Текст книги "Opal"
Автор книги: Jennifer L. Armentrout
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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 21 страниц)
Everyone looked at me
everyone except Daemon. What?
You have his number, dont you? Ash said, glancing at her naked nails. Text. Call him. Whatever. And tell him were ridiculously stupid and plan to help him.
I made a face but reached for my bag and dug out my cell. Sending Blake a quick text, I sighed. A second later he responded. Knots formed in my stomach. Tomorrow evening-Saturday. My voice sounded weak. He wants to meet tomorrow evening in a public spot-Smoke Hole.
Daemon gave a quick jerk of his chin.
My fingers wanted to rebel, but I typed out a quick okay and then tossed my phone back in the pack like it was a bomb about to go off in my hands. Its done.
No one looked relieved. Not even Dawson. There was a very good chance that this was going to blow up in our faces like there was no tomorrow. But our choices were limited. Like Daemon had said, Dawson would go to Blake whether or not we did. And working with the enemy we knew was better than the one we didnt.
But something cold and icky opened up in my chest.
Not because we were going to go down this road with Blake and not because Dee wanted Blake to die. But because deep down, underneath the layers of skin, muscle, and bone, hidden away from everyone, even Daemon, I also wanted Blake dead. Innocent Luxen or not
My moral code wasnt at all offended by it. And there was something very, very wrong with that.
Armentrout, Jennifer L.
Opal ( A Lux Novel)
Chapter 11
I hung around their house, hoping Dee would come back and I could chat with her, but everyone was leaving and she and Andrew hadnt returned.
Standing on the front porch, I watched Ash and Matthew drive off, my heart heavy with regret and a billion other things. I didnt need to look behind me to know that Daemon had joined me. I welcomed the warmth and strength his arms offered as they circled me from behind.
I leaned back against his chest, letting my eyes fall shut. He placed his chin atop my head and minutes passed with only the sound of a lonesome birdcall and a horn blowing off in the distance. Against my back, his heart beat steady and strong.
Im sorry, he said, surprising me.
For what?
He drew in a deep breath. I shouldnt have flipped out over the whole Dawson thing last weekend. You did the right thing by telling him wed help. If not, God knows what he wouldve done by now. He paused long enough to kiss the top of my head, and I grinned. He was so forgiven. And thank you for everything with Dawson. Even though our Saturday will take a turn into crapsville, Dawson
Hes been different since zombie night. Not the old Dawson, but close.
I bit my lip. You dont need to thank me for that. Seriously.
I do. And I meant it.
Okay. Several seconds passed. Do you think we made a mistake? Letting Blake go that night?
His arms tightened. I dont know. I really dont.
We had good intentions, right? We wanted to give him a chance, I guess. Then I laughed.
What?
My eyes opened. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. We shouldve blasted his ass.
Daemon lowered his head, his chin now on my shoulder. Maybe I wouldve done something like that before you.
I turned my head toward his. What do you mean?
Before you came along, I wouldve killed Blake for what he did and felt like crap afterward, but I wouldve done it. He pressed a kiss against my fluttering pulse. And in a way, you did convince me. Not the way Dee thinks, but you couldve taken out Blake, and you didnt.
Everything about that night seemed chaotic and surreal now. Adams lifeless body and then the Arum that had attacked
Vaughn and the gun
Blake running
I dont know.
I do, he said, and his lips spread into a smile against my cheek. You make me think before I act. You make me want to be a better person-Luxen-whatever.
I faced him completely, peering up at him. You are a good person.
Daemon grinned, his eyes twinkling. Kitten, you and I both know thats incredibly rare.
No-
He placed a finger over my lips. I make terrible decisions. I can be a dickhead and I do it on purpose. I tend to bully people into doing what I want. And I let everything that had happened with Dawson amplify those
uh, personality traits. But- He removed his finger, and his grin spread into a smile. But you
you make me want to be different. Thats why I didnt kill Blake. Its why I dont want you making those decisions or for you to be around me if I am choosing those things.
Overwhelmed by what hed admitted, I didnt know what to say. But he lowered his head and kissed me, and I learned that sometimes when someone says something so devastatingly perfect, there isnt a need for a response. The words said it all.
I spent Saturday morning with my mom. We had a greasy, artery-killing breakfast at IHOP and then wasted a couple of hours dollar-store shopping. Usually Id rather pluck my eyelashes out than meander those aisles, but I wanted to spend time with her.
