Page 65 of Under His Control

* * *

A car rumbles to a stop outside as a demon-possessed farmer corners a priest in a barn on the TV.

Jacob’s home.

Earlier than usual like he promised Elizabeth.

I snatch up the remote, my finger poised on the off button as the demon-farmer stabs the wailing priest in the neck.

Oh, what’s the point.

It’s too late to pretend I wasn’t watching it. I forgot to close the curtains so I’m sure he’s already seen the TV light. I drop the remote back onto the couch.

While I continue watching the movie, I’m not paying attention to it. My mind is preoccupied with the door. Any second now—

It swings open. Jacob and a rush of chilly breeze enters the house. The sight of him seizes my full attention. I’m tense, my heart beating a little faster, a pleasant energy flooding my body.

I’m already wearing a collar. My tail would probably be wagging right now if I had one.

Pathetic.

He darts a glance between me and the TV as he shuts the door. He doesn’t look mad but I turn off the TV anyway. The rustle and thump as he removes his winter clothes and boots fill the silence. It’s still too quiet for me so I roll his sister under the bus.

“Elizabeth wanted to watch a movie.”

He turns and approaches me, stopping a few inches from the couch.

“Where is she?”

“Napping in your room.”

His silent stare and closed-off expression dampens my excitement to see him. It’s hard to believe that, just this morning, he looked at me with enough heat to burn me alive.

All day I thought about the kiss and the dirty things we did last night. Did he think about us too?

“I’m taking you home tomorrow morning,” he says in a cold voice.

My eyes widen and my mouth falls open. A sinking feeling fills my stomach.

“Because I used the TV?”

“You left the house. I warned you what would happen if you did.”

“Elizabeth wanted to eat out and walk around the town for a bit. We didn’t spend long.”

Thump, thump.

There goes poor Elizabeth under another bus.

I really hope she can’t hear our conversation.

“Did she force you to go with her? Did she physically drag you into her car?”

I hesitate. “I—no, but—”

“Then save your excuses. You made your choice. We’re done.”

He leaves the living room, disappearing down the hallway. Stunned by the unpleasant turn of events, I can’t think quickly enough to say something.