The Children Of The Night (Book 1, The Bloodline Chronicles)

4. Secrets

Emma

Emma walked down the stairs with an empty solo cup in hand, wobbling on shaky knees. Kris had been around just a second ago, where was she now? The crowd had long since disappeared since the fireworks were being sparked in the street.

"Kris!" She slurred, head heavy. She missed a step coming down the steps.

"Hey, hey. I got you." A deep voice muttered softly in her ear, catching her and holding her up before she fell. A guy.

She put her arms around his neck and groaned into his sweater. She felt his hair on her hand and dropped the solo cup behind his back. It hit the floor and rolled.

"Jeez, how much did you have to drink?"

"Hair's so soft."

"Let's find Kris and get you home."

"Party's just started."

"Nuhuh. No more drinking—no more party. It's four in the morning, the sun's gonna rise soon. You should be in bed. Don't you have any classes tomorrow?"

"Who are you, my father? Fuck classes!" She shouted, burped and then, unfortunately, hurled over his back.

He groaned and her head fell on his shoulder once she finished. "Sorry."

"It's fine, I've had worse believe it or not."

"What's your name?"

"It's Jackson, Emma."

"Mm, I'm Emma. I just vomited over your shoulder."

"I know." He sighed and hoisted her legs up to carry her like a child. She held on and mumbled into his sweater.

"Your sweater smells like dust... 'n cologne."

"It's my father's."

"You sound so sober." She hiccuped. "Why aren't you drunk?"

"It's my house, I gotta look after it."

"Nuhuh. Jackson Ye's house."

His short laughter rang through her ear and she cringed against him. The sound of a sliding door made her squint across his shoulder.

"Hey Kris!" He yelled, making sure to avoid her ears this time.

"Oh hey, Jackson!" Her voice sounded far away. "There she is! She ran to the toilet earlier and I never saw her again."

Her laughter echoed, her voice closer now.

"Are you planning on staying longer?"

"No, I should get her home. I'm the one who dragged her here so it's my fault." Kris explained, but Emma couldn't really understand what she was saying. Not that she was talking to her.

"Good on you to take responsibility though."

"Thanks, I'm a shit friend but I care for her."

"Do you need me to drive the two of you?"

"I was going to grab a cab but if you aren't doing anything, sure, that'd be helpful."