Intended Series Collection: Books 1-6 by Abigail Grant (most important books to read TXT) 📕

I am gently backed into a tree by Gavin, and he lifts me up so I can wrap my legs around his waist. This time, I’m very aware of what my body is doing, even though the control is faltering. All I want is for Gavin to erase all of my worries with his touch. His hands slide to my hips and he grips them tightly, keeping me against him.

I leave his lips and create a trail of kisses down his rough jaw, and to his neck. My lips tingle all over from the contact. Gavin groans again, but this time he sets me back on my feet, against the tree trunk. His hands hold my waist as he quickly backs away from me. Our heavy breaths mingle together in the chilled air between us.

Gavin’s eyes burn as he watches me with a look somewhere between elation and confusion. “Aella, I don’t want to complain in the slightest, because I want this more than anything.” His eyes flick to my opened mouth again. “Though, I can’t help the feeling that you’re just using me to forget your problems.”

He silently waits for a response from me, while still holding my waist. I’m afraid that I don’t have a response though, and I’m just going to disappoint him. I shake my head and side-step away from him.

“I’m sorry, Gavin. Let’s just go home, okay?” I start on the game trail back to the house, and who knows why, but he just follows behind me, and doesn’t pry any further.

Chapter 10

I have been awake for hours into the night. The small creases in the ceiling molding have created an entertaining story for me. How could I sleep, knowing my dreams will likely be invaded? Having that other consciousness infiltrating what should be a one-person thing, dreaming, is unlike anything else in the world. I don’t want to see Barron at all. Then, at the same time, I need to see him and for him to see me in order to draw him away from Oregon.

Tomorrow is Kassy’s birthday, and I have to somehow figure out how to act normal and happy, when my mind is in turmoil. My friend deserves happiness, and that’s what I want for her more than anything. She has been everything to me for so long, that I can’t let her down.

Barron needs to die, as horrible as it sounds. I never thought until recently that I’d want any person or thing to actually be killed. Especially by me, but I know that I need to kill him, and I have to use skills that Barron doesn’t know I have. All I need is to actually come face to face with the demon, and I’m not willing to let that happen with my loved ones around.

I finally concede and my eyes flutter closed as sleep consumes me. No better time than the present…

I’m suddenly awake, when I’m sure that I had fallen asleep only moments ago. I scan all of the dark corners of my bedroom and try to find the demon who haunts me. My eyes land on Barron, in the same chair and the same corner that he hid in last time. I can see his flowy hair fall over his forehead and flip out around his ears. He is in the same robe thing as last time too, but now I can see that it is all black.

He isn’t totally in focus as I scan him. It’s as if someone took a blurry photo of him and placed it in front of me. But, still, I notice that he is somewhat handsome and older than the boy he was before his death. Though, he looks almost the same as he did before with slightly paler skin and long lanky arms that don’t quite match up to his thick torso.

I stand from my bed, fully clothed this time, and walk toward him. I try to hide any fear within me, for the sake of my family. “Barron, I have a proposition for you,” I say.

Barron stands as well and a sound almost like a chortle escapes his throat. “What could you propose to me? I am already going to kill you, little Ganis, and it will not be all that difficult.” His voice is steady and confident.

I cross my arms and stand up tall. “I will come to wherever you choose, so you can finish your business without problem. All I need from you, is the promise that you won’t harm any of my loved ones. Family or not.”

Barron crosses his large arms as well and seems to ponder my proposal. He shifts, his head tiling from one side to the other and his tongue makes a clicking sound. “Alright,” is all he says to my proposal.

“Alright? So, you’ll take my deal?” I ask, unsure if I can trust him.

Barron gives one curt nod. “Yes, I will not harm any family member, nor any other human you deem a ‘loved one.’ I give you my word.” He steps closer to me and it feels like a beefy chunk of air leaves the room. “Though, you must meet me in a place of my choosing.”

I nod. “Okay, I can do that. Can I trust your word, Barron?”

He shrugs, the movement fuzzy. “As I have told you before. I am old, and in my time, honor was of great value. I have done much in the time I’ve had to be dishonorable, but in this case, I promise you.” He reaches a large hand out for me to take.

I tilt my head, unsure why he would make the gesture in a dream state, knowing full well I won't be able to touch him. But I reach my hand out to shake his. It passes straight through him but he grunts approvingly nonetheless.

“Meet me in Granbury, Texas. That is the first place I saw your mother years ago. I