Chapter 28 – Going Too Far

“Last night, you started to say something else about the bloodlust.” Chloe picked at the grass. “That it doesn’t just make you want to feed on me.”

I draped my arms over my bent knees. “Bloodlust is… overwhelming. We have very little control when we’re in that state, and our primary focus is feeding.” I spoke slowly, needing her to understand the severity of this particular affliction. “And drinking from a human is a very intimate thing, so there’s a certain level of… arousal that comes with it.”

From the moment Jax and I became vampires, Sean trained us to hunt animals and warned us—repeatedly—of the dangers that came with feeding on humans. I’d always listened to him, too. Until Hannah. Then I learned the hard way that drinking human blood was not something to take lightly, and I was no prepared for the effect it had on me.

Her eyebrows shot up. “Arousal?”

“Yes.”

“So, when I argue with you…”

“You always smell of fear,” I said, my tone soft.

“And that triggers your bloodlust?”

I nodded.

“And when I argue with Jax…”

“Same thing.”

She expelled a heavy breath. I was glad that she understood, but I hated that I had to use a certain amount of fear to drive my point home. These two days were supposed to bring us closer, not make her afraid of me.

“You’re safe with me, Chloe.” I cupped the side of her face and pinned her with an imploring stare. “I would never bite you.”

“I know,” she whispered. “But Jax—”

“He’d do it just to piss me off.” My tone turned hard and cold. “He’s still so angry about Hannah. I wouldn’t put it past him to hurt you just to get even with me.”

The thought of Jax ever getting that close to Chloe had seething rage burning in my chest. My fangs pushed against my aching gums, and I focused on calming myself before trying to speak again.

“For what it’s worth, I love it when you argue with me,” I said.

“You do?” She blinked.

“Mm-hmm.” I licked my lips and shifted so I was closer. “When you trigger my bloodlust like that, it makes me want you even more. My already heightened emotions and senses become even sharper, and in those moments when I’m teetering on the edge, when I have to make that split second decision to bite you or not, all I can focus on is you. On how badly I want you. Not your blood.”

“So, you don’t want to bite me?” Her voice trembled.

“Oh, no, I do.” I laughed. “But my desire to not hurt you outweighs my desire to know how you taste.”

“Right. Thanks.” She nodded.

I had the feeling she didn’t believe me. “I’m not going to hurt you, Chloe,” I said.

“I know.” She smiled.

No matter how many times I told her I wouldn’t hurt her, she’d never truly believe me. I had to show her—every single day, every moment I spent with her and didn’t hurt her was the only way to prove my words. And I vowed to do just that.

“Let’s eat,” I said, abruptly changing the topic. I moved away from her and reached for the wicker basket I’d brought.

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating the food I’d packed—sandwiches, chips, fruit, cans of cola, and chocolate. I had no idea what type of food Chloe actually liked to eat, so I gathered a variety of stuff, and based on how much she ate, I’d chosen correctly.

I listened intently as she told me about growing up in Florida, and like any good listener, I asked a million and one questions. I wanted to know everything about her, even what she considered the boring stuff.

In turn, I told her more stories of my childhood and what it was like to grow up with Jax and Colt. Chloe also surprised me with the news that she’d gotten a new phone, and we exchanged numbers. That small gesture on her part, to give me her number, meant the world to me. Now I could contact her much easier, and that eased a lot of my anxiety about not being with her. When neither of us could eat another bite, we laid down on the blanket, shoulders touching.

“So, what would you like to do for the rest of the day?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Are there any other secret places you want to show me?”

“No, I’ve pretty much shown you all the cool stuff.” I rolled onto my side and propped my head in my hand. “We can drive into the city tomorrow if you want. It takes a while to get there. But there’s a lot to do.”

“I’ll have to ask Aunt Beth.” She rolled onto her side and mimicked my posture. “But it sounds fun.”

“Or maybe I’ll make you spend the day at my house. It is about time you formally meet my dad.” I grinned. “And I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to spend some time with Jax. Once he gets to know you, he’ll realize you’re not going to end up like Hannah.”

As much as I didn’t want Jax to say or do something to drive Chloe away, he was my brother and a huge part of my life. He wasn’t going anywhere, and hopefully, Chloe wasn’t, either, and that meant I needed to find a way for those two to get along. Or at least be civil toward each other.

She rolled onto her back again. “I don’t think an eternity with Jax would make him like me.”

