Dark Attraction

Chapter Twenty one - ending

I stayed with Gage a few more days, part of me relishing how he fussed over me and fed me. But soon I was feeling pretty much normal again, and I had to get back to class, and check in on Max.

I'd been texting him of course, I'd told him a little of what had happened, that some campus bullies had jumped me but I reassured him that I was in good hands with Gage caring for me.

I met Max for lunch at a little Mexican place off campus, and my sister Martina was there too. I looked between them suspiciously.

"So, you gonna tell me what's going on between the two of you or do I have to speculate?"

Martina smiled and reached for my hand, patting it gently. "Max and I have tentatively started seeing each other, Brandon. I hope it's not too weird for you, because we like each other."

Max looked up hopefully from where he'd been staring at his lap.

I smiled softly and nodded. "I thought it would weird me out, but I kinda see it. You two are really important to me, and I'm glad you're happy. Just..." I pointed at Max. "If you hurt her I'm beating you up."

Max rolled his eyes and laughed. "Sure, sure."

I leveled my finger at Martina. "And if you hurt Max, then I'm beating you up."

Martina giggled. "You can try, Brandy." She flicked a napkin at me and we all breathed out, relaxing now that the awkward part was over. Or, well, perhaps it wasn't quite.

"You should both know then, that I'm pretty serious with someone," I said. I picked up the hot sauce bottle and rubbed my thumb at the label. "He's um, he's kind of weird, like, he's pretty nocturnal, and he's older, he doesn't go to school here. But he's really cool, and he cares about me."

Martina's face crumpled into a fond smile and she scrunched her nose. "Aw, are you in love?" I had expected they'd tease me for it so I didn't let it rile me. I just blushed and set the hot sauce bottle down again.

"Well, yeah, maybe. He gave me this." I pulled the silver chain and the family crest out from under the collar of my T-shirt to show them. "It's his family crest."

Martina's eyes widened and she nodded, impressed. "As long as you're staying safe, Brandy."

I nodded. "I am, and he's very safety conscious as well."

"I'm happy for you man," Max said. He still looked visibly relieved I hadn't wanted to kick his ass for hooking up with my sister. I imagined I could have told him Gage was a real life vampire and he'd have said 'whatever you like'.

"Thanks." The waiter brought our orders over and we got to eating. I kicked Max lightly under the table. "Want to head to the beach tomorrow? Been too long."

"For sure."

"And we'll do dinner the day after that, for your birthday," Martina said. "I've booked a nice place in town. Bring your guy, I want to meet him."

***

The next evening I got Max to drop me off at Gage's place. I left the board in his car, but made my way up to Gage salty from the ocean and feeling windswept and energized.

Gage was expecting me. Obviously, he could sense me getting closer, and now I realized that I could sense him as well. It was an awareness as I got closer to his apartment building, and it only served to heighten my excitement about seeing him again.

I bounced in the elevator, my anticipation manifesting in nervous energy. Gage opened the door as I stepped out and I didn't bother trying to play it cool, I ran into his arms. He caught me with a surprised laugh and we kissed.