“For now,” Brent responded. “Logan and I have been talking and we think it’s best if we wait until the morning to find Kace. It’s getting late and we should use what’s left of the evening to put a plan together. Logan said we can all crash here.”
I smiled at the two of them proudly. They talked without yelling and even managed to make a decision together. Brent and Logan were both very important to me and the two of them constantly at each other had grown exhausting. Maybe they would be friends after all.
That might be pushing it.
“That is probably a good idea,” I agreed, knowing I was beat physically and emotionally with everything that happened. I was hoping the rest of the group felt the same. We told them what we decided and they all agreed.
“Saaweet! I’ll order pizza. It’s a campout,” Reese yelled excitedly. I chuckled. My brother, the immature child inside him sprang to life. He was looking forward to this evening like he was hosting a sleepover. I was a little envious of his ability to make light of any situation, even one as serious as this.
We sat around the makeshift dinner table eating pizza and laughing. Everyone was sharing stories of their childhood, telling about when they had discovered their abilities. Brody told us about a time he saw a man in the market that was being really nasty to the cashier. He used his ability on the unsuspecting man who became so dizzy, he got physically sick.
“My parents were not happy but it was hilarious. The look on the cashiers face totally made it worth it,” Brody laughed.
Riley shared that she had once healed a dog on the side of the road. The dog had been hit by a car. She had been really happy when she saw a woman walking the same dog a few days later.
They continued sharing their stories and I felt so many different emotions. I never had friends, and now I sat with people who all had been designed for that sole purpose. I wondered silently if circumstances were different would I still have met and become friends with all of them? Brent squeezed my hand, leaning in close.
“It doesn’t really matter, Claire. They’re here now,” he whispered reassuringly.
I know the gesture was meant to be helpful but I pushed his hand away. I had told him to stay out of my head and was disappointed he had not respected that.
“Excuse me,” I said flatly, sliding my chair out from the table. I walked out onto the small balcony and stared out into the city lights which sparkled like stars glistening in the darkness. I inhaled the crisp night air, clinging to my emotions.
“Are you okay?” Brent asked, joining me.
“No Brent, I’m not.” I spun around to face him. “I asked you not to do that. I need some privacy,” I said, folding my arms over my chest.
He started to run his fingers along my jaw but I took a step back annoyed.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I can’t help it. What you are feeling just shows up.”
“So, you can’t block it out?” His silence was his answer. “Then you need to do that, please.”
“I can’t, Claire. I need to know when you’re upset and what the cause is,” he said, slipping his arms around my waist.
I wiggled from his grip, knowing if I didn’t, I would forget why I was upset. “No, you don’t, Brent. If I’m upset, I’ll tell you.”
He was pacing. “I can’t risk it, Claire. You’re not always forthcoming.”
I put my arm on his to stop him from wearing a hole in the floor.
“Even if it upsets me?” I asked loudly.
“Especially if it upsets you,” he responded.
I threw my hands up in the air. And he thought I was the stubborn one. “Stop it. Just stop it, okay?”
“No can do,” he insisted smugly, leaning against the railing.
“You’re impossible,” I fumed, heading back inside, no longer able to continue a conversation with Brent I knew he would win. He would never stay out of my thoughts as long as danger was near.
Brent returned a short time later. I switched seats with Riley so I was now sitting between Layken and Reese. Brent frowned when he saw me. I didn’t like that I was responsible for that frown, but I was too irritated with him to be close to him. I recognized the feeling. It’s the same annoyance I felt for my parents growing up. They too, were always so focused on my protection they wouldn’t consider what I wanted.
We came up with a plan starting with Logan finding out where Kace was. The rest of the group would use their abilities to weaken Kace until I opened his seal. Brent would then be able to trap him. It was a good plan but I was uneasy about Kace’s abilities and what he would be able to use against us. I agreed we had to try.
I didn’t allow myself to look at Brent. His possessive nature went above his role in my life as my Paramour. It was a part of who he was. He said as much. I was swimming in doubt. Having grown up with parents who were overly fastidious when it came to my protection, I wanted nothing more than be free of it. Being with Brent meant I would never be free if it. I started to get upset thinking about it, and forced myself to stop, knowing he would be listening.
Don’t kid yourself. Part of this has to do with the fact that you have unresolved feelings for Logan.