Page 62 of Haunting the Hunter

I can feel him changing me.

I feel… good.

I feel confident, despite the fact that not twenty minutes ago, I was in the most compromising position I could haveneverimagined possible.

It’s late when I decide to go make myself coffee, leaving Alabaster on my bed, nose-deep in my book. I slide my house slippers on and wrap my fluffy robe around my waist as I head out of the room, Karma in tow.

I’m not even halfway down the hall when Jack steps out of his room, rubbing his eyes as he looks me over.

“You look cozy.”

“And you look exhausted,” I say with a smile. “How do you feel?”

He reaches down, giving Karma a pet. “Hey, girl…” he coos. “A bit better, actually. Thank you.”

“Want some coffee?” I offer, still smiling.

“Now who’s way too chipper,” he says as he follows me down the stairs.

After making us both a cup, I sit down at the kitchen table with him, checking my phone for the notifications I know aren’t there. I’m justlucky to have a phone at all. Took Jack and me years to convince Cade it would be safe to let me have one. Jack speaks up, breaking the silence.

“I know I made it into a joke, but you really do seem happy.” He sips his coffee, watching me. “You doing okay?”

I rub my sore arms, already knowing I’ll have bruises. “Yeah. I feel pretty good right now,” I say honestly.

He leans back, shooting me a sweet half smile. “So… who’s the guy?”

My eyes snap to his. “Huh?”

“C’mon, Cal. The last time I remember you smiling like that was when it was with me.” He laughs under his breath.

My face turns red. He might be right, but this just got weird. And I am absolutelynottelling him that a demon made me come with a garden hose, in our backyard, while I was tied up by sentient vines.

Nope. Taking that one to the grave.

“Umm… it’s this guy I met in town?”

“Yeah?” He sits back deeper in his seat. “When didthathappen?” His voice dips just enough to be noticeable. Flat and guarded.

I stutter for a second, then land on something halfway believable. “Yeah, I met him when I went into town to get everything for you yesterday.”

I shrink into my seat, my cheeks hot. This is weird, talking to Jack about this. I glance over and he seems—off. There’s a look in his eyes I can’t place.

Anger?

“What’s wrong?” I ask, concern slipping into my voice.

He leans forward, shifting like he’s going to say something… but then stops. His jaw tightens before he responds.

“Nothing.”

Grabbing his mug, he walks to the sink, rinsing it out in silence. Before leaving, he turns back to me.

“I’m happy for you.”

He throws me another half smile, then disappears upstairs.

CHAPTER 21