Chapter 8 An Alarming Proposal #4
A heavy silence filled the table. The entire thing was sketchy, but having a bind seemed like the better choice if it came with protection.
Especially if a million vampires were gonna start popping up around town.
So far, we’d gone from having no idea they were real to meeting four within five days.
“How do you guys feel about things changing?” Ari asked.
“I’m indifferent,” Sean said. “If things keep going in this direction, the public might learn vampires are a thing soon. Which wouldn’t be too bad.
But it’s becoming more dangerous for humans.
There’s been some talk of vamps using binding as a way to put humans into servitude.
It probably won’t happen, but who knows. ”
“I like it.” Dennis killed the lighter and leaned forward. “Who needs all these useless humans, y’know? It’s about time something takes care of it.”
“Please tell me you’re joking,” Ari said.
“Not at all.” He sat back and smiled. “A few humans are fine. Like you two, I like you both. But so many are pointless, useless, weak things that exist for no reason. I don’t agree with servitude.
That’s a waste. Personally, I think we should turn all the attractive humans to vampires and kill the rest.”
“That’s horrible—”
“But what about Ari?” I cut her off. “She’s not bound. I don’t want anything to happen to her.”
“I don’t want a bind. I don’t trust either of you. Or Mateo. We barely met and you keep breaking into our house. You’re not normal people.”
“We need to figure this out,” I said. “Go away so we can discuss without you.” I scooted from the booth and Ari followed suit, setting them both free. “Actually, wait,” my hand shot out as Dennis stood, “is it safe for us to go home alone? Now I’m paranoid.”
“You’ll be fine,” he said. “Unless you want us to walk you?”
I glanced at Ari, who’d gone unusually quiet. “Maybe just to our car? We’ll go home and think about it.”
“Yeah. I’ll think about it.” She paused before adding, “Thanks for the offer, I guess.”
“My pleasure.” Sean smiled and stood.
“Go ahead, we’ll be out in a minute.” She waited until they were both outside before saying, “Dennis scares me.”
“Yeah, I can tell. He just likes picking on you. Try not to show it bothers you and maybe he’ll stop?”
“I’ll try.” She sighed lightly. “How are you so calm about this?”
“I honestly don’t know. That cashier guy was kinda cute.” I glanced toward the register as we left the table.
“Really?”
“Well, he’s decent. But honestly, how many other options is this tiny town gonna have? I should take what I can get.”
“It’s really not that small. I know you’re used to crazy big cities, but this is like a normal sized city. Well, a normal sized small city. Maybe a little smaller than average. Okay, it’s technically classified as a really big, small town…”
I laughed as she proved my point. “Like I said. Tiny town.”
“Um, excuse me?” Someone asked. We both turned at the new voice.
It was the cashier. He’d followed us to the door.
Ari excused herself and went outside. “I was wondering if you wanna exchange socials?” He was being awkward but it was kinda cute.
Endearing, I guess. I mulled it over, inclined to reject him, before realizing keeping him as a possible hookup would probably get us free meals forever. “Unless you’re with that guy?”
“Nope. I’m not.” I smiled at his visible relief. “I don’t have any socials, though. I hate them all. I can give you my number instead?”
“Yeah, sure.” He nearly dropped his phone from yanking it out so fast. “I’m Connor, by the way.” He was fumbling to unlock and hand it over.
I saved my number as Mina before giving it back. “I’ll talk to you later?” I waited for him to nod before saying a cheerful goodbye.
I emerged from the restaurant to find the others waiting outside. Dennis was playing with his lighter, as always. He killed the fire and slipped it in a pocket as the four of us set off down the street.
“That didn’t take long,” Ari mused.
“We just talked for a second.”
“Not that. I meant finding someone to give you free stuff.” She laughed as I linked my arm through hers.
“What can I say? You’re welcome for getting us free meals ‘til I get bored with him. Hopefully he’s at least good in bed—”
“I’m thirsty,” Dennis said, running a hand through his hair.
“Go back for a drink.” I nodded toward the restaurant.
“Not that kind of drink.” He chuckled at Ari’s face of disgust.
“Are you gonna kill someone?” Her voice was meek.
“I’m not killing you, so don’t worry about it.”
She stared at him for a second before dropping my arm to catch up with Sean, who was slightly ahead. They fell into conversation and rounded the upcoming corner. I slowed down and grabbed Dennis’ arm before he could follow, stopping us just short of the building’s edge.
“Can you stop trying to freak Ari out? It’s really getting to her.” I kept my voice low so she couldn’t hear. “All that stuff you said about humans being useless weak things and needing to die.” I stepped back as his lips turned up in the trace of a smile.
“I was dead serious about everything I said.” He pressed a hand on the building, cornering me against it. He was so close, I could feel the coolness of his skin emanating to mix with my body heat. “You know, I could turn you right now,” he said softly. “Then you could protect her yourself.”
I furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of his words.
“Into a vampire?” My eyes widened once it connected.
I squirmed as he pushed my hair aside, and a familiar throbbing started between my thighs.
“Wait.” I squeezed my eyes shut, tensing up at the feel of his lips on the crook of my neck.
But he only kissed it. I waited a few seconds before opening my eyes. “That’s it?”
“That’s it.” He grinned and stepped back.
“You didn’t do anything.”
“Of course not.” He laughed and touched my cheek. “I’d never do anything you don’t want. Try not to worry so much.”
“There you guys are,” Ari’s relieved voice came as she rounded the corner. “I thought you got lost.”
“No,” I said, trying to hide how flustered I was.
“Do you still wanna go home now?”
“Yes, please.” I linked my arm through hers again so we could lead the way back to Tuffy.
Dennis was acting like nothing had happened.
Sean seemed slightly aware, judging by his mischievous grin.
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. “That’s my car.
” I pointed once we arrived. “Thanks for walking us back.”
“Yeah. Sure.” Dennis glanced at the sky. “We better go before the sun melts us.”
“Does that really happen?” I looked at him worriedly. “And why so soon? It’s not even one in the morning. Can you guys not do the middle of the night, either?” I gasped as a thought struck me. “Are stars too bright for you?”
“Time to go home.” Ari took a motherly hold on my arm and steered me away.
“Hey, wait. I’ve seen you around stars before and you didn’t melt.”
“Goodnight, Vixen,” Dennis said.
“‘Night, Ari. Bye, Emy.”
I blinked and they were gone.
“You’re too gullible.” Ari cracked up laughing as I scowled.
“How am I supposed to know what’s true? We barely learned vampires exist a few days ago.”
“But stars? Stars melting them?” She cackled as we got inside.
“Shut up, fuckface.” I strapped into my seatbelt and started the car. “So what do you think?”
“About what?”
“Being blood bound.” I ran a hand through my hair, only half focused as I thought over the past few minutes. Was Dennis really that evil? He was apparently dead serious about everything. Which was alarming, to say the least.
“I don’t know. Do you think I should?”
“Maybe? It’s a pain in the ass but if it’ll make you safe, it’s worth it.”
“But what if they’re the unsafe ones?”
We left the parking lot in a contemplative silence. This whole situation was becoming a mess.