Page 30

I expected the hounds to try another attack that night. No attack came. The next day was quiet as well. And the next. Meanwhile, Silas planned the attack on the peninsula. They decided to approach from the water. It would be easier to bring the entire Host through the ward at once. Then they wouldn't have to worry about me standing there, holding it open for very long. Silas also believed the hounds would pay more attention to the front of their property than the back. I didn't agree with him, but I didn't share my opinion.

On the third day, a woman came to the repaired gates of the Host house and demanded entry. She put up enough of a fuss that Silas came to fetch Michael. Because she was looking for Jake.

“Your fucking sister is here,” Silas said to Jake.

We'd been sitting in Jake's room, watching television, both of us solemn no matter what program came on. Silas had put Jake's recruitment duties on hold until after the attack.

Jake jumped to his feet. “Jackie's here?”

“Yes. And you will make her go away.”

“That won't be easy,” I said. “Jackie's a bulldog when it comes to defending her brother.”

“Perhaps, but her brother is going to make it clear that he wants to be here and there's nothing she can do about it,” Silas said. “Either that, or I'll welcome Jackie into the Host.”

Jake went still. “If you hurt my sister, I will shoot myself.”

“Oh, Jake,” Silas said. “Do you really think you're that valuable to me? Humans are everywhere. Michael will find a new host in seconds. And, frankly, you've become more trouble than you're worth. It might be better for Michael to pick a true believer.”

“Fine. You win,” Jake said and strode out of the room.

Silas grinned. “I always do.”

I started to leave, but Silas pushed me back. “Oh, no. You're staying here, little girl. I don't need you adding your brand of trouble to the mix.”

“You're the one who made a deal with Jackie,” I said. “Why don't you just deal with her?”

“Because she's here to see that her brother is safe. Only Jake can prove that to her.” He turned and left the room. As he shut the door, he said, “Just as safe as you are.”

I glared at the door.

Then I heard Jackie. She was not a woman to fuck with. Her voice filtered upstairs, full of determination and sass. But I couldn't make out the words, only the angry tone. Then the surprised one. Then she lowered her voice so that I couldn't hear anything.

I paced at the window, eager to know what was happening below. Finally, over an hour later, I saw Jackie leave. She stormed across the driveway, opened her car door, then stopped to stare up at the house. She flinched. I know Jackie spotted me. It had to be the reason for her reaction. I wanted to warn her, but if I did, she might come back inside. I had to get her to leave. So, I waved at her as if nothing were wrong.

Jackie just frowned at me, got in her car, and drove away.

I sighed in relief. The last thing I wanted was to see a woman I considered family drowned and brought back as one of Silas's minions.

Jake came into the room and slammed the door behind him.

“You okay?” I asked.

“No, I'm not fucking okay,” Jake growled. Then he grimaced and said, “Sorry, babe. Fuck, this is just so fucked up.”

I went over to Jake and hugged him. He folded himself around me and hugged me back. Tightly. Then he cried. I rubbed his back as he let it out, his crying turning into rough sobbing before it simmered into sniffles. Then Jake took a deep breath and let me go.

“Thank you.” Jake swiped at his face. “I just needed to let it out.”

“I know. Believe me.”

“Fuck, Indie. How did we get here?”

“I don't know. And I don't know how we're getting out, but I have to have faith that we will.”

“You might. Those hounds are . . .” He shook his head. “They're determined. And I've heard stories of other hounds and their mates. I think Michael made a mistake in threatening you. But he was desperate.” Jake flinched and then Michael took over. “I think our boy could use a break,” Michael said. “How about a roll in the hay, Indie?”

“Fuck you, Michael.” I turned away and went back to watching TV. I'd gotten used to his casual threats. They came whenever he was bored and wanted to mess with Jake and me. But I knew he wouldn't go through with it. It just wasn't worth it.

“They're not coming,” Michael said as he sat down beside me. “And they're the only ones who could get you out of here. Jackie certainly can't. So, you might want to rethink your attitude. Get on my good side and life will improve significantly for you.”

“Again, I say, fuck you, Michael.”

He laughed and laid a hand on my thigh. Sliding it up and down, easing closer to my crotch, he leaned in to whisper in my ear, “You know, it excites me when a woman fights back, even if it's just with words. I'm liking you more and more, Indigo.”

I turned to meet his stare. “I don't believe you. You know what I think, Michael? I think you prefer men.”

Michael grinned and sat back. “Not sexually, no. But I'm not what they call homophobic. Your implication doesn't offend me. Now, back to your rebelliousness. Maybe it's all those years I spent in battle on foreign shores, but I like an unwilling woman.” He licked his lips. “One that fights me instead of weeping. Ugh, the weepers are so pathetic. Hardly worth the effort.”

“You are the lowest sort of filth,” I said. “You must have been in the worst section of the Underworld.”

“It's called Tartarus, bitch,” Michael growled. “And you have no idea what torture is until you’re there. So don't you fucking judge me for escaping.”

“I don't judge you for escaping,” I said. “I imagine anyone would if they could. What I judge you for is being a depraved soul, weakened by evil to where all you can do is succumb to it. Every day you spend on Earth only makes you more of a victim and a villain, Michael. I think you know that.”

Michael stood up and snarled, “Do you think I care?”

As he strode out of the room, I said, “Yes. Yes, I do.”