Eternal Curse: The Cursed Series, #1

1

Welcome to Keene Valley

March 2017…

Am I a murderer?

That question had haunted me for the past two weeks. Since the day I killed my mother. It was as simple as signing my name. And now I was signing my life away, too. Moving to a new town to live with people I didn’t know. Fitting punishment for my crime.

You haven’t said a word in over an hour. Aunt Beth glanced at me and frowned.

What was I supposed to say? The drive from the airport to Keene Valley wasn’t horribly long, but the ride was boring, and it wasn’t until we reached the town limits that anything even remotely piqued my interest—a waterfall carved through the center of a mountain.

Sitting straighter in my seat, I pressed my cheek to the car window. The glass was as cool and refreshing as I imagined the rushing water would be. Movement caught my eye, and I squinted. Were people climbing that mountain? What if they fell? Did they not realize how fragile and precious life was? I slumped in my seat and cradled my mother’s urn closer to my chest.

I missed her so much the grief and loneliness caused a constant physical ache. But I refused to believe she was gone, that I would never see her again, never talk to her, never hear her laugh. I discreetly wiped the tears from my face. The steady hum of the car’s air conditioning filled the void left by the lack of conversation.

We’re here, Chloe, Aunt Beth said in a cheery tone so obviously for my benefit.

The colorful Keene Valley sign came into view, and a sense of dread settled over me. We’d never once visited this town, despite the fact that we had family here. My mother hadn’t ever explained why, and a small part of me felt guilty for dragging her ashes along. But they were all I had left, and selfishly, they were my only source of comfort.

Abby is excited for your arrival. Aunt Beth pulled into the dirt driveway, parked a few feet from the front porch, and shut off the car. She turned in her seat and glanced at me, her expression sympathetic yet hopeful.

I gave a quick, non-committal nod, opened the car door, and stepped out. I heard her heavy sigh as I shut the door behind me. Aunt Beth lived in a two-story, Victorian house with pristine siding and powder blue shutters. The wraparound porch even had one of those quaint wooden swings. This place was nothing at all like the small, attached townhouse I lived in with Mom.

Chloe! The front door slammed open, and a tall, wild-haired girl bounded down the porch steps, barreling straight toward me. You’re finally here!

I hugged the urn to my chest, afraid she’d knock it out of my hands when she threw her arms around me. But I stood perfectly still as she squeezed me.

All right, easy, Abby. I know you’re happy to see her, but give the poor girl room to breathe. Aunt Beth shooed Abby away from me.

With a bit of distance between us, I sighed with relief. Why on earth was she so excited? We had literally met only once before. Hi, Abby.

Aunt Beth draped her arm around my shoulders and led me toward the house. Uncle Dean stood on the porch, arms crossed. His bushy eyebrows were pulled together in a tight crease. He was more imposing than I remembered. Then again, I would be, too, if my sister’s murderer was moving in. Stabbing guilt forced the air from my lungs as I followed Aunt Beth and Abby into the house, which was much bigger than it looked from the outside. The ceilings must have been ten feet high. And everything was white.

The smell of beef stew hung in the air, and I scrunched up my nose. I hated stew. Not that I was going to say so. These people had opened their home to me, and I wasn’t going to be rude. I’d have to force myself to choke down the food. Hopefully, the soup wouldn’t be too bad.

Abby was by my side, smiling like my arrival was the greatest thing ever. I was positive nothing exciting had happened—or ever would happen—in this town.

C’mon, I’ll show you around. Abby grabbed my arm and steered me upstairs to her room where pink camo covered everything. I nearly gagged. She led me down the hall and flung open a door. Here’s your room.

I stepped forward, relieved the walls were a simple cream color. The room was rather barren with standard issue closet, bed, dresser, and such. Nothing at all like my room back home, but it would do.

Well? What do you think? Abby bounced over to my bed and flopped down.

It’s nice. I walked over to the only window and pulled back the soft blue curtain. Trees and mountains as far as the eye could see, yet the view emanated loneliness. Perfect.

Yay! She clapped.

Moments later, Uncle Dean fumbled in with my luggage. Everything I owned was crammed into the four, black suitcases—clothes, shoes, photos, and some wall decorations. The rest had been sold. I probably didn’t have to sell all my stuff, but I needed to do something to contribute. I’m the reason she was dead.

