vlad said, following them inside. "You took the gem with you, didn't you?"
At his words, the gem in question seemed to burn a hole in Jared's pocket. He'd shoved it there without thinking about it. By the feel of it, it was still warm and glowing. Once Jared took it out of his pocket, Vlad would know that he'd activated it. Maybe he already knew. Vampires seemed to have a knack for sensing magic.
Good thing then, that Jared wasn't interested in beating around the bush. "I know where we have to go to hear about the prophecy," he announced without looking at Vlad as he made his way toward the stairs with Silas.
"Where?"
Even without turning, Jared knew that the ancient vampire's eyes were trained on him. It didn’t matter, though. Jared would deal with Vladlater. "You'll have to wait while I take care of Silas."
"I can go upstairs by myself," Silas protested.
It was then that Jared heard raised voices coming from the direction of the living room. Luke was arguing with someone. It sounded like Puck? Jared shot Remy a glance. His younger brother was already on his way to the living room. Good. Remy could deal with the situation. Whatever it was.
Silas had used his moment's distraction, though, to break free from his grip. "Really, you don't have to worry about me," he insisted. "I got your blood. I'm fine. See?" He stretched his arms out as if to invite Jared to inspect him. "I know the way to your bedroom." With that, he turned and walked up the stairs. There was a part of Jared that urged him to follow the vampire, but he knew he had obligations to his family too.
The Seeker Stone was still warm in his pocket.
Wanting to know what all the noise was about, he made his way into the living room. Vlad followed with surprising patience.
