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This is going to be my first time sleeping over at a guy's house.

But not your first time laying in bed with a guy, my mind reminds me of the other night with a flashback of Carson laying next to me. Warmth instantly finds its way to my cheeks. I push the thoughts away before any of the guys notice my blush.

After Oscar's funeral was concluded, I decided I didn't feel safe staying alone at my house. At least, for a while until I can figure some things out. Such as where my parents are and what exactly Luca wants with me. The guys could have posted up as bodyguards outside my house, but regardless I know the place still wouldn't feel safe. Not without Oscar's loving presence there to keep me company.

Deep down, I feel more alone than ever now. Even with Carson and the other two goofs stuck to my side like glue. They're still hiding secrets from me and I can't afford to misplace my trust anymore. I'm determined to get some answers from that devilishly handsome vampire with blonde-hair and chocolate eyes. Ignore that last part though, it's irrelevant.

It was Carson who proposed the idea that I stay with him at his home for the time being. Theo and Sebastian initially argued that it was because he wanted to keep me all to himself, but Carson skillfully rebutted with a somewhat solid reason. Him and I can keep watch on my house since it is right across the street. You know, just in case Luca decides to ransack it or threaten my life again.

Although, I'm not at all convinced that was his real reason. But I suppose it's not a bad one.

"All packed, Saige?" The devil's voice comes from behind me.

I turn to find Carson leaning on the doorframe. "Yeah," I respond while zipping up my black duffel bag. "If I need anything, I can always just come back to grab it."

My face instinctively twitches to give him a soft smile, but he returns it with a chillingly stoic expression. He can see right through my façade. My attempts to appear fine are futile. Even though I try, I can no longer fool Carson for he can now accurately read my body language. My mask slipped off after the Hallow's Eve carnival.

He extends his right arm toward me with his palm facing upward. I hand over my bag and think about how he can be a gentleman when he tries. At the foot of my bed frame rests my backpack with all the homework I won't be completing tonight. I make sure to snatch it and throw one strap over my shoulder. The forgotten weight of my textbooks makes my balance waiver.

"Let's get going, it's already past dusk. After all, we do have to get up for school tomorrow morning," Carson sighs as he opens an arm, letting me lead in front to go down the stairs.

"Unfortunately you're right," I plainly express my agreement with him. Suddenly, I remember something almost as horrible as tonight's events. "I almost forgot, I have to complete a partner project for Chemistry."

"That sounds boring. Who's your partner?" The creak from the wooden step indicates that his presence is close behind me.

Good going Saige. I bite my lip, knowing he can't see my sudden nervousness. "Trust me, you don't want to know—"

"Who is it?" He cuts me off, the asshole.

My feet hit the hardwood at the bottom of the stairs. "I'm telling you, you'll only throw a temper tantrum—"

"You better tell me." The asshole interrupts me again.

The last step groans loudly from the weight Carson places on it as he comes to a halt. I can feel the impatience steaming off of him, he's like water boiling in a pot on a stove. His hot breath is making sweat beads form on the rear of my neck.

An exasperated sigh releases from my lips, "Only if you promise not to get upset."

"Fine, I promise." The sarcasm rolls off his tongue. He didn't even try to mask it.

I don't hesitant to move a step forward, "Nope, I don't believe you."

The confidence to walk away doesn't last very long. Maybe a whole second if we're counting.

An icy hand jerks me backward. The hold around my arm he has with his fingers is remarkably strong and I can already feel the bruises forming on my skin. Just because Carson said he would protect me, doesn't mean he isn't just as capable of hurting me. He seems to forget he doesn't have to be rough with me.

"Hey! Ease up, will you?" My brows furrow at the grasp he has on my arm. "You don't have to hurt me to get the answer..."

His cheeks flush pale and his eyes widen slightly. The mad expression he was just wearing is transformed into one of guilt. His fingers quickly unhinge themselves from me and he uses that hand to rub the back of his neck in an anxious manner. As if he wasn't just gripping my fragile human arm.