Tonight, Daemon and I were meeting Blake-only us, per his request. Matthew and Andrew were going to play parking-lot spies as backup, since Dee and Dawson, for very different reasons, had been banned from coming within a mile of the place.
There was no telling what was going to happen, though. This could be my last Saturday, my last anything with my mom. And that made the whole experience bittersweet and scary. So many times over breakfast and while in the car I wanted to tell her what was going on, but I couldnt. And even if I could, the words probably wouldnt have come out. She was having fun-thrilled to spend time with me-and I couldnt bring myself to ruin it.
But the what-ifs haunted me. What if this were a trap? What if the DOD or Daedalus took us in? What if I became Beth and my mom never heard from me again? What if she moved back to Gainesville to escape the memory of me?
By the time we got home, I was pretty sure I was going to hurl. My stomach twisted and turned around the food. It was so bad that I went to lie down while Mom got some sleep before her shift started.
About an hour of staring at the wall later, Daemon texted and I responded, telling him to let himself in. No sooner had I hit send than I felt warmth shooting across the back of my neck and I rolled toward the door.
Daemon made no sound as he eased my door open and slid though, a wicked glint in his eyes. Your moms asleep?
I nodded.
His gaze searched my face, and then he shut the door behind him. A heartbeat later, he was sitting beside me, brows drawn tight. Youre worried.
How he knew was beyond me. I started to tell him that I wasnt worried, because I hated the idea of him stressing out over me or thinking I was weak, but I didnt want to be strong right now. I needed comfortI wanted him . Yeah, a little.
He smiled. Its going to be okay. No matter what, Im not going to let anything happen to you.
Daemon ran the tips of his fingers down my cheek, and I realized then that I could have both. I could freak out a little on the inside and need him, but I could still be strong enough to get up at six and meet our fate head-on. I could be both.
God, I needed a little of both.
Wordlessly, I scooted over, giving him room. Daemon slid under the covers, throwing a heavy arm over my waist. I curled against him, resting my head under his chin, my hands folded on his chest. Using my fingers, I drew a heart above his, and he chuckled.
We lay there for a couple of hours. Sometimes talking and laughing quietly, making sure we didnt wake my mom. For a while, we dozed together and then Id wake, tangled in his arms and legs. Other times, we kissed and the kissing
well, it took up most of the time.
He was just so damn good at it.
My lips felt swollen as he grinned at me, his lids heavily hooded, but behind those lashes, his eyes were like the color of dewy spring grass. Along the nape of his neck, his hair curled. I loved running my fingers through it, straightening the strands out and watching them spring back into place. And he liked when I played with it. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head to the side so I got better access, much like a cat stretching to be petted.
Ah, the little things in life.
Daemon caught my hand as I slid it around, over the thick muscles in his neck. He brought my palm to his lips. My heart did the flutter thing, and then he kissed me again
and again. His hand moved to my hip, his fingers curling into the denim before slipping under the hem of my shirt, causing my pulse to pound through me. He rolled over me, his weight doing crazy things to my stomach.
As his hand crept up, my back arched. Daemon-
His mouth silenced whatever it was that I was going to say, and my brain emptied. There was just him and me. What we had to do later simply disappeared off my worry radar. I moved, throwing a leg over his and my-Footsteps trotted down the hall.
Daemon faded out above me, reappearing at my desk chair. Grinning shamelessly, he picked up a book as I fixed myself.
Books upside down, I taunted, smoothing my hand over my hair.
Laughing under his breath, he turned it over and cracked it open. With seconds to spare, Mom knocked on the door and then opened it. Her eyes shot from the bed to the chair.
Hello, Ms. Swartz, Daemon said. You look well-rested.
I shot him a look and then clamped my hand over my mouth, stifling my giggles. Hed picked up one of the historical romance novels with the bodice-ripping, barrel-chested covers.
Mom arched a brow. Her expression basically read WTF, and I almost lost it. Good evening, Daemon. She turned to me, eyes narrowing.
Codpiece? Daemon mouthed, rolling his eyes.
Bedroom door, Katy. Mom headed back to the door. You know the rules.
Sorry. We didnt want to wake you.
How considerate, but it stays open.
When her footsteps receded, Daemon chucked the book at my head. I raised my hand, stopping it so that it hovered, and snatched it out of the air. Nice reading material.
His eyes narrowed. Shut up.
I giggled.
