I wouldnt hurt any of you. You believe me, right?
She heard the sudden doubt in his voice.
Sure, she said. Its justMichael, I dont think you really know what you are yet. Whats changing inside you. Eve thinks that showing you our weakness is a bad idea. I dont think shes wrong about that.
Michael was watching her as if hed never actually seen her before. As if shed changed right before his eyes, from a child to an equal.
She swallowed hard. That was a powerful look, and it wasnt the vampire part of himit was the Michael part. The part she admired, and loved.
No, he said softly. I dont think shes wrong, either. He touched Claires cheek gently. What happened to Shane?
You dont think it was just another pity party, like Eve?
Michael had never looked so serious, she thought. No, he said. And I think he may need help. But I dont think hed take it from me right now.
Im not sure hell take it from me, either, Claire said.
Michael took the plates from her. Dont underestimate yourself.
Shanes room was dark, except for the dim glow that came in from the distant streetlights. Claire eased the door open and, in the stripe of warm hallway light, saw his foot and part of his leg. He was lying on the bed. She shut the door, took a slow, calm breath, and walked to sit down next to him.
He didnt move. As her eyes adjusted, she saw that his eyes were open. He was staring at the ceiling.
You want to talk about it? she asked. No answer. He blinked; that was all. She got to you, didnt she? Somehow, she got to you.
For a long few seconds, she thought he was just going to lie there and ignore her, but then he said, They get inside your head, the really strong ones. They can make youfeel things. Want things you dont really want. Do things youd never do. Most of them dont bother, but the ones that dotheyre the worst.
Claire reached out in the darkness, and his hand met hers midwaycool at first, then growing warm where their skin touched.