That Usually Works

The beach house was nestled in a secluded spot, crafted from exquisite fine wood that radiated warmth and elegance. From its spacious windows, I was greeted with a breathtaking view of the endless ocean. The salty breeze felt different here—crisper, more vibrant—and to me, different was amazing. I immediately felt a sense of peace the moment I stepped out of Silas’s car.

When Bill had first brought me and Mom here for a summer vacation, my first thought was that my stepfather was loaded. He ran a tech company and could easily be labeled a millionaire if he wanted to be. But Bill preferred a simpler life, choosing a modest home with his family over a grand mansion. This beach house was a rare indulgence, and it reflected his quiet taste for comfort over extravagance.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and started up the stairs to the balcony but paused when I noticed Silas hadn’t followed. He was still leaning against his car, arms crossed, watching me with his usual calm expression.

“Aren’t you coming?” I asked.

“I didn’t realize you wanted me there.”

“It’s your house.”

“It’s our house.”

Yeah, right. Technically, it was Silas and Bill’s house. No matter how many times Bill insisted that everything was mine too, I wasn’t going to claim ownership of something that wasn’t truly mine. I was already grateful enough to have a stepfather who went out of his way to make sure I had everything I needed. Bill had done so much for me, and I hadn’t exactly been the best stepdaughter in return. He deserved better.

Feeling a pang of guilt, I walked back down to where Silas was standing. I looked up at him, feeling a little sheepish. “I’m sorry about what happened with Carter. I know you only want what’s best for me, and you’re always trying to help, but I never appreciate it. I... I don’t even know why I’m like this. I just want you to know I do appreciate everything you do for me.”

“It’s alright, Kerry.” His hand landed gently on my shoulder, and he gave me a soft smile. “I’m not mad at you. I could never be. I just want to give you the space you need. You have my number—text me if you need anything, okay?”

“Okay. Thanks.”

I didn’t pull away when he leaned in to kiss me. I wasn’t even surprised by it. His kiss was soft and warm, far different from the passion-fueled ones he’d given me before. By the time he pulled away, my cheeks were on fire, fully flushed. Silas pressed a light peck on my forehead and promised to check on me tomorrow. After making sure I had everything I needed, he climbed into his car and drove off. I stood there watching until his car disappeared down the road, and only then did I head inside the house.

The three-bedroom beach house was designed to be as comfortable as possible. The cozy living room, with its plush furniture and airy, ocean-inspired colors, felt like a calming escape from the chaos of life. Each bedroom was thoughtfully furnished with a large bed, a mini fridge, and a bedside table. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day on the beach. Bill had spent his money well—this place was a dream.

I made my way upstairs to the master bedroom and dropped off my things. After taking a hot shower, I slipped into casual clothes and headed to the kitchen. Bill always made sure the house was well-stocked, and since Silas had let him know I’d be staying, the fridge was packed. I wasn’t much of a cook, and I was too hungry to bother with anything complicated, so I fried some eggs and made a quick sandwich.

Satisfied after my meal, I returned to the bedroom, collapsing onto the soft bed. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt truly content. For a brief moment, I forgot about all the chaos in my life—the tangled web of relationships, the drama waiting for me at home. I told myself I’d figure it all out when I got back. For now, I just needed to relax.

I was drifting into sleep when my phone rang. Groaning, I reached over to grab it, frowning slightly when I saw my mom’s name on the screen. I wasn’t sure if she was calling to scold me for leaving without telling her—Bill had probably filled her in—or if it was something else. “Hey, Mom. Sorry, I was going to call and let you know earlier, but I—”

“Oh God, Kerry, are you alright?” Her voice was frantic, panicked. “Don’t come back home, okay? Just... just don’t come back.”

“Mom?” I sat up, alarm spreading through me. “What’s wrong? What’s happening?”

“B-Bill... he... the vampires are—”

“Mom?! Mom!” I nearly shouted into the phone, but the line went dead.

Fear clawed at me. My mother had always been calm, unshakable, but the terror in her voice chilled me to the bone. What was happening? Why had she mentioned Bill? Were they fighting? Was he in danger? My mind raced with questions I couldn’t answer.

I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs, stopping at the glass door that led outside. It was pitch black. The isolation of the beach house, which had felt so serene earlier, now felt like a trap. How was I supposed to get home? The closest neighbor was an hour’s walk away. My chest tightened with panic. “Fuck. I shouldn’t have come here.”

There was nothing I could do. It was too late to go outside now. Defeated, I trudged back upstairs to my room and tried calling my mom again. No answer. My anxiety gnawed at me as I lay on the bed, staring helplessly at my phone and praying she’d call back.

Minutes dragged by, and then a loud crash echoed from downstairs. My heart leapt into my throat. My first thought was that someone had broken in. Or maybe it was a ghost? No—ghosts couldn’t break things. It had to be someone. Each second that passed filled me with regret for coming here.

I needed a weapon. But there was nothing in the room that could help me. My next instinct was to hide, so I crawled under the bed. Not the best plan, but my fear drowned out all logic.

I heard footsteps outside the door, pacing slowly. My breath hitched as the door creaked open. Black leather boots stopped in front of the bed, inches from my face. I squeezed my eyes shut, every second feeling like an eternity. Finally, the boots turned, and the person left the room.

I let out a shaky breath of relief. But before I could move, a cold hand clamped around my ankle and yanked me out from under the bed. I screamed, thrashing and throwing punches, desperate to get free.

“Cut that out,” a familiar voice said, annoyed.

My eyes snapped open, and I froze. Standing over me, looking unbothered and mildly amused, was Deric.

“What the fuck?! Why are you here?” I demanded, anger surging through me.

“Nice to see you too.” He flashed a casual smile, as if he hadn’t just scared me half to death.

“Answer me! Why are you here?”

“To kidnap you.”

“Huh?”

“Sleep,” he said, pressing his middle finger to my forehead. Apart from the coldness of his skin, nothing happened. He frowned. “Sleep.” He tried again. Still nothing.

Frustration flickered across his face. “That usually works.”

“What?”

He sighed, almost apologetic. “We’ll have to do this the human way, then. Forgive me, darling.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but pain exploded across my head. My vision blurred, and I felt something wet trickle down my forehead. Deric had hit me. I barely registered him catching me as I collapsed into unconsciousness.