“Because the author lives in this mansion,” I said slowly.
Caleb made a tiny sound of bewilderment. “Huh? Wait, it’s not Pierce is it?”
“No, it’s not,” I told him. “It’s his brother, Adriel. I found his notes in his office.”
“You’re making this up,” Caleb muttered. “The guy hasn’t published anything for ages. Besides, he’s probably ancient by now.”
It wasverydifficult to hold back my chuckle. If only Caleb knew.
“Well, he’s not young,” I said. “But he looks damn good for his age, if you know what I mean.”
“Okay, you are acting so weird,” Caleb said. “It sounds like you’re in some fantasy realm where nothing makes sense, and everyone’s rich and famous, and… old?”
I shrugged, even though I knew he couldn’t see it. “I don’t know how to explain it.”
Caleb let out a snarky chuckle. “Knowing you live in that creepy old mansion with rich men? It’s almost likeyou’rethe one obsessed with vampires now.”
My mouth went dry. I paused in shock, but I knew I had to say something before I was quiet for too long and Caleb began suspecting something.
“Funny,” I forced myself to say, even though it was weak and I could’ve done better.Idiot!
Quickly, I added, “My life does feel different, though. Better. Even though I’m going through a lot of big changes, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“Hm,” Caleb said. I winced, knowing he was a bit suspicious now. “Okay, well…”
Please for the love of god, change the subject,I begged mentally.
“What does he look like in real life?” Caleb asked. “You said his name is… Adriel?”
“Yeah.”
“So weird. I - and all his fans - know him as A. T. Ainsworth.” Caleb hummed in thought. “Is it a pen name?”
A.T. Ainsworth… The initials must stand for Adriel Tenebrae.
“Sort of?” I answered. “I’ve never heard the last name before, so I think he made it up.”
Caleb practically squealed. “This is so cool! I didn’t think you were serious at first, but now I’m getting all excited!” He gasped. “I know you said I can’t come visit, but do you think he could ever come and meet me? Oh my god, I woulddie.”
“Please don’t,” I said cheekily. “I spent a good amount of time and effort making sure you stay alive.”
He laughed. “I know, idiot.”
Then Caleb went quiet. I knew I’d said too much earlier. My brother was too smart for his own good, and was probably trying to figure everything out in his mind.
“Seriously, Benji,” he finally began, more sad than angry, “I miss the hell out of you. I want to see you. I don’t know exactly what’s going on with you and your new family, but it makes me feel like crap.”
“Caleb…”
“I don’t want to lose you just because you found some guy,” he continued. His voice broke slightly, revealing how upset he was. “Can you please just… ask? I need to see you. And I want to be there for the baby.”
My throat tightened and I nodded. “Okay. I promise we’ll figure something out.”
Guilt settled over me. It wasn’t fair to my brother to live without me just because of my unexplainable situation.
My guilt turned to determination. “I’m sorry. I miss you, too, Caleb. Look, when Pierce gets home, I’ll talk to him about it.”
“Thanks, Benji.” I could hear Caleb’s smile in his voice. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired as hell.” He chuckled. “Do you even know how late it is? Seriously, if I didn’t know any better, I’d start to think youwereliving with vampires or something.”
