Page 46 of Blood of Night (The Thorne Hill)

“We kinda broke into a warehouse that stores dark objects and is run by the Order of the Mystic Realm.”

Kristy jerks her head around, eyes wide. “You what?”

“Broke into a warehouse. Anyway, I got the oracle and then the ring appeared in Easton’s truck when he was on his way to see another hunter and dropped it off. I didn’t realize it was a vessel for a djinn until it was too late.” The lump grows bigger, and I can’t push it down. Tears prick the corner of my eyes and I feel on the verge of that breakdown Ruby said she was impressed I haven’t had yet.

“You…you didn’t say anything. I had no idea.”

“Yeah,” I just say, wanting to be mad at her because it’s easier than dealing with everything. “I don’t know how we got here, but um, Easton accidentally made a wish.”

“What was it?” Kristy asks after a few beats pass between us.

“That I’d know what a so-called normal life was like.” I grip the oracle through the material of my jacket. “It felt so real. Everything was so real, except…except it wasn’t.”

“You broke out. That’s…that’s incredible, Cal. I remember having nightmares when we learned about djinn at the academy. No one knows much about them because no one—on record at least—has ever broken out of a wish.”

“I’m not fully human. I didn’t die when I was expected to. But Easton…fuck. I need to call Melinda.” I don’t have my phone, and I don’t think Easton brought his either. “How did you know to come?” I ask Kristy.

“I brought you dinner and wanted to see how you’re holding up. Plus, I missed my goddaughter. Eliza was freaking out when I pulled up, almost running outside in the setting sunlight to tell me you hadn’t come home yet and she expected you hours ago.”

“I’ve been away from Juliet for almost a day.” I bring my hands to my chest, aware now of the discomfort of not having nursed her for hours as well.

“Here.” Kristy passes me her phone. “Eliza is waiting for a call.”

I take her phone and lean back, calling Eliza. She and Juliet will meet us at the hospital, and she’s going to bring my phone and clean clothes. Easton groans and I put my hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, shhh, it’s okay,” I tell him. He falls silent and still again, and all I can do is pray that it’s not too late.

“Morning, babe.”

I jerk my head up to see Easton grinning at me. He’s lying in a hospital bed after being treated in the ER and then admitted. “I’d punch you right now if you weren’t so pathetic.”

He starts to laugh and then winces. “Hey, we can’t all heal ourselves.”

“Apparently, that’s all I can do. But they said you’re going to make a full recovery and the brain damage is minimal.”

“Brain damage?”

“Oh, right, you were always like that.”

“Not funny,” he deadpans and slowly sits up. The room is dim and quiet, and Juliet is asleep in my arms. Melinda is on her way and should be here soon. I uncross my legs and slowly move Juliet so she’s resting against my chest more than against my arms. “It’s so weird that you’re a mom.”

“I know, right?” I look down at my baby, smiling, and then look back at Easton. We’re going to have to talk about what happened, or whatdidn’thappen, I suppose. It wasn’t intentional, but Easton exposed a big part of himself, part I’m positive he didn’t want me knowing.

Lucas was right: Easton still has feelings for me. I wish I didn’t know. Being the source of someone’s unrequited love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

“Do you remember what happened?” I ask gently, part of me hoping he’ll just say no and we can move on.

“I do. The ring—”

“It’s not in the fiery pits of Mordor, but the djinn is dead. I stabbed her and then burned the body and, shit, I owe Kristy a new letter opener. It was book-themed.”

There’s a knock at the door and I make a face, certain the nurse heard me talking about murder. But it’s Melinda, and she rushes in, throwing her arms around her brother.

“Easy, sis,” Easton says and pats her on the back. “I’m fine. I should be getting out of here soon.”

“Yeah, right, mister,” she shoots back and straightens up, wiping tears from her eyes. “Callie filled me in.”

“On everything?” Easton asks, a little panicked.

---