Page 45 of Haunted Hearts

She stares at me, tears building in her eyes, wiping them just before they fall, as if she rejects the show of emotion.

“If you were looking for comfort from me you won’t find any. I’ve got fucking problems coming out of my ass and the last thing I need is you crying to me about how bad you’ve got it. You’re not the only person whose world has been flipped on its ass.” I feel the frustration build in me as I continue. “You aren’t the only one who feels like they don’t know what the fuck to do about Gods and demons or whatever the fuck they are, feeling helpless to protect the people you care about!”

She drops her shoulders, looking at me curiously.

“You talk about your fucking problems like no one else has any! What the fuck are you afraid of, huh? It’s not like you’ve signed your death warrant coming here.”

Gen cocks her head slightly, wiping her eyes as she straightens herself.

“Why do I get the feeling we aren’t talking about Calli anymore.” She speaks softly and I meet her eyes.

She’s right.

“Do you feel better?” she asks, raising her brows.

My lips curl in and I turn away as I run my fingers through my hair.

“I’m sorry, Cade.” Gen pushes off the dresser and walks over to me. “I didn’t even know what I did stayed with you like that.”

“Me neither, I suppose,” I say honestly.

“You’re carrying a lot. And for the record, I was going to say that I want to do whatever I can to help.”

“Help…” I scoff.

“Yes. I can help, and you’re right. I have no place to complain—all this is pretty fucked-up. I need something to do because lately, all I do is wait for you to possibly give me an update on Ben. And I refuse to sit in that.”

“I’ll be honest, aside from you giving me a very unsatisfying amount of information I haven’t given you much thought.”

“Right,” she says, her face flat.

“We need to start our training.”

She looks at me like I’m the idiot. “I tried that yesterday and you bolted on me.”

“I was busy.”

“Okay, want to define busy?” She crosses her arms.

“Spaghetti,” I say.

“What?”

“I was hungry.”

She sighs and rolls her eyes. “I’ll pretend to believe you.”

“Perfect. So we can start tomorrow then.” I gesture for her to leave. “Now get the fuck out of my room.”

“Also.” I stop her. “Talk to Calli.”

She looks down at me and nods before leaving.

I follow her out, scaring Karma in the process. “Sorry about that, girl.” I reach down, petting her. Downstairs, I find Kai in the kitchen. I shoot him a look; he seems to understand, following me into the garage as I close the door and lock it.

“Are you trying to seduce me?” he asks, crossing his arms and looking me up and down.

“What exactly are you?” I ask bluntly, ignoring his question.