When I looked back at my room, it was in perfect order, not a thing out of place. My mother’s urn was safely on top of my dresser, exactly where I’d left it that morning. I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing.
Standing, Aunt Beth took my arm and steadied me. “It’s what? Please tell me what’s wrong.” Aunt Beth’s voice was laced with fear.
Forcing my gaze back to her, I shook my head. “Nothing. It’s nothing. I thought there was someone in here, but it must have been a trick of the light and the reflection from the window.” I forced myself to smile, and then laugh. “I feel stupid. I’m sorry.”
Aunt Beth put her hand over her heart. “You scared us.”
“I’m sorry,” I repeated.
“Well, why don’t you lay down for a bit.” She didn’t phrase it as a request.
I nodded. “I will.”
Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean left.
Abby was in the hallway, glaring at me. She walked into my room, her face twisted with anger. “You can’t stand it when you’re not the center of attention, can you?”
“What?”
“You can’t stand the fact that Isach likes me and not you. And you hate that my parents are paying attention to me and my boyfriend.” There was so much venom in her words I wouldn’t be surprised if I dropped dead from their poisonous intent. “So, you had to fake something stupid to get their attention. That’s pathetic even for you.”
I took a step back and shook my head. “Abby, no, I—”
“Save it for someone who cares.” She spun on her heel, stormed out of my room, and slammed my door.
I jumped at the unexpected sound and stared at my closed door for much too long. Apparently, I was the person responsible for everything that was wrong in her life. This was Isach’s doing. It had to be because I refused to believe Abby hated me so much. Then again, maybe she did. I had completely crashed her world—I moved into her home, took her parents attention away, went to her school, became friends with her friends, and two people she’d known and loved were dead. Probably because of me. I’d hate me, too.
Clutching my mother’s urn to my chest, I plopped down on my bed, my face wet with fresh tears. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, although I had no idea what I was apologizing for. She hadn’t really spilled out onto the floor. That was a horrible trick of the mind, a game Isach was playing with me. God, I hated him.
And he was sitting downstairs with my family.
Horror struck me speechless. What if he was messing with their minds, too? I set my mother’s urn on the nightstand and stood abruptly. I had to warn them or convince Isach to leave. But how could I do that? I couldn’t tell them the truth, and I was no match against Isach.
Trent!
I fumbled to get my phone out of my pocket, and my hands shook as I typed: ISACH IS HERE. HE’S IN MY HEAD AGAIN. PLEASE HELP! I paced nervously, heart thundering in my ears. My gaze kept wandering back to my messages, but there was no reply. Of course, the one time I needed him, he wasn’t around.
I should go downstairs and have dinner with everyone. At least then I could keep an eye on Isach, make sure he didn’t do anything bad to my family. Not that I’d have any idea what to do if he was, and with the way he was always messing with my head, how could I even know what was real?
“Chloe,” Uncle Dean hollered. “You have a visitor.”
I came to a standstill, my mind racing. I checked my phone again—still no response from Trent. Who could be here to see me? Reluctantly, I headed downstairs, praying this wasn’t another trick.
When I entered the living room, Trent stood near the front door. I ran to him and flung my arms around his neck. He pulled me to him, holding me tighter than was comfortable, but I wasn’t about to complain.
“I got your message,” he said so only I could hear.
I hugged him tighter. “He’s here.” My voice trembled.
“I know,” he whispered.
Uncle Dean cleared his throat. “Chloe?”
I pulled out of Trent’s embrace but remained close. He slipped his hand into mine, and the slight squeeze gave me the confidence to deal with the present situation.
“You remember Trent, don’t you?” I asked.
“Yes, but I don’t know why he’s here.” Uncle Dean crossed his arms. “And why are you clinging to him like your life depends on it?” His gaze hardened. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
I searched my mind for something to say, but I came up blank.
“I’m sorry to show up like this and interrupt your dinner,” Trent said. “I needed to talk to Chloe, and I figured since I was out this way, I’d just stop by.”
