Page 25 of Cursed Touch
“What’s going on?” Vanessa whispered to Carter, but he only shook his head and watched the beautiful redhead.
“I think it’s pretty clear Carter found his match,” Serena stated, and Vanessa stiffened. “We also know some conversations and observations are best kept private.”
A knot formed in her belly, and heat filled her cheeks at the words. Had he told the entire family she was a lunatic? They had seemed so nice, but in that moment, she questioned if it all had been an elaborate hoax at her expense.
Carter set his plate aside and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her against his warm body. She wanted to melt into his touch, but she remained as stiff as a rod.
“Vanessa, you’ve made it pretty clear lies are unacceptable,” Serena stated. “But some lies aren’t meant to hurt others, but rather protect.”
The family nodded in agreement but kept their eyes on Serena. “Ignoring this is our weekly family dinner, we’re all here because it’s been pretty evident that without you, Carter isn’t himself.”
“We barely know each other,” Vanessa whispered without peering up at him.
“I’d also say you aren’t the same without him,” Serena said softly. “Look, you were right. He lied. His lie hurt you both, but you need to understand he skirted the truth to keep you safe.”
Her words blended with the memories of the argument they’d had, and she could not seem to take a breath as she waited to hear what else Serena would say. Excitement and nerves tumbled around in her stomach.
“For some unknown reason to us, you’ve noticed and borne witness to events others are blind to. You aren’t crazy, but I think in a moment you’ll question everything you’ve ever known. Before the truth can be revealed, I must know the truth behind your heart. Will you two please join us up here?”
One of his brothers stood and joined Serena—Ethan, Vanessa thought was his name. The hair at the nape of her neck stood on end as the family faced him and Serena.
Carter took her hand, interlacing their fingers, and tugged her along. In a matter of seconds, they stood before Serena. “You’re safe, I promise,” Carter whispered near her ear, his breath sending a shiver down her neck.
Ethan offered them each a hand, and she stared down at it. Her attention moved from his palm to his face before landing on Carter’s kind smile. She did not have the slightest idea what was happening or why she was overcome with the feeling she could trust Carter wholeheartedly.
Maybe she really had lost her mind, and seeing weird things in town was the least of her worries.
“I promise, family or not, if I did anything to hurt you, Carter would probably kill me for it,” Ethan said, his face set with no humor evident.
Vanessa sucked in a breath before relenting and placing her free hand on his. Ethan gave them a small nod and held on tightly. No one spoke. The air around them stilled as her heart hammered away against her sternum.
When Ethan opened his eyes to take them in, she gasped and took a step back. His pupils were gone, his eyes glowing white.
Carter squeezed her hand. “Shh…. It’s okay.”
“Ah… I see you’ve found her, child.”
Vanessa’s eyes wanted to pop out of their sockets. Ethan’s mouth moved, but the voice was not his. Rather, it sounds like a woman, an older woman.
“Be still, child. No one here will hurt you,” he/she said with Ethan’s creepy eyes directed at her. “You feel the soul mate bond to Carter. Trust in him. All that you have seen is true, but you’ve put yourself in grave danger by speaking of it.”
Ethan’s head turned to face the room, scanning the family as he said, “He’s coming…”
“Well, ain’t that some shit,” Brandy muttered with a shake of her head.
Ethan released her hand, and when she met his eyes, they were normal once more. “It seems your curious nature has put you in jeopardy.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Carter blurted, tugging her into his arms.
Ethan scrubbed his face. “Before letting me return, she showed me Vanessa has drawn some attention to herself.”
“Fuck,” Carter growled.
She pushed away from him, unable to think in his arms, and did a circle in the room. “What the hell was that?” she asked, pointing at Ethan. “And what the hell is going on?”
Someone tapped her on the shoulder, and she spun on her heels, swaying a little as she lost her balance. “You’re going to want some of this, and I suggest you sit down,” Andrea said, offering her a full glass of red wine.
She looked at Carter, and he gave her a nod. “Andrea’s right. Come on, let’s sit down.”
