Page 44 of Jacinth

“I am clairvoyant, primarily, and claircognizant. A watcher of history—what has been and what is yet to come. I saw a lot of what has happened, especially over the last couple of days. And I have seen what happens next if we don’t stop Father Dare.”

Sky explained the vision he had when trying to talk to Niko. The amulet and the power that would be unleashed. The end of Silver Springs, by the sound of it, and potentially more.

I felt as though I had been hit by a two-by-four. How self-centered, how ignorant and narcissistic had I been to believe I was the only powerful one. I could tell, just from the little Skyler had said, that his abilities were immense—and still growing, if this latest development of controlling time flow in the vision was any indication.

A soft hand slipped into mine, and I felt the warm weight settle in at my side.

“You didn’t know.”

“I...”

“You didn’t know. And still... you never gave up on them. Don’t blame yourself for things you weren’t privy to.”

I kissed her temple and accepted the comfort she was offering.

“Thank you, Angel.”

CHAPTER 31

Jacinth

I was really enjoyingmy cuddle with Orion and congratulating myself on being an awesome girlfriend. Like, seriously, I was owning the shit out of this job. These three were falling apart without me, and boom! I’m all up in here, and they’re communicating and realizing they’re all freaking awesome, all because of little ol’ me.

The daylight was fading, and I realized that meant they would have to go home soon, but first... I gently lifted the amulet from around my neck and draped it over Orion’s head. He looked at me in surprise and I shrugged.

“Your palms were getting super sweaty and kinda gross. I was putting up with it while you had your meltdown, but even without skin, I still feel like I need to wash my hands.”

He shook his head, his expression a mix between exasperation and affection.

Toeing the line like a boss.

I couldn’t help it. He was almost as fun to annoy as Birdie.

Plus, I may have been bad at the whole feelings thing, or helping people with their vulnerability. Actually, what I had managed with Skyler had been a minor miracle. I had to see if Ruby’d had a hand in that one.

“So... I guess you guys should head home... or something,” I muttered, pretending to kick the ground like a sulking kid.

“Maybe we could camp out?”

I shot a quick look at Niko, and he seemed totally sincere. It was selfish to want my men to sleep rough just so they could be close. I mean, I didn’t even sleep. I should let them go.

“I don’t think—”

“I’m not letting—”

Sky and Orion spoke over one another before pausing and doing that awkward thing where each person wants to start talking again, but doesn’t want to appear rude. Of course, it ended with Orion taking the lead.

“I don’t think you should be alone after what happened today.”

“I’m not letting you stay alone after that vision. No way I’m waking up to find you gone,” Skyler added.

So it was settled. We were having a camp out. The boys tried to work out the logistics of all three getting supplies, as well as having a shower—which was good, because even though I kind of liked their stink, they still stank—and eventually, I lost patience with their back and forth.

“All three of you go. Have your showers, pack your bags, and come back as soon as you’re ready. I can survive an hour or two without you. Promise.”

There was muttering and cursing at this, but ultimately, they agreed it was the most sensible plan and off they went in a loose bundle of attractive man meat. Okay, that imagery sounded way better in my head. I shrugged and settled in to wait.

So much had changed in the space of what? Four days? And while I was thoroughly enjoying being the center of their attention, there was an element of suffocation with it.

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