“Sorry, sweetheart,” Donovan said. He glanced at me with a charming smile as he quickly shut the case and carried an armful of beers toward the campfire.
I took two beers from a cooler, one for Connor and the other for me to make it look like I was drinking. But Donovan’s gesture made me curious as I eyed the case he had been rummaging through. My fingers brushed the metal latch for a moment, then I flicked it open. Inside, I discovered an assortment of weapons: stakes, crossbows, and other Vampire-killing tools. I quickly closed it and opened another case, only to find the same grim contents.
Panic surged within me.
These guys were Vampire Slayers.
I had to get Vail and me out of there. Now.
Taking a deep breath, I returned to the fire, handing Connor his jacket and beer.
“Hey, I think I have to go, it’s getting late.” Before he could object, I assured him, “Vail and I will walk back together. It’s okay.”
“Okay, keep the jacket for the walk home,” he offered. “It’s cold out.”
I took it back, eager to end the conversation.
“Thanks.”
“I’ll see you around,” he said, smiling.
I hope not.
I went over to Vail and whispered in her ear, “Let’s go.”
She didn’t protest. We said goodbye to everyone and walked off down the path into town. She waited until we were far enough away from them to ask.
“Rosie, what’s wrong?”
I took her hand and walked faster.
“How could I be so stupid?” I said, scolding myself. “Vail, they’re Vampire Slayers.” I told her.
“What?” She stopped walking. “How do you know?”
“I saw Donovan opening a case in the back of Connor’s van when I went to get drinks. He left quickly when he saw me. I was curious, so I opened it. And found weapons.”
Vail’s face flushed. “Oh my god.”
I tugged her back along the path, determined to put as much distance between the Slayers and us.
“How did younotknow they were Slayers? I thought you and George were investigating this place for months?” I asked her, my anger boiling inside me.
“We thought Lakeview didn’t have Slayers!” she said. “The only ones I know about are from out of town.”
“Well, you were wrong.”
“Why do you think Donovan went into the case?” she asked.
“No clue, but I don’t think they know about us. If they did, we would be dead.”
I felt disoriented, and my skin was clammy from anxiety that clung to me. Vail chewed on her lip and took my hand, walking quicker down the street, her heels clicking on the cement.
I stopped walking. “Vail, wait.”
“Rosie, we have to hurry and get home! I don’t feel safe out here.”
I couldn’t go home. Not with everything I was feeling. I needed to feed. I needed to get a hot, fresh meal to feel normal again, not crappy cold blood from Vail’s fridge. I felt like I was crawling around in my skin. My hunger was overwhelming.