I stared at him in awe, at how easily he covered his tracks. I had no idea how he did it.
“Would you like to join us for dinner?” Uncle Dean asked.
“Thank you, but I can’t stay. My father is expecting me home soon,” Trent said calmly, his words sincere.
My heart sank. Trent was going to leave me here with Isach? Panic spread through me like wildfire, and I gripped his hand so tight, I hurt myself. Trent didn’t seem to notice, though; he didn’t so much as flinch.
“Make it quick, Chloe,” Uncle Dean said before returning to the dining room.
I led Trent out to the porch, and as soon as the door was closed, Trent had me in his arms again. “What’s going on?” he asked.
Trembling, I shook my head. “I came home, and he was here, laughing and having dinner with everyone.” Pulling back, I took a deep breath. “I said I wasn’t hungry and went upstairs. When I walked into my room, it was trashed, and my mother’s ashes were all over the floor.” I shivered at the memory. “But when I screamed and Aunt Beth came into my room, everything was back to normal. I know it was Isach.” I crossed my arms and paced toward the wooden swing. Turning back to follow my steps, I bumped into Trent.
He steadied me and bent his knees so we were at eye level. “Did anything else happen?”
“I think he’s messing with Abby.” I averted my gaze, not wanting to relive that particular conversation. “She said some pretty nasty things to me tonight.”
A low, angry growl rumbled from Trent.
“It’s bad enough he’s inside my head, but now he’s inside my home, messing with my family. He needs to stop, Trent.”
“I know.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. “I know,” he repeated around a heavy sigh. “Give me some time to figure out what to do. In the meantime, stay away from him.”
I narrowed my eyes. “And how am I supposed to do that when he’s inside my house?” My voice rose with each word, and my face was hot with anger.
“Shh.” Trent placed his finger to my lips. “Go to your room and stay there until he leaves. And I suggest avoiding Abby as much as you can, too. At least until we figure out what he’s doing to her.”
That was easier said than done. Abby’s room was across the hall from mine. We drove to school together every day. I could ignore her, though. That wouldn’t be too hard, providing she didn’t run her mouth about Trent or say more hateful things. Even if she did, I’d have to deal with it because the alternative was too terrifying.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE:
Normalcy
I RACED DOWNSTAIRS THE FOLLOWING MORNING, nerves and excitement and fear swirling inside of me. The nerves were winning. “Morning, Aunt Beth.” I grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter.
“Whoa, where are you rushing out to today?” she asked with a laugh.
“I’m going to Trent’s. I asked you last night before you went to bed, remember?”
There was no way she didn’t remember. She’d given me the fifth degree, despite Uncle Dean telling her it was okay with him.
“Yes, I remember. I just didn’t realize you’d be leaving so early. It’s not even nine o’clock yet.” She leaned against the counter and crossed her arms. “If you’re leaving now, I expect you home earlier than you were yesterday. No later than three.”
I
froze with my mouth open, ready to take a bite of the apple. Three o’clock? She had to be joking. She had no way of knowing how important today was for me and Trent, but still, she was being unreasonable. Closing my mouth, I set the apple on the counter.
“Trent’s father invited me to have dinner with them,” I lied. Sort of. Trent did want me to have dinner with him tonight, but his father hadn’t been the one to invite me.
“It’s a school night, Chloe.”
I averted my gaze and fidgeted with the apple again. “I know.” It wasn’t like I was asking to stay out all night or anything.
“And what’s going on with you and Abby? You two have barely spoken since the sleepover.”
“We’ve just been busy with different things.” I shrugged. “Everything will be back to normal tomorrow.”
She sighed as if she didn’t believe me. “Fine, you have dinner with Trent’s family, but you’d better have your butt in this house by seven-thirty. And don’t be late.”
“Thank you, Aunt Beth.” I kissed her cheek. “And I won’t be late. Promise.”
