Page 97 of Haunted Hearts

“I’ll admit to being curious as well,” Kai says, raising his hand.

“Stay curious,” I reply and put my hood back up.

“Oh, just tell us; how are we supposed to work together if we can’t communicate?” I’m assuming that’s Alok speaking considering the grin Jack is shooting at me.

“I’m a person, I belong on the ground. That’s it,” I say sharply, annoyance lacing my tone.

“You know you’re more likely to win the lottery than die in a plane crash,” Jack says.

“Why do you always buy the Powerball tickets then?” Jack replies to himself.

“I like my chances, and this isn’t about me—someone has a gambling problem…” Jack says in a singsong tone.

“You guys are confusing the fuck out of me right now. I will literally pay you to shut up,” Kai says, rubbing his temples.

I smile despite myself. If we weren’t marching toward the literal climax of my life, I would try to enjoy them more.

My attention is pulled back to my duffel bag above my head once more, and I notice Kai glancing over at me, his facial expression concerned. He stands and takes the seat next to me nearest the window.

“It won’t affect me,” he whispers. “Let me take it.”

“I’ll be fine, and I still don’t know if I can trust you,” I admit.

“We need you here, not wherever the fuck that thing keeps trying to take you.” He sighs. “That is a powerful celestial artifact. You weren’t meant to handle something like that; no human is.” His tone is sure, though he remains quiet. His eyes bore into me, and I can tell he’s worried.

As per usual, Kai’s right. I can’t keep being distracted by this thing. Especially not now.

“What do you intend to do with it?” I ask.

“I’ll just hold on to it, and make sure you don’t get your hands on it.” He shoots me a half smile. “I saw you, you almost opened it. I could tell you wanted to, but you didn’t seem like you.”

I look away, not answering him.

“Might as well admit it, it’s fucking with you.”

I don’t want to, I don’t even want to think about it. It’s not something I can even begin to understand.

“Cade.”

“It talks to me,” I blurt out.

“What’s it saying?” he asks.

“Just my name and this creepy whispering; it’s driving me fucking insane! The last thing I want to do is compromise my sister’s safety, but I don’t know who the hell I can trust; I wasn’t even able to see what the ghost was trying to show me.”

“I was able to hear them,” Kai whispers.

“What do you mean?” I say, my voice clipped.

“I mean, it was more like a feeling. It was like I could hear their voice; your little pest is useful.”

Frustration begins to rise under my skin.

He could feel you.

I… couldn’t.

“Me and your little ghost have been getting along quite well as of late.” He licks his lips and leans in near my ear.