“I don’t have any siblings,” I say, grimacing. That obviously wasn’t her point. “Why would you ask me such a thing?”
“I don’t think you’re a bad guy,” she says softly. “But I didn’t get the same impression from your friend. I can feel it in my stomach. He had bad intentions that night. I’m sorry I have to be the one to tell you that.”
My gut churns to the point I feel like I could vomit all over the floor. The look on her face, and even the energy in the room, tells me she’s not just taking a jab.
She would have no real reason to, anyway.
I take a step backward, followed quickly by another. It causes her hand to fall from my arm, and I feel like I should apologize for the abrupt movement, but my head is a chaotic mess.
Simon and Josiah said Levi changed in the time I was away.
Hazel just alluded to the same thing, and it’s like my brain can’t seem to comprehend it.
Could I have been so wrong?
I need to speak to Simon and Josiah to see if they can add additional clarity to what they meant when they said Levi was different recently.
Only I can’t leave Hazel unprotected.
I’m not willing to take the chance the creature won’t seek retribution because I’ve been hunting it. Stumbling over, I take a seat in the chair I started in.
My elbows land on my knees, and I plant my face in my hands.
“Sometimes we’re too close to something to see it for what it really is.” Hazel shuffles closer, resting her hand on my shoulder. “Others can surprise us, and not in good ways. What you shouldn’t do is beat yourself up for seeing the good in someone you cared about.”
A terrible scoff escapes my lips.
It feels like I don’t know anything anymore, and it’s unsettling on a foundational level.
Chapter Seventeen
Hazel
Zephyr is off the rest of the afternoon. He was downright chatty compared to what I would normally expect from an angel. At least before that fucking vision, but afterward, he’s quiet and pensive. I’m ill-equipped when it comes to helping someone feel better or setting a person at ease. I wish I were more competent in that department, but something tells me Zeph needs some time to himself, so I don’t bother him.
He holds me to his chest during the flight back to the house, but again, it doesn’t feel like he’s really present.
It’s a relief when he informs Annex and me that he needs to run an errand.
He tucks my hair behind my ear and brushes his lips over my forehead. “I’ll be back in plenty of time to accompany you to work tomorrow. Don’t go anywhere by yourself.”
I smile, but my stomach churns.
I’m more than capable of protecting myself, but his concern makes me wish things were different between us.
I’ve almost blurted out the truth ten times since he pulled me into that memory of his friend’s death.
The only solace I can find in the entire screwed-up situation is that something seemed to click for him.
Still, I don’t see a world where he forgives me for not only lying about who and what I am, but also formurderingsomeone he cared about.
“Aww, baby doll.” Annex stretches out over me on the couch. “You’re poutier than I’ve seen you yet. Was today a disaster?”
“You have no idea,” I whisper as my eyes fall shut.
“Well, I would say I don’t want to pry, but that’s exactly what I’m planning to do, so why don’t you fill me in?” He chuckles, brushing his lips over mine. “I’ve been waiting with bated breath. You can text me at any time. You know that, right?”
I sigh.
