I pinch my temples between my thumb and middle finger, trying to collect myself, but decide to say fuck it. “What are you guys talking about?” I shout so loudly, my voice echoes off the high ceiling of the foyer.
The sneer on Calix’s face smooths as he moves as if he may take a step toward me. “Not a good idea, fuckface, I’m pissed at you. You lied to me,” I challenge.
“I did not, never, Damiana. I may have omitted, but I’ve never lied to you, never will.”
“It’s the same. You’re still responsible.” I turn my face away from him.
A wave of anger crashes over me. I’ve been shunned by everyone who was supposed to love and take care of me. For what? They were scared of the little girl who could see auras and talk to monsters?
I thought I was past all the hurt I felt for being isolated, but to find out that these three knew something about me, even checked up on me and never once made themselves known, has me dragging all my defenses up.
Just like the wave of anger crashed into me, I use the same wave to push them away. “Get out!” I demand, and I can see Calix’s feet starts to slide backwards. Gunnar holds his ground for a second longer, but the door slams open and he loses traction. I don’t feel guilty at all as I watch his large frame go sailing out the door and land on the driveway.
Calix’s reflexes are a little better. He turns with a smooth grace and bounds out the door, but the wind still lifts him at the last second and he crashes next to Gunnar on the driveway, then rolls onto all fours.
Grim is the last one standing. His shirt is blown back, not leaving an ounce of doubt about his tight body beneath it. I focus on him and my long hair stirs. “I trusted you.” The anger in my voice can’t mask the hurt.
“You still can, Dami, none of us would ever hurt you. We’re here to protect you.” He argues, but I’m far too mad to hear anything he has to say.
“Leave, before I make you,” I growl.
“I’m sorry, Damiana, we shouldn’t have…I should have—”
“Get the fuck out of here now, before I rip open a portal and shove your ass through it,” I interrupt before he can finish. I doubt I could do something like that, but he doesn’t need to know.
I can taste the sins from the other side of the portal. I don’t ask, I just take. Closing my eyes, I call the sins to me. There are so many I can’t distinguish one from another, I just take my fill. When I’m sated, I open my eyes to see Grim stepping backwards into the portal. “I’m sorry,” he manages to say before he disappears.
I look out the still open front door to find Calix brushing off his pants with his eyes locked on me, while Gunnar is still picking himself up off the ground. “Get lost.” With the flick of my wrist, I slam my front door, sagging the moment they’re out of sight.
“One thing at a time,” I mutter to myself. I can figure out what’s happening, one thing at a time.
Chapter 13
Ididn’t get much sleep today. I spent most of the morning tossing and turning, then beating myself up from not keeping the three of them here and demanding answers. When I did finally fall asleep, I dreamed of Calix and his stupid rough tongue in places he never got to explore last night.
“Stupid dreams,” I grouse, kicking my leg out.
“What are you muttering about, and would you sit still?” the pale redhead across from me chides.
“Nothing, sorry.” I force my leg to stop jerking.
“Boy troubles?” Bloody Mary inquires. The fresh, bloody tears leaking from her eyes are dripping onto her already stained white blouse.
I snort. “Maybe ten years ago, Mary. I’m thirty years old.”
She waves her claw-like fingers at me, dismissing my words. “Men, boys, they’re all the same.”
“True,” I concede.
“So, tell me what’s bothering you.” Mary picks up a delicate teacup and brings it to her gnarled lips.
I contemplate brushing the question off, but if I really want answers, I’m going to need to talk to someone. “Do you know Grim?”
“The Grim.” She lowers her teacup slowly, not meeting my eyes.
“Yeah. Big, black, showy cloak.”
“I’ve heard of him, why do you ask?” Mary’s voice goes a little tight and high-pitched.
