Page 16 of Barely Breathing

I see that darkness, though. The rest of the world might not, but I do.

I have a theory that it has something to do with the supernaturals’ need to stay hidden from the humans to protect themselves from another inquisition. It’s become like some game to them, seeing how much they can hide until every conversation sounds like a game of chess.

Magic crackles more intensely around Anthony’s hands—a sure sign he’s trying to control his emotions. It pulls me from my thoughts. I should say something to divert attention from my brother’s secret.

“I need my clothes,” I say, trying to sound commanding despite my compromised position.

“I’ll get them.” Anthony starts toward the shoreline, but Peter is faster.

Peter bounds over to my scattered clothes, still naked. He holds up my muddy bra like a trophy. “Nice panda bears.”

“Peter!” Anthony and I scold in unison.

A cold wind sweeps across the pond, making me shiver. The temperature drop is sudden and unnatural. I know that chill.

Uncle Mortimer appears at the edge of the pond. He’s wearing one of his impeccable old suits. Transporting is one of the creepier magic tricks. My uncle just shows up places out of thin air. That’s not whatis making the summer air turn to winter. It’s the disapproval radiating off him like frost. Mortimer waves his arm toward the boys.

Peter yelps and drops my bra, diving under the tree branches. Anthony’s magic sputters out like a doused flame.

“I expected better from you, Anthony. You’re lucky I was able to calm the headmaster down, or you’d find yourself suspended. How do you expect to lead this family with a human education because that is the only place that will have you if you are kicked out of this school?” Mortimer’s voice carries the weight of generational expectations. “Then, to find you here frolicking with a werewolf like common rabble?”

“Uncle, we were just—” Anthony starts, but Mortimer holds up a hand.

“And you.” His cold eyes fixate on me in the water. “Get dressed. At least pretend like your parents raised you with morals. The Freemonts will be here for dinner, and I won’t have you looking like a drowned rat when Chester arrives. Your mother has laid out appropriate attire.”

I resist rolling my eyes. Of course she has. After sixteen years, I’m already well-versed in being the family’s mortal disappointment. I’ve been getting the impression that the only thing I’m good for is to be an advantageous marriage.

“Chester Freemont?” Peter makes a gagging sound from behind the tree. “That pompous?—”

“Mr. Freemont is a family guest,” Mortimer cuts him off. “Though I wouldn’t expect a werewolf to understand the delicacies of high society.” His gaze sweeps over my brother. “Anthony, you have responsibilities. Enough childish games. It’s time for your dog to go home.”

I see Anthony change under the weight of those words, like a dark cloud sinks over his features and pushes at his shoulders. Conrad might be older, but he’s adopted, which doesn’t count. Anthony is the Devine heir, the magical son, the one who carries all their hopes.

“The cook made brownies.” I try to take the attention from my brother. “I came for a run to work off the calories and decided to take a swim before heading back.”

Mortimer sighs like I’m trying his patience, but he can’t be bothered to respond.

I hear Peter’s bones crack as he transforms into a wolf, but I can’t see him. The sound of his paws thunder along the forest path in a primal beat, taking him away.

The familiar sting of Mortimer’s words makes me want to sink beneath the surface and never come up. Instead, I lift my chin. What else can I do but keep treading water in this abyss?

“Get dressed,” Mortimer says. “The Freemonts arrive in three hours.”

Great. An evening of Chester Freemont’s wandering hands under the table while everyone pretends not to notice.

“What an asshole,” Anthony grumbles. He gathers my clothes for me as I come out of the water.

I pull on the half-wet, half-muddy shirt and shorts but don’t bother with undergarments. Anthony says nothing as he keeps his eyes turned away from me. When I join him on the path, we walk back toward the house in silence. Seconds later, Peter joins us in his wolf form.

We’re just three kids trying to find our way in a world that’s already decided our fates. And, like many others in my life, duty and expectations have ruined a beautiful day.

Chapter

Five

“You’re not actually considering going into the Alpha’s territory, are you?” Anthony asks as we walk back toward the penthouse from the coffee shop. I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched and can only assume it’s my stalker vampire boyfriend.

Boyfriend. That word still feels wrong. Paul is boyfriend material. Costin is…

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