Page 61 of Haunted Hearts

“Any item that means something to you, and you can keep on you, will work.”

I think for a moment and grab my knife off my hip. “What about this?”

“That’s fine.” She takes it from me, holding it in her hand and placing the other one over it.

I watch as her palms begin to glow.

“Is it foolproof? How is this different than the shield?” I ask, watching with curiosity.

“Typically, yes. But the best part is, imbuing an object makes it permanently enchanted. Unlike the shield, it won’t protect you from physical attacks or being noticed, but in theory, it will keep you from being tracked through magic.” Gen has hope in her voice.

“Hopefully it works,” Jack says. I look over at him, and he seems almost bored.

Gen hands me the blade. “It will,” she asserts confidently.

“Okay, Jack. I need you to keep an eye out for the coordinates; I need to call Calli.”

“Don’t be a dick. It was all for the best, so there is no need to scold her,” Gen says, her eyes still fixated on the blade.

“Yeah, yeah…” I say dryly as I walk away to dial.

CHAPTER 19 KAI

I fucked up. I know I did.

Calli hasn’t spoken a word to me since we arrived at the hotel. I would prefer her screaming at me, because her silence is worse. I need to fix this, and telling her I have been keeping things from her only with the best intentions isn’t going to cut it.

I watch her as she sits on the windowsill, staring out at the landscape beyond the glass. The light from outside frames her in gold, but she feels miles away from me. I sit on the edge of the king-size bed, elbows on my knees, waiting for something intelligent to come to me. It doesn’t.

Finally, she speaks: “Why can’t you tell me?”

“No reason I give will ease you,” I admit, because it’s the truth.

“Try me.”

I can’t tell her—not without telling her everything. But I can’t lie to her, either. I choose my words carefully.

“I want to keep you safe, and telling you… isn’t exactly safe.”

Her brows pull together. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means, sometimes, ignorance is for the best. The more you know, the more danger you are in.”

“That sounds like some shit Cade would say.” Her voice rises. “It should be my choice; you don’t get to make those choices for me.” The lights in the room begin to flicker.

I’m on my feet before I realize it, pins and needles racing over my skin.

“I know. I don’t want to break your trust.” I sigh. “But I already have, in so many ways, I just need you to believe that for whatever reason—it’s best you don’t know. For now, at least. I know you have been struggling with your feelings, and you’re confused.”

“I don’t know what you’re…”

The lights stop blinking, despite her heart rate rising. I can hear it. I see the flush climb her throat and bloom across her cheeks. The heavy understanding settles in my gut. I sit back down, my shoulders lowering as something twists quietly inside my chest.

“Jack. I know I’m right.” The words are sharper than I intend, my tone edged with jealousy of the idea that she believes these feelings are for Jack. But I don’t know what she is thinking.

“What? No. No, it’s not like that.” She shakes her head. “I’m just confused and pissed off.”

“Your body betrays you, Calli.” I hold her gaze, not accusing—just honest. I need her to understand I’m not blind. I need her to know I’m not judging. Even if she felt that way about him, I know it’s not Jack that made her feel that way. I can’t judge her, considering how I feel about Alok myself.