Misguided Ghosts

Chapter Seven

Seven - Ed

I didn't mind that Tay had fallen asleep on me. She had looked so drained all morning - clearly, being asleep for two months hadn't done her any favours. Everything was so huge for her: she was rediscovering what remained of her life. Tay falling asleep on me was something tangible; some form of proof that she was still recovering, that her waking up was a miracle, but it didn't mean that she had completely recuperated. I closed my own eyes, feeling completely relaxed and as if a great weight had vanished from my chest.

A sudden burst of heat flared through the room. Instinctively, my grip around Tay tightened, bringing her closer to me and shielding her from whatever danger was in front of us. As if sensing the danger, she turned her face towards me, hiding in my armpit.

"Edward," A voice purred. My stomach clenched with nerves.

I let out a deep breath before opening my eyes to look at the intruder. But before looking at him, I kissed Tay's temple and gently slid out of my seat, doing my best not to disturb her.

"Caleb," I greeted him coldly, narrowing my eyes. "Long time, no see,"

"Indeed," He agreed. "And I see that Tay has finally woken up. You must be over the moon." He spoke without any emotion, his voice just as cold as his glimmering green eyes.

"Thrilled," I said icily. "What do you want?"

"I want... My share of our agreement."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said through clenched teeth, refraining from punching him in the face.

A smirk twisted his full lips. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. You promised you'd rescue her. I simply... Lent a hand."

"That doesn't mean I agreed to anything!" I shot back, struggling to keep my voice quiet.

"You made the promise," He said silkily. "You knew you'd do anything to have her back. So this is that anything."

"What's that meant to mean?" I asked, a wary tone creeping into my voice.

"What it means," Caleb said, sounding increasingly irritated. "Is that all you have to do is repay me and she's yours for the rest of your short, wretched existence."

"My existence isn't wretched," I snarled, clenching my fists.

"Oh, but it was," He simpered. "You had your whiskey, your cat and your comatose girlfriend. Now, to payment. I think you know what I want from you."

My chest tightened. My voice came out as a whisper. "No,"

"No?" He said, in a high, mocking voice. "Last time I checked the 'Dead Man's Rulebook', you have to do as I say."

"Anything but that," I protested.

Caleb's green eyes glittered with malice. "Too late, princess,"

"Go to hell," I snapped.

"I'd love to, darling, I miss it terribly."

He snapped his fingers and pain flared across my chest, forcing me to my knees. Caleb sauntered over to me and gripped my jaw, forcing me to look into his dark green eyes.

"Why must you make everything so difficult?"

My heart was pounding, blood rushing to my ears. I felt myself begin to tremble because of his grip around my jaw and neck. I couldn't show him how scared I was. But my pulse jumping underneath his fingers was more than a giveaway. My breath came out hard and fast, as if I had run a long distance. His grip tightened around my neck, making it harder for me to breathe.