Chapter 34

It’s the last day of Bloodstained Symphony’s tour, at a small venue in Pennsylvania. It’s Chris’ hometown and where he currently resides, the place where he’s lived his entire mortal and immortal life. I asked him why he never left and found a new change of scenery. He told me he didn’t see the point when he was on tour half the year now, traveling the world for a living. Pennsylvania is his home. It’s where he last saw his family, and he feels a sense of connection here. I can understand that.

We still haven’t seen any sign of Oliver. When Balor visited my dreams, he told me that Oliver had left home. If Oliver is making decisions of his own free will, we don’t really know what that means or what he has planned. I know intuitively, though, that we haven’t seen the last of him yet, so I’ve taken to wearing the cross around my neck every day. It has become a part of me simply because I don’t want to be caught defenseless again. I need some way to fight back. We’ve already worked out that I’m probably not going to be able to actually fight my way out so the cross is my best shot at escape if he comes back for me. Assuming he returns, I’m going to be ready for him this time.

The crowd is massive tonight, probably in honor of Chris’ homecoming show, and the energy coming off them is insane, more than anything I’ve seen while being on tour with Chris. I’m standing off to the side of the stage, out of view of the crowd, in Chris’ direct eyeline. Chris always wants me in his sight—no matter what. Mostly because he wants to make sure I’m okay, but also because he likes to slip heated glances my way while he sings. A smile quirks my lips as he shoots me a wink, before launching into the next song of the set.

Scarlett is next to me, dancing around and singing every word. She’s so supportive of Benji and the band, and I’ve started trying to bring my A-game to concerts so I can keep up.

I started by trying to listen to their music more, when I’m alone or in the shower, in an effort to learn the lyrics. If Chris is my sanguis and I accept him, I’ll be singing along to these words for as long as I live. However long that may be. But, no matter how good things are right now, I’m still human—mortal. That one fact makes me question how this relationship can even work. Eventually, I’ll become old and gray, and Chris will stay the same. He’s perfect and just as handsome as he’s always been. We haven’t gotten that far into our discussions yet, although I keep waiting for it, since I’m too chicken to bring it up. I’ve wondered a few times if he wants me to turn into a vampire based on some offhand comments he’s made, but I’m not sure if that’s something I even want for myself. If I accept Chris, though, if I accept him as my sanguis, I know that I want forever with him. And, honestly, that’s just too overwhelming to even consider.

We’re halfway through their set, and the energy in the room is immaculate. It hasn’t faded at all; instead, the crowd keeps getting louder and more rowdy with each song. I’m enjoying the hell out of myself and completely obsessed with the view I have of the rock god who’s in love with me.

“Hey, I’m gonna go grab a drink from the bar. Do you want anything?” Scarlett shouts in my ear, the sound barely audible over the crowd roaring.

“Just get me whatever you’re having,” I holler back. On second thought. “Make it something fruity, I don’t want to get wasted drinking alcohol straight!”

Scarlett nods, sauntering off to the bar, her hips rolling in time with the music. My new friend is gone, and I stare at Chris without shame. He’s in his element every time he gets up on the stage, and it’s breathtaking to see. I could easily watch him perform for an eternity and never get tired of it. During the show, even though he’s not with me, he somehow always makes sure that I know he’s thinking about me, whether it’s through those heated glances and winks, or an intimate smile just for me.

God, he makes me feel weak in the knees. Safe. Wanted and loved. And lately, I want to be that for him, give him all of that, too. My eyes are open now, the barriers protecting my heart from him becoming weaker every single day. I can feel our connection, that bond threading us together, deep in my soul and growing stronger every day we’re together. It’s like an invisible electric cable inside of me, thrumming with electricity, waiting for the current necessary to forge it into its complete form.

As the guitar intro for their new song ramps up, I start jumping up and down along with the crowd, getting lost in the music and letting go. I’m swaying my hips, head bobbing to the music, when I feel a hand wrap around my stomach. I figure it’s just Scarlett being silly, so I don’t pay it any attention.

But then a tattooed male hand covers my mouth, and I’m being pulled into a tight embrace against a hard body. In seconds, I’m tugged off my feet, and my abductor whisks me quickly away from the stage. Away from Chris. Whoever has me is fast. Vampire fast.

My heart rate spikes, and I’m heaving for air against their hand. I try to scream, but it’s too loud. No one can hear me.

