I slumped lower in my seat, trying to make myself as small as possible. I was so ready for this day to end.
After school, Chase dropped Lexi and me at home, and then went off to do something that apparently was none of our business. I huffed and tried to pretend my heart didn’t tighten as I watched him drive away. Whatever – it was fine by me, so I stuck out my chin. I had a few questions for Travis and Lexi, plus it would give Travis and me some time to gush over the upcoming release of Black Ops II. Hell yes. The video game of all video games – the newest Call of Duty. I’d been counting down the days since I pre-ordered a copy, seemingly eons ago. Travis was the only one who I could talk to, the only one who really understood.
I walked into their house after Lexi and found Travis already assuming his usual position on the couch. Devin was at work, so it was just us. I sat beside Travis. He grunted an inaudible hello, never losing concentration from the game he was absorbed with. I totally sympathized and just reclined into the couch.
“Travis you need to get a life,” Lexi announced, clearly annoyed with her brother. He ignored her. “You are such a TV hog,” she whined, stretching out on the chaise.
“Sshhh. You are going to get me killed,” he shot back.
Lexi pouted and grabbed the newest Victoria Secret magazine that had just come in the mail.
I should probably have intervened before things took a turn for the worst. “Have you guys noticed anything different about me? Something that a normal person wouldn’t pick up on?” The question had been rolling in my head since seeing Sierra.
“Yeah. You stink of Chase,” Travis answered without peeling his eyes from the game.
“Funny, but I’m being totally serious here.”
“So was I,” he answered.
Lexi nodded her head. “No, it’s true. You give off this scent that screams you belong to another half-demon.”
“What do you mean scent?” I did not like where this was going at all. Not. One. Single. Bit. I didn’t want to smell like Chase.
Travis dropped the remote on the table forgetting the game for a moment, a sign that this was going to be a solemn discussion. “I can see the little wheels working in your head. It’s not like you think. You don’t physically smell like Chase.”
“Thank God,” I sighed.
“Well don’t be relieved just yet. You do give of this vibe or odor that states you belong to another one of us, a half-demon. It’s a way of letting others know not to mess with you – a hands-off kind of policy. Those who know Chase will recognize the signature as his. It also makes you a target for all the nasties.”
“And how long have I had this scent?”
Lexi pulled her knees up. “Since that night.”
Meaning, since the night my life changed forever. Since the night I died and Chase bartered for my soul. Since the night we became linked. “Figures. And before that, I didn’t have a scent?”
“Nope,” Travis grinned wickedly. “You were fair game then.”
“And now I’m not fair game?”
“You got it toots. There isn’t a Divisa around who would risk Chase’s wrath by touching you. They would have to have a death wish.”
I looked at Lexi for confirmation that Travis wasn’t just pulling my leg. She nodded sending her blonde ponytail swishing with the movement. “Yep. You are like, sprayed with Divisa repellant.”
I slumped against the back of the couch. “Great. I stink.”
Travis gave me a lopsided grin, throwing an arm around my shoulder. “You might smell like crap, but Lex and I still tolerate you.”
Lexi snickered from her chaise lounge.
“Thanks,” I mumbled dryly. “You better not get too close, or you might wind up dead,” I added snarky. I couldn’t help it, I was feeling snarky.
He removed his arm slowly, a playful gleam sparkling in his turquoise eyes. “You’re probably right. This face is just too damn good-looking to withstand a thrashing from Chase.”
I snorted. Like that had ever stopped the two of them from going at each other like two cage fighters, if anything, he was probably looking forward to good fight with Chase.
I stayed a little while longer before hiking the short distance to my house. I had most definitely not been waiting around to see if Chase would show up – which he hadn’t. Not that I cared.
There I go lying to myself, again. Maybe mentally I didn’t give a monkey’s butt what Chase was up to, but this link we had…well it had a mind of its own. And it was growing more anxious by the second.