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He glances down at my hands. “What are you doing with that?”

A silent moment between us says everything. I know he can sense how I feel. Kai gives me a knowing look.

“I have to bring it,” I say, placing the grimoire back in my duffel and zipping it up.

“I can take it if you—”

“No, it’s fine.” Looking at the time, I throw my bag over my shoulder. “I’m ready to go.”

Kai and I make our way downstairs, where Alok and Jack stand on the front porch.

“Stop taking my damn smokes!” Jack says, taking his pack away from Alok.

“It’s your fault your body is addicted to them, I have grown to like them.”

“Then buy your own!” Jack says with a growl.

“Technically, I did.” Alok snickers.

“You were in my body, you asshole, and you used my money!” Jack retorts.

“I still bought them; deal with it, princess.”

“Why the fuck does everyone keep calling me that?” Jack’s face is twisted with frustration.

“Maybe because you bitch like one,” Alok mocks.

“Fuck you; just get your own from now on.”

“Can you give me a light?” Alok says with a smile.

Jack sneers at him, lighting up his own cigarette.

“It’s time to leave,” Kai announces, walking ahead of me.

I get it. He knows I’m in no position to keep these idiots in line right now. Despite that, I roll my eyes, walk over to my truck, and toss my bag in the middle of the back seat.

“Get the fuck in,” I say, stepping into the driver’s seat and starting the truck. The engine comes to life and I sit, waiting for them to all pile in.

“Why the hell do you get the front seat?” Alok asks Jack, annoyed.

“I’m taller,” Jack replies, looking down at him.

“By like an inch, and my horns should count. You’re what, six foot six? Kai should get it then, he’s like seven feet tall.” Alok looks over to Kai, eyeing him up and down.

I look away as Kai climbs in behind me.

“I’m six foot seven, not including my horns when they are present, but who’s counting. And I’m fine back here, I get carsick when I’m not driving.”

“Can Gods get carsick?” Jack asks, shutting his door.

“Apparently,” I say as I back out of the driveway.

“Do you have any known weaknesses I can exploit, Alok?” Jack asks.

“Nope, I’m perfect.”

My hand grips the steering wheel as I attempt to block out the bickering. I’m fairly convinced that I’m losing my mind, or under some kind of influence from the grimoire. At least I hope that explains it.