Chris will notice I’m gone, though. He’ll come for me. Although I know I should be terrified, it’s a comforting feeling to know that he’ll always find me, no matter what. I try to turn my head to see who my kidnapper is, but the hand over my mouth is clasped tightly enough to hold my head straight ahead. I glance at the arm around my waist, and I notice familiar tattoos—art I’ve spent hours memorizing and tracing with my fingers. It’s Oliver. Panic trickles over every nerve ending inside me, as my heart rate spikes to a dangerous rhythm. It’s over; he has finally come for me. God, I hope Chris can make it to me in time before Oliver turns me, or kills me, or does whatever other half-formed thing is rolling through his murderous brain right now. Finally, raw, undiluted fear grips my senses. This can’t be the end.

Oliver’s dragging me further from the stage, slamming through a door into the field behind the venue. He’s moving quickly, trees passing around us, until in front of me, there’s an empty shed that’s probably visible from the back door of the venue. It’s small, and the outside looks like it’s not being used or taken care of.

In one swift movement, Oliver tugs open the door and pulls me inside. Once he’s shut and locked the door behind us, he gently sets me down in the dimly lit room. His broad body is between me and the door.

A hysterical laugh bubbles in my throat. I’m trapped in here. Gripping the cross dangling at my throat, I back away and bump into the wall.

Something about Oliver seems different when he raises his eyes to mine. His features are sullen, and there’s a glint of nerves deep in his gaze. The cocky attitude he normally fashions is nowhere to be seen. He’s up to something. Clearly. He frowns. “Don’t be afraid of me, Dani. Please,” he murmurs, almost pleadingly.

“It’s a little too late for that,” I retort. “What do you want?” My hand trembles, the cross held tightly between my fingers.

“I just want to talk.” He takes a hesitant step towards me but stops immediately at my sharp inhale of fear. “My mind is clear now, thanks to you. I came here alone. I got away from Balor. From Amanda. I need to tell you the truth. About everything. I just needed to get you alone, but it’s bloody hard with you being watched like a hawk all the time.”

“Why now? You’ve had so many opportunities to talk to me. I begged you to tell me the truth, before all of this even started,” I breathe.

“Dani, because I-”

The door to the shed flies off its hinges, slamming into the wall next to where I’m standing. I jump and let out a yelp.

In the blink of an eye, Chris has Oliver’s face shoved against the wall. The shed shudders and creaks at the force of the impact. “It’s about time you showed your fucking face. I assume you got my message?” Chris snarls. Without taking his eyes off of Oliver and before Oliver can respond, Chris speaks to me, his voice softer. “Did he hurt you, Dani?”

“No,” I answer, my stomach twisting in unease. This seems wrong for some reason. Oliver isn’t even fighting him back. “No, he hasn’t. I’m okay.”

Oliver grunts. “Yeah, I got your bleedin’ message, you fuckin’ wanker. I’m not here for that, though. I need to talk to Dani. Now get your goddamn hands off me before I make you.”

Chris laughs. “It’s hilarious that you think I’m letting you anywhere near Dani.”

Oliver sighs deeply, the sound muffled from where his face is smashed against the wall. “You asked for it, mate.” Oliver swings his head back, colliding with Chris’ face just enough to force him back. Oliver shoves against Chris, shifting out of his grip and giving Chris a glare as he brushes off his tee shirt. “Listen, I don’t know how much time I’ve got. I could’ve easily teleported her farther away from you, but I didn’t. Like I said, time is of the essence. So if you would kindly piss off and let me speak to my girl, I’d appreciate it.”

“I am not your girl.” I snap, but it’s lost in the scuffle as Chris bares his teeth and lunges at Oliver, pinning him to the wall with an arm across Oliver’s throat. “I’m going to take great pleasure watching you die. You’re just Balor’s bitch, not worth anything to anyone. You have no claim to Dani, and you for sure don’t deserve any of her time.” With his free hand, Chris punches Oliver in the face so forcefully that it would have broken all of the bones in that side of his face if he were human. But he’s not human, I remind myself. He hasn’t been human in years.

“Chris,” I whisper. If this is my only chance, I want to hear what Oliver has to say. No, screw that, I’m going to hear what he has to say, no matter what Chris has planned for Oliver right now. I’ve waited too long to not have some closure.

Chris lifts his fist to punch Oliver again, but, before he can make contact, I dart forward and grab his arm. “Chris! Fucking look at me.” It’s a demand, my voice loud in the small shed.

