Academy of Blood and Magic

21🖤

I sat in the living room, waiting for Brandon to come over. I was by myself; Mom and Dad were eating in the kitchen, Daniel was still asleep in his room, and I wasn't sure where Agent LeBlanc was.

It was weird, having so many people living in my house at once. I didn't mind Uncle Daniel staying here, but as for Agent LeBlanc. . .

He seemed nice enough, but it was still uncomfortable having a stranger living in my house. He was an FBI agent assigned to live here, but he was only a few doors down away from my room. I was cautious about what I did and said around him. I felt like he wasn't only watching out for whoever the Dream Stalker was; he was also watching over me, scrutinizing my every move, like I was a suspect.

I hoped Brandon and I would at least get some privacy with everyone here. Like Mom and Dad, Daniel was wary of me dating a vampire and he'd never met Brandon before. I didn't think he'd be rude like Mom and Dad had been in the past, but it was still an experience I wasn't looking forward to having.

I also wasn't sure about Agent LeBlanc's reaction to having Brandon over here. While he seemed nice so far, it didn't mean he wouldn't like that I was letting Brandon come over here. He didn't say anything about letting people come over here so it shouldn't be a problem, but I was anxious anyway. Anxiety seemed to be overshadowing my life as of late.

Brandon texted me that he was on his way. I texted him back then set the phone down. I didn't turn on the TV or pick up the book I'd been reading; I wouldn't be able to concentrate, my mind on too many things to try to grasp any storyline I'd be attempting to follow along, so I sat there by myself, in silence.

"How's it going?"

I startled at Agent LeBlanc's voice. I looked up to see him standing in the doorway in the living room. He wore sunglasses despite being inside. He'd moved so silently I hadn't heard him.

He walked in, hands held up. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. I noticed you were in here by yourself."

"I'm just waiting for my boyfriend to come over."

"Oh." He was quiet for a moment then asked, "Any big plans?"

I shook my head. "No. We're just going to hang out."

"That sounds fine. Just don't go anywhere without informing me, okay? I know it's not fun, having me tag along, but it's for your safety."

"That's fine. We're not planning on going out anyway, but we'll let you know if we do."

"Okay."

I expected him to walk away then, but he continued to stand there.

"Did you sleep better last night?"

"Yes. I didn't have another attack, thank goodness."

"Yes, that is good. I've been attacked by a Dream Stalker before. It's terrible, it leaves scars both physical and mental." I agreed with that one hundred percent.

I sat up straighter, my interest piqued. "What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I was on a mission. The criminal we were after was a gang of sorcerers that had a Dream Stalker with them. They ambushed my team and took me and my partner hostage. I passed out and the Dream Stalker invaded my dreams. There, he gouged one of my eyes out. Hence this." He pointed to his sunglasses.

My jaw dropped and I covered my mouth with my hand. "That's terrible. I'm so sorry that happened to you."

He gave me a ghost of a smile. "Don't be. It gave me a cool scar and a cool story to tell."