Page 13 of Fated

Catch up? That would imply we’ve ever talked in detail with each other. The idea of spending time with her warms my heart. Jeremy rolls his eyes but I can feel through the bond that he’s pleased. He likes to pretend he’s heartless but I know better.

“Yes mom, please tell us.”

“We tracked down an amulet that is supposed to stop the person wearing it from experiencing their sire bond.”

My heart soars and I feel like an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Anna is going to be okay, we have a solution. I think I stop breathing for a second.

“That’s incredible!” I say.

“Do you have it?” Nic asks.

“Well, we know where it is, but getting it is going to be tricky. I think you six may be better suited for the job, unfortunately. Or at least know someone who is.”

My heart drops a little but I still have hope. We can get it, my mates and I.

“Where is it?” Jeremy asks.

Everyone is paying close attention to the phone as Jeremy’s mother talks. She explains that the amulet is in the possession of a hunter. They tracked its sale to a Mr. Johnson living in Michigan. All of them tense when she says the word hunter.

Jax takes notes on every detail she gives us and I know we are all already thinking through the logistics of this.

“Promise me if you need help you’ll call us,” Jeremy’s mom demands. I’m surprised she’s not insisting on facing the danger herself but their parents have always believed in the guy’s abilities.

“We promise. Thank you for your help, tell dads I say hi.” Jer clicks the red button on the phone, ending the call.

“So, a hunter,” Kiran says, looking around the group and taking in everyone’s expressions.

I know mine is determined but I’m not sure what he sees in everyone else’s.

“I think we need to,” I start but I’m cut off.

“Don’t say it.” Jeremy doesn’t appear furious like I expect but instead, scared. That’s one hundred times worse.

Guilt blooms in my stomach for everything they’ve been put through. They’ve had to watch me almost die breaking a memory spell, get taken by my own mother and almost be killed by my best friend. When this is over, we need a long vacation.

“Let’s talk all options before making a decision,” Jay suggests, steering the conversation to safer grounds.

“We could break in,” Kiran suggests.

“Or offer to buy it,” Jax adds.

I go along with them, even though I know what the most logical answer is. I’ll let them work through it first though. I at least owe them that.

“We could try to find another one,” Jay throws out but even he knows that suggestion is weak. It took their parents a week to find this one, who knows how long it would take to find another. We don’t have that time, Anna’s parents are going to start demanding answers soon.

“We could kill him for it,” Jeremy says and his eyes light up like he loves that idea.

I scan Nic and his shoulders are down in defeat. I know what’s coming out of his mouth before he says it.

“Or we could ask Aly’s parents to help us get it. If we can think of a way to trust them, then they may be able to just ask for it. They’re hunters and should be trusted by another member of the community.”

Jeremy clenches his fists, he might punch Nic for suggesting it. His hatred of my parents is still going strong. Jax is sad but resigned and I know he’ll do it for me. Kiran is still trying to smile and be happy but I can tell it’s forced. Jay has wrapped himself around my body like he can physically protect me from my parents if he’s close enough.

“Let’s at least go talk to them,” I say.

“First, we need a way to make sure they won’t double-cross us,” Nic says.

“You’re right,” I agree. I don’t trust my parents either, I wish I could. Maybe this can be the first step to repairing my faith in them.

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