Page 39 of Blood Lovers

“No one cares if it’s pretty, Zusi. It’s safe. That’s the only thing that matters.”

Zuse and I exchange a look. He’s so uptight. But we forgive him because he’s about as handsome as they come. Six-foot-two, broad shoulders, dark blond hair that is just long enough to casually slick back with a sweep of his fingers. And he dresses nice. Usually, he likes a suit, but he looks good on the beach too.

I’ve been teasing Zusi about him since I woke up. They make the most ironic couple. She’s all tiny and cute and he’s all tall and cut. Plus, her personality is what most people would describe as bubbly and his is… well, uptight really is the right word for him. But it’s uptight in an adorable way.

She should date him.

When I said that, she slapped my arm. “It’s so forbidden. The Guild would shit a gold brick if we dared to even hold hands, Syrsee. It’s not gonna happen.”

And I replied, “What I just heard is, ‘Yeah, he’s hot and I want to jump his bones, but I’m temporarily choosing my kickass job over love. But one day—’”

She slapped me again. Playfully, of course.

Still, I just have a feeling that they will end up together.

Tristin drives us to the airport, but he doesn’t park. He pulls up to departures.

I look over at Zusi. “You’re not coming in? Not even to walk me to security?”

“I can’t, Syr. We have a flight waiting for us at the private airfield. But here’s your schedule. It’s a ten-day journey.”

“What? Why? I thought you said it was safe.”

“It is.” Tristin turns in his seat to look at me. “But we can’t be sloppy. You will leave here, land back in Miami, then you will take a bus—”

“A bus? Zusi!”

“It’s only to Pensacola.”

“When you get there, you’ll take another plane to Portland.”

“Oregon, right?” I raise one eyebrow at Tristin.

“Maine.”

“Dick! No! What the fuck? That’s literally three thousand miles away from Idaho.”

“That’s the point.” Zusi pats my shoulder. “We’ve got Guild members who will cover your tracks the whole way, but it’s not a joke, Syrsee. This is serious shit. Your life depends on this.”

I sigh. “Fine. Then where?”

“Ontario.”

“Great.”

“Then New Orleans, Omaha, Phoenix, and finally Boise.” Tristin faces forward in his seat and looks at me in the rear-view mirror. “You will take a bus from Boise to Grangerville, where a car is parked in a Super 8 Motel. Enjoy a night on us. And then continue north to White River the following day. The address is in the glove box.”

“Wait.” I put up a hand. “This isn’t non-stop traveling, right?” Zusi winces. “Zuse! Ten days with no hotel. I will stink!”

“Technically, it’s nine. And there’s a shower at the bus stations.”

“Tristin, shut the fuck up.” He recoils at Zusi’s snappish tone. “Let me handle this.” She turns to me and smiles sweetly. “There’s a shower at the bus stations.”

I can’t help it, I laugh. “It’s not funny though.”

She holds up a finger. “Bitch. Do you really think I would leave you hanging like this?”

“Umm… no?”