“What?!”
“Indigo is your responsibility. Do look after her.” Silas walked away. “Come with me, everyone. We have a battle to plan.”
“Son of a bitch,” Michael snarled as he backtracked. He snatched my hand and dragged me to the stairs.
Chapter Thirty
I expected the hounds to try another attack that night. No attack came. The next day was quiet as well. And the next. Meanwhile, Silas planned the attack on the peninsula. They decided to approach from the water. It would be easier to bring the entire Host through the ward at once. Then they wouldn't have to worry about me standing there, holding it open for very long. Silas also believed the hounds would pay more attention to the front of their property than the back. I didn't agree with him, but I didn't share my opinion.
On the third day, a woman came to the repaired gates of the Host house and demanded entry. She put up enough of a fuss that Silas came to fetch Michael. Because she was looking for Jake.
“Your fucking sister is here,” Silas said to Jake.
We'd been sitting in Jake's room, watching television, both of us solemn no matter what program came on. Silas had put Jake's recruitment duties on hold until after the attack.
Jake jumped to his feet. “Jackie's here?”
“Yes. And you will make her go away.”
“That won't be easy,” I said. “Jackie's a bulldog when it comes to defending her brother.”
“Perhaps, but her brother is going to make it clear that he wants to be here and there's nothing she can do about it,” Silas said. “Either that, or I'll welcome Jackie into the Host.”
Jake went still. “If you hurt my sister, I will shoot myself.”
“Oh, Jake,” Silas said. “Do you really think you're that valuable to me? Humans are everywhere. Michael will find a new host in seconds. And, frankly, you've become more trouble than you're worth. It might be better for Michael to pick a true believer.”
“Fine. You win,” Jake said and strode out of the room.
Silas grinned. “I always do.”
I started to leave, but Silas pushed me back. “Oh, no. You're staying here, little girl. I don't need you adding your brand of trouble to the mix.”
“You're the one who made a deal with Jackie,” I said. “Why don't you just deal with her?”
“Because she's here to see that her brother is safe. Only Jake can prove that to her.” He turned and left the room. As he shut the door, he said, “Just as safe as you are.”
I glared at the door.
Then I heard Jackie. She was not a woman to fuck with. Her voice filtered upstairs, full of determination and sass. But I couldn't make out the words, only the angry tone. Then the surprised one. Then she lowered her voice so that I couldn't hear anything.
I paced at the window, eager to know what was happening below. Finally, over an hour later, I saw Jackie leave.She stormed across the driveway, opened her car door, then stopped to stare up at the house. She flinched. I know Jackie spotted me. It had to be the reason for her reaction. I wanted to warn her, but if I did, she might come back inside. I had to get her to leave. So, I waved at her as if nothing were wrong.
Jackie just frowned at me, got in her car, and drove away.
I sighed in relief. The last thing I wanted was to see a woman I considered family drowned and brought back as one of Silas's minions.
Jake came into the room and slammed the door behind him.
“You okay?” I asked.
“No, I'm not fucking okay,” Jake growled. Then he grimaced and said, “Sorry, babe. Fuck, this is just so fucked up.”
I went over to Jake and hugged him. He folded himself around me and hugged me back. Tightly. Then he cried. I rubbed his back as he let it out, his crying turning into rough sobbing before it simmered into sniffles. Then Jake took a deep breath and let me go.
“Thank you.” Jake swiped at his face. “I just needed to let it out.”
“I know. Believe me.”
