Bound in Blood 1 Clandestine (22 page)

“Isn’t love grand?” The female voice was light and airy
speaking through another sigh. It was Ivy. She was lying across
Emily’s bed with her hands folded behind her head looking
utterly relaxed. A wicked sneer stretched across her cherub face.
Her right leg was casually crossed over her left. She wore thick
soled black boots that Emily thought for sure were steel toe.
Those were ass kicking boots no doubt about that. Ivy’s foot
danced rhythmically to music that wasn’t playing.

Emily envisioned some sort of Goth Satan worshiper music
playing through Ivy’s mind while she lay across the bed looking
as though she belonged there. “What are you doing here?”
Emily’s whole body grew tense with anger. She could feel her
muscles contracting, readying themselves to spring on the
awaiting enemy. Wasn’t Ivy supposed to be one of the good
guys? Ivy was a hunter or slayer or whatever. That was supposed
to mean shewas one of the good guys. Emily didn’t know why
but she really didn’t like Ivy and it verged on hate. She hadn’t
even known the girl that long but it was one of those unavoidable
feelings that conjured up on its own.

“Girl talk of course,” Ivy said with o
bvious fakeness
dripping off her lips like acidic syrup. “Maybe we can even do
each other’s hair and nails.” Suddenly, all the false cheer
vanished from her face. Her beautiful sapphire blue eyes turned
to wicked flames before narrowing into slits. “And then, I can let
you in on a little secret. Sebastian, yeah he’s mine. That means
keep your little newbie hands off of my man. You got me?”
Even with her cat like stare, the false smile never left her lips. It
made her tone sound sugary sweet and not overtly threatening,
like the words suggested.

“Not that I saw your name printed on his forehead or
anything, but we are just friends. If that status were to ever
change, it still wouldn’t be any of your business,” Emily spit at
Ivy full of venom. Her face though modeled Ivy’s fakeness with
a similar smile. “You got me?”

“Is that so?” Ivy stood and glared at Emily
fiercely. “Then
why is it that our little hottiewas in my room last night? Hmm…
maybe he was helping me balance my check book. Oh wait. I
don’t even have a checkbook.” Ivy’s hand flew to her chest in
mock horror with a gasp. “That must mean… he’s mine.” Ivy
walked purposefully toward Emily until she was only a foot
away if that. “He and I have always had a thing for each other.
I’m not going to let you waltz in here and ruin that for me. Just
back the hell off,or you’re gonna get hurt,understand? There’s
only room for one woman slayer around here,and that’s me.
Don’t think because you suddenly have been let in on the little
secret, and supposedly have a few meaningless powers, that you
mean shit around here to Alexander or the other guys.” Her
tirade was long enough that when she finally stopped, she was
panting slightly.

Emily didn’t understand Ivy’s crap about being a woman
slayer and all that. She figured she would have to figure out that
part later. For the moment she just focused on the possessive boy
drama Ivy was trying to conjure out of nowhere. So bad she
wanted to shoot back,
HE KISSED ME YOU BEACH!
That
probably wouldn’t have done anything but push Ivy over the
edge. Plus, she wouldn’t understand Emily’s word and just make
fun of her for that too. Ivy was the kind of girl that would have
made it all Emily’s fault, no matter what she said.

Emily fantasized about punching Ivy right in her pretty blue
eyes. That would have felt so good. Too good, unfortunately
though, it couldn’t happen. Ivy seemed just crazy enough to
manipulate the situation to her favor. She would probably tell
Alexander and Sebastian that Emily attacked her for no reason
and that somehow she was a traitor to their whole operation.
Like it or not, the slayers were all she had to count on. It was
obvious the vampires wanted her and she couldn’t stay with
Sam. He might be a jerk, but he didn’t deserve any of the undead
drama.

Ivy interrupted her mind babble making Emily jump a little.
Ivy smiled at that. “Are you even listening to me loser?” She
looked furious at the thought of being ignored.

“No, not really. Truth is, you’re kind
ofboring.” It was true.
Emily had been so absorbed in her fantasies that she hadn’t even
realized Ivy was still speaking. Oh darn, she must have tuned her
out. What a pity.

“Whatever, I don’t have time for you to try and be cute. Just
lay offSebastian and we’ll be straight.” Ivy didn’t wait for a
response from Emily. Instead she stalked passed her pushing into
Emily’s shoulder hard on the way out. “Oops,” she said
innocently before exiting.

