Page 4 of Welcome to Carnage

I blink, taken aback by the sudden change of topic. “I haven’t thought about it,” I reply.

“Weird, right?” James grins, propping his elbows on the table. “Even without thinking, some part of you must’ve formed an opinion. Ghosts, spirits, the supernatural. They’re inescapable this time of year.”

I lean back in my chair. “Well, I guess it’s always been more fun and scary for me. Halloween, that is. Ghosts and spirits. I’ve never had a reason to believe.”

James nods, a thoughtful look on his face. “Makes sense. Who would unless they’ve had a creepy, unexplainable experience, right?”

As I’m about to respond, the restaurant door swings open. My heart skips a beat as I recognize Nyx striding in. His eyes instantly find mine, but there’s no expression in them. They narrow slightly.

The host greets him, and he speaks to him without taking his eyes off me. And then the host seats him a few tables away, where Nyx watches me like a hawk.

What the hell?

I wonder if Pierce put him up to this. If he did, I’ll kill him. Pierce maybe my older brother, but I’m twenty-one, for fuck’s sake.

“Excuse me, I need to speak to a friend briefly.”

James clears his throat, glancing around. “Is it Luna?”

“Unfortunately, not.”

He looks disappointed. “Sure, take your time.”

I get up, heading over to Nyx. He watches me with intense eyes as I approach his table.

“What are you doing here? And why are you staring at me?” I demand, trying to keep my voice low.

He doesn’t speak, merely stares at me.

“Did Pierce put you up to this?” I ask.

Nyx smirks, his dark eyes glinting under the dim restaurant lights. “And what if he did?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest. Nyx’s voice is low and calm, starkly contrasting the anger bubbling inside me.

I frown. “I would tell him to stop treating me like a kid and let me live my freaking life.”

“What if I told you Pierce had nothing to do with me being here?” He leans back.

His response catches me off guard. I swallow, trying to maintain my composure. “Then why are you here, Nyx?”

He tilts his head, studying me. “What makes you think I owe you an explanation?” he teases, a playful glint in his eyes.

I cross my arms over my chest. “Because you’re sitting in a restaurant, watching my date and me like some creeper!”

“I wouldn’t saycreeper,” he says, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I prefer the term concerned friend.“

I roll my eyes. “Well, your ‘concern’ is creeping me out. Stop it.” I turn to leave, but his next words stop me in my tracks.

“Avina,” he calls out, making me glance back. “What if I told you that your date has more reasons to worry than you think?”

I turn back to face him. “What are you talking about?” I ask, feeling dread wash over me.

“You should be careful who you trust,” he says before getting up and walking toward the exit.

I watch him go, his words ringing in my ears. My mind races as I sit back down at my table, trying to make sense of that weird conversation. What did he mean bymore reasons to worry? I’m already freaking out enough about being on this date without him making me feel like shit.

I look at James, who’s still blissfully unaware of the tension in the air. I try to push Nyx’s warning out of my mind and focus on enjoying the rest of our date, but it’s no use. The date wasn’t exactly going well before Nyx’s intrusion.

I hate that a part of me hopes he’s jealous. I’ve known Nyx since high school, and I’ve always got the sense his bad boy look isn’t merely a style choice but a part of who he is. It runs deep.

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