“Sometimes we worry whether we’re doing this right, this pseudo-parent thing. Are we too strict? Not strict enough?” Sheldon turns to me, his lips pulled down at the corners. “Then I remind myself that you have a solid head on your shoulders, that you grew up faster than most kids your age. I have to trust you, something Bernard is much better at doing.”
I pull away from him. “You don’t trust me?”
“Lucy,” he sighs. “If you only knew what we—your Gram, Bernard, and I—went through with your mom when she was younger. Her obsession with your father…all the trouble he caused. And now he’s back. I’m scared as hell, to be honest with you.”
“I think it’s different for me than it was for Momma.” Jude’s ability to hypnotize me has faded. Or maybe he doesn’t try anymore, since his other methods for manipulating me have worked so well.
Sheldon seems to accept that for now. “Your Sundays with Dylan are good for you; although you and Marcus tend to wind up in arguments over them.”
I bite my lip. If my uncles knew where Dylan and I went every Sunday, what Jude put us through, they’d really freak. I wonder what I’ll be in for this Sunday after taking off with Marcus last weekend. Will he tase me again? What will he do to Dylan for missing his session?
“We’re working through that. It’s going to be okay.”
Sheldon blows out a breath that rattles his lips. “They both want the same thing. You. One of them will win and the other will lose.”
I tune Sheldon out as I think back to Jude. What will Jude do to us for missing our session?
“Someone did a number on him. Beat his face to a pulp. Bruises, stitches. It’s horrible.”
Did Jude schedule a make up session for Dylan? What if Dylan lied to me and Jude pitted Jack and his mutts against Dylan in a re-match? Payback for missing training on Sunday. That would be very Jude—get back at me by hurting someone close to me.
Sheldon tugs on my arm. “Lucy? Are you listening to me? We need to make plans for your birthday. What would you like to do?”
I plant a kiss on Sheldon’s cheek, then hop up from the porch. “Living here with you and Bernard is all I need for every birthday. Oh, and pizza.”
“Where are you going?”
“Dylan isn’t feeling well. I need to check on him.”
* * * *
Aiden answers the door. “Marcus isn’t home.” He proceeds to shut the door in my face.
I shove hard, catching Aiden by surprise, then enter the apartment.
“Try that again, and I’ll blast the door into a million pieces.”
Aiden smiles. “I’d love to see you explain that to your uncles, little demon girl.”
He’s right and I hate him for it.
“What do you want?”
“What happened to Dylan?”
Aiden studies me for a moment. “What do you mean?”
“You’re going to stand here and pretend you don’t know that someone beat the crap out of him? It’s bad, Aiden. Did Jude schedule a rematch with the mutts? Was he penalizing Dylan for me bailing last weekend?”
Aiden’s chest rises and falls. His nostrils flare.
“Tell me what you know, Aiden.”
His expression darkens. “I can’t believe he would stoop that low.”
I throw my hands out to my side, frustrated with his vague answer.
“Who?”
“Jude.” Aiden proceeds to crack his knuckles.
The apartment door opens, and I whirl around.
Marcus drops his backpack on the overstuffed chair and eyes Aiden and me. “What’s going on?”
“Why didn’t you tell me about Dylan?” Aiden snaps at Marcus.
Marcus snaps his head up in surprise. “Since when do you care what happens to Dylan?”
“Since I’ve been training him.” Aiden’s lips flatten. He pushes up the sleeves of his shirt. “And since Jude told me to show him a lesson last weekend, and I refused.”
A cold shiver passes over my skin. “Why did Jude want you to teach Dylan a lesson?”
“Jude’s not one to explain himself,” Aiden says. “But it probably has to do with you. What did you do?”
I press my hands against my chest, willing my heartbeat to slow down as I meet Marcus’s gaze. “This is our fault. We never should’ve left last weekend.”
Chapter Thirty
Dylan Douglas
“Thanks for agreeing to help me.”
Marcus grimaces at the sight of me. Who can blame him? I’ve stopped looking in the mirror. I follow him to the bathroom.
