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Alok looks at me, those white eyes unwavering.

“Long enough for you to feel something,” he whispers.

“This whole time…” I stare at the ground then raise my eyes to Kai. “You’ve known.”

“Calli—” he says, moving toward me.

“You knew and you said nothing!” My skin prickles as I feel my magic come to the surface.

“I couldn’t!” Kai exhales sharply before softening. “I couldn’t tell you, and there is more I still can’t tell you.”

“You’re no better than my fucking brother! Controlling every aspect of my life, telling me it’s for the best.” I stare at him, hurt burning hot in my throat. “Jack…” It dawns on me that he could be hurt—or worse. I need to get home.

“How did you get caught?” Kai asks Alok accusatorially.

“I got bored; you guys got to leave and have all of the fun by yourselves.” He pouts.

“Cade knows,” Kai says in a low voice.

“Yeah, big brother is a smart one.” Alok leans against the wall.

“What did you do to Jack?” My voice shakes.

“He’ll be fine, I’m quite proficient in possession,” Alok says in a smug tone. Anger surges through me, hot and electric. I glare at him, and before I even realize what I’m doing, I reach out with my mind—my magic answering the call. I can feel his energy, wild and bright, and I seize it, shoving him hard against the wall with nothing but my will.

The force of it vibrates through my whole body. For a second, I’m not sure if I’m in control, or if the magic is controlling me.

He laughs dryly. “Kinky.”

“You think this is a joke?” My teeth grind together as I keep my hold on him, pushing him harder with my mind; my vision blurs, turning red as I feel the wetness run down my cheeks.

“No, I don’t. But you need to let me down.” His voice is stern, yet calm.

“Calli. You need to stop.” I feel Kai lay his hand on my shoulder and I release Alok, shoving Kai to the ground.

“How could you.” I look down at Kai, blood streaming from my eyes like tears.

“I didn’t give Kai a choice.” I hear Alok from behind me. “This is my fault.”

I turn, wiping my eyes. “Is this your way of taking accountability from him?” I back up, feeling weaker than before. “It doesn’t work that way, and I don’t even fucking know you.”

Alok’s face shifts, almost as if what I said hurt him.

“No, I suppose you don’t. But I know you.” He takes a step closer to me; my resolve breaks and I take another step back.

“I told you to be cautious,” Kai says, and now he shoves Alok to the wall.

“Cade called me out, the fuck was I supposed to do?” Alok replies, putting his arms out to his sides.

Kai lunges, grabbing him and pulling him back, but Alok pivots fluidly, gripping Kai’s arm and slamming him into the ground, a hand locking around Kai’s throat. He is stronger than Kai. That’s horrifying.

“You said you would try, you said you wouldn’t hurt her.” Kai forces the words out against the pressure on his neck.

“I didn’t intend to.” Alok glances at me. “My host’s memories and emotions have done quite a number on me, though, and I must say… she is so much more than you know. I can still feel how good she felt when they were together.”

My mind is blank as my breath hitches, then instinct kicks in. I reach into my pocket pulling out my phone, trying to call Cade, but it doesn’t work. I remember Gen is waiting on me. Before I can think, I grab the keys on the dresser in front of the TV and lunge at the door. I run to the truck, start the engine. I remember the tracker under the dash and lean over, tearing it out and tossing it to the ground before slamming the door. I peel off just as Kai and Alok both come flying out of the hotel room.

I pull out my phone, my hand shaking as I unlock the screen, dialing Jack’s number.