Page 53 of Secrets in Salem: Part One

We damn near swerve off the side of the road and into a tree that's stood tall for years and years, Aleric pulling on the wheel just in time for us to dodge the thick trunk. He maneuvers us back onto the road, a little winded and tense. I hadn't realized I'd gripped onto the 'oh fuck' handle until I feel my fingers strain around the plastic.

No harm in asking? Sure, instead we almostdie. So much for keeping me safe, huh?

Chapter 28

Bishop

I almost chokeon my next inhale the moment the words leave Willow’s lips. The car descends into silence while Aleric steers the car back to the road, his knuckles tight around the wheel while he stares wide-eyed out of the window. Right before the dick starts laughing like I've never heard him laugh in all of our decades.

Clearing my throat, I turn a little to look at Willow, almost smiling when I see her clutching the handle attached to the roof of the car. "It's not an innuendo, Low. You're not the only creature of Hell in this car."

"Oh sure, because that's not at all ominous," she grumbles, her fingers slowly relaxing. I'm pretty sure I see her lips twitch when Aleric keeps chuckling, but she turns her head to stare out of the window before a smile can break free. "Guess you're not going to elaborate on that?"

Guilt and frustration fill me. She deserves to know everything, but we're under orders. I should have asked exactly how much we'd be allowed to tell her. There's an unsettled feeling in my chest, a need to explain it all to her, and my hatred of keeping secrets plaguing my mind.

Aleric's laughter dies pretty quickly, and I can't bring myself to look back again.

"I see how it is. You guys get to know all about me and my fucked up nature, but when the tables are turned, I'm once again clueless. Cool. It's chill. Not like that's a double standard or anything. Whatever," she comments sarcastically, calling us all out the way she has every right to. Next time the Devil makes an appearance, I'll have to request more specifics on what we can and can't tell her, because this is just making things awkward for us all.

The car grows uncomfortably silent once more, and I have no idea what to say to her. It's as though anything we do, or rather don't say, ends with us on the opposite end of her good graces.

Taking a peek at the rearview mirror, I catch Willow looking over at Micah and nodding, her expression gradually changing from annoyed to understanding. I'm not sure how Micah manages that without being able to talk to her, but it would seem they've already built that type of bond.

I don't like that a pang of envy wriggles its way into my head, my chest tightening horribly when she smiles a little at my brother. LikeIwant to be the one she smiles at. It's ridiculous, but my beast demands the same, and I've never been steered wrong when my beast is concerned. The same could be said about Aleric and Micah. Our second forms are well versed in observation and knowing what we need before we actually do. It would appear all of ours have taken a liking to Willow Devall, the Devil's daughter, of all creatures.

Though we are only here to protect her, to make sure her transition goes smoothly, I can't help but feel like there's something more. Aleric and Willow's vision is enough to cement that there's something else at play here; we just need to figure out what it is.

We reach the apartment just as the rain starts again, the day turning as sour as Willow's mood. As soon as Aleric parks the car, he climbs out and rushes to the trunk, snatching the large suitcase up and carrying it to the apartment. I follow suit, grabbing the few bags Willow piled her belongings inside before rushing through the sudden downpour.

"Why do I always get wet lately?" Willow practically yells the moment she's out of the car. I snicker when there's a pause, Willow likely realizing what she's said. "Fucking double entendres can suck my metaphorical dick!"

Inside the apartment, already soaked to the bone, I make to carry Willow's bags to Micah's room only to watch Aleric glide her suitcase to his. Following after him, I ask, "Why are we taking her things here? Don't you think she'd be more comfortable in Micah's room? It's where she's been sleeping, after all."

Aleric shrugs, his face impassive though I'm pretty sure I see something possessive in his eyes. "I have a bigger room, and she needs the space to put her things."

His eyes flash red, like his beast is calling him out on his bullshit, but I don't point it out. I understand. I'd do the same if I didn't have the smallest room out of the three of us. Maybe she'd want a smaller room. There's something heady about possibly having Willow sleeping in my bed. It's not a thought I should have, and it comes unwarranted, but I like it. I like her. The way I seem to just know her; her personality, likes, and dislikes. It's strange and maddening, but it's there and I want to know more.

"Why don't we just ask her which room she wants?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant and not equally as possessive. This is fucking stupid. We haven't known her long enough to feel like we have any sort of claim on her at all, yet here we are, trying to decide which room of ours she can have. I'd call us pathetic if I wasn't waiting on the answer like an idiot.

Aleric side-eyes me before relenting. "Fine. She can choose."

Turning to hide my smile, I carry Willow's bags right back out of his room just in time to see her and Micah enter the apartment, Micah nodding while Willow quietly chatters to him. Again, that flash of envy riddles my body, wanting to be in his place instead. I have to shake myself out of it, smiling when Willow looks up to see me holding her bags for her.

"Want to pick a room to claim as your own?" I ask, smiling bigger when she blanches before cringing.

"I really don't want to steal one of your rooms. I'll take the couch or something," she argues, looking uncomfortable.

Aleric snorts from behind me. "Shut up, Dove. Just pick a room and get settled."

"Don't tell me to shut up, you ass," she snaps back.

"Wouldn't have to if you just picked a room already," he volleys, smirk in place.

Oh, that bastard. I know what he's doing, and if the calculated look that's just appeared on Willow's face is anything to go by, it's fucking working too.

She clenches her teeth for all of two seconds before plastering a sweet smile on her face. "Fine. I'll claim your room since you're so hellbent on one of you taking the couch instead. I hope you get a crick in your neck from it, you long ass bitch."

The apartment grows quiet just before I start laughing boisterously, Aleric snickering under his breath while he turns back to his room with the suitcase in tow. Rolling her pretty gray eyes, she passes by Micah and me, her arm brushing mine as she heads down the small hallway behind Aleric.

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