“Sit,” Marcus orders, pointing to the toilet seat. “The blood will make you lightheaded. I don’t want you to fall.”
I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I want to see Ethan and Brandi tomorrow. I’m one of the few normal people in their lives. Lucy was right. They would be horrified to see me this way. My demon genes aren’t healing me fast enough.
“Aiden told me what happened.”
I chuckle, but it sounds more like a fart through my swollen lips.
“Nice try. Aiden took off before this happened.”
Marcus turns on the tap and lathers his hands and his wrist. I appreciate his efforts at hygiene on my behalf.
“We know Jude did this to you. The question is why?”
Dylan averts his eyes and shrugs. “Who knows?”
Marcus dries his hands. “You’re lying. If you want me to heal you, you’re going to have to fess up. Otherwise, forget it.”
Is that one of his supernatural abilities? To detect lies? I bite my lip in frustration. Dumb move. The pain is immediate. “I’ve always had a high pain tolerance. Used to, anyway.”
“You took a beating from Jude. A big difference from the shapeshifters and even Aiden.” Marcus studies me. Is he gauging to see if his words sink in? “He held back. Otherwise, you’d be dead. Now, tell me why he did this to you.”
“You wouldn’t understand. You’re a protector. A world of difference from a demon. Even a demon-wanna-be like me.”
“Are you saying you had to prove something to Jude?”
“Aiden was going easy on me during training. He thought I was weak. Jude confirmed it, told me I was an embarrassment.”
“And?”
Why is it so hot in here all of a sudden? I try to swallow, but I choke instead.
Marcus fills a glass from the tap and hands it to me. I take small sips, and even those are painful, compliments of Jude’s chokehold.
“What did you do, Dylan?”
“I told him to fight me, not to hold anything back.”
Marcus takes a step back, his eyes wide. “Are you crazy?”
I laugh, then break into a coughing fit.
Marcus hands me a bright blue towel.
“He wouldn’t do it. At least, not until I egged him on.”
“You’re suicidal,” Marcus says. “Lucy’s going to ask you about this, so be prepared. Jude actually likes you…you’re an idiot.” He shakes his head then brings his wrist to his lips. He tears at the flesh and immediately thrusts his hand in my face.
I press my swollen lips awkwardly around his wound. My stomach convulses, and I fight the urge to wretch. I can’t believe I’m doing this voluntarily. Man up, D-man. Do this for Ethan and Brandi. And for Lucy. I don’t want to scare her, either. And I need to see her. I can’t stay away any longer.
I close my eyes. I can’t risk Marcus seeing the longing in my eyes.
Suddenly, a rushing sound fills my ears. The room is oddly bright, even behind my closed lids. A sweet, floral smell floods my nostrils. I’ve never smelled flowers like this. If I did, I would buy them for my mother all the time.
For the first time in a long time, I realize everything will be okay. Ethan and Brandi will be safe. Jude won’t go after them. Lucy will be fine. Jude was going to punish her for bailing on her session last weekend. I made sure he wouldn’t. A deal is a deal. I learned that from my dad. I need to keep Lucy safe. She fought for
me last year. Now, it’s my turn. Garret’s after her and that white-haired freak, Seamus, is still out there.
“That’s enough.” Marcus pries his wrist from my mouth.
I stare at him dazed. There’s a strange glow around his face. He looks like an angel.
Marcus wipes my mouth. I’m too out of it to be embarrassed.
“You okay?” Marcus asks.
I nod. At least I try to.
“Protector blood is intoxicating.” Marcus pulls me by the hands, hoisting me off the toilet. A minute later I’m sprawled out on a comfy couch. “You can crash here tonight.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Lucy Walker
By the time I arrive at the Douglas residence, Ethan and Brandi are already in the kitchen eating breakfast. Charlene grabs her keys and a grocery list and heads for the door.
“See you all in an hour.” She tugs my hair playfully as she passes.
“Lucy, my birthday’s in one week! My princess cake will be done in time, won’t it?”
