Craig scoffed. “We can’t do stuff for free. We’re in the homestretch for a car.”
Theo nodded, but as soon as Craig looked back at me, he shook his head and pointed both thumbs back at himself.I’m their guy,he mouthed.
Since I knew he geeked out on paranormal like everyone else in my life did, I promised them I’d contact them soon. They seemed like good boys, and it would be nice to help toward their car fund.
As soon as they walked away, King grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the park where we’d agreed to have our treat. Instead of sitting across from me at the park bench like I’d expected, he guided me toward an oak tree, sat down, and pulled me between his legs.
Thankfully, I was wearing dark jeans, or I’d be crying, worrying about grass or mud stains. But this was King. Not onlydid he geek out on all things haunted, but he also loved nature. How could I argue with that?
Once we were nestled and indulging in our individual snacks, he said, “You’re really getting to know the townspeople.”
“Of course. This is my home now. I’ve always enjoyed making friends and meeting people, but this is better.”
“Better?” he asked.
“Sure.” I glanced at him over my shoulder. “I don’t plan on moving away anytime soon, if ever.”
A smile moved slowly across his face, and he leaned into the tree trunk, pulling me with him.
It was a simple day.
An uneventful day.
The perfect day.
Chapter
Twenty
Kingston
My daywith Sky had been nice. Hell, who was I kidding? We hadn’t done anything special or anything, but it had been extraordinary. Just being able to do normal things with him without the pressure of worrying if he really wanted to hang out with me or was just being kind made all the difference. I was able to relax and be myself. And he seemed to really enjoy who I was.
It would’ve been cool to spend more time together, maybe spend the night at the pond or even in his bed again, but I didn’t want to risk him ending up back in my dreams. Not until I really understood what it all meant. My grandparents had told us things, all kinds of things, but I still got the impression that, at times, they were being purposefully vague.
If it had just been about me, that would’ve been fine, but I wasn’t willing to risk Sky.
“My little prince,” Gran called. “Do you need anything?”
“No, thanks, Gran. I need to get some rest.”
She sighed but didn’t push me. I had a feeling I had my pops to thank for that. As bad as I felt low-key blowing her off, Iwas angry with her right now. I knew it. Sky knew it. And she definitely knew it. My feelings were hurt, and I needed some time to process all the things. If I talked to her too much right now, I might say something I’d regret.
Gran and I had always had a good relationship and been super close, even when I was a teenager. I didn’t want to end up blowing that up. Given time, space, and understanding this gift of mine better, I was pretty sure I’d be able to accept her decisions. I just needed time.
Besides, this was just as much my pops’ fault, and I wasn’t mad at him at all. Having the opportunity to spend time with him and get to know him meant…everything. It would’ve been nice if we’d had the opportunity before all of this weighed me down, but they’d made their decisions and now we all had to live with it.
I was honest enough with myself to admit that if Sky wasn’t a part of this, I wouldn’t be mad at anyone. I’d probably be spending all my time with Pops during the day and working the rest of it out at night, alone, while I slept. It was figuring out how Sky factored into this that was messing me up. The thought of anything happening to him made me feel like I couldn’t breathe.
Gran said that it was never my choice, the birthmarks proved that, but I didn’t care. It felt like knowing me, being in my sphere, had put him in danger. I didn’t like things I couldn’t understand. It was half the reason making friends was so hard for me. People were weird.
I’d skipped Gran’s hot chocolate this evening, and I told her to keep her tea potion far, far away, but I was exhausted. I couldn’t wait for sleep to claim me.
“Damn.”I was back on the path that led to the castle. The good thing was, I was alone.
“Holy shit!” Sky appeared at my side and spun around. “Woohooee!!!” He gripped my arm. “It didn’t matter that we didn’t drink the tea or spend the night together. I’m here! Your grandparents have to be right, don’t you think? We’re fated. I’m your tether, and this is our destiny.”
Scrubbing a hand over my eyes, I prayed to all that was holy that he wouldn’t be there once I was done.
