Chapter 9

Beca's POV

The moment I hit Chloe, I know that it's a mistake. Her body flies through the air, twisting unnaturally as she hits the floor with a sickening thud. I hear a crack and hope to god that it wasn't her head. Everything goes silent as we wait for her to get up and come after me, but that moment doesn't come. Chloe remains on the floor, unmoving.

All of a sudden, everybody moves, coming toward the silent figure on the ground. I remain standing there, staring at Chloe. Oh god, did I hurt her? Even with my DNA, I shouldn't have been able to hurt a vampire. Their strength rivals that of a werewolf so a hybrid like me shouldn't have been able to hurt her.

"Chloe," Gail coos, patting Chloe on the cheek. "Come back to us." A low groan emits from Chloe and I can finally breathe again.

"Let's get her inside," Gail orders and the girls help get Chloe up and out of the ring. "Beca, stay with me for a second." Once the girls are gone, Gail turns to me with a softer look in her eyes than I would expect. I just hurt one of her own. She should be cursing and yelling, ordering me out and to never come back again? So why isn't she?

"Are you okay?"

"Why are you asking me that? Chloe's the one who's hurt." I cry, pushing the tears that formed away.

"Honey, it was an accident. Nothing to be upset about. Chloe's been hurt worse and vampires heal quickly. You know that."

"But I still hurt her," I whisper. "I'm a freak and should never have trained with y'all."

"That's not true. Bec-"

"Yes it is!" I scream, my voice echoing through the barn. "I'm a freak of nature. There's a reason I was never allowed to train with the other kids. You don't understand how dangerous I am."

"Yes, I do," Gail says harshly, stopping me in my tracks. "Do you think I would allow someone to stay with us if I wasn't completely sure they weren't a threat?"

"He told you," I hang my head, shocked by this revelation.

"He did, as soon as you left to come meet us. I needed to know everything about you and I do. At least what's on file. I know what you are Beca."

"Yeah," I look up, tears threatening to fall down my face, "but do you know who I am?" My question surprises her and she looks away.

"I know what I've seen. A girl who's been dealt with a crappy family, a crappy life. Who's been fucked over too many times to count."

"Not to mention what I am." Gail shakes her head and comes closer until she's standing in front of me. She cups my face in her hands, a motherly touch that sends the teetering tears over the edge.

"No, I don't see that. I know what you are and while I don't know what you're capable of, I know what you wouldn't do. That includes hurting one of us purposely. Your DNA does not define you Beca. Whether it's literally your genes or just who your parents are, they don't make you who you are. You do that.

"You could have let your hate for what resides in you make you hate us. I know that people who know about it treat you horribly. I've seen others who are just the same go through that. I also know that you don't let that ruin your compassion. Others wouldn't have been able to handle the hate and would've turned it toward what makes them who they are. Beca, you don't despise vampires, you see us for who we are as people and that is a trait that I wish more of us possessed."

"So you don't hate me for hurting Chloe?" Gail laughs and brings me into a hug where I wish I could stay forever.

"Not at all. I can see how much you care for her and while I want to be a protective mother and stop it, I see how much she cares about you too." Gail pulls back and wipes away my tears with her thumb. "Now, are you ready to go face the girls?"

"Yeah," I take a deep breath and we head toward the house. "Did you manage to fit the 'you hurt her, I'll kill you' talk in while comforting me?" Gail just laughs at my question and winks. WIth a big smile, I go into the house, following the voices.

All the girls are circled around the couch in the living room where Chloe lays. My smile fades and when the girls see me, their voices do too. I scan their faces, gaging their moods. Most look worried though I can't tell exactly what about. The exception is Aubrey, who glares at me and crosses her arms across her chest. My eyes land on Chloe.

Her red hair is splayed out underneath her and the dim light makes her skin look clammy. When I lightly touch her arm though, it's not and instead, is its normal warmth. Crystal blue eyes meet mine, captivating me. Worry covers her face as she watches me walk around to the other side. I crouch down next to her, resisting cupping her face in my hands.

"How are you feeling?" I ask when I can find the strength to.

"A little shaken up but I'm okay. Are you?"

"Chloe, I hurt you. You should not be asking if I'm okay." I run a frustrated hand through my hair. Why is everyone suddenly so damn worried about me? At the agency, I would've been punished, however they chose to do so that day, and then sent to my room.

"It was an accident," Chloe assures, her melodic voice lifting my mood.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You don't have to apologize."

