“Are you sure you’re okay, Nikki?” asked my brother. “You weren’t bitten or anything, were you?”
I shook my head.
“So, is Ethan a vampire or what?” asked Duncan. “He certainly has some kind of super strength. He almost killed me on the beach. Then he took off with my girl. I feel like such a lame excuse for a boyfriend. ”
I turned around to look at him. “There’s no way you could have done anything more. And look, I’m here, now, and I’m totally fine.”
He sighed. “It’s my fault, you know. You warned me about walking on the beach. I’m just glad you’re okay. I was so worried that he might have killed you or something.”
“No, he wouldn’t kill me.”
“How can you be so sure? You can’t trust that maniac. Look what happened to Abigail.”
“We don’t know if he did that,” I said, not wanting to believe it. I couldn’t imagine Ethan as a murderer. Not when he made me feel so safe and alive.
“Did you actually ask him?” asked Nathan.
“Um, no. Are you kidding?”
He frowned. “What about those other girls. Did you ask him about those?”
“No.”
The truth was, I was terrified of his answer.
“So, what were you doing all this time?” asked Duncan.
I lied. “Just talked about other things.” I certainly couldn’t tell him the truth. It did neither of us any good, and until I figured out what had actually happened and whether or not I’d had any control, I’d keep it to myself. Besides, hurting Duncan was the last thing I wanted to do. “To tell you the truth, I talked to Celeste more than anyone.”
“She is so freaken hot,” said Nathan, grinning. “I’m going to have to get her number from Caleb.”
“No, Nathan. Just stay away from her,” I said.
“Why?” asked Nathan. “Because you don’t like Caleb?”
I sighed. “No, because she’s a vampire. So is he, by the way.”
Nathan slammed on the brakes. “What?”
Before I could continue, something landed on the top of Nathan’s car with a loud thud.
“Shit!” hollered Duncan as Ethan jumped to the ground. “He’s come back for Nikki.”
The doors were locked but it didn’t stop him. He ripped mine open and tossed it into the ditch.
“Shit, no… he didn’t just do that to my Mustang!” hollered Nathan, getting out of the car.
“Hi,” smiled Ethan, as he bent down on one knee. He held out his hand to me. “I just couldn’t stay away. Do you have a few minutes to talk in private?”
“No,” I said, backing away. “I can’t go anywhere with you.”
He actually looked hurt. He stood up. “Why?”
“Leave her alone, you bastard!” snarled Duncan, getting out of the car. He walked around and stood next to Nathan, his fists clenched, ready to fight.
“I think we can take him together, bro,” said Nathan, taking a step towards Ethan.
Ethan smiled with a hint of fang. “I won’t hurt you because Nikki wants it that way. But if either of you touch me, your future holds no promises.”
“Okay, fine, what do you want with me?” I asked, getting out of the car. I didn’t want anyone hurt but from the look on everyone’s faces, something was about to go down. Unfortunately, there was no doubt in my mind that it would be Duncan and Nathan.
Ethan sighed and ran a hand through his black hair, which was still messy from rolling around in bed with me. “I’m leaving. Caleb has banished me and I’m going to New York.”
“Good,” replied Duncan. “Then you’d better move quickly, daylight’s coming.”
He smiled coldly. “Daylight doesn’t affect me. It’s just a little… uncomfortable.”
“My sister isn’t going anywhere with you,” said Nathan. “And guess what? You’re going to pay for my door before you leave.”
Ethan took out his wallet and threw several hundred dollar bills at his feet. “There you go, bro. Get it fixed.”
“Asshole,” mumbled Nathan, picking up the bills.
Ethan turned back to me. “Can we just have a little time alone, Nikki? There are some things I need to tell you.”
Duncan moved in front of me. “You stay the fuck away from her.”
“This doesn’t concern you,” replied Ethan, glaring at Duncan. “Move aside.”
“You’re going to have to make me,” he growled.
I groaned and stepped around him. “Fine, I’ll talk to you, Ethan.” If he actually was leaving, I wanted to find out what he had to say.