Chasing Demons (Book 2) Rated R

Chapter 39

~Aimee~

"You've got to stop looking at me like that," I said to Brandon as we walked back to Dannek castle.

"I'm not looking at you any type of way," he said, with a shrug. "Alright, alright, I am. Are you okay? You look so pale."

"I'm not okay. None of this is okay. How much has he told you?"

"Not enough," Brandon said. As if he'd ever reveal any of Christian's secrets. "I can see your skepticism on your face even if I can't hear it in your mind. I promise he's kept whatever he's been doing to himself. I don't know what has happened..."

"He's lied and manipulated me and treated me like a chess piece and I loathe him."

"You don't mean that."

"Don't tell me what I do or do not mean!" I snapped. The razor-sharp pain of dark magic sizzled across my skin. I drew in a sharp gasp.

All night, the magic had been acting with a mind of its own. It took everything I had in me to not let it take over.

During my entire conversation with Christian, my ghosts had lurked in the shadows outside in the forest. Even now, I couldn't quite shake the anger and bitterness in my heart.

I knew a part of it was mine, my anger, my hurt, but another part wondered how much of it was influenced by all the darkness in my soul and mind...

Had I been incredibly unfair and cruel to Christian? Maybe, but he certainly deserved it.

"I'm...look, I'm sorry. I just feel like crap."

Brandon nodded, his eyes crinkled at the corners. "You look like it too."

"Wow, thanks." My ghosts had begun a chant in my mind, a dozen voices, all talking at once, making my vision blur.

"Let's get you to your room to rest."

"Just shut up!" I snapped. Brandon's mouth opened into an o of surprise. "Not you. Sorry. Sorry, I don't...please, take me to Grandfather Nandru. Something's wrong and I need to get better. Fast."

"What are you feeling?"

He supported me most of the way back into the castle and when we emerged through into the foyer, Christian was mercifully nowhere to be found. I had no desire to hash anything out with him. If I never spoke to him again, it'd be too soon.

"Like I have a fever, out of breath, hot, cold. Most of all I feel like I can't control the magic."

"It's going to be okay," he said. "I know it's probably the last thing you want, but Christian might be able to help."

"No," I shook my head. We'd reached the double staircase now. I paused at the first step, unable to lift a foot.

"Here, I'll carry you."

"Took you long enough to offer," I panted. My heart was beating wildly in my chest. I tried to get it under control. I had to.

Brandon chuckled, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"What aren't you saying?" I asked just as he swung me up.

"Nothing. I'm sure Grandfather Nandru can help."

"Don't bullshit me. I get enough of that from Christian."

He blew out a breath as he climbed the stairs. Something about it could have been awkward, but I'd always felt at ease with Brandon. He was transparent and never hid his true motives. Unlike his cousin...

"I was just thinking about Milagros."

"Oh...I'm...I mean it seems pathetic to say but I'm sorry. Truly."