There was no laughter as we pulled into Smoke Hole Diners parking lot a little before six. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Matthews SUV parked in the back. I seriously hoped he and Andrew paid attention.
The DOD isnt going to bust up in here, Daemon said, pulling out the keys. Not in public.
But Blake could freeze the entire place.
So can I.
Oh. Ive never seen you do that.
He rolled his eyes. Yes, you have. I froze the truck. Remember? Saved your life and all?
Ah, yes. I fought a grin. You did do that.
He reached over, flicking me gently under the chin. Yeah, you better remember that. Plus, Im not a show-off.
Opening the door, I laughed. You? Not a show-off? Okay.
What? Fake outrage crossed his face as he shut the door and loped around the front of the SUV. Im very modest.
If I remember correctly, you said modesty was for saints and losers. The bantering helped ease my nerves. Modest is not a word Id use to describe you.
He dropped his arm over my shoulder. I never said such a thing.
Liar.
Daemon shot me a roguish grin as we headed in. I scanned the restaurant for Blake, my gaze dipping over the natural rock clusters jutting out of the floors and beside the booths, but he wasnt here yet. The server seated us in a booth near the back, cozied up to the roaring fireplace. I tried to keep myself busy by ripping the napkin into tiny pieces.
Going to eat that or are you making homemade hamster bedding? he asked.
I laughed. Organic kitty litter, actually.
Nice.
A redheaded waitress appeared, wearing a bright smile. Daemon, how are you doing? Havent seen you in ages.
Good. How about you, Jocelyn?
Of course I had to give her more than a passing look, since the two were on a first-name basis. Not out of jealousy or anything. Yeah, right. Jocelyn was older than us but not by much. Maybe early twenties, but she was really, really pretty with all that red hair piled up in thick curls, surrounding a porcelain complexion.
Okay, she was beautiful
as in, Luxen beautiful.
I sat straighter.
Ive been real good, she said. I stepped down from managing since the babies. Working part-time instead, since theyre a handful, but you and your family should visit soon, especially since
She looked at me for the first time, and her smile drooped. Since Dawson has come back. Roland would love to see both of you.
Total alien , I thought.
Wed love to do that. Daemon glanced at me and winked slyly. By the way, Jocelyn, this is my girlfriend, Katy.
I felt a ridiculous surge of pleasure as I extended my hand. Hi.
Jocelyn blinked, and Id swear her face got even whiter. Girlfriend?
Girlfriend, Daemon repeated.
She recovered fast and shook my hand. A faint spark jumped from her skin to mine, and I pretended not to notice. Nice
nice to meet you, she said, quickly releasing my hand. Uh, what can I get you two?
Two Cokes, he ordered.
Jocelyn skedaddled off after that, and I raised my brows at Daemon. Jocelyn
?
He slid over another napkin for my pile. Are you jealous, Kitten?
Pfft. Whatever. I stopped tearing. Okay, maybe a little until I realized she was in the ARP.
ARP? He stood, coming to my side while saying, Scoot.
I scooted over. Alien Relocation Program.
Ha. He dropped his arm over the back of the booth and stretched out his legs. Yeah, shes good people.
Jocelyn returned with our drinks and asked if we wanted to wait until our friend joined us to place our orders. That was a big fat no. Daemon ordered a meatloaf sandwich while I decided to eat half his order. I wasnt sure I could stomach anything more.
He angled his body toward mine as soon as he finished deciding between fries and mashed potatoes-fries won. Nothings going to happen, he said, voice low. Okay?
Putting on a brave face, I nodded as I looked around the diner. I just want to get this over with.
Not even a minute later, the bells above the door jingled and before I could glance up, Daemon stiffened beside me. And I knew-I knew right then. My stomach lurched into my throat.
Spiky, bronze-tipped hair-styled messily with a ton of gel-came into view, and then hazel eyes locked on our table from the door.
Blake was here.
Armentrout, Jennifer L.
Opal ( A Lux Novel)
Chapter 12
Blake had a confident air about him as he walked up to our table, but it had nothing on Daemons deadly swagger or the cool and arrogant smile he was wearing that instant. It was a purely predatory look.
Suddenly, I wasnt sure a public place was a good idea.
Bart, Daemon drawled, his fingers tapping along the booth behind me. Its been so long.
I see you still havent figured out my name. Blake slid into the seat across from us. His gaze dropped to the pile of torn napkins, then to me. Hey, Katy.
