Bloodline

~ Chapter 7 ~

The next week was sporadic for both of them. Mia split her time between spending the nights at her apartment or at the house that Gideon was staying at, and Gideon was struggling to be at two places almost at the same time. He wanted to stay with Mia at all times, but needs were getting in the way of it and he had to sacrifice his time to go and feed. He made sure though that Mia was never alone. Chris agreed to watch over her after Gideon explained the situation, and when he wasn't filling Gideon's place, he was searching for whoever the guest might be. They both thought about who it might be one late night while Mia was sleeping in Gideon's room.

"Do you have any idea who might be holding a grudge still? I mean it's been a long time since you got in anybody's way."

"That's the problem. It has to be someone from way before, but I can't remember." Gideon gripped at the back of his neck in frustration. He wanted to figure all this out so he could stop it. He wanted Mia to feel safe again and not look over her shoulder every time she thought she heard something.

"Hey, what about those owls you've been finding in the woods?"

"I don't know. That's very strange though."

"Wasn't one of your old 'friends' into owls?" Chris made air quotes at the word friends.

"Who, Cassius?" When Chris nodded a yes, Gideon shook his head, "No, he adored the bird. He couldn't possibly be cruel to them, ever. He even tried to grow them."

"I know. But who else would bother doing such a thing?"

Gideon couldn't answer that question. He didn't know who it might've been. Cassius did have a connection to the owls, but either he now despised them and he was doing all of this, or that was a dead end.

"Ok, let's suppose it is Cassius; did anything happen between the two of you?" Chris finally asked.

"Nothing. Besides some stupid arguments that we worked out almost immediately, we never had anything big for him to want revenge. If this is what's it about."

"Well, either way, we should investigate further. I checked for rogue newbies or fledglings, nada. Everyone is accounted for and if there are fledglings, their sires are keeping them in check." Gideon agreed with his friend; whoever's doing it was, he must've been spotted by someone. "You should go feed. I'll stay here and keep an eye on Mia."

"Alright. I won't be long."

~

Mia hurried home after a long day at work, the winter wind blowing forcefully into her face. It stung her skin and her eyes were watering and the scarf around her neck was doing little in keeping her warm. She was constantly looking around her, the absence of Gideon making her paranoid about every other male walking past her. She knew that Gideon made sure she was protected and his friend should be nearby, but she couldn't help but constantly think that he was watching her too.

She locked the door once she was in the confines of her apartment, her body finally relaxing. Nothing happened to her, she was safe. And he couldn't get inside.

The sudden ring of the doorbell made her jump and she clutched her hand over her chest in fear. She looked through the peephole, spotting a blue cap of a delivery man. She breathed out slowly, calming herself down and then opened the door.

"Good evening. A package for Mia Carmichael?"

"Yes, that's me."

"You have a big one there. Should I bring it in for you?" She picked the pen and paper from the man and stepped aside.

"Yes, sure. Just come in here and put it by the couch." She let the man carry the tall box inside and signed the paper. Handing it back, the man tipped the cap and left. She looked at the box, tilting her head as she circled it. She didn't remember ordering anything.