Sam ran his fingers through his hair, pausing for a moment before speaking. “You know,” he began, “Ivy and I have been talking, and I think we’re over it.”
“Over what?”
“The band. It isn’t a big deal like we thought it would be when we were young. And I’m starting to feel like we’ve all outgrown it.”
“What are you talking about? You’re the one who wanted us to travel and grow bigger, always pushing us to practise more,” Connor protested.
“Yeah, well, I’ve changed my mind, and I think it’s time to move on to other things,” Sam replied, his tone resolute.
“Sam, why are you saying this?” Connor questioned, concern lacing his words.
Sam’s voice grew lower as he moved closer to Connor, the sound of crinkling plastic audible. “Bigger ventures are in the works,” he murmured.
“What is this shit?” Connor’s voice also dropped to a whisper. “Are you doing drugs now?” I shot a glance over at Vail, and she raised her eyebrows, still engaged in conversation with Diana but signaling that she had heard it too.
“This is some crazy shit, man,” Sam remarked, shoving the baggie into his pocket.
“When did you start?” Connor’s tone was tinged with concern.
“Let’s talk about this later. Too many ears listening,” Sam replied cryptically.
“No, Sam, talk to me about thisnow. You know I’m here to help you in any form you need it.”
“This isn’t for me,” Sam whispered, his tone grave. “It’s for ourorganization.”
“I’m not entirely sure if I understand what you’re saying, Sam. How are drugs going to help with our Slaying?" Connor pressed, his confusion evident.
“Shhh, shut up,” Sam hissed, moving aggressively close to Connor.
“No one can hear us,” Connor insisted, then added, in a hushed tone, “and Rose already knows about us.”
“Connor, wake up, man. Your girlfriend’s little blonde friend in there, she’s a Vampire,” Sam revealed in a barely audible whisper, sending shivers down my spine.
I shifted my gaze to Vail, and her widened eyes mirrored the dread that now gripped me. “Go now,” I mouthed to her.
A fake smile forced itself onto her lips, concealing the terror beneath.
“Oh my god, is that the time?” Vail exclaimed in her girly voice, abruptly getting up. “Great talking to you guys, but I have work in the morning. I need to go.”
“Don’t go,” Diana pleaded, her hand tightening around Vail’s.
“Walk me out?” Vail requested, turning to Diana. As they passed me, Vail leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek. “I’ll see you at home soon,” she whispered before following Diana out of the room.
Connor returned to the couch, and I hadn’t caught the end of his conversation with Sam. I was too preoccupied with Vail. As he sat next to me and handed me a beer, I kissed his cheek, pretending I hadn’t heard anything from their conversation. I leaned into him, his body a reassuring anchor as my mind drifted to the worst possible scenarios.
“Where’s Vail?” Connor asked. I couldn’t discern his tone, whether he was happy or angry that she was gone.
“She has work in the morning,” I replied, turning my attention back to Donovan and engaging in conversation as if nothing was wrong. Connor’s hand rested on my thigh, and I tensed momentarily. But as I felt Sam’s gaze on us from across the room, I relaxed and leaned into Connor.
What have I gotten us into?
THIRTY-EIGHT
November 6, 1891
My muscles ached from the attack; my body was bruised, and the cut above my eye was scabbed and blue. It took a great deal of effort to get out of bed that morning, but I knew I needed to stretch my legs and explore the mansion. After wandering for a while, a headache began to creep in, so I decided to take a break. I settled down by the fire, curling up with a book, losing myself in its pages.
A sudden draft made the fire crackle; the flames danced wildly in the hearth. I knew it was Draven. Turning to the doorway, I saw him standing there, his skin no longer burnt and bubbled, looking almost as if nothing had ever happened. My heart lurched at the sight of him. I couldn’t deny the feelings I still harboured; they ran too deep to be uprooted.