Daemon leaned forward. The smile was still on his face, but his words were like the arctic winds. You dont talk to her. At all.
There was no stopping He-Man when he came out to play, but I pinched him under the table. Daemon ignored me.
Well, only talking to you is going to make this conversation real rough.
Like I care? Daemon said, placing his other hand on the table.
I exhaled slowly. Okay. Lets get to the point. Where are Beth and Chris, Blake?
Blakes gaze slid to mine again. I-
A current of electricity coursed from Daemons hand and shot across the table, shocking Blake. He jerked back with a hiss, his eyes narrowing on Daemon.
Daemon smiled.
Look, you tool, you cant intimidate me this time. Blakes voice dripped contempt. So youre just wasting time and pissing me off.
Well see about that.
Jocelyn returned with Daemons massive meal and took Blakes order. Like me, he only requested a soda. When we were alone once more, I focused on Blake.
Where are they?
If I tell you, Id have to trust that you two, plus anyone else, arent going to give me a cement swim.
I rolled my eyes at the mafia reference. Trust is a two-way street.
And we dont trust you, Daemon threw out.
Blake drew in a long breath. I dont blame you. Ive given you no reason to trust me other than the fact I didnt tell Daedalus about how well the mutation held.
And I bet either your uncle-Vaughn-stopped you from turning me over, or you thought he was doing his job, I countered, trying not to remember the look of horror that had settled on Blakes face when his uncle betrayed him. He didnt deserve my sympathy. But he screwed you over for money.
Blakes jaw worked. He did. And he put Chris in danger. But its not like I havent had to convince them otherwise after the fact. They think Im happy to be an implant. That Ive drunk the Kool-Aid and asked for seconds.
Daemon snickered. To save your own ass, Im sure.
He ignored that comment. The fact is, Daedalus doesnt believe youre a viable subject.
How do you know? Daemons fingers tightened on his fork.
Blake shot him a duh look. The only real wild card here is Will. Obviously he knew and used that knowledge.
Will isnt our biggest or most annoying problem right now. Daemon took a bite, chewing slowly. You either have a lot of courage or are incredibly stupid. Im going to go with the incredibly stupid part.
Blake snorted. Yeah. Okay.
A dangerous look shadowed Daemons face, and for a moment, no one moved as Jocelyn returned with Blakes drink. The second she was gone, Daemon leaned forward, his eyes starting to shine behind his lashes. We gave you a chance and you came back here after you killed one of our own. You think Im the only person you have to look over your shoulder and watch out for? Youre so wrong.
A thread of fear finally showed in Blakes churning eyes, but his voice was even. The same goes for you, buddy.
Daemon sat back, eyes hooded. As long as were on the same page.
Back to Daedalus, I said. How do you know theyre watching Dawson?
Ive been watching you guys, and Ive seen them hanging around. He leaned against the booth, folding his arms. I dont know how much work Will did to get him free, but I doubt he pulled the wool over anyones eyes. Dawson is free because they wanted him to be free.
I glanced at Daemon. Blakes suspicions mirrored our own, but that was another problem for another day, it seemed.
Blakes gaze fell to his glass. Heres the deal. I know where theyre keeping Beth and Chris. Ive never been there, but I know someone who has and can give us the security codes to get into the facility.
Hold up, I said, shaking my head. So you cant really get us in. Someone else can?
Go figure. Daemon chuckled. Biff is virtually useless.
Blakes lips thinned. I know what level and cell theyre being kept in, so without me, youd just be running around the compound begging to be captured.
And my fist is begging to be in your face, Daemon shot back.
I rolled my eyes. Not only are you asking us to trust you but to trust someone else?
That someone else is just like us, Katy. Blake dropped his elbows on the table, rocking his glass. Hes a hybrid but has gotten out from under Daedalus. And as expected, he hates them and would love nothing more than to screw with them. Hes not going to lead us astray.
Yeah, I wasnt liking any of this. And how does anyone get out from under Daedalus?
Blakes smile lacked warmth. They
disappear.
Oh, well that sounded reassuring. I tucked my hair back on both sides, feeling cagey. Okay, say we do this; how do you get in contact with him?
You wont believe anything unless youre there to witness it for yourselves. And he was right about that. I know where to find Luc.
Daemons mouth curled. His name is Luc ?
Blake nodded. Hes not going to be reachable by cell or e-mail. Hes kind of paranoid about the government tapping cells and computers. Well have to go to him.
And where is that? Daemon asked.
