Jordan rubbed his hand over his face. “Fuck, I don’t want to know.” He was aware of her “abilities.” And yes, I put them in quotes because he didn’t buy into it. That didn’t mean he wasn’t extra cautious when she let me know to be careful. “One question. Gun?”
“A knife she gave me.”
“Jesus. I’ll make sure everyone is well equipped.”
“And you say you don’t believe her.”
The elevator stopped at Jordan’s home, the doors opening again. “Making sure my people are prepared doesn’t equal buying into what she’s saying.”
“Uh huh.”
He growled as he stepped off the elevator. I didn’t smile until the doors were closed and I was on the way to my apartment. They could believe whatever they wanted. I’d rather be covered as much as I could be. It only took one time for me to realize she knew what she was talking about, at least in these instances.
Two feet into my apartment, and I stopped. Forest’s aftershave hit me. The scent was subtle, but it was enough to make my feet cement to the floor as I inhaled his scent. He’d only been here two days, and he’d already left his mark. Although he’d done that a while ago on my heart.
Inside the closet with the hidden door and the secret wall, I found my vials and figured out what I wanted to bring with me—two syringes full, just in case. I strapped on a holster and put guns in them on either side of my abdomen.
Then I located the knife Colleen had gifted me. Tucked away in a drawer was a wooden box with my name carved on top. The knife wasn’t big. It was light, and Colleen had worked her magic on it. Not only did she find me a weapon I could easily handle and throw, but she put a spell on it. I was still skeptical, but I didn’t fuck around when my life and those of others were on the line.
I’d carried it with me numerous times but had never used it. The situations hadn’t called for it. Having it on me today made me wonder what was going to happen.
Fuck it. I didn’t want to know. Whatever took place, I’d handle it. The knife in my hand felt like any other. There was no sensation, no vibration like it was a badass object waiting to cut someone’s throat out. It was just a knife. I still wasn’t leaving without it.
Grabbing my phone, I sent a quick text to Forest.
Me: Everything good?
Forest: Yes, you don’t have to worry. No one is allowed to enter the office without a valid reason. I thought Micah would be the one I’d have to persuade into letting me do things. It’s Winnie. I’m a little scared of her if I’m telling the truth.
Me: Perfect. I want others to feel the same about her too.
Forest: I think you’re glossing over my fear.
Me: I’m not but you’ll do just fine. She wouldn’t harm you. Anyone who tries to hurt you, she’ll rip their arms off.
I wanted to say more, but I had to remember Forest didn’t have a burner phone like the rest of us did.
Forest: Are you busy today?
Me: I will be soon, but I’ll be here by the time you get home.
Yes, I said home. That was what my place was. A home for me and now one for Forest too. Whether he called it that was up to him.
Forest: I’ll see you then. Be safe.
Me: Always.
I meant, I was safe for me. I wasn’t safe for others. They should be very afraid when they saw me. I realized right away who the cockiest of them was. Confidence in this case would imply who was about to hurt me and the people I protected.
When I exited my apartment, I found Oleander waiting in the hallway.
“No Vail today?”
“He’s staying in, so I’m coming with you. Mom’s worried. She told me to put the talisman she gave me on.” He patted just below his throat. The leather cord with the paw print in metal sat beneath his shirt. Oleander had it most of his life. Others teased him for it when he was younger. I made sure they left him alone about it once I’d heard they were picking on him.
“I have my knife,” I said.
“Maybe I need another gun. Jordan said to make sure we were covered. You told him, didn’t you?”
