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Chapter Twenty-Six
I watch my sister closely as she approaches Shannon’s cell. Shannon’s back is turned to us, head lowered, as she inspects something in her lap. I crane my neck to see what it is, but it’s just out of view. Whatever it is, she is fixated on it.
“They’re photos,” Anderson says from his perch in the corner. “We took your advice and went searching through her social media account. I printed off some photos that I thought might help her heal faster.” He emphasizes the word heal, as if any other word is unacceptable.
It makes me respect Anderson. Having been through it himself, he would have a greater appreciation for what she’s going through. However, I wonder if it’s just that. I don’t miss the way his eyes continue to seek her out and linger just a bit longer than what’s ordinary. Could this tough-as-nails vampire have a thing for Shannon?
“Should I call out her name?” Maggie asks, looking uncomfortable and unsure of how to proceed.
“She can’t hear you,” Anderson explains. “She has earbuds in. She’s listening to recordings of her parents’ voices.”
Maggie sobs and Law puts his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his side. He whispers something in her ear and she calms almost immediately.
This is all new territory for her. I’ve had time to adjust to this, but she hasn’t. Outside of her time with Law and Marcellus, I’m not sure how much she actually knows about this world, other than the fact that vampires exist. All of her knowledge comes from before the fall from the cliff, and I have yet to truly discover how much she even knew then. I store that away in my mind, to make sure to get caught up with Maggie about all she knows. Maybe there’s something we’ve missed that could help us figure out this legend.
“I’ll cut off the audio. That’s how I typically get her attention,” Anderson says, jumping down from his stool and hitting a button on an open computer screen.
Maggie and I join hands and step up to the cell. “Shannon,” I call out, and she freezes. Slowly, she turns her head toward us, brows scrunched in the middle, before her eyes widen and recognition shines through.
“Maggie?”
My heart soars. She sounds like my Shannon. She looks like my Shannon. Her hair is clean and there’s color in her cheeks. She looks tired, but other than that, she looks healthy. Human.
“How? H-how are you here? How is this possible?” Shannon stutters.
She stands and makes her way to us. No staccato movements or monstrous expression. This is nothing like my last visit.
“We thought you died.” Her voice breaks on the last word.
“It’s a long story,” Maggie says. “I promise you, I’ll tell you all about it, but right now, I want to know how you are.”
She shrugs her shoulder. “Oh, you know, living the vampire dream.”
I cringe at the sarcasm that oozes from her. No matter how much better she looks, she’s going to grapple with this life-altering change for a long time.
“I want to hug you,” Maggie whines. “Can we go in there?” Her head volleys from Law to Anderson.
Anderson looks to Shannon for confirmation, and she nods.
“I’ll be all right, but one of you might wanna come in with them,” Shannon says to the guys. “Just in case.” She winces as she takes in Maggie’s expression. I can’t see it, but I’d wager it’s somewhere between apprehension and straight terror.
“Law, go ahead and take Maggie in,” I suggest, knowing that Maggie will feel more comfortable with Law than with Anderson. “I’ll join a bit later.”
Anderson hits a button, and the cell slides open just enough for Maggie to walk through. Law is directly behind her, ever the watchguard. His hand lands on the small of her back and I don’t miss the way Maggie’s shoulders shake just slightly.
Shannon crushes Maggie to her chest, holding her tight. They both burst into tears, neither one of them able to speak through their sobs.
“I’m so relieved you’re okay,” Shannon cries. Her hands go to Maggie’s cheeks and then run over her hair, down to her shoulders, as if she’s still trying to convince herself Maggie’s real.
“How are you, Shannon? Really?” Maggie asks, rocking back and forth on her feet. I know she’s uncomfortable with all the attention being on her, considering what Shannon’s gone through. It’s clear she’s trying to change the topic back to Shannon.
“Well currently, I’m trying desperately not to take a bite out of your neck.” Maggie stiffens. “I’m kidding, Mags. Wow, did you go white.” She chuckles and Maggie’s arms cross over her chest. “Too soon?”
Maggie bobs her head, turning to me with wide eyes and still looking a bit sick. I throw my head back and laugh, because no matter how morbid the comment was, I’m thrilled to see Shannon cracking jokes and taking this in stride.
“I’m actually doing really good.” She offers us both a smile. “Neil has been helping me.”
I purse my lips, trying to figure out who the hell Neil is, but it becomes obvious as I follow Shannon’s line of sight to Anderson, who’s smiling back at her. A private smile that’s only for her, and that’s when I know there’s something between those two.
