Page 153 of The Midnight Order
Jasper
Silver walks inside with Asher,hand in hand. Both look refreshed and happy. I don’t know where they’ve been, but seeing Asher looking a little less… tormented is nice.
“I’m going to go check on our fine doctor,” he tells her, kissing her on the cheek.
Watching her get closer to each of us has been a pleasure, but it’s also tricky. I’ve been trying my hardest to remain level-headed. Someone has to be.
Lowell is falling hard and fast, and that’s going to become a problem soon. His nature demands he kill when he feeds, and we need to be vigilant and monitor him if we have any hope of keeping Silver alive.
She could absolutely be the key to our freedom and end up dead by our hands before the curse is broken. I’m sure Valentina’s ghost would revel in that happening.
My eyes travel out the back French doors, wondering if her spirit is still out there, still wandering around and watching our agony.
“Asher showed me the grounds,” Silver says, and it snaps me back to reality.
“Mmm. Did he?”
She slides onto a stool and turns toward me. “He did. The chapel is beautiful. I’m sure it was something to behold in its day. You know, I could help you fix that fountain. I know we can’t have anyone from outside come in, but?—”
“No one touches the fountain. Stay away from it.” My voice is stern and lacks emotion as I feel heat ripple up the back of my neck.
Silver straightens, shifting uncomfortably on her stool. “I’m sorry. I just?—”
“No. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. The fountain is off limits.”
“Got it.” Curiosity beams in her eyes, but she keeps a lid on inquiring further.
“So, last night…” I lead her.
She grins, a beautiful blush filling her cheeks. “Dideveryonehear?”
“Everyone heard. Fuck, the entire town might’ve heard.”
“Don’t say that. I won’t ever be able to show my face again.”
I grin. “Was he… good to you? Gentle?”
She bites her lower lip, and my eyes home in on the way her teeth sink into it. I wish she’d give the bite a little more pressure so that I could smell her sweet blood permeate the room.
“I don’t think it’s in Lowell’s nature to be gentle.”
“It’s not. I only meant to inquire about your well-being this morning. If you need anything, let me know.”
“Alright. I will. You’re being very formal this morning.”
Her pointing it out made me sigh and walk closer. “I know. I don’t know how to be around you sometimes. You’re intimidating.”
“Me?!” she squeaks out.
“Yes, you. You might be the thing that frees us, Silver. A lot is riding on each interaction we have with you. I don’t think I’m the only one on edge.”
“I didn’t think about it like that. If anyone’s on edge, I thought it was me.”
“With good right.”
“I think I’m going to go through that box I found in my aunt’s attic some more.”
I note that she’s back to calling Soliel her aunt. I’m thankful, too. She might’ve been the only thing between her and a darker fate.
