Betrayed Read Online Free Page B

shoulder.
    “But wouldn’t you love me to?”
    He reached for my hand and pressed it on his chest. “You feel that?”
    His heart raced hard. It stil surprised me I had that kind of effect on him. I nodded.
    “That should tel you al you need to know, but we’re not going home. I have an errand to run,” he added, using the phrase we’d coined for going after a demon.
    “I could always zap you and change your mind for you.”
    Another smile lit up his handsome face.
    “Okay. Do it.”
    “Real y?”
    He burst out laughing.
    I elbowed him. He didn’t even have the decency to flinch, the tease. “Watch it, buddy. You’re close to joining the Council, Haziel and Grampa on my special list.”
    He cocked his right eyebrow. “And what list is that?”
    “People trying to control my life.”
    “I’d never do that. Come on. I’l walk you to your class. And before you ask, I’ve cast glamour strong enough to fool both the security guards and the teachers.”
    Last time he forgot, he was busted by the school’s police officer outside my class. I had to step in and diffuse the situation. Glamour shielded Guardians so humans only saw or heard what we al owed, but it took years of practice to get it right.
    Bran was so lucky he could already do it at such a grand scale—and didn’t have to go to school.
    “I wasn’t going to ask,” I said with a pout.
    “Yes, you were. You’re stubborn and a perfectionist, and when things don’t go your way, you throw a fit.”
    “Do not.” I elbowed him.
    He kissed my temple. “Do too, and I love it, especial y when it’s directed at Sykes.” He was right. I could be very stubborn when mad, but I drew a line at throwing fits. “Watch it with the veiled insults.”
    “Compliments.”
    I remembered the crushed cel phone, ran back, and scooped it up. It looked like roadkil and belonged in the garbage. I dropped it in the pocket of my coat.
    When Bran took my hand and tugged me closer, I sagged against his side and sighed. “And for the record, I refuse to add Valafar to that list. He’l give up once he realizes I’ve no interest in having a relationship with him.”
    “Don’t underestimate him. He’s not the type to give up easily.”
    I wrinkled my nose. “Thanks for making me feel better.”
    “I’m just being realistic. When I lived on Coronis Isle, I never heard anyone mention Valafar having children. Coronis didn’t al ow nature-benders to breed unless she authorized it, which is why Valafar kept you and your mother a secret. You might be his only child.”
    That would be weird, or maybe not. I always longed to be part of a large family. “And you’re tel ing me this because…?”
    “You need to know what you’re up against—a man determined to claim you. Using a medium shows just how desperate he’s become, which brings up something you must consider. The medium he’s using is someone close to you.” I stopped walking, shook my head. “No way.”
    “How do you think he got your number? How many people have it?”
    “Four.” Al of them close friends—humans.
    Bran lowered his voice as he added, “Check with them and see if one has had blackouts, headaches, or heavy nosebleeds.”
    I blinked, a bad feeling washing over me.
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Symptoms of demonic channeling. Most mediums channeling for other beings tend to be okay, but the ones demons use usual y end up in a psyche ward or with a brain tumor.”
    The thought of something like that happening to one of my friends left me cold. “Are you sure?” Would I lie about something this serious? he telepathed.
    We continued inside the building. Sykes was long gone, and I didn’t see Izzy and Kim anywhere.
    long gone, and I didn’t see Izzy and Kim anywhere.
    Just as wel they were stil at home. I wasn’t ready to tel them about Valafar and the possibility that one of my friends was a medium. Psych ward. Brain tumor.
    I shuddered as Bran’s words echoed inside my head. I