He paused briefly and then diverted his attention out the window, as if my question made him uncomfortable. “I gave him cough medicine.”
I sat forward, narrowing my eyes. “Cough medicine? There’s no way cough medicine could help heal a broken bone.”
A one-shoulder shrug. “I may have added some of my blood.”
I blinked. “Your blood?”
He turned to face me. “It has healing properties. It probably wouldn’t fix the break entirely—it has its limits, especially for humans—but I thought after all he’d been through …” he waved a hand dismissively, “it would help.”
I wasn’t sure whether to be horrified he’d fed a child blood or softened by his desire to help.
I cleared my throat. “Alright.”
“Alright?”
“You helped, that’s all that matters … I guess.”
Dinner wasa noisy and messy affair. Karson and Michael went looking for Leah. Georgie read the kids bedtime stories; Lottie was already asleep by the time I came in to say good night. I stood by the door, watching Georgie. She was lying with Billy’s head rested on her shoulder. She looked up and smiled, and I felt my chest loosen; my friend was back. Georgie finished the story, kissed Billy on the forehead, and climbed out. I said good night to Billy and turned off the light as Georgie left the room.
“Amy,” Billy called out.
I half twisted back. “Yes, sweetheart.”
“My mom is a vampire now,” he whispered.
A flood of emotion soared through me. Did I lie to him? I couldn’t protect him from the truth he already knew. I went over and sat on the edge of the bed, smoothing down his hair. “I know, Billy, I’m so very sorry.”
“You believe me, then?” He pushed up on his elbows. “The police, they didn’t believe me.”
“I believe you, Billy.”
“She killed Mack and the lady. Why did she do that?” Tears welled in his eyes. “Mack was my friend.” His voice shook. “He was my best friend.”
Tears stung my own eyes as I wrapped my arms around him. “I know, sweetheart. I know. When vampires are new, they can’t control what they do, so your mom wouldn’t mean to hurt anyone, but she can’t stop herself. It’s not her fault. She loves you both very much.”
“What will happen to her?” he asked, scrubbing his face on his pajama sleeve.
How did you tell a child their mother would probably have to die? There was always hope that Karson could get her the help she needed. I scrambled for the right answer. There were some truths that were too painful, too horrific to tell.
“I’m not sure,” I said at last. “But you’re a brave young man and you have Lottie, so no matter what happens, you’re both going to be alright.”
He choked back a sob. “Who’s going to look after us now?”
The pain in his voice almost brought me undone.Don’t cry, I told myself.Don’t cry in front of him.
“We’ll find someone wonderful, I promise you that.” I ran a hand through his hair and kissed the top of his head. “Go to sleep now. You’ve had a huge day and it’s getting late.”
I went to our room and cried for that little boy and his sister. And I cried for the little girl inside me who had felt so lost, afraid, and alone for all those years. I cried until I fell asleep.
Chapter 24
You’re Not Alone
Something woke me. My eyes shot open and I scanned the darkness, peeling back the layers. I couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but there was a deep knowing that someone was here. A soundless voice that whispered,You’re not alone.
I lay completely still, listening. From down the hall, something slapped against the side of the house. I glanced at the clock—it was three a.m. Pulling the comforter back, I rose. I had fallen asleep still dressed in yesterday’s clothes. Padding barefoot, I checked on the children; both were nestled beneath the covers, sound asleep.
The wind whipped around the house, howling against the trees. A draft breezed over my body. Where was it coming from? I shivered and rubbed my arms. Maybe the wind crept through a crack somewhere. I could no longer feel someone around, and I would feel the vibration of a vampire if one was near. Exhausted, I considered climbing back into bed, but I knew I wouldn’t sleep until I confirmed there was no one lurking. My phone was still in my room, along with my weapons. But I wouldn’t need them.Just look, Amy, and then go back to bed.
