Page 87 of Haunted Hearts

“Don’t touch me.”

“Fuck. Okay, fine. But you need to get your shit together. I don’t have time to babysit a human. Did you forget they took your sister? We need to move.”

“I’m well aware, and I’m ready to go.”

What the hell is wrong with this guy?

“Okay, so… why are you sitting on the ground?”

“I just need a minute.”

“No.”

He looks up at me, his eyes dark, and his facial expression blank.

I go on. “Have you forgotten that I’ve been watching all of you for quite some time? I know how dedicated you’ve been to keeping her safe, so the last thing you need is for me to sit here and tell you that you need to get off your ass and be the douche hero that you are.”

Cade puts his hand on his knee and slowly stands. He attempts to take a step but falters. I quickly catch him. The moment I make contact with him, I can feel a pulse. It’s almost as if he’s radiating magic.

“What the hell is wrong with him?” Alok asks from the doorway.

This is not normal. As far as we’ve come to understand, Cade doesn’t have magic. There’s a multitude of reasons why one would give off magic. I suppose exposure could explain it. But exposure to what?

“I don’t know; go get Jack,” I say, attempting to carry Cade to the couch.

“I’m fine.” Cade shoves me off him. He finds his footing and grabs his bag behind us on the floor.

“We’re leaving the moment the jet is ready,” he says as he moves over to his workbench, placing something into the bag.

“The jet will be ready tonight!” Jack says enthusiastically from the top of the steps.

“All right! Time to fuck up a creepy cult and save the girl,” Alok says, stretching.

I look over at Cade, who appears to give me a death stare before turning away and going upstairs.

“Need help with anything?” I ask as he walks away.

“I’m getting my fucking meds. I hate flying,” he says without turning around.

I stand there for a moment, puzzled by what I just witnessed, when I feel a worry in my chest that isn’t mine.

It’s yours.

I have a feeling things are going to be just fine, but who knows. I’ve been very wrong before. But fine, my little pest. I will keep an eye on your hunter. It’s safe to say we all need him useful right now.

I can feel a question lingering, a worry coming from the air around me.

I acknowledge your concern. Alok and I will use every means at our disposal. You will see what we can do.

I smile to myself, looking over at Alok and Jack still arguing.

“Will you two just fuck and get it over with?” I ask, wanting to shut them up. It doesn’t work.

“I’m not into guys, and especially not into whatever the fuck he is,” Jack retorts, looking like he just smelled something rotten.

“Too bad, you’re missing out,” Alok says, stepping up to him and lifting his jaw as he licks his lips.

“That’s disgusting.” Jack walks away, heading upstairs.