Mason straightened, his chest expanding with pride, his lavender eyes darkening, as if he was already going over what he needed to teach her. “We’ll begin after training tomorrow.”
She fell into step next to him, noting Logan racing ahead of them back to the house. She listened to Mason while he described different trees and plants, what was harmful from poison ivy to itchweed, and the flowers and berries that could be eaten. His low voice was soothing, and she unconsciously inched closer, his presence making the forest seem almost peaceful.
He slowed as they neared the house, and she matched his pace, waiting for him to speak what was on his mind. “What’s wrong?”
He paced away from her, rubbing the back of his neck. He whirled, then pinned her with his gaze. “If you need to leave, don’t just vanish. Even if you don’t tell the others, will you at least let me know?”
Everything inside her rebelled at the thought of him keeping tabs on her, her every second watched and monitored. But she also remembered his vow to be her friend.
It was something a friend would do.
“I promise I won’t try to keep you here. Think of it as more of a failsafe. If you vanish without a word, I’ll know you’re in trouble and I’ll come for you.” He spoke earnestly, the hard set of his jaw saying he wouldn’t accept any answer but the one he wanted.
She hesitated, expecting a trap of some sort, but what he said made sense. While she didn’t want the guys anywhere near her uncle, she didn’t doubt they would come after her if she was in trouble…if for no other reason than Rufus told them to protect her.
“I’ll tell you,” she whispered, suddenly anxious to be anywhere else.
The tension went out of his shoulders, and he gave her a slight nod. Before he could say anything else, the sliding door to the house opened and Logan strode out, wearing jeans and a button-down shirt. His hair was styled and slicked back, and she edged away from the sharp look in this eyes as his gaze settled on her.
He was different from the rest of the group. The others were rough around the edges, taking their assignment to police the paranormals seriously, training from sunup to sundown. Logan was more polished, his clothes classier, he rarely joined the others during discussions, didn’t participate in the group beyond the bare minimum. He was biding his time, acting the way someone born to money would behave, taking his place on the team and accepting it as his due. He lit up a cigarette, leaning back against the railing, his smirk getting on her nerves…like he knew something she didn’t.
The cocky bastard.
She didn’t trust this side of him.
It wasn’t that he demanded to be treated better, it was the way he looked down at a person. The way his eyes were hard and calculating despite the way he laughed and joked with everyone.
Oh, he cooked for them, pretended to belong, smiled and flirted, but she knew it was all an act. When he was telling her about the pack grá, his emotions had been stripped bare. He was dead inside, every ounce of hope sucked from his soul…if he’d ever had any. She knew that look, recognized it from the mirror every morning.
Xander stepped out after him but held to the shadows, everything about him so subdued compared to Logan, he almost disappeared into the background…until she looked into his eyes, the intensity there purely predatory.
She couldn’t help wonder if he ever relaxed.
Instead of off-putting, she liked his vigilance, feeling protected for the first time in forever. Nothing would ever get passed him.
“There’s a party tonight off campus.” Camden emerged from the house last, his phone in his hand. “We’ll split up, go in two teams and see what we can learn.”
When his eyes landed on her, she tensed at the calculating look.
“You’ll go with Logan and pick up some new clothes so you’ll fit in with the crowd.”
But she was already stubbornly shaking her head. “I have clothes.”
Camden sauntered toward her, and she turned to keep him in sight when he began to circle her.
“Being part of a team means you follow orders. You must play your part.” He must have seen the mutiny growing in her eyes as he came to a stop in front of her. “If we need you to look like you belong to the school instead of a street rat who crawled out of the gutters, then you will do as you’re told.”
She lifted her chin, refusing to feel ashamed for her second-hand clothes. She worked damned hard for everything she owned. She wouldn’t be made to feel like shit for it. “My clothing makes me invisible to most people. I can learn more being unseen.”
He snorted, as if she was being absurd. “Even in the human world, you would never be invisible.”
Though he complimented her, why did it sound like an insult coming out of his mouth?
“You’re the new girl. People will be curious.” He dared her to deny it.
When she went to object again, he turned toward Logan.
“Get her what she needs to fit into society.”
She didn’t need to count her money to know she wouldn’t even be able to afford even a cheap shirt where Logan shopped. “I refuse to blow my money on frivolities I don’t need.”
She needed to save her limited cash in case she needed to run.
Camden smiled, and her stomach dipped when she saw he had a dimple, turning him from handsome to downright gorgeous. She blamed her unease on his sudden good cheer, refusing to admit that she actually found him attractive. When he caught her staring, his smile faded, his eyes darkening. Then something in his face shut down, and he backed away.
“Come, my grá. Time to go shopping.” Before she could think of another protest, Logan tossed his cigarette into the fire pit and guided her around the house, packing her into a sporty car. He walked around the vehicle, watching her the whole time, as if waiting for her to make a break for it.
She thought about it for a second before sanity returned.
