Page 84 of Ghost

“That’s not what I meant,” my mother cut in. “I’m not talking about romantically. I’m saying you cannot get involved with herat all. You cannot talk to her. It’s for her sake, not yours. The elders are the least of your concerns. You want her to live?”

The implications of her words rushed through me, and I found myself speechless. “What are you saying?”

“End this friendship while it’s still early. Give Bianca back her medication. Pretend that none of this has happened. Otherwise it will be more cruel to her.”

It felt like she couldn’t have spoken, but I saw her mouth move. I felt the weight of her gaze. She had said those words, and she meant every one.

“No.” The refusal slipped past me without hesitation. “I’m not doing that.”

Images from last night flashed through my memories. Bianca had been so frail and frightened. The sight of her brought out a wave of protectiveness. I lived to help people, when I could. But this was different.

“She needs me.” I tousled my hair, unable to imagine leaving her now. “She needs us.”

“Julian.” My mother sighed. I glanced up, seeing her watching me with pity. “She doesn’t need you. She’ll be fine. Your best defense is that she’s low-profile. She doesn’t interact with others, and her powers are mediocre.”

My brows furrowed.Bianca’s abilities…But obviously mother knew that wasn’t true.

“She’s not mediocre at all. She’s almost as powerful as the Dubois brothers,” I replied, sorting through my thoughts. “Why else would you give her a suppressant?”

“What?” A tinge of panic entered her expression. “Julian, did you…”

What was so terrible thatwewould be unable to keep her safe? In our world, there was no one stronger than the four of us. I couldn’t even imagine what kind of threat she faced that my mother still feared for Bianca’s life.

And she clearly did seem scared for Bianca. Something had jarred her enough to use his name in a practice she hated. From the expression on her face, she wouldn’t tell me her reasoning.

But Finn had to know. Somehow, he had gotten Mother involved with his charade.

I would have to be patient. She couldn’t know that I’d pursue this. Otherwise she’d never stop calling me. In the meantime, I’d have to find Finn and beat the shit out of that little brat.

He’d tell me then.

“Julian, how attached are you to this girl?” Her voice broke through my murderous thoughts. “You don’t get angry easily, and now you look frightening. It’s the same face you wore when—”

“I’m not having a good day.” I didn’t want to talk about the only other person who pulled such thoughts from me. Snatching the bottle off of the table, I attempted to relax my features. “I’ll take care of this. I won’t not be her friend, but if you say it’s needed…”

“I wish you would…” She was giving me a dubious look. “But she needs it, it keeps her safe and her thoughts at bay. Please make sure she takes it.”

Over my dead body.

“Yes, Mother.” I pat her hand. “I’ll take care of it.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Bianca

Misnomer

As I entered the locker room, the noise from the fight was almost impossible to hear. Which was a bit concerning, because if I screamed then it might be more difficult for Miles to hear me. Probably. Although I was a loud screamer, I had to admit.

Outside of that, Mr. Dungworth appeared to have no idea I could see and hear him.

He followed too closely behind me and had been since I entered the locker room. And the entire time, he muttered under his breath—something about underwear.

The whole thing was highly disconcerting, and his frustration was contagious.

I was well aware of the fact my plan was not well thought out. Mostly because now that I had found him, I had no idea what to do next. There were no instructional booklets to follow.

Perhaps he’d cooperate?