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Hannah
Prophet has stayedwith me for a week now.Every day, he’s been a constant presence, a silent shadow watching over me while I try to make sense of everything that’s happened.Jasper’s body is gone.The backyard where it once was has a burn mark on the ground.It’s a stark reminder of the violence that once soaked this place.The bite on my shoulder throbs, a dull ache that refuses to leave, but when Blade’s near, it fades.It’s as though my body craves him, needs him in ways I don’t understand.But I can’t bring myself to face him, not yet, not after what I’ve seen, after everything that’s changed.
But when the ache in my shoulder stops, I know he’s close.
Today, Prophet is taking me into town.He says I need to see that life still goes on, that the world hasn’t fallen apart.He’s wrong, though.It feels like everything is upside down, and I’ve stepped into some alternate universe where nothing makes sense.
We pull up in front of Betty’s Café, and Prophet turns down the country music playing softly in the truck.He gives me one of his easy smiles, the kind that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Tessa’s on today,” he says casually as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“So?”
“So, maybe you and her have something in common.Go have a hot chocolate and some pie.It’ll make you feel better.”
I raise an eyebrow, giving him a pointed look.“Did she see a bear too?”
Prophet’s lips twitch, his smile turning into a smirk.“No, she saw a werewolf and a vampire.Scared her a bit, but Tessa’s got a spine, and she’s decided to keep our secrets.Maybe you can too.”
I turn to look at him, my expression flat.“No one would believe me.”
He chuckles, the sound light and almost teasing.“You know, you’re more like Blade than you think.”
I shift uncomfortably, the words making something tight twist in my chest.“He bit me.Will I change?”
Prophet’s face softens, his eyes turning serious for a moment.“No.It doesn’t work like that.The mark...”he gestures to my shoulder, where the faint scar still lingers, “...just lets every other shape-shifter know that you’re claimed.In a way, it’s a good thing.No one will come after you.”
I stare at him, trying to digest that.“What are you?How did you fix Grace?”
Prophet takes a deep breath, leaning back in his seat.“I’m an angel,” he says with a certain weight in his voice.Then he huffs, the expression on his face shifting to something darker.“Or I was.I’m what you’d call a fallen angel.”
I blink at him, the weight of his words sinking in, but then a slight smile tugs at my lips.“Is that why I feel safe around you?”
He looks at me, his gaze softening just a little, he’s considering my question carefully.“Yes.It’s also why I could revive your cat.”He looks out the window for a moment, the corners of his mouth pulling down.“Although, the powers that be probably don’t approve of me using my gifts for a cat.”He shakes his head as if dismissing the thought.“But because she’s just a cat, they haven’t come to punish me.”
I frown, the confusion clouding my thoughts.“They?”
Prophet waves a hand, a casual gesture that dismisses my question with ease.“Go talk to Tessa,” he says, his voice shifting back to its usual light tone.“And maybe after, you’ll want to talk to Blade.”
I don’t know what to say to that, so I just nod.Prophet’s presence feels so steady, a rock I can lean on, but even his calmness can’t ease the storm churning inside me.I open the truck door, but before I step out, Prophet’s voice stops me.
“And, Hannah?”He waits for me to turn, and when I do, his expression softens again.“Whatever you’re thinking, just remember you’re not alone in this.Not anymore.”
The smile I give Prophet feels forced, a quick reflex to mask the knot tightening in my stomach.I nod at him, the only thing I can manage before I close the truck door and step into the brisk morning air.The cold bites at my skin, but it doesn’t matter.It’s nothing compared to the turmoil swirling inside me.I don’t know what to expect when I walk into Betty’s Café, but one thing’s for sure—I’m not ready to face Blade.Not yet.
The bell over the door jingles as I step inside, and Tessa looks up from behind the counter.Her friendly, warm smile fades into a frown when she sees me.Her gaze shifts quickly as if she’s not sure how to read me.
“Hey, Tessa, how are you?”I ask, trying to sound casual, though I’m sure it’s obvious how much I’m struggling.
“Two of my regulars have disappeared.Do you know why?”Her tone is soft but edged with concern, though I can see the shadows of frustration in her eyes.
I walk over and take a seat on one of the stools at the counter.The cool surface feels foreign under my touch, a strange contrast to the warmth of the café.“You mean Vex and Jasper?”
Her eyes narrow slightly.“Yes.”
Staring out the window, my gaze catches on Prophet’s truck still parked outside.His hand taps the steering wheel rhythmically.He is probably listening to the radio or maybe listening to us.Maybe both.
