Of Blood and Downfall

Chapter 12.

Mavis's POV:

Once Hansen greets me at the door, I give him a big hug. I'm not thinking much about who I'm hugging but I need one especially after what happened. I know I can't tell him but this hug will do so much for me.

"Are you ready?" He asks me and I reach for the key in my bag.

"Yes, I've been ready." I turn and lock the door. "Waiting for you."

"Sorry," Hansen mutters, "I wanted to dress as good as you Americans do." I laugh at the comment and pull my hair out of the jacket.

"I can promise you Americans don't dress as good as you're assuming." We walk down the walkway and towards his running car.

Once we reach the sidewalk, I turn to the two figures standing off to the side of the fence.

"Hi Mavis!" The voice doesn't match the face when my eyes turn to the taller figure. He is staring back at me with no expression in his eyes. The same way I bumped into him in the estate.

My voice is lodged down my throat to the point that I have trouble saying anything. Although Issy did say she'd see me, I wasn't expecting to see them now. Hansen stays close, his shoulder almost touching mine.

Karden's eyes slowly trail to him and I grip onto Hansen's jacket sleeve with the tip of my fingers. Since Hansen doesn't know anything about them, I will have to make sure he doesn't get killed.

I glance at Issy's sparkling eyes, her mouth slightly parted, "How is everything?" She asks me when I can't speak. I brush my hair to the side, my heart quickening when every second of our interaction becomes longer.

"I'm good." I answer short, clearing my throat. "What are you two doing here?" Karden holds his stare on Hansen, but I don't bother seeing if Hansen is doing the same.

"We came to return your wallet." My eyes widen when I see her hand me my wallet.

"Oh my goodness, thank you so much." I open it and see that everything is in tack. Hansen mutters something but with his thick accent, it's hard for me to understand.

"No problem, I was wondering when we can see each other?" Karden watches me put the wallet in my bag. He is quiet the entire time, almost as though he's a shadow lingering behind his sister. I'm thankful the other two siblings didn't come for this joyride. I don't really want to explain to Hansen how I know them.

"Um, well we are going to the restaurant if you two want to tag along." I glance up at Hansen and he uncomfortably shifts from one foot to the other.

Issy notices—of course she does because they're vampires—and smiles.

"Thank you but we should head home soon. Maybe tomorrow?"

I nod, "Yeah, that sounds good." My eyes fall back on Karden and he doesn't blink, as much as move. I inhale deeply and add when I exhale, "Is there anything else you have to give me?" I wonder and his eyes widen at my spilled words.

He swallows, almost struggling to open his mouth. Issy elbows him hard enough to slouch forward. He growls at her then narrows his eyes to me.

"I forgot it." Karden mutters, straightening himself up and stuffing his hands in his black pants. I clench my jaw and hold the gaze to see if he's lying. He doesn't dare to look at me.

"Okay, I'll be expecting it sometime soon." I usher and Issy places a hand on mine.

"I have to see if the gardener found your camera. Then I'll return that tomorrow too." Issy answers for him and her smile stays plastered on her face. I don't know whether to believe her or not because it isn't difficult to find a big camera bag. Karden stares at the back of her head with daggers reflecting in his orbs.