Hidden in the Immortals (Book #1)

Chapter 19

I asked Noelle to drop me off at Chad's the next day. She agreed seeing as to how we had a lot to talk about. I needed to apologize for everything that happened last night. But we also needed to talk about what was all said.

When we pulled up to Chad's house; Serena's car wasn't in the driveway. I turned to Noelle. "Thanks for bringing me here."

She nodded. "It's not a problem."

I smiled and didn't say anything for a moment. "And thanks for being so cool about all of this Immortal/Vampire stuff."

She chuckled. "Just because you're on a strict blood diet now, doesn't mean you aren't still my best friend."

I laughed and reached over and hugged her. "You're the best."

"I know." She replied with a grin. "But not ditching you is a birthday present, so don't expect anything else."

I laughed. "That's okay," I replied. "I'm going to have many, many more birthdays anyway."

She snickered and pointed to the passenger side door. "Get out of my car, you Immortal freak."

I laughed, grabbed my backpack and draped it over my shoulder, then pulled the car door open. "See you." I stepped out of the car and she shot me a small wave. I returned her wave and shut the door.

I turned and faced the house. I let out a large gust of air before making my way up to the front door. Before I had a chance to knock, the door swung open. Chad stood in the doorway holding a cup; it didn't take me even a second to know what liquid was in it. The smell of it felt like a punch in the nose.

"Can I have some of that?" I asked with a teasing note to my voice.

He cracked a grin. "I'll have to sacrifice another goat, but sure." He moved out of the way to let me in and I walked passed him into the house. I noticed the lock box that held all of the blood bags was open on the kitchen table; three drained blood bags laying next to it. I peered over at Chad for a few seconds, but he didn't give me anything more than a shrug. He walked passed me and over to the table. "I needed it, Jules," He said facing away from me as he closed the box. He pressed his hands into the table. "I know it's bad to drink so much human blood at once, but..." He stopped. He turned back around and faced me finally. He rolled his eyes. "Don't feel sorry for me."

I must've unknowingly wore some sort of pitiful expression. I shook my head and set my backpack down on the floor. "But I do." I took two steps forward. I peered over at the empty blood bags on the table again and then back at Chad. His facial expressions told me he was slightly annoyed, but his eyes said something completely different. He was hurt. Utterly and completely crushed about what had happened last night. I liked Chad, a lot; and now all of that was out in the open. I could only imagine what he must've been feeling right now. The girl who you've been crazy about forever finally admits she likes you too, but she's with another guy who she really likes.

"Well, don't."

The sharp note in his voice made me avert my gaze to the floor. "I'm sorry about last night." I said in an almost hushed voice. When he didn't say anything, I peered back up at him. I watched as he downed the rest of the blood in his cup; his eyes never leaving mine as he did.

He sighed and set the cup down on the table behind him. "No, I'm sorry." He said softly and walked to me. "I said a few things that were totally out of line. I was just angry."

I smiled. "It's fine." The look on his face told me he didn't agree, but before I could give him a chance to go on about how much he hated himself, I pulled him in for a hug. "I promise." I whispered as I pressed my face into his chest.