My eyes flicker between the different council members. If I’m being honest, nothing they’re saying or doing right now is any different than every other time I’ve encountered them. They’re notorious throughout all of EP for being selfish, overly confident, and sort of cruel.
It’s in their job description. Everyone around me has to contain some semblance of a negative streak, considering we hunt down people constantly. Even if it is good-intentioned, no one who is truly kind would stomach this lifestyle.
But right now? As they all but threaten Landon right in front of me? I don’t like it. The territorial part of me is screaming that he’smineto destroy and dismantle. I would make it…gentlefor him. The council? He’d be in a world of pain.
“I understand,” I finally murmur, ignoring Boston’s jab.
“Good,” Joseph exclaims, clasping his hands together. “Now, shall we go?”
Murmured agreements go up around me; Ceilia eyes my home in disgust.
I need them to leave. Between the news of what happened at the castle while I was away, what happened with Landonjust last night, and this? Yeah, I’m not feeling too hot.
“Remember, Nathaniel,” Ryan adds as they begin to file out the front door. “We are watching.”
Of fucking course they are.
The door slams shut, leaving me in silence as I stare at the polished wood.
I have to do something. As in, I need to repress Landon’s power of coercion beforetheyget their hands on him.
It is simultaneously the best and worst thing I can do for him. And for a singular moment, I find myself concerned with hisfeelingsabout all of this.
I amreallynot feeling too hot.
Landon
8
I’M GOING TO FLYto Oregon.
The private investigator I had look into Nathaniel was really only able to dig up a few important things: his home address, the fact that he was born and raised in Austin, Texas, the fact that he’sthirty-four, and his job at Chastain Castle.
Apparently, Nathaniel has no internet presence or much personal information lying around. Which is simultaneously very annoying and kind of hot and mysterious.
All that to say, it’s finally time to make good on my promise. I’m going to rip Nathaniel Barfred to shreds and eat the remains.
My plan? Seclude and destroy. He clearly finds the hatred he has for me very enticing, and I plan to use that against him. And once he’s fallen in love with me—come on, who wouldn’t?—I’m going to leave him and break his heart.
It’s the perfect plan; I will get my revenge for all the cruel shit he’s said, for all the time he’s followed me around.
Unfortunately, I sort of need to be around him to seduce him.
That’s why I’ve booked a ticket for later this afternoon. I’ll land in Oregon around dinnertime and book a car to take me to the little cottage Nathaniel lives in. Then, the fun begins.
But first, I have to explain these charges to my parents before they check the credit card they gave me.
I’m packing my carry-on as Susie comes into my room, her eyes narrowing on the pajamas I’m shoving inside it.
“Where are you off to? I feel like I hardly see or hear from you, and Ilivehere.” Susie gives me a pointed look, her lips tilting into a frown.
“I’m uh… going out.” I can’t tell her I’m going to Oregon; she’ll assume I’m visiting Julian and call him.
“Going out,” she repeats, crossing her arms as she stands in the doorway. “To where?”
“You’re not my mom, Sue,” I complain, my eyes rolling as I zip up the small suitcase on my bed.
“But Iamyour best friend. Someone who loves you.” Susie takes a step into the room, deflating. “Seriously, Lan. What has gotten into you? I haven’t seen you this distant and weird since high school.”
