There was a moment of silence. “You’re mad at me.”
I squeezed my eyes shut until I saw white light. “You forgot me.”
Another stretch of silence followed. “I didn’t mean to forget you, Layla. After everything that happened last night with the possessed human, all of us were out late. It just...happened.”
A weird empty feeling opened up in my chest. “In all the years we’ve known each other, you’ve never forgotten me.” A dry lump formed in my throat. “I waited for you, you know? Then, like an idiot, I thought something had happened to you. So I embarrassed myself in front of the whole clan.”
“I heard that Nicolai offered to take you.”
Rehashing that made me feel so much better. “Just go away.”
Zayne seized the edge of the blanket, pulling it from my grasp. I desperately clamored for control of the blanket, but Zayne held it away from me. I gave up, falling onto my back. “You suck.”
“I’m sorry.” He looked exhausted. Faint shadows blossomed under his eyes, his hair was a mess, wavier than normal, and his shirt was rumpled. “Layla, I’m really sorry. I had every intention of coming back here on time. And I wanted to see you—I was worried about you. I just lost track of things.”
“You look terrible,” I said. “I guessed you stayed up longer than normal, huh?”
Zayne’s eyes narrowed. “No longer than I normally would if I’d been with you.”
But he hadn’t been with me. “Why did you tell Danika to keep an eye on me?”
He blinked. “So that’s what this—” he gestured at me “—is all about? You’re mad because I asked her to help you if you needed anything?”
“I’m mad because you left me hanging this morning, and yeah, I’m mad because you told her about my problem.”
“Layla, everyone here knows what you can do. It’s not a secret.”
I sat up, pushing the tangled mess of hair out of my face. “Not everyone knows how much I struggle with it! And you know that. But you told Danika.”
Confusion rippled across Zayne’s features. “I don’t get what the big deal is. It’s not like we were talking bad about you.”
“You don’t know what the big deal is?” I climbed out of the bed, ignoring the covers that spilled to the floor. Everything poured out of me. All the anger, frustration and confusion rushed to the surface. And there was biting grief making its way out, too, because it felt like I was losing him. “Do you know how embarrassing—how humiliating it is for people to think I’m that screwed up? Jesus. Jasmine already thinks I’m going to suck the souls out of her babies and now Danika follows me around in the middle of the night. That is, when she’s not following you around.”
“Jasmine doesn’t think that, Layla.” He twisted at the waist, thrusting his hand through his hair. “You’ve just been so wired lately. I thought it would be a good idea in case...”
I flinched. “In case of what, Zayne?”
“Layla, I didn’t mean anything by that.” He stood, raising his hands helplessly.
For some reason, my gaze fell on an old dollhouse in the corner of my bedroom. After all these years, I’d never had the heart to store it in the attic. Memories of forcing Zayne to play dolls with me seemed so long ago. Why was I holding on to them—on to him—when it was all so very pointless?
“You know, I don’t even think this morning or my asking Danika to help you have anything to do with why you’re acting this way,” Zayne said, his voice laced with frustration.
I frowned, turning back to him. “And why else would I be mad?”
“You’re pissed because Danika is here. You get like this every time she comes to visit, but it’s beyond obvious this time around.”
My mouth dropped open, and the weird icky, empty feeling spread. “You really think that’s it? That’s ridiculous. You made me feel like crap four times, Zayne.”
“Four? What in the Hell are you talking about?”
I raised my hand, ticking them off my fingers. “You threw me under the bus with the whole tagging thing, which you should be happy over, because after last night, I’m not tagging anymore. You told Danika to look after me just in case I go demon on everyone’s ass.” I knew how crazy this all sounded, but I couldn’t stop myself. “You didn’t even check on me last night. And you forgot me this morning to spend time with someone else!”
He crossed the room, stopping in front of me. “I suggested that you stop tagging because it’s dangerous for you, which turned out to be true, now didn’t it? I told Danika to keep an eye on you because I care about you. Strange concept, huh?” His pale eyes snapped fire, latching on to mine and holding them. “I didn’t come see you last night because I figured you were resting and I left immediately to hunt. And I’m sorry about this morning. I’m not replacing you, Layla. It was an honest mistake.”
“But you are replacing me!” Realizing what I had said, I clasped my hands over my mouth and backed off. Even worse were the tears building in my eyes.
His expression softened instantly. He reached for me, but I stepped back. Something akin to pain flickered over his face. “That is not the case.”
I lowered my hands to my sides. “But you’re spending so much time with her. I’ve barely seen you since she’s been here. She’s doing everything I...” I stopped, biting the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood. Stupid, stupid girl.
“It’s only been a few days. She’ll be leaving in a couple of weeks.” Zayne dragged his fingers through his hair again. “Please don’t be like this, Layla.”
