A Hunger to Share ( Book Two )

chapter 22

James

The ride to the Brooks manor was quiet.

James was too worried to talk. Artyom understood. His hand would rest on top of James's occasionaly. He appriciated it.

When they reached the manor James flew out of the car, and threw himself at the intercom, about to push the botton when a strong force yanked him off, pinning his back to the iron gate. He winced, fearing it was Mathias, but the man didn't look like him.

"Who are you?" The man asked, fingers of his right hand curled inward.

There only reason the Brooks had a warlock guarding their manor was that they already knew about Ada's pregnancy. This whole mess stank of Angelina. James was glad Ada was protected.

He was also hurt Ada hadn't told him. James knew they hadn't parted on friendly terms, but what about Jack? He was dating Nora. He must know. He hadn't told James either. That hurt even more.

"I'm not here to hurt anyone." James told the guard.

"Then leave before I rip your intestins out."

"I just want to see Ada. I'm...her friend." 

The warlock snorted. "Yeah, I'm sure you are." Then fisted his fingers.

James felt his lungs twisting in his chest. The guard was choking him. James clawed at his chest, trying to breathe, to convince the warlock he wasn't a threat.

"Let's try one more time. Who the hell are you?" The guard stoped choking him for a second.

James took a shaky breath. "I told you... I'm Ada's friend. The Brooks know me. Ask them."

"Name?" He demanded, still looking suspicious.

"Ja..." James started to tell him, but the sound of a gunshot rang in the cold night, making the man curse, and James to crumple to the ground, free of his magic. He massaged his chest and stood up.  

"Sorry it took so long. Couldn't find my damn rowan wood bullets. Are you all right?"

James blinked. Did Artyom just shoot someone to protect him? He was deeply touched and turned on at the same time. "Yeah. You didn't have to shoot him."

"Yes, I did." Artyom was still pointing the gun at the Guard, looking merciless, and determined.

"Bloody fucking hell." The man seethed, and touched his left kidney, then looked around, and his eyes found Artyom. "who the hell are you?" He snapped, pressing his hand onto the wound, trying to stop the bleeding.

"Your death, if you don't let us in." Artyom's voice was ice cold.

"No way. You just shot me." The man spat. He curled his fingers, ready to use his magic on them once more.

Artyom was faster. He fired for a second time, the bullet going straight through the man's palm. He cursed, looking pissed.

James sighed. "Guys, come on. Let's talk this out. No need for anymore violence."

"Tell that to your psycho boyfriend. What the hell is wrong with him?"

The Guard was probably already using his powers to heal himself although it would take longer because of the effects of two rowan wood bullets in his system.

"Well you did try to choke me." James said in what he hoped was a peaceful tone.

"Didn't kill you, did I? He still shot me. Twice."

James opened his mouth to say something comforting, but Artyom beat him to it. "I don't like it when people threaten my boyfriend."

His voice dripped with possessiveness, but instead of bothering James, it set his blood on fire. He mentally scolded himself. Now was not the time to get a boner.