Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(89)

She fought the impulse to laugh. Jaxon’s father had more than likely poisoned her. His mother had helped to save her. If Jaxon didn’t end up schizophrenic, it would be a miracle.

As Mrs. Westgate placed the card back in her handbag, Bryn caught her gaze and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

The blond woman smiled. “Here it is.” She passed the photo to Jaxon, who looked at it politely before passing it on to her. A black ball of fluff with white feet lay on a blue velvet pillow.

“She’s adorable,” Bryn said. “I always wanted a pet, but we never had a yard.”

“How’d you know it’s a girl?” Jaxon asked.

“There are rhinestones on the collar.” Bryn pointed at the photo.

Jaxon examined the picture. “Is that the diamond bracelet father gave you for Christmas last year?”

His mom chuckled. “It is. When she outgrows it, I’ll have a proper collar made.”

Wow. “Your kitten is wearing diamonds?”

Jaxon raised an eyebrow and spoke in a snooty tone. “She is a Westgate.”

His mother laughed. Bryn figured it was all right to join in.

The door opened, and Merrick stepped inside. “Lillith, it’s nice to see you in a good mood.”

“Jaxon knows how to make me laugh.” She stood and brushed her hands down the front of her dress. “I suppose I have to pretend to be a serious adult now. If you need anything, call me.”

Turning to Bryn, she said, “Don’t let the Directorate upset you. They’re betting you’re an emotional female. Show them you have common sense and a backbone, and you’ll earn their respect.”

“I’ll try to remain calm,” Bryn said. “Watch out for stray fireballs if they tick me off.”

Jaxon escorted his mother to the door. He kissed her cheek and shut the door once she’d cleared the threshold.

Merrick ushered him back to the couch. “They’ll be ready for us in ten minutes. Lillith gave you good advice. The members of the Directorate are powerful men who believe they rule the world, and in some cases, they do. Answer their questions honestly. No matter what they say, don’t let them know they’ve wounded you.”

Bryn slumped on the couch. “Have I mentioned my life sucks?” She glanced at Jaxon. “Thanks for helping today. I know it wasn’t an easy choice.”

He nodded.

Another knock sounded on the door. Ferrin stuck his head in. “Jaxon, I need to speak with you. Bring your things.”

Jaxon packed his book bag and walked to meet his father.

Closing her eyes, Bryn took a deep breath and visualized flying in the night sky. Once she felt centered, she opened her eyes. “I’m ready.”

“I don’t know if we’ll return to this room.”

She gathered her belongings while Merrick waited by the door. Jaxon reappeared in the doorway. He spoke quietly to his uncle while she threw her candy bar wrapper away. To be on the safe side, she decided to use the restroom.

“I need a minute.” She set her bags on the couch and walked past the large potted plant. The handle of the door was stiff and hard to turn. She heard a click and pulled. Nothing happened. Was it too much to ask for one thing to go right today? She yanked harder.

The force of the explosion blew her backward. Heat seared her skin. Debris rained down, slashing at her face and arms. Merrick screamed her name as she flew backward and crashed down on the marble floor. Razor sharp pain shot through her back and legs a moment before her head smacked the rock-hard floor. Stars exploded in front of her eyes, and the world faded from view.





Chapter Twenty-Seven


A man whispered her name. She ignored him. It would hurt too much to wake up. Drifting along the edge of consciousness, she wondered if it was worth waking at all. Her parents’ faces came to mind. Not wanting to hurt them, she focused on the voice. No, make that voices. Whispers were coming at her from all sides. What were they trying to tell her? Why wouldn’t they speak up?

Voices blared like random car horns. She flinched.

“You can hear us now, can’t you?” a man’s voice said.

“Yes. It hurts.”

“That’s normal. We restored your eardrums. They’ll be sensitive for a while,” a woman’s voice said.

“My eardrums?”

“The force of the explosion blew them out.”

Not a comforting thought. Where was she? Focusing on her surroundings, she realized she was lying on something soft. Several hands pressed against her body. Quintessence flowed through her limbs like warm honey.

How had she hurt herself? Her brain wasn’t up to full speed. There had been a loud noise and then burning pain. She winced as her mind replayed the scenario of flying backward across the room. Damaged eardrums were probably the least of her injuries.

She took a shuddering breath. “How bad is it?”

“You’re going to be fine.” She turned her head to the sound of Merrick’s voice. His features were indistinct.

Panic flared in her gut. “Why can’t I see?”

He grabbed her hand when she reached to rub her eyes. “The medics applied a healing gel to your eyes. Once it wears off, your vision will be restored.” He held her hand and gave it a small squeeze.