Page 44 of Echo
“I definitely see you as a threat.” I snorted.
He rested a hand on the top of the awning and leaned until his face was right before me. “No, you’re telling yourself I’m a threat. There’s a difference.”
I rolled my eyes, annoyed that a monster who lives in the woods would make such a clear assessment. “He doesn’t like anyone.”
“Because he reads your energy, and you don’t like anyone.” What an asshole.
“You know, if you are going to attack me like this, the least you can do is tell me your name. Or do you just want me to call youMonsterfor the duration of your presence?”
He cocked his head to the side. “You imply my presence will end.”
“It always does.”
He chuckled. “My name translates to something likeEchoin your language.”
“What’s your mother’s tongue? Demon?”
“Shawnee,” he answered as if he were saying the sky was blue.
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You’re human?”
“Once.”
“Color me surprised, my shadow monster.” I stepped in the house and whistled for Ranger.
He grinned. “You called me yours.”
When I realized my mistake I slammed the door shut and locked it, even though the lock clearly wasn’t going to stop him. I yelled. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Goodnight, Little Rabbit,” a haunting whisper came from the other side.
Chapter 17:
Thenextmorning,Istepped out of the house, letting my eyes scan the trees for Echo. I swallowed more than an acceptable amount of disappointment when I didn’t sense him. It was mental to have any disappointment at all. I should have been filled with elation and relief.
I fed the animals and watered the garden, before painting the door black for the third time.
When I was done, I pointed at the door. “Stay, black.”
I turned to put the paint up and found Echo standing there watching me. I hadn’t sensed or heard him, and I jumped out of my skin.
“What is wrong with you?” I screeched and back-handed him in the chest. Only for the impact to hurt the bones of my hand, without having any effect on him.
His glowing eyes brightened with mirth. “I’m not the one commanding a dead tree to not turn colors.”
He had me there.
“Are you painting the door different colors to scare me?”
He blinked at me. “Would you trust me if I said no?”
“Probably not.” I shrugged and picked everything up, taking it back to the barn. He followed, giving me a wide berth on the pathway. I didn’t understand what the black rock did, but I took note of his avoidance.
For when he inevitably turned on me. Like they always do.
That said, he appeared content to follow me around and it was not unnerving with him standing by my side, instead of stalking me from the woods. “Do you happen to know where these stupid Rinah bees are?”
“I do.” He smiled and reached his hand out for me.