Every Wednesday night he hangs at a club a few miles outside of Martinsburg, Blake explained. Hell be there this Wednesday.
Daemon laughed, and I wondered what the hell he found so funny. The only clubs in that part of West Virginia are strip clubs.
You would think that. Smugness crept over Blakes expression. But this is a different kind of club. He glanced at me. Females dont show up in jeans and sweaters.
I gave him a bland look as I plucked a fry from Daemons plate. What do they show up in? Nothing?
The closest thing to nothing. His smile was real now, causing the green in his eyes to sparkle, reminding me of the Blake I first met. Bad for you. Yay for me.
You really want to die, dont you? Daemon said.
Sometimes, I think so. There was a pause, and his shoulders rolled. Anyway, we go to him, hell get the codes, and then its on. We go in, you get what you want, and I get what I want. You guys will never see me again.
Thats pretty much the only thing youve said so far that I like. Daemons sharp gaze landed on Blake. The thing is, Im having a hard time believing you. You say this hybrid is in Martinsburg, right? There isnt any beta quartz near that place. How come he hasnt become some Arums afternoon snack yet?
A mysterious glimmer filled Blakes eyes. Luc can take care of himself.
Something wasnt right here. And wheres the Luxen hes tied to?
With him, Blake said.
Well, that answered that question, but still, none of this sat well with me. Crap, this whole situation was looking dicey, but what choice did we have? We were already in deep. Might as well go in over our heads-sink or swim, as my dad would say.
Look, Blake said, fixing a steady stare on Daemon. What happened with Adam-I never wanted that. And Im sorry, but you of all people have to understand. Youd do anything for Katy.
I would. A faint tremor coursed through Daemon. Static built, raising the tiny hairs on my body. So, if for one moment I think youre about to screw us, I wont hesitate. You wont get a third chance. And you havent seen what Im fully capable of, boy.
Understood, Blake murmured, his eyes downcast. Are we on?
The million-dollar question-were we really going to do this? Daemons heartbeat calmed, and I felt it in my own chest. His mind was made up. Not only would he do anything to keep me safe, hed do anything for his brother.
Sink or swim.
I lifted my lashes and met Blakes eyes. Were on.
I spent the bulk of Sunday at Daemons house, watching a marathon of Ghost Investigators with the brothers while I waited for-er, stalked-Dee. She had to come home sometime. Thats what Daemon said.
It was almost dusk when she returned. I hopped up from the couch, startling Dawson, who had dozed off around hour four of things that go bump in the night.
Is everything okay? He was wide awake now.
Daemon scooted over, taking my spot. Everythings fine.
His brother stared back for a long second and then refocused on the TV. Knowing what I wanted to do without even telling him, Daemon nodded.
Dee started for the stairs without saying a word. Do you have a couple of minutes? I asked.
Not really, she threw over her shoulder as she continued up the stairs.
I squared my shoulders and followed. Well, if you only have a minute, then Im taking up that minute.
Stopping at the top of the stairs, she turned around. For a moment, I thought she might push me down the steps, which would totally derail my make-up plans. All right, she said, and then sighed as if shed been asked to recite trig formulas. We might as well get this over with.
Not the way I wanted to start this conversation, but at least she was talking to me. I followed her into her bedroom. Like every time before, I was overwhelmed by the amount of pink . Pink walls. Pink bed coverings. Pink laptop. Pink throw carpet. Pink lampshades.
Dee moved to the window seat and sat, crossing her slender ankles. What do you want, Katy?
Mustering courage, I took up residency on the edge of her bed. All day, I had planned out this long speech, but suddenly, I just wanted to grovel at her feet. I wanted my best friend back. A look of impatience pinched her delicate features, and my stomach fell.
I dont know where to start, I admitted quietly.
She drew in a heavy breath. Maybe start with why you lied to me for months?
I flinched, but I deserved that question. The night in the clearing, when we fought Baruck, I dont know what happened, but Daemon didnt kill him.
You did? She stared out the window, idly playing with a dark curl.
Yeah
I connected with him-with you. We
we think it was because Daemon had healed me before. Somehow those healings had already blended us together. Leftover fear from that night surfaced, coiling my insides tightly. But I was hurt-really badly, I guess, and Daemon healed me after you left.
Her shoulders tensed. The first lie, right? He told me you were fine, and I was stupid for believing him. You looked
really bad. And afterward, when Daemon was gone, you didnt act right. I shouldve known something was up. She gave a little shake of her head. Anyway, you couldve told me the truth. I wouldnt have flipped out or anything.