“Stupid beach,” Emily muttered to herself as she turned to
close the door. Well, slam it rather, a little too hard actually. She
heard the bang echo down the hallway probably following Ivy on
her evil way. Good, Emily thought. At least she sort of got the
last word she figured smugly. It was stupid she knew. All it
probably achieved was that it gave Ivy the satisfaction that she
so didn’t deserve.

An hour later, Emily was still sulking about the argument
and what she should have said or done differently. Ivywasn’t
worth the time it took to say her stupid name but that didn’t seem
to matter. There Emily sat on the end of her new bed, wiping hot
furious tears from her eyes. That always happened when she got
too angry. It wasn’t that she was sad or anything. There was just
too much pent up emotion coursing through her that needed to be
released.

It made her angrier that she was allowing herself to get so
worked up over the whole thing. It really wasn’t worth it.
Emily had never wanted to hit another human so badly in
her whole life. That wasn’t like her at all. Normally, if someone
made her mad, she just shrugged it off, no big deal. Ivy however,
had the art of getting under someone’s skin, down to a science.
The day had been too much. Ivy coming in her room all crazy
Beach-like, was just the last straw.
Was it totally wrong that Emilycouldn’t help but wish that
someday a vampire would eat Ivy? Okay, so maybe she didn’t
want anything to eat her. It would be nice if someone could at
least wipe that snooty look off her face. Ivy acted like she owned
this place and that had to change.
Sebastian seemed to have more authoritythan Ivy that’s for
sure. Emily wasn’t sure about Kyle though. They seemed to be
on the same level. He too was angry the last time she had seen
him but at least he didn’t lash out at her directly. Instead, he just
lashed out about her to someone right in front of her, as if she
weren’t really there. Is that the same thing?
Either way, she wasn’t real keen on the idea that half the
people in the compound didn’t want to jump on her welcome
wagon. They were so crazy. It wasn’t like she chose to be there.
In fact, she didn’t want to be there anymore than they wanted her
there. There had to be another option.
Going through the motions, Emily pulled off her clothes
and moved to the dresser. It was an unconscious action that she
was used to doing at home. Before realization could dawn on
her, she pulled open the bottom drawer. It wasn’t until she saw
the neatly folded pajama sets that she reflected on the weirdness
of that. She carefully picked up a light blue pair of sleep pants
that had a camisole to match. The pants had cute little blue and
green stars on them. Sure enough, they were her size. How was
that possible? They weren’t her pajamas from her house. When
had anyone had time to get them from the store? Shrugging off
the mysterious appearance of perfectly fitting clothes she just put
them on and crawled into the big comfy bed.
Even more time passed, and Emily pretty much gave up on
the prospect of getting any sleep at all that night. Every time she
closed her eyes, pictures of the decapitated vampire stained her
lids. Even though it was absurd to feel guilty, she sort of did. She
was responsible for the death of another person. They technically
weren’t human, did that count? It was so hard to wrap her head
around that, whether it was deserved or not. Involuntary tears
welled up in her eyes. They weren’t like the anger induced tears
directly after the Ivy episode. The wetness made them sting. It
was the tears way of threatening to overflow at any second if she
didn’t chill out.
Finally, she threw back the covers in defeat. She wanted to
talk to Lucy so bad she could taste it. Unfortunately, at least for
now, that wasn’t an option. The closest thing to Lucy she had
right then was Tyler. So far, he’s always had Emily’s back and
could probably help Emily sort this entire fiasco out. The only
problem was that Tyler was more than likely asleep. The day had
taken a toll on him too. That much was plain, when she watched
him go into his own room for the night. It felt wrong to begrudge
him of his much deserved rest.
She had to get out of that room that’s all there was to it.
Maybe she could just go for a walk around the halls and wind
herself down like one of those pull string toys. Her curious
nature would probably just drive her anyway. She loved to
explore new places and find out how they ticked. The compound
seemed like a goldmine for that sort of thing.
As she exited the room she wondered if Ivy had gone to her
own room. Emily hoped so. She really didn’t have the patience
