“You said I can’t go out alone and I’m not.” I click my clutch closed, and as if on cue the twins come walking in.
I smile, seeing that they actually dressed up tonight. Their normal jeans and T-shirts have been exchanged for slacks and button-downs. They both give me identical smiles, and even after all these years it can be hard to tell the two of them apart.
Women always have their eyes on the two of them, but they never pay much attention. They’re charming and funny so I can see why people would notice them. I don’t think I want to know what the two of them got into before they became vampires. Part of me thinks they might have been players, but another part of me isn’t so sure. It will be interesting to watch each one of them find their mate. It will also be weird to see them no longer attached at the hip anymore since they’re always together.
Ezra whistles when he sees me while Erik grabs my hand and makes me spin like we’re dancing.
“We’re going to have to beat them off you tonight,” Erik says as he dips me and makes me laugh.
“Knock it off. Both of you.”
Bishop’s voice breaks through the fun we’re having and I can tell both Ezra and Erik want to make a smart-ass comment but decide to hold it in. Bishop’s been tense lately and I know at least part of it has to do with the slayer being near us. He’s starting to lose it and the darkness inside him is creeping in. He hasn’t found his mate and his time is almost up. It’s something I don’t want to think about because I’m not ready to face it.
“There is a slayer out there,” Bishop says for the millionth time as if we have all forgotten.
“And there are three of us,” I say, clenching my fist. “I can’t stay cooped up in this house every hour of the day.” My shoulders drop because I don’t want to fight with him.
I don’t know how he’s spent so many nights alone. I’m the youngest out of all of us and sometimes the loneliness is more than I can bear. It’s why I need to get out of here and be around people and do everyday things.
Bishop runs his hands through his hair. “How did you even talk these two into taking you to the theater? Can they actually sit still that long?”
I glance at the twins and wonder the same thing. Normally I would drag Kane with me, just so he would leave his home once in a while, but he could at least sit still.
“I’m sure I’ll have fun no matter what,” I say and shrug. Even if they embarrass me it will end up being a good laugh.
“We can behave,” Ezra says defensively, but the lie is clear on his face as Erik’s eyes dance with mischief.
“Maybe you’ll find your mate,” I say, and both of the twins share a look between each other. I can’t tell if they like this idea or not.
“Be careful with her,” Bishop warns both of them.
“I can take care of myself.” I love that everyone wants to protect me, but it’s smothering at times. Their concern is out of true love, not out of obligation, which makes me so happy but also drives me up a wall.
“You sound like a jealous lover,” Erik adds, repeating what I said before they got here.
Bishop’s face turns deadly and the air in the room grows thick.
“I’m not fucking around. If something happens to her it’s probably best you two don’t come back.” With that, he stomps out of the room.
“What the fuck?” Ezra mutters as we look at each other in disbelief.
“He’s losing it,” I say quietly. He’s being a dick, but I still love him like a father.
“Are you sure you two aren’t mates?” Erik eyes me.
“No.” My face scrunches in disgust at the idea. Not only does that sound gross, it also sounds so wrong. I’d be lying if I didn’t feel like I had a deeper connection with Bishop, but that’s because he’s my maker. “I just feel a stronger bond with him. He’s our maker, so I’m sure you guys feel it, too. It’s the thing that keeps us closer to him. It’s probably not the same way you feel about Kane and me, but with him it’s stronger. Right?”
“Nope,” they both say in unison and without hesitation.
“We feel the same about all of you,” Erik says, and Ezra nods in agreement.
I watch them lock eyes with each other and I know their bond is deeper than it would ever be with any of us. While we are all a family, they are twins and that’s something special.
“Let’s go, I don’t want to be late.” I want to go because I don’t want dwell on the connection I feel to Bishop. And I’m praying Bishop doesn’t have more than a family love for me.