Loving Ashlynn (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 55 - Frosty Predicament, Bozeman Christmas (Samson Conrad POV) Pt.3

Chapter 55 – Frosty Predicament, Bozeman Christmas (Samson Conrad POV) Pt.3

"Before we go back in there," Luca voices, "about going back to Bend... Honestly, that is the worst idea out there," I nod in agreement. "The way we've left, then the Den... popping back up will raise some questions."

I roll my eye at that one, "raise some questions?" I snort, "Don't you mean, more questions."

It was always a battle my father said. We wanted to live in a town small enough so we knew when danger was present, but not overly populated that we had to be constantly on edge. Yet still large enough that our strange behaviors would not capture the eye of humans.

Bend was the best of both words with the population under ninety thousand. Still, the manner in which we've left was – in my opinion – attention attracting.

Humor aside I shelf my plans for Fatima. "What going back to Bend?" I focus us.

"I have a friend, he doesn't live in Bend, he lives in the next town over. But that's not important. I've known him for years, since I was twelve. He is trustworthy. He knew about Imogen and I, and," Luca licks his lips, "He knows that I'm a Werejaguar."

Eyes wide, I gape at him.

"You told him? Or did he figure it out?" I question, brows scrunched together.

"I told him years ago," Luca gestures, flicking his wrist. "He's trust worthy, I can have him go get the book and he won't mind," I lift a brow, but shake my head. "I don't – look I think we need to cut our losses," I shrugged.

Running a hand over his face Luca groans. "While you were being sick, I took the phone from Faith and your dad told me that the reason they truly decided to leave wasn't just the letter we left. My dad is planning on calling the Elders and I just feel as though... if he does that," listening I pay close attention to not just the words Luca was saying but his posture.

I'm not sure he realized that he had two, one helpful to distinguish just who was speaking; relaxed, sluggish, Luca or when he was standing tall and stiff – Rhys.

"At this point with what little information we knew coming here from Zedwood," see. Rhys. "There is no way that the Elders aren't aware of Jaxun and while we want to capture Jaxun, others might try to siphon his black matter energy. It's all evil and nothing good can from absorbing his residual evil."

I take a moment to swallow the information shared.

"Your dad also informed us..." Luca sags, he loses an inch in height. He's the one speaking now. "You know how Faith says about the Loyalist and Independents?" I nod.

"Well, that part might be true. Since leaving Bend he's learned that the Elders have an army. With people who do their bidding, are completely loyal and dedicated to a cause – helping the Elders be the end all of power."

Ah, damn it.

It takes less than five seconds for me to read between the lines of what Luca says. My head hangs back, and exhaling, I watch my breath in the cold air.

"If he calls them, basically there is a good chance the Elders get their hands on this book." Perfect.

When I finally make eye contact with Luca again, his face is devoid of any emotion.

"My biggest concern is what that book may say about Zedwood, what on earth is really holding that world steady, because the energy force to do that has to be great. That book... while I thought it silly that Nick paid millions for it, with new information, this book is older in terms of how long the six Souls have been here on Earth."