Page 96 of Rise of the Melody
“I’ll call Dr. Patel and let him know we’re on our way,” Ron said. With a grunt, he picked up CooShee in his arms and walked heavily toward his squad car, barely able to carry him. I began to follow when Bryant grasped my shoulder. He pulled out the cuff and my entire being bristled at the sight of it.
“You did well,” he said, somewhat begrudgingly, and motioned for my arm.
Panic pumped blood through my system, making me lightheaded as I stepped back. I couldn’t be helpless again. It would be like going back into a dark cell after tasting true freedom.
“I’m not wearing that thing anymore,” I said.
His face went hard. “Like hell you aren’t.”
I felt my face go hard too and I straightened. “I’m not a threat to you. I didn’t come out here and put myself in danger because you made me or threatened me. I did it to help this town. I did it for the people it killed.” I pointed to the kelpie.
“If you don’t put this back on,” he said in a low voice, “then you’ll have to leave the island and never return.”
Power washed over me, musical notes dancing along the edges of my taut vocal chords. “I’m not going anywhere without my aunt. I’m staying right here. Without a cuff. And you’re going to have to learn to trust me.”
He scoffed. “I can make you put it on.” I thought about how Zar had used his magic to pin me into place, and I had no doubt Mayor MacCray could and would do that, too. But I raised my chin.
“Don’t even think about it. You don’t use your magic on me, and I won’t use mine on you.”
He looked like he wanted to rage and fight me, but I didn’t give him the chance. I turned and walked to the car with Ron, getting into the back and lifting CooShee’s limp head to lay on my lap. The moment I was in, Ron turned on the squad lights and peeled out, speeding the whole way to the vet’s office.
Chapter30
Damage Control
Dr. Patel was waiting at his clinic with his wife. Ron picked up CooShee with a grunt and we both hurried to the doors. Dr. Patel let Ron in but held up a hand when I tried to follow. Behind him I saw Chrys and Shani, both staring at me with big eyes. Holy crap…had Teague already told them?
“Please wait in the car,” Dr. Patel said, not looking me in the eye. My stomach soured as he quickly shut the door.
I hadn’t stopped shaking since we left the lake, and now a giant shudder rolled over me. I rushed back to the car, getting in and trying not to overthink it. I pulled my knees up and hugged them, rocking back and forth. I checked my phone. No messages.
Gods, I missed Aunt Lorna. I buried my face in my knees and rocked harder, my whole body overly tense, my throat raw.
Hardly any time had passed before Ron came out and climbed back in the car, starting it and looking over at me with a sad face as he tried to smile.
“Is he okay?” I whispered.
“The hound will be fine.”
I exhaled sharply and a tiny bit of tension released.
“But they know,” he said. The tension was back.
“Teague told?” I asked.
Ron nodded. “He called Chrys, who was standing right next to Dr. Patel, who overheard. I’ve assured them you’re not dangerous and explained what I could. I’ve asked them not to tell anyone, but Doc might discuss it with the mayor.” Ron gave a ragged sigh.
Unease bloomed inside me at the thought of people knowing. “If they tell people, it will get back to the Synod.”
Ron shifted the car into drive and started home. “Let’s try not to worry. I really think they’ll be discreet. They’re a good family.”
Emotion choked me. “Did Shani seem…”
“He sent them both out so I couldn’t get a good read on how the kids were feeling.”
I nodded. It had been nice to have friends, but I always knew that if everyone found out, it wouldn’t stay the same. I had mentally prepared for the rejection, but now that it was happening, I realized how futile my preparations had been. This hurt.
My phone buzzed and I held my breath as I opened the message.
