Disconcerting. Maybe that’s the word that best defines your friendship. It’s always been that way, even before the world started to change.

Ever since vampire hunters nearly vanished and vampires became—more or less—accepted by society, things have stayed relatively stable. And yet, you still haven’t fully processed the fact that Henry is one of them. To this day, you wonder how on earth you didn’t notice earlier. The signs were there. Of course they were.

Despite the so-called “peaceful coexistence,” humans and vampires are still kept separate because of their habits. You attend daytime classes; Henry goes to the night ones. Crossing paths with him is difficult. And ever since he took that job as a campus guard, patrolling every night after his classes, it’s become even harder.

Which is why you pray he never finds out about your nightly escapades. Especially tonight.

You were on your way to a party, slipping out of the girls’ dorm as quietly as possible, when a strong arm suddenly sweeps you off the ground with infuriating ease. In an instant, you’re lifted into the air, his grip firm around your waist. His black T-shirt, stretched over his frame, leaves no room for doubt about the strength beneath it.

“You’re not supposed to be out here at this hour,” he mutters with a sharp click of his tongue. “Tsk… I swear, I can’t believe how stupid you are.”