I kiss the top of Brandi’s head on my way to the fridge, where I retrieve the container of orange juice. “It will. It’s going to be the prettiest cake ever.”
“It’s going to be boring,” Ethan complains. “Pink. Everything with her is pink. Gag.”
Brandi crosses her arms over her chest. “It’s my favorite color.”
“It would look cooler with Transformers crushing your stupid princesses, turning them from pink to red.” Ethan grins wickedly. “Blood everywhere. Or better yet, zombie princesses!”
“But princesses don’t bleed red. They…bleed…pink.” Brandi squeaks as she stabs the air between them with a menacing finger.
“Zombie princesses don’t bleed,” he grins, his eyebrows bouncing. “They eat Barbie brains.”
“All this talk about brains is making me hungry.” I grab an apple from the basket on the counter and take a big bite. The argument halts, and they both turn to me, eyes bugging out of their heads.
“Gross.” Brandi scrunches her face.
“Cool.” Ethan grins.
“What do you want to do today?” I ask between bites. “We could play tennis or go to the Botanical Gardens.”
Brandi pulls her troubled gaze from her brother. “Can we go swimming again?”
“Swim-ming, swim-ming!” Ethan bangs his fists on the table in time with the chant.
It’s a great day when they actually agree on something.
“Okay. After breakfast, get your stuff together. It’ll just be the three of us this time, though.”
Brandi shoots Ethan a confused look. “But you said…”
“Dylan’s coming, too,” Ethan says defensively.
Why does he look as if I’m punishing him? “Sorry, Ethan, but he’s not able to make it today.”
There’s no way they can see Dylan right now. Add to that the emanation issue. Not a good time for a visit from Dylan.
“That’s not what he said in his text.” His voice rises an octave.
I freeze. When did Ethan get a cell phone? Skip that. What’s Dylan trying to pull? We had an agreement…or at least an understanding. He’s going to freak the kids out.
Dylan’s here. Before anyone realizes it, before he even makes it around the corner and into the room, I feel him. A snap-crackly energy zips through my limbs. My nerves twitch like I pounded way too many Cokes.
What the heck is that?
Brandi jumps up from the table, throws herself at Dylan, and wraps her arms around him. Ethan strolls over for a one-armed hug.
“What happened to your face?” Ethan asks.
Brandi gently touches the faint bruises on Dylan’s skin.
“Football practice got a little rough. No biggie.”
The kids buy his lie and return to the table to finish their meal.
I try—unsuccessfully—to ignore the tingly sensation spreading through me as I meet his determined gaze. His face looks better than I expected. Much better. His demon genes must’ve healed him faster than I thought possible. “You came after all.”
“I couldn’t stay away,” he says.
Is that Dylan talking? Or his demon genes? I swallow, aware of a sudden vibration passing between us. “You really shouldn’t have come.”
“I tried not to. I really did.” A flash of confusion and guilt pass over his face. “But then I wound up here.”
“We’re going to the pool again today, Dylan,” Ethan announces. “Did you bring your suit?”
Dylan reluctantly tears his eyes from mine. “I sure did, little man.” He ruffles Ethan’s hair.
“You’re coming to my birthday party next weekend, aren’t you?” Brandi flashes Dylan her doe-eyed stare.
Dylan kneels before her. I spot faint bruising around his throat. My resentment toward Jude grows. “Sorry, kiddo. It’s a party for pip-squeaks your own age. I’m too big and a boy.”
In other words, Mrs. Douglas won’t let him. Lucky. I love Brandi, but I’m not looking forward to meeting her friends, or more specifically, their mothers.
The kids dash off to wash up and pack their bags. Not wanting to be alone with Dylan, I start to follow Brandi to help her pack.
Dylan grabs my arm. “Don’t push me away like that again.”
“Dylan…”
“I mean it.” There’s a sullen look in his eyes. His grip on my arm tightens. “We’re meant to be together, and you know it.”
Alarm courses through me. Or is it excitement? I run my fingers through my hair, lift it from the warm skin of my neck.
Confusion flashes across his face again. He’s struggling as much—maybe more—than I am. “I mean as friends.”