I’m met with a vicious yellow-eyed glare from Chris. “You can’t be serious right now,” he grits out through clenched teeth.

“I’m absolutely serious. Let him go, Chris. He’s not even fighting back.” I gesture to where he’s resting against the wall, as calmly as if he’s there by choice rather than because Chris’ arm is shoved against his windpipe. “I want to hear what he thinks he needs to say to me.”

Oliver spits blood onto the ground at Chris’ feet. “You heard the lady. Let me go.”

Chris’ eyes narrow, and he punches Oliver again so hard that the back of his head rebounds against the wall before letting him go. When he takes a step away, his eyes shoot daggers in Oliver’s direction. “I’m not leaving this fucking room. He can say whatever he has to say in front of me too.”

Oliver rubs the back of his head. “It’s a bit personal. So, if you don’t mind pissing off.”

“Chris, look at me.” I’m inches from Chris, my hand grasping his. “Chris, I need you to listen to me.”

“I’m not leaving you alone with him, Dani. Absolutely fucking not. Why are you even entertaining his shit? All he’s ever done is lie to you,” Chris snarls.

“I deserve to know the truth, Chris. And you know that. Do not take that away from me.” I say in a stern tone. “You can stand outside the door that you… knocked in.” I peek at the door resting on the floor. “You’ll still be able to hear if something happens. I’ll be okay.”

Oliver is staring at me in awe. “I’m not gonna hurt her.” There’s a tremble in his voice that I’ve only heard a few other times. “I would never hurt her.”

“You shut the fuck up!” Chris gets back in Oliver’s face again. “If you hurt a single strand on her head, I will scalp you and spoon-feed you your own fucking dick. I don’t trust you, and I’m only agreeing to this because Dani fucking asked me to. One wrong word, one wrong move, one wrong blink, dickhead, and you will not leave this building alive. Are we clear?”

Oliver licks the blood from his top teeth. “Crystal.”

Chris backs away from Oliver and turns to me, his eyes still flicking to Oliver every other second. He grabs my face and leans his forehead against mine, his breathing—our breathing— uneven. “I’ll be right outside.”

“I know. I’m okay, Chris. I’m not scared with you here. I’ve got this,” I whisper.

With a deep breath, Chris backs towards the door. With one last glare in Oliver’s direction, he steps through the open doorway and out of view. He’ll still be able to hear everything that we say, but this is the deal. If Oliver wants to talk to me, it has to be this way. He’s proven time and time again that he can’t be trusted.

Oliver is still leaning against the wall, his eyes intent on mine. He looks almost hurt.

I hold his stare and cross my arms. “Say what you have to say. Know this, though. If this is a trick in any way, I’ll let him kill you without a fuss. I’m done with your games.”

Oliver purses his lips. “It’s not a trick. Not a game. I need your help. I think you’re the only one that can help me. I’ve always known you were special, but Balor sunk his claws in deep. So deep that it was hard for me to escape and get back to you as me —the real me, not the Balor puppet. I couldn’t manage it until now.”

I raise an eyebrow at him, ignoring the loud snort of disbelief from just outside the door. “I don’t know how you expect me to help you against a God. I’m gonna need some more details.”

Oliver pushes off the wall, jabbing his index finger at his head as he stalks towards me. “He’s in my fucking head, Dani. Like a parasite. He twists my thoughts, tells me what to do, what to think. I’m a prisoner in my own fucking mind. He’s been there ever since I was a kid. I didn’t know it was him at the time, I just thought I was mental. My whole life he’s whispered to me. Told me to lie, cheat, hurt… kill.” He’s right in front of me now, but I stand my ground, holding his brutal stare. “It started off as killing animals in my backyard. Until it got worse. I killed a girl back in England. Back when I was still human. Just a slag from a concert. I tried not to, fought against it, but he forced my hand. And afterwards, he told me to drink her blood. He always told me to drink the blood of whatever or whoever he told me to kill. He told me it was my calling, and he ordered me to drink their blood. And it was so hard to fight him every minute of every day. So I did it. I thought I would be disgusted, but I wasn’t.”

I let out a shaky breath at his admission. This is what I wanted. The truth. All of it. His entire story, no matter how horrifying it is.

He continues. “The older I got, the harsher the whispers became. More violent and demanding. I was losing myself completely, and spiraling down a path that would surely lead me to a prison cell or dead. Until I met you. You saved me, Dani, and you didn’t even know it.”

