Fangs for Freaks by Serena Robar

self outside for a walk, in the sunshine. Care to join me?” My voice dripped sarcasm.
    He clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes in response.
    “No, then? Very well.” I swept out of the room as regally as I could. I barely reached the front door before bursting into tears. I raced out of the gravel parking lot and headed in the general direction of the beach.
    My flip-flops were not the best choice for a long walk along the beach, so I took them off and made my way to the water. It was around six thirty in the morning and not a soul was on the beach.
    Cautiously, I dipped a toe into the surf and shivered. It wasn’t freezing, but nor was it a pleasant lukewarm. I kicked the sand and walked aimlessly, occasionally picking up shells or tossing seaweed out of my way.
    I had a lot of pent-up frustration to work out of my system. Maybe Thomas and I were just not compatible? I dug in my purse for my cell phone. I needed to talk to someone. I punched in Piper’s speed dial number, ignoring how early it was in the morning. Piper would understand, I assured myself. After the first ring I felt a prickle of guilt. I got her voice mail and hung up, instead of leaving a message. She was not going to answer this early.
    I plopped myself down on the sand, pulled my knees up and hugged myself. I was all alone. No Piper, no Thomas. No one but me. And frankly, I didn’t consider myself the best of company lately. How was I going to lead Psi Phi House and keep them safe if I couldn’t even manage my own life?
    After a good two hours of self-doubt and pity, I decided it was time to take some action. I wasn’t one to feel sorry for myself and I felt best when I was formulating a plan. I had drive and tenacity. So much so I started a half-blood revolution when I could have staked myself and called it a day.
    Well, I wasn’t a quitter and there was no way I was going to let two half-bloods stay in bonded servitude if I could help it. Thomas might not want me but that didn’t make me any less of a Protector. They were my only concern right now. I would figure out Thomas after I completed my mission.
    I made my way back to the safe house, surprised I managed to walk as far as I did. When I finally reached the house, I snuck into our room, hoping he would be asleep. The covers on the bed were a mess, as though he’d spent most of his time tossing and turning. I smiled at the thought.
    Checking the time, I decided a nap sounded like a good idea. I could still get up way before Thomas and sneak out. I tiptoed over to his side of the bed and grabbed the keys to the car and his map of the beach house and put them in my purse. Then I kicked off my shoes and lay down on the bed, as far away from Thomas as I could without falling off. I closed my eyes and sleep took me fairly quickly.
    It was around 6 P.M. when I awoke. I glanced at Thomas, who was still asleep. With any luck, I could have the girls freed and on the first flight back to Seattle before any vampire, or Thomas, had a clue. I scribbled a short note explaining my task and informing Thomas that I would meet him back home.
    Once outside our room, I hurried to the car, afraid I would be spotted by some vacationing Undead. Not that they knew who I was or even cared why I was there, as I doubted the Tribunal sent out an APB to every vampire in California, but still, my half-blood status was enough to raise the hackles of most vampires. No need to go flaunting myself in their favorite vacation destination.
    Once I was safe outside the house I relaxed. I knew Cookie’s place was less than a mile away and I had Thomas’s map. It took no more than five minutes to arrive, despite taking a wrong turn. Twice. Hey, I never claimed to be a navigation expert, did I?
    I double-checked the address, uncertain if the innocuous-looking home before me really housed vampires and half-blood slaves. It looked like any other beach house with its inviting wraparound porch that allowed for direct beach