Our eyes met, and I knew he was waiting for me to tell him it was okay. That I was cool with things now, and I wouldn’t be upset over Danika. I didn’t say anything, though, because I wasn’t okay with it and jealousy and bitterness were like bitter pills exploding in my stomach. This was more than a crush unreturned. He was my friend—the only friend who really knew me—and I was losing him.
Shaking his head, Zayne shrugged. Then he went to my bedroom door, stopping to look at me over his shoulder. “I am sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t make me feel any better,” I said just because I wanted to be a bitch.
A muscle ticked along his jaw. Several seconds passed before he spoke. “You know, you’re constantly griping about everyone treating you like a kid. It’s kind of hard to treat you as a grown woman when you act like this.”
Ouch. He could’ve hit me and it would have hurt less.
For a moment he looked like he regretted saying it, but the expression was lost as he rubbed his hand over his face. He opened the door. “By the way, Father spoke to the Alphas last night.”
My heart faltered in my chest. “The Alphas?”
He gave me a curt nod. “They’re coming here tomorrow.”
Everything else was forgotten in an instant—the whole thing with Lilith, even the sharp ache his words left behind. “Are you meeting with them?”
“No. They only want to speak with Father.”
I nodded slowly. “So I shouldn’t be here?”
“No. You shouldn’t be here.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The Alphas really were like the boogeyman to anything with a trace of demonic blood in its body. Even the Wardens weren’t entirely comfortable around them. I kept an eye on the clock, knowing they’d come before nightfall. I should’ve already left the house, but I really had no place to go and...and I wanted to see them again.
I puttered around the kitchen while Jasmine tried to get a snack in the twins before she settled them down for the night. Izzy and Drake were at the table, in full gargoyle mode. Their little black horns bobbed up and down as they giggled.
Jasmine stood between them, suddenly stiffening.
Her reaction caused a nervous flutter in my chest. I set my glass of juice down. “Are they here?”
“Not yet.” She smoothed her hands over the front of her cap-sleeved blouse. “But the men are preparing for their arrival.”
It was weird how they all were connected. Seconds later, I heard them moving around upstairs. I hadn’t seen Zayne all day. It was official. He was avoiding me. I needed to see him, because after staring at the ceiling all night, I knew I should apologize. I was putting too much on him, expecting things I shouldn’t be. He did care, but the warping was on my side, because what I felt for him was more than I should.
“Where are you going to go?” Jasmine asked, quickly cleaning away the boxes of apple juice and animal crackers.
I tucked my hair back. “I don’t know. I’m hoping I can find Zayne before they get here. If not, I guess I’ll hang out in the tree house.” Like a loser...
A tight look pinched her features. “How will you know when they’re gone?”
“I don’t know. If I can’t get ahold of Zayne, I guess someone will call me.” At least that was what I hoped. “How long do you—”
A loud rumble cut off my words. Glasses shook in the cabinet. Stainless-steel pots clanged off one another. I backed away from the counter, clasping my hands together. In an instant, all the air sucked straight out of the house. Static permeated the room. I didn’t dare move. Even the twins seemed to sense their arrival, staring wide-eyed at their mother.
Alphas sure loved their fancy entrances.
A burst of energy raised the tiny hairs on my body. The rumbling stopped and the air smelled of something musky and sweet. It wouldn’t smell like that to everyone. Heaven smelled however you wanted—like what you desired. Roses? Pancakes with maple syrup? Burnt rubber. Whatever. The last time they’d been here, it had smelled like winter mint to me.
Jasmine glanced at me, but I was already moving around the counter. Instinct told me they were in the library. I crept down the hall, stopping several feet away. Soft, luminous light seeped underneath the door, slipping across the maple floors, climbing the buttercream walls. The light pulsated, becoming more of a living entity as tendrils crossed the ceiling, dripping bits of bright light into shiny puddles on the throw rug.
It was the light people saw moments before they died. And it was beautiful. Heavenly. For some, there was nothing to fear in death. Not when this waited for them.
This was as far as I could go. They already knew I was here, somewhere in the house, but I couldn’t pull myself away. My throat started to burn, and my skin tingled. It was sheer torture to be near something so pure and not want to...well, devour its essence.
I knew I needed to leave, but I reached out, running the tips of my fingers through the light. Gasping, I jerked my hand back. It was hot—burning. My fingertips were pink and they throbbed. Thin wisps of smoke drifted from my hand.
Stepping back, I held my injured hand to my chest and, well, my chest ached for a whole different reason. I stared at the light as it continued to spread throughout the house, basking everything in its warmth.
I couldn’t go into the light. Not now and probably, not ever.
Harsh tears stung my eyes. I turned away then, grabbing my book bag from the now-empty kitchen, and left the house before the Alphas grew tired of my presence and took the choice of leaving from me.
* * *
Sitting on the stupid observation deck, I stared down at the screen on my cell phone and let out a juicy curse that would’ve burned the ears right off the Alphas. Dusk had fallen and tiny stars were starting to peek through.
