Frost at Birth (RotG)

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

*Brandon's POV*

I stood in my room, banging my head against a wall. I hurt her. She would never speak to me again. I just met her, I only just started to get to know her after eight years of protecting her, and now this? Now I couldn't ever get close to her again?

I decided to push everyone away. Then Pitch could have no leverage to use against me. Whatever respect I felt for Jack, I needed to get rid of it. Now.

So I pushed myself up and stormed down the halls to the infirmary. I found the Guardians coming back up the halls and ran over to Jack. "Tell me what else you lied about." I hissed, unwanted tears springing to my eyes.

"What?"

I pushed him back by the shoulders. "Lie to me again! Tell me what you did!"

This time when I pushed him, he fell to the ground and knocked over a few elves. "Brandon--"

"Don't 'Brandon' me! Lie to me! Hit me! Make me hate you all over again! It's what you deserve!"

I balled by fist and tried to hit him, but a strong arm held me back. North clucked his tongue. "No hitting in Workshop."

I squirmed and got free of his hold. "Jack, lie to me. Get up and hit me. Just make me hate you, now." When he didn't move my tone got harsh. "NOW!"

They all stared at me, Jack in wordless fear. They were all wondering what had caused me to act like this. I turned and stalked away, trying to keep my anger up, but failed the moment I walked outside. The cold air refreshed me and reminded me yet again that I was Jack's son, I couldn't just hate him and get away with it. Especially not since he'd been trying to fix things since the moment I got back.

I walked for hours, just wandering and thinking, when I realized that Abigail wasn't at the Workshop. I hadn't seen her and she hadn't come when I'd been yelling. Where was she?

I wasn't supposed to care, according to Pitch, but I couldn't stop myself from being worried. I couldn't call the deal off, he'd hurt her again. Not until it was completely gone. Then my first deal would still stand and he wouldn't be able to touch her again or make it reappear.

I hoped she hadn't left or gone after Pitch. He'd take the chance and ruin her.

*Abigail's POV*

"Pitch?"

"Ah, now she comes to me. Sweet Abigail."

I looked around the shadows, trying to find him. Suddenly he leaped out and I gasped in surprise. His appearance scared me. "What is it you want? Why are you here?"

"I want to know about every deal you've ever made with my brother."

"I have never made deals with Dylan."

Gritting my teeth, I hissed, "Brandon. The one you make deals with constantly."

"Are you sure? You are meant to be innocent."

"Everything." I spat.

He nodded with a wicked smile. "Please, sit. It will take a while. He and I have been negotiating for nearly a decade."

I glared, but sat on the ground cross-legged. He stood in front of me, leaning on an intimidating scythe. "The first was the fifth anniversary of your mother's death." I glared stronger and he ignored me. "He came to me, understandably angry with me, and said he'd do anything to keep you safe."

His tone made me frustrated. He acted as if he was telling a story. "What did you get out of it?"

"His service. He would do what I asked, unless it required him to hurt someone."

He continued telling me about all of these deals. With every one, Brandon's actions got worse. He attacked humans, was banned to speak to me or the Guardians for a year, and other things like that. The only thing it seemed he had refused to do was mess with Jamie.

"That brings us to the present." He said.

"Hang on. You skipped one. Three hours ago when he was here, you two struck a deal."

He smiled. "Very observant one you are. And you're right, but I cannot tell you what we bargained, it would ruin the surprise."

"Surprise?"

"I've said too much to you already, love spirit. Now leave me be."

"...Love what...?"

He flicked his hand and I flew back toward the door. It slammed shut behind me, leaving me in the dark outside.

I wandered around, knowing Pitch couldn't hurt me anymore, and just thought. I was used to solitude, the sudden onslaught of people and things to do had been making my head spin. I needed a short breather.