When he opened the door and sat, he raised a finger even before she could speak. The car started with a rumble, then he slammed on the gas, the tires chirping as they backed up, throwing her against the seatbelt. Then she was thrown backwards as they sped off.
She watched where they went, curious when he took her off campus. She shivered when they passed through the boundary around the university, and he nodded toward her. “That’s the wards. Not many can feel them.”
She twisted in her seat to face him, digging out the cash in her pocket. “I doubt fifty bucks is going to get us much.”
He didn’t even bother to turn, that hated smirk on his face as he reached into his shirt pocket and lifted out…her credit card. “Hey!”
She lunged forward to rip it out of his hand, but he easily evaded her by shoving it back into his pocket, then raised a brow as if daring her to go after it. Annora narrowed her eyes, not backing down from the silent challenge. Without hesitation, she reached over, fishing around in his pocket and nicked the card.
From the way he shifted in his seat and cleared his throat, she knew that she must have broken one of those what is appropriate touch rules. She clutched the card, cursing when her impulse control went on the fritz. She usually just kept her hands to herself, but his attitude burned her the wrong way.
But it was his reaction that told her she’d done something wrong.
He lost his smile.
“We’re not using this card. I can’t afford to owe anyone.” She waited for his taunt, but he just shrugged, avoiding her eyes.
“Don’t worry about the money.” His voice was gruff as he cut through a red light to the sound of blaring horns, then pulled into a large shopping mall. “I’ll cover it.”
“That’s the same thing—” But he wasn’t listening as he swung open his door and climbed out. Not nearly done with the fight, she followed him as he made his way toward the mall. “Look, you just can’t—”
He swung around to face her, and she nearly plowed into him.
“This is going to go one of two ways…I will purchas
e the items you want or I will purchase the items I think you need. The choice is yours.”
Annora practically stomped her foot at his imperial attitude, infuriated by the way he did whatever he wanted without a care for her opinion. “Why are you doing this?”
“You’re making a big deal out of this when it doesn’t have to be.” He turned and walked away, clearly expecting her to follow.
She debated whether go after him or call his bluff, but as he disappeared inside the store, she realized he wasn’t joking.
Son of a bitch.
She hurried after him, just imagining the outfits he would pick out. She caught up with him in time to see him turn, walking backwards to admire a group of girls in skimpy outfits. If they wiggled their asses any harder their cracks would consume the little scrap of fabric some idiot called shorts. Although they didn’t seem to care they were exposing themselves, if the way their breasts were falling out of their shirts was any indication.
When she finally caught up with the bastard, Logan was standing off to the side, his arms crossed, his hated smirk back in place as he waited for her. “We’ll go to the top floor first. That’s where all the good stuff is.”
An hour later, she’d learned when he said good stuff, he meant expensive.
“No,” she said for the hundredth time.
He gave her an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This would go a lot faster if you would just let me have my way.”
She lifted her brows at his audacity. “I won’t let you dress me up like some clown.”
He actually looked offended, stepping in front of her and lifting her chin with a single finger. “How about we make a deal?”
Warmth tingled at the spot where he touched her. His winter scent had her inching forward for more, and it was all she could do to stand her ground. She cleared her throat, hoping it would help clear her mind as well.
It didn’t.
“What kind of deal?” She wasn’t sure if she was more curious or leery. He dropped his smirk, the hardened man from this morning returning, and she relaxed slightly. For some reason she liked this version of him better.
He leaned down until his forehead almost touched hers, his voice a low, intimidating whisper. “How about we don’t bullshit each other? Trust me with the clothes, and I’ll always tell you the truth.”
She tipped her head to the side as she studied him, his crystal blue eyes like shards of hard ice. “No more bullshit. When we’re alone, I want the man in front of me, not the act you give the rest of the world.”
He reared back slightly, like she’d just grabbed his balls and twisted them. A muscle in his cheek ticked as he ground his teeth. He was clearly waiting for her to back down, but she wouldn’t. Then a spark warmed his eyes, and a cruel smile twisted his lips. “Only if you promise me the same. No lies. No subterfuge. No more running.”
Annora swallowed hard, her smug sense of victory fading. He clearly expected her to reject his offer, but she couldn’t stand to see him go back to hiding behind the asshole exterior he was so good at portraying to others. She made a face at him, then sighed. “Deal.”
He lurched back, his eyebrows climbing, clearly surprised by her capitulation. He studied her for a moment longer, then his shoulders relaxed, and he finally nodded to himself. “Let’s get out of here.”
She smiled and nodded, more than ready to leave the hordes of people behind. Though the rich stores were more spacious than the others, the place was still way too people-y for her tastes. They had just turned to leave when a woman with bright red hair caught sight of them.
Her brown eyes seemed to shimmer with what looked like flames. She switched directions with a smile, her pointed teeth revealing she was more than human. A group of five women scrambled to follow after her like lost puppies.
Her smile wasn’t directed at Annora, her sole focus centered on Logan.
