CHAPTER 12 #4
“Why are you guys acting like I never smile?” I protest, but I’m not quite convinced of it myself. Am I so wrapped up in my own head, my own battles, that the moments when I actually relax are rare enough to be noteworthy?
“Because you don’t.” Evan shrugs like it is the simplest fact in the world. “You are always brooding. It’s kind of your default setting.”
My mouth flops open, but I’m unable to stifle a laugh. “It was fun. Happy now?”
“Ecstatic.” Evan throws his arm around my shoulders, grinning as if we’ve just conquered the world together. “And the day’s not over yet.”
I’m surprised to find myself curious rather than dreading whatever they have planned. “What’s next?”
“Hot Shot,” Haden announces as we emerge from the tunnels into the dusky evening air, all city lights on. “The others are waiting for us.”
I check the time—7:45 PM. A part of me wants to call it a day, to retreat to my apartment and prepare for Monday’s meeting with Lexa. But the other part, the part that’s been enjoying this brief respite from chaos, isn’t ready for it to end.
“Fine,” I concede, ignoring Evan’s victorious beam.
“Seraph!” A familiar figure approaches me, one hand up in the air, waving. “Didn’t expect to see you out and about tonight.”
“Faye.” I give her a hug. “You look ready for business.”
“Always,” she smirks, adjusting the frayed strap of her worn leather satchel. “I heard about what happened the other day. Are you okay? If I were there, I swear I would’ve taught those nasty bloodsuckers a lesson.” She flicks her fingers toward Evan and Haden. “No offense, by the way.”
Evan winks at her. “None taken.”
The corner of her mouth twitches, but she ignores him all the same.
I nod, biting back a snort and smothering it behind a laugh. “You’ll get them next time.”
Her hand moves to partially cover her mouth, as if to shield the guys from hearing. “Me and a few others are heading out soon. Heard about a rare lead that’s worth the trouble.”
I hesitate for a moment, then shake my head. “I’m sitting this one out. Taking a break today.”
Faye frowns, amused. “Not like you, but I get it. Can’t be on the hunt every night.”
“No, I’ve got a meeting to prep for,” I say, still finding an excuse to justify my rest. “Better to recharge than chase ghosts half-asleep.”
“Fair enough,” she says. “Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find us.”
I nod, appreciating the easy camaraderie, then watch her melt back into the crowd, a faint pang of longing stirring inside me. The hunt is always there, waiting and calling. But tonight, I’m choosing to answer something different.
Evan glances after Faye, one brow cocked, and I already know what’s coming. “Friend of yours?”
I nod. “Colleague, technically.”
“She’s hot,” he says, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial murmur. “A little intimating, though, like she’d kill you in your sleep.”
“Good thing you don’t sleep,” I point out.
“With her I would.” Evan smirks, daring anyone to challenge him.
I fist his shoulder. “No.”
As we round a corner, Marcus appears on our path.
“Crap.” Haden frantically straightens his jacket, pats his shoulders, and runs a hand through his hair, making sure he still looks presentable.
Evan and I snort quietly at his antics. Marcus looks up from his phone, his casual stride faltering as recognition dawns on his face. His downturned eyes dart between the three of us before settling on Haden, whose cheeks flush a delicate pink.
“Well, well,” says Marcus, his voice smooth like aged bliskey. “If it isn’t my favorite troublemakers.” His gaze lingers on Haden a beat too long before it lands on me. “Heard you had quite the ordeal yesterday.”
“Someone’s keeping tabs.”
“How can I not when it was all Haden talked about?” There’s no ill will in this tone, just teasing. “The man was pacing holes in the floor.”
I glance at Haden, who actually has the grace to look embarrassed. “Aw, you were worried?”
“Of course,” he mutters, avoiding my eyes. “We all were. You went mute for a whole day, disappearing with a newly-turned vampire. What couldn’t have gone wrong? The last time that happened, a lot did.”
Something warm unfurls in my chest at his concern, though I try to hide it behind a casual shrug. “Well, I’m here now. And mostly in one piece.”
Marcus’s eyebrows climb toward his hairline. “Mostly?”
“She got stabbed.” Evan preemptively lifts the edge of my shirt to reveal the bandaged wound. “By her mind-controlled boyfriend.”
Marcus leans forward to get a better look. “That looks painful. Are you okay, Seraph?”
The concern in his voice catches me off guard. For most of my life, I’ve been the one others rely on, the one who fixes problems and handles crises.
Having people fuss over me and a wound as tiny as this one feels strange, almost uncomfortable.
“Don’t worry.” I pull my shirt back down. “It’s almost healed.”
His words fall in a hushed tone. “I could get you some extra rations if you need.”
My lips tip downward at the edges, impressed. “Okay, Haden, I see why you like him.”
Haden gapes at me, lips parting in disbelief. He throws me a look of pure panic when Marcus turns to approach him.
“I like you too,” says Marcus, winking, giving Haden a lingering pat on his shoulder. “Time to clock in for me. Try not to get into trouble while I’m gone.” With a quick wave, he heads off.
“You’re welcome,” I say, whipping my hair back.
Evan nudges Haden with an exaggerated grin. “Were you flustered just now? Thought you said you could handle him.”
“Piss off,” Haden groans, burying his face in his hands. “Both of you.”
Evan and I share a look before a fit of laughter escapes us both. Haden groans again, muttering something unintelligible, but the sound only makes us double over harder.