Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [53]
“Her friend died?”
Chase nodded in response.
“Let me get this straight. You think she was turned and her friend was killed while on vacation? You can’t be serious?”
Chase’s direct look was all the answer he needed.
“Morning.” Their mother walked in, Lucy hot on her heels, both dressed for the Pilates they did together three times a week. She poured a fresh cup of coffee and grabbed the artificial sweetener off the counter and headed for one of the open barstools next to her husband. She plucked his coffee from between his hands and replaced it with a fresh mug, pushing the artificial sweetener toward him. “You’re supposed to be watching your sugar levels.”
“What makes you think I’m not?” He grumbled as he reached for the artificial sweetener.
“Because I know you.” His mother smiled serenely as she passed his mug to Lucy. “And because I know you think I don’t know about your stash of sugar packets.”
“You two headed out for Pilates this morning?” Chase asked, changing the subject.
“Nah. Just a quick set on the porch—it’s nice out this morning.” Lucy leaned against the counter and pulled one of her legs back behind her, stretching out the muscles. “What are you guys talking about so seriously this early?”
“Beth’s background check came in.” Chase supplied.
“And the verdict? Friend or foe?” Lucy asked as she arched her back and pulled her leg behind her head.
“Not sure yet.” Chase gently shoved her, forcing her to put both feet on the ground. “It’s creepy when you do that.”
Lucy rolled her eyes and pulled the other leg behind her. “Whatever. So, how long’s Braden gonna keep his girlfriend locked in the basement?”
“She’s not my girlfriend.” Braden’s lips pulled back in a snarl.
“Sure, Tarzan.”
Braden gnashed his teeth, the muscles in his jaw popping as Lucy’s smile widened. She opened her mouth to say something else, no doubt at his expense, but abruptly snapped it shut again.
“That’s enough, Lucy.” Their mother’s warning cut across the kitchen.
Braden automatically stepped away from the comforting hand his mother placed on his shoulder. Her sympathy grated against him worse than Lucy’s teasing.
For God’s sake, I’m fine.
He’d sort out this mess and head home. Regardless of the outcome. End of story.
Braden pushed away from the island counter and ignored his mother’s concerned expression and Lucy’s amusement. “Can we get this over with? I have things to do back home.”
“Oh yes, let’s.” Lucy bounced back and forth, vibrating with the same sort of excitement she exhibited every Christmas morning.
“I think this is something best handled by Braden and me.” Lucy’s excitement dimmed at their father’s proclamation. “You two enjoy your workout. I’ll fill you in later.”
“But Dad…”
“No buts. Go with your mom. Braden, let’s head downstairs.”
He followed his father out of the kitchen and down the hallway. “You don’t need me for this.”
His father paused at the top of the stairs, curious eyes seeking Braden’s. “No, I don’t.” His expression grew quiet and the lines around his eyes and mouth tightened seriously. “But she might.”
“You don’t think she’s working with them, do you?”
“Chase had some interesting insights to share last night. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions.” He pushed open the door and started down the stairs. “You shouldn’t, either.”
“Too late.” Part of him hoped Beth turned out to be the deviant little slut he’d accused her of being. Bitterness flooded his mouth as the bottom of his stomach turned over and plummeted, revealing the thought for the lie it was.
***
Beth turned on her heel, counted the fifteen steps that took her across the room and wished again for something to distract her. She’d woken a few hours ago, her nightmares so intense her eyes felt bruised and her throat scraped and seared with every breath. The third time she’d screamed herself awake she’d thrown herself into a pace, keeping one step ahead of the exhaustion that dogged her footsteps. Anything was better than dreaming.
She’d swept the room more than once for anything useful, anything that could help her.