“He just doesn’t know you like I do,” I said, placing my hand on her stomach. “And he wasn’t very happy with me when he found out I liked you. He understands the consequences, and he’s worried. That’s all.”

She forced a smile, but I could tell she wasn’t thrilled with the idea. Neither was I, really, but having some sort of normal relationship with Chloe was already difficult. If she and my family didn’t get along, a relationship would be next to impossible.

“Please don’t worry about it, Chloe. It’ll be fine.” I’d make sure of it. As soon as I got home today, I’d have a talk with my brother.

“Okay. Then I guess we’re spending tomorrow with your family.”

She was silent for a few moments, and I didn’t interrupt her thoughts. Maybe by tomorrow she’d be a little less nervous about spending the day at my house with my dad and brother.

After a few more minutes, I asked, “Want to go catch a movie or something?”

“Sure.”

We packed up and left. Chloe walked closer to me, and I took her hand. Once we were back at my truck, I tossed the blanket and the picnic basket into the back. Then I pulled her into my arms.

“This probably isn’t the best date you’ve ever been on, but for me, it’s been pretty amazing,” I said.

Part of me wanted to ask how many dates she’d been on, and what had been her favorite, but I wasn’t sure I wanted that kind of information about her. Not yet anyway. Not until I knew she was committed to me, and I was secure in our future. Maybe then I could handle hearing about her being out with other guys.

She reached up and caressed my cheek. “Actually, this has been one of the best days I’ve had since arriving here. Well, since Mom died if I’m being honest, and I have you to thank for that.” She rose up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to mine in a tender kiss.

I took her face into my hands and kissed her back softly. Releasing her, I took a deep breath and opened the passenger’s side door. “Ready?”

***

“So, is Chloe head over heels in love with you yet?” Jax asked the second I walked into the house. He lounged on the couch, one leg kicked over the arm, video game controller in his hands.

I tossed my keys on the entryway table. “Where’s Dad?” I asked, ignoring his obvious attempt to get a rise out of me. Today had been too perfect to ruin it by fighting with my brother.

“Where do you think?” Jax tossed the controller onto the coffee table, stood, and stretched. “You going to give me all the juicy details about your date or what?”

“Nope.” I headed for the basement stairs.

Jax was hot on my heels. “C’mon, man. I’m genuinely interested.”

I spun around to glare at him. “Why? If you had your way, Chloe would be old news and we’d be in a new town halfway across the country right now.”

He laughed, his eyes glinting with a devilish twinkle. Jax held his hands up in surrender, then slowly took a couple steps back. “Hey, I can admit when I’ve been defeated.”

I rolled my eyes, turned back toward the stairs, and went in search of Sean. As usual, he was in his office, lost in the pages of a book that probably didn’t have any of the answers he sought.

“Is it okay if Chloe comes here tomorrow to hang out?” I walked into the room, and he glanced up, eyebrows raised. “I’d like her to officially meet you.”

Sean leaned back in the chair, the springs squeaking from age and overuse. “If you’re asking me that, I assume she’s handling the truth?”

I shrugged and crossed my arms over my chest. “As well as can be expected. She has a lot of questions, and I’m being as honest as I can about things.”

He nodded with approval. “That’s really all you can do. I’d love to meet her.” He smiled.

“Thanks, Dad.” With a grin, I returned upstairs.

Jax stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed, scowling. “You’re bringing her here tomorrow?”

Of course he’d been listening. “Yes. And you’re going to be civil toward her. Got it?”

The corner of his mouth lifted in a smug smile. “And if I’m not?”

“Then you and me are going to have problems.” I stepped up to him, and we stood toe to toe. “I mean it, Jax. She’s a part of my life now, and you need to accept that.”

“Doesn’t mean she needs to invade our home.” He stood perfectly still, refusing to move.

“If you got a problem with her being here, then talk to Dad because he said it was fine.” I shoved past Jax, and he didn’t try to stop me. Nor did he say anything further.

I stomped into the kitchen, but I was too worked up to eat or drink anything. I paced back into the living room to find Jax gone. Maybe that was a good thing. I really didn’t want to fight with him tonight.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find a text message from Chloe.

Isach is here. He’s in my head again. Please help!

I snarled at the words on my screen. What the hell was Isach doing at Chloe’s house? Did he show up there just to mess with her? I was going to kill him.

“I’m leaving again,” I shouted and strode toward the front door.

Jax appeared out of nowhere. “Where are you going now?”

