Page 52 of Shattered Veil
“You too,” she calls back.“Good luck.”
I trudge back to my room. The weight of isolation settles over me like a shroud.
Fuck, I think. I’d kill for a drink right now.
My mind drifts to the guys—Rory, Callen, Tiernan. A dull ache pulses in my chest. I miss them, their warmth. Just because I’m in on the plan now and know they’re not really avoiding me, doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.
I reach my door, hesitating with my hand on the knob. The thought of spending tonight alone, obsessing about the Harrowing tomorrow—that sucks most of all.
I push open the door and step inside, letting out a long breath as it clicks shut behind me. The silence is deafening.
“Just get through the next three days,” I whisper to myself, leaning back against the door.“Get through the Harrowing. Then figure out the rest.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Callen
The portal shimmers around me as I materialize inside Brigid’s room, startling her.
“So that’s how you and Lochan get in here.” She’s sitting on her bed, cross-legged, sketchbook in hand. When she looks up, I can see the strain on her face.
“Comes in handy, especially when we’re trying to avoid being seen.” I reach my hand out to her.“Now come here. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
She leans away, frowning.“Callen, I can’t. The Harrowing—”
“Isn’t going anywhere.” I close the distance between us and trail my fingers up her arm.“You need a distraction, darling. And you shouldn’t be alone.”
She bites her lip as she considers my offer. It kills me that she’s hesitant, but I understand why. I know I still have a lot to make up for, and I intend to start tonight.
I lean in closer and whisper in her ear.“Say yes. Let me take care of you tonight.”
My fingers trace the curve of her neck, feeling her pulse quicken. Brigid’s eyes flutter closed as she inhales sharply. I can see her resolve crumbling.
“Just for a little while,” she whispers.
A triumphant smile tugs at my lips.“That’s my girl.”
I slide my arm around her waist, pulling her flush against me, loving the heat of her body against mine. She fits perfectly in the crook of my arm, like she was made for me.
“Hold on tight,” I murmur.
With a flick of my wrist, I summon the portal. Light envelops us as the room shimmers, then disappears altogether. Brigid shifts and clings tighter to my chest.
In less than a second we’re standing in the middle of the front room of my suite.
As the portal dissipates around us, I catch Lochan’s eyes widening in surprise. He’s sprawled on the couch, a book forgotten in his lap. His jaw clenches as he takes in the sight of Brigid pressed against my side, my arm still wrapped possessively around her waist.
Brigid stiffens in my embrace, her fingers digging into my shirt. She and Lochan stare each other down. I can practically taste the tangled mess coming off them both - lust, resentment, anger, fear.
“Brigid,” he says, her name sounding like gravel in his throat.
I watch as a blush creeps up Brigid’s neck, her breath quickening. She steps back from me, her arms wrapping around herself protectively.“Lochan, I... I didn’t know you’d be here.”
You can feel the tension in the room.
I watch Lochan’s eyes rake over Brigid’s body, his gaze lingering on the curves of her hips and breasts. The craving in his expression is unmistakable, despite his harsh tone.
“I was just leaving,” he growls, tossing his book aside and standing abruptly.