"Screw that," Aubrey shouts, stomping toward me. "She better fucking apologize."

"Aubrey," Chloe warns.

"No, she should be on her knees and begging for your forgiveness, begging to stay. Better yet, she shouldn't even be in your sight."

"Aubrey, shut the hell up," Chloe growls, shocking me. "It was a fucking accident. She's obviously upset about it so leave her the hell alone. If you can't do that, then go take a fucking walk." Both girls stare at one another, panting with anger until Aubrey huffs and leaves the room. The moment she's gone, all the girls start laughing.

"That was intense," Stacie laughs but I don't know how fighting over me is funny. I'm not worth friends fighting and possibly splitting over.

"Did you see how pissed off she was?" Amy shouts. "I thought she was going to fucking explode or kill someone."

"She would've killed Beca if Chloe hadn't stepped in," Emily pipes in, obviously loving the excitement of it all.

"It wasn't that bad," Chloe says, a smile working its way on her face.

"You must've been asleep or something because we all saw how bad that was. It was fucking awesome." Amy's words make me shrink back. Before I can get away, a soft hand shoots out and grabs mine. While the girls all talk, I study Chloe's hand, finding it fascinating that she's willing to touch me after I hurt her.

"Alright girls. Let's give Chloe and Beca a minute alone. I need help setting up lunch." With loud chatter, the girls leave the room until it's just Chloe and I. For a second, we just sit there in silence. It's only my third day here and it's already crazy. Definitely more eventful than the rest of my life has been.

"What happened was an accident," Chloe finally says. "We all know that so you need to stop beating yourself up over it."

"I can't. I did it to you when I knew to be more careful." Tears threaten to spill again and I blink ferociously to stop them. Chloe sits up before I can stop her and grabs my shoulders.

"I am a vampire, Beca. I know that you don't focus on those details and I love that, I really do, but you also have to remember that in a situation like this, you shouldn't have to watch your strength. You're human, though surprisingly strong for one but your crazy workouts explains that. I was just caught off guard. I'm sorry that I worried you."

"Don't apologize for that. If you do, it means I'll have to apologize for caring about you and I won't do that." Chloe's eyes widen and fill with tears, shocking me. I open my mouth to apologize when she grabs me in a tight hug, hanging on like her life depends on it. I tighten my hold, breathing in the vanilla scent that she always smells like. We stay like that for a while, completely peaceful until my stomach growls, telling me it's time to get some fuel.

"Shit. I forgot all about lunch," Chloe laughs and pulls away. No matter how hungry I am, I would rather hold Chloe like that again. We stand up and I grab Chloe's arm in case she gets dizzy and falls. She grins and pats my arm, mumbling something about me being sweet. We go into the kitchen, where the girls are moving stuff to the dining room.

"Ah, just in time girls," Gail smiles and pushes us into the dining room where we're forced into chairs. When everybody is seated, Chloe takes my hand under the table and squeezes it. I squeeze it back but don't let go. I let everyone get their food before I even think about it. I warned them about my appetite and while they've seen it before, they haven't after I've worked out.

Everybody goes silent as I pile food onto my plate and only stop when I know there's enough to keep me going. I would usually get more, but I don't wish to take all of their food. Chloe is the only one who doesn't act any different towards me as I shovel food into my mouth. She keeps talking about anything and everything, just to make it less awkward. I'd like to think for me, but I can't get my hopes up. Gail said that she cared for me though. It seems like it's true, but it's so hard to believe.

"So any leads on John's case yet?" Gail asks, interrupting Chloe's ramble on how utensils are made. I hold back my laughter at Chloe's comical expression and answer Gail.

"Not much yet. I just know that his case and Luke's are somehow connected." I glance at the silent boy picking at his food. "I have a few connections in town so I'm thinking I'll head over there tomorrow."

"That's a good idea," Gail agrees. "The workout earlier was enough excitement today. After we clear the food, everyone is welcome to do what they wish."

"Would it be okay if Chloe and I slip out for a little bit?" Gail nods and Chloe looks at me curiously. I wink and shovel more food into my mouth before calling that good. My stomach starts churning with nervousness and excitement. After helping clean up, Chloe and I take off in my car.

"Where are we going?"

"Not very far," I inform her and true to my word, we pull into the parking lot of an abandoned building a second later. "Ready to drive?"

"What? Here?" I nod and Chloe grins. "Hell yeah."