Demonic Vampires (Supernatural Shifter Academy #3) - G. Bailey Page 0,26

people.”

“Sure, but you seem to be the one calling the shots here.”

I just shrug, forcing myself to keep my voice level. “It’s really none of my business,” I tell her.

So why am I so bothered, then?

Chapter 11

Edith doesn't say much more to me, seemingly lost in her own thoughts as she continues doing our chores. Part of me wants to stick around, at least try to get to know her better, but the other balks at the thought of hearing her opinions on any more of my companions. Feeling surly and frustrated that I don't know why, I excuse myself as she starts the washing machine, wandering into the common area at a loss for what to do with myself.

I'm halfway across the living room when Landon's smoky voice makes my head snap back around: "You know I'm a sucker for wet hair, Boots." I duck my head, swiping a strand of still-damp hair out of my face. I didn't realise he had woken up.

I snicker, rolling my eyes. "You're incorrigible, Landon."

"Hey, don't blame me," he protests, holding up his hands. "It's in my nature."

I stare at him for a moment. "Because you're a… right. Well, I guess I'll just have to remember to never dry my hair, then."

"Oh, perish the thought!" the siren shifter exclaims, his voice taking on that melodramatic tone that always makes my heart flutter even as I roll my eyes. "Your comfort is, and always has been, my top priority, Boots. And speaking of which…" He leans forward on the couch, the humour vanishing from his tone. "You seem a little… bothered, if I'm telling the truth. Are you all right?"

"Me? I -- of course," I reply, a little too quickly, avoiding his eyes. "I'm just… It's just the let down, you know? We barely made it out of Boston alive. It's weird being somewhere safe again." If this could really be called safe, I think grimly.

"You sure that's all it is?" Landon asks, scooting to the side to make room for me on the couch and patting the space beside him.

"I mean, yeah," I reply, not very convincingly, as I move to sit next to the siren shifter.

Landon's black eyes bore into me. "Come on, Boots. We both know you have the world's lousiest poker face."

"That's not…" I protest indignantly. "Hunter has a worse poker face than I do!"

Landon laughs. "This is the part where you make jokes to avoid the subject, right? You've learned well."

"God, you're such a smartass," I complain, elbowing him good-naturedly. To my surprise, Landon catches hold of my elbow and pulls me against his side, slinging an arm around my shoulders as if it's the most natural thing in the world. My breathing hitches for a moment, my train of thought slipping away under the electricity of his touch. He's so cavalier, I muse wonderingly. Some wicked part of my mind wonders whether he's this self-assured in other, more salacious contexts… only prompting me to blush traitorously.

If Landon notices my nervousness, he doesn't remark on it, making me feel a little better. It's astounding how comfortable I feel around him, like we've known each other for years. "So what is it really, Boots?" the shifter asks me gently, his eyes studiously fixed forward. "You're pretty good at ramping down your feelings for the good of the group, but you have to lighten up on yourself. No one should have to shoulder all these emotions by themselves."

I sigh, and then steal a glance over my shoulder, towards the laundry room. The racket of the washing machine muffles the sound around the flat, and Edith is still in there with the door closed. "I wish I could explain it," I admit. "That's the worst part. It's totally irrational. There's no rhyme or reason to it. Something feels wrong."

"About this place?" asks Landon. "About Mollie?"

I shake my head. "Not about Mollie, specifically. I know she is who she says she is, I feel it in my bones. I never, ever thought I would see her again." I can feel myself getting emotional all of a sudden, the combination of the relief of escaping the U.S. and my mounting unease making tears spring, unbidden, to my eyes. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Landon watching me, and his hold on me tightens comfortingly, almost imperceptibly. I take a moment to gather my thoughts before continuing, my voice barely louder than a whisper, "It's her. Edith." I'm not in full