8. Truth

Chapter eight

Truth

A s we walk, Oliver maintains a brisk pace ahead of the group. He seems utterly unfazed by the triplets’ lively chatter, his focus solely on reaching the house. My thoughts are a whirlwind of confusion and irritation. I tried to apologize, only to be met with fear and a near-death experience, and then a bewildering rescue by Oliver. What is his deal?

Turning onto our street, a black SUV parked outside the frat house catches my eye. Oliver gestures for us to approach. The moment the triplets see the car, their banter ceases, replaced by a tense silence.

“Take Amelia through the back and stay in the kitchen,” Oliver instructs them. They nod, and Hendrik gently takes my hand, guiding me around the side of the house. In the pitch darkness, I trust their feline night vision as we quietly enter the kitchen. The place is immaculate, making me wonder who keeps it so clean.

From the living room, I hear a voice I don’t recognize. “Oliver, thank you for joining us.”

“You say that like I knew you were coming,” Oliver retorts, his tone a mix of annoyance and resignation.

“We’re just checking in. Making sure everyone is staying in check,” the unknown voice replies.

Nolan’s voice, calm and soothing, joins the conversation. “Of course, sir. Everyone’s home before eleven every night, no questionable activities. We’re keeping things low-key.”

“Good. I wouldn’t be pleased with any repeat of last time’s incident.”

“That was an accident,” Nolan interjects, but his explanation is cut short.

“Accidents cannot occur again. It was manageable last time, but don’t expect leniency in the future.”

Echo tries to interject, but the unknown man dismisses him. “Enough. Just remember to look out for each other. Oliver, where were you tonight?”

“I was with the musketeers,” Oliver responds, referring to the triplets.

Richard gently guides my gaze to meet his. He presses a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, then leaves the kitchen with his brothers, their departure marked by a loud bang of the door.

“You three,” the man’s voice booms, demanding their attention. “Where were you?”

“Out with Oliver,” Richard replies.

“But he’s not as fast as he thinks,” Hendrik adds.

“He disappeared in a blink,” Niles concludes.

“How long ago?” the man inquires.

“Like, three minutes ago?”

The man hums in response before announcing his departure, “Alright. It’s late. You should all get some rest. I’ll see you all at the end of the month. I’m still looking for a new leading lady to teach you all some manners, so I’ll be back when I find her.” The door opens and closes, signaling his exit.

I’m still processing the strange encounter when Hendrik pops his head around the corner. “You can come out now.”

As I follow him into the living room, I find all the guys casually lounging around, masking any sign of the tension that had just filled the air. Nolan and Hugh approach me with apologetic expressions.

“Sorry about that,” Nolan says. “Glad you weren’t here for it, though.”

“Who was that?” I ask, still trying to make sense of everything.

Nolan glances at Seth, who nods, giving him the go-ahead to explain. The air is thick with unspoken understanding and secrets, and I brace myself for whatever revelation is about to come.

“Let’s go upstairs,” Nolan suggests, and without hesitation, I follow him. Hugh is right behind me as we enter my room. I take a seat on my bed while they both sit opposite me. To my surprise, Oliver follows us but remains in the doorway, leaning against the threshold without crossing it. I briefly wonder about the vampire myth of needing an invitation to enter, but I decide it’s not the right moment to ask.

“So,” Nolan starts, “that was William Pierce. He owns this house and, of course, knows about our true nature.”

“I see. Is that why I was hiding in the kitchen?” I ask, trying to piece things together.

“Partly. Mr. Pierce isn’t fond of humans. He’d be very upset if he knew a human was aware of our existence and we hadn’t acted on it. Different demons and clans have strict rules,” Nolan explains.

“What would he expect you to do about it?” The question slips out before I can stop it.

Hugh interjects, his tone serious, “Amelia, we wouldn’t ever do what they expect, so you don’t need to worry about that.”

But I press on, feeling a need to understand the full gravity of the situation. “No, I think I need to know exactly what you’re supposed to do.”

Oliver, his voice devoid of emotion, answers bluntly from the doorway. “They would expect us to kill you and dispose of the body where it wouldn’t be found.”

I swallow hard, a mixture of gratitude and discomfort at his honesty. “Thanks... for your honesty?” I question, unsure why Oliver is even part of this conversation.

