Page 46 of Deceiver

“Okay, let’s get you off the floor and get you some water.”

“Will that help?”

“Maybe. Worth a try.”

“Just, uh, don’t leave me again. I can’t do this by myself.”

Wilder nods, a deep crease in his forehead. “I won’t leave again. When Calliope gets here, we’ll tell her about this situation. It sounds like there’s some way that they’re getting to your subconscious, which is much harder to combat.”

“Great. Is this my fault again for using the spirit board?”

“Let’s not worry about whose fault it is or how it happened right now. Let’s focus on how to make it stop. There’ll be plenty of time to find the source of it later.”

“Okay.”

Wilder helps me to my feet and stands with his hands on my shoulders. “You’re gonna be okay, Keagan. You’re gonna be fine. I know this is scary, but I’m here. I’ve got you.”

“I believe you.”

I wrap my arms around him and hold on tight. It takes him a second, but then I feel his hands on my back, rubbing up and down, comforting me.

This man is all I’ve got right now. He’s the only thing standing between me and whatever the hell is happening. I hope everything he’s told me is true, and he really does know how to help me.

Otherwise, I’m not sure what’s gonna happen to me.

Chapter 13

Wilder

Not long after I return home, Calliope knocks on the door. I notice how Keagan flinches at the sound, so I rub his back to remind him that he’s at my house and he’s safe.

“It’s okay. It’s Calliope.”

He nods nervously, clutching his glass of water. I hurry over to the door and open it to see Calliope there with several bags at her feet.

“Hey, Wilder,” she says. “How are things?”

“Not the best. Come on in.”

She follows me inside, glancing around. “Where is he?”

“He’s in the kitchen.”

“Lead the way.”

We walk down the hallway and into the kitchen, where Keagan is leaning against the wall, still clutching his drink. He looks up, and the moment he sees Calliope, he smiles and his shoulders relax.

I almost laugh aloud. She had that same effect on me. There’s something about her presence that’s incredibly calming, and I can only assume Keagan feels it too.

“Hi, Keagan. I’m Calliope.”

“Hi, Calliope. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. I hear you’ve got a little problem on your hands.”

“To say the least.” He sets his water glass down. “But you can help?”

“I certainly can. I did a little research, and I think I’ve come up with a few things that will at least buy Wilder some time and keep you safe.” She smiles. “I’d like to start off by holding your hands, if I can.”