2 Hungry, Hungry Hoodoo (29 page)

I didn’t even try to break free from Jaron’s grip, turning in his arms instead, hitting and scratching his face. “No!”

Jaron caught my arms and I crumpled to the ground. No. Cheney couldn’t be dead. I couldn’t breathe. Jaron released me and took half a step back.

“The problem, Selene, is that you know who I am, and now I can’t take Cheney’s place. You will never forgive me for Cheney, Michael, or your parents. I only wanted what should have been mine. You used to understand that. You and I, we used to be the same.”

I shook my head. “I was never like you. You tried to make me like you.” I stared at the floor, letting his words feed the pain inside of me like gasoline. I had only one chance. I would either die or save Cheney. I lunged for Jaron again, releasing all the energy I had built into the ground—and called a knife to my hand like I did before. The room shook and cracked. Jaron looked at the ground, and I rammed the blade into his heart all the way to the hilt. Blood poured over my fingers and his hand grabbed mine. I twisted the knife. Those gray eyes that used to look at me in love met mine, and hurt and betrayal crossed them. My body shook with adrenaline, and the light in Jaron’s eyes went black. He fell to the ground and I watched him slowly evaporate as if he’d never been there at all. The ruins began to disintegrate and fall. I went back to Cheney and knelt beside him.

“Selene,” he said weakly. He took my hand and squeezed. “I love you.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered as walls fell. I pulled the knife out of his chest and pressed my hand over the wound. Blood pumped between my fingers. I pushed at the flow with my mind. It had to work. It had to. I would never survive without him.

It was all over. I couldn’t believe I was still walking around, breathing, eating,
living
after everything I’d been through. I had nightmares that wouldn’t stop. Taking Jaron’s life wasn’t something I would get over quickly or ever. I could justify my actions, yes—but logic didn’t change my
feelings
about what I’d done. Worse than the images of Jaron, however, were those of Cheney—pale, beloved Cheney, bleeding out. . . . A pair of shoes entered my line of sight, making me look up. “Thank you for coming,” I said, swiping at my tears and hugging Sy tight.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” he said. “Why are you crying? What did I tell you about elves and crying.”

I gave a helpless gesture and laughed. “I don’t know. I’ve been so emotional lately. Being human made me soft.” I gave his cheek a peck.

I heard the door click behind me and a hand touched my lower back. “It’s been an emotional couple weeks.” Cheney kissed my temple. I still couldn’t believe I’d been able to heal him. My energy had been zapped for days afterward, but it was worth it. We were together and stronger than ever.

“The two of you look happy,” Sy said, his eyes sparkling.

“We are,” I said.

“With Sy’s arrival, the entire council is here now.” Cheney smiled. “Are you ready, princess?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” The three of us were about to walk into the first official meeting when Baker came up.

“It’s time, Selene,” he said.

Cheney tightened his hand around mine. “Time for what?”

“To pay the spirits for their gifts. Toinette is requesting an audience.” Baker’s face was serious—and for once, there wasn’t a trace of humor or joking in his voice.

I shivered. “But the meeting is about to start. Can it wait?”

He shook his head. “They choose the time. Making them wait could be bad.”

I straightened my shoulders and kissed Cheney. “I’m sorry I have to miss out. I’ll be home soon, and I want to hear all about it.”

He set his jaw but nodded. I had to go. A deal was a deal. I wasn’t scared. No matter what the spirits asked for, no matter what challenge they laid before me, I would make it through. I had my memory. I had my friends. I had my family. But most importantly, I had Cheney.

As always, I have to start with thanking my family and especially my mom for pushing me toward writing and publishing.

Producing a book takes a village. I am extremely lucky to work with such an amazing group of people. Without all of these people I don’t know where I would be.

Ev Bishop — editing

Michelle Kampmeier — proofreading

Julie Titus — formatting

Once Upon A Time Covers — cover art

Promotional Book Tours and Mandie Stevens —promotions

And the best beta readers, friends, and writers in the world: Amanda Long, Tawdra Kandle, Olivia Hardin, C.G. Powell, Mandie Stevens, and Melissa Lummis.

Finally, my thanks have to go to the best and most amazing fans in the world. You guys keep me going and make me look forward to each and every day.