Chapter 28
A Dark Power
The gaping hole in Leah’s head.
Blood and brain oozing out.
I closed my eyes and drew in a few shuddering breaths, shoving the memories away, ready to be stronger than thatif I’m to live in this world.
I tried to call Ethan, BJ, and Jodie, but none of them answered. I needed a distraction, something to think about other than the children, witches, vampires, and death. Anything. A bottle of vodka would be effective. After all, drinking was what Georgie and Josh had done all afternoon. In the end, because I didn’t want to deal with the inevitable hangover, I washed and blow-dried my hair, leaving the soft brown waves cascading over my shoulders, and put on makeup: smoky-gray eyeshadow, a soft rose blush and a nude lip gloss. Then I went to the closet, which held so many beautiful clothes that Karson had bought for me. When I’d protested at the excessive amount he’d spent, he’d dismissed it as if it was no big deal. For a billionaire it probably was no big deal, but to me it was more clothing than I’d owned in my entire life. I pulled on a pair of fitted stretchy black leather pants that Dahlia had gifted me—my warrior pants, she’d coined them. Easy to move and fight in, and the tough fabric wasimportant in a battle. There was a plethora of blouses with soft, quality fabric, but I opted for a simple fitted black tank top. I wanted to put on heels, but my ankle was still tender, so I slipped on a pair of black leather sneakers. I didn’t know why I dressed up. The walls that surrounded me would barely notice. Karson might—if he was here.
He was.
Karson came out from the sitting room as I descended the stairs. He was wearing a pair of black slacks and a casual white top with three buttons open, revealing the sleek head of the raven on his chest. He ran his eyes over my attire and a small smile lifted the corners of his lips.
“Amelia. Is it safe to assume you have dressed to please me?” he crooned.
I raised my brows. “No need to guess who wins the biggest ego competition, is there.”
His smile grew. “I’ve never pretended to be humble.”
I smiled back. Of course I did; that’s the effect the vampire had on mere mortals like me.
“You look ravishing.” He kissed my cheek as I descended the last step, his hand slipping to the small of my back. “I love what you’re wearing,” he whispered into my ear. “But it would look far better on the floor.”
I laughed. “That’s so cheesy.” I poked him in the ribs, and he grunted, feigning pain, then chuckled. “I would have thought after six centuries you’d come up with something a little more original.”
“Alright.” The light danced in his hazel eyes, catching hints of gold that made them sparkle like dew on newly turning fall leaves. “How about … I love what you are wearing, but you’d look far better wearing me?”
Our laughter died as Josh rushed into the foyer, his hands wringing in front of him. “We have visitors.”
Karson asked, “Who?”
“I don’t know, a black car. The windows are so dark even I couldn’t see in.”
“How did they get in the gate?”
He grimaced. “I don’t know. It just opened for them. I’m guessing that means it’s witches.”
Karson’s jaw clenched. “Josh, take Amelia upstairs and stay with her.”
Josh looked at me hesitantly, as if seeking permission.
Monique and Michael appeared at our sides.
“Monique, sort her,” he snapped.
Before I could process the words, I was against a warm, soft chest, flying. Monique sat me down in the bedroom.
“Fucking seriously,” I hissed, straightening my top. “Did you really have to carry me? I have legs.”
“Stay here,” she snapped, throwing me a sharp look, and in a flash she was gone, the door shut behind her.
Horrid thoughts tumbled through my head. Would they stab him, or do some spell he couldn’t defeat? Was it Caron coming for me?
It was safer to stay in my room; he’d be ropable if I left. He could handle it. He’d been handling it for centuries. Still, there was no harm in hovering at the edge of the room just in case he needed me. I had some skills after all! I twisted the handle and pulled the door open slowly. Josh had made himself a human blockade. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and shook his head.
“Seriously,” I whispered.
