Demonic Vampires (Supernatural Shifter Academy #3) - G. Bailey Page 0,7
I say. “Figured I’d go get changed.”
“Bold of you to assume you can’t change in front of me,” the wolf shifter replies with a wicked grin, and I feel a surge of butterflies in my stomach as he leans forward, his lips brushing my ear. “I’ve been thinking about that night on the rooftop,” he murmurs, the feeling of his breath sending a shiver up my spine. “I’m always thinking about it, Boots.”
Sure that my blush is giving me away, I give him a playful shove, not wanting him to know how much he’s getting to me. Laughing, he reaches out to ruffle my chestnut hair before turning away, stuffing his hands in his pockets. I’m left to watch him go, still trying to get my composure back, before taking shelter in the bathroom. Take it easy, I tell myself as I struggle out of my sleep shirt and shorts. You’ve got more important things to worry about than romance.
I finish getting dressed and have my hand on the doorknob when the sound of Shade’s jovial voice leaks through. “So what were you doing, spooning Boots?”
I hear Hunter let out a muffled growl of frustration. “For fuck’s sake, guys, we didn’t do anything.”
“Hey,” Shade protests, “more power to you if you did. Is it true that vamps are cold when they’re… you know…?” There’s a pause, and then the wolf shifter bursts out laughing. “The look on your face!”
“Not funny,” Hunter growls.
“All right, guys, take it easy,” comes Silas’ voice.
There’s the sound of the door opening, followed by Hazel: “I picked us up some breakfast. There’s a bakery on the corner.”
Only the idea of food is enough to get the guys to stop bickering, and they descend upon the breakfast like they’re starving. My stomach lets out a rumble, too, and I realise just how hungry I am; shifting is taxing on the body, and my little stint with Landon yesterday must have drained me more than I thought. I push out of the bathroom and walk up to the kitchen counter, where Hazel has laid out an array of pastries. “Damn,” I observe, grabbing a croissant. “You really went all-out.”
“I sure did,” she replies proudly. “If we’re going through hell, I’m not about to let us go through it with subpar breakfast foods.”
“You goddess,” Xander says through a mouthful of danish, grinning boyishly at the other siren shifter. Ruby rolls her eyes, but it looks like she’s struggling not to smile. The others continue to talk amongst themselves as I wolf down my food, hardly believing how many croissants I’m able to put away; if we weren’t on the lam, I would be worrying about my waistline, but I’ve got bigger problems than putting on a couple of kilograms.
I notice that Silas is back to leaning against the counter, staring down at his phone. I sidle up to him and put my hand on his arm, and he tenses up for a moment before seeming to realise it’s me. “Sorry,” he says.
“Don’t apologise,” I tell him, crossing my arms and peering over his shoulder. “What are you looking at?”
“A map of the city,” the dragon shifter replies. “We’re going to need to find a discreet route to the airport.” There’s a pause as he shifts from foot to foot, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve also been doing some research,” he adds. “About getting my powers back up to par.”
“They seemed pretty up to par earlier,” I remark.
He shakes his head. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew how much of a struggle it was. I’m starting to wonder if I’m ever going to get back to where I was.”
“Hey,” I say, tugging at his arm to make him look at me. “Don’t say that. It just takes time.” Spontaneously, I lean forward, touching my forehead to his as I meet his dark eyes. To his credit, he doesn’t look away, and the smoldering look he gives me worms its way into my stomach. “We’re going to be okay,” I murmur.
Silas closes his eyes for a moment, leaning into my touch. “Let’s hope you’re right, Boots.”
Chapter 4
It’s becoming clear to me that Boston isn’t a city meant for walking. Between the winding cobblestone streets and the oppressive summer heat, I’m sweating by the time we step outside the motel, having packed up, checked out, and paid cash. Silas was right, though; the one saving grace is that we’re near the airport which should minimise the amount of time