“It’s so illogical. You can’t just write off an entire family because of the misdeeds of a single member,” I said, frustrated.
Peter shrugged and glanced out the window. “That’s what happened, though.”
My chest deflated as my phone buzzed with a text from Grace.
Where did you go? I was gone for less than a minute.
I typed out a quick response. I’m okay. I’m with Peter. Don’t tell my parents. I’ll be home soon.
Your parents aren’t back yet, but Rebecca just called them, so they’re on their way. Also, how the hell are you with Peter?!
I decided it would be better to explain everything to her in person, so I put my phone away and looked up. Peter was studying me. “Why are you dressed like that?”
I glanced down at myself. “Like what?”
“You’re wearing make-up, and are those leather pants?”
“They’re faux-leather. I don’t own any real leather.”
“Out of principle? You drink human blood to survive.”
“I drink blood from a consenting donor,” I corrected. “And anyway, you’re not in any position to be commenting on my outfit, PJ boy.”
“These aren’t PJs. They’re lounge pants.”
I suppressed a grin. “Could’ve fooled me.”
Peter dragged a hand through his hair, eyes flicking away. Was he shy? “Who were those guys who attacked you?”
“I have no idea. One of them was the vampire who insulted me at the bar.” I paused, frowning as a sense of unease gripped me yet again. “I think they were trying to kidnap me. Or all three of us. I don’t really know.”
“But why?”
I stepped closer, taking a seat in the nook and motioning for him to sit, too. Peter sat, and I levelled him with a serious expression. “Can I trust you?” In my pocket, my phone buzzed again, likely Grace demanding to know how and why I was with Peter. I ignored it.
“Trust me in what way?”
“With pertinent information. Information that affects my safety.”
“I just burned a vampire for you, Darya. I think it’s obvious I care about keeping you safe.” Heat rose in my cheeks as he cleared his throat. “I mean, in the same way that I’d care about keeping any innocent person safe from being attacked.”
“Well, since it appears you’re starting to be able to hear my thoughts and feel my emotions, I guess I’m not going to be able to keep secrets from you for much longer.”
“Those were brief glimpses. I can’t hear you now.”
“Maybe you can only … sense things from me when my emotions are heightened.”
“Maybe.”
“I haven’t sensed anything from you,” I said, feeling a little self-conscious.
“I haven’t been randomly accosted by a gang of vampires on the street, so—”
“Okay, point taken.” I sucked in a breath. Was I really going to tell him everything? As though warning me not to, my phone buzzed with yet another text from Grace.
“So, you want to tell me something?” Peter said, and I brought my eyes to his.
“Yes, but first, I need to ask you an important question.” He nodded and motioned for me to go ahead and ask it. I felt ridiculous, but I needed to know how he really felt about me before moving forward. “Do you resent me like your father does, Peter?”
He blinked, his dark eyebrows drawing together in consternation. “I think I’ve made it pretty obvious that I don’t.”
I shook my head at myself. “Right. I know. It’s just that Grace has this theory that you’re planning some elaborate trick to fool me.”
Peter stared at me. He didn’t react for a long moment, and I started to worry, but then, a hint of curiosity lit his features. “What kind of elaborate trick?”
My hands fidgeted restlessly in my lap, eyes on the floor. “The kind where you intentionally make a spell go wrong so that I can hear your voice in my head and begin to trust you.”
“It’s certainly possible,” Peter allowed, and I thought I saw a smile tug at his lips.
“Are you making fun of me?” I demanded.
He shifted closer. I was surprised when he took my hand into his, goosebumps skittering up my arm, travelling directly from where he touched me. His eyes held mine when I heard his voice in my head. I don’t resent you, Darya. Why would I? It would be illogical. And I didn’t do anything to alter the spell, even though I could have. Why it went so wrong is still a complete mystery to me.
How can I be sure you aren’t lying?
His eyes flickered between mine, thoughts I couldn’t decipher flitting around his face before he replied out loud, “Let me show you.” I sat there, transfixed as he took my other hand. “Close your eyes,” he instructed.
I closed them, then gave a tiny gasp when I felt his forehead lower, pressing gently against mine. A shudder went through me when the spark of his magic came to life. He was casting a spell, and I had no idea what his intention was until suddenly I was inside his mind. He was showing me how he felt towards me, and there was absolutely no ill-will, no plotting or desire for revenge. I was drawn to something warm and inviting, something lovely that was just out of reach, when he quickly pushed me from his head. I opened my eyes and stared at him.