Page 64 of Ghosts of the Dead

Before I have a chance to realize what’s happening, Mars’s hand shoots out and wraps around Lucy’s throat. He pulls her in close so her face is inches from his and she has to stare into his pitch-black eyes that seem to grow colder by the second.

“Mars? What are you doing?” I shriek.

I stand frozen, breath caught in my throat. The fear in Lucy’s eyes flickers to something sharper, something calculating, and for a moment, I don’t know whether to fear her or Mars more.

Mars ignores me. The look he gives Lucy is enough to send terror shooting down my spine, and I’m glad that look isn’t aimed at me. He leans in close to her and snarls in her face. “If I find out you had anything to do with Summer’s disappearance, I will disappear you myself.”

He shoves her back, and her hand flies to her throat when she coughs for air.

Something flashes in her eyes. Fear? Anger? Recognition? But then it’s gone.

Jace glares at Mars. “You stole my line.”

Mars shrugs and turns around. Dark strands of his hair fall over his eye and the flannel still hangs open so his bare chest and six-pack abs are on full display. He leans in closeto me, sending a shiver down my spine, then winks. “Come on. We have stitches to stitch.”

The guys move toward the exit, but Lucy grabs my arm before I can follow and drops her voice to a whisper so only I can hear. “Old laundromat, west side of the tunnel, tomorrow night.” Her eyes flick to something behind me. “Come alone.”

I open my mouth to speak, but then she’s gone, slipping out the broken side door and disappearing into the ruins.

Jace is beside me in an instant. “What did she say?”

“Nothing important,” I lie, hating myself for it. “Just about how you guys are dicks.”

Jace shrugs, like he agrees.

When we get outside, Caspian is waiting for us with unease. I glance around when I see he’s alone. “Where’s Mars?”

I spot Mars running toward us. Frustration etches into every line of his face while he rubs his jaw. “I tried to follow her, but she spotted me. We sparred, but she kicked me in the same spot where Jace left a bruise, and got away.”

“You tried to follow her?” I gasp. Dammit. Why didn’t I think of doing that?

Jace glares at Mars. “You deserved that bruise, and I ought to give you another for letting her get away. I thought you could be more stealthy than I could, but I guess I was wrong.”

Mars looks like he wants to accept the challenge, but then he looks at me and his hard, dark eyes soften. “We won’t let her lead us into a trap. It’s too risky. Of course, at least one of us would try to follow her. We’ll find her, though. I have a feeling there’s something she’s not telling us.”

Jace sighs. “This pharmacy was the only lead we had. Perhaps we should have handled Lucy better. I’ll admit the mistake.”

I cry out in frustration and pound my fists against Mars’schest. “She’s the only real lead we have left. And you wouldn’t let me follow it. Summer could die because of you guys.”

Mars grabs my forearms, careful to avoid my sprained wrist even though I’ve already hurt it more by slamming it against his solid chest of pure muscle. He holds me still, forcing me to look into his eyes that are filled with sorrow and determination. “We’re going to find her, Autumn, but we won’t risk losing you in the process.”

Jace runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. “Did you notice how Luna reacted to that woman? I’ve never seen her so aggressive.”

Luna presses against my leg. She’s calmed now, but still alert. Her eyes scan our surroundings.

“Luna’s just skittish around strangers,” I say, dismissing the concern. “She was the same with all of us at first. Even I had to earn her trust.”

“This was different,” Caspian says. “She’s never bared her teeth at any of us. She didn’t just avoid Lucy. She actively tried to protect you from her.”

I shrug, not wanting to give them another reason to avoid following my lead. “She’s probably picking up on all your testosterone-fueled suspicion.”

They don’t look convinced, but they drop it. I reach down to scratch Luna behind the ears. I’m grateful for her company, but I hope her protectiveness won’t ruin my chance to meet Lucy tomorrow. I’ll have to think about this.

I pull away from Mars. Caspian reaches for my sprained wrist, but I pull it out of reach. Guilt washes over me, knowing I’ve hurt them with my words, but I’m too hurt and frustrated to talk about it. I don’t even tell them I’m considering meeting up with Lucy tomorrow night.

Some decisions I need to make alone.

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