Shadow Lake Vampire Society - Wendi Wilson Page 0,44

right, while hanging steps went left.

“The high ropes course,” True said, her eyes aimed up. “I thought this was closed.”

“It is,” Levi replied. “If we go up there, I’ll be able to watch the whole campus, and no one will be able to hear us.”

“Up there?” I swallowed hard, my mind reeling over the implications.

He pinned me with his gaze. “Can’t handle it?”

So it was a challenge, huh? He was trying to show that I was too weak to deal with this camp and whatever it was he wanted to tell us.

Badass Piper showed up right on time. “Oh, I can handle it.

I shook out my shoulders and walked to the nearest pole. Finding the ladder, I began to climb.

“Don’t we need a harness or a helmet or something?” True said behind me.

“I’ll go last and make sure you get up,” Levi replied with all the confidence in the world.

It was as if he was sure he could catch us if we fell. Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure he couldn’t. From what I’d seen, he was surprisingly fast, and I already knew he was amazingly strong. His supernatural hearing was yet another item on my list of curiosities.

I bet they’re vampires.

As I climbed, True’s words rang in my ears. But vampires didn’t exist. That was crazy.

Then I remembered the bear attack. The injuries my father suffered. The sound of boots on the wooden planks above me.

A vampire. I shivered.

“Are you all right?” Levi called from down below.

“Fine.” I focused on heading up hand-over-hand. I didn’t look down. Not once.

Soon, the wooden platform was within my grasp. I dragged myself up, sitting close to the pole and holding onto the boards beneath me for dear life.

From this height, most of the camp was visible. The high ropes course was built on a large hill, which I only noticed now. Between the trees, the cabins and pavilions were visible, even the lake was a shimmering dot off in the distance. Above, the night sky was cloudless, and a full moon hung between blankets of stars. The breeze brought the scent of pine from the towering trees, and an owl hooted deep within them.

It was so breathtaking, I forgot to be afraid.

“Ah, God. How did I let you talk me into this?” True said, climbing onto the platform. “Don’t you know this is how half of Unsolved Mysteries cases start?” She scooted close to me, throwing an arm around me. “Don’t let me fall.”

“I won’t. Look.” I pointed toward campus.

True went silent, and her face turned peaceful as she took in the sights. “Wow.”

A dark shape climbed onto the platform and scooted in next to us. His eyes didn’t take in the splendor. He kept them firmly rooted on me.

“I’m fine,” I said, knowing he was scanning my expression for weakness.

He nodded, before moving to sit cross-legged on the other side of the small platform, leaving four feet of space between us.

He was silent for several beats before beginning. “What I’m about to tell you can’t be shared with anyone. Not anyone. Do you two understand?”

We nodded, but he frowned. “I’m serious. If I tell you these things, and you reveal them, it will likely mean the end of your life. We can only protect those who keep the secret. Do you agree?”

I looked to True who blanched. Levi sounded like a special agent in a spy film. This message will self-destruct in ten seconds.

Did I really want to risk my life for this? Then I realized I already was. Sarah and Chef Chloe had likely figured out I’d seen them. It was too late to back out now.

“Yes,” I said.

“Yes,” True answered a second later. “I need to know.”

“Fine.” Levi went silent for a moment as if working over what he wanted to say. “I heard your whole conversation. I heard what you said, True. I hear a lot of things. You’ve probably noticed by now.”

I gave a silent nod, my mouth suddenly dry.

Levi glanced down before continuing. “You’re right.”

“I’m sorry. What?” True asked, leaning forward.

Levi’s eyes darted up. “You were right… about the vampires.”

True barked out a laugh. “You’re joking, right? This is all a joke. Are there cameras? Are we on some sort of prank show?” She glanced around.

But Levi stared unblinking.

Her chin darted forward as her brows went up. “So, you’re… serious?”

He dipped his head once. “Yes.”

“I knew it!” True slapped her hands together.

“I don’t understand,” I said, my throat constricting. “How is that possible?”

Levi shrugged. “I could give