Zayne hadn’t answered the first two times I’d called a half an hour ago.
Glancing down at my hand, I frowned at the bright pink skin on my fingers. Only I’d be dumb enough to try to touch heavenly light.
I reached around my neck and tugged on the chain so that the odd stone dangled just below my fingers. Smoothing my thumb over the jewel, I wasn’t able to stop the shudder of repulsion. I wanted to rip the ring off the chain and toss it into the bushes. I almost did, but when my fingers curled around it, I...I just couldn’t do it. Even if my mother was the Lilith, even if she hadn’t wanted me, I couldn’t throw the only thing I had of hers away.
Pushing my backpack aside, I wiggled through the opening and climbed down the boards nailed into the trunk of the tree.
After calling Stacey and getting no answer, I got a quick text back from her saying she was at the movies. Envious, I kicked a thick root breaking through the ground and I did it again—called Zayne.
The phone continued to ring several times and Zayne still didn’t answer. I cut the call off when his voice mail picked up. My heart rate kicked up, like it did every time he didn’t answer. Maybe it was a bit psycho stalker-ish, but even as mad as he was at me, he had to know that I was basically camped out in the damn tree house until someone remembered to call me.
Five minutes went by and I tried him again, hating myself for it. Because seriously, I was slipping into that desperate land again, the one inhabited by girls who made fools out of themselves over boys—boys who didn’t want them or couldn’t have them. My stomach was flopping all over the place, like it had last night, right before I said all those stupid, stupid things.
After the second ring, the call went straight to his voice mail.
What the...?
My stomach stilled—I stilled.
Everything around me seemed to go quiet as I listened to the automatic voice mail picking up. Numb, I pressed the end-call button and slowly lowered my hand. He’d sent me to voice mail. He’d actually sent my call to voice mail.
Who knows how long I stood there. It probably would’ve been much longer if I hadn’t heard the twig snap behind me.
Whipping around, I felt my heart drop to my sneakers. Petr stood in front of me, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans. The air had turned chilly, but he wore only a thin shirt. I couldn’t make out the design in the encroaching darkness.
Petr laughed—snickered really. “This is really too easy.”
“What is?” I took a step back, but kept my eyes trained on his.
A razor-sharp smile cut into his lips. “You’re out here? Hanging out in a tree house? How incredibly lame is that?”
Unease quickly flipped to annoyance. “What are you doing here?”
Petr looked around pointedly. “What does it look like? Bearing witness to your pathetic existence one last time.”
A ball of ice formed in my chest. “You were told to leave me alone.”
“Yeah, see, that’s the funny thing. I was told a lot of things.” He walked around me slowly, head down, much like the predator a Warden was. “How does it feel to be left outside like a mangy dog? Unwanted? Even Zayne seems to have grown tired of you.”
His words cut deep, because in a way, they were kind of true, except I was more like an unwanted mule than a mangy dog. But I refused to show any hurt. “How does it feel to be a perverted excuse for a male?”
Petr’s eyes narrowed into thin slits as he made another wide circle. “You know what’s so funny about all of this?”
“No. But I guess you’re going to tell me?”
He smirked. “You don’t even know why the Alphas are here. You don’t even know the real reason why the demons are sniffing after you.”
I curled my hand around the cell, feeling my pulse spike. “And you’re going to tell me?”
He shot forward so fast, I didn’t even see him move. Wrapping a long finger around the chain of my necklace, he tugged on it hard enough for it to bite into my skin. His gaze dropped to where the ring dangled. “You don’t even know what this is.”
Pulling the necklace out of his grip, I stepped back. Something in his words struck a deep nerve. Did he know about Lilith? It really didn’t matter. Alphas in the house be damned, I started around him.
He grabbed my arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”
I looked down at his hand, stomping down the sudden rush of dread. Showing fear was never a good idea. “Let go of me.”
Petr sneered, and warnings fired off left and right. Too far away from the mansion to be heard if I screamed, I also knew that anyone who’d come to my aid was otherwise occupied.
I squared my shoulders. “Do you remember what happened last time?”
Unconsciously, his hand went to the faint scar along his jaw. Zayne had given him that.
“I’m going to do worse to you than break your jaw if you don’t let go of me.”
Petr’s cold laugh came like a punch in the stomach, and a sinking, drowning feeling threatened to swallow me. “This should’ve been done a long time ago, but I’m glad it wasn’t. I’m going to have fun fixing it.”
In a cold moment of striking clarity, I realized that Petr wasn’t here to just talk crap to me. He was here to kill me. With that knowledge, I inhaled sharply, but panic punched the air out of my lungs. “You won’t get away with this.”
“Ah, I think I’ll be fine.”
Instinct kicked in. Lurching to the side, I surprised him and his grip loosened. Somehow I remembered that I held my phone in my hand. I tapped on the screen blindly, praying that it dialed