I glance away, instantly scalded, landing back down on flat feet, wounded by the penetrating glare, and scan the room instead to see if Carmen is anywhere close by. I can’t see her, thankfully, which means she probably can’t see us, and I try to sink further to better conceal myself behind the Santo in front of me. Colton squeezes my hands and holds me closer, somehow letting me know I should ignore it.

Be still. You’re safe with me.

He comes through gently, caressing my mind with a tender tone, and I exhale dejectedly.

For now, maybe. While they’re all distracted with vampire attacks and end of world foreboding,...