Whelp, there ya go. Uncle Dean rocked on his heels, his 6’4" frame filling the room. His black hair curled around his ears, and his too-large glasses covered half his face. Part of me wanted to throw my arms around him and apologize for what had happened, but he didn’t seem like the hugging type. He didn’t scare me, though. Probably because Mom had told me stories about how caring and gentle he was growing up, which made being here slightly easier. Still, I wished I’d gotten to know them better, but Mom always said we didn’t have the money to visit, and Uncle Dean was not a fan of the Florida heat.

Thanks, I said.

Several long seconds of awkward silence ensued before Uncle Dean turned and left. I set Mom’s urn on top of the dresser, pushing the urn back against the wall, my hand lingering on the cool metal.

Okay, you get settled. Abby surveyed my empty room. Maybe Mom will take us into town later, so you can get some paint for the walls or some posters or something.

I closed my eyes against the rush of emotion that threatened to choke me. She said Mom like Aunt Beth was my mom, too. I took a deep, shaky breath. Uh, yeah. I’m kinda tired though. I’ll probably go to bed early.

Yeah, sure.

Finally, Abby left me on my own. I didn’t know if I could take much more of her bubbly personality. I’d been here less than an hour, and I hated everything about this place already.

I wandered toward the window and stared out at endless trees. If I ran straight through those woods, would I be attacked by an animal or die from exposure before I made it anywhere? Only in death would I see Mom again. In Heaven or wherever we went when we left this world.

I yanked the curtain closed. Without much else to do, I hefted my largest suitcase onto the bed and unzipped it. It took me all of an hour to unpack and put away my life’s belongings.

Chloe? Abby stuck her head into my room. Got a sec?

Yeah. What’s up?

She stepped inside and quietly closed the door. So, I know you’re dealing with a lot right now. She glanced away as if that would somehow lessen the impact of her words. And we have school tomorrow.

I cringed. Starting a new school with a bunch of people I didn’t know—another check mark in the punishment column.

I promise I won’t leave your side tomorrow, okay? Abby moved farther into my room and sat in the desk chair.

Okay. I sat on my bed and hugged my pillow.

Everyone is so nice. You’re going to fit in really well, so don’t be nervous.

If only things were that simple. But I nodded anyway, knowing she wouldn’t fully understand no matter how I tried to explain. Thanks.

I’m so glad you’re here, Chloe. I’ve always wanted a sister! She jumped from the chair and bolted across the room. As she threw her arms around me, she knocked me back against the headboard.

I returned her hug, trying to soak in some of her enthusiasm. Maybe being here wouldn’t be as awful as I expected.

She released me. I leave around seven-fifteen for school, but we can leave earlier so I can show you around.

And just like that, whatever momentary joy I’d felt was gone. Aunt Beth had mentioned she’d already registered me, so all I had to do was stop in the office to get my schedule.

Abby left my room with a wave.

Not knowing what else to do, I wandered around the room until I found myself at the window again, staring out at the woods. The moon was almost full and high in the sky, allowing me a peek at the night’s secrets. In the distance, a moose stood between two large trees, peacefully nibbling away, until it stopped and lifted its head. I shifted on my feet, pressing closer to the window for a better look. The moose turned its head. Then a blurred shadow hurtled in front of the animal and vanished.

I jerked back from the window. The moose was gone. I squinted into the dark woods, searching, but there was no sign of the animal. I knew they could move fast, but not that fast. Goose bumps erupted on my arms, and I drew the curtains closed.

No matter how they dressed this place up, no way this town was ever going to be home.

2

New Girl

My stomach knotted as I rummaged through the dresser for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, hoping for a casual look that wouldn’t make me stand out. Not that my wardrobe mattered—there was nothing I could do to make people not notice me. I was the new girl in a town you’d miss if you blinked. Maybe if I rushed through the day, time would move faster.

I hesitated at the door, my gaze lingering on my mother’s urn. I wanted nothing more than to carry her with me today, but that would be like carrying around a neon sign that read: Look at me! I’m a freak! No, thanks. Taking a deep breath, I kissed my fingertips and then pressed them gently to the urn before leaving my room.

Aunt Beth stood in the kitchen, humming a tune I couldn’t name. Good morning, Chloe. She beamed a blinding smile my way. Are you ready for today?

Nope. I shrugged. As ready as I can be, I guess.

