Off With His Head

16. If you die, I would notice your absence

The next day, when I leave my room, I'm surprised to see Zach already standing by the door, his arm raised as though he's about to knock. "Peyton," he says by way of greeting. "Are you ready?"

"Morning, Zacharias." I smile brightly, earning a scowl from him for using his full name. "As ready as I ever will be, I guess."

In truth, I'm not. I don't think I would be even if I was given years to prepare for this moment. I feel absolutely, bone-numbingly terrified. But I don't want to admit that to him, so I hide behind my smile, pretending that putting my life in danger is an everyday occurrence for me.

"Come, Caleb is waiting by the car." He turns and walks away before I can respond and I'm actually thankful that he came to get me instead of Caleb. Caleb would probably see through my façade, but Zach either doesn't notice, or doesn't care enough to ask.

Considering our very tentative and forced friendship, I'm guessing it's the latter.

I follow him down the labyrinth of hallways, wishing for the first time ever that the walk to the outside world was longer. We arrive at the ladder, far too soon for my liking, and I make my way up it, dreading the evening ahead with every beat of my heart.

As we reach the car, I see Caleb leaning against the side, smiling confidently. It gives me a surge of hope that I desperately needed. He has been training me all week for this moment and if he thinks I can do this, then maybe I can.

In his hands is a black jacket, similar to the ones I've seen them wear, and he holds it out to me, watching as I take it and run the soft fabric through my fingers. "Your very own bullet proof jacket."

I pull it on, zipping it all the way up to my chest. It's the perfect fit, molding to my body like a second skin. "Do vampires even use guns?"

"Peyton," Zach sighs as though I am being extremely obtuse. "If it is bullet proof that means it will also protect you from other things. Such as knives," he pauses, "and vampire teeth."

"Oh okay." Makes sense, I guess. Although, I wouldn't have minded a scarf. Don't vampires usually go for the neck? The fear, slightly dulled from Caleb's confidence, returns full force and I have to swallow my dread as I climb into the back seat of the car.

Zach jumps in behind the steering wheel and turns the keys in the ignition as we wait for Caleb to get in. When he finally does, slamming the door behind him, I lean forward towards the front seat. "So, what's the plan?"

"You are going to a fraternity party." Zach shifts the car into drive and takes off down the road. "Seatbelt, Peyton."

Reluctantly, I slide back and clip it on. "A what now?"

Caleb takes pity on me and explains. "Your target is a recently turned frat boy. Because he's a newbie, he will be easier to kill. He won't be as smart or as strong and fast as Henry was."

"So what do I do?" I question, thankful at least that the vampire I will be dealing with is not as cunning as Henry was.

"That's for you to figure out."

"You're not even going to help me!" I panic, my heart thudding loudly against my chest and a fine sheen of sweat making itself known on my forehead. Any last minute advice would be extremely helpful right now, but neither of them seem prepared to give it.

"We will be on standby just in case things go south." Caleb grits his teeth as he says this, clenching his fists on his lap.

"Meaning?"

"If he kills you, we will need to exterminate him," Zach says unflinchingly.

"Geez, Zacharias." I swallow hard, trying to curb my rising terror. The casual way with which he mentions my death chills me to my very core. I've always known it was a possibility, but I'm starting to feel like the chances are rising with every passing second. "I'll miss you too."