I still don’t know if going back to school is a good idea. But when I broached the subject of getting my GED, Natalia shot it down and said it wasn’t even worth trying to bring up to my father. I didn’t have to go to Hellbound High if I didn’t want to. They’d allow me to transfer. But the prospect of an all-human school didn’t sound any better than returning to Hellbound High so I resigned myself to my fate.
The following morning when my alarm goes off, I force myself to get out of bed. The heaviness in my chest I’ve had since the attack is lighter. It’s still there, but today, it feels bearable.
I’ve had enough time to wallow in my own misery. More time than I ever gave myself after Mom died. It’ll have to be enough. The pain has receded to a dull ache and all physical signs of the attack have faded. I’m still weak. My reflexes dampened. But unless you’re really looking, it’s not noticeable.
After spending all day yesterday with Josué, I’ve convinced myself I’ll be okay.
We didn’t talk about the assault. He knows what happened and I don’t have any desire to relive the memories just so he can hear the story from my own mouth. Thankfully, he never pushes me. Not that I expected him to. Josué is the strong silent type. He’s the mountain that refuses to move no matter how hard the wind blows. Growing up, he was my rock. The big brother I never had. He gets me. He gets what I need.
Being held, knowing that I was safe in his arms, that the world couldn’t hurt me as long as he was there, gave me the reprieve I needed to pull myself together.
We spent most of the day catching up on random things and eating whatever food we could find in the fridge. Well, he did at least. I still haven’t been eating.
I know Josué noticed. But he didn’t say anything and I’m grateful for it. My ribs stand out in sharp relief beneath my chest. I can count each one while in the shower. It’s not healthy, but I don’t know how to make myself want to eat. Sometimes even the scent of food gets to me and sends me running for the bathroom.
When I go downstairs in the morning, I expect to find Natalia waiting to take us to school, but instead, she hands me a set of keys and gives me a small smile.
“Your father pulled this from the garage for you at my suggestion.” She tilts her head to the set of keys. “This way, if you need to leave, to get away, you can.”
I stare at the keys in my hand. I never thought I’d be so relieved to have access to a car. Before all of this, I would have refused it. I didn’t want Brian’s money. I didn’t need it, and I like earning my own way in life. It’s why I’ve been applying for jobs in the first place. But I can’t afford a car on my own right now. Not even a beater. And this, this would give me an escape if I found myself in a vulnerable position.
“Thank you.”
Her smile widens just a bit. “If you ever want to talk…”
I shake my head.
“Okay, then. I also left you a little something in the front seat. Just in case.” I’m about to ask her what it is when Josué strolls in the back door. “Hey.” He lifts a hand in greeting and stalks toward me. I don’t even think it’s a conscious effort. He’s just so attuned with his beast that he moves like it.
My stomach tightens as he approaches but I do what I did yesterday every time my body reacted to his proximity. I look at his hands, breathe in his scent, and the anxiety subsides.
Outside we find a silver sports car in the driveway. I push a button on the key fob, somewhat surprised when it chirps back. He’s letting me drive a sports car? Why can’t he be like normal dads and just give me a beater?
“Damn,” Josué draws out. “This is sick.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah. You can drool over the interior. Come on or we’re going to be late.”
I open the doors and find Natalia’s gift inside. A saber sits nestled inside a scabbard on the driver’s seat. Josué whistles. “A blade?”
I pull the scabbard out, withdrawing the blade. It sings as it’s unsheathed and every one of my senses goes on high alert. A jolt of electricity zings down my arm and my grip tightens on the hilt as I turn the blade over in my hand.
“That’s some serious magic there,” Josué says and I nod in agreement. This definitely isn’t an ordinary blade. It feels light in my hands, no more than two or three pounds. The grip is simple and efficient, wrapped in black leather. The blade is what draws the eye though. It gleams when the sun hits, illuminating a series of runes etched into the smooth surface. I trace my finger over each one.
“I don’t know what any of these mean,” I tell him. He comes around the car and I pass the blade to him.
“These are fae symbols.” We both scowl down at the intricate designs. I know next to nothing about the fae or how their magic works.
“I like it,” I say and smile, realizing I have yet another layer of protection today.
29
Rafael
Jordy sidles up beside me. “She’s back,” he mutters under his breath. My jaw tightens and all our heads turn to see her step out of a silver car a few rows down from us.
“Is that a…” Jordy starts.
“Brand-new Audi RS 5? Yeah. It is,” Des answers and a quick look his way shows he’s not all that happy to see her, either.