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Chapter12
The blast was so powerful that the entire house shook. Dust fell around us as wood, stone, and metal creaked.
I always thought I’d do well under pressure, but all I could do was let out a squeak and cover my face with my arms.
Jaiden took immediate control, pulling me up and leading us out of the room.
I held tightly onto his hand, not even sure my legs would hold me up without his support. Some pictures in the hall had tumbled to the ground, and we had to dodge the debris along the way. Whatever exploded seemed to have calmed down, but the house that had been so extravagant when we’d entered was now in tatters.
Jaiden took the stairs so fast that I tripped halfway down and tumbled into his arms; he carried me the rest of the way, as if I weighed nothing.
Xian stood to the side of the front door, and Jaiden brought us up next to him. He set my feet on the ground but kept an arm around my waist to hold me close.
If Xian had any idea what we’d been doing upstairs, he didn’t show it.
“What do you know?” demanded Jaiden.
Xian looked scarier than ever. His black jacket with red embroidery was covered in dust, and his eyes were a bright golden red. His power emanated in waves. “Something in the woods. I don’t sense any fae. They could be luring us out, into a trap.”
“Or they’re going to bring the entire house down around us,” I muttered.
“The girl needs to go,” said Xian dispassionately.
Jaiden’s arm tightened painfully around me, silently voicing how much he disagreed with that. “Explain.”
“She’s a vulnerability. We don’t know what we’re up against. If you’re protecting her, you’re not protecting yourself.”
Jaiden took a breath to respond, but I cut in. “He’s right.” I pulled out of Jaiden’s grasp so I could see him as I spoke. “It’s the entire reason you wanted a human you’re not mated to, right? So I wouldn’t affect your decision-making. What’s the best way for me to stay out of the way?”
Jaiden’s hand shot out and gripped the back of my neck. He didn’t hurt me or pull me closer. Just stared me down with enough passion and conviction to make me weak in the knees. “I’m not done with you.” His magic infused his voice and touched every part of me.
“Then you’ll have to come find me.” I should take this as my chance to run. To get away from them for good.
But I wanted him to find me. I wanted to finish what we’d started, both physically and mentally.
He took a shaky breath. “You go and take the car. We’ll flank you and make sure nothing chases your trajectory. Once we’ve determined the threat has passed, we will find you.”
I nodded and went through my own mental calculations. I’d been sleeping on the way in, but we’d come from New York. I’d go east as much as possible. If Jaiden needed to find me, he’d just have to pull some fae king strings. If anyone could do it, it was him.
“All right. I’ll see you soon then.” The words were so casual, as though I were simply stepping out to pick up some milk.
Jaiden tugged me to him so forcefully that I fell into him at the same time our lips met. The kiss was hard, fast, and full of promise.
When I pulled away, Xian was already handing me the keys. “Maybe when I get back, I’ll teach you how to talk to human women,” I said with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes.
“You’ll regret that, female.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don’t play too rough, boys.”
Thankfully they didn’t draw out the goodbyes any longer. It was too awkward and we were all too antsy to wait any longer.
“On three,” said Jaiden, taking the lead by the door.
Maybe we were overreacting. Maybe it was just a coincidence that there was some giant explosion right next to the house we’d commandeered.
I was worried about the sleeping homeowners, but they’d probably be safer if we were far away, so I forced them out of my mind.
Make it to the car. Drive fast. Don’t crash.
