Bloodstream (#2 Blood Series)

Chapter 11

  At first I let my hands drop down when I realize it's just Nathan. But then my muscles tense again when I remember that Nathan has a very good reason to hate me nowadays and that I might be better off keeping my hands up, ready to defend myself in case Nathan has changed his mind about that whole I-love-you thing and decided to join the people with torches and pitchforks who want to run both Callum and me out of town. 

Nathan speaks first. His voice is low and indifferent, I can't deduct anything from it. "You shouldn't be out here alone." 

"I'm just waiting for Callum to find Drea and then we are leaving", I reply and he nods. I gain a bit confidence from that small gesture and before I have time to decide otherwise I continue: "Why are you guys here? You hate Oliver, why did you come to his party?"

"He has something that we want", Nathan answers curtly.

Translation: it's Blood business and that's all you need to know. I know better than to ask for more details so instead I just murmur: "Oh, okay."

I'm preparing to leave the scene while we are both still alive and breathing but Nathan isn't done talking just yet.

"So I heard that your stepdaddy is running for mayor", he says just then and I make a face. It's obvious that both Nathan and I are equally enthusiastic about the news Dave shared in a press conference that was held at the police station yesterday. I never knew Dave was anything special, just your average cop, but apparently ever since he made it his mission to rid this city of the Bloods he has become somewhat a big deal.

I scrunch up my nose in disgust. "Yeah, I heard that too. Good ol' Dandy Dave doesn't think he has screwed things up enough already", I grumble.

Nathan looks at the stars above our heads and sighs. "He really hates us, huh?"

I don't see the point in denying that since it's pretty obvious that Dave hates them to their very core; yet I still try because I don't want to make him worry more than he already does. From what I've gathered his family has been going through some rough times lately and I'd hate to be the person bringing him down again.

"I don't think that Dandy Dave really likes anyone. He's like that weird metal dude in that Bond movie we saw, all iron and nothing else", I say without thinking. Then I put a hand over my mouth, hoping I could take the words back. I had meant to cheer him up, not twist the knife in the still bleeding wound.

Much to my relief Nathan simply smiles. "The one who breaks shit with his teeth?"

I smile back, grateful that he didn't make this awkward. "That's our boy", I admit and I'm about to add something when my phone beeps. I dig it out of my pocket and read a text from Callum. Found Drea. Meet us at the car. "I've gotta go. Cal found Drea so we're leaving."

"What is that? Why are you hanging out with Callum so much?" Nathan asks. He doesn't sound jealous, just curious. Can't blame him for wondering why Callum and I of all people would become friends, as it has been pointed out we were not close before I came back. But life is funny that way, it can make sworn enemies join forces or tear two lovers apart.

I shrug. "Well, we are both kind of loners at the moment so we are all that we've got", I reply and too late realize that I sound a bit accusing. I don't blame Nathan for how miserable my and Callum's lives have come to be. It's not his fault, it's just another thing on the long list of reasons why I can't wait to leave this town behind once I go to college. I can't wait to be free of the Bloods' hold on me.