for another encounter with Beachy the Vampire Slayer. Who
knows, maybe she ran to Sebastian’s room to make up lies about
Emily. Whatever, if Sebastian or anyone chose to believe that
psycho Goth Barbie doll then that was their problem. Sternly,
she willed herself to stop thinking of Ivy. There were way more
important things to worry about.
Emily’s walk didn’t last long. She found herself stopping at
Tyler’s door. After pressing her ear against the wood and hearing
nothing, she figured he was more than likely sleeping. Of course
he was all sane rational people would be passed out after the day
they had. So what was her problem?
Without thinking she reached up and knocked softly on the
door. Immediately she regretted it. It wasn’t fair of her to force
Tyler away from sleep just because she couldn’t crash. Within
minutes though, she heard him shuffling out of bed and trudging
to the door with heavy steps.
When he opened the door his mouth was open wide in the
middle of a huge yawn. “What’s up,” Tyler asked sleepily after
he opened the door and saw her standing there. He used the back
of his hand to rub the sleep out of his eyes to get a better look at
her. “Are you okay?”
He probably thought she looked like a mess. Her eyes were
probably blood shot from crying and lack of sleep. “Yeah I guess
so. Can I come in?” She tried to offer him a smile, but she was
sure the gesture didn’t cut it. It didn’t feel like her lips curled up,
not even a little.
Tyler’s room was nothing like Emily’s. It had a totally
different theme. The floor was rustic looking hardwood that
looked very old, almost ancient. It didn’t look worn out or
anything. It was the kind that was supposed to look like that.
Actually, the whole room had a rustic feel to it. It was definitely
a guy’s room.
“Cool room,” she said still looking around.
Tyler looked at her as though he might fall back asleep
standing there. “Thanks. Go ahead and sit anywhere.”
Immaturely, she thought about popping a squat right there
where she stood. Thankfully, Emily decided against it. Tyler
probably wouldn’t get the joke. Or if he did he wouldn’t notice
since he wasn’t even fully awake yet. “Thanks,” Emily replied
moving to one of the chairs to sit down.
Tyler followed her and sat in the chair opposite her. “Sorry,
I’m just tired. It’s been a day you know?” He wiped a big hand
across his eyes probably still trying to get the sleep out.
“Yeah, a day.”
“So, why are you here? Were you lonely in that big room all
by yourself?” Even through exhaustion Tyler managed his
crooked grin. “I’d be happy to keep you company…” Tyler
trailed off his voice thick with implication as he stifled an
escaping yawn ruining his sarcastic smoothness.
“Ha ha,” Emily retorted mockingly. “No it’s not that. Duh. I
just couldn’t sleep. I guess it’s just everything that happened
today. I keep seeing that guys face in my head and can’t get it
out. I killed him Tyler.”
“Hold on a second,” Tyler put a hand on hers. “That guy
was a blood sucking leech that wanted to drain that Beth girl. It
wasn’t a human. You shouldn’t feel bad. I should.”
“You? Why?” Emily asked disconcerted. “You’re not the
one that cut the guy’s head off like a crazed savage.”
“Exactly,” said Tyler firmly. He sounded full of regret. “I’m
supposed to be a slayer and kill the bad guys like a savage.
Instead you come in on a white horse and save the day after I
choke.” His shoulders slumped and his face was full of pain.
“Tyler...”
“No,Em it’s true. I choked and you kicked ass. You burned
the hell out of that other one and took over chopping the head off
mine,” Tyler replied envious.
“Yeah I get it, enough with the graphic replay okay? I was
there, remember?” She ran a hand through her hair. “Sorry I just
don’t think my stomach can take it again.” Emily’s belly rolled
and sloshed like a tiny boat on a big ocean. She actually could
almost feel herface turning green. “The messed up thing is, at
the time I didn’t even know what I was doing. It needed to be
done, no offense, so I did it. I don’t even know where it came
from. It was like all the fear was washed away and replaced with
courage and know how. Only I don’t know how and don’t think I
want to.”
It wasn’t apparent if Tyler was even conscious anymore,
until his eyes reopened and he sat back up. “I don’t know Em,
but you have something inside of you that makes you belong in
this world, whether you like it or not. You know, maybe we’re
supposed to be a team.Like one of those famous duo’s in the
movies like…” His voice broke off and his face scrunched up
while he thought of an example.
“Buffy and Willow?” Emily offered helpfully.
