Page 82 of Evil Hearts

“Do they know?”

“That you’re dead?”

I nod.

“May I?” he removes his hands from his pockets, taking a step toward me. I don’t flinch or back away as he cradles my face between his palms. His touch isn’t what I expect. It’s gentle and warm. He tilts his head downward, pressing his forehead to mine. Electricity crackles between us and he allows me to see through his own eyes.

Jacalyn is hugging the twins as Cam speaks outside of the house with a police officer. I can’t hear what’s being spoken between them, but the anguish my brother wears on his face paints a vivid image. He drops to his knees as though his legs were kicked out beneath him.

He releases me as unshed tears form.

“This is real. I’m really dead.”

“Yes.”

“And I’m just here now. Forever?”

“You belong to me now, little wolf.”

“Why?”

“Because we made a deal.”

“Why me?”

“Because you’re mine.”

“That makes zero sense.” This is all freaking me out. I glance around, wondering what would happen if I made a run for it.Where would I go? There has to be a way back. A way to undo the contract.

There’s not. His voice cuts through my thoughts.

Did you just speak to me through my mind?

Yes.

How?

We’re soul bonded.

Get out of my head.

“We need to go,” he speaks aloud.

“Where?”

“Home.”

“Where is home?”

“The City of Bones.”

“The sign said that’s five hundred miles.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll take a portal.”

“A portal?” I nearly stomp my foot like the twins do when throwing a tantrum. “You do realize I’m not like you. I don’t understand any of this.”

“You will be once I claim you fully. The contract was only part of the deal.”

---