Page 97 of Black Hollow: Awakening

“Go to sleep,” Alden instructed. “I didn’t come here to endure your company.”

“I’m supposed to sleep while you’re in my house?”

“And what’s the problem with that?”

“A major one! We barely know each other.”

“You think I’m going to rob you?” Blake sneered venomously, his gaze sweeping over the living room as if to communicate that he wouldn’t take any of the things around them even if he were paid to.

“No,” Will snarled, losing his composure. “But you did literally go through my fridge last time, so…”

“Hiding something embarrassing?” Blake interrupted him. “Because if it’s about deviant porn, I’ve seen worse, so let’s just drop this conversation, shall we?”

Will clenched his hands into fists. Alden was driving him up the wall.

“You know what, never mind,” he said gruffly, deciding there was no point in arguing. “See you tomorrow, Blake. Don’t touch my stuff.”

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

“Great!” Will snapped as he left. He had to have the last word.

He went back to his bedroom, changed into his pajamas, and got into bed, but he couldn’t fall asleep. He tossed and turned, haunted by thoughts of Alden’s presence, until finally, after about an hour, he went downstairs on the pretext of getting a glass of water. Will wanted to check on what Blake was up to.

The living room light was on. Peeking in cautiously, trying not to make any noise, he panicked a little when he couldn’t see Blake at first. His immediate thought was that the asshole had shamelessly abandoned him, but a moment later, Will spotted him. Blake was lying on the couch. Asleep.

The corner of Will’s mouth lifted in a pitying smile. Some protector.

He quietly went to a cabinet, took out a blanket, and draped it over Blake.

“I feel very safe,” he muttered ironically under his breath as he headed for the door.

“You should,” Alden mumbled back, and Will froze for a moment before turning to look at the vampire in amazement. He was still lying motionless with his eyes closed.

“But you’re asleep.”

“I’m keeping watch.”

“Really? Because you look like you’re asleep.”

An irritated grimace twisted Alden’s handsome face.

“I’m trying to concentrate, so stop babbling and go away, or this isn’t going to work.”

Will sighed heavily and trudged back upstairs.

Blake was incorrigible.

January 24 | Friday

Norma threw a party – the first one Will attended officially with Oscar, so he felt fantastic right from the start. That wasn’t the only new development—Blake had graced them with his presence, which undoubtedly pleased many, especially the girls, even though Alden didn’t seem like he was there to socialize. For the first fifteen minutes, he stuck close to Liam. They were talking about something. Liam seemed moderately interested at best. Blake, on the other hand, was gesturing intensely, which meant the topic was stirring up a lot of emotion in him. Will even wondered if they were talking about him, though it didn’t seem likely.

The night Blake kept watch, absolutely nothing had happened. The next day, he had checked the area again, but there was no sign of the demon. Will began to question what he’d seen. It had been dark, after all. Maybe he’d seen some other, similar-looking girl who had just happened to be on his property? It didn’t sound plausible, but it was the only explanation that let him sleep in peace.

Eventually, he stopped paying attention to Blake and focused on Oscar, and that’s when the evening became truly enjoyable. They drank, danced, talked, and generally had a great time.

About an hour and a half later, Will, a bit unsteady on his feet, climbed the stairs, hoping the upstairs bathroom would be free.

“Hey, Will!” he heard someone call. He turned to see Norma peeking out of her room. “You in?”