“Exactly,” Tyler shot back sarcastically. “I get to be Buffy,
she’s more bad ass.” Tyler waggled his eyebrows suggestively at
her.
Emily laughed. “Does that mean you think Angel is hot
too?”
“Aw, you got me. I can’t h
elp it. I just love me some Angel.
Except he’s way cooler as Angelus, when he joins the dark side.”
Tyler laughed too now.
Emily snorted. “Seeinghow you’re a guy, I’m surprised you
didn’t say Willow. She’s got that whole girl thing going on.” She
giggled.
Tyler’s laughter stopped abruptly. “Oh, good call. Good
lookin’ out Em.”
A hard laugh burst from Emily’s lips. Tyler looked
adorable. Sure he was a pig, but she started it.
Despite the devilish grin across his face, the fatigue was
settling in again.“See, you just got to make light of the situation
and it’s not so bad.” Tyler yawned again. His mouth opened so
big in fact, a train could have probably used his mouth as a
tunnel. “Man, sorry. Just can’t seem to wake up.” He apologized
through another yawn, this time covering his tunnel politely.
“I’m glad you’re here Em. I think we were brought together for a
reason I really do. You want to stay in here tonight?”
Emily pulled her head back and her eyebrows shot up,
“what?”
His hands flew up in his famous surrender. “No no nothing
like that I swear. I’ll be a good boy. Stay on my side of the bed
and everything. God, I’ll even take the floor if you want. I just
thought it might make you feel better that’s all I promise.”
Accepting his explanation, Emily sat back more
comfortably in her chair relaxing her tensed face. “Definitely
tempting, but I think I might just go see if Alexander needs some
help with Beth. Thanks though, I really appreciate it Tyler. Rain
check?”
“You got it. Now get out of here. I got dreams of Willow
and Buffy to look forward to now.” As an afterthought he added,
“Thanks for that by the way.””
“No problem dork, glad I could help.” Emily stood saying
her goodbyes and goodnights to Tyler before leaving. She found
herself giving him a great big bear hug too. It felt good. Tyler
was a good friend to her. He made her feel safe and comfortable.
She wished she could have known him when she was younger.
He seemed like he would know how to have a good time under
different circumstances.
He wasn’t a lot taller than her but his frame was much
wider. His arms around her made her feel small and protected.
The fact that she technically saved his butt didn’t matter. Emily
felt the tensed muscles in her body relax as he gave her one last
squeeze before releasing her. It was stupid, but when he backed
away from her Emily felt cold and stressed again. These people
in her
new life
were getting passed her self-made wall, more than
she wanted to admit. It was nice, but still made her
uncomfortable.
When Emily turned to leave, Tyler gently grabbed her arm.
“And hey, you really need to lighten up. You don’t have to
assume that every time I ask you to stay thenight it’s a ploy to
get in yourpants.” He released her arm and ruffled her hair
playfully. “Not that you don’t have nice pants, I’m just not a
total douche that’s all.”
Hating when people played with her hair, Emily dodged out
of his reach. She made sure to smile while she did, so he
wouldn’t get offended. He was right. She needed to stop being
such a prude. “I’ll try and remember that.” She promised as she
turned again to leave.
Before Emily even closed Tyler’s door she glanced back to
see that he had already crawled back into bed. He would
probably be asleep before the door clicked shut. Emily smiled at
that. At least one of them was getting some rest. He deserved a
little
Tyler
time.
Once Emily was in the hall again she looked around to
make sure she was actually alone. Part of her half expected Ivy
to jump out and scare her. It was a relief to see that she was
nowhere in sight. She hurried back to her room and snuck a peek
inside. It looked empty anyway. Good. She didn’t want to, but
she was going to have to talk to Alexander about getting a lock
for her door. She didn’t want any more surprise visits from Ivy,
or Kyle for that matter. Ivy may recruit him over to the
I Hate
Emily
Fan Club. Honestly, he didn’t really seem like he had to be
persuaded very far. She flipped the light off and closed her door
back up tight. Emily wished with everything she had that Ivy
wouldn’t come back and rummage around, or worse, destroy her
stuff. Even though she didn’t really have stuff of her own at the
compound yet, that wasn’t the point. Her space was still hers and
no one had the right to invade it. Emily padded off in the
direction of the infirmary, hoping Beth was still okay when she
got there.