Page 65 of Rebel Spell
“That’s up to you,” Andre said.
“Why do you want it?”
“Not your concern.”
I disagreed since it was a family heirloom.
“Come to Salem Willows now,” he demanded. “If you tell or bring anyone with you, it’s over. Your friend dies. And then you’re next.”
He hung up, and I stared at the phone, my hand trembling. My mind buzzed with frantic ideas on what to do. A clipped call changed everything in a flash.
Focus. I had to be sensible. Gianna was in danger. What the hell could I do to help her?
I groaned. Andre had made that clear enough to be seen on a flashing billboard in Times Square. The question was should I listen or try something else?
I could tell the Network. Maybe they could stake him out.
No, it was too dangerous. If he knew they were there, he’d kill Gianna. Could I tell my roommates? They were supes. They could help, right?
Too much was at stake with Gianna’s life. I couldn’t tell anyone. Not even Diego.
My forehead was so hot, covered in perspiration. I wiped at it while I told myself tothink, think, think.
My gaze drifted to the Book of Shadows. My aunt had entrusted me with this and within days, I’d failed. All because I’d freaked out on discovering the letter and called Gianna.
Shit, this was all my fault.
Was there anything else I could do? Any other option?
Nothing came to me.
I had no choice but to do what he demanded. But I wouldn’t go without any protection. What could I use to help me?
I zipped up to my aunt’s workspace and scoured the space. Too bad I hadn’t been able to have more time practicing on how to defend against a psychopath who’d kidnapped my best friend to get his slippery hands on my family’s book. I grabbed my aunt’s wand from her altar and shoved it into my coat pocket. Perhaps it was futile, but better than nothing.
With a heavy cloak of failure on my shoulders, I picked up the book to deliver it to Andre.
Diego
Since I’d woken up I looped through all that had happened last night with Nova. Why had she freaked out like that?
Sure, I understood on some level. She thought she was doing what was best to find her friend, but it was too dangerous. Witches were being killed, and she was a witch. Going with some mysterious guy wasn’t a risk she should have taken. Although I spotted her, anything could have happened, maybe even so fast that my vampire speed wouldn’t have been enough.
I was better off without her in my life anyway. It was easier to live cut off from the world because that way nobody got hurt.
When I’d gone down to the kitchen to retrieve a blood pouch. Nova’s scent was fresh. It had drifted to me, and I’d moaned with euphoria.
I’d debated going to talk to her. Things had gotten heated out of fear and frustration.
No, it had just been her scent affecting me again. I’d stepped back, forcing myself to clear my head.
After I’d drunk a pouch, I’d gone into the basement. If I couldn’t get her out of my head, I’d beat it out on the drums. I’d played for a solid hour until my arms hurt and sweat rolled down.
I’d headed upstairs to shower and then had read in my room before heading to work. I hadn’t had much to do at the lab, so it was a short shift.
When I returned home, Nova’s car was there. I glanced at her apartment and forced myself to ignore the ache to go to her. Instead, I went straight to my room and tried to read my book.
Minutes later, a car started outside. I rushed to the window. It was Nova. She was leaving. Alone.
