‘Oh,’ Tim said. He’d raked a hand through his hair and digested this piece of information. ‘But if it doesn’t work out with him, maybe you couldconsider—’
‘I’m getting him back!’ I’d hissed and left abruptly.
Seriously? Like I’m going to give up on Elliott and choose Tim instead? That’s not happening. I can’t understand why he’s so determined for me to turn him. I’m finding it hard to believe that he has strong feelings for me, though he says he does. We haven’t seen each other for forty years!
I suppose I could have poked around in his mind to glean his thoughts, but I was too pissed off to do it then and there. I will when we get back to the house, though. His attitude is bugging me.
Floss gives a distressed cry up ahead.
Me:What’s happened?
Floss:Damian’s gone off-piste!
There’s the sound of crashing branches on the left.
Me:Shit!He’s making a hell of a racket!
Floss (mournfully):I know.
Hester:We’ll have to follow him. Try to contain him somehow.
‘Babe! Babe, come back!’ Floss starts pushing through the undergrowth, and there’s nothing for it but to plunge in after her. I hate the feel of sharp twigs scratching my arms and legs, but they’re tiny cuts that heal instantly. Luckily, it doesn’t go on for too long. Hester and I emerge into a clearing to discover Floss has managed to grab Damian’sarms and is keeping a firm hold on him. Thank the Lord!
A branch snaps in the distance, and Damian’s head whips up. He sniffs the air in a concentrated sweep.
‘What’s he smelling?’ Hester whispers to me.
‘I don’t know. A wild boar perhaps?’ I reply, unable to detect anything either.
Damian hears me and growls, ‘Let’s chase it!’ It’s the first sentence he’s spoken since he was turned, and I’m a bit shocked at how husky his voice sounds.
Floss giggles as if she likes it, and her arousal permeates the air. I assume he talks like that to her in bed. Jekyll and Hyde indeed!
Before I can make a snarky comment, Damian’s off again, tearing through the trees. I sigh. This is going to be a long night.
***
We give chase, leaping over fallen logs, dodging trunks, and ducking under branches. We’re going deeper and deeper into the forest, which concerns me. I thought this would be a quick jog. Now it feels more like a Tough Mudder event.
Me:Where the hell is he going?I would’ve put on trainers if I knew we were going forest bashing.
Hester (gasping):Don’t tell me you’re wearing stilettos!
Me (scoffing):Please! I’m in Converse, but not the ones designed for running.
Floss:Guys, this isn’t good.
Me:Duh, what have I been saying? My shoes are getting ruined.
Floss:No, I mean I’m getting blood bond activation.
Me:With Damian?
Floss:No, someone else.
Me:Oh shit. That means ...
Floss:Yup, Alexander territory. Hester, can you shield me?
