Fire Breather

64.

   I found myself pacing outside of Violet's door on Saturday, my hands fidgeting with the ends of my braids while Garrick glared holes into the back of my head after I had to tell him who knew about our secret, and it didn't help that Aaric showed up to my door in the middle of that.

Ridoc and Sawyer were currently leaning against Violet's door, trying to hear my brother with her inside even though it was soundproof.

Bodhi, Rhiannon, Imogen, and Quinn leaned against the wall behind me, watching every step I took. And between them, Aaric had his arms folded across his chest.

"Your pacing is making me feel anxious, cousin," Bodhi hissed. "Stop it."

I whirled on him, pointing a finger at his chest. "We both know better than anyone here that we are in some seriously deep shit with Mr Shadow Wielder in there. You should be pacing!"

"Surely he won't be—" Aaric slammed his mouth shut when we both sent him a sharp look. "Never mind then."

"Do we really need him?" Garrick muttered, leaning against the wall across from us, near the door. "I mean, we could take his hand or something and use that, right?"

"Garrick, we are not hurting or killing him," I groaned, throwing my hands up for a brief moment before pacing again. "I swore to him that he wouldn't be harmed. I keep my promises."

"Do you?" He tilted his head at me in challenge.

I exhaled sharply through my nose in annoyance, pinning him with a glare. "If you want to start this argument in front of everyone, then be my guest. But you're the one that fucked up and I'm sure Bodhi would love to hear the details and kick your ass."

"Wait, what?" My cousin pushed off the wall, glancing between me and Garrick's wide eyes. "What the hell did you do, Tavis?"

Before they could get into an argument, the door yanked open and I halted in front of Aaric, my heart racing at the sight of my brother. Ridoc and Sawyer staggered forward, then slammed into the wards and fell to the hallway floor.

"It's soundproof when the door is closed, assholes," Xaden growled and then looked directly over my head. "And what the fuck is he already doing here?"

"He doesn't know why he's here," Bodhi said. "I just ordered him out of flight lessons."

"And you cannot hit him," I quickly added, my voice faltering when my brother glared at me. "So, you know everything then, I'm guessing?" I nervously laughed. "Remember all those times you said you would love me no matter—"

"You're so lucky I made a promise to father," he growled, and I took a step back, scratching the back of my neck.

Man, I was in some deep fucking shit...which was expected...but still fucking terrifying.

Violet hurried to his side as Ridoc and Sawyer picked themselves up and split.

"Figured you'd come for me sooner or later," Aaric said, his eyes narrowing on my brother, shining with nothing short of malice while I groaned.

One by one, Violet pulled us through the wards into her room, including Aaric who stayed by my side, hovering just inside the doorway, but Vi left the door open in case anyone needed a quick exit.

I often glanced over at Garrick beside my brother, glaring at Aaric and then the short space between us, making my eyes roll while Ridoc grinned like an idiot at the sight from beside Sawyer.

Violet turned to Aaric. "We need your help. And you can say no and walk away right now, but if I explain why we need you and you say no..."

"If we tell you why and you decline, you won't be walking away," my brother finished.