Abby sat at the table. She was dressed similarly to me. Her frizzy red hair was piled in a messy bun atop her head, and her face was free of makeup. Starting a new school would be easier when I already knew someone. Well, sort of knew someone. Even though Abby and I were cousins, we’d only actually met once—before I became an orphaned charity case that needed a place to live.

After a mostly silent breakfast of cold cereal, Abby and I left. We climbed into her 1994 Honda Civic. The car was older than both of us, but the interior was spotless.

When we get there, I’ll drop you off at the front entrance. I have to park around back, but I’ll meet you inside and show you around, Abby said. And I’ll introduce you to Rachel; she’s my best friend. You two will get along great, and then the three of us can be besties.

Thanks.

I had no idea where the high school was, but it couldn’t be too far away—the town wasn’t that big. The entire drive—which took less than five minutes—was made without a word spoken between us. She cranked up the radio, though, and the moody lyrics of Twenty One Pilots filled the car. I had to give her props for her taste in music. Her loud, off-key singing… not so much. I preferred music over talking anyway. With Mom gone, my one safe place was my mind. There, no one could ask me ridiculous questions that would make me feel bad.

Abby pulled in past the Keene Central School sign, and I stared at the monstrous building. You can go in through that door. She pointed at the only visible entrance. The office is right inside. You can’t miss it.

You sure? This place is huge. I laughed in a pathetic attempt to hide my nerves.

It’s a K through twelve school.

My eyes widened. Seriously?

She nodded. Don’t worry. It’s not as scary as it looks.

Thanks. I grabbed the handle and shoved the passenger door open. Adjusting my backpack, I headed inside.

The hallway was freezing, as if someone had cranked up the air conditioning and couldn’t figure out how to turn it down. Shivering, I hugged myself then ducked inside the main office. The door closed loudly behind me.

May I help you? A woman in her late fifties looked at me through thick glasses.

I’m Chloe Madison. I shifted on my feet.

She studied me through narrowed eyes. Then, as if an invisible light bulb had gone on over her head, she smiled. Yes, you’re staying with the Benson family, right?

Yes. I glanced around the small, crowded office.

Being in confined spaces, especially with people I didn’t know, was a nasty, unexpected result of spending too much time in the hospital with my mom. Small room congested with the traffic of doctors and nurses… I forced in a lungful of air.

And then I heard the same sound that haunted my dreams—a long, drawn out, high pitched beeeep. My heart lodged in my throat, and I backed up several steps, as if that would somehow make the noise stop. I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing I was literally anywhere else.

Don’t let that stupid old fax machine frighten you. She chuckled.

I exhaled slowly, my nerves still frayed.

Welcome to Keene Central School. I’m Ms. Fitcher. She grabbed a folder from the top of the filing cabinet behind her. My name was scrawled across the front in black ink. She flipped open the folder and ruffled through the pages until she came to my schedule, which she pulled out and handed to me. These are your classes. Mrs. Benson helped pick them based on your transcripts from your previous school.

I took the paper. Thanks. I gave the schedule a quick glance—Algebra, Home Economics, PE, Lunch, World History, English Composition, and Chemistry.

Your locker assignment and combination are on there. Ms. Fitcher pointed to the bottom of the page.

Thanks, I repeated before leaving the office.

Abby stood in the hallway, waiting. She plucked the paper from my hand. Come on, I’ll show you to your locker. She took off ahead of me.

I was grateful for Abby’s presence as she helped me find my locker because I never would’ve found it on my own. In fact, remembering my way back here would be a small miracle.

I need to run to my locker, too, she said. Wait here for me, and we’ll go to Algebra together.

Hey, Abby. I clutched her arm. I just wanted to say thanks for all your help and… everything.

You’re family, Chloe, and family always comes first. With an understanding smile, she left.

I turned back to my locker and tested the combination. The lock opened on the first try, and I swung the door harder than necessary. The door banged against the neighboring locker. The loud crash of metal on metal made me jump. The seconds ticked by. I had no idea where Abby’s locker was or how long she would take to get back, but I was not going to stand here any longer. I grabbed for the door, but instead of getting a handful of metal, my fingers slammed into flesh. Every single knuckle in my hand cracked. Pain shot up my arm.

Ow, I cried softly, cradling my hand to my chest.