"My bad," He breaks eye contact with me to gaze upon the beautiful hard floor that's laid down in my house.

It's not an apology, but it's a good start for Carson. My rude and unpredictable guardian vampire.

The pain in my arm dissipates quickly and without much notice from my subconscious. I can only gaze upon Carson and how he fidgets nervously in front of me. It's times like this where he reminds me of a child about to be scolded by a parent. He eyes glance back at me, concern is evident. And it makes me blush instantly.

This time it's my turn to look away, completely guilty of staring at his handsome features.

"It's fine, it barely hurts now." I give him a small smile, hoping he forgot about why he initially grabbed me.

This time he surprises me by returning my smile. The tip of his fangs just barely peak through his lush, pink lips. If it's possible, I feel my cheeks heat up warmer than before. I think my heart also skips a beat.

"I would never intentionally hurt you," Carson reaches for my arm and my instincts tell me to flinch away from his touch. But I somehow manage to steel myself against my fears. I think I'm getting quite better at that actually. "But I am sorry if I do accidentally hurt you."

Wait a minute— the Carson Gray actually apologizing for his actions? I stare at him in disbelief and it's almost as he can read my uncertainty about his words. Because neither my heart or I could have predicted what he would do next.

I let him grab my arm but this time he does it so gently that it feels feathers are barely touching the surface of my skin. He easily lifts my arm toward his face and plants a soft kiss.

This has to be a dream, right?

"There, all better." Carson breathes against my skin and for a moment I think his canines will pierce the delicate skin but they don't.

He pulls away and takes away the tingling sensation left by the kiss he had planted. My mouth is left ajar and my eyes stay wide as I stay in a state of shock. The moment replays in my head until Carson's electrifying touch meet warm cheeks. My eyes flitter upward and find that our noses are now barely grazing against each other.

He is about to lean in to seal our lips together in an embrace when words come out instead.

"So tell me, who's your project partner?" His cool breath tickles my face.

His brown eyes sparkle, entrancing me. My mind goes blank but my mouth is compelled to answer him. "Nolan."

It's when his eyes go dark and his brows furrow deeply that the spell I'm under is broken into pieces, like glass when it's shattered.

I return his expression with my own frown. "What was that? What did you to do me?"

"It's a trick some vampires are able to efficiently use," Carson leans away from me, creating distance between us. "That was my first time trying compulsion."

I had no idea vampires were capable of using such manipulative tricks. It's difficult for my heart to decide if the mixture of emotions swirling through me is betrayal or hurt because he felt the need to force the answer out of me.

"You better find another human to practice your compulsion on or else I'll never speak to you if you try that on me again." My head turns away before he can catch sight of the tears beginning to fill my eyes.

"Saige, I didn't think you would tell me—" He tries to reach for me but this time I do step away from his hand.

The need to separate and my lack of trust in him overpowers my want to feel the tingles that are created from his touch.

"Jeez, what took y'all so long?" Theo raises an eyebrow quizzically at us when we finally make our grand entrance into the kitchen.

Carson and I glance away from each other, a clear sign to Theo and Sebastian who stand on opposite sides of the kitchen island. Their playful smiles fade and then air between us becomes tense with awkwardness.

Theo coughs and breaks the tension with his words. "While y'all took your sweet time, I came up with a genius plan on how to protect Saige—"

"You mean I came up with the idea?" Sebastian glares at Theo who's chest is already full of pride.

"Minor details," Theo waves him off and his grin widens, "Anyways, since we don't know when Luca could attack again, we'll each take turns guarding you outside of school hours."

"First part of the plan, protect Saige in secret," Sebastian gives a quick side glare in Theo's direction, intent on taking control of the conversation. "We'll stay in her shadow and the moment Luca reappears— Bam! We'll be ready for the surprise counterattack."