Nolan gives Oliver a sharp look. “Not that we would, right, Olly?” Oliver merely rolls his eyes in response, not exactly reassuring me.

Feeling overwhelmed, I suggest, “Maybe I should just leave the house.”

“No.” The objection comes from one of the triplets peering around the threshold.

“No way,” the other twin chimes in. Startled, I jump as a cat suddenly leaps onto my bed, transforming into Hendrik.

“We can protect you while you’re here. You don’t need to worry,” he assures me.

Grateful yet conflicted, I respond, “Thank you, but I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You’re not,” Nolan and Hugh say in unison, both smiling. Oliver, however, simply turns and leaves the room.

I’m left wondering, “Why are you all happy to have me here? You don’t really know me.”

Nolan shares a knowing look with Hugh. “Seth told us everything we need to know about you.”

The revelation that Seth, the psychic, had vouched for me is unexpected. “What did he tell you?” I ask, curiosity piqued.

Nolan looks at me with a seriousness that belies his usual calm demeanor. “That we can trust you with our lives,” he states. The weight of his words is not lost on me. “But he also mentioned that we need to work hard for you to trust us, due to something in your past.” I feel a knot form in my stomach. What exactly does Seth know about me?

I try to mask my discomfort. “Keep being curious,” I mutter, more to myself than to them. Some of the guys chuckle, but my mind is already racing ahead. “What was the incident?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

The room’s atmosphere shifts palpably. Nolan exchanges a glance with the triplets, who then quietly exit the room with Hugh, leaving me alone with Nolan.

“Before I explain, you need to understand that it was an accident, and we’re still working through it,” Nolan begins cautiously.

“So, it wasn’t long ago?” I probe.

“No, just a few months back. Mr. Pierce allowed those of us who are of age to attend a nearby frat party.”

I nod, bracing myself for what’s coming. “Let me guess, it turned bad?”

Nolan’s expression darkens. “It did. You need to understand, we are demons. Our nature is... complicated.”

“I got a pretty vivid idea from Oliver,” I admit, recalling his chilling words.

Nolan continues, “At the party, well, demons and alcohol, it’s not a good mix. Valentine had been dating a girl for a few months, which was surprising to us all. He’s usually not one for long-term relationships.”

I urge him to go on, despite the growing sense of unease. “What happened?”

“Valentine lost control that night. Usually, he’s quite good at managing his incubus nature. The worst we’ve seen was a girl who fell into a deep sleep during an exam. But that night, it was different. He... he drained her.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. A sense of dread fills the room, heavy and suffocating. Nolan’s eyes are filled with regret, his voice heavy with unspoken sorrow. The weight of Nolan’s words hangs heavily in the air. “Valentine lost control that night,” he admits somberly. “It’s surprising because he’s usually so good at managing his incubus abilities. There was this one time, a different girl ended up in a deep sleep during an exam because of him. But that night at the party, it was different.”

My initial reaction is a bit dismissive. “I mean, that doesn’t sound so bad.”

Nolan clarifies, his voice laden with regret. “Not the same girl he was dating. This was someone else. He didn’t have as much control as usual, and the girl... she got hurt.” He pauses, checking to ensure the door is still closed, his demeanor growing more serious.

The unspoken gravity of his words prompts me to ask, “How hurt?”

Nolan’s expression darkens. “She didn’t make it.”

I struggle to process this information. “So, Valentine accidentally killed someone?” The thought is chilling, and I can’t help but feel a mixture of fear and sympathy for Valentine.

Nolan nods solemnly. “He had no intention of hurting her. Sometimes, we don’t have control over our actions.”

I lean back, trying to comprehend the reality that Valentine, just a few doors down, is capable of such an act. “The same way you don’t always have control?” I ask cautiously.

“Exactly. On a full moon, I’m a danger to everyone around me,” he says bluntly, then quickly adds, seeing my reaction, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. We’re doing everything we can to ensure your safety, but if you ever see us acting strangely, it’s better to keep your distance.”

I nod, absorbing his warning. “How will I be able to tell? You’re all different.”

“Well, for starters, don’t get in the pool with Kane,” he advises.

I’m surprised. “There’s a pool?”

“In the backyard. It’s been covered since autumn, but Kane still uses it. And be cautious in the bathroom too, especially if taking a bath. Lock the door. One of the triplets drowned because Kane held him underwater.”

