Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
The scant autumn sun warms my cool skin until a pair of large wings creates an ominous, unwelcome shade around me.
Too much. Too soon.
The devil himself lurks behind me on the way to class. Jun following me around campus is a novelty, but not one I’m fond of.
“Have you talked to him yet?” he asks.
I clutch my books closer to my chest and squint, both to block out the sunlight and glare at the demon. “I have no clue what you’re going on about.”
If only that were true. I know exactly what he’s referring to, and he’s right. Talking to my father is vital, but it’s only been a day since I agreed to Jun’s plan. I’m not ready. Even if I were, Jun’s persistent bothering would only make me dig my heels in deeper.
“You know, the longer you drag your feet, the greater the chance of students dying on your watch. How comfortable are you with blood on your hands, princess?”
“What kind of question is that?”
“A serious one.”
“I’m not comfortable with any of this, contrary to what you may think. But my father and I were arguing when we last spoke. Bringing this up now… the timing would be too suspicious.”
His head tilts back, and a long groan escapes his mouth. “You picked a bad time to start petty family drama.”
“And you picked a bad time to stalk me.” I turn away and continue the path.
Running away from Tobey is amusing, considering they can never catch up to me. Jun is different. His gait is quick and powerful, and he hardly has to exert effort to remain by my side.
“Let’s get one thing straight. I would rather eat nails for breakfast every Saturday than spend another minute talking to you. Don’t let my attention get to your head. This is a necessary evil.”
“You could have fooled me, considering that you sent me a good morning text.”
His lips pop open.
The text went unanswered, of course. What was I supposed to say? Saying it back would have made sense in any other case, with anyone else, but this is different. We shouldn’t have been texting at all, and I’m not sure how we got into this situation.
“You sent me a good night text. What the fuck was I supposed to do?”
“I don’t know.”
“I’m not fucking stalking you.”
“Then why are you here?”
“To do what you failed to do. I want to stop these murders and end whatever my father is up to. Our fathers. That’s all. Don’t let your twisted little thoughts tell you otherwise.”
“But—”
“Not everything is about you, princess.”
My jaw tightens. “And you aren’t doing anything to help. The only thing you’ve done is give me vague information and boss me around. Perhaps if you were of any use, I would be more willing to talk to my father.”
“I won’t make you do this alone, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
I stop outside the towering building, wearing a confused frown as I turn to face him. “What do you mean?”
“I’ll join the society with you if he lets me. If you get this thing rolling, I’ll be at your side.”
Why is my mouth so dry? I need a drink. “This isn’t helping the stalking accusation.”
“I don’t care.” He rolls his eyes. “Stop making this about us. People are fucking dying.”
I never thought I would live to see the day when Jun is right, but he is. It’s happening more and more lately.
This isn’t about us. It’s not even for Poppy anymore. It’s become bigger than one person. Poppy is the one who matters to me, but I’m not ignorant. I know how many losses have come from this person, group, or whatever they are…
I lost Poppy, but how many people have lost their best friend, their lover, or their child?
Jun may think I’m not trying hard enough, but I want to end this. I want my life to return to normal—and I want to do something right, damn it all.
“I will speak with him soon,” I say. “And I’ll ask if you can join, if you’re so certain about getting your hands dirty.”
“I’ve never had a problem with that.” His eyes bore into mine. “It seems like you’re the one who does.”
“You don’t know me.”
We’ve known each other for years, but I’m realizing we don’t know each other at all. I never could have imagined Jun risking his life for someone else’s. Then again, I wouldn’t be in this position if not for Tobey, forcing me out of my cushy comfort zone. Perhaps I’ve done the same for him.
“Maybe so, but I learned something that can get you off my back.”
“Doubt it.” He crosses his arms. “Spill.”
I lean in, my voice dropping to a whisper. “I know how to kill a demon.”
He freezes, and I’m certain my eyes are sparkling with glee.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t use my newfound power against you.”
His dark eyes flash red. “How?”
“It’s called a witch weapon.” I lift a brow, watching him expectantly. “And I have a witch who wants to help us make one.”
“That’s…” He lets out a slow breath. “Shit. That’s good information, actually. Good fucking job.”
I lean away with a proud smile on my face and a tingle running up my spine. “I know. That’s the level of excellence you should expect now that we’re partners.”
“Don’t get too cocky. This is just getting started. We know how to make the weapon, but one of us has to use it.”
