Page 177 of Hunters and Prey

“I’m sorry,” I said hastily. “I’m sorry, Black. It was stupid.”

“Stupid?” he growled. “That’s what you’re going with?”

I gripped his waist, feeling the plume of anger coiling up his light.

“––and wrong,” I said, exhaling. “I know how wrong it was, Black. Believe me. I felt like absolute shit. I still do.”

I held his gaze, gripping him even tighter, my fingers wound around his leather belt.

“Black,” I began.

I almost didn’t say it, hesitating while I shook my head.

Then I said it anyway.

“I know how you’re probably going to take this. I know you’re not wrong. But I really didn’t think you’d be able to hear me. Not then.” Looking up, I added, “I really didn’t think I had time to wait until you could hear me, Black.”

Seeing his jaw harden, I shook my head.

“I wouldn’t have been able to hear you, if our positions were reversed. I would have assumed you were in shock… that it was trauma talking. I would have assumed you were in denial, and probably still suffering from the effects of vampire venom. I wouldn’t have let you go, either. Not under those circumstances. And I’d probably be looking to my uncle for help… just like I did when vampires nearly killed you the first time.”

Hesitating at the flicker of emotion I felt off his light, I met his gaze.

“I did this, knowing how mad you’d be. Knowing I’d break your trust. Knowing you might not forgive me for months… if not longer. I’m genuinely sorry. I am. But it was a judgment call. Not a great one, granted. But I can’t honestly say I’d do it any differently now.” Swallowing, I gave him an apologetic look. “I just figured I should be upfront about that. Before you take off for Thailand without me.”

Black’s jaw didn’t unclench.

Even so, after a few seconds more, he nodded.

I felt the reluctance behind that nod. I also felt that he meant it. Not that he agreed with me, but that he acknowledged my reasoning.

For a long-feeling moment, we both just stood there.

Black stared out over the balcony, his gold eyes reflecting sunlight.

The van continued to smoke down by the curb, and I saw people walking by, taking pictures with their smart phones and pointing, but I didn’t see any more of the Purity soldiers with their red face masks and black backpacks. I didn’t see any protesters at all, or even any cops, but from what Black had told me, the cops likely had their hands full.

For a long time, we just stood there like that, holding one another.

I don’t remember either of us talking.

I don’t remember thinking much of anything as I stared out over my burning city.

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