My jaw drops at the revelation. “They have multiple lives?”

“Yes, the triplets do. But it doesn’t make it any less dangerous or traumatic. Each life is as valuable as the last.” Nolan’s explanation about the cat shifters adds another layer of complexity to this already bewildering situation. “Cat shifters genuinely have nine lives. Niles has all his, Richard has seven left, and Hendrik has four or five. It’s hard to keep track, they’re always getting into some sort of trouble.”

I nod, trying to wrap my head around the concept. The idea of the triplets surviving potentially fatal events is both fascinating and terrifying. I wonder about the limits of their abilities but decide that now might not be the best time to delve into such macabre details.

Feeling a growing need to understand the dangers within this house, I ask, “Has anyone else killed in this house?” It’s a direct question, but necessary for my peace of mind.

Nolan hesitates, biting his cheek as he contemplates his response. His expression confirms my suspicions. “There have been other deaths, yes. But none of us ever wanted them to happen.”

My curiosity, mingled with a sense of dread, prompts another question. “Have you killed anyone?”

The discomfort in Nolan’s eyes is evident. “There was an incident a few years back. It was unintentional, and I’d rather not share the details. It’s not something I’m proud of.”

His admission that he’s taken a life doesn’t scare me as much as I thought it would. Instead, I feel a pang of sympathy for him, imagining the horror of not being in control during such a critical moment.

“So, who else has killed?” I ask, my voice steady despite the gravity of the topic.

Nolan leans forward, his expression grave. “Are you sure you want to know? We never killed out of desire.”

“Yes,” I say firmly, hoping my resolve will encourage him to be open with me.

He begins reluctantly. “Kane has had his issues, particularly around water. The incident with one of the triplets was accidental, but there have been other instances. Before he joined us, he struggled with controlling his urges. Between turning eighteen and coming here at nineteen, he... he killed three people.”

My jaw drops in shock. The revelation that Kane, who always seemed so affable, has taken lives is difficult to reconcile. These beings I’m living with, each battling their own demons and impulses, suddenly feel more real and dangerous than ever before. Nolan’s explanation about Kane’s nature provides insight into the complexities of living among such beings. “Mermaids and mermen have a natural coldness. It’s almost a biological compulsion for them to turn warmth into coldness. Kane, he sometimes blacks out and realizes what he’s done afterward. But here, he’s been under control, except for the incident with one of the triplets. Just remember to lock the bathroom and avoid the pool when he’s around.”

I manage a small grin, pondering the thought of still being here come summer. “Anyone else?” I ask, sensing there are more stories hidden within these walls.

Nolan hesitates before continuing. “Reyes accidentally killed his best friend when they were teenagers. They were at a construction site, and a misstep led to a tragic fall. That’s when Reyes discovered he was a medium.”

I admit my unfamiliarity with the term. “What exactly does that mean?”

“It’s someone who can see and communicate with ghosts.” Nolan’s explanation leaves me in awe rather than shock.

“That’s incredible,” I respond, genuinely fascinated.

Nolan nods, a touch of sadness in his eyes. “It changed him, though. He was bombarded by voices from the other side. It made fitting in difficult, especially at school.”

“So, he’s not crazy? There really are ghosts?”

“Yes, one of them is his friend Ivan. They’re always together. Reyes tries to help other spirits move on, but he seems unable to let go of Ivan. Maybe it’s guilt or something else.”

I nod slowly, absorbing this new information. “Anyone else?” I probe again.

“There are more stories, but I’d rather not share without their permission. Unless you’re curious about something specific?” Nolan looks at me, waiting for my next question.

I think for a moment before asking, “So, Oliver has never hurt anyone?”

Nolan pauses, his sly smile fading into a more serious expression. “Trying to steer the conversation from killing to hurting to see if you can get more information?” He assesses me with a discerning gaze. “I understand your curiosity, especially given your fear of vampires. But I hope you won’t misinterpret what I’m about to tell you.”

“I’m trying to keep an open mind here,” I assure him, though I feel a twinge of anxiety about what he might reveal.

“You’re doing well,” he acknowledges, then starts to pace the room. “Oliver is unique, even among vampires. He despises his vampiric nature, almost as much as you fear it. He’s been known to starve himself for months to avoid consuming blood. His self- imposed starvation means he often battles a severe thirst and hunger.”

