“He’s one of them.”
“I know,” Reaper whispered. “Let him go.”
“Give me one good reason why?”
“Because I said so.”
“Listen to your boss, boy. Would hate for something to happen to that little family of yours because of a misunderstanding.”
Brothers whistled, backing up. Even Reaper took a few steps back as I placed my gun on his forehead. “You come to my home and threaten mine. I’ve killed people for less.”
“Enough!” Reaper shouted. “Ghost, get the fuck inside. You get the fuck off my property. Now!”
I never moved as the man slid to the side and got back into his vehicle. As he drove off the property, I turned to Reaper, who stood stock still staring at me, then yelled for all to hear. “Church. Now!”
Ten
Aariaani
A loud noise followed by several people shouting woke me from my sleep. I didn’t know what was happening upstairs, but it didn’t sound good. I could hear men yelling at one another as their footsteps moved across the floor above me, then a loud bang as someone slammed a door.
Then silence.
Sitting up in bed, I rubbed away my tiredness from my face, only to see Grimm sitting in the corner watching me. I knew he was Balthazar’s brother, yet I really didn’t know anything about him. He was silent most of the time he was around me, never saying anything. Yet, the way he watched and observed everything around him gave me pause.
Carefully, I whispered. “Hello, Grimm.”
Silence.
I didn’t know what to make of the brooding man. He’d never done or said anything to warrant any hostility towards me, yet seeing him now, he looked angry, upset in some way. Something about it is slate-grey eyes that made me want to shrivel into myself and hide when he stared at me. Looking at him, I could tell something was bothering him. I knew he wouldn’t say anything, and I didn’t want to pry unless he asked. Which he wouldn’t.
“Where is Balthazar?”
“You need to stay away from him.”
And there it was. The condemnation I had been waiting for. Everyone around me seemed to accept me, they were kind and understanding, yet one word from Balthazar’s brother solidified what I already knew.
I was not wanted.
I knew eventually I would be asked to leave. I didn’t need to be smart to figure that out. I was different. I was vastly different from the men here. Where they were educated and worldly, I was stupid and knew nothing. I was just a vessel to serve others. That’s what I was taught. What I knew.
Looking at my hands, I feared what he would say next, yet I knew he would only speak the truth. He didn’t seem like a man who would mince words. “I don’t understand.”
“I know, and that’s why. You don’t belong here. My brother has enough on his plate already. He’s got people he loves and needs to protect. You’re going to get him killed.”
Gasping, I tried awfully hard to not let his words affect me, but they did, more than he or I realized. I didn’t want to cause anyone harm, especially Balthazar. Grimm was right. I didn’t belong here.
I didn’t belong anywhere. I had nowhere to go. I knew nothing. I wasn’t smart like Remi, not worldly like Balthazar. I didn’t even know what a television was until I was shown. I’d never seen a movie before, I never used a phone. I’d never done anything.
“I don’t want anyone to die because of me.”
“Then leave. When Healer says, it’s okay, leave and never come back.”
“I don’t have anywhere to go.”
“Find somewhere. Another state, anywhere but here.” Grimm said, getting to his feet. Reaching behind him, I watched as he took out his wallet and threw several bills on the bed. “Take that money and leave.”
“I can’t repay you.”