Page 31 of Mostly Shattered

“Never use breeding obligation in a sentence again.” I visibly shiver. “The thought of Chester’s clammy hands…”

I dramatically gag to prove my point.

“Fair enough.” Anthony laughs and snaps his fingers, producing a small flame that he uses to light the tip. Taking a long drag, he offers it to me.

I shake my head. The last time I smoked one of his party joints was my birthday. I don’t know what it’s laced with, but that is one club-drug-magic-carpet-ride to passing out on a public restroom floor I don’t want to have again.

Cemeteries shouldn’t bother me. When you grow up around the supernatural, things likemausoleums and the undead are commonplace. But now, the afterlife has a new meaning. I expect Conrad’s spirit to appear from behind every crooked tombstone and weather-beaten statue. It keeps my stomach knotted and my heart pounding a little too hard. If his revenge is to preoccupy my thoughts and keep me in fear, he’s succeeding.

Blurs pass by like flighted creatures, moving in the same direction we are walking. They draw my attention to a large angel with spread wings standing guard over the graves. Even in the moonlight, the stone looks weathered and stained, and I see a chunk missing from her hand. Time has not been kind to her.

My hand goes to my neck only to be reminded that my amulet is broken and in my pocket. I’m not protected by magic.

The smell of marijuana comes from my brother. I think about reaching out to take it from him. Maybe oblivion is better than fear.

“You brought protection?” Costin’s voice stops me. I didn’t hear him approach.

Anthony’s arm automatically slides over my shoulders before I can turn to face the vampire behind us. “My sister better not need protection.”

“All beautiful women need protection. This is a cruel world we live in.” Costin appears next to me.

Beautiful? The compliment takes me by surprise.A small part of me might find pleasure in the word, but my logical brain knows better. Costin needs me for his prophecy quest, and he’s buttering me up.

“And perhaps it is most cruel to those who deserve it the least.” Costin’s voice is low, almost like he’s flirting.

What the hell?

He looks at me expectantly. I turn to find Anthony craning his neck to study me.

“Monsters like squishing delicate things.” It’s the only thing I can think to add to their conversation.

“Indeed,” Costin states.

“Here’s to delicate things.” Anthony holds up his joint and gestures it like he’s clicking a glass for a toast. Bringing it to his lips, he mumbles, “And here’s to fighting monsters.”

He takes a long draw.

“Anthony, may I escort your sister?” Costin lifts his arm for me to take.

I lean away, pressing into my brother’s side.

Anthony’s arm tightens in a half hug. “I think that would be up to my sister.”

My first instinct is to say no, but something stops me.

Costin asked for this meeting. He probably just wants to finish stating his case. I doubt he will give up until I at least listen to his proposal. I look toward the mausoleum. The gothic structure waits like ademon’s mouth offering hell. I don’t want to go into the land of ghouls and monsters. Out here in the open is better.

I can’t believe I’m doing this.

“Sure. I’ll be fine, Anthony.” I squeeze my brother’s hand before sliding him from my shoulders. “Costin and I need to have a quick conversation. You go on and have fun. I’ll see you at home later.”

Anthony studies me for a moment. “Text me if you come down, and I’ll find you. Don’t wander alone.”

The request is strange. No one ever asks me to check in. If they want to find me, they can.

“Sure.” I nod.

“Constantine.” Anthony gives a parting nod. His tone and look could be translated as a warning.

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