Page 93 of Jinx

“Yeah, fine. That’s fair.”

59

BELLAMY

The wreckage of Blue’s apartment building was like an open wound on what used to be postcard-perfect, small-town charm. Yellow caution tape fluttered in the breeze, workers in hard hats still clearing the rubble a week later. It reminded me why I was here. Why I did the bare minimum to prepare for the new term before coming right back to Glenoakes.

I wasn’t going to waste a second being away from her if I didn’t have to. Especially not after almost losing her to this.

I clutched the gift bag in my hand a little tighter, the stiff paper handles digging into my palm. It wasn’t much—wasn’t even my idea—but it was a start toward rebuilding what she’d lost.

“The official explanation feels off,” I muttered to Lucian, who was standing beside me with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were narrowed into slits of pewter as they scanned the scene, tension evident in every line of his body.

“Because it is,” he spat, like the words had a bad taste. “This place reeks of shade. The explosion may have been caused by a gas leak, but it wasn’t an accident.”

I nodded, watching a backhoe maneuver a massive chunk of debris into the back of a dump truck. “Any theories on what the actual fuck is going on right now?”

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around what she did to save Rami.” Luce scratched at his smooth jaw. “Tying heartstrings on her own, okay. But the way she just instinctively used them to keep him alive…and then forging a soul-bond…” He exhaled deeply and finally turned his attention to me. “It scares the shit out of me. If anyone finds out what she can do⁠—”

“They won’t.” I gripped his shoulder with my free hand, squeezing firmly. “They can’t. We’ll lie, and we’ll play the game, and we’ll keep her safe.”

“Then what?” He looked tortured. “She’s supposed to fully bond with all of us to complete whatever this fucking god’s agenda is? We don’t even know which god did this to her. I hate it.”

My chest ached because I shared his sentiment. Cordie put on a brave face around us. She tried to trust the process and trust us, but the overwhelm was chipping away at her, and glimpses of her real state of mind kept shining through the cracks.

I wanted to be with her right now. I wanted to wrap my arms around her perfect curves, bury my face in her thick hair, and breathe in her intoxicating ginger and jasmine scent until I was dizzy with it.

“She’s strong,” I told Lucian. “And we won’t let her drown.”

He hummed in agreement. “I want to get closer,” he said, already ducking under the yellow tape. “Stay here.”

I didn’t argue. He could avoid attention more easily when he was alone. We never knew for sure if his ability to charm, persuade, and manipulate came from his vampire side or his gryphon, but it’d gotten stronger. Ever since Cordie claimed him, his power was more reliable, and I was starting to believe it had nothing to do with his hybrid nature and everything to do with the beast he was born with.

While he did his thing, I pulled out my phone to find a text waiting from Alaric. He knew I was back in town and investigating the apartment while he and Rami kept our girl busy.

Ric

Update?

My fingers flew over the screen as I replied.

Definitely shade. I don’t like it, but the academy might actually be the safest place for her right now.

My chest twisted with guilt. The safest place for Blue would’ve probably been as far away from us as possible, still ignorant of our fucked up world.

I agree. She’s too exposed here.

How’s our girl holding up?

Three dots appeared, disappeared, then reappeared before his reply came through.

As well as can be expected. We distracted her with retail therapy, but she’s overwhelmed and exhausted, as much as she tries to hide it.

I rubbed absently at my sternum. The ache had lessened somewhat now that I was at least in the same realm as my Heart, but I needed her closer.

Botanical garden still the plan?

Yes. You have everything?