Page 18 of Born Wicked

“Seventeen, I think,” I say as I look back on the past. “There were a few nice houses that I lived in when I was little, though I’ll admit I don’t remember any of the details other than that there were people and actual houses. Those didn’t last long, though. When you stop being the cute little toddler, people are ready for a new placement. There were some group homes. I lived with this old, nasty lady for a while. It’s all kind of a blur now. I think once I turned eighteen, I shoved it all in little boxes and pushed them all under the bed of my memory.”

“Maybe that’s what happened to my memories,” Roman says, crooking a small smile. “Packed them all up in little boxes and buried them near the center of the earth.”

I know he’s trying to make this heavy stuff light. But it breaks my heart.

“It’s okay to not remember who you are,” I say as I place my hand over Roman’s on the table. His skin is warm, though rough. “As long as you like who you are now, that’s all that matters.”

When did I go and get so damn insightful? Do I like who I am? Does anyone really like who they are?

Surprisingly, when I think about the answer to that question, I think I am beginning to like who I am. I’m learning to stand up for myself. I’m learning to have vulnerability. I’m learning to let love in.

Sure, I’m still sarcastic. I’m still a smart ass.

But I find the truth inside of me. The new version of Juliet is starting to emerge, and I do like her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever once considered that question, if I like who I am,” Roman answers. He’s thoughtful for a moment, searching deep inside for the answer. “I don’t think I know the answer.”

I smile a sad smile as I glance back at him. “It’s okay, you don’t have to know the answer right now.” I pat his hand with mine. “I like you. That’s pretty damn surprising to me. Probably to you, too. You’re a little scary sometimes, but you’re a good person, Roman. If we were in gym class, I’d pick you for my kickball team.”

And for the first time ever, I hear Roman De Luca laugh.

CHAPTERSIX

Modern technology makesour lives so much easier.

Roman, Mason, Sigrid, and myself craft a text message to begin sending out.

Chicago’s water supply was poisoned. It’s been corrected, but it will take time to get out of everyone’s systems. Gifted, drink only bottled water until the all clear has been given. Vampires, absolutely no live feeding until testing comes back clear. Wait, if you can, or feed outside of the city. We will let you know as soon as it’s safe again. Please share this with your applicable friends and family. -The Chicago Night Council

All of us copy and paste the message and send it off to our friends. And like a digital wave, the message washes throughout Chicago.

“People are going to be angry,” I say as I look up at the others. We stand in the Nocturne, working as fast as we can. “They’re going to want answers.”

“But at least they won’t end up in your hospital,” Roman points out.

“Or completely numbed from their gifts,” Sigrid adds.

And I sigh. It isn’t fair. They should be angry. They should want answers. But for now, this is the best we can do, and it’s at least something.

The next weekis insanely busy, but I also get intense relief.

Dev Roshan, the new doctor that I hired to work in the emergency room, starts work. On his first day, he brings with him his daughter who was part of the package deal. She’s kind of intimidatingly beautiful. Her posture is insane, her eyes are intense but warm. She has this thick, long hair that I’m exceptionally envious of. And she is sweet. Perfectly kind. She’s also confident in what she does as a trauma nurse. I have a feeling Lily Roshan and I are going to get along just fine.

I work with them in the emergency room for their first two shifts. It’s so strange being in this new position. Once upon a time, not that long ago, Sebastian watched over me, making sure I could handle this job. Now that’s what I’m doing. Hovering, but trying not to hover, making sure Dr. Roshan knows what he’s doing. Making sure he can handle the pressure that comes with working in a Chicago emergency room, one that specializes in the care of the supernatural.

He’s a pro at it.

So is Lily.

The imposter syndrome I feel sometimes is overwhelming. Dev has been a doctor for decades, and I’m here being the boss, and I’ve only been a doctor for a few months.

Still, it’s such a relief. Yes, I will work a few shifts in the emergency room. But with the weight of the entire hospital on my shoulders, it’s nice to have backup I can count on.

Once again, I really underestimated Sebastian in his ability to juggle everything he was dealing with.

I’m just a fraction less worried about life. I’ll just ignore the two bite victims who come in needing a blood transfusion because they’re dangerously on the line of turning into a Bitten. Apparently, not every resident vampire in this city is smart enough to heed our warning.

Just one day after that, Jon finds me walking out of the elevator. “I found you that new assistant,” he says with a slight smile.

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