My family. The one I could feel getting more and more distant. I needed this night to go well.
“We’re family too.”
This was the problem with Connor. His sincerity. As ruthless and smart as any other vampire, he also possessed an innocence that made it impossible to sustain the barriers I normally encased my cold shriveled heart in.
“Damn it.” I had no defenses against him. “Fine. You can come.”
If there had been a trace of triumph in his expression, a speck of smugness to signify manipulation, I could have denied him. But there wasn’t.
And that was why he got away with things others couldn’t.
His sincerity disarmed me. If he ever weaponized it, I was toast.
“Not a word about vampires though.”
“I understand.”
Did he? Because the bright excitement in his eyes didn’t make me think so.
I yanked open the door and stalked inside. “I’m going to regret this.”
But likely not as much as Connor when he realized letting him come meant watching seven-year-olds who hadn’t quite mastered the use of their limbs dance.
We slipped inside the auditorium as quietly as possible, careful not to create a disturbance that would detract from the performance. I scanned the rows for two empty seats. Hopefully somewhere inconspicuous that would allow me to pretend we’d been here the whole time.
I never got the chance to make a move as a person toward the front third of the auditorium turned. She lifted a hand, summoning us with an imperious wave.
There went my idea of blending into the background.
The thought of disobeying the invitation didn’t occur to me. Vampires were scary; my sister was scarier.
“Into the breach we go,” I muttered before trudging forward with all the enthusiasm of an inmate approaching execution.
It might have been my imagination, but I could have sworn I felt the irate gazes of disgruntled parents burning into the back of my head as we slipped down the aisle. It was hard not to feel self-conscious with everyone staring at us as a line of tiny ballerina’s walked across the stage and started lifting and lowering their arms out of sync.
I sped up, reaching the row Jenna had claimed. The man I’d always considered my father sat on the end. His face brightened at the sight of me and he started to scoot back. He paused as his gaze caught on Connor at my side, something flashing across his face.
“Dad?” I asked in confusion.
The distracted look on his face faded to be replaced by the same smile he’d had at my arrival. This time a little less bright and a touch smaller but still genuine.
“Sorry. Yes. Of course.” He finished making room for Connor and I to slip by.
Going first, I bent over so I wouldn’t block the view of those behind us. Connor was graceful as he navigated the obstacle course of legs, chairs, and belongings.
I, on the other hand, nearly face planted when my foot got caught in the strap of Jenna’s purse, forcing me to grab the back of the row in front of us or fall. The couple seated there turned to shoot me a dirty look. I shot them a conciliatory smile, pretending not to hear the whispered “rude” from the woman as she faced front again.
A blast of chill came from Connor as he eyed the woman’s neck with a calculating stare.
Knowing how protective he could be—and how brutally efficient his retaliation—I slapped his arm in warning. His gaze didn’t move from the woman’s neck. I pinched the back of his hand, my nails digging into his skin when he didn’t react.
It was only when I was in danger of drawing blood that he finally moved his attention from the woman to me.
I gave him a warning look. He was going to behave. Or else. I didn’t know what that or else was, but I’d figure it out.
His lips twitched the faintest bit as he drew his hand out of my grip to pat mine in comfort.
I scowled, not believing his promises for a second. Connor might look amiable and even a little introverted, but he was a stubborn bastard. It wasn’t like the stubbornness of others either. Those who spoke loudly and fiercely. It was quieter. The kind that it took you a while to notice.
