“There are things we influenced and things that happened without our influence, Bailey. I can’t get into details, but the Starling abduction was a surprise.”
“Erica said Jase might be in danger,” I state.
She gives me a soft expression, “You were eavesdropping and she wanted you to take action. We knew it was time but didn’t know about any danger component. We would never intentionally do anything to put either of you or anyone else in harm’s way.”
My face burns.
“Unless they deserve it,” she tacks on with a wink.
I sigh. “Well, Jase might deserve some consequences, though I don’t like that he’s been stuck in there all this time without the ability to eat, drink, go to the bathroom.”
“He’s all right,” she waves her hand dismissively. “He won’t feel bathroom urges while behind that protective shield, but he can’t stay in there indefinitely without ill effects.”
I want to be annoyed with the Young sisters, and if I’m honest, I guess I am. But I also know Erica wouldn’t do what she did without believing it’d all work out for the best. I can’t grasp how I feel about much right now. If I try, I’m liable to fall to pieces.
“There’s one of those green flowers in there with him, too, so that’s probably making him feel shitty.”
“It’d definitely contribute to making him feel shitty. I can’t get him out on my own, but step one will be to get that flower out. And if I can manage, it’ll mean we can get some food and water through the barrier for starters. I brought some supplies with me.” She lifts her shoulder, where she’s got a tote bag.
“Maybe I oughta take one of the remaining breath strips to put me in a bubble before you let him out,” I grumble.
She tilts her head. “You have more?”
“Two more,” I say.
She brightens. “Good news, then. If I can get the flower out it’ll mean I can get one of those in there for him to take. It’s a toggle switch. If he takes it, it’ll shut the barrier off.”
I feel relief, but then my shoulders slump and she notices.
“But first, talk to me about what you’re feeling right now.”
I thrust my hands into my hair. “My family and friends are going to shit all over me for what they’re probably calling a major fuckup in coming here and doing this. And even more than that… you probably know by now that Jase says I’m…” I let that hang because I find myself unable to say the words.
She waits. When I can’t get the words out, she finally nods.
“How long have you known?” I ask.
“I found out not long ago. But… I suspected as much when my sister stopped me from letting him kiss me by how Vivi was acting. She was keeping it to herself, hoping we wouldn’t get involved and knowing Erica would stick her oar in. I hope you don’t hold this against me. Nothing happened between Jase and me and it wouldn’t have even gotten to flirting territory if I knew you two were fated mates.”
I shrug, unsure of what to say.
She keeps talking. “Erica adores you. And she wanted to help. Vivi let us know it was imminent and that she had the sense it had to happen outside your village, so Erica put the fake wand and cauldron in his bag, and I picked up the correct ones. I dropped you off to let nature take its course. I was planning to call before the second leg of the trip and say he didn’t need to go to Bucharest. I was thinking I might send you two on a fake mission that would bring you to a romantic boutique hotel in Venice for the weekend as my mating gift to you.” She shrugs.
“I do not want to go on a honeymoon with Jason Creed,” I practically hiss.
She waits for me to elaborate, so I take a deep breath and search for the words to explain.
“He’s been a dick. Such a dick. It’s made me question everything I thought about him. The dream Jason I was in love with doesn’t seem to be anything like the reality Jason and I would love for him to not be able to get anywhere near me. I would love for him to feel a sliver of the pain I’ve been feeling. I know that makes me sound awful, but I can’t help it. I don’t want him to get out of that bubble unless I’m somewhere he can’t get to.”
“Serious?”
“Very. In fact, I’d like to run away where he can’t find me, then petition the SCC to change their laws about females having no say over who claims them, which I’ve already been thinking about organizing a petition for.”
“We’ll talk.”
I straighten up. “Meaning?”
“Let’s get that flower out of there, get the poor guy fed and watered, and we’ll talk some more before we let him out. Lead the way?”