I didn’t question her, though. Instead, I hugged her back and headed to class, mind-speaking with Peter and filling him in on what was happening as I went. Amid the stress of finding the note, I was still completely frazzled, confused and hot under the collar about what happened last night. Yes, I wanted to talk to Peter about it, but I just didn’t know where to start.
Sorry I dream kissed you and dream fondled you without prior consent.
It wasn’t like Peter didn’t seem to be enjoying himself, but the ethics were a little … murky.
My final class of the day was Weapons and Self-Defence. I met Grace on the way there and filled her in on the whole note situation. The slack-jawed look she gave me portrayed her astonishment.
“There’s new craziness every day with you lately. How are you holding up?”
“I’m handling it. I don’t exactly have another choice.”
“Want to ask Mr Roe if we can use the punch bags today? Get some of the stress out.”
“Sure, sounds like a good idea,” I agreed as we entered the changing room.
I hadn’t seen much of Belinda and Anna since the night of the storm. They were standing with their group, gossiping like usual as Grace and I went to get changed. I glanced at Belinda and found her staring at me. Her expression wasn’t as hostile as it had been since her uncle was killed. She seemed to have lost some of her anger towards me. And she’d admitted to knowing I wasn’t the killer. I wasn’t sure if that made the rumours she’d spread better or worse. I still hadn’t forgotten how she used her magic on me, but with everything that was going on, getting revenge for the actions of a petty teenage girl just didn’t seem so important anymore.
I walked into the gym and spotted Peter hanging out with Sophia on the mats. They were deep in conversation, so I didn’t want to interrupt. I wondered if he was telling her about what happened last night, and self-consciousness trickled in. I hadn’t said anything to Grace, mainly because I was still trying to make sense of it in my head. That didn’t mean Peter wasn’t spilling to his bestie.
Then again, Sophia had expressed curiosity the few times she’d witnessed us staring at one another while we spoke telepathically. That meant Peter hadn’t told her about us. Or, at the very least, he hadn’t told her up until that point.
Ugh, all this intense thinking was giving me a headache. I needed to punch something.
Grace sidled her way up to Mr Roe, and I saw him nod. She turned and gave me a thumbs up, so I made my way over to the punching bags. I didn’t wait for Grace to join me.
Left.
Right.
Left.
I didn’t need gloves or protective equipment, which was one of the advantages of being a dhampir. I barely stopped to breathe as I channelled all my stress, frustration, and anxiety into my workout. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been going at it when I finally stopped to catch my breath. Turning, I found Peter watching me from across the room. I was sweaty and likely red-faced. He raised a questioning eyebrow.
Did that help?
I lifted a shoulder. A little.
A hint of a smile edged his lips. Glad to hear it.
I flexed my fingers then began pummelling the bag once more. The next time I stopped, I walked over to the water fountain for a drink. The bell rang, signalling the end of class. Wow. I’d been going at it so hard I hadn’t noticed an entire hour go by.
Have your parents told you what they’re going to do about the note yet? Peter asked as I headed for the changing room.
Not yet. My dad will be waiting to drive me home. He should have some updates. I’ll fill you in as soon as I know.
Good. Make sure that you do.
I showered quickly, changed back into my uniform, said goodbye to Grace, then headed out. Peter stood in the corridor, his back to me. He must’ve heard me approach because he turned around. His eyes traced my features in a way that was beginning to become familiar. There was a tenderness in his gaze.
Can we talk for a minute?
I fiddled with the strap of my bag, eyes downcast. My dad is waiting.
Peter dragged a hand through his hair. Can you come to Indigo later, then? I have a shift.
It annoyed me that he was still working there, but I understood the complication with his little brothers. I’m not allowed to leave the house on my own.
Right. I forgot.
I stepped close to him and grabbed his hand before dragging him around a quiet corner. “Look, we really don’t have to talk about last night. I know you’re annoyed that you couldn’t stop yourself from teleporting, but really, it’s fine. I’m not mad about it,” I rambled at him in a low voice.