Because the Night (The Night Songs Collection) by Kristen Strassel Read Free Book Online Page A

slipping through the man’s hands, lifeless, after it appeared that he had sucked the life out of her body still jarred me.
    “What about her?” He didn’t even seem to know what I was talking about.
    “Is she an actress? Is she OK?”
    “Yeah. She’s fine.”
    The elevator door opened Tony appeared. “When will you be ready for them?”
    “In a minute. I’ll let you know,” Tristan dismissed him, visibly irritated by the distraction. Tony disappeared as the elevator doors closed before him.
    “What was that about?”
    “I’ll need to feed soon. You should go.”
    I swallowed hard.
    “You really shouldn’t come here unannounced, Callie. It’s not a good idea.”
    “I’d really like to spend some time with you before I go home.” My voice shook. I felt scolded.
    Tristan smiled. “I’ll call you when it’s a good time. I want to see you again.”
    “Okay.” I got up off the couch. My heart thudded in my chest.
    Tristan rose as well. He reached out for my hand. I took it, dreading its coolness. He squeezed it and I tried not to wince.
    “I mean it, Callie.”
    I didn’t answer; I stood there, holding his hand, staring blankly at his beautiful face. I didn’t know what to think, let alone what to say. Tristan was always full of surprises, not all of them good. But this was almost too much to process.
    I let go of his hand and headed for the elevator, looking at him one last time over my shoulder, standing so still exactly where I left him.

Chapter Eight
    I tossed and turned all that night, my meeting with Tristan on repeat in my brain. His cold grip on my arms. The fangs. The pulling me in and pushing me away. Like the tide. If I had actually slept, I would have thought it was a nightmare.
    This was exactly how I didn’t want to find him. Lost. Before he shut me out, I’d been the only one he felt comfortable talking about things that bothered him. What was really going on. Comfortable being himself with. At least that’s what he always told me. If I let him go, would he find someone like that again? But if I stayed, would he let me in?
    I didn’t think I could get back on the plane if this is the way things ended between us.
    Blade called the next morning, wanting to see me again before I left. I couldn’t think of a better distraction.
    I climbed into the car and smiled at him tiredly. “Hey,” I said.
    Blade frowned. “What’s going on? You look exhausted.”
    My eyes automatically darted to the side view mirror. They were puffy and had dark smudges underneath. “Yeah, I hardly slept last night. I, uh, found out that a friend from the Vineyard died.”
    “I’m so sorry. Were you close with them?”
    “Yeah.” I hoped my short answer would give Blade the hint I wasn’t ready to talk about this yet.
    “That really sucks. I wish I could do something to make it better.” He raised a hand like he wanted to touch my arm, but dropped it back to his lap instead. I wished he’d touched me, his warm fingers might drive away the sensation of Tristan’s cold, dead hand there last night.
    “You are making it better. I’m glad you called.”
    Blade’s shoulders fell. “Are you up for doing a little something tonight? Maybe some takeout and a movie?”
    “Perfect.” Keisha had made plans with Janelle and Amanda to go out tonight. I’d had my fill of vampires. I needed to just chill.
    “What do you like on your pizza?” Blade asked as he pulled away from the hotel.
    “Anything, really.”
    “Even anchovies?”
    “Yuck! No!”
    Blade laughed. “OK, no anchovies. Meat, veggies?”
    “All OK. I usually make veggie pizza at home. I like to cook.”
    “Nice. You’ll have to make it for me sometime.”
    “I will. So where are we doing this pizza and movie thing?”
    “I was thinking going back to my house? Give you a taste of everyday life around here. You know, in case you ever make it a thing.”
    “I’d love that.” I couldn’t be happier that Blade had hopped on the Keep