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stick out like a sore thumb against your ivory skin,” Dr. Oliver says adjusting a spool of thread.
    I look up in time to see a fat silver needle catch the light.
    Oh God. A shiver runs through me and suddenly I have the urge to bolt.  
    He threads it with what looks like the thickest black chord known to man—a rope.
    “I’m going to stitch you up now,” Dr. Oliver announces.
    That’s what I was afraid of.

Chapter Seven
    Out and About
     
    Good thing Halloween is coming up.
    I admire myself in the mirror while convalescing on the Oliver’s couch. A row of uneven x’s scissor across my neck in a very distinct Frankenstein-like fashion.
    Dr. Oliver left to take Brielle home—Brielle who herself couldn’t breathe due to the trauma. Speaking of breathing, Dr. Oliver removed the straw from my neck and coaxed me into taking slow deep breaths on my own. After I stopped inhaling my own blood and choking, everything was fine—everything but my voice.
    I feel like I’ve run a marathon . I squeeze Logan’s hand.
    “You lost a ton of blood.”
    Gage sits next to me. “I want to talk to her too.” He picks up my other hand and gives a weak smile.
    “What’s that Skyla ?” Logan exaggerates his tone. “You don’t want to speak to Gage ? You wish he would disappear forever?” A sarcastic smile slides up the side of his cheek.
    “Very funny,” Gage shakes his head over at him, before directing his attention back to me. Don’t listen to him he’s an idiot.
    “I can hear you, too.” Logan shoots daggers at Gage. “See?”He holds up my hand. “We’re all connected.”
    Enough .I glare at the two of them momentarily. Who the hell slit my throat?
    “ Skyla wants to know what the hell you’re still doing here.” Logan restrains a wicked grin.
    Gage shakes his head over at him. I know you’re not thinking those things . There’s a gentleness in his eyes and it warms me. I’m gonna run up and take a quick shower. I’ll be right back. I don’t want Logan upsetting you anymore than he has . He glares over at him before heading upstairs.
    “She says, she’s glad you’re gone,” he shouts up after him.
    You’re not funny , I say.
    Logan’s features smooth out. He relaxes into a calm, measured nod. I apologize .
    So did Gage have a certain conversation with you? I have an inkling .
    Logan glances around with a heavy gaze.
      I’m sorry I ever suggested he be with you. Does that make me selfish? There’s a genuine sadness in his eyes.
    Why would that make you selfish? You did it to protect me . I lean into his shoulder. It feels good to be here, safe at the Oliver’s.
    He picks up my hand and kisses my bandaged finger. And now look at you .
    Did you give the book back to Ellis? I’m dying to know what names graced the pages of that bloated roll call of Counts.
      He nods. Walked it across the street that next morning.
    So I guess now we know who to slaughter. I give a weak playful smile.
    We’re not killing. The goal is not to kill , he counters.
    Reality check . I point up to my throat. I will kill whoever or whatever I have to, not to breathe through a straw like that again. And by the way, I think they have a lot worse planned for me. I’ll kill them by the heard if I have to—for you and for me.
    And what about for us? His features soften. Am I losing you ?
    My mouth falls open at the thought. Before I can formulate anything coherent to say, he adds, Well, then, his amber eyes light up like flames. I’ll have to get you back .
     
    ***
          
     
    Logan’s Aunt Emma helps me wash off the blood that’s already rusted onto my body. She loans me a pink and red scarf, carefully wrapping it around my neck just before Gage drives me home.
    This can’t go well. My Mom and Tad are going to freak if they see what’s under this scarf.
    I shoot Gage a look of discontent as we head through the front door.
    “Here he is,” Tad balks as he passes us on the way upstairs. “Someone warn the