“Right.” I swallow thickly, giving the building in front of us a glance. “Well, I have to go to class.”
“Stay safe.” He steps away, walking backward, never looking away from me. “And stop dragging your fucking feet.”
“Fine.”
And it should be fine. He’s right. But as I march to my next class, fear prickles at my mind like an old friend.
Nothing will ever be fine again, will it?
It’s hard to believe Jun is part of our team until he arrives at our makeshift meeting. And I wasn’t even the one to invite him.
The four of us gather in the courtyard under the shade of a large Maple tree. Golden light of the setting sun flickers through the leaves, shining into Jun’s dark eyes, transforming them into something lighter. Nearly soft.
Ugh.
Tobey and Caldwell are wrapped in layers to stay warm, but Jun and I have the means to keep ourselves comfortable. I can’t exactly feel the cold, and he has the fires of Hell running through his veins.
Tobey draws their jacket around themself, their eyes shifting around the courtyard.
We could have used a more private meeting spot, but the café is closed, and the four of us piling into a tiny dormitory isn’t ideal.
“Who invited him?” I ask, pointing a thumb in Jun’s direction.
He glares.
It would make more sense for me to extend the invitation, considering he and I are the ones who have business together, but that’s not the case.
“I did,” Tobey says. “I thought you would want him here. Aren’t the two of you in cahoots?”
“No!” Jun and I say at the same time.
Our eyes meet, sharp glares clashing like swords in a brief mental battle.
Hell. Are we in cahoots? Aside from the word sounding ridiculous, I still can’t believe I’m working with him. Tobey is right, but I have a feeling neither Jun nor I will admit it.
I look away from him, shaking my head at Tobey.
“All right,” they say. “But we all have a common goal, so… let’s get along for the night, at least.”
For once, Tobey’s camera isn’t out. That’s how I know they’re taking the conversation seriously. We aren’t here to gossip, however much I would prefer to.
“Margaux told me about the witch weapon.” Jun jumps right into business, his eyes settling on Caldwell. “I assume that has to do with you.”
Caldwell nods. “My mother wrote the instructions in her Grimoire. It’s the only way I know to kill a demon, unless you have other information.”
For some, the words would be a power play, but Caldwell seems genuinely interested in what Jun may have to share. He waits patiently for the other man to answer.
“I don’t have shit,” Jun says, “but I’m willing to go along with your plan. Anything to take the bastard down.”
The bastard is his father, but I press my lips to keep from saying so. No wonder he’s so unaffected by my family drama, considering how much he has.
“And you’re sure Strode has something to do with the murders?” Caldwell asks.
“Nope, but it’s our only lead, so for now… we’ll follow it.”
“I don’t know how you’re the one giving the directions,” I mutter.
Jun’s head snaps in my direction. “Do you have something to say to me?”
“Yes, I do. You’re going out of order. We have to follow my father’s trail first. We still don’t know what’s going on with him, and that will show us whether we’re heading in the right direction.” I inhale shakily. “I hope.”
We’re going in without a guide, and it’s even worse than before. We have no visions or clues. All we have is Jun’s supposed insider information, which I don’t trust. For obvious reasons.
At least there was some evidence pointing to Caldwell last time, even if it was wrong.
Now, we’re going in with only Jun’s words as evidence, and we can’t really trust him.
I’ve never trusted him, but our options are running low.
I hate to admit it, but Jun seems to be the only one with a sense of direction.
“What else?” I look around the little group. “Do we have any other clues, or—”
“No. Nothing else.” Caldwell pushes his glasses up and rubs his eyes. “If we must make a witch weapon and kill a demon, so be it. I’d rather avenge my mother than keep sitting on my hands.”
“But this isn’t about vengeance anymore, is it?” Tobey presses their lips together, and they exchange a look with Caldwell. “It’s bigger. We’re doing this to make a change, right?”
Jun’s brows lift, but he says nothing.
“You’re right,” Caldwell murmurs, taking Tobey’s hand. “But I won’t be able to rest until I finish what she started.”
It seems like the couple may not be on the same page, but as long as we’re fighting for the same end, I don’t care.
“Then let’s finish this,” Jun says. “First… we need the weapon.” He turns his attention to me. “Maybe that will make you more comfortable with what you have to do next, yeah?”
I stand up straighter. “Maybe.”
Doubtful. How can I be comfortable lying to my father and sneaking into somewhere he probably would have invited me? Then again, he’s had years to extend an invitation.
Why did it take him so long?