Page 52 of Origins
In fact, if I wasn’t imagining things, they all seemed relieved that I didn’t pressure them for more answers. It was as if they thought I’d be upset that they didn’t tell me more.
Alright, they could have elaborated a bit. That was true. But it didn’t matter if they hadn’t; I understood perfectly. They didn’t need to explain another thing. The group of them were paranormal, crime-fighting monks that had taken vows of celibacy. Of course.
That was why Julian had told Damen to stop flirting. That was why they couldn’t have girlfriends. They had to maintain their innocence in order to do their jobs, and they kept each other in line. I wasn’t certain how Maria came into the picture, but I was sure that something had been misconstrued somehow.
I could totally do this.
After all, with them being celibate, we’d never have to worry about silly love triangles. This entire situation made being friends with a bunch of cute, sexy boys so much easier. I only had to control my own raging hormones, but I would survive.
This friendship was going to be easy as pie.
Chapter Seventeen
Requirement
Now that we had established the obvious—that the boys were paranormal monks—it brought up something else that I had been neglecting: the fact that we were supposed to be hunting a ghost. There was simply no time to lounge around half-naked—we had a job to do.
Damen and Miles seemed to think so, too. That is, if the low conversation that they were having in the corner of the room was any indication.
My fear and anxiety—ironically—began to recede the longer I was wrapped in Titus’ arms. Yes, working with these guys seemed like a brilliant plan, now that I was dressed and had some more perspective. Besides, I now understood that Titus wasn’t the only scary one, but Damen was also kind of scary. Somehow, I felt much more at ease because I knew they were looking out for my best interests.
“Okay.” I began to wiggle my way out of Titus’ lap, trying not to grimace as the movements aggravated already sore muscles. “I need to get dressed into something decent. Then you guys need to put me to work—you promised.”
Nothing escaped Julian’s notice.
“Hold it,” he sounded concerned, “we still need to get you something for your pain.”
“It’s nothing,” I tried to brush off his concern, “I’ll get over it.”
Titus’ hands remained awkwardly around my waist, giving me a steady rock to hold as I tried to keep my balance and not lose the blanket at the same time. “See, I can—”
“What in the world happened to your leg?” Julian’s shock rang loud through the room. Damen and Miles stopped talking amongst themselves immediately; and, once again, everyone’s focus was on me.
I frowned, trying to ignore them. But when I let go of Titus’ shoulder, my ankle buckled. A spasm of pain shot through my calf; and, before I could react, I stumbled forward into Julian’s outstretched arms.
“What the hell?” Titus was on his knees—I felt his unmistakable presence close against my back. “Are you alright?”
I couldn’t respond. I couldn’t move. All that ran through my mind—with my face pressed into Julian’s chest—was that I hoped that my butt was not exposed from this horrifying position.
“What is that on your leg?” Titus asked, angrily.
If my butt had been in his view, then surely he would have said something. My heart began to calm slightly, and I found myself back in Titus’ lap before I could regain my bearings. This time, though, my legs were outstretched and uncovered from mid-thigh down.
Thank god I shaved.
Damen and Miles were hovering behind us. Julian’s skilled fingers deftly touched the area around my ankle and lower calf. He frowned, and glanced away from the bright red strip of skin to meet my eyes. “When did you get this—from Finn? How did I not know…?”
I wasn’t sure how he thought Finn could have hurt my ankle. But Julian did seem to have a grudge against him. Not that I didn’t, by any means. I was hurt, betrayed, and furious with Finn beyond words. But this thing between Julian and Finn seemed to go much deeper.
“No, it wasn’t him.” I watched the way Julian’s long fingers flickered over my sensitive skin. “It was that…thing. The one that Damen chased away.”
Damen frowned. “But what did—”
“It—he—touched me before I fell into water,” I admitted shamefully. “He grabbed my ankle, and was moving…up.”
“He?” Damen narrowed his eyes. “How do you know?”
“He spoke—they both did.”
