Evanescent - By Addison Moore Page 0,17
way it sounds coming from Flynn. I’m wondering if it was a good idea to let him in on everything or if I should have taken Coop’s advice and kept him on a need to know basis.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t Wes—wasn’t Coop either.” I thought I’d cut him off at the pass with that last tidbit of info, but my heart mourned for one just like it did the other. I can’t have both, so either way I’m heading toward heartache.
“Well, if you’re in need of something quick and dirty.” He plucks a condom out of his pocket. “I’m always ready to serve at the feet of a queen like you. I don’t bite unless you want me to, and I always say please and thank you.”
“Wow, you’re a real gentlemen.”
My phone buzzes. It’s a text from Coop.
Home yet?
I text him back. Sitting in my room with Flynn.
Flynn is a mattress magnet. Keep a safe distance.
I give a soft laugh.
Where are you? Maybe he’s at work? If he is, I might have to cure my sudden craving for Mexican food. I can feel a serious appetite coming on, and very little of it has to do with satiating my stomach.
He texts right back. Austen House—three doors down. Updating software for a friend. Almost through. We need to talk before I leave.
My heart drops like a stone. Grayson’s room is three doors down. Cooper was “messing” with her last summer, and Flynn injected himself into the situation. Maybe if he hadn’t stuck his little head in the way they’d still be together? But he’s in her room, touching her software, and the thought makes my blood boil like lava just beneath my skin.
“Anything you want to share?” Flynn nods toward my phone.
“That was Coop.” I stare down at it before tossing it to the foot of my bed. “He’ll be over in a few minutes.”
“Coop.” He makes a face before springing up to his feet. “That’s my signal. God forbid he think I’m trying to tap his fountain.”
Fountain? I’ll let this one slide.
“I’m thinking a nice long walk will get me somewhere.” Flynn gazes out of the blackened window in the direction of the forest.
“To do what? Feed a Spectator what’s left of your brain?” I’m sure there are more than a few zombies just waiting for a delicacy like Flynn Masterson to wander into those woods. And, judging by his eagerness to run toward danger, I bet that cranium of his is filled with an entire stack of stupid. His brain might actually harm Spectators, not cure them. Flynn should consider stamping an FDA warning across his forehead as a courtesy to the coffin-challenged creatures.
He makes a face as he heads toward the door. “There’s nothing wrong with my brain, Laken. I’ve got a sister who’s being assaulted in God knows how many ways, and I’m not about to sit around and wait for you to unlock the combination to Wesley’s Levis.”
Great. Now I feel like shit.
“We’re not waiting for me to unlock the combo to anybody’s Levis. Besides I’m heading to a new ritual this Wednesday. I’m getting in deeper.”
“What ritual?” He opens the door an inch.
“Wes said I’d be a Treasure.”
“Another waste of time.” He lets out a sigh. “It’s the Counts version of the Girl Scouts. I wouldn’t rely on that getting you anywhere.”
“Maybe it’s the next step. Maybe after, Wes will take me to another ritual, and it’ll be the one that leads to the neck of my mother.” It disgusts me to even think about.
Flynn shakes his head. “I would have never guessed that about the Counts—the blood, and guts, and gore—the kidnapping.” His eyes gloss over. “That’s the ritual you need to get to—get us to their fucking hideout. I don’t know what’s stopping you from shaking the shit out of Wes.” His eyes flare with anger. “If you don’t, I will.” Flynn slams the door behind him and it coincides with the thunder booming overhead.
Crap.
Flynn Masterson is a loose cannon. If he does end up taking a walk in the forest, I might just root for the Spectator.
Cooper doesn’t show. Instead, Jen barrels into the room like a hurricane and begins tossing things into an overnight bag.
“Did you see Cooper out there?” I’m embarrassed to even ask. I know full well Grayson is pulling out the double D stops to keep him from exiting her bedroom, especially since his next destination happens to concern me.
“Yeah, and I sent him home.” She looks indignant. “He