“So, has he done anything wrong?” I ask tentatively.

“He’s suggested that he has, but none of us are certain if he’s actually killed anyone. He admitted to biting someone a long time ago, but he’s changed since then. When he can’t bear the hunger anymore, he does feed – but safely.”

I’m intrigued. “Does he have a regular source for blood?”

Nolan chuckles at my alarmed expression. “It’s us. We voluntarily donate our blood to him. It’s safer for everyone if he gets what he needs from us, rather than seeking it elsewhere. We have all the necessary medical supplies for it.”

I can’t help but remark, “So it’s like a vampire support group? Isn’t it risky for him to consume demonic blood?”

“That’s a valid concern. Surprisingly, it hasn’t posed a problem. Vampires need magical blood annually, so Oliver is actually quite fortunate in that aspect.”

The conversation gives me a lot to think about, but there’s still one question nagging at me. “Oliver said something that I can’t get out of my head.”

“What’s that?”

“He implied that most of you have thought about killing me. Is that true?”

Nolan’s explanation offers a deeper insight into the complex nature of my housemates. “It’s not about secrecy or our personal laws per se. It’s more about our biological impulses. It’s not that we want to hurt you; it’s just that certain triggers can awaken primal instincts in us.”

“So, it’s like a biological response? An instinctual urge to kill for satisfaction?” I ask, trying to understand the frightening concept.

“In a way, yes,” Nolan admits with a hint of discomfort. “But we despise these thoughts. It’s not just about you, either. Sometimes, it could be a random person on the street who inadvertently triggers something within us. It’s a battle we constantly fight against our own nature. But the important thing is, we’re committed to not acting on these impulses. Everyone here is more inclined to protect you.”

I can’t help but voice my doubt. “Well, not everyone.”

Nolan assures me with a gentle confidence. “No, I believe everyone here, including Oliver. It’s not about personal connections; it’s about our collective decision to protect and not harm.”

His reassurance brings some comfort, though I remain uncertain, especially considering Oliver’s behavior. Nolan then stands up, heading towards the door. “It’s late, and this has been quite a heavy conversation. Get some rest. And remember, you can ask us anything. We’ll be open and honest with you.”

“Thank you, Nolan. I know this wasn’t easy for you to share.”

He offers a warm smile. “You’re easy to talk to.” As he opens the door, he nods to someone outside before leaving.

To my surprise, Oliver appears from the shadows, holding a plate. His expression is unreadable, and I wonder how long he’s been listening.

“I, um,” he starts awkwardly, “noticed you didn’t have dinner.” His assumption is correct, and I shake my head in confirmation. He steps forward just enough to place the plate on the bed.

“Thank you, Oliver,” I say, genuinely grateful for his thoughtfulness. As he starts to leave, a sudden urge to connect with him more deeply prompts me to call out, “Wait.”

He pauses, only half-turning to face me, a shadow of curiosity in his otherwise unreadable expression. “How much of that conversation did you hear?” I ask.

“Most of it,” he replies succinctly.

Feeling a bit awkward, I add, “Sorry you had to wait out there.”

He shrugs nonchalantly, downplaying my concern. “I told you before, Amelia. Vampires don’t care if you’re sorry.”

“But I feel guilty for being scared of you,” I confess. “Despite everything, I believe you’re a good person. Can you be patient with me while I learn to be around you?”

Oliver’s response is straightforward, yet I sense a hint of vulnerability. “You might not realize it, but it’s not that simple. You’re scared of my presence – your body reacts even if your mind tries to be rational.”

His words sting, but I understand. “You did say you’ve thought about killing me.”

“It’s not personal. It’s easier to deal with a human than a demon in our world. If we get discovered harboring a human, we face severe consequences. Honestly, I don’t know you well enough to risk our lives for you.”

His brutal honesty is jarring, yet it deepens my understanding of his predicament. “I don’t want to be a burden. If you think it’s best, I can leave.”

He turns slightly, his posture softening. “No, stay. The sorority isn’t a better option for you. I hear girls can be pretty bitchy and you seem like a pretty delicate flower.”

“At least you think I’m pretty?” I manage to retort with a smirk.

His indirect encouragement, despite his earlier words, gives me a small sense of relief. I manage a half-smile as he leaves, closing the door behind him.