Did you just punch me? A deep, rich voice cut through the air.

I’m so sorry. I refused to look anywhere but at my locker, not wanting to see everyone staring at the new girl. I didn’t mean… it was an accident. I’m sorry. I shook the pain from my hand and winced.

He slowly pushed my locker door closed. Are you okay?

I forced myself to look at him. He had to be pushing six feet tall, and I tilted my head to see his face. Mesmerizing, crystal-clear blue eyes. High cheekbones and dark hair. A strong jaw accented his full lips—lips that were currently curved into a teasing smile, showcasing his bright white teeth.

My gaze lowered to a muscular chest and broad shoulders barely contained by the black, long-sleeved shirt. Black jeans held low on his hips by a belt showcased his svelte physique. And I’d punched him in the face. Embarrassment heated my neck and cheeks.

I should be asking you that. Are you okay? I stepped closer, inspecting his cheek. Nothing. Not so much as a splotch of color. How could he not have a single mark when my hand was throbbing? Are you sure I didn’t hurt you?

He laughed, the sound so thick and decadent it wrapped around me like a hug, comforting me in a way I never knew possible. I’ve taken worse. I’ll be fine.

Okay, I said, drawing out the word. Is it normal for people to punch you? Because you seem very cool about this whole thing.

He opened his locker and rummaged around inside, not bothering to answer my question.

Well, I’m sorry, I said again.

Apology accepted.

Thanks. I turned around, and to my utter relief, no one stared at me. In fact, no one even noticed I was there. Glancing down the hallway, I saw Abby finally making her way toward me, but then she stopped to talk to a petite girl with bleach blonde hair.

Are you positive you’re okay? he asked.

The sound of his voice startled me, and I turned back to him. He leaned against his locker, his gaze roaming over me as if I was the first girl he’d ever seen.

May I see? He nodded toward the hand I held protectively against my chest.

Cautiously, almost as if he were afraid I’d hit him again, he took my hand and gently ran his thumb across my knuckles. I cringed but didn’t pull away. Instead, I took the opportunity to get a better look at him, and what I saw knocked the breath from my lungs.

He was perfection personified, each line and angle of his face meticulously etched as if he’d been hand carved. Long, dark lashes and soft eyes, despite their piercing color. And his complexion was flawless, not a blemish or imperfection. Brow furrowed in concentration, his tongue peeked out and wetted his bottom lip. And like some sick Peeping Tom, I couldn’t stop staring.

Would you like to take a picture? The corner of his mouth quirked up into a smirk, and he lifted just his eyes, watching me from under his lashes.

Oh, God. I quickly averted my gaze and stared at my hand, but that wasn’t any better because now I focused on his hands. On how slender his fingers were, how his nails were trimmed neatly, how he was currently rubbing the pad of his thumb along the side of my pinkie and how involuntary shivers were coursing up and down my back.

Uh, I think I’m good. I removed my hand from his and made a fist. My knuckles were stiff and sore, but I no longer noticed the pain. Thanks.

You should probably go to the nurse. Get some ice before that starts to swell.

My eyes widened, and a moment of horror struck me. Yeah, I was not going to go to the nurse and explain what happened. Knowing my luck, I’d get sent to the principal and expelled before I ever stepped foot in my first class. Thanks, but I’m fine. Really.

He nodded. Well, this has been an interesting first day. I hope this isn’t how they greet all new students.

What? I cocked my head with confusion.

Apparently, my welcome was a punch in the face.

That only made my faux pas even worse. Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m new, too. I’m Chloe.

Another guy sauntered up, and the resemblance to my locker neighbor was unmistakable. The two of them were like walking gods. Perfectly built, graceful, athletic. Flawless.

C’mon, Trent. The guy barely gave me a second glance. Stop screwing around with the locals, and let’s get to class.

Oh, I’m not a local, I said, immediately regretting my response. I had a feeling he didn’t care one way or another.

Like it matters, the guy muttered.

Knock it off, Jax. Trent gave him a scathing look. Sorry for my brother’s lack of manners. I’ll see you around. Without another word, he walked away.

I stared after them. Jax turned back to look at me. No, not at me. Through me. His stare was unnerving, yet I couldn’t look away. He narrowed his eyes as if squinting against a bright light. Then, as quickly as he’d acknowledged me, he turned away as if I didn’t exist.