“How could I have known? You never told me this. Any of it.” I swallow hard. “You left me in the dark, Oli, when you needed me.”

“If I had told you any of this back then, what would you have done? Think about it.” Oliver searches my eyes frantically. “You would have left me. You would have called the cops. You would have thought I was a bleedin’ head case.”

“I… I don’t know. Maybe some of it. Maybe all of it. I don’t know. But I loved you, and I would have tried to help you.”

“You were already helping me, love,” he whispers.

“How was I helping you if I didn’t know?” I shout. I’m confused, emotionally exhausted, and can’t bring myself to play the hypothetical guessing game he seems interested in. As quickly as my burst of energy appeared, it vanishes, and when I speak again, my voice is quiet. “Balor came to me in my dream and told me that I cast a spell on you. That you left home because of me. And now he wants me dead for it. I don’t understand how I have anything to do with this, with you, and I don’t know how I could help you. I’m just me. I don’t have any special powers or abilities. And I haven’t done anything to you.”

Oliver inhales sharply. “He came to your fucking dream? I swear on everything that I am: I had nothing to do with that, Dani. He just knows that you were the reason my mind was quiet all that time. Whenever I was near you, I could barely hear his whispers. It was like your very presence allowed me to take back control of my mind, to be who I really am. I swear, Dani, I’m not the fucking person he’s trying to turn me into. I fight, and I fight against him, but it’s never any use. He wins every time. But when Chris’ mate snapped my neck, it’s like I was reset. I haven’t heard Balor in days. I don’t know if that’ll last forever, but I knew I needed to talk to you. To finally tell you everything that I couldn’t say before.” His eyes are glassy, his voice breaking.

Tears slide down my cheeks. “That doesn’t make any sense, Oliver. None of this makes any sense to me.”

“I don’t understand it either. I really mean that. But there’s something about you, Dani. You’re different. I knew it back then, and I know it now. The fact that you’re bonded to that… prick-” A low growl sounds from outside, and Oliver’s jaw tics. “-just goes to fucking show that you are much more than meets the eye. Why you were able to quiet the whispers. How you’re a human with a sanguise bond to a vampire. None of it makes sense.”

“You knew right away what Chris was to me. Right after the bus crash, didn’t you?” He nods in agreement. “How?”

“I’d say it was proper obvious, innit? The way he was protecting you. I heard what he said to you. That he could feel you. You’re so much more than just a human. Even though you still just smell like a human.” Oliver’s eyes narrow on me. “You should have been my sanguise. It would have made so much more fucking sense. The way you affected me before I was turned. But fate is funny like that.” He snorts. “A bitch like that.”

I run my fingers through my hair and grimace. “You’re quite the anomaly yourself. You were sired by Balor, right? But you can walk in the sun. You’re stronger than other vampires, and you have more powers than just any regular-sired vampire. How is any of that possible?”

“I don’t bloody know. Balor just told me I was chosen to carry out his wishes. That it was fated to be so. Prophecized and all that. Whatever that means. Just ’cause I’m his chosen doesn’t mean he fills me in on anything. He tells me what to do, and I do it. Like a mindless idiot. I have no control over it, Dani, no control over me. I swear to you.”

“So that’s where you were for those two years? Under Balor’s control while he told you all of this? With your new lover, Amanda, the crazy bitch?” I ask, my fists involuntarily clenching.

Oliver scrunches his face, his nose wrinkling in disgust before he exhales slowly. “Yes.”

I stare at him in disbelief. “That’s it? ‘Yes?’ That’s all you’re gonna give me? What about when I caught you cheating? That’s all Balor, too, huh? Or maybe the real you was just a dick all along, and Balor gives you an excuse.” My words are sharp and hurtful, and I wish I could pull them back when Oliver locks his eyes on mine.

There are tears glossing his eyes, just forming on his eyelids, and he’s blinking hard to hold them back. “The night you found me with Hannah was the worst fucking night of my life. I knew I was going to lose you.” Oliver grips the back of his neck tightly, letting out a groan as he does so. When he continues, his voice is shaky. “Balor was the reason for that, even though it sounds like an excuse. Every day he taunted me, forcing thoughts inside my brain, demanding that I listen to him. I tried to fight it. I really did. I know that sounds like bullshit, but, I swear to god, Dani, I never wanted to cheat on you. That time or any of the times before that.”

