Veiled Spirits - Page 54

Bishop captures my chin with his thumb and finger and turns my head toward him, forcing me to meet his gaze. “But you’ve thought about it, haven’t you?” I close my eyes, so I don’t have to look at him. I’m not strong enough right now to see hatred in his gaze. “Fucking answer me!”

At his roar, my eyes pop open. “Yes,” I breathe.

“Goddamn it, Isabel!” he shouts. He lets go of my face like I burned him. Bishop opens his mouth to yell at me some more before snapping it closed. All at once, every emotion drains from his face. He stares at me with the same empty eyes from my nightmares. “I can’t fucking do this with you right now.”

After his declaration in the coldest voice I’ve ever heard from him before, Bishop turns around and storms out. He doesn’t spare me a glance before he leaves, probably for good. I know I should feel relief about Bishop giving up on me. I’ve been trying to push him away since my parents told me we were mates when I was fourteen.

But I don’t feel even a hint of relief. All I feel is someone shoving a hot knife into my chest. With each searing stab of the blade, my heart is split, and I wonder how it’s even still beating in my chest. Looking down, I almost expect to see a bloody wound, but there’s nothing. There’s not even a single outward display of the how utterly and completely destroyed I feel inside.

“Hey,” someone says in front of me. I robotically lift my gaze from the floor to look at Cain. Whatever he sees on my face has his forehead wrinkling in concern. He holds out a gray sweatshirt for me. When I just blink at it, Cain sighs. “Arms up, angel.”

I do as he says without protest, which just makes the lines in his forehead more pronounced. It’s hard to be snarky when I’m desperately trying not to drown in my despair.

Cain carefully slips the sweatshirt onto my arms and over my head.

Once the sweatshirt is on, I lower my arms. I don’t have the strength to hold them up any longer. I’m usually weaker for half a day after healing ghosts. When I use up all of my magic, I can be sore for up to a week after.

Cain gently untucks my hair from the collar of the warm top. I was getting pretty chilly in my ghost healer outfit of a sports bra and shorts. From the dark forest scent, I know the sweatshirt is Luca’s. That explains why it comes down to mid-thigh on me.

He then kneels and holds out my white Chucks for me. I mechanically lift each foot, and he slips them on, not bothering to tie them. “Can I pick you up?” Cain asks softly.

A fizzle of surprise at his question breaks through the pain trying to choke me. Cain isn’t as physically affectionate as the other wolves, so I didn’t expect him to want to pick me up. When I nod my head, Cain places his large hands on my waist to hoist me up. I wind my arms around his neck and wrap my legs around his narrow waist.

“Can I take you somewhere?” Cain rasps. Since my head is on his shoulder, his warm breath tickles my ear. I give him a small nod, and he starts walking. Instead of paying attention to where he’s taking me, I just soak up his warmth.

A few minutes later, Cain comes to a stop. Figuring we reached our destination, I unwrap my legs and slide down him. He keeps his warm hands on my waist until he’s sure I’m steady. When I step back and look around, I realize we’re in the music room.

“I thought playing something would take your mind off everything.” Cain stares down at me with concern shining in his forest-green eyes.

“Thanks,” I manage past the lump in my throat at his thoughtfulness.

I always break out my guitar when I’m feeling overwhelmed, which is often. While I usually gravitate toward guitar, seeing the four grand pianos makes me want to play one of my favorite sad bops. I’m a sucker for sad songs that sound upbeat.

I wander over to the piano tucked into a corner. Sitting at the bench, I play a few keys to get a feel for the instrument. After a moment, I start playing “Numb Little Bug” and singing along. While playing the song, I can’t help but wish I felt numb. Instead, I feel too much, but that’s the story of my life. I’m always feeling too much, and I wish it would just stop.

When I finish the song, I don’t feel any better.

Before I can dwell on it, Cain asks, “Is that your favorite song?”

Turning around, I see him standing only a foot or two behind me. I was so lost in the music that I didn’t hear him approach.

For a moment, I admire his broad shoulders and strong forearms. My mind wanders back to seeing him shirtless last week. The boy is ripped, and it’s a shame he hides it under his dress clothes.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts and answer his question. “Nope. My favorite is ‘The Albatross.’ Have you heard it?”

“No.”

“I can play it for you if you want.”

“I’d love to listen to you play another song.” Cain’s earnestness makes me blush.

Except for when I volunteer, I don’t play in front of anyone. At least, not intentionally. Bishop and Levi were the last people I accidentally played in front of, but thinking about Bishop will make me cry right now.

Pushing the thought out of my mind, I hurry over to the guitars. Once I grab one, I start tuning the guitar. “What’s your favorite song?” I ask as I get the instrument ready.

“‘Granite’ by Sleep Token,” Cain answers after thinking for a moment.

My lips tip up at him sharing a part of him, no matter how small. He can be pretty closed off. “I’ll have to listen to it sometime.” I glance up and see his half smile. Butterflies flutter in my stomach at his joy, and I duck my head, so he doesn’t see my blush.