“Thank you.” Bryce’s voice is hard. “I know you didn’t do it, Sherese. I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry.”
His words shock me. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not, and Ava may never talk to me again.” He gives me a slight smile, and I have hope that we’ll be okay going forward.
“Do you have any leads?” I need to know.
“No. The best we can come up with is that a vampire crossed onto the pack property without us knowing. Kelli must have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s not actually what we came to talk to you about. We think in light of things, it’s best for you to lie low for a little bit. Pack members are upset and looking to blame someone.”
His words aren’t a surprise. I’ve already been thinking about it. “I’ll return to the vampires. We’ve been talking about it anyway. Now is probably the best time, while things are chaotichere. That gives you time to deal with things without me around.”
Bryce’s frown has increased while I talk. “I don’t know, Sherese.”
“I do. I need to go back. I told Garrett I’d get them Ajax; I need to follow through. I just want to get it over with.”
Bryce stares at me for a long moment. “If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
“Okay. I’ll tell the team to get ready. They can probably be ready to go as early as tomorrow.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
Both men turn their attention to Hunter, and I know they don’t need me there any longer. I need to pack anyway, so I head to the spare bedroom. After I’m packed, I listen at the door and no longer hear Ryan and Byce. There’s a knock at my door. I open it, unsurprised to see Hunter standing there. “Fight’s on. Want to watch it?”
I don’t have to think twice. “Yes.”
I grab my blanket from my bed and follow him out to the couch. He’s already settled on the couch, watching the TV. I settle next to him on the couch, being careful to keep space between us. He eyes the space and then looks at me. “I don’t bite.”
I roll my eyes and move just the slightest bit closer. “Who’s fighting?” He gives me the rundown, and I settle in to watch. I find myself totally immersed in the fight. About halfway into the second fight, I feel myself growing tired. My eyes get heavy, but I don’t want to go back to my room. It feels good sitting here with Hunter watching the fight; it makes me feel kind of normal. It’s a losing battle to keep my eyes open. I try and fail, but I don’t head back to my room. I want to enjoy this moment as long as I can. But when Hunter shakes me awake sometime later, I know it’s time to head to bed. He stands and puts a hand out to me.I’m surprised, but I put my hand in his and let him pull me to my feet. “Thanks for letting me watch with you.”
“Anytime.”
I walk back to my room, feeling sluggish and tired. But there’s something I want to say, something I’ve been thinking about all night. “Hunter?” I call his name before he goes into his room.
He turns back to me. “Yeah.”
“Thank you for believing me that I didn’t do that.” I don’t have to let him know what I’m referring to; he just knows.
“You don’t need to thank me for that.”
“Well, I’m thanking you anyway because it meant the world to me.”
He studies my face for a moment. “Why?”
“Why?” I repeat back to him.
“Yeah.”
I stare at him, trying to think through how to explain it. I’m way too tired tonight. “I guess it’s just nice having someone in your corner.” When I speak again, my voice is really soft. “It’s been a long time since I had somebody in my corner.”
“Well, you didn’t have me before.”
“And now I do?” I ask. He nods, and I stare at him. I decide I am way too tired for this conversation tonight. “Goodnight, Hunter.”
His face softens. “Night, Sherese. Get some sleep.”
The next morning comes fast, and with it comes the news that we’re flying out today. Hunter and I, Cody, Leo, Alicia, and Bryce will fly close to the vampire location. Hunter and I will walk the remaining miles in. I’ve done a good job keeping my thoughts at bay, but during the plane ride, I can no longer push them aside. Thoughts of returning to the place I said I never would again return to run through my mind, and it’s hard to find that cool I usually have.
