Page 57 of Frosted Torment

Lex admitted, “I’m as hard on Father O’Neil as anyone else, but he does have a point.”

His words pulled me back to reality as he looked off into thetree line. I turned to Baz and whispered into his ear, “You said Lex was trustworthy.” Baz nodded in agreement, eyes narrowing as he weighed my words. “Let me tell him I can talk to you.”

He chuffed and lifted his chin.“Pretty sure you’re going to, no matter what I say at this point.”

“We need him, Baz.” My eyes pleaded with him. “I need you both, now.”

Baz’s eyes softened as he blew out a deep exhale. He nuzzled my hand to offer me silent comfort. A reassurance I desperately needed.

Lex’s gaze shifted between us, confusion creasing his brow. “What is going on between you two?”

“Baz and I,” I glanced up at Lex with my stomach doing flips, “share a connection deeper than what you might think. We can communicate.”

Lex’s eyes darted between us as if searching for some rational explanation. “But... how is that even possible?”

Exchanging a knowing look with Baz, I tapped my temple twice.

CHAPTER 22

Lex’s hands slid down his face. “This is unexpected,” he acknowledged.

“Let’s move closer to the house,”Baz advised as he strode ahead.

“Follow, Baz,” I said with a slight smile and nodded in his direction.

We reached the porch, and Lex leaned on the rail. Baz settled close to me, and I rubbed his shoulder, knowing I would never get used to how massive he was or the comfort he brought me.

“Explain this connection to me,” Lex urged, his voice heavy with contemplation.

“I figured if anyone would understand, it would be you,” I stated with a shake of my head. “He’s my guardian angel and you’re an angel. Demons and magic roam here. This was bound to happen, Lex.”

His brows knotted together as I retreated into the maze ofmy own thoughts. I’d now become the sun around which our worlds turned, like a soap opera. The weight of universal survival now rested on my shoulders, which disturbed me.

Baz rustled beside me, a subtle intrusion pulling me back into reality, and I looked at Lex. His eyes lingered on the bracelet on my wrist, a shadow of realization crossing his face.

“What?” I raised my brows, unsettled as unease skulked across my skin.

Lex stepped closer, gesturing for my hand. He traced the etched designs, then cleared his throat. “Your bracelet has something to do with this,” he said.

My eyes turned to slits as I pointed to the bracelet. “This piece of junk?”

He stroked his forehead with his thumb. “Think about it. You killed the Lurker and sent us through a portal. That happened when you shielded yourself while wearing the bracelet.”

My disbelieving chuckle echoed around us before I fixed my eyes on Lex’s, stating each word with utmost certainty.

“Vincent and Vallen disrupted the order, and because of that, and the secrets in my head, I can talk to Baz. Also, I’m walking around soulless.” I nodded and glanced at each of them. “This bracelet means nothing.”

“Maybe.” Lex elongated the word and shook his head like he didn’t agree with me. He lifted his chin toward Baz as skepticism crossed his face. “Why did Noa wait to tell me about you two?”

“Don’t take offense.” I scrunched my nose and placed my hands together in prayer in front of me. “It was a measure of precaution, Lex.”

Lex grumbled in annoyance as his jaw ticked. “Could Callum talk to Sasha?” he asked.

I glanced at my feet, then back at Lex, and nodded. “Yes,” I murmured.

Lex moved forward, poking Baz in the chest. “Tell me you didn’t know Sasha was alive, brother,” he challenged.

Baz snarled and tossed his head. Lex retreated, a disappointed look crossing his face. My eyes grew wide as I looked at Baz with fear in my heart.

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