Maddy could feel the cord wrapping around his chest and tugging tightly. He gripped his care package a little closer to his chest, ignoring the ache of his muscles, and ducked under the police tape.

Curious eyes watched him as he walked and he could hear the people doing a terrible job of whispering their thoughts.

“That must be the boy who found the body,” One voice said.

“The poor thing,” Another remarked.

“He looks like he could have done it.” A third voice commented.

He sucked in a breath and did his best to ignore his surroundings, but there was one person he couldn’t avoid no matter how hard he tried.

Maddy noticed that Greyson had changed his clothes from this morning. He was now wearing a black sweater and dark blue jeans. There was a gold chain sticking out from his pocket and atop his head was a tattered maroon Willow Creek baseball cap.

Their gazes met for a second time, giving his heart another squeeze.

Greyson looked tired. Very tired. His skin was paler than usual and his lips lacked it’s usual blush. He looked like he hadn’t slept in three days.

Maddy quirked his head in curiosity as he walked past him. This morning he looked perfectly fine. It didn’t make sense, after their last conversation alone, he didn’t really want to stick around and find out. Instead, he kept his head low and focused on taking the care package Doug gave him for the bus which he was also kind enough to give him some cash from the tip jar.

Ignoring Greyson wasn’t enough to stop him from approaching, in fact, it might have encouraged him to talk to him more.

“I’m surprised you spotted me,” Greyson said, easily catching up to him and matching his pace.

“You think wearing a baseball cap was going to make you invisible?” He asked, not bothering to stop. After all the effort of walking to the diner, he’d forgotten to get a coat and going back would mean having to hear more towns folk speculating about what happened to Mr. Nanabo.

“No, I suppose not,” A smile formed slowly on his face. “You’re always good at sniffing people out.”

“I actually saw you first.” Maddy corrected and as if on cue his nose gave a twitch. The scent of strawberries and spice was stronger than before, like Greyson had chugged three cans of cider. It made his mouth water and he had to take larger strides just to get away from it.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

He needed the capsules. He needed Dee. He asked casually, “Where’s Dee? You two have become thick as thieves, I’m surprised she isn’t clinging to your arm.”

“Oh, you’re still jealous?” Greyson let out a small chuckle, catching up once more.

Maddy just kept walking. This guy was an idiot and there was no reason to entertain him.

“Wait, that was a dick thing to say. I actually came here to ask for your forgiveness, not make things worse.” Greyson said with a touch of pain in his voice. But it wasn't enough to sway Maddy.

Maddy wasn’t quite sure what Greyson would want his forgiveness for. Maybe for outing him for not being human or for being too attractive and causing Dee’s girl brain to go haywire. Either way, he didn’t care to find out. The bus was approaching and he definitely wasn’t going to miss it.

“Seriously, just wait a second,” He grabbed Maddy's shoulder and forced him to stop.

On instinct, Maddy shrunk into himself. His head tucked into his shoulders and his eyes squeezed shut. His heart beat hard against his chest as fear swirled through his veins. He didn’t know Greyson. What if he made him angry? Did he want to hurt him for not listening?

“Hey, Hey,” He cooed, his voice soft and grounding. Heat rushed to the spot where Greyson was holding him and spread all over the rest of his body, defrosting from the inside-out. “It’s okay, your okay.”

All at once, reality and control snapped back into place. Why had he said that? Had he heard Dee say it? That was not for him to hear. Fear swiftly turned to anger. He had no right to say it. He jerked his body away and used the box as a buffer between them. “What the hell’s your deal?!”

Greyson dropped his hand to his side and closed it into a tight fist. “Please, forgive me.”

“Dude, I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” Maddy snapped. He took a large step back. This guy was crazy. “Look, I just met you. If this is about Dee and you’re feeling guilty, then tell her not to go to that party tomorrow.” Maddy pressed his lips into a firm line. “Tell her to hang out with just me instead. Alone.”

“I can’t do that,” Greyson’s face dropped and the sinking feeling Maddy felt in his stomach only added fuel to his fire.

A muscle flexed in his jaw when Greyson didn’t say anything and started for the bus stop again. “Fine. Whatever. Then, leave me alone.”

Greyson nodded and stopped walking. He said softly, “Bye, Maddy.”

He thought about the way Greyson reached out to touch him. There was something about those gray eyes. They looked so… so defeated. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so aggressive.

He shook his head and tried to calm his nerves. He wouldn’t turn around. He wouldn’t give that guy another second of his time. Someone bumped into his side and it nearly jostled the box out of his hands. He said with a slight quirk on his lips, “Can you at least try to-”

A runner mouthed, “I’m sorry,” and continued on their way.

“Thanks,” Maddy mumbled. “Not really from the person I wanted to hear it from though.”

The rest of the way back to Bill’s was uneventful. Maddy opened the container Dee gave him. Six red velvet cupcakes with white frosting were packed so tightly together they smushed into one giant glob. A small smile crept on his face and grew as he scooped a piece into his mouth, discovering a couple of blood capsules buried inside. He kept his eyes peeled out the window in case Greyson popped up again.

But he never did find those gray eyes.