He did not seem fazed by my outburst. "Yeah, well, you weren't here for decades. That King family is cursed." He showed two fingers. "Both her parents died a tragic death. Both!" Those fingers tapped on the steering wheel. "I don't want to be a witness or associated with death number three."
Oh, my gosh.
I stared at the side of his head.
Was he for real? Where had the sweet Brian I once knew gone?
"I can not believe you said that. It was so uncool on so many levels. You are a horrible person."
Once again, his shoulders bounced. "Your words would be different if you were here when it happened."
No, my words would be the same. I remembered how nice and quiet Mr. King was. His twin was always the talkative one. Though they were identical, their personalities were somewhat different. At least when they weren't in a fight. Summer's father, Johnathan, was often the calm one, while her uncle, James, was the protector aka the tyrant. On more than one occasion I got the chance to see them in action. The way they loved each other and everyone around them was beyond commendable. Well, those they had not fought. Most if not all of those fights were started by James the tyrant. No one dared to offend him, or his brother without getting a proper beat down.
The best part was, even though Summer's father was nice, he also had a dark side like his twin. It normally showed when he was in a fight or when his brother was hurt.
A smile tilted my lips.
They were a sight to see. They feared no one, not even those with supernatural abilities. They also never held grudges. They always forgave their oppressors and forgot the past. And, because of who they were, they got along with the majority of the town, including the ones they once fought with.
Before I left town, Summer's uncle, James, had left to attend one of those big colleges up State.
"Is that why her Uncle came back because his brother died?"
Brian turned back onto the main road. "He came back for the funeral, and I guess, because of Summer he stayed."
"And joined the High Council?" I never would have thought he would settle down enough to join the High Council.
Brian shrugged. "For generations, they have been on the High Council. It may seem he took his brother's place, yes."
Hmmm. James must have been devastated when he heard of his brother's death. Still, wouldn't it have been easier if he had taken Summer and left. Why he chose to stay in the same house his brother once lived in, the same town they grew up in, was a mystery. After all, he had left all three behind when he left for college to start a new life. What changed now?
I slouched in my seat.
No wonder Brian thought they were weird.
"I'm sorry," crept in my ears.
I shook my head. "Sorry for what?"
"About yesterday. I didn't mean to get you in trouble." His hands found mine and laced our fingers together.
"It's okay. I knew you meant well."
His gaze flickered to mine. "Hmmm, where did you go yesterday? I had searched everywhere for you."
"I went for a run, to clear my head." And, found something else in the process.
Silence came after.
When my ears rang from all the silence, he asked, "Are your parents the reason why you decided to join the Elite?"
I shuffled in my seat. "Yes, and no. I want to prove them wrong and I also want—"
"I know," he intervened. "I get it."
I knew he would. He went from a cancer patient to a forbidden newborn vampire to a mourning vampire to a great leader. He went through it all. Without me.
I, too, needed to do this on my own.
Then a question came to mind. "How often do the Elite members see each other?"
"We attend the same school, Bri. We might bump into them at any time."
I rolled my eyes at the laughter in his voice. "You know what I mean. How often do you guys have meetings?"
"Unless there is a crisis, not a lot."
I blew out a long breath.
After all, I had all the right to be concerned. After the roller coaster of sensation which ambushed me the last time we met. Kyle was a guy I would rather stay away from.
"Hey, don't worry. You're going to do great." Brian's fingers squeezed my own.
My lips stretched at how far-fetched he was. Yet, sweet about it. "I know."
He drove through our tall silver gate, around the fountain, and into the garage. "I'm going out tonight with the boys."
"The boys?"
The vehicle died. "Yeah, you know, the opposite of females. They have a penis instead of vaginas."
I placed a light slap on his arm. "Stop playing."
He unbuckled his seat belt and leaned over to my seat. "My teammates. We're going out for a bit."
Right. "No girls?" I unhooked my seatbelt.
He shook his head. Curls loosened and fell on his forehead. "No girls."
"Hmm, you'll know where to find me when you get back." I hooked my fingers in the doorknob and pushed the door opened.
"Okay, I'll get in late, anyway."
"Good for you." My feet left the car and found the tiles.
"Wait!" His fingers grabbed my arm.
"What?"
His tongue slid over his bottom lips and orange eyes wandered my face. "Nothing."
He then leaned in between the seats and grabbed his backpack. By the sudden change in his demeanor, I knew he wanted to say something, but didn't.
There was a time when we talked about every and anything without fears or insecurities. A time when we were close. However, it was centuries ago, before he went through a cycle of pain and agony, before his turning. A time when he thought of me as more than a Sire, but his actual friend. And if I was being honest with myself, I missed those times. I missed the old us.
On his way back from fetching his bag, I held onto the side of his head.
Startled by my action, he froze. "What are you—"
His words were cut when my lips met his. He never kissed me back right away but allowed me to take the lead.
I leaned in closer, needing more. The taste and softness of his lips took over my thoughts. The world became distant to a kiss I had forgotten what felt like.
A few seconds and Brian joined in the bliss. Several seconds more and I pulled away.
"What was that for?" He whispered. His eyes still closed.
"Nothing. It's always good to be home." With that, I left the car, walked around the hood, and towards the door leading into the house.
"Was that a one-time thing? Or can I expect more?"
I pivoted on my heels, my eyes landed on the culprit. An impish grin sat on his lips, happiness twinkle in his eyes.
"I won't hold my breath if I were you."
At my words, a shadow covered his face. "You're right. It could cause suffocation."
Ugh, smart ass.
"Whatever." I waved him off and went inside.