Sebastian and Theo give each other high fives. I blink a couple times waiting for the rest of the plan, but when nothing follows I can only give a chuckle. "I'm not so sure you guys will be able to stay hidden for very long."

"Actually, some vampires have the ability to hide their presence behind an illusion." Sebastian closes his eyes and holds up a singular finger as if saying to give him a second.

In seconds, the image of Sebastian standing in front of me starts to fade away until he's no longer there. I look around the kitchen trying to see where he disappeared to but there's only a succulent plant on the kitchen counter. I stare at it, mesmerized by this illusion. Why have none of them ever told me they can perform tricks before?

"That's actually very cool, but I meant that you aren't able to stay quiet for more than five minutes." I giggle and watch as Sebastian suddenly reappears before me with a frown on his face.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Carson glancing in my direction. The slightest curve at the corners of his mouth is apparent. I feel conflicting emotions knowing he watches me with fondness when I'm not paying attention.

"That's not true..." Sebastian pouts and folds his arms across his chest in a childlike manner. "I can be quiet for at least ten minutes straight."

Carson snorts and it makes my ears perk up. "I'll have to watch it with my own eyes or else I'll never believe it really happened."

Carson's attempt at being comedic makes Theo and me laugh along with him. Sebastian continues to look petulant and turns his face away in a defiant manner. The laughter dies down and my soul is already starting to feel lighter. The copious amount of questions living in my head has been weighing me down lately.

"So, why didn't you guys tell me you have powers?" I question and observe as all three of them glance at each another waiting for the other to answer.

Carson is the first to speak. "It's more like a genetic ability rather than a superpower. The majority of vampires live through their existence without one. Basically, only a small percentage of the population gets one. You're more likely to develop it if you come from a pure bloodline or if one of your parents possesses one."

Sebastian takes the stage. "My father can create illusions. I didn't know I had the ability until after I turned sixteen. Age doesn't determine when you get your ability but the later on in life you discover it, the more powerful it tends to be."

"Wow, there's still so much I don't know about. But why don't you guys use your superpowers— I mean, abilities more often?" My head is starting to go dizzy with information overload.

Theo scratches the back of his neck. "Well since we're young and won't be fully developed vampires until we graduate we aren't able to master our abilities. Sometimes a vampire will even gain an ability after they've had— uh human blood." His voice gets quieter at the end of his sentence. My mind keeps trying to forget they aren't nearly as powerful as full vampires yet.

I wonder if I've ever met one.

"And it's kind of the norm here to keep your ability on the down low. If you were ever to engage in a fight, it's to your advantage if your opponent doesn't know how to counter your ability." Theo continues to answer my question and it makes sense. I'm sure being a supernatural being comes with keeping a lot of things secretive.

"You should only tell the people you trust to have your back, or else the information can be used against you." Carson firmly states and the intensity sends a slight shiver down my spine.

My mind begins to wander to everyone I've been around. I had no idea that Sebastian has an ability. Do Rowan and Zaylee have abilities that they've been hiding from me? What about Reece and Nolan? I wonder if Carson is aware of any abilities they might have.

My courage that I've been progressively building up in order to stand my ground against vampires is beginning to deflate. I need to learn more about their abilities.

"Okay, so if Sebastian's ability is creating illusions, then what can you two do?" My eyes finally find the courage to make contact with Carson's but it's for a brief moment. I quickly turn my attention onto Theo next.

Carson faces away from me in a shamefully manner and I have a feeling I already know his power. But when neither of them answer me, Sebastian is the one to speak up.

"Carson's mom has the ability to compel humans and vampires. He has that same ability but he only discovered it...a few months ago." Sebastian gives a nervous glance in Carson's direction, as if he's carefully treading on a thin line.

Carson says nothing and keeps his eyes narrowed at Sebastian. It's warning for him to not say anymore.

