Darkest, BK 2 of Lightwalkers (completed)

VIII

Seth

I noticed a car parked out front of my townhouse as I pulled into the driveway. Bryson and some other guy in a suit climbed out of it as I shut off the engine.

"Awesome," I mumbled. Why was Bryson here now? Why couldn't he just have called me back like a normal person? I rubbed my temples, trying to sort out the noises in my head. Remi, Bryson, and the other guy's melodies all fought for my attention. This was getting old quick. I just wanted Jon home safe and some peace and quiet.

"Do you know them?" Remi asked. He'd been silent the entire ride home, just staring out at the afternoon sky and the American dream, I guess.

"Kinda," I said, pulling my keys from the ignition. I reached into the backseat for my bag and pulled out Dad's knife. It dulled the pain and helped me think a little. "One of them used to work with my Dad. I don't know the other." I left the knife on my seat and got out of the car, not really sure what to expect. Remi followed me but stopped and leaned against the end of the car.

"Hey Seth." Bryson walked over to me, but the guy in the suit kept his distance, distracted by his phone. "Who's your friend?"

There was an edge to his voice as he glanced over at Remi. Something wasn't right.

"What, I'm not allowed to have friends anymore? Who's your friend?" I felt my inner smart ass pouring out. I know it wasn't right taking my frustration out on him, but I couldn't help that he made it so easy.

He glanced at Remi again. "Can I talk to you, alone?"

I sighed and turned to toss my keys at Remi. He caught them without taking his eyes off Bryson and the suit guy. "Make yourself at home," I told him. "I'll just be a few."

"Sure," he said, grabbing his bag and heading inside.

"That kid's dangerous, Seth." Bryson said when we were alone. Well, mostly alone, the guy in the suit still hovered in the background.

I crossed my arms against my chest. "How exactly is he dangerous? Because of the way he dresses? Or is it his hair? The piercings, maybe?"

Bryson let out a frustrated sigh, "Look, he just is okay? He's a caster. Think of him like a mobster from the supernatural world."

I raised my eyebrows at him. "What?"

"Bryson." The guy in the suit finally stepped forward, shaking his head. He had that lawyer look to him, with close-cut blonde hair and sharp blue eyes. He held a hand out to me. "I don't think we've met yet. I'm Adrian Dorsey."

I shook his hand and instantly wished I hadn't. Electricity arched between our hands, and the noise in my head grew to new ear-splitting levels. I jerked my hand back, stepping away from him. His eyes grew round in surprise. Somehow, I think it took a lot to surprise him.

"I didn't want to believe you, Bryson," Adrian said, looking down at his hand then back at me.

"What the hell was that?" I rubbed my head, but it didn't do anything to ease the pain. The new caterwauling wasn't letting up. I needed my knife again.

I stumbled back towards the car and fumbled with the door.

"Seth?" Bryson's voice sounded worried.

Grabbing the knife, I sank onto the passenger's seat. I let the knife's magic do it's thing. It dulled the pain a bit. It still hurt, but not nearly as much as it had a few moments ago.

"Seth?"

I opened my eyes, not even remembering I'd closed them. Bryson lingered near me.

"What?" Even my voice sounded pained.