Page 20 of Haunted Hearts

“I don’t know. But it may be why she was chosen as the sacrifice.” Gen hesitates. “What do you know about your lineage?”

I exhale. “Beyond the fact our ancestors founded the Order? Just that our great-grandfather was… like her. Different.”

“Then if you want to know how to proceed,” she says, “look into your family’s past. You have the grimoire, don’t you?”

I almost laugh out loud. That damn book has been at the center of everyone’s universe my whole life, one of the reasons I detest it. “That thing has nothing in it I’m interested in.”

“You may be surprised. I’ve heard it calls to its readers. It has a magic all its own.”

I don’t like the way she says that. But Calli said something similar once—that it’s alive. Even if that is the case, it’s not a risk I’m in a position to take. Not if I don’t have to. That book won’t tell me what I need, but the journals might. The ones my father buried in that office of his. Calli found them weeks ago.

“I appreciate the input,” I say, standing up, giving Gen the hint that the conversation ends here. I don’t need her convincing me of something I’m unwilling to consider.

Gen stands with me, clearly uneasy as she grips her arms. It is fairly cold in the house.

“I’ll let you know if I hear more from Ben.”

I inhale deeply, searching the air for my anchor.

I don’t want to be here. I could use a distraction.

I exit the side door, walking across the yard into the back of the property to the woodpile, grabbing a large log and placing it on the stump. Positioning it just so. I wince as I wedge the axe blade into the log and roll my sleeves up, ignoring the pain in my shoulder. I look over to see Jack smoking a cigarette on the steps.

I barely recognize him anymore. The way I feel around him has changed—he feels like a stranger now. Even if Kai is right, even if he did threaten him. I’m not sure who Jack really is.

I’m surrounded by fucking strangers, and that may be my fault. I keep things close to the cuff, and I never make others feel safe enough to be vulnerable.

You showed me that about myself.

I don’t know what Kai could have threatened. There is no way Calli would be with him if he harmed one of us. That’s not her. I grab the axe, pull it back, and hit the log, over and over until it splits. There is only one person I can truly trust right now—

And I don’t even know if you’re a person. No matter what has happened, you stay by my side.

You chose me.

The discomfort begins to fade into the background of my mind.

Despite everything I’ve done. You have no idea what it means to me… Or maybe you do.

I need a damn break. Being here right now is akin to a pressure cooker.

I’ve never wanted anything more than to be alone right now. To have a taste of freedom with only you.

I’ve got a hunting cabin I barely use a few miles north of here. I’ve earned the right to be a bit selfish. I want you all to myself tonight, little ghost.

I take the wood and carry it into the living room, tossing in a handful of sticks and stacking a few logs in the fireplace. Sparking up a match, I watch as the flames catch on the kindling. I’m not turning the heat up any higher than it is. I always run too hot.

I head to my room and start to pack a small backpack with overnight essentials when I hear a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I say flatly, not in the mood for guests.

“Hey, boss, just wanted to give you an update. Ben has secured his position; he’s going to call tomorrow night with more information.”

“Did he say what kind of information?”

“No,” Jack replies, “but he said it’s for your ears only.”

“How useless and vague, thanks. Listen, I’m going out tonight, can you send me our cameras’ live feeds?”