Hey! Abby bounced up to me, and her eyes widened. Who were you just talking to?

Trent and Jax. I think they might be brothers. They look an awful lot alike. I guess they’re new, too. I shrugged.

Hmm. She hummed as if she didn’t believe me. I hadn’t heard anyone new was starting today. Other than you, of course.

He probably only said that to make me feel better. I hesitated, tugging at the hem of my shirt. I accidentally punched Trent in the face.

Shut up. You did not? She laughed loudly, garnering the attention of the students in the hall. Oh, my God, Chloe. Tell me everything. Don’t you dare leave out a single detail. She looped her arm through mine and spun me in the opposite direction.

There’s not much to tell. I apologized for hitting him, and he said it was fine.

I don’t care about that. She waved her hand dismissively. "It’s extremely rare for us to get new students, and now there’s not one but two super-hot new guys? And they were talking to you? Awe and jealousy dripped from her voice. That’s definitely something to talk about."

I rolled my eyes.

Wait until I tell Rachel. She’s going to freak.

It’s really no big deal, Abby.

All right… Abby drew out the words as if she thought I was insane for not wanting to gossip about the new guys. This is our first class. She walked into the room.

I hesitated in the hall for a moment longer. I can do this. I turned to walk into class, but I ran face first into a shirt full of hard, cool muscle. I slowly lifted my head and was met with a scowl. A very annoyed scowl that quickly morphed into a breathtaking smile.

My face wasn’t enough? You need to assault my chest, too? An almost imperceptible hint of humor laced Trent’s words. He stepped around me, muttering something under his breath that I couldn’t decipher.

Can today get any worse?

I stopped at the teacher’s desk in the front of the room and handed him my schedule. He gave me a textbook, then instructed me to find an empty seat. I headed straight for the back of the room when I noticed Trent staring at me. Again. Only this time, when I looked back at him, he slipped on a pair of sunglasses and turned away.

3

The Punching Hall of Fame

By the time lunch rolled around, I could barely keep my eyes open, and my head ached like it had been rammed into a brick wall. Would the school nurse let me go home if I complained? Probably not.

I got a tray of food—mashed potatoes with gravy and some type of meat, if this brown blob could be called that—which only managed to turn my stomach. Standing at the front of the cafeteria, I scanned the crowd in search of Abby. We’d had every class together—I had classes with the same twelve people all morning—so I knew we had lunch together, too, but she was currently MIA. I found an empty table near the windows with a clear view of the hallway. A girl from my Home Economics class came over and stood across from me, a friendly but nervous smile on her heart-shaped face.

Um, would you like to sit with me? She pointed to a table across the room. I’m waiting for a few other friends, but they’re cool.

Considering Abby still hadn’t shown her face, I couldn’t ignore the only other invitation I had. Sure, thanks. I grabbed my food and followed her to a table where we both sat.

She crunched on a carrot stick. Chloe, right?

I glanced away, embarrassed. Yeah. Um, sorry, but I don’t remember your name.

She laughed, and I looked back at her. Ellie.

She continued to crunch away on her carrot, reminding me a lot of the bunny Mom had gotten me when I was seven. That was the Easter right after Dad left us. At that time, I’d still believed he’d come back, but Mom had known better. The bunny had been her way of giving me something new to love, something to keep me occupied. I’d named him Frank, after my father, which in hindsight, was a really stupid name for a girl. Much like my father, the bunny hadn’t hung around very long. Two weeks after I’d gotten her, she’d managed to get out of her cage. There was a theme in my life with the things I loved.

I tore my gaze from Ellie and shuffled the food around on my tray. Four more people sat at the table, and while I recognized their faces from classes, I couldn’t recall any names. I searched for Abby again, but she still wasn’t around.

Chloe, this is Nick, Luke, Tonya, and Gina. Guys, this is Chloe, Ellie said.

Oh, yeah, you’re the new girl who’s been sitting in the back of every class. Gina pointed, her round, cherub-like cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.

Wait, didn’t you punch that new guy in the face this morning? Nick’s eyes widened, and if I wasn’t mistaken, that was pride shining in his brown eyes.

Oh my God. I heard about that, Tonya said. Short, black curls framed her face. He tried to ask you out, and you hauled off and punched him.

No, he grabbed her butt, Luke said as if his statement was a known fact not up for debate. He gave a quick shake of his head, causing his shaggy blond hair to fall over his hazel eyes.

