Reminiscence {Book Two of the Vengeance Trilogy}

Chapter Fifteen: Skipping Beats

I made my way back to the church after going into my aunt and uncle's house to drink. The blood was stale and the metallic taste was stronger than usual, but it did the job. I kept thinking about the photo album that was carefully tucked into my bag, even though I wasn't sure why I had kept it. I wanted there to be more to it than just one old photograph. There just had to be more.

I rushed through the church, refusing to make eye contact with the other vampires despite the fact that I could feel there seething looks on me. I swiftly made my way to the door that lead to the bell tower and shut it behind me without a second to lose. My back rested against the wooden door as I let out a shaky breath. I don't know why, but I felt more nervous walking along the members of Tom's pack than I already had before. I chalked it up to me knowing why Tom really wanted me on his side. He wanted someone he could throw under the bus if the worst case scenario became a reality.

I shook my head as if that would make the nerves go away and began to make my way up the stairs of the bell tower. Once I reached the top, I threw my bag to the side and let out a deep sigh. The photo album I had taken from the cellar poked out of the top of the bag and before I could reach for it, I heard a voice from where I had been sitting earlier today.

"You're back a bit late," Peter's voice rang and I could feel myself freeze up. I slowly pushed the album back into my bag, praying that he didn't see anything. I took a step towards him hesitantly and I saw that he had his back turned on me. He didn't see the photo album, which means that as far as he knew, I was out hunting. That's the only thing that mattered. If I had walked up with any old photo album, I wouldn't care, but this one had my aunt and uncle on it. Carrying that around meant more than it may have seemed.

"Yeah, there weren't a lot of sheep out tonight," I lied, hoping the narrative didn't sound too fabricated.

"I'm sorry to hear about that." Peter still hadn't turned around to look at me. Considering how excited he was about the news we had to share with Tom, I expected him to be more upbeat, like he had been earlier.

"Right, well I'll leave you up here, then. I thought this was a vacant spot and I don't want to be intruding on your space," I said to him, but he was quick to respond, still sounding unnervingly calm.

"No need, Danny. I just wanted to see what was up here. If this is your spot then stay."

"Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" he asked. Carefully, I took two more steps towards him, unsure of whether or not I was actually talking to Peter, or if I was talking to someone who just looked and sounded like him. Tom could shape-shift into anyone he knew and I wouldn't dare second guess his decision to turn into Peter just so I would talk to him.

"Then you can turn around and face me," I said firmly. Without taking any time for a pause, he turned around and looked me right in the eyes. They were the same hazel color I remember them being. If Tom had disguised himself as Peter, then his eyes would still be red.

"Are you okay?" he asked back.

"I'm just making sure it's you I'm talking to here. I can't tell you how many times I've come across shape-shifters who like to play that little trick, I told Peter, taking a seat next to him, letting my legs dangle over the side of the bell tower.

"You mean shape-shifters like Tom?" he muttered and I suddenly felt this strange twisting feeling in my gut. I began to wonder if Tom had gone ballistic on him again. Maybe that was why he came up here. He might have wanted to just get away.

"Well, vampires who have that ability tend to be assholes to some degree, but that's just from my personal opinion," I said. Peter was silent for a moment before speaking again.