“To kill Isach.”

Jax’s eyes widened with utter shock. But then he moved quickly to block my exit. “I’m the last person to advise against violence, but you know what Dad said. We’re not to touch Isach.”

“I don’t give a shit,” I snapped. “He’s at Chloe’s house right now, and he’s screwing with her head again.” I snatched my keys and clutched them tightly in my hand. “He’s going too far, and I’m going to stop him once and for all.”

“Don’t make me be a snitch.” Jax gave a hard shake of his head. “But if you leave, I’m telling Dad why.”

I growled and dragged my hand through my hair. “Fine. I won’t hurt Isach, but I am going to make sure Chloe’s okay. Now, get out of my way.”

For the first time in his life, Jax moved without argument. I made my way to Chloe’s house in record time and knocked on the door.

Her uncle answered. “May I help you?”

“Hello, Mr. Benson. I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Trent Halstead. A friend of Chloe’s. Is she home?” I already knew the answer to that, but playing dumb with him would be me inside to see Chloe a lot faster.

“Chloe!” Dean turned and hollered. “You have a visitor.”

Seconds later, frantic footsteps pounded down the steps. The instant Chloe saw me, relief flashed across her face. She ran to me and flung her arms around my neck. I pulled her to me, holding her tightly. She trembled in my arms, and the scent of fear lingered around her.

“I got your message,” I said so only she could hear.

She hugged me tighter. “He’s here.” Her voice trembled.

“I know,” I whispered.

Dean cleared his throat. “Chloe?”

She pulled out of my embrace but remained close. I slipped my hand into hers and squeezed gently.

“You remember Trent, don’t you?” she asked.

“Yes, but I don’t know why he’s here.” Dean crossed his arms. “And why are you clinging to him like your life depends on it?” His gaze hardened. “Is there something you need to tell me?”

Chloe didn’t speak. Thankfully, I’d worked up a cover story on my way over here.

“I’m sorry to show up like this and interrupt your dinner,” I said. “I needed to talk to Chloe, and I figured since I was out this way, I’d just stop by.”

She stared at me.

“Would you like to join us for dinner?” Dean asked.

“Thank you, but I can’t stay. My father is expecting me home soon,” I said calmly. No way could I sit through a meal with Isach and not lunge across the table and strangle every last breath from his body.

Chloe’s heart raced with panic, and she gripped my hand tightly.

“Make it quick, Chloe,” Dean said before returning to the dining room.

She led me out to the porch, and as soon as the door was closed, I had her in my arms again. “What’s going on?” I asked.

Trembling, she shook her head. “I came home, and he was here, laughing and having dinner with everyone.” Pulling back, she took a deep breath. “I said I wasn’t hungry and went upstairs. When I walked into my room, it was trashed, and my mother’s ashes were all over the floor.” She shivered. “But when I screamed and Aunt Beth came into my room, everything was back to normal. I know it was Isach.” She crossed her arms and paced toward the wooden swing.

I followed, not wanting to let her get too far away. I hadn’t seen her this shaken and terrified before, not even that day I’d found her cowering in the hallway. Turning back, she bumped into me.

I steadied her and bent my knees, so we were at eye level. “Did anything else happen?”

“I think he’s messing with Abby.” She averted her gaze. “She said some pretty nasty things to me tonight.”

A low, angry growl rumbled from my chest. I’d been afraid of that—Isach using Abby to get to Chloe. Neither of them deserved to be pawns in this feud.

“It’s bad enough he’s inside my head, but now he’s inside my home, messing with my family. He needs to stop, Trent.”

“I know.” I pressed my lips to her forehead. “I know,” I repeated around a heavy sigh. “Give me some time to figure out what to do. In the meantime, stay away from him.”

She narrowed her eyes. “And how am I supposed to do that when he’s inside my house?” Her voice rose with each word, and her face was red with anger.

“Shh.” I placed my finger to her lips. “Go to your room and stay there until he leaves. And I suggest avoiding Abby as much as you can, too. At least until we figure out what he’s doing to her.”

Reluctantly, Chloe nodded. I hated that I couldn’t fix this for her, that I couldn’t just kill Isach and protect her from him. But Sean was right—doing anything that rash would only lead to more trouble and even more danger for Chloe. Our best course of action right now was to stay away from Isach as much as possible. But sooner or later, whether Sean liked it or not, we were going to have to deal with Isach Zoya.