Page 37 of Hound

We stepped into the running water and I brought him into a hug. He fit just right as his cheek rested on my shoulder, our bodies molding into each other. I nuzzled my nose into the crown of his head, a floral scent itching against my nostrils as my finger twirled his hair ends. “Then I’ll be your sword.”

The rest of November was spent chewing over how to bring up everything to Christopher: his mom’s diary, Mallory’s location, the connection between him and Sophia Sephtis. A piece of me craved to blurt everything out during our late nights. But how could I ruin the peaceful moments when he was curled into my chest whispering sweet nothings? We’d just pieced ourselves together. I couldn’t bring myself to ruin it. For once in my life, I was a selfish bastard.

And while it took up most of my headspace, the rest was spent being hyper aware of one thing: Nina.

Not only had she been ignoring me—effectively at that—she was spending more and more time with Alek. They were constantly together—by the lake, on the grounds, inside themansion—and even having dance lessons. Actually,hewas givingherlessons from the looks of it. And besides, I knew my cousin. She was good at fighting, but not dancing. Lace had teasingly diagnosed her with two left feet—even though he was not any better.

They’re known to. . .play games on their indoor guardians,Lace’s voice echoed.

My gaze fell on Christopher’s window as I stopped in the trees inside of the second gate. Sweat coated my back and temples. In the distance, I could make out his outline next to his desk, hovering beside the very brother that my cousin had eyes for. At Alek, the deeply rooted dislike for vampires reignited. Doubt flooded my system alongside pure disgust.

The feeling had always felt like it was instilled by someone. But it never made sense. Especially now with Christopher. He was still a vampire like his brothers, part of the same family that treated their guardians like shit. So what was setting Christopher apart from the rest? Why didn’t I hold him with the same doubts I had for vampires?

The same questions irritated me whenever I was away from him. Although my mind was still clouded when not with him, I could force myself to think straight. . .even if I craved to focus on him and only him.

Any plausible answer felt wrong. Nothing fit him.Us.It was illogical and absurd. Somehow, though, not having an explanation felt like the most natural reasoning. But it didn’t diminish the tug of war that waged inside of me.

Like the prickly concern for Nina.

Noon sun rays shone across the grounds. She wasn’t on her usual round route. Where was she? She wasn’t in her room, either—a quick eavesdrop told me so after sneaking out of Christopher’s room.

We hadn’t talked ever since I’d taken out my anger about Christopher on her. When I projected my feelings onto her—even though we were not far apart.

She was showing signs of liking Alek.

“Okay, what’s up?”She’d blurted out after we’d finished our run.

“What?”

She motioned her head at me. “There’s a lecture brewing; I literally feel it. What’s wrong? Not satisfied with the four laps you cursed me with?”

“I’ll curse you with more if you don’t watch your tone, Katerina.”Frustration with everything piling—my feelings, the diary, Mallory’s disappearance—had been piling, but for it to tip over and likethis. . .it was unnecessary. At the moment, I didn’t realize this. Now I did.

I’d concealed the projection by opening a constant wound.

“You’re off.”

Yes, I’d notice her lack of concentration. The exhaustion that darkened her eye bags. But to throw it in as a deflection of my own problem was cheating—especially when our time was limited and needed to be preserved. Not thrown out the window.

I couldn’t blame her for ignoring me. The last time I caught her outside after that debacle, she ran from me, luckily saved by Alek calling her over to their massive garden. Even with the tall sunflowers, I’d noticed the way he glared at me until Nina met his side.

Bitter with a hint of confusion.

Mom’s voice, distant and staggering, hummed after six years. Distant memories with her hazy face shadowed my mind. But my bones still housed the hollow hole she left after her death.

What if Nina was gone just like Mom?

Rapid heartbeats thrummed in my veins and drowned my ears. A sudden numbness rendered me motionless. Shortbreaths escaped me as my throat tightened. Darkness erased my surroundings and crumbled the ground beneath me.

“Katerina’s missing.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

A blurry figure stepped in front of me as a muffled noise filled the air. Fuck! I needed to focus. I forced my throat to swallow through the tightness, shoving away at everything that seemed to close in on me.

Mr. Amelle’s cool voice penetrated through my heartbeat. “I’m sorry, Mr. Devon, but there have been no?—”

“She’s my cousin. You need to find her. Please.” Slowly, the darkness broke apart, Tristan’s light tan skin paling as he nodded. He left before I could tell him something—anything—else. I needed to walk. I needed to dosomethingbefore this fucking panic attack took over.

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