“But did you try?”

“Well, of course I did. I’m a hunter, he’s a vampire. One of us has to remember the rules.”

Since Quinn had texted me just before dawn, I knew he was safe. He’d conveniently managed to forget to tell me about his little excursion into insanity. “Just drink your coffee,” I said, my mind whirling. “I don’t want to leave you until I know you won’t fall over and break a hip.”

Just as I’d planned, he sat straight up, insulted. “I’m strong as an ox, missy.”

“And you kind of smell like one,” I retorted briskly. “How long have you been sitting here feeling sorry for yourself? Since Quinn dropped by?” I knew if I showed the slightest trace of concern or worry now that he wasn’t quite so drunk, he’d act like a wounded bear with a thorn in his paw.

He scowled. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

“I live here,” I reminded him. “Despite your little trick with the lock.”

He had the grace to redden slightly. “I was mad,” he said defensively. “I still am.”

“I know.” I bent to kiss his cheek. “But you’re wrong so you’re going to have to get over it.”

“You’re not welcome here until you come to your senses.”

“I know that too,” I said, hoisting my knapsack over my shoulder and heading to the front door.

“Where are you going?” he demanded, even though he’d basically just told me to get out.

“I have class,” I answered, hiding a smile. “And I’m not cleaning up your mess,” I added. “So you’d better get to it before Mrs. Gormley comes over and does it for you.”

“That woman will cover the place in doilies,” he grumbled.

“Exactly,” I said. “And I’ll encourage her.”

“Hunter,” he said as I reached for the handle. He sounded more like himself, gruff and battle-scarred. “You’re a good girl,” he added quietly. “But you’re on the wrong side of this war.”

“I’m not fighting a war, Grandpa,” I returned, just as quietly. “I’m just trying to survive high school.” I glanced over my shoulder. “I’ll check the perimeter,” I added, hoping to remind him that I was still the same girl he’d raised. I’d been checking the perimeter before leaving the house since I was twelve.

I had to stop on the front stoop and take a deep breath. I waved at Mrs. Gormley when I saw her silhouette cross the window. Her blinds twitched in response. I crossed the lawn to the property line and walked the fence. It was made of whitethorn, like all traditional stakes, and soaked in holy water. There were stakes and daggers set into the post at regular intervals for easy access. He’d added pouches of Hypnos powder since I’d left. I circled around to the back.

There was enough glow cast by the outside sensor lights to see the pale shadow on the edge of the woods. I shot my crossbow without hesitation. Grandpa had made enough enemies among vampires that we never took chances.

Turned out there wasn’t quite enough light to notice, until it was too late, that I was shooting my own boyfriend.

And I had really good aim.

Luckily, he had equally good reflexes, not to mention vampire speed.

As my arrow sliced through the cold air toward his heart, he stepped neatly and swiftly out of the way. He turned to the side completely, making himself a smaller target. After the arrow landed harmlessly in the woods, he ran toward me with that mad, charming grin that always made me feel like I should be blushing.

He was about to jump the fence when I reached him.

“Don’t touch it,” I said, moving to block him from view in case my grandfather happened to glance out the window. Even half-drunk, he’d come out roaring. “It’s soaked in holy water.”

Quinn’s hands recoiled from the fence and he let me nudge him into the privacy of the woods once I’d hopped over it.

“You came to see my grandfather?” I smacked him in the arm. “Do you have a death wish?”

His expression turned serious. “Hunter, do you think I don’t see how it kills you that he’s shut you out?”

“And you thought getting yourself dusted by my grandpa would help?” I asked incredulously.

“He’s an old man,” he drawled. “Not exactly a threat.”

“He’s a decorated vampire hunter. Do you have any idea how many medals he has?”

Quinn looked briefly distracted. “There are Helios-Ra medals?”

“Yes.” I poked him in the chest. “So be careful.”

His hand closed over mine, cool fingers wrapping around my wrist. I know he could feel my pulse flutter in reaction. He grinned wolfishly.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Solange overthrew the monarchy,” he said, sounding as if he couldn’t quite believe it. “So we get a few nights off to patrol while they talk treaties and blood debts.” He shook his head, longish hair falling into eyes as blue as a summer lake. “Not quite how I’d want to spend my night off, especially since I can think of better ways to pass the time.”

He crowded me against a tree, a wicked gleam in his eye. “Chloe told me you were ditching class when I called your room. Hot.”

I laughed despite myself, even as he bent his head and stole my breath with a slow, deep kiss. I kissed him back, clutching his shirt and raising up on my tiptoes. His hand splayed across my lower back as the kiss went open-mouthed and desperate. It was always like this between us, like two stars colliding. We were all heat and light.