What? I gasped. No. That’s not how it happened at all. News spread fast at this school, but apparently, rumors spread even faster. It was an accident. I explained the events of that morning. With any luck, my new friends would help me set the rumor mill straight.

Yeah, that’s not what people are saying. Not even close. Ellie laughed. The gossip around here is reaching epidemic levels.

Welcome to Keene Central School. Luke grinned. Although, I have no idea why anyone would want to come here.

Gina elbowed him in the ribs and gave him a dirty look. An awkward silence fell over the table. It was no one’s business why I was here, but from the way they were all looking at me, they wanted to know. I wasn’t about to tell a group of strangers that I was a murderer. Talk about social outcast.

I twisted the top off my water bottle and took a long drink. When I set the bottle back down, I caught Trent staring at me from across the cafeteria where he sat with his brother. He kept looking at my face, then above my head, then back to my face. Was my hair sticking up? I self-consciously smoothed my hands over my head and down my hair, but he still didn’t look away. Didn’t he realize staring like that was rude?

Do you play any sports? Tonya asked.

I returned my attention to my new friends. No, I’m not much of a team player, I admitted. Not for a lack of trying, though. Mom had put me in every group activity and sport she could find in an effort to socialize me. Things never worked out.

Too bad. We could really use someone on the softball team, Tonya said, her shoulders slumping with disappointment.

Sorry.

Don’t be, Nick said. Our teams suck.

My gaze wandered back over to the table in the corner. Trent laughed at something his brother said. As if he could sense me watching, he turned slightly. A longing tugged at my chest, so severe that my entire body ached. I swallowed hard and took several deep breaths to calm my suddenly racing heart. The bell rang. I gathered my stuff and headed for the door.

What class do you have next? Ellie asked.

I fumbled to get my schedule out of my backpack. World History. Room two-nineteen.

Hey, that’s my class, too. I’ll walk with you.

I wasn’t surprised she was in the same class again. Great.

Ellie talked the entire way about anything that popped into her mind, but I was only half listening.

So, hey, let’s exchange numbers, and you can totally call or text me if you need help catching up on anything. I’m sure it’s overwhelming to start here so late in the year, and I’m happy to do whatever I can to help.

All I’d heard was exchange numbers before my mind started racing. Oh, um, I don’t have a phone. Seriously, what teenager didn’t have a cell phone these days? Then again, after what had happened, I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to have another one.

That’s cool. Abby has my number, so you can call from her phone if you ever need help with anything.

Thanks.

Hands up, Ellie. New girl has a killer right hook, someone shouted from the other end of the hallway. His comment was followed by raucous laughter.

My steps faltered. How does everyone know about that? I mumbled.

Nothing around here is a secret. She shook her head. Hey, so, I’ll catch up with you in a bit. Ellie waved and disappeared around the corner, her long, sleek ponytail swishing behind her.

I walked into class. Abby was already there, sitting in the back with a boy. When she saw me, she waved me over. She’d ditched me for a guy? I flung my bag on top of the desk and sat.

Sorry I missed lunch. Abby leaned over and lowered her voice. I’ll explain later, but you understand, right? She gave a subtle nod to the boy on her right.

Yeah, whatever. But I didn’t understand. What happened to family comes first?

You’re the best, Abby whispered.

As if being ditched by the only person I knew wasn’t bad enough, Trent chose that moment to stride into the room like he owned the place. Every step oozed confidence, and every girl in the room stared. Me included.

He stopped in front of my desk and crossed his arms. I was going to sit there.

You were?

He nodded. I sat at that desk for two other classes. It’s my seat.

I stared at him, dumbfounded, and then I swiped my bag onto the floor and studied the top of the desk. I don’t see your name anywhere. I stood and checked the chair, too, just to be sure. Nope. No name. I plopped back down and gave him the sweetest smile I could muster.

To my surprise, he laughed. Like before, the sound was deep, genuine, and something stirred in my gut, something I hadn’t ever experienced before. For a moment, I was terrified I might throw up all over his shoes. The feeling was intense and all-consuming, and as soon as I’d felt it, it was gone. So was the amusement on his face, replaced with mild annoyance.

His brother shoved past him and glowered at me with so much fury, an icy chill snaked up my arms. There was something disturbingly menacing about