Page 18 of The Incubus Curse

I tried to ease my way out of his hold, but to my surprise, he carried me effortlessly to his car, which was parked directly in front of the building between the two pillars that stopped vehicles from crashing into the building.

Even though it was an enlarged SUV, it still seemed like a clown car with the entire Ellisario family and I trying to cram inside, plus some random brunette who seemed dazed and tired as she hunched in the corner, resting her head on the window.

They left the girl on the side of the road to make sure we all fit. All I could see before the door shut behind her was her legs sprawled out as if she was in some strange yoga pose while she laid patiently on the ground without even protesting them leaving her. And while I was flattered that I made the cut, I was beginning to wonder what the hell we were doing.

I mean, shouldn’t we call the cops? Shouldn’t we stay and wait for them? Was this considered leaving the scene of a crime? My mind went into a vicious cycle of questions I didn’t have the answers to.

“We don’t have much time,” Eleanor announced as she hurriedly buckled her seat belt and tapped her phone as if sending a very wordy text. All I could hear was the clicking of her perfectly manicured nails and the heavy breaths of everyone in the car.

I took a moment to look at the car. It had a fresh coat of black paint, the interior looking relatively sporty, though it didhave that distinct “American” look. The dashboard had blue and black decor and a shiny chrome circle in the middle. The radio played some pop tune, which felt mundane considering what had just transpired.

“You can let me out here. I’ll be fine.” I reassured Dustin, hoping he would let me out so I could wait for the cops to show.

I would feel safe then. I could explain what had happened.

“I’m okay, really,” I said again since I hadn’t been acknowledged the first time. But as I spoke, no one appeared to listen. All they did was stare blankly at me as if I was some shiny new toy.

“You’re not going anywhere, sweetie. I am sorry for that.” Stephan finally said.

If it had been anyone else, I would have snapped back, assuming the shock had left my system, but his voice seemed to soothe me.

Damn, these attractive people and their attractive voices. I didn’t want to be soothed. I wanted answers. I wanted to go home. I wanted out.

“What do you mean? I should wait for the cops.” I shook my head, still trying to wrap my mind around everything.

It was beginning to come in waves, the adrenaline and fear. The images warped my mind in any attempt to make sense of it. Even now, as I tried to think clearly, my mind flashed images of the mummified security guard. Flashed images of the monster that killed him.

“I-I have to explain what happened… why the security guard is… well…” I stopped talking when I realized I didn’t understand what had happened. There was nothing rational about that.

The girl with the hooped nose ring laughed rudely. It was more like a witch’s cackle.

“Yeah, good luck with explaining that one.” She bounced upright, eyeing me intently from her seat, her eyes flashing that same blue color as Dustin’s had. It was odd, like she was trying to seduce me with her eyes. Her brows twitched as her face scrunched with focus.

I scoffed at her, my eyes rolling, unsure where to land next. I didn’t want to make eye contact with any of the insufferable Ellisario’s. Like, what did this family think they were? Gods that every person would fall on their knees for?

I mean, for crying out loud, a man had justdied! It sounded like there might be people after me, and she had the unnerving audacity to try to hit on me at a time like this.

“Sasha,stop,” Dustin growled under his breath.

It was such a deep growl that it sent vibrations through me. I hadn’t even realized I was so close to his chest until this moment as I felt his hard skin against my hand, the pounding of his heartbeat racing against my touch. Thunderous almost.

He looked down at me, his eyes locked onto mine momentarily. And it was as if I had spaced out, becoming lost in the rhythmic beat of his heart syncing with mine as it began to fasten.

Okay, somaybeI was becoming phased by them just a little.

After catching my breath, I quickly pulled myself from his gaze and pushed myself out of his hold, squishing myself uncomfortably between him and his brother, who looked at me with the same unnerving look the rest of his family gave me.

“You weren’t kidding.” Sasha plopped back into her seat, acting defeated. A pout sunk on her face. “Shecanresist itsomehow.”

“What?” I said out loud, though I had intended for me to think it.

Resistwhat? Them?

I nearly rolled my eyes at the nerve of these people for thinking they were so irresistible. Is this how all rich people see themselves?

“Oh, come on. You really have no idea what you are?” She jolted back again and looked at me so clearly that it began to turn the wheels in my head.

That was twice now that some one had alluded to me being different.

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