Blood's Fury (Deadly Beauties 1)

He just laughs, turning back, mocking my fear.

"You're still wearing your tag," he says while motioning to my shirt, and then he winks at me before walking away.

I look down to my uniform, and I roll my eyes when I see the big slab advertising my name.

Idiot.

I've officially made myself look like an absolute wreck now that I've freaked out for no real reason.

I turn around and head inside, hoping to fall right to sleep. A shadow passes through the room, and I squeal out.

"Ha! Knew I'd scare you," Frankie murmurs as he appears in front of me.

"Stupid warlocks," I grumble. "I knew you were here."

He laughs harder, reveling in his successful plot to leave me shaking and breathing hard.

"I know, that's why I didn't bother showing myself back at the diner. By the way, who was that guy you were walking with?"

A delicious human that I made myself look like a psycho in front of.

"Spying much?" I scoff while walking by him.

Frankie looks much younger and acts much younger than he actually is. His soft eyes and timeless face remind me of what's to come.

"You told your mother you wouldn't be getting involved with any guys until the disappearances stop."

"I'm not getting involved with anyone, Frankie. Besides, he's human."

"You're sure?"

He runs his hand through his blond hair as he stares worriedly at me.

"He would have tried something. The streets were deserted. All he did was accompany me on my walk since it was on his way."

"So you showed him your mark?" he asks naively.

Though he's my mother's best friend, he doesn't know all of my dark, jaded secrets. Mom's poor taste in men left her with a daughter too strong for her own damn good.

"Um, it wasn't necessary."

He sighs and grips his head.

"Your mother isn't going to be happy about this."

"Happy about what?" I can't think of absolutely anything I've done wrong. Hell, I've spent all day at work.

"You coming home so late, talking to a handsome stranger, and then letting him walk away after finding out where you live."

I'm sick of this. I've literally been one day without my mother, and already I'm getting scolded by her spy. She's not going to make me feel like a child in my own house. That was the entire reason I moved all the way out here to Pine Shore.

"My mother can't control my life. Neither can you. Now go loiter in someone else's home. I'm taking a shower and going to bed."

He tightens his lips, knowing better than to argue with me.

"Fine, but I'll be around. This place is crawling with immortals. I can feel their energy. It's a good thing your mother can't do the same, otherwise she'd be the one stalking you right now."

"Overbearing, untrusting, arrogant immortals," I mumble under my breath while heading to my room.