Page 49 of Discovered Magic
“You have no control in that state?”
No. Or I hadn’t until you talked me down earlier.
“It was lighting up again less than a minute ago. Does it scare you to be alone with me? Because I can?—”
She touched his arm, shaking her head. Wishing she could speak properly, she huffed out a sigh and turned the paper over to write more.
With you, I’m at peace. Mostly. Until a minute ago, I was unable to get a handle on the emotion. You’ve provided a coping tool. Thank you.
“Have you reacted this way the entire time you’ve been here?”
No. Or at least, Jonas said I haven’t. It began after the bank robbery when Harlan shot me in the face.
Wilder paled. “Jesus!”
He was a cornered animal and recognized Draven’s promise of death.
Pain flashed in his eyes, and he lowered his gaze to the paper as he straightened his upper body. She couldn’t say how, but she felt his emotional strain.
“You and Draven… Are you…? Have you…?” He closed his eyes and expelled a breath. “Are you lovers? Is that why he claims you as his?”
She sensed the hint of jealousy resulted from his worry that she’d moved on. And when he lifted his lids, his amber irises appeared darker.
“No,” she said, as clearly and firmly as she could.
His relief was so strong it reached out and touched her.
If we were, would you?—
Wilder grabbed the paper and crumpled it. “Kill him for taking advantage of your vulnerable state.”
The words were crystal clear, but he never spoke aloud.
She gasped.
Was this some fresh new hell associated with her broken brain? Was she hearing things? Imagining responses where there were none?
He appeared nonplussed, but his shock gave way to curiosity.
“Abbie, can you hear me? Inside your head?”
Oh god! His lips hadn’t moved!
Her skin burned under the bracelet as panic consumed her.
“Don’t freak out!” He reached for her.
Perhaps it was the fear of losing her mind, but her body decided electrocuting him would be appropriate. The bolt wasn’t as forceful as with most, but it was enough to slap him away. Wilder drew back with a hiss as she scurried across the room.
“Fuck!” He waved his hand, then covered his burnt skin. “Shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean to grab you.” Wilder didn’t move, despite her bolting for the door. “Abbie, please, sweetheart. Please don’t leave.”
Her hand was on the knob, and she was halfway to fleeing, when his quiet plea stopped her.
“I don’t know how to do this,” she wanted to cry.
“That’s okay. We’ll do it together,” he replied.
She froze, her body going cold. Ever so slowly, she pivoted to face him.
