“Can you tell me what happened?” Jacob insists, his tone calmer this time.
“He tried to rape Killien.” I look away from my ginger angel as I say those words, but I can tell his cheeks are turning red anyway.
“What?! How—? Is that why you wrote that word on his forehead?”
“Yeah, he got what he deserved. Fucking piece of shit!” I almost lash out, but quickly take a deep breath to calm down. I can’t think of the bastard without wanting to set something on fire.
“He did that in front of you?” Jacob asks the silliest questions sometimes, seriously.
“No, darling. He didn’t know I was there. He was a son of a bitch, not an idiot.”
Killien pretends to concentrate on the road, but I know that he’s listening, and probably drowning in shame and guilt. He shouldn’t be feeling any of that; it wasn’t his fault. I should have listened to my gut instincts and stopped him from hanging out with that asshole altogether.
“What the hell were you doing, then? Spying on them?” Jacob sounds a bit annoyed, maybe even jealous.
“I was keeping an eye on Killien,” I say, casually. “If I hadn’t been there—I don’t even want to think about what would have happened.”
“Goddammit . . .” Jacob sighs. “This is—it’s such a mess. Is he alright?”
“Yeah . . .” I glance at my brother, who is still avoiding my gaze. “I should have never let him feed from Owen. I knew something was off about him.”
“Can you guys just come back home?” Jacob asks.
“I don’t think so,” I say. “We’re leaving Phoenix.”
“What? But—where are you going?!” Jacob’s desperation can’t be masked, and I hate that my heart aches for him.
I fucked up real bad letting him fall for me . . .
“I dunno, honestly.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and keep my eyes closed for a few seconds.
“When were you going to tell me that you’re leaving?!”
“I’m telling you now,” I sigh.
Jacob huffs, going silent for a bit after. “You could have at least let me know we’re over.”
Why is my heart breaking? I don’t have feelings for Jacob.
Do I?
Fucking hell.
“We can’t stay when you’re all gonna come after us, Jacob!” I yell, finally snapping.
“We’re not going after you, Damien,” Jacob says. “Not when we know what Owen did. But that’s not the point. You’re just choosing to leave me for your brother. That’s all.”
Killien looks paler than usual, his hands gripping the steering wheel firmly. I can smell his fear, feel him panic at Jacob’s words. Should I deny it, though? I don’t want to anymore. I’m sick and tired of hiding my feelings. I need to be honest with Jacob. I owe him that much at least.
“I’m afraid I am,” I say, speaking past the knot in my throat.
Jacob laughs darkly. “There it is. I though this might happen eventually anyway.”
There’s a long silence in which Killien looks like he’s about to burst. I have no words to say, really. As much as I like Jacob, I can’t possibly choose him over Killien. And I already knew he’d picked up on the signs, especially during the past weeks. This was bound to happen, one way or another.
“Be careful out there,” Jacob says, and I’d swear he’s crying silently as he speaks. “And let me know if something comes up. I’ll take care of Owen’s body, but I’m sure his absence will be noticed eventually.”
“Yeah.” I have to fight back the tears that cloud my vision. My heart seems to be breaking and I don’t really understand why. “Thanks. Let us know if anything happens.”
