“They’re safe. They’re with your family.”
A low moan was his only response as he wrapped me in his arms again. He felt like home and yet his touch was so foreign. Our bodies didn't meld together in the same ways anymore.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed myself against him, enjoying the sensation of my newly toned body touching his. He stood and grabbed me under my thighs, lifting me up so I could wrap my legs around his waist, something he’d never been able to do before. He sat on the bed and squeezed me tightly. Sobs shook his body.
I bet he could’ve lifted me with his supernatural strength but didn’t want to draw attention to it.I pushed it out of my mind and focused on the moment. We sat on the bed clinging and cooing loving words to each other until I felt Elias's and Anthony's stares.
They sat on the small sofa opposite the couch. Anthony cleared his throat. “Brother, we're happy to see you, but there are many explanations we need to hear.”
“I agree, Tony,” said Michael. I ogled him, still amazed. The cadence of his words mesmerized me. I could listen to him talk all night. He was alive—I didn’t care how. “Elias, Anthony, you can begin by explaining how you are in Peru with my wife after your part in my kidnapping.”
I turned to face my best friend and the man to whom I was becoming attached. “The what? What does he mean, guys?” I didn’t truly believe they were involved in whatever happened to Michael, but I wanted the story.
“We had no part in your death, Michael. Well, what we thought was your death,” said Anthony.
“You’re the only ones who knew where we were living!” Michael’s voice resonated with fury.
Elias stood up. “Michael, we didn’t tell anyone!” He dropped to his knees in front of us. “I swear to you, brother. We would never do anything to jeopardize your life. When Danyelus told us you’d died fighting the Junta, it broke us.” He hung his head. “It broke my heart, Michael,” he whispered.
“He speaks the truth,” said Anthony. “The news of your death was the worst moment of my life. I’ve never sunk lower than the months and years after you died.” His eyes were full of unshed tears. “The joy in my heart when you walked in, Michael, it’s indescribable. I'm beyond happy to see you, my friend.”
“Then how the hell did they find us? We hid successfully for nine years!” I rubbed my hands along Michael’s arms soothingly.
“I don’t know,” said Anthony. “We tried to find out, but even after all this time, no one will tell us anything. They’re aware of how close the three of us were, so they're afraid we'll kill the one we thought killed you. The Junta forbade any more discussion on the matter.”
Elias moved to sit beside Anthony on the sofa. “Michael, how’d you find us? We’ve traveled completely under the radar.”
Michael looked at me. “I’m proud of you for not telling them.” He smiled and kissed my forehead.
“Michael, what are you talking about?”
“The dreams. I’ve sent you countless messages through your dreams.”
“That was you?” I was completely shocked. “Ididtell them! I thought it was some creeper from the Junta or something. Why didn’t you tell me who you were?”
He looked at me in amazement. “Well, I assumed you’d recognize my voice, Riley. You’re my wife, remember?”
“Michael,husband,the voice sounded nothing like you—and what do you mean countless? I can only remember a handful of times!” I retorted.
Michael’s mouth gaped like a fish. “I…I don’t know. Where I’ve been for the past five years is an excruciating story.” He hung his head.
“We have a little time. Please explain how you found us. If you can find us, so can they,” said Anthony.
“I found you with Riley’s blood,” he explained, looking up at me.
I interrupted, incensed. “Myblood?How did you have my blood?”
“I’ve been drinking from you for years, Riley. It’s been hundreds of years since the Supay allowed repeated drinking from the same human, but the ancient texts tell of a bond formed from long term drinking. Since our saliva causes euphoric side effects, you thought you were having vivid sex dreams. Don’t you remember waking me up in the night because you were horny?” he said, laughing.
I wasn't laughing. He’d betrayed me—used me. “How could you?” I asked.
“I’m sorry to laugh. I’m just so happy to be with you again.” He sighed when I stared him down. He wasn’t getting out of explaining. “It started because I ran out of bagged blood. It wasn’t always easy to get. I could entrance humans at the blood banks so they'd give me bags of blood, but in that instance, I’d miscalculated when I would need more.”
He took my hand, and I thought about jerking it from his. I was pretty mad at the thought of him drinking from me without asking. “Riley, we were spending the weekend in bed, binge watching Netflix. We’d both been working like crazy, and we set aside time together. How was I supposed to explain to you that I had to leave?” He pulled me close, my face pressed into his chest. I breathed deeply and realized his scent was different. He used to smell like laundry soap and deodorant. Now, he didn’t really smell like…anything. I was disappointed in the difference, but I assumed wherever he’d been was thin on Tide.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me the truth?” I mumbled into his chest.
“Because they would’ve killed you. I was so selfish. Once I realized what a beautiful, extraordinary person you were, I should've run far and fast. That would’ve been the selfless thing to do, but Icouldn’t leave you. My only hope was that if you didn’t know the truth, they might not kill you if they ever found us. I was running out of time, though. When David started going through puberty, I would've been forced to tell you. And…I was ashamed. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I didn't do it often, but I continued to drink from you.”