There it is, the single tear sliding down his face. And the truth. The confirmation that the night of the party wasn’t the first time he cheated. And just like when I walked into that room to find Hannah bent over him, his dick in her mouth, my heart cracks—even though I’m not in love with Oliver anymore. Even though we’ve been done for years.

“When I woke up at the hospital after I hit my head, Balor was there. He killed all of us and made us the monsters that we are now. His slaves. When I woke up from my own murder, I was so hungry. It was like this bottomless pit in my belly that, no matter how much I put into it, I could never quite fill. Balor brought Amanda to meet me so she could train me and show me how to be a vampire. How to kill. How to hunt. She taught me how to be a demon instead.” Oliver collapses to his knees in front of me, his head bowed and his shoulders shaking as he tries to hold back his tears.

I want to reach out to touch him, to comfort him. But I don’t. I can’t. “Oli,” I whisper.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Dani. I failed you at every turn, in every way I could possibly let you down.” His voice cracks. “I tried to fight against the hunger, but it consumed me, blinding me to almost everything. Once I got control over the hunger, Balor took control of my every thought, and it took root deep, so deep inside me that I couldn’t get away. No escape for me from my own personal hell. So I shut off my emotions, and I didn’t care about anything for a long time. I let Amanda do whatever she wanted with me. Balor told me I was promised to her. That once I fulfill this damn prophecy that she’ll rule at my side. When he said that, your face flashed through my mind. And I just cracked. I don’t know how else to describe it. I turned on my emotions, just enough, came up with this stupid plan to take you away. I took my mates with me, to try and help them too, because they were lost in all the blood and death also… I didn’t really know how I was going to pull any of it off, but I needed you. I wanted my mind back, and you were my only way out. I knew Amanda would come after us, though. I meant it when I said I was going to kill you because, if I didn’t she would have, and she would have made it endless.” A strangled sob finally escapes him.

I cover my mouth with my hand, smothering my own gasps, as the tears that have been threatening since he started talking fall from my eyelids.

“But I was never going to let you stay dead. I was always going to turn you, Dani. I was going to do it as soon as I got you away from that party, but then I got lost in you. I wanted to experience your touch the way you are now just one last time. I loved you then, and I love you now. I’ll always love you, baby. You may not be my sanguise, but we’re bonded in another way. We’re connected too, and I think you know it. It’s undeniable. I can’t let you go because I’m lost without you.” He lifts his head, his face streaked with his tears. “Everything good about me is because of you, Dani.”

I kneel next to him, He’s right; we are connected. We always have been. But there’s nothing I can do about his confessions of love and devotion now. Oliver and I have to be done. I can’t trust him, and beyond that, I know I have feelings for Chris that can’t be ignored or set aside.

Seeing him beside me, tear-stained and broken, though, I want to comfort him so badly it’s a physical ache. But I know if I so much as touch him, there will be a Chris-shaped hole through the wall, and he’ll destroy Oliver where he kneels on the cold floor. I shove my way past the emotions, past his confessions, and focus on the more deadly concern. “So, Balor wants me dead because he can’t control you right now? Because I somehow dissipate his control over you?”

“Yes. I’m so sorry, Dani. For all of this shit. I never wanted any of this, especially not for you. I don’t think this will last long, though, and I don’t know how much longer I’ve got. He always manages to find a way to slither back into my head.” Anger ripples across his face. “I want to be free of this fucker.”

“Oli, how am I supposed to help you?” I ask softly. “If Balor’s going to take you regardless, what am I supposed to do?”

His stare is piercing. He’s being genuine about everything, unless he’s a really good actor. But, no matter how good an actor he may be, this explains too much to just be bullshit. “Come with me. Come back to me. Choose me. I can turn you, and we can be together forever. We can leave all of this behind. I won’t let Balor touch you. Just be mine again. I can be free with you by my side, and I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else,” Oliver whispers, reaching for my hand, not even stopping when Chris starts snarling outside.

I let him take my hand, but this—all of this— is wrong. “Thank you for telling me the truth. I needed it more than you know.” I bite my lip. “But I’m sorry. I can’t help you, Oli. I have to choose myself this time. I choose my own happiness. And I choose to live.” I lean in, kissing Oliver tenderly on the cheek and hoping that Chris will stay put. “You’ll always hold a piece of my heart, but I can’t be who you want me to be. Who you’re asking me to be.”

Oliver’s forehead furrows. “Because of him?” His eyes flick to the door where Chris still growls.

I shake my head. “Because of me.”

Oliver’s jaw tics, and his eye twitches.

