Page 34

Gideon hesitated, staring at the polaroids.

“I forgot about these.” Aerin picked up the photos she had kept in the basement for the past thirty years.

“When was this?” he asked, picking up a shot from the eighties, where she had a giant pink bow in her hair.

“1982, that year, we stole the contest-winning jack-o’-lantern from the festival.” The photo made her smile, but tears still stung her eyes. Her human friends had aged, while she looked like their daughter.

“Why keep these in the basement? You look so happy,” Gideon asked. Seeing them now, she wished she hadn’t kept them buried for so long.

“I was; they became my family, but they’re gone now. An immortal with human friends is bound to have a tragic end. That’s why I need you to be patient, because you have a real chance of finding a family out there. Miranda already recognized your clan name. She will have some answers for us. Can you promise to trust me?” Gently, she turned his chin so he looked at her, and not the past.

“I trust you.” Gideon leaned in to kiss her again. Staring at his lips, she leaned to meet him halfway.

“Aerin?” The voice from behind startled her. When she opened her eyes, Gideon was gone, and she turned around to see Wayne, one of the university professors, approaching the table.

“What are you doing in here? We’re closed for lunch; you know the rules,” Wayne said, pushing his glasses up his nose.

“I was doing some research, and I didn’t hear them say they were closing. I’m heading out now,” she said, glancing around subtly, but there was no sign of Gideon. Where the hell did he go?

“What are you doing here in the afternoon? I thought you’d have a class to teach?” she asked, trying to draw attention away from her.

“The librarian let me stay during lunch to do my research on the acidic bile of venous fly traps,” he said, always more interested in bugs and plants than people. They were both introverts, so they had that in common. Though she preferred seaweed and fish to creepy crawlies.

“Right, well, I won’t disturb you,” she said, tidying up the books.

“I didn’t hear from you after our last date,” he said quickly.

She winced, wishing she could dive into one of the books and disappear.

“I thought we had a good time?” he added.

“Sorry,” Aerin said, “we did, but I’m not looking to date at the moment. It’s nothing personal; I’ve been so busy getting the house ready for the Autumn Festival. The sirens are hosting a haunted house this year.” She wanted to get the conversation as far away from dating as possible.

“Do you need an extra set of hands with the decorations? Your house is perfect for it,” he asked eagerly. She didn’t know whether to be insulted or grateful.

“No, but thank you for the offer. As you said, the house is already spooky enough, so there isn’t much left to do.” Aerin heard a creak and glanced up at the ceiling to find Gideon sitting on the rafters. For the love of Poseidon, she thought, quickly returning her attention to Wayne before he noticed the vampire lurking above them.

“I understand, but if you ever want to hang out again. You’ve my number,” he said, and she hated that Gideon could hear every word.

“Right, well good luck with your research. I should get out of here before the librarian has my head.” Aerin had never wanted to escape so badly in her life. On his way out, she glanced at the rafters, but there was no sign of Gideon.

“You dated that bug guy?” Gideon asked, suddenly standing beside her. Relief washed over her when she saw he hadn’t taken the chance to run off.

“You’re making me regret not leaving you at the bottom of the sea.”

“You’d miss me if I were gone. I only meant that he doesn’t seem like your type,” he huffed.

“And what is my type?” she asked, and he rested his hands on the table, trapping her in place.

“Someone like me?” He smiled, flashing his fangs.

“Careful, your ego is showing.” She swatted him in the chest with a book, and he backed off. Though it was nice to see him being so playful after seeing him so distressed about finding his family.

“It was only two dates, not that it’s any of your business,” she confessed, so she wouldn’t have to address his earlier flirtation.

“Where are you going?” he asked, watching her grab her things.

“I’m going to see Miranda, and you’re going to stay here and out of trouble. Once it gets dark, I’ll meet you back at the house,” she said. “And don’t even think about sneaking off to the museum. You won’t be able to get into the records without my help.”