Page 46 of Curses & Kitsune

First thing the next morning, I book us an afternoon flight to Hiroshima. Even though I don’t anticipate us being there for longer than a few hours, I’m still nervous about leaving Ren and the pack alone with hunters and Takada-kai prowling about.

“I can hold down the fort while you’re gone,” she insists, practically shoving us out the door. “Just don’t stay away for long.”

“If she tells us where my dad is, I’m hoping we’ll be back in a couple of days. If we come back early, that means we didn’t find him.” My stomach twists with nerves. If my mother doesn’t know where he is, we’ll be shit out of luck if Jinta loses control again. Shaking my head to chase the thoughts away, I motion for Jinta to follow me. “Just stay in touch, okay? And let me know if anyone finds Ishida.”

Jinta spins toward me, panic widening his eyes. “What?”

I sigh, realizing I forgot to tell him. “Ishida escaped the warehouse. Nobody knows where he is, but we’re looking for him.” If I’d just killed the bastard, this wouldn’t be an issue, but I’d been too worried about how Jinta might react.

Ren pats my shoulder. “He’ll be found. Don’t worry about him. Just focus on your goal.”

Before I can follow Jinta out the door, Ren suddenly blocks my path. “Hang on. There’s something I wanted to ask you.”

I motion for Jinta to go on ahead and Ren kicks the door closed after him. “Hit me.”

She gives me a suspicious look I don’t like. “You never explained how you were able to get Takada to aid us.”

Shit. I really don’t want to get into this with her now. “It’s—”

“Don’t you dare say it’s nothing.” Ren folds her arms. “You and I both know there’s only one thing you could offer Takada that would get him to dance to your tune.”

She’s right on the damn money, unfortunately.

My silence must be all the confirmation she needed. “Shit…” she whispers, eyes widening. “Tell me you didn’t agree to anything he wanted, Raiden. Please.”

“I had to,” I say, grinding out the words through my disgust.

“But you’re not going to go through with it? Right?” She grabs my arms, squeezing. “Raiden, you can’t. Jinta will be devastated. I’ll never forgive you if you let that sick bastard touch you.”

I wince at even the idea of causing Jinta pain. “Things won’t get that far.” They can’t. I’m not selfless enough to sacrifice myself to Takada’s perverse desires.

Ren shoves me back, shaking her head. “They had better not. I’ll die before I let him hurt you again. Jinta doesn’t know, does he?”

“He doesn’t have to. He’s got enough to worry about.”

Jaw tight, Ren glares at me. “Don’t you dare give up on finding a cure for the kitsune. Got it? Go to Hiroshima. Find your father and lift the curse. Promise me.”

Hating that I’ve upset her, I wrench her into a hug, squeezing. “I will. Quit nagging me.”

Her body relaxes against mine when I stroke her hair. “Keep me updated.”

“Got it.” With a final squeeze that makes her squeak, and me laugh, I let my best friend go.

I make myself breathe through my nerves and follow Jinta downstairs. Ishida still hasn’t been found. I have no idea where the little rat is, but if I had to guess, he’s hiding out wherever the hunters are located. He knows if he ever sticks his face above ground, I’ll smash it in myself.

We ride the train to Haneda Airport and get there in under an hour. From there, we proceed through security and go in search of our gate. On the plane, we find our seats, and Jinta grips my hand when the plane lifts off, and I chuckle. “Been a while since you’ve flown?” I guess.

He nods. “Not for a long time.”

“Ever been to Hiroshima?” I ask.

Jinta laces his fingers through mine and squeezes. “No. I always wanted to try conger eel with rice! Oh, and we’ve got to try Momiji Manju!”

I snort. “Guess I need to feed you more.”

Jinta grins. “Yes, please.”

Fuck, he’s so cute. “Do you want to stick with me or explore a bit?

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