Annora glanced at him, but he appeared frozen, his face pale, his eyes going dead as he watched her approach, freezing like a mouse being stalked by a feline. The girl’s skimpy skirt showed off her legs. She was fit, tall and willowy, her skin pale and flawless, her wavy red hair so lush she was stunning.
A perfect mirror of Logan.
Everything Annora was not.
But where Logan was all controlled violence, this woman oozed malicious pleasure.
Annora recognized it because her uncle behaved the same way.
“Logan.” The girl’s voice was smooth, almost husky, and Logan bowed his head toward her as if she was a fucking queen.
“Ellora.” He spoke crisply, completely controlled, betraying nothing.
Instead of respecting his get the fuck away from me attitude, she sauntered up to him with a smile. “I’ve missed you.” She leaned forward, her lips brushing against his, then she nipped at his bottom lip. When she back away, she licked away a drop of blood, seemingly pleased at the way he stood so obediently before her.
She played with the buttons of his shirt, but Annora saw the way her nails sharpened, then cut into his chest, leaving behind thin trails of blood. “I can’t wait for you to come home from your silly games. It’s not the same without you.”
Darkness swelled inside Annora, filling her eyes until she noticed Ellora and her entourage were foxes…but different. They were the same as Logan. She blinked away the vision, self-perseveration urging her to back away and not draw attention to herself, but she couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away from the streaks of blood soaking into Logan’s shirt.
“Leave him alone.”
“Don’t,” Logan growled at her. If he stiffened any more, he’d shatter.
Ellora turned her brown eyes on her, something vicious sparking in them. “Ah, cute. You brought a little friend out to play.”
When the bitch reached out to pat her on the head, Annora slapped her hand aside. “Try that again, and you’ll regret it.”
Ellora laughed, her troops quickly joining her like a bunch of jackals, and Logan tensed even more, seconds away from exploding. “Leave her alone. She has nothing to do with this.”
“Shut up.” She didn’t even glance at Logan, her smile turning hard. “If the little girl wants to play, I’m more than happy to oblige.”
Annora glanced at Logan, surprised to see him standing aside, avoiding looking at her, his fists clenched at his side, practically shaking as he struggled to hold himself in check.
“Oh, that’s adorable.” Ellora chuckled, then placed her talons on Logan’s shoulders, snuggling close to his side. “You didn’t tell her you’re spoken for? Once you’ve given up this foolishness and come home, we can finally be married the way our families always planned. Our children will rule both our packs.”
Annora waited for him to protest, but the slight tightening of his mouth was his only response. He refused to look at her. And she suddenly realized a person didn’t have to be locked up to be trapped in hell.
She couldn’t just stand by and allow it to happen.
“I told you to leave him alone.” Annora planted her hands on her hips, knowing her defiance would antagonize the bitch. She wanted to practice with her abilities…and what better way than on this she-devil?
Ellora’s fake smile dropped. She leaned into Logan, her nails nicking his neck until he bled, and she lapped up the bead of blood. “Hmmm, you taste so good. I’ve missed you in my bed.”
She stepped away from him and sauntered toward Annora with a sway of hips that made her skirt swish. The second the bitch released Logan, Annora clamped her hand over her arm, then fell back into the darkness, yanking Ellora with her. Particles exploded outward, and the world went dark until it was only the two of them in the afterworld.
It looked like the mall, but all signs of life were gone.
The place looked run-down, most of the ceiling caved in, the walls crumbling, like a rot had taken root and was slowly consuming the place. The escalator looked like it was crawling across the floor, as if searching for prey.
“What the fuck!” Ellora jerked away, her eyes wide as she glanced around, then whirled and glared at her. “What the fuck did you do?”
Her red hair was a dull gray, her skin totally bleached of color, but beneath it, she could see black veins throb. Her eyes were pitch black, her soul completely tainted.
Annora wasn’t surprised.
“I took you to the afterworld. I mean, you love torturing people so much, I thought I would show you what happens when you take things too far, what price you’ll eventually pay for your cruelty.” Annora shrugged, unable to resist taunting her.
Even as she watched, the particles began to gather on Ellora like insects rushing to feast.
She desperately brushed away the black spots, but it was like a mold that continued to spread. “Fuck, it hurts.”
Annora laughed at the squeal of pain in the fox’s voice. “Well, of course it does. Did you think death feels good?”
“What?!” Ellora stopped trying to scratch off her arms and staggered toward her. “What the fuck is happening?”
“You will leave Logan alone.” Annora hardened her voice. “You will rescind your claim. You will not touch him. You will not speak to him. You will not even look at him, or I will leave you here.”
“Fuck you.” Ellora lunged for her, but Annora easily ghosted herself, and the bitch fell through her to land on her hands and knees. The fox growled as the black spots floating in the air began to build up on her skin, and Annora watched without an ounce of pity as the spots began to swell, feeding off her life force like larvae. They almost looked like insects with small wings growing out of their backs.
She’d never seen them feed from a living person before.
The decay happened twice as fast, as if a physical body was like catnip to the creatures.
Tethered to the World: A Phantom Touched Novel Page 9