I know. I rushed to agree. But we werent sure what really happened. We thought it would be best not to say anything until we found out. And by the time we realized we were connected somehow, everything
everything else was going on.
Blake? She spat out the name, dropping the piece of her hair.
Him
and other things. I wanted to sit beside her, but I knew not to push it. Things started happening to me. I would want a glass of tea, and the glass would fly out of the cupboard. I couldnt control it, and I was so afraid of exposing you guys somehow.
She looked at me then, lashes lowered. You told Daemon, though.
I nodded. Only because I thought maybe he knew what was happening, since he healed me. It wasnt because I trusted him more than you.
Dees lashes lifted. But you stopped hanging out with me.
My cheeks flushed with shame. I had made so, so many poor decisions. I thought it was the right thing to do. That if I ended up moving something without meaning to around you, I didnt want you to get caught up in it.
She barked a short laugh. Youre so like Daemon. Always thinking you know better than everyone else. I started to respond, but she went on. The funny thing is, I couldve helped you. Water under the bridge now, though.
Im sorry. I wished those two words could take back everything I had done wrong. Im really-
What about Blake? Her hard stare met mine.
My gaze went to my hands. I didnt know what he was at first. Honestly, I liked him because he was normal. He wasnt like Daemon and I thought
I thought I didnt have to question why Blake seemed to like me. I laughed, the sound just as harsh as Dees. I was an idiot. Right off, Daemon didnt trust Blake. I thought he was jealous or just being Daemon. But then there was this Arum that came into the diner when I was with Blake, and I found out what he was.
Dee faded out and reappeared by her dresser, hands on her hips. So, let me get this right. There was an Arum, and never once did you think about telling me or any of the others?
I twisted toward her. I did, but Blake killed that one and Daemon knew. And we were watching for them-
Sounds like a lame excuse to me. Was it an excuse? It was, because I shouldve told them. I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. Her eyes flashed bright. You have no idea how hard it was to keep everything from you in the beginning! How worried I was that youd get hurt just being around us and
Dee stopped, closing her eyes. I cant believe Daemon kept this from me.
You shouldnt be upset with Daemon. He did everything to stop this. He didnt trust that Blake just wanted to help control my abilities. It was my fault. And the guilt gnawed away at me, bit by bit. I thought that Blake could help me. That if I knew how to control my abilities, I could fight-I could help you guys. You would no longer need to protect me or be worried about me. I wouldnt be your problem.
Her eyes snapped open. You were never a problem to me, Katy! You were my best friend-my first, only real friend. And yeah, Im a little slow on how the whole friendship thing works, but I do know that friends are supposed to trust each other. And you shouldve known that I never saw you as being weak or a problem.
I
I puttered out, not knowing what to say.
You never believed in our friendship. Wetness gathered in her eyes, and I felt like the biggest tool ever. Thats the part that kills me. From the beginning, you didnt believe in me.
I did! I started to stand, but I froze. I made stupid decisions, Dee. I made mistakes. And by the time I realized how bad my mistakes were, it was
Too late, she whispered. It was too late, wasnt it?
Yeah. I took a breath, but it got stuck. Blake was who he was, and everything that happened was because of me. I know that.
Dee came forward, her steps measured and slow. How long did you know about Beth and Dawson?
I lifted my gaze, meeting hers. A huge part of me wanted to lie-wanted to say it wasnt until Will confirmed it, but I couldnt. Before Christmas break, I saw Beth. And then Matthew confirmed that if Beth was alive, Dawson had to be.
She sucked in a cry and her fingers curled in. How
how dare you?
I could tell she wanted to slap me, and my cheek stung even though she hadnt. I kind of wished she would. We didnt know if we could find him or get him back. We didnt want to get your hopes up only for you to lose him again.
Dee stared at me like she didnt even know me. That is the stupidest thing Ive ever heard. Let me guess, it was Daemons idea? Because it sounds like him. Hed want to protect me at the same time as he was holding me back-hurting me.
Daemon-
Dont, she said, turning away. Her voice shook. Dont defend him. I know my brother. I know he has good intentions that usually just suck. But you-you know how much losing Dawson hurt. It wasnt just Daemon who lost his shit. I may not have moved the house off the foundation, but a part of me died the day I was told he was dead. I deserved to know the moment you thought he was alive.