Taming Amanda (Book 1) Jacob's Broken Mercenaries

Chapter 15

Amanda

I manage to calm down, three shots of scotch in, and I realize what a mess I made. I botched it like a girl, in the worst possible way.

"Don't beat yourself up. I should have warned you. It's horrifying everyone's first time. Sometimes I forget you're new to this life. Please, don't let it deter you."

Jacob tries to cheer me up, but it's useless. Ha, I knew from the get-go that I wasn't cut out for this. And just when I was starting to get used to the idea, reality comes and bites me in the ass.

"You don't believe me now, but you'll find your groove. Trust me, I've seen it." He's serious and as crazy as it sounds. I know he's telling me the truth.

"What are you?"

He dodges my question politely, running his fingers through his hair.

"Not today."

I know everyone has asked him, but I can't help wondering, even though I know he'll never answer.

Austin and Grayson come barrelling through the door. Grayson has Elliot in his arms. He's unconscious, and he doesn't look well. I don't see any injuries, but his skin is dim and pale. A Sheen of sweat coats his forehead and cheeks. Austin hands Jacob something that looks like a stick with a point.

"He was poisoned, but we don't know with what."

Jacob holds the stick up to his nose and takes a slow, deep whiff. He does this a couple more times, closing his eyes like he's in deep concentration.

"I think I know what it is, but I can't be sure. Get some cool cloths, he's running a fever. If you can't get it down, put him in an ice bath. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Hours later, I pace outside the room, overhearing Grayson blame Austin, Jacob, and me. I can't say he's wrong on my end I'm pretty sure my screaming put everyone in a panic, and I wasn't much help. I take Jacob's advice and don't feel sorry for myself. I won't give up either, but I will never repeat the same mistake. I'm worried for Elliot, and I feel bad for Grayson. He takes it really hard.

Austin steps out of the room and into the hallway, spotting me.

"How much did you overhear?"

I shake my head, holding back tears.

"He's not wrong, I freaked out!" I admit. Austin approaches me and then backs off before contact like he doesn't know what to do.

"Have you ever seen a demon before?"

I drop down to the floor against the opposite wall, placing my head on my knees.

"You know I haven't." I talk into my lap, feeling exhausted. He sits down next to me,

"And I have no idea what Cain is, but that even shocked me... None of this was supposed to happen."

I look at Austin, really look at him his beauty is hypnotic, surreal, and I have to blink to regain my focus.

"Is he going to be okay?" I ask. Austin sighs heavily, placing his hand on my knee. Contact from him of any kind is like a warm hug. His hand burns through my jeans.

"I don't know, to be honest, but he's strong and has made it through much worse."

We sit like that for a time until we hear Jacob calling. We both jump up as he whips around the corner.

"Where is he? We don't have much time."

Austin opens the door, directing Jacob. I get a glimpse and gasp. His skin has a blue tint, and his chest rises and falls in quick succession with shallow and sharp breaths.