Secrets From the Grave (The Veil Diaries, #6)

by B.L. Brunnemer

“So, he took the cast off.” He straightened and then flexed his hand. “Yes, he wants me to go to physical therapy in a week or so.” “Did he say you can start swimming again?” I asked with a grin. Miles was the state champion in his swimming division and he trained year-round. He usually swam a couple of miles a day. Since breaking his arm, he’d been stuck on land. “Yes, he did.” We started walking through the parking lot. “Though I’m limited to one mile a day for a week or so.” “Ah, darn,” I said in my ‘aw shucks’ voice. He chuckled. “I know, I have time to get back in shape-” I started laughing. Out of shape for Miles was still ripped and drool worthy.

Asher shut off the truck and got out. He was your all-American boy, high cheekbones and a sharp chin made him look as if he had stepped out of a magazine. His sandy blonde hair was neat and short. He must have cut it recently; I wouldn’t know, I haven’t talked to him a lot in the last few weeks. Not since our kiss…

Asher and I hadn’t talked on the phone or even been alone together since our kiss weeks ago. Now, he wasn’t even looking at me. It was going to take time to get back to normal. I got that. But this was starting to irritate the hell out of me.

“Will you two please remove the sticks up your asses? This is supposed to be fun, and you’re acting like toddlers fighting over what color the sky is.”

“I’m going to take Hades for a walk.” I left before anyone could even protest. Away from the guys, I started to cool down. I didn’t know what the hell was wrong with the twins. I’d never seen them like this. I was going to have to talk to Miles, see if he knew what was going on-

“No. If anyone should phase out, it should be me.” I took a step back, climbed into the Blazer and started it. I wasn’t going to start separating the guys. Asher was striding toward my door when I threw it into reverse and peeled out of the parking spot. I managed to hold off my tears until I was down the street. Ten points to me.

We had learned on the way back from Boulder that Zeke hated flying. I hadn’t noticed it on the way out but on the way home he paced, cursed and ran his hand through his hair so much I was amazed he had any left. The poor guy.

Jackson Square had a green lawn, a stunning church and many stores and restaurants. The whole place was buzzing with activity. I slowed to a stop as I spotted the artists selling their work around the gate to the square. Ethan stopped me from going to get a closer look. “After food and meeting that Necro, Beautiful.” “But… art.”

“I’m Louis.” He looked down the table at the guys. “They are?” “My friends. They’ve been saving my ass for months. They’re also a bit protective.” I started bouncing my knee. “With the way the big one is glaring, I’d say so,” he mused. I turned. Zeke was indeed glaring. I smacked his shoulder. “Zeke, knock it off.” He grumbled under his breath as Louis took the seat Claire vacated. “Don’t mind him, he has resting glare face,” I offered.

“Do you still want to leave?” Miles asked without really asking. As if he already knew my answer. Hell, he probably did. “No. She’s...” I shook my head. She had never been able to leave the house without having to worry about the dead. She’s never had a carefree day in her life. Neither one of us have but... she can now. And I wanted that for her.

We slowly made our way around the square as Lexie geeked out over the art. It was cute. God, I hate that word but the damn word fit.

“You didn’t do it, you didn’t say it. So, all this guilt isn’t yours to carry. That belongs to a demon that was burned to death.” “I know. It just doesn’t feel that way,” he muttered. I leaned into his side and propped my chin on his shoulder. “I know. But it’s not the truth. Just-” “Trust you,” he finished for me before turning to look down at me. “I do trust you. It’s me that I don’t trust.”

“Come on, darling,” I said in a more effeminate voice while I put my arm around his shoulders. “We need to get the poodles back from the dog sitter in an hour.” He sighed as we walked toward the door. “Why does every girl think I’m gay just because I’m not ogling her?” I shrugged. “I have no idea.”

“Why, Angel?” She pulled my hand to her chest just above her cami. “Mine…” My body hardened at the possessiveness in her voice. My hand spread out over her upper chest, just below her collar bones. “I am yours, Angel.” I breathed, finally realizing how true it was. Hers. I could live with that. Could she?

"If you keep coming into my room at night while I'm asleep, I'm gonna start doing it to you," I smiled sweetly. "I'll even bring a pen." He eyed me. "You're bluffing." I gave him my shit eating grin. "Try me."

Tears filled my eyes as I tried to get control but it wasn't happening. Zeke will find out. Then Isaac. And everything would be over. They'll hate me. What the fuck have I done?

"I choose the third option." "You don't get that option," he countered. "By being a magic user, you are under our jurisdiction already." I grinned. Oh, I loved it when people assumed I didn't know anything. "First. I’m not a magic user, I’m a Necro. And no, I’m not. I can not join your merry band of power-hungry assholes, not be taught by you, and answer to the gargoyles. Or just make a call and ask them to intervene."

"I'll never choose a side that attacks people and puts children in the hospital." He grinned. "My superiors will be sorry to hear that." "Now, leave me the fuck alone," I growled.

"Before the wreck you knew what was true and what wasn't. You were a cocky shit who loved pulling pranks on us." Isaac snorted. "You were also a great friend." I laid it all out on the table. "You have been a good friend since but... you've been half dead since the wreck. And all we could do was watch from the sidelines as you slowly tried to destroy yourself."

Asher. Zeke. Isaac. Ethan. Miles. Why all five?

"I, uh, I need some time to figure things out." I turned back to him. "So, can you just not say anything until I do?" As if that was going to happen, I'm more tangled up than a string of Christmas lights.

"Do you know what I am?" I asked in my dead voice. "Some psychic who wants to help us poor souls cross over," she jeered. "Oh, no, sweetie." I let myself feel. Anger poured through me. This bitch just made a mother abandon her kid on a packed street. My chest was solid and strong. "I'm a Necromancer." Her face grew pale.

“I know you don’t like to celebrate your birthday. But...” I shrugged. “I can’t let your birthday go by without... showing you that I'm glad you were born.”

When her eyes met mine, they were bright again and she was smiling. The way I always wanted her to be. And to keep her that way, I was going to need the guys’ help. I leaned down and brushed my lips against hers, determined for the first time in my life.