Page 99 of Dangerous Promises

Dad's worry supersedes his anger at least, and he calms, though he looks no less disappointed. "You made a death promise with that boy?"

Damn. Here I was thinking we were going to forget about that part.

I purse my lips. "Yes," I admit, sighing as Dad's face drops again in disbelief. "I had to."

"Dear God, why?" Dad replies, rubbing his face in his hands. "What could have possibly possessed you to-"

"Because he killed Nicholas." I let the words out carefully and calmly, surprised by the even tone in my voice. I can't believe I can even say that without wanting to die.

The room freezes and icy silence settles between us. Dad's face crumples, one hand going to his chest and the other to the bench to steady himself. "He… what?"

I lick my lips, shaking my head but unable to find anything to say to explain it.

"He killed Nicholas?"

"Yes," I respond, but I already regret saying it. I shouldn't have told him now, and I definitely shouldn't have told him like this. "But - we - we have a truce until Chet is dead, until then, there's no death promise to worry about."

Dad holds up his hand to silence me. "And what is in it for him?"

"What do you mean?"

Dad gives me a dry look, knowing I'm well acquainted with the lore of death promises from his own with Chet.

"Don't be dense."

"Well I…" wish I didn't have to say this, "…I killed his brother."

"YOU killed Victor Rushkoff?" Dad says, eyebrows shooting upward.

"It's very complicated," I say.

"Oh my God," he says, teeth grinding. "I cannot even look at you right now."

"Dad-"

I reach for him and he swats me away. "No," he says. "Do not follow me."

I sigh and lean against the counter, flinching at the kitchen door slamming when Dad leaves. That could've gone much better. But, silver lining, it also could've gone much worse. I'm still breathing, that's something. I run my handsthrough my hair, emotionally drained and devastated from that confrontation. But it's not the last one I have coming.

"You finally told your dad."

I look behind me and see Alexei standing at the other door to the outside of the house. He gives me a resigned look and shakes his head at me. "Fling, huh? Couldn't care less if you never saw me again?"

"Alexei-"

"Interesting."

It only takes a second for him to turn on his heel and leave, too.

Alexei is fast.

He's already halfway down the driveway when I finally catch up to him.

"Alexei wait!" I yell, doing my best to chase him even though my sugars are low and I'm fighting running with chewing on little candies.

Alexei strides ahead of me, only walking but at a pace that is so calm and menacing that I can't believe he manages to be so fast while doing it. He doesn't even turn back to look at me though I know he can hear me.

He's almost at the gate when I manage to reach out and grab his arm.