I went outside to wait for Trent. It bugged me that she’d noticed Abby and I weren’t speaking. I couldn’t tell her that she was right and that the reason was because Abby was dating a witch who practiced dark magic and was messing with our heads in an effort to come between us and possibly destroy me.
Trent’s truck coming up the driveway drew my attention. Simply knowing he was here helped ease my nerves, although I was sure the moment we reached his house, the butterflies in my stomach would come back full force. I ignored them, intent to enjoy another day with him.
“Hey,” he said when I hopped into the cab and closed my door.
I greeted him by scooting across the seat and planting a kiss on the corner of his mouth. “Hi.” I moved back over to my side and hooked my seatbelt. “Curfew is at seven-thirty.”
Trent gave me a funny look, then laughed. “Well then, I’ll make sure you’re home by seven twenty-nine.” He took my hand. “How did things go last night after I left?”
There went my good mood. My stomach knotted. “I went to my room like you suggested, and I heard him leave shortly after you did. I didn’t speak to him. Or Abby. No more weird mind tricks.”
“We’ll figure this out. I promise. Talking to my father will help. He’s been studying and following the Zoya for decades.”
“Yeah, okay.” I stared out the window and tried to gather my thoughts. “So, you’re sure your dad and brother are okay with me spending all day at your house?”
“Yes. My dad’s excited to officially meet you.”
“He is?”
“I’m not sure why that surprises you.” He glanced over at me, squinting again like he was staring directly into the sun. And then he slipped on his sunglasses.
“Considering how Jax is taking this whole thing, I guess I assumed your dad would feel the same way about you dating a human.”
“They’re more concerned for you than they are for me.” Trent reached over to take my hand again. “Please stop worrying.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing he was wrong. It was possible his dad was more worried about me, but Jax only cared about Trent. For him, I would try to relax and have a good time. The drive to his house was silent, and I wondered if he was secretly as worried as I was. He had to be, didn’t he?
When Trent pulled up in front of his house, Jax was on the porch. My heart lodged in my throat, and I tried to clear it but ended up coughing so hard, my eyes watered.
Trent rubbed my back. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I choked out and wiped my eyes. “I’m fine. Just swallowed wrong.”
He caressed my cheek with his thumb. “If this is too much for you, we can leave.”
“No.” His offer was sweet, but this was important, and I wanted to do this for him. “It’s okay. I can do this.”
Trent kissed the tip of my nose, then got out of the truck. I took another moment to calm my racing heart and get myself under control. When I got out of the truck, he took my hand and all but dragged me toward the front porch. All I could think about was the run-ins I’d had with Jax. I really wished I’d told Trent about the one at school. He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled. It did nothing to calm me.
“Jax, you remember Chloe,” Trent said.
A silent look passed between them. Did they have some sort of weird vampire ability to communicate without speaking any words?
“Like I could forget.” Jax jumped from the top step to the ground, the movement so easy and fluid it was like he’d been practicing.
I didn’t miss the way his muscles rippled with the effort, though, or the way his shirt stretched across his chest. Or the way his hair tousled in the slight breeze. Coming here was a mistake.
“Hey, Jax,” I said, giving a little wave. I mentally groaned. Could I be any lamer?
“Is Dad home?” Trent asked.
“Yeah.” Jax crossed his arms over his chest, almost like he was guarding the house, preventing us from entering. “We should talk first, though.”
“Jax,” Trent warned, his grasp on my hand tightening. I winced, and he released my hand before giving me an apologetic smile. “You promised.”
Jax’s gaze flickered to me, then back to his brother. “She needs to know the truth. About everything.”
My eyes widened in fear, and I looked to Trent. We’d agreed today would be just for fun, that I’d hang out with him and his family like a normal girlfriend would. I should’ve known better—there was nothing normal about our relationship.
“She already knows everything.” Trent’s words were tight, and the muscle in his jaw ticked.
Something in his tone, though, left me wondering if I really did know everything. I doubted it.
