Page 13 of The Curse of Redwood

“Then who did? And why?”

“Let me check your head,” Z said. His cool fingertips moved along my scalp as he lifted the bandage. “The bleeding’s stopped and it doesn’t appear you’ll need stitches. Though, you may need to see a physician just in case.”

“I’m fine,” I said, becoming irritated at him for trying to change the subject. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“What question?” Z stepped away from me and sat in the chair beside the bed. He lifted a hand to his mouth, resting his elbow on the arm of the chair, and watched me.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Who called out to me? Why am I so drawn to this place?”

“You should leave once you’re feeling up to it,” he responded, returning my narrowed-eyed stare.

“And if I don’t want to?”

Z shrugged. “News of you being here has spread rather quickly to the other… residents… of Redwood Manor. I’m certain they are just dying to meet you.”

My stomach fluttered with nerves at the thought. I recalled the dozens of ghosts that had stood outside the mansion, staring at me.

“Trying to scare me away? Wow, I didn’t know you were such a pleasant person when we first met,” I said, packing on the sarcasm.

“If you ever truly thought I was pleasant, you were greatly mistaken.” Z stood from the chair and headed toward the open door.

“Wait. Where are you going?”

He looked at me over his shoulder, a faint smile on his perfect lips. “Why? Are you afraid to be alone? I can assure you that you won’t be. There are many in this house who’d love to keep you company.”

As he took another step toward the doorway, I yanked the cover off and jumped out of bed. There was no way I was being left in that room alone. The sudden movement made me lightheaded, though, and I had to catch myself on the bedside table to keep from falling over.

“Be careful,” Z said, appearing beside me in the blink of an eye. He placed a hand at my lower back and rested the other at my side. Holding me up. “Humans are so reckless.”

“Reckless? All I did was stand.”

“Precisely. You should’ve stayed in bed.”

“I thought you wanted me to leave. Make up your mind.”

Z clamped his mouth shut and stared at me through long lashes. That close, I saw the swirls of gray in his blue eyes. “Why must you sass me?”

“It’s in my blood. What can I say?” I grinned when he rolled his eyes.

He still hadn’t let go of me, and I leaned closer to him. Cold came off his body, and even though I shivered a bit, I welcomed his touch. There was something about him that drew me in, much like the mansion had.

“Your skin is chilled.” Z let go and put a short distance between us.

If I reached out my arm, I could’ve touched him. But I didn’t reach for him. I could tell he didn’t want me to.

“Is this your room?” I took another look around. It was spacious with tall ceilings and arches above the two large windows. Though dust covered many surfaces and the cushions on the chairs were faded and had small tears, I could tell the room had been nice once.

“Itwasmine,” he answered, watching me closely. “It’s belonged to many others since then. Children. Adults. Some didn’t stay long. And others never left.” He moved his stare to the hall. “You really should leave, Carter.”

“But—”

“Do not argue,” he said, his voice booming around the room. His body flickered in place before he appeared directly in front of me, his eyes narrowed and angry. “I implore you to do as you’re told. Leave and do not return.” Softness touched his expression as he lifted a hand and touched my jaw. Just like he’d done the night he left me. “Secrets lie within these walls. Many sad. Others terrifying. You said a voice beckoned you here, and I ask you to ignore its call from now on.”

A lump wedged in my throat. Now that I’d found him, I didn’t want to say goodbye. “What if I can’t ignore it?”

“Can’t or won’t?” He dropped his hand and stepped away from me. “I do not know you well, Carter, yet I see the curiosity in you. Perhaps the real reason you couldn’t stay away from Redwood is because, deep down, you didn’t want to.”

“That’s stupid. Why would I want to come back? This place scares the hell outta me.”