Off With His Head

30. Was that a compliment, Lideri?

By morning, I haven't heard any news of Zach and Caleb and I am officially going out of my mind with worry.

I didn't sleep a wink, and if I was able to walk, I would have worn a hole in the floor from pacing back and forth. As it was, I had to make do with running my hands through my hair and tapping my fingers against my leg, neither of which helped my anxiety.

When Angie came in around midnight, I asked if she knew anything, but she just shook her head sadly and checked my stitches. Surely we must have had some news by now? I don't think any of our other missions took this long. I'm sure we always got back before dawn.

The pain has reduced to a dull throb in my stomach but seems to have found a new home in my chest. Each breath seems to be harder as I struggle to calm myself down. My heart aches at the thought of something happening to either Zach or Caleb.

I hate this waiting. I never want to do it again.

Just after eight, according to the clock on the wall, Lideri walks in and it feels as though my heart stops altogether. I try to sit up straight, but pain sears through my abdomen and my breath catches. He approaches me with a solemn expression that makes my stomach drop to the floor.

"Zach and Caleb?" I manage to ask between gasps.

"Are both okay," he answers and I breathe a sigh of relief, the weight in my chest finally lifting. "But the target got away. They tried to track him and failed."

That's not good. It means that, not only does the vampire now know what Zach and Caleb look like, he will also be able to warn the others that we're after them. But, while it's not the best news, it's definitely something I can deal with. We'll just have to catch the vampire when I'm healed.

"They're on their way back now," he continues.

"Thank goodness. I was so worried."

"I understand it must have been difficult for you," he says with surprising tenderness. "Zach requested that I come here to tell you."

I smile at Zach's thoughtfulness, pleased that I don't have to wait for their return to find out about their well-being. "Thank you, Lideri. I was going out of my mind. I'm glad they're okay."

"May I?" He gestures towards the chair next to my bed and I nod, confused as to why he wants to talk to me. I thought he had just come here to pass on news about Zach and Caleb, but, judging by the serious expression on his face, he clearly has a very different conversation in mind.

"I think I owe you an apology Peyton," he starts.

Okay, I hadn't been expecting that.

I'm almost too shocked to answer. His sincerity renders me speechless for a moment. "For what?" I finally manage to find my voice and ask.

"For many things. But most importantly for the way I treated you when you first arrived here. Your parents have always been very good friends of mine, and I knew they wouldn't approve of you joining. The truth is, we are always desperate for new Hunters. Our numbers are dwindling by the day. Under other circumstances, I would have welcomed you with open arms."

"I understand." I nod, although to be honest, I'm still surprised by his admission.

"Thank you, Peyton. I believe you have made a wonderful addition to our ranks. You appear to be a natural at this, current predicament excluded of course."

"Was that a compliment, Lideri? I may faint."

He half smiles and clasps his hands tightly on his lap. "I'm not always the dictator you paint me to be. It would do you well to remember our previous discussion."