Only Vampires Cry Blood (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #3)(75)

He held me protectively, the way friends do before they become lovers. I don’t think Kale knew how much I appreciated him. He was one person I didn’t doubt I could count on no matter what. That kind of friendship was priceless. I wouldn’t let anything change that.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” I dared to lay my head on his shoulder, ignoring the itch to sink fangs into his pale throat. “I hope you find someone as amazing as you are. You deserve it.”

His response was to tighten his hold on me, pressing closer. He said nothing, but I knew he’d heard me. I couldn’t keep doing this. It wasn’t fair to Kale that I sought solace in him when Arys left me hanging. It wasn’t right that he allowed me to.

I longed to shove the storm of emotions deep down inside me. I didn’t want to feel tonight. Everything from love to anger and pain, even guilt, I just wanted to escape it all, but doing so in Kale’s arms was not the way. It was too easy. More importantly, it was wrong.

Knowing that, I still let him press a warm kiss to my temple. I didn’t stop him when he tipped my head up and pressed his lips to mine in a gentle gesture. However, Kale knew better than to take it too far. The kiss was nice but chaste. It ended as quickly as it started. He really was a terrific friend.

After a second slow song, the band picked up the tempo and launched into something faster. Jez bounded up to us with a grin from ear to ear. She grabbed my hand and dragged me into the center of the dance floor, motioning for Kale to join us.

“I won two thousand bucks, baby!” She shrilled. “And, I got the number of the hot redheaded waitress. It’s a good night.”

I smiled, genuinely happy for her. “That’s kick ass, Jez. Watch out for those redheads. I hear they’re a feisty bunch.” I flashed her a wink and couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. It was infectious.

Kale looked hilariously out of place in the midst of a crowd of people dancing to a trendy new song. I laughed so hard at the look on his face, and it felt so good to do so. I wasn’t surprised when he offered to go get us drinks. He’d have done anything to get off the dance floor.

He blew us a teasing kiss and disappeared from sight, leaving us to lose ourselves in the music and the people surrounding us. I gladly followed Jez’ lead and focused on nothing but the music, my friends and having a good time.

I knew that come morning, nothing would have changed. Arys would still be gone; I would still feel like it was my fault, and I’d still be out the money I’d lost tonight. For now, however, nothing mattered but the music and the freedom of letting the rest go. If only for tonight.

* * * *

My darkened bedroom greeted me when I opened my eyes late the following afternoon. It was certainly a major benefit of choosing the downstairs bedroom for my own. It had been vampire friendly for those times Arys stayed over, and with my primarily nocturnal hours, it was perfect. I’d expected a throbbing headache to assail me upon awakening. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I felt pretty good after partying with Kale and Jez until just before sunrise. I took my time stretching before rolling out of bed and reaching for my robe. The large house was quiet, empty, but I expected Shaz to come by sometime this evening.

With a yawn, I pushed my tousled hair back from my face and headed upstairs to the kitchen. My focus was on the coffee pot on the counter, and I frowned when I realized I’d forgotten to make coffee and set the timer before going to bed. Then I saw it, the large black shape looming outside the patio door.

Adrenaline slammed through me, far too strong and sudden for having just woken up. It took me a moment to recognize the ebony wolf staring in at me with crystalline blue eyes: Zoey Roberts.

I stared at her long and hard, my tired brain scrambling to make sense of what I was seeing. It was surreal, seeing her sitting there on the other side of the glass that she and I had both crashed through, thanks to Arys. I remembered that night as if it were yesterday.

I’d stood by helplessly while she killed Raoul, her own father. It was all so f**ked up, yet here she was.

I took a tentative step toward the patio door, hesitant to open it. I didn’t fear her in the least. If she’d come, it was because she had accepted my offer. Perhaps it was time for both of us to let the past go. We’d loved and hated the same man, albeit in different ways and with different reasons. Now, he was gone, and we were still here.

I reached for the door but paused, caution reminding me that I was alone. Though I wasn’t afraid, it was better to be safe than sorry. I went to the phone and called Kylarai, leaving a message on her voice mail to come by when she had a chance. Shaz would be here soon. I was safe.

Zoey didn’t move the entire time, she merely peered at me with those amazing blue wolf eyes. Again, I was reminded of how much she resembled her father. Only those eyes set them apart.

The click of the lock on the sliding door was loud in the silence of the large house.

Only when I began to slide the door open did Zoey move. She lowered her head and slowly backed a few feet away. She was being submissive, trying to show me that she meant no harm.

Regardless, I was ready for her if she tried anything. I had enough power ready to down her in one blast if it came to that. I opened the door just enough so that I could slip out onto the patio with her.

I felt awkward. Of all the people in my life, Zoey was unlike any other. I really didn’t know what to say to her. We couldn’t just stand there and stare at each other. I glanced to the left and right, finding neither of my neighbors out in their backyard.