Page 35 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“You could have fooled me, considering that you sentmea good morning text.”

His lips pop open.

The text went unanswered, of course. What was I supposed to say? Saying it back would have made sense in any other case, with anyone else, but this is different. We shouldn’t have been texting at all, and I’m not sure how we got into this situation.

“Yousent me a good night text. What the fuck was I supposed to do?”

“I don’t know.”

“I’m not fucking stalking you.”

“Then why are you here?”

“To do what you failed to do. I want to stop these murders and end whatever my father is up to.Ourfathers. That’s all. Don’t let your twisted little thoughts tell you otherwise.”

“But—”

“Not everything is about you, princess.”

My jaw tightens. “And you aren’t doing anything to help. The only thing you’ve done is give me vague information and boss mearound. Perhaps if you were of any use, I would be more willing to talk to my father.”

“I won’t make you do this alone, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I stop outside the towering building, wearing a confused frown as I turn to face him. “What do you mean?”

“I’ll join the society with you if he lets me. If you get this thing rolling, I’ll be at your side.”

Why is my mouth so dry? I need a drink. “This isn’t helping the stalking accusation.”

“I don’t care.” He rolls his eyes. “Stop making this about us. People are fucking dying.”

I never thought I would live to see the day when Jun is right, but he is. It’s happening more and more lately.

This isn’t about us. It’s not even for Poppy anymore. It’s become bigger than one person. Poppy is the one who matters tome, but I’m not ignorant. I know how many losses have come from this person, group, or whatever they are…

I lost Poppy, but how many people have losttheirbest friend, their lover, or their child?

Jun may think I’m not trying hard enough, but Iwantto end this. I want my life to return to normal—and I want to do something right, damn it all.

“I will speak with him soon,” I say. “And I’ll ask if you can join, if you’re so certain about getting your hands dirty.”

“I’ve never had a problem with that.” His eyes bore into mine. “It seems like you’re the one who does.”

“You don’t know me.”

We’ve known each other for years, but I’m realizing we don’t know each other at all. I never could have imagined Jun risking his life for someone else’s. Then again, I wouldn’t be in this position if not for Tobey, forcing me out of my cushy comfort zone. Perhaps I’ve done the same for him.

“Maybe so, but I learned something that can get you off my back.”

“Doubt it.” He crosses his arms. “Spill.”

I lean in, my voice dropping to a whisper. “I know how to kill a demon.”

He freezes, and I’m certain my eyes are sparkling with glee.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t use my newfound power against you.”

His dark eyes flash red. “How?”