We pause at the edge of a street, our backs pressed against the brick walls of a building. Aiden’s heart is an anxious mess as he peeks around the corner, out into the next street. His head snaps back hastily and I lean over, wanting to see what he saw, but he elbows me back.

“Kayla, I haven’t been completely honest with you,” he whispers, his hand on my chest, holding me in place.

My protective instincts kick into gear and without even thinking, I slide to the side and jump in front of him, putting my knife to his throat and backing him to the wall.

“What are you doing?” His words rush out, panicked.

“Protecting myself,” I say steadily. “The last time you weren’t completely honest with me, I almost wound up dead.”

“No, it’s not like that.” He moves as far away from my knife as he can, his hands up in front of him. “This was to protect you, not hurt you. I swear.” He holds up his hands and carries my gaze, frantic for me to believe him.

I lower my knife, but don’t put it away. “Start talking.”

He nods. “Okay, but first we need to get off the streets.”

I glance through the smashed glass window behind us and then stick my head inside. Chairs are knocked upside down, tables turned over, crushed glass piles the floor. I step through the crunching glass and do a quick hunt for any signs this place might be a nesting area for vampires.

I stick my head out. “All clear.”

He hops through the broken window and hauls a table over to it. He flips it up on its side and shoves it against the window, locking away the outside. I latch the front door locked and as an extra precaution, prop a chair against the door knob.

He lets out a tired breath, sweat dripping from his brow as he turns a chair over and sinks down in it.  “I’m really sorry.” He pants. “But this one I kept from you for your own good to protect you.”

I flip my knife in my hand, letting him know I still have it out. “Protect me from what?”

“From yourself.” He rests his head back, staring up at the cracks in the ceiling. “If you found out, I knew you’d freak.”

“I don’t freak about anything.” I move in front of him and dip the blade of my knife for his throat. “I thought you knew me.”

“I do know you,” he says. “Better than anyone. And that’s why I know that this is going to be the thing that pushes you over the edge.”

I cross my arms and stare him down. “Try me and let’s see if you’re right.”