Page 34 of Stone Seduction
“Okay.”
She sniffed. “The bracelet will last for as long as you keep taking the potion—both working in tandem. You must keep it on. If your try removing it, an alert will sound and you will face the consequences.”
“Oh.”
“Seth is serious about security. Do not let him down. Keep the bracelet on.” She turned her back to me. “It’s a matter of life or death.”
Great. Great. Great. Exactly what I loved hearing.
The enchanter left the room as Carissa returned, offering a gentle smile.
“My amulet,” I said. “Luna didn’t give?—”
She held it up. “Don’t worry so much, human. Everything is fine.”
Yes. I really believed her. Let me bask in the glorious truth of those words for a moment.
Or not.
Ugh. If there were shady machinations going on behind the scenes, I didn’t want any part if it. They could leave me out of it, even if everything involved me.
Who the hell was I kidding? Talk about naïve. What next? A trip down Sunshine Lane to sing with the birds and bunnies, the world nothing but a happy place filled with smiles and candy canes?
Gross. I loathed candy canes. Stupid Christmas crap, December made my gums hurt. The sooner this month whizzed by, the better. I didn’t particularly like January, but at least January was honest about its dreariness. December painted itself in festive colors, burying its harsh face under tinsel and songs and fucking candy canes.
Finn made Christmas fun. Without him?—
“Luke?” Carissa said.
I rubbed my eyes, forcing myself back into the moment. “Sorry. Can I have my amulet please?”
She handed it to me. “Come along.” The gargoyle spoke brightly, less exhaustion about her now. “Let’s get to the meeting.”
I followed her, confused by my encounter with Luna, while also numb to it. Control of my life fell into the laps of others now, me the puppet on the string dancing to their whims.
Damn.
Just damn.
NINE
Luke
Ifollowed Carissa, yawning. If I didn’t get to my bed soon, I’d be out for the count in the middle of the floor. This weariness wanted me horizontal.
The gargoyle slowed, coming to a stop outside a closed door.
“When’s my mark getting here?” I heard Asher demand, followed by the slamming of fists on stone.
“I’m here!”I yelled via the amulet.“Sorry! I forgot to say we’re back in business.”
“Thank the gods,”he replied.
Crap. Stupid me for not giving him a head’s up.
The moment we entered the drab room, a burst of energy got my feet moving and my body in the chair next to Asher.
He threw an arm around me, pressing the side of his head to mine. He spoke his relief with his body, making things a little better.