Sebastian continues, "Theo on the other hand—"

"I don't have an ability, yet." Theo interrupts him. "But I'm sure I'll get one soon. Both of my parents have an ability."

"Maybe you'll get the ability to turn into a banana." Sebastian pokes his shoulder with an amusing grin on his face.

They begin hitting each other just like siblings. The scene is very entertaining and it warms my heart watching them play. I've never had a sibling, Oscar was the closest thing to that. And just like that, the joy that filled my body transforms into heart wrenching pain. It feels like it's been a lifetime but in reality it's only been a couple hours without him.

A loud yawn suddenly escapes me and it halts the children's fighting. All three of them turn toward me and I gaze away. The embarrassment makes my cheeks go warm.

"Alright boys, it's time to call it a night." Carson finally speaks up as he grabs the duffel bag I had passed off to him earlier.

Tiredness finally makes it's presence known inside my body. It spreads throughout every limb like a disease. My eyes suddenly feel heavy and it's difficult to keep my vision focused. I could fall asleep right now, but the thought of that happening in Carson's bed sends the sleepiness packing.

"Tomorrow begins the first part of the plan: protect Saige!"

The foggy mirror holds my reflection captive. I'm entranced by the unfamiliar person who stares back at me. She has my same eye and hair color, but her paler complexion appears sickly. The expression she wears is weary and her cheekbones are almost a prominent feature. She's sad and lonely.

The sorrow of my soul is starting to transform my physical body into a person I almost no longer recognize. I wonder when I will feel like myself again but deep down I understand that too much has happened to me. I can never be the person I was before I moved to Wintercrest.

"Saige, you've gone quiet. Are you alright in there?" Carson's gentle voice through the bathroom door is soothing.

"I'll be just a second!" I quickly wipe away the tears that try to fall.

Reaching into my bag, I find the hairbrush I somehow remembered to pack. I comb through my dripping wet but freshly cleaned ebony hair. A hot shower was much needed after the evening I had just endured. Although I felt slightly uncomfortable, but that's natural when you use someone else's shower. I somehow didn't forget my own bath products so I don't have to smell like a dude.

But shamefully, part of me was interested in what Carson's reaction would be if I came out of the bathroom smelling like him.

Carson's house is almost a mirror image of mine. There's gray and black colored-wallpaper instead and all the floors are nearly entirely carpet. The only hardwood to be found is in the kitchen. Like mine, his bedroom was located on the second story. Which probably means he was the one watching me from the window the first day I moved to town.

His bathroom is one you would expect of a typical guy. It's plain, with some products scattered randomly on top of the countertop. A singular toilet paper roll rests near the sink edge instead of on the holder where an empty one is. Are all guys incapable of changing the toilet paper?

I take in my reflection one last time and try to steady my rapidly beating heart. My eyes glance at the freshly wrapped bandages around my upper arm. Luca gave me a nasty wound to remember him by. It's going to turn into a noticeable scar once it finally heals. Hopefully, Zaylee and Rowan won't ask me too many questions about it tomorrow.

Mustering up the bit of courage I still retain, I open the creaky bathroom door slowly. Carson's sits on the edge of his full-sized bed that has a pearl white comforter. We make eye contact and an awkward feeling settles in the pit of my stomach.

Thankfully, he decides to break the uncomfortable tension. "Are you ready for bed?"

"Yeah I am," After giving him a quick nod, I set my duffel down by the short, wooden end table. On top lays the Polaroid of us in school that Zaylee and Rowan snapped without my permission. "You really kept this?"

I expect him to become embarrassed but instead he gives me a coy smile. "Of course I did, I look very handsome in that photo. The girls got my good side."

His overly flirtatious side used to annoy me but this unexpected moment made my heart play a light melody inside my chest. Despite my initial denial, maybe Carson is capable of love. Perhaps in the same way that I am starting to feel for him. The butterflies can't stay hidden anymore when I see him smile.

I decide to be playful back. "Are you sure? I think the other side is your better side."