Anomaly (Causal Enchantment #4)(23)

“Julian! Here!” I dropped the containers to the ground and peeled off the lids. That caught Veronique’s attention. Within two blinks, she was at my feet, sinking her teeth into a fresh bag.

But Julian’s rage persisted and bits of bone and gray matter splattered the ground.

I warned you. Vampires aren’t keen on sharing, Max said.

“Julian. Hey …” I ran over to my friend—the friend who had saved me when Ursula wanted me dead, the friend who I shared more in common with than anyone else in this entire ordeal—and grabbed his shoulder, trying to break the murderous rampage he was on.

My touch apparently turned that murderous rampage onto me.

He lashed out, growling, his wild arm connecting with my jaw. The bone cracked and pain reflected through my neck and skull. Another round coursed through my back as I slammed into the wall. One … two … for three seconds I was sure I would defy all odds and cry. Then the pain dissipated and I was whole again.

I scrambled to my feet just as Julian stalked forward, his hands out, looking ready to tear me apart. Though I knew I’d heal, eventually, I also knew this was going to hurt. He was so much stronger than I was.

“Julian …” My hands went up in surrender. “You don’t want to—”

A massive black body flew at him from the right. Max’s jaws wrapped around Julian’s neck, primed to tear out his jugular.

I shrieked as I watched them tumble in a pile of fur and skin, claws raking and fists flying. Brian found his way to his feet, his skull no longer smashed. His hateful eyes locked on Julian, as if waiting his turn.

The sound of a bone snapping, followed by a canine yelp echoed through the tunnel, setting my hair on end. I knew Max would heal but hearing his pain was worse than feeling my own.

Max struggled to stand, one of his hind legs very obviously broken, his ocher eyes still fixed on Julian. He would attack again to protect me, even with broken bones.

For the love of God, Max, just stay down. You stubborn fool! I silently screamed as Julian rose to his feet, his attention shifting between Brian and me, as if deciding whom to attack first.

Fine, but he’s a dirty fighter. Watch out.

My mouth dropped in shock, temporarily distracted. Did I just … You can hear me?

There was a pause. Yes. I suppose I can. Max turned to me, and I swear the big beast may have smiled.

Julian came at me again, face contorted with rage, eyes red and veiny, looking ready to rip my head off my shoulders. That strange energy bubbled in my core, and I assumed it was terror—I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was terrified. I didn’t want to fight. I just wanted my friend back.

With that silent plea in my mind, my hand flew out in front of me, palm out. “Julian! Stop!”

His charge ended as his feet planted themselves. He blinked and squinted several times, as if trying to regain focus. “Evie?”

Had I somehow gotten through to him? “Yes, it’s me. Your friend. You’ve been in this haze for hours. It’s time to take a break.”

He blinked several more times, like he’d just awoken from a dream. The red disappeared from his eyes, his pupils returning to normal. “Did I hit you?” His eyes widened. “I’m sorry! I don’t know what got into—”

The distraction afforded Brian his chance. He lunged, sending Julian flying back, his head smashing into the stone wall. As Julian crumpled, Brian charged forward, grabbing hold of Julian’s shirt to pummel his body against the wall, looking intent on returning the brain-bashing favor. Julian cried out as his bones shattered without a chance to heal.

Rage erupted inside me. I charged after Brian, throwing my body into his side. The force sent us flying across the room. The refrigerator broke our momentum, teetering a few times before the entire thing toppled, a prominent dent visible in its steel door.

Brian regained his balance and hovered over me, his hands around my neck, an intense look in his eyes as his fingers tightened around my flesh.

“Go to your cooler!” I croaked as my arm flailed toward the opposite side of the tunnel. Brian froze. His eyes darted between me and the corner twice before he released his grip and quickly claimed his spot, his teeth sinking into a fresh blood bag.

Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.

“What?” I rubbed the sting out of my neck, watching Brian with distrustful eyes.

What do you mean, what? Max retorted. Brian was ready to break your neck and he just stopped. That doesn’t happen.

“It just did.”

“Are you okay?” Julian asked, helping me up. “That guy’s an ass**le.”

“Yeah, well, you haven’t exactly been charming lately, either.”

Julian grinned sheepishly. I couldn’t help myself; I threw my arms around his neck in a tight embrace. “You were horrible! I’m so glad you’re back. Please stay like this.”

I felt his body relax and mold itself into mine. I closed my eyes and sighed, a wave of contentment spreading through me.

He suddenly pulled away, his eyes searching with anticipation. “I need to see Amelie.”

“We need to stay here.”

“But—”

“I know. I get it.” I grabbed his hand and squeezed as I recited the reasons that only hours ago I’d fought to accept. “It’s too dangerous for us to be there. They can’t fight and watch over us at the same time. We need to stay here.”