Ties To The Blood Moon

  ***

  William didn’t talk during the ride, and that made me feel even worse. I pulled my knees up to my chest and sunk further down into my seat. It killed me to know William was upset with me.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tried to run out on you guys,” I uttered, looking at William.

  His hand gripped the steering wheel so tight, his knuckles turned white and I actually heard the steering wheel make little cracking noises. When he turned a corner, I saw the dents in the steering wheel. William was much stronger than I ever imagined.

  “Why did you do it?” He asked angrily. “I’ve done everything for you, and this is how you repay me? By taking off without so much as a good-bye?”

  My voice sounded throaty. “I’m-”

  He cut me off. “Yeah…I know. You’re sorry. You’re always sorry, Genevieve.”

  “I thought I was doing what was best for you guys. I didn’t want any of you to get killed because of me. This is my fight, and I have no right to drag you or them into it.”

  “That’s just stupid! I love you. They love you. We chose to help you. You didn’t make us do anything.”

  “Technically, that’s not true. They’re royal servants, and they didn’t have a choice,” I dropped my shoulders, staring silently out the window.

  I felt a sharp pain shoot through my heart, and I guess William felt it, too, because he reached across the seat, gently taking my hand, and pulled me closer to him.

  “I love you,” he said tenderly, just before we stopped in front of his cabin.

  When Luna climbed out of the truck, I knew right away she hadn’t gotten over her anger. We barely made it inside before she started in on me, and Joseph grabbed her.

  “It’s all your fault!” She tried pulling away from Joseph, but he held her firmly. “If my brothers are dead it’s on you,” she cried.

  I lowered my eyes, unable to speak with the huge knot forming in my throat. She was right. Everything that had happened was all my fault. “That’s why I tried to do this alone, but you guys wouldn’t let me.” A tear ran down my cheek. “I can’t help who I am. I sure as hell didn’t ask for any of this, and if I could take it all back, I never would have come here. I would rather die than see any of you guys get hurt!” I ran upstairs to one of the bedrooms and slammed the door.

  “Gen,” Joseph shouted through the closed door a minute later. “Let me in.”

  “Go away,” I shouted, but he didn’t. He just kept banging on the door until I finally opened it.

  I kept my arms wrapped tightly around me. “What? You want to blame me, too?” I stared at him from across the room.

  His big eyes immediately softened. “No,” he said quietly. “I don’t blame you at all, Gen, and Luna doesn’t either.” He stood just inside the doorway, gazing at me longingly. “I lo…um.” He cleared his throat. “I just wanted you to know, if you ever need me, I’m here.” He turned around, and as he walked out he whispered something he didn’t think I could hear. I gasped, and my heart fell as the words, I’ll always love you, sank in.