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“I’ve had a long time to get used to it,” he said while I walked by his side. “I know the horrors some of my species are capable of. Trust me, I know. So I can't blame someone for being cautious of me. They should be."
I frowned. “They should be?”
He nodded. “Yes. In the same way, all supernaturals should be cautious of humans until they learn they aren’t anti-supers. Anyone from any species can wear a mask, Marian.”
He wasn’t wrong about that. Anti-supers were the dark creatures of the human race. They hated and plagued supernaturals, and while there were laws in place to prevent open discrimination or harassment, supernatural creatures were still being targeted on the low.
“You have a point,” I replied when we approached the cashiers.
Several people turned to stare at us, but I stood with Isaac until he paid for his items, chatting causally until he was done.
"Should I be cautious of you then?" I asked when we exited the supermarket and stood in the spot we'd bumped into each other.
"You don't need to fear me, Marian," Isaac said. "Like I said, I'm not interested in kicking or screaming food."
He held up the paper bag, and I nodded with a gentle laugh. The blood he'd bought was animal's blood, but when was the last time he had fed on a living being, I wondered. I wouldn't dare ask something like that, but I was curious.
Outside of Wolfcreek, there were blood banks dedicated to vampires. People donated blood, and I heard there were even places vampires could go to feed on those who volunteered to be feeders. Of course, those places were illegal. So many things could go wrong.
Those who could afford it could have designated feeders tested and certified and therefore protected if a vampire broke any set agreement.
"Since our last meeting, I've been curious," he said, pulling me from my thoughts. "Are you tied to the werewolf packs here? You're human, but I sensed there was history between the werewolf that appeared in the forest with us.”
More history than you think with that one, I thought to myself.
“Yeah,” I answered. “The Luna of the Silvermane Pack is my best friend.”
“Ah,” he drawled. “I see. So you must have been warned to stay away from me?”
I shrugged. "More or less," I laughed, and he bobbed his head. "ButIchoose my friends, Isaac. They aren’t chosen for me.”
Isaac laid a hand on his chest. "Friends," he groaned in pain, and I arched a brow. "That hurt, but fair enough." He held his hand out to me, and I shook it. "Friends it is, Marian. You're a kind woman, so I'll take it."
Then, it dawned on me that he thought I'd just put him in the friend zone. Isaac was a gorgeous man and, likewise, friendly. We talked as if we'd known each other for ages, but I wasn't romantically attracted to him.
"I didn't mean to be hurtful," I said, and he waved his hand dismissively.
“No harm done,” Isaac replied. “I'm glad I've made one friend in this town, and I'm glad it's you."
I blushed. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” he replied with a grin. “Now, how about lunch, if you don’t already have plans?”
"Why not?" I said excitedly, then pointed to the paper bag. "Do you want a smoothie cup? I have one in my car. Who will know what you're sipping on, right?"
Isaac laughed but nodded in agreement. “Yes, that’s clever.”
“I know,” I said while walking away to my car. “I’m clever.”
Isaac followed while shaking his head and still laughing. The sound was so melodic and his smile so warm. It was hard to picture him hurting anyone, but vampires weren't born tamed, and those bitten and turned certainly weren't naturally tame.
Still, he was a great guy, and his past had nothing to do with our friendship in the present. He was right, though. Everyone wore masks from time to time.
“You’re a strange woman, Marian,” he said while I unlocked my car.
“You haven't seen anything yet," I said mysteriously. “But first, food, I’m starving!”
***