Jax sighed with aggravation. “You’re both making a huge mistake.”
Trent huffed. “Maybe so, but it’s my mistake to make, Jaxon. Not yours.” He stood face to face with his brother.
I half expected the two of them to start throwing punches—or do whatever vampires did when they fought. I held my breath, silently willing Trent to let it go and not get into a fight.
“Look, if it’s a problem for me to be here, I can go home.” I hooked my thumb over my shoulder and pointed at Trent’s truck.
“No, you won’t.” Trent reached for my hand and pulled me up the steps onto the porch. “C’mon. You can meet my dad.” He gave Jax a dirty look as we passed him and went inside. Trent slammed the door, and I cringed. “Sorry about him,” Trent said with a shake of his head. “He thinks he knows best about everything, and well, he doesn’t.”
I simply nodded, unsure what else to say. The last thing I wanted to do was cause problems between Trent and his brother. It might not bother him, but it bothered me.
“Dad?” Trent called as he headed toward the kitchen.
“He’s out back,” Jax said.
I spun around, surprised to see him standing there. When did he come in? Trent put his hand on my lower back and stepped closer to me as if he were worried his brother would try to harm me. Under any other circumstances, I would’ve thought that was ridiculous, but this wasn’t a normal situation.
“If you’re here to start another argument, go away.” Trent’s fingers tensed against my back.
Jax narrowed his eyes at Trent, then turned to me, his expression softening a little. “I’m sorry for how I behaved, Chloe. None of this is your fault, and I can’t be mad at you when it’s my brother who should know better.”
“Um, thanks.” I gave him the biggest smile I could muster, hoping it would be enough to ease the high tensions. “I know being with Trent is dangerous. And I’m okay with that. It’s my choice. He’s not forcing me or anything.”
“Fair enough,” Jax said. “But now that you’re in this, you need to understand it’s not just about you and Trent. This involves our entire family, and that’s not something any of us take lightly.”
I opened my mouth
to speak, but then stopped. What could I say? He was absolutely right, and if things were different, if it were my mom or my family in danger, I’d be acting the same way. I swallowed hard.
“I get it,” I said, my voice a whisper.
“Do you?” Jax raised a brow. “Because if you truly understood, you wouldn’t be here.”
“Give it a rest, Jax.” Trent groaned. “Let’s try to have some fun today, huh? You do remember how to have fun, don’t you?”
A competitive twinkle entered Jax’s eyes, and a slow, arrogant smile identical to Trent’s lifted his mouth. Whoa. Creepy.
“Depends. Do I get to decide what’s fun?” Jax asked, his gaze slicing over to me. And then he winked, the gesture so quick I couldn’t be sure I’d actually seen it.
I suppressed a shudder.
Trent chuckled. And just like that, the tension was gone, and it was like nothing ever happened. If only things were that easily resolved between me and Abby. I frowned thinking about her. We didn’t know each other that well, but she was family, and she was my only friend when I’d first arrived. To think we weren’t on speaking terms upset me. Even though I was convinced her behavior was a result of Isach being in her life, I had no idea how to fix things between us.
“What do you think, Chloe?” Trent pulled me closer and pressed a kiss to my temple.
“Huh?”
He smiled. “Jax suggested we take the four wheelers out for a ride. What do you think?”
“Oh, um, I’ve never been on a four-wheeler before.” I laughed. “I wouldn’t even know how to get on one let alone drive one.”
“That’s okay. You can ride with me,” Trent said.
“You drive like a little old lady who can’t see over the steering wheel.” Jax shook his head. “You’re going to have a great time with him, Chloe.” He rolled his eyes. “If you want a real ride, stick with me.”
Trent punched Jax on the arm, and they both laughed. “I’m just safe, that’s all.”
“Why?” Jax asked, making a noise that sounded like a snort. “It’s not like you’re going to die or anything.”
Eternal Curse: (The Cursed Series, Book 1) Page 24
