Page 131 of XO Karma

not funny :(

Me

im fine lol relax grim baby

Grim

maybe ill come kiss it make it better

Me

insatiable

Setting the phone on the vanity, I take in my reflection in the bathroom mirror as a towel covers my middle. Cuts and scratches from Nolan are scattered across my skin, but thanks to Aster’s first-aid work, they’ll heal quickly.

With a calming breath, I drop the material covering me, and my eyes fall to my thigh. I should be mortified. Instead, heat tugs at my core knowing I’m now claimed by him in a way I’ve never been by anyone. And it scares the hell out of me in the absolute best way. Using antiseptic once more, I clean the brand he’s left, then wrap it in a bandage to avoid infection.

Back in my room, I dress quickly, pulling on a baby tee paired with low rise denim jeans. Heading out the bedroom door, my foot hits something with a clank, and at my feet, I find another box with a purple satin bow on top.

Was it Aster?

The anonymous caller?

Maybe they’re mad I didn’t answer them last night? But there’s no way I was answering with Aster glued to my side. I trust him, I’m just… not ready to share. I’m still hoping they can get me more answers.

It’s probably just a bottle of ointment from Aster so I don’t get an infection or something.

Although the box is large and square… a bit big for a little tube. I stand before it. We really need better security.

There’s a piece of paper on the lid, and I snatch it as if my touch could trigger a bomb.

What if it’s a bomb?!

With a calming breath, I open the note.

If he’s not going to protect you, I will. XO, A

Well, that doesn’t ease my worry.

I grip the sides with a towel, moving the weighted box to my bed. Definitely too heavy to be ointment. As with the last gift, I grab my dagger, wedging the tip under the lid and flick it off quickly. Short blond hair comes into view, and my brows furrow as I lean in closer. Is it a wig? An animal?

Reaching in, I grip the hair between my fingers and pull out the heavy object. A shriek escapes me at the sight of Nolan’s face, eyes sunken and slightly opaque, blood dried around the severed neck. Gagging, I chuck the head on the bed, and it bounces across my comforter until resting face up.

My hands tremble, and I force my eyes away.

“Oh my god,” I mutter to myself, chills scattering across every surface of my skin.

XO, A.

Did Aster kill again?

I rush to the bathroom and scrub my hands clean. Once I’m done, with shaky fingers, I send a message.

Me

did u leave me a gift?

Aster