“You really shouldn’t be here. You know this is something we can’t control.”
Sweat beads on his upper lip. “I told you, I couldn’t…I tried.”
“Why don’t you leave now?” I whisper. “Please.”
“I can’t.”
“You’re impossible!” I push past him to find Brandi. I won’t risk what I have with Marcus, no matter what my body wants.
* * * *
Once family swim is over, the kids pile into the car exhausted but happy. I climb into the backseat with them. Two hours of fighting Dylan’s advances and my own urges at the pool and I don’t trust myself—or him—enough to sit next to each other.
Back home, Charlene puts out a spread of sandwiches, fruit salad, and puffed cheese curls. I’m not used to treats at the Douglas house, especially those that aren’t organic, gluten-free, soy-free, or taste-free. Charlene catches my look of surprise and leans in close to my ear.
“Mrs. D bought them and inhaled half the bag last night. She’s stressed about the party. I was told to make the rest of the bag disappear.”
“Can we play Wii after lunch?” Ethan asks.
“Whatever you want.” Dylan reaches over and messes Ethan’s hair. Why is it I get the evil eye when I touch his hair? “Today is all about what you two want to do.”
“Can we have sundaes?” he asks hopefully.
“Hey, be happy you’re getting chips,” Charlene says as she takes a seat next to me.
“Oh!” Charlene taps the table. “I almost forgot. Lucy, your father stopped by looking for you and Dylan. I found it a little odd since you’ve never mentioned him. All I ever hear about are your amazing uncles.” She winks at me. “I didn’t tell him that, though. Didn’t want to hurt his feelings.”
She continues on, but Dylan and I stare at each other, neither of us breathing. Why would Jude come here? I assumed the Douglas residence was off limits, but then, I used to think Gram’s house was, too.
Dylan’s gaze travels to his brother and sister. I know what he’s thinking. I feel the same way. I don’t want Jude anywhere near them.
“Is that all right?” Charlene asks.
“I’m sorry…what?” I smile and tap my head like I’m a space cadet.
“I told him the two of you took the kids to the pool, and you’d be back
in a few hours.”
“Sure, that’s fine,” I say with a little too much enthusiasm.
“So, why haven’t you talked about him before? He’s charming and very good looking.”
Dylan jumps in. “They’re reconnecting after some time apart.”
“Ah, I hear that. I had that with my mother. She was pretty controlling.”
“Dylan tried to eat my leg at the pool.”
We all turn to Brandi, who chomps down on a cheese curl for effect, and burst out laughing.
Twenty minutes later, Dylan and I watch the kids rock out to Just Dance, clutching the Wii controllers in their hands.
Dylan slides close to me on the couch. “What do you think Jude wants?”
My breath catches as my entire body tingles. “He probably came to talk about training. How did he know we’d be here together?”
Dylan ponders that for a second. “Maybe he didn’t. Maybe he came here to talk to you, out of earshot of your uncles and Marcus.”
“I guess, but now he’s going to ask why we can’t train together when we’re both here now.”
“If the spell works tonight, then it doesn’t matter. We’ll show up for training together tomorrow.”
I hesitate. “What if it takes several tries before the spell takes?”
“You never said it could take several tries.” There’s an edge to his voice. “I thought after tonight—”
“Your turn!” Brandi thrusts her controller at me.
I hold my hands up in protest. “Why don’t you dance with your big brother?”
Instead, Dylan yanks me from the couch. He scrolls through the song selections and picks a song we both like. My body warms up quickly. In fact, I dance better than Dylan for once. Not a fair comparison, given his injuries.
As I sway my hips, I catch Dylan watching me. I blush furiously and focus on the TV screen. Dylan’s arm brushes against mine, and a spark ignites inside of me. Heat zooms through my limbs and settles in my belly, leaving me breathless. I should stop. But I can’t. Thankfully, after two songs, Ethan and Brandi demand the controllers back.
The Girl and the Gargoyle: Book Two of The Girl and the Raven Series Page 16
