Dire(28)
“I couldn’t tell. That’s why I asked you.”
“It isn’t important either way.”
“It could be. Dreams can be very significant.”
I groaned. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those girls.”
Chet laughed from the driver’s seat.
“What?” I leaned forward. “Is she one?”
Marni shook her head. “He’s laughing because you’re equating supernatural dreams with the human art of dream interpretation. They’re two entirely different things.”
“Supernatural dreams? Does that mean dreams that supernatural creatures have?”
“Not exactly. We have plenty of dreams that aren’t special, but some are. It’s especially true when we’re touched by magic, and those witches definitely touched you with it when they held you captive.” She emphasized the word touched.
“I didn’t have sex with those things.”
“Things? You mean monsters?”
“They’re worse than monsters.”
“I kind of assumed that’s what they were using you for.”
“You thought wrong. Besides, I got out before they could do much.”
“You mean Hunter rescued you.”
“I would have found a way.” That was delusional thinking. They’d nearly killed me, but I wasn’t admitting how indebted I was to Hunter.
“I’m sure you would have.” The guy next to me said. “Because humans take out super powerful witches all the time.”
I turned to him. “Nice to meet you too.”
“I’m Denny. You’re Gabe, right?”
“Gage.”
“Like the car part?”
“And Denny is much better?”
He frowned. “It’s not a car part.”
“Don’t mind him.” Marni leaned over. “He hasn’t held a conversation with anyone in months.”
“I would if there was anyone worth conversing with.”
“Oh yeah? We’re not good enough for you?” Marni scowled. I felt like I was stuck in the middle of a sibling dispute.
“Do you always have to turn new people against me?”
“Maybe if you got to know new people it wouldn’t be a problem.”
Chet looked into the back seat. “Don’t mind them. They always fight. It’s a good thing they don’t see each other much.”
“What, are they exes or something?”
Marni made a choking sound. “Gag me. He’s my brother.”
“Oh.” I guess my sibling idea had been right. “Great.”
“You have any sisters?” Denny asked.
“No. I’m an only child.”
“Lucky you.” Denny crossed his arms. “Sisters are a pain in the ass.”
“I’ve heard that.”
“Brothers are annoying too, I had one of those,” Chet added. “But what can you do?” He sounded nonchalant, but I picked up on the use of the word ‘had’. He talked about his brother in the past tense. Was he dead?
“Nothing.”
“What’s the plan?” I’d shut up and gotten in the SUV when I was told to, but now I wanted some idea of where we were going and how long it was going to take.
“We’re going down to New Orleans apparently.” Chet watched for my reaction in the rear view mirror.
“Any reason why?” That couldn’t be a random choice. “Don’t you usually go for the middle of nowhere?”
“We do, but Hunter seems set on this.”
“And you guys always go along with Hunter?” I knew the answer, but I couldn’t resist. I was still trying to figure out how the move was going to fit into my plans.
“Gage,” Marni warned.
“I’m just saying.”
Denny laughed. “I kind of like this guy.”
“You would.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I nudged Marni.
“He always likes the crazy ones.”
“I’m crazy now?”
“Just shut up.”
“Why am I stuck in the middle back here while no one sits in the front? Are you really that afraid that I’m going to make a run for it or shift?”
“And you’re only asking that now?” Marni asked.
“I wasn’t in the mood to get in any more trouble.” I hadn’t cared. I’d been savoring my only little glance of Mary Anne.
“Be good this stretch, and I’ll move to the front for the next one.” Marni smiled.
“Be good?”
“Yeah. Prove you can stay calm. Are you forgetting that you completely lost it a few hours ago with the witches?”
“I thought I was justified. Isn’t that what you said?” I let her words sink in. She was right. I had lost it completely.