“I don’t want to die yet, Oli. I spent the last two years doing my best impression of a living dead girl, because of you. I just started to live again. You can’t take that away from me. You’ve already taken too much from me without asking for my literal life too. You ruined me, Oliver. My joy. My happiness. I know the reason now. I know it wasn’t your fault, and, for everything you’ve suffered, I’m so truly sorry. And I forgive you for everything you did to me. But I can’t help you. I’m just a human girl. Call Balor off. Tell him it’s over. You need to take your life back and not rest all of your hopes on me.”

Oliver’s expression is tortured as he inhales a sharp breath. “It doesn’t fucking work like that. I’m the only person that can save you against Balor. If you think that knobhead out there can stand against him, then you’re a fool.” Oliver suddenly groans loudly and seizes his head. “FUCK!”

A shadow flares over me as Chris runs into the room and snatches me off the floor. He places me down near the door, his eyes scanning me quickly for injuries, before turning and standing between me and Oliver. “I think we’re done here.”

Still kneeling, Oliver is trembling, ferociously ripping at his hair and shaking his head. “Nononono!” he shouts.

“You’re being a bit dramatic. She told you no. She made her decision. Now you’re going to leave her alone for good,” Chris snaps.

Oliver drops his head to the floor, smashing it once against the cold stone before he starts punching the sides of his head. “GET OUT!” He’s screaming, deep, pained sounds ripping from his gut. Until he just stops. He goes completely still, crunched over on the floor.

Chris puts his arms out slightly, holding me back and preparing for Oliver to retaliate.

Oliver’s shoulders begin shaking. Is he crying again? No, not after all of that. That response didn’t feel like a reaction to rejection. It felt like…

An eerie laugh fills the shed, raising the hair along my arms. Oliver’s head shoots up, his mouth parted on the unnatural laugh rolling from his mouth. He’s staring at me with eyes that are deep crimson. I gasp as I realize that Oliver is gone. Balor was there at the corners of his mind the whole time, just waiting for his moment. And now he’s taken back his chosen one, no matter how unwilling he is.

Still laughing, Oliver rises in one fluid motion. “You’ll regret this, pet. I will kill you in Balor’s name. Not today but soon. I’ll be back. So run along with your little sanguis. He won’t be able to protect you from me. When the time comes, I’ll rip out his throat with my teeth while you watch and mourn over his ashes. Then I’ll take my time with you.”

“Next time, I’m not going to stop him from killing you. I may just cheer him on. So come for me again, and it will be the last time you ever threaten me. That’s my promise to you, Oli,” I snarl my nickname for him, disdain dripping from the word, from behind Chris.

Oliver disappears in black mist, and I swear I can see his sinful smile lingering in the air after he’s gone.

Chris turns and pulls me into his arms, his hands roaming against my back like he’s trying to make sure I’m actually safe. “Are you okay, kitten?” he asks, nose pressed against my hair. “You were so strong. So brave.”

“I feel good, actually. Like a weight has been lifted off of my chest. I feel lighter. Does that make sense?” I breathe against his chest.

Chris drops a kiss on top of my head. “Yeah, it makes perfect sense.”

“I finally know the truth about everything.” I pull away from him slightly, just enough so I can look up at him. “And we know why Balor wants him back so badly. I do feel terrible that he can’t control anything that’s happening to him.”

“There’s no helping that, although I do wonder why Balor would make him a chosen if he has to exert all of that power keeping Oliver under his control. Even when he was a human.” He tilts his head, eyes distant in thought. “Unless Oliver was never human at all.”

Interesting point, one we’ll discuss later. Right now, though, I’m distracted by a much more meaningful thought. “You stopped your show.”

He wraps his hand around the back of my head and pulls me back into his chest, leaning to rest his cheek against my hair. “My kitten needed me. I told you I would always find my way to you.”

That invisible cord in my chest is sparking, trying to ignite beneath my skin. I cling tighter to Chris, my fingers digging into the muscles lining his back. “I’ll always find my way to you, too.”

Beneath my ear, his heart thumps solidly, the sound reassuring and an echo of the feeling of my own heart. “Let’s go get a drink. I could use some whiskey after tonight.”

“You’re just trying to get me drunk again.” My face cracks into a smile, the first I’ve had since walking into this dank, falling-down shed.

“Just one drink so I can fill everyone in on what happened. Then I